Brothers Miguel and Victor Escobedo, who own this Mexican spot, are known for the best burritos around. Their Triple Threat Burrito, which features achiote-marinated chicken, smoky prawns, tangy carne asada and an ultraspicy salsa, is so good that it led Bobby Flay to challenge them to a throwdown.
This ice cream shop continues to surprise customers with its ever-changing array of flavors (prosciutto, anyone?). For a treat that will appeal to the kid — and the adult — in you, try the Secret Breakfast. Cornflakes are baked into a crispy cookie, then folded into a bourbon-infused ice cream base.
This cavernous restaurant offers an extensive menu of savory Italian dishes, but the sweets here are what draw dessert-obsessed fans like Brooke Burke-Charvet. Her go-to treat is the tiramisu, which is made from an extra-light sponge cake soaked in espresso and layered with rich mascarpone cream.
The prime rib is the star of the menu here, even arriving on a silver-domed serving cart. A unique roasting process ensures each cut is particularly succulent. Coarse rock salt covers the meat before roasting, which seals the juices while simultaneously seasoning the beef and creating a tasty crust.
Jon Darsky is like the Pied Piper of the pizza scene, drawing the crowds to his mobile pizzeria. The secret to his success is in the details. The yeast is made from scratch to give the dough a greater depth of flavor, and every pie is cooked in the truck’s wood-fired oven sourced straight from Italy. A standout is the sausage and mozzarella pizza that’s slicked with fresh tomato sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella, house-ground sausage and a splash of Calabrian chile sauce for extra zest.
Fentons has been making ice cream by hand and generously scooping it out for sundaes, floats — you name it — for more than 100 years. Duff says the "crazy-good" winner is the Banana Special, which features 3 pounds of dense ice cream finished with pineapple, strawberry and chocolate sauce.
This casual California eatery is home to some of the best gumbo in the country. Chef-Owner Tanya Holland uses caramelized garlic instead of raw garlic to pump up the rich and sweet flavors in the dish. She starts with her homemade chicken stock, then thickens the gumbo roux with sassafras and okra, which add earthy notes to the dish. Tender chicken and shrimp complete the creation.
This late-night California spot is known for its old-school vibe and standout menu rife with Jewish deli staples. A favorite is the East Coast-inspired Brooklyn Ave Sandwich. Crunchy coleslaw, housemade Thousand Island dressing and tender slices of corned beef come sandwiched between house-baked caraway rye bread. The sandwich is so popular that Canter’s sells more than 500 pounds of corned beef daily.
This boutique bowling alley offers eats and entertainment that are delightfully old-school — with a decidedly upscale twist. A highlight is the brisket-and-chuck-based Mission Burger topped with caper aioli, caramelized onions and melty cheese. Prefer a meatless option? Try the vegan burger comprised of a panisse (garbanzo-flour patty) that’s finished with guacamole and a sambal chile sauce.
This spot draws the crowds with its tasty Mexican eats. The Carne Asada Super Burrito is a favorite of 49ers fans, featuring succulent meat and flavorful beans. Another standout is the Carne Asada Super Taco Dorado, which stars tender grilled sirloin wrapped in a combo of crispy and soft tortillas.
Head here for classic Mexican sandwiches known as las tortas. A standout is the Pierna Enchilada Torta, which is made from high-quality pork that’s marinated in freshly squeezed orange juice and a simple spice blend. A bold adobo salsa adds some kick before the tender pulled pork is piled on a bun.
Head here to savor New American cuisine from high atop the cliffs of Big Sur. Sierra Mar’s focus is on innovative dishes that incorporate local ingredients. A standout is the roasted rack of lamb served with mushrooms, barley risotto and Japanese pumpkin plucked straight from the garden outside.
Locals can’t get enough of the chicken and waffles that Larry “Lo-Lo” White slings at his namesake Phoenix joint. The fried bird is punched up with 11 secret spices, and the waffles are made with a vanilla-cinnamon buttermilk batter. The signature dish is KK’s Combo: three pieces of extra-crisp fried chicken and two golden-brown waffles served with cheesy scrambled eggs and buttery grits on the side.
This Burbank spot is a great place to grab lunch, particularly given its customizable soup-and-sandwich combinations. One pairing that earned props on Top 5 Restaurants is the BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich and Corn Chowder. The sandwich is built on an aioli-slicked pretzel roll that’s piled high with wild arugula and fresh-roasted chicken, then finished with pickled red onions and a creamy goat cheese spread. A hearty bowl of corn chowder studded with bacon and corn completes the plate.
Daring diners at this restaurant are offered 50 percent off their entree if they jump, fully clothed, into the restaurant’s pool. Taking the plunge is worth it for the panko-crusted Country-Fried Steak. After the tender filet is fried in a cast-iron skillet, it’s topped with two runny poached eggs and country gravy. Arugula salad completes the plate.
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.