Named after Andy Warhol’s famed art studio, The Factory Gastrobar specializes in comfort food that is seasonal, sustainable, local – and aesthetically pleasing. Guy recommends the open-faced grilled asparagus sandwich and the pig ’n’ grits made with beer-braised, all-natural, organic pulled pork.
For Southern Italian cuisine that will “knock your mama out the rocking chair,” Guy heads to Little Napoli. Enjoy the simplicity of the Baked Cannelloni “Tricolore,” with its blend of sauces, or savor the spicy Il Pescatore “Cioppino Rosso,” featuring fresh seafood and just the right amount of heat.
Guy ventures to the Cannery Row Brewing Company for some “high-end bar grub.” Everyone’s favorite is the Parmesan pretzel with beer cheese dip. But you won’t want to miss out on the short rib grilled cheese either, complete with one slice of bread that’s entirely blanketed by provolone.
The star item on the menu at Starling Diner is the slow-roasted pot roast. Polenta, potatoes and chuck roast seared in butter are wrapped up in a gravy-topped tortilla to make one tantalizing dish that Guy calls a “power bomb of flavor.” Also try the fluffy scones served with orange honey butter.
Rosine’s is a local favorite when it comes to Italian meals. The towering portions of lasagna feature “superrich” layers of ground chuck, red sauce and a creamy mix of cheeses. The minestrone soup is also worth a taste. Guy loves that it includes atypical ingredients like cabbage and shredded beef.
Monterey’s Fish House is all about fresh seafood. Guy feasts on oak-grilled oysters, which are slathered with butter and garlic, then served with a spicy cocktail sauce. He follows them up with the Sicilian Holiday Pasta, which features housemade linguini dressed up with seasonal fish and seafood.
The chef at Sabroso! decorated the menu with his mom’s recipes from Mexico, so you know you are going to taste true homestyle cooking here. Both the Chamorro plate and the pork tamale (which Guy praises for having the perfect masa-to-pork ratio) deliver Mexican flavor with a Californian twist.
Situated in one of San Diego's 24-hour neighborhoods, Crest Cafe serves up outrageous comfort food for both morning (creme brulee French toast) and night. One bite of the signature Butter burger, and Guy's fingers weren't dry for long: "This is a level of juice you haven't seen before."
Guy calls Tee Off Bar & Grill a "five-star dive bar." The husband-and-wife-owned spot is known for high-end, homemade dishes like Double Pork Chops With Apricot Relish and Deep-Fried Sweet Corn, but it's their signature dish, Paul's Crafty Mac N Cheese, that has Guy promising to come back for more.
This authentic Puerto Rican comfort food restaurant is channeling the flavors of the Caribbean. Guy was won over by the Pastelon de Carne, a hearty dish that locals liken to lasagna. Ground beef is seasoned with adobo, then studded with olives and layered over a base of sweet plantains. And don’t sleep on the bistec sandwich that comes stuffed with melty Swiss cheese, tender sirloin, grilled onions and avocado slices. “That’s like [a] Puerto Rican-Cuban-Philly cheesesteak,” Guy declared.
Paul and Kathy Shields are cooking and baking up some fresh and delicious meals. Guy thought the turkey pasilla fritters made with free-range turkey meat and served with a side of quinoa mango salad were outstanding. Locals favor the chicken Marsala.
Rutt’s is the go-to place for Hawaiian food in Los Angeles. Guy recommends the Hawaiian Royale with its tasty mix of teriyaki beef and scrambled eggs. Another pick is the Lau Lau plate: a flavorful blend of pork and butterfish wrapped in taro leaves. Locals love the large portions and value prices.
Rudy's is all about creating a welcoming environment where "all walks of life" can feel at home. So far, they haven't failed, with a 20-burger menu and classic breakfast specials. For what Guy might call a hunch-worthy bite, try The Monster Chili Cheeseburger with two patties and scratch-made chili.
At Rocco's, the Italian food is made from scratch, following Chef Don Dial's grandpa's recipes. The deep and sweet flavors in the Bolognese sauce were "killer" according to Guy. He also enjoyed the "super tender" chicken piccata. The house favorite is the linguini with clams and white sauce.
At this eatery, the special is comfort food with flair. Guy is a fan of the jalapeno pesto flank steak sandwich with sauteed bell peppers and Jack cheese. The brined and smoked pork chops with homemade apple sauce, potato pancakes and sour cream also receive rave reviews.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.