Allow Your Taste Buds to Travel The Globe Without Leaving California

Throughout the Golden State, your taste buds can journey all around the world enjoying the best of different international cuisines for a global adventure. With an unparalleled diversity of offerings, the state is cooking up renowned international dishes with a signature California twist.

Throughout the state of California, you'll be able to sample foods from countries all over the world including Greece, Portugal, India, Vietnam, Argentina, Russia, Ethiopia, Spain, Philippines, China, Brazil, France, Korea, Germany, Malaysia, Poland, Ireland, Morocco, Austria, and the list goes on.

Leave your passport at home while your senses take a journey. Below you will see just a sample of the culinary offerings that you'll find in California.

Italy

Sometimes you just NEED that delicious creamy, melt-in-your-mouth, rich taste of hand-made Italian pasta. Or maybe it's that craving for fresh, quality ripened tomato sauce on freshly baked pizza dough. You'll find what you're looking for at these celebrated Italian spots:

Chianti Osteria in Suisun City, CA - Born in Naples, Italy, and well-known in Los Angeles, Chef Salvio and brother Carlo De Furia have cooked for and managed high-end restaurants owned by celebrities and famous musicians. The duo has brought authentic childhood recipes and Italian hospitality to Suisun City. Using farm to table ingredients, dishes include Spaghetti Alle Vongole, pasta with clams in a garlic white wine sauce and Osso Buco, and veal shank with saffron risotto.

Il Mattone in Claremont, CA - One of Claremont's signature restaurants, Il Mattone Trattoria Italiana is a neighborhood restaurant that takes pride in serving delicious thin crust, wood-fired pizzas, freshly made pastas, seasonal salads, meat and fish, and homemade desserts. They use Inland Empire and Southern California based vendors who provide fresh ingredients and foods.

Locanda del Lago in Santa Monica, CA - When Lago opened in April 1991, the upscale Italian restaurant quickly established a reputation as having perhaps the only menu in Los Angeles to focus on the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. Today, celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lago maintains that unique identity and attracts an eclectic crowd of foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers. With its warm, inviting interior, expansive windows and a sidewalk patio overlooking Santa Monica's colorful Third Street Promenade, the restaurant is consistently lauded for imaginative Italian cuisine spotlighting seasonal flavors and the freshest local ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market in conjunction with sustainable proteins. Lago was also the proud recipient of the grand prize for the city's Sustainable Quality Awards.

Lungomare in Oakland, CA - This Norther Coastal Italian food destination is located at Jack London Square on Oakland's beautiful waterfront. Guests enjoy patio dining with the best views of the bay!

Japan

A trend of fresh fish, seaweed, and flavored rice was popularized in California years ago. Today, that trend has become a staple in Golden State cuisine. Drawing inspirations from the island nation of Japan, these participating restaurants are offering more than just sushi:

Bluefin in Newport Beach, CA - Bluefin is a uniquely innovative Japanese restaurant by critically acclaimed chef Takashi Abe. The restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a sophisticated, intimate interior with a deep ocean blue waterfall, dramatic illuminated sushi bar, dark woods and contemporary Italian chairs.

K Ramen. Burger. Beer. in Glendale, CA - K Ramen. Burger. Beer. blends a fresh take on Japanese comfort food with familiar favorites and an extensive selection of Japanese beers.

Misaki Sushi and Bar in Stockton, CA - Located in the heart of downtown Stockton, Misaki Sushi and Bar was the first sushi restaurant to open successfully in the downtown area. Misaki serves a wide variety of entrees that include sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes. In addition, Misaki has a full bar with a large selection of Japanese sake.

Mediterranean

Defined by its unique collection of culinary trends in the different regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean cuisine itself is a melting pot of flavors:

Birch in Hollywood, CA - Located in the heart of Hollywood, Birch serves up Mediterranean inspired cuisine from acclaimed Chef Brendan Collins. Collins has designed Birch's menu to reference the diversity in Los Angeles that include rabbit baklava with dates, white beans, pistachio and carrots; monkfish tikka masala with quince chutney and lime pickles; and a whole fried snapper with lemon, fennel salad and a saffron rouille.

La Mediterranee Café in Berkeley, CA - Part of the reason Cafe La Med has continued to tantalize Bay Area residents throughout the last three decades is because they've been using the same family recipes with the finest ingredients available. Many patrons are surprised to learn that most recipes such as the fillo specialties, dolmas, hummos, baba ghanoush, quiches, kebabs, tabuleh, chocolate mousse and more are all made fresh daily.

Tarla Mediterranean Grill in Napa Valley, CA - Tarla Mediterranean Bar + Grill takes the responsibility of ensuring the origins of their ingredients seriously, priding themselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

Mexico

With the state's proximity to our neighbors in the south, California chefs are influenced by the culture and visitors of Mexico. Tasty spices, authentic recipes and unique cooking approaches give these Mexican restaurants the edge to provide guests with a truly unique dining experience:

Café Coyote in Old Town San Diego, CA - Relax and select from over 100 tequilas for your Fresh Frosty Margaritas prepared by Café Coyote's master bartenders. Watch Mexican tortilla ladies make fresh tortillas to accompany your meal the traditional way “a mano” (by hand). Listen to strolling mariachis fill the flower-scented air with festive Mexican music in the colorful outdoor courtyards. Savor traditional Mexican food made from authentic fresh ingredients prepared from regional recipes by Mexican chefs.

Coasterra in San Diego, CA – Located on Harbor Island, Coasterra offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Partner/chef Deborah Scott delivers innovative Modern Mexican Cuisine accompanied by an extensive cocktail list showcasing over 70 agave spirits. Take in views of the San Diego skyline while dining out on the patio or while hosting a private event.

Comal in Berkeley, CA - Just take a look at their Instagram account. Comal is a visual wonderland from the atmosphere of the restaurant patio area to the food that is a feast for the eyes. Not to mention the cocktails – have yourself a Palomaesque and enjoy.

Thailand

Whether you are craving sour, sweet, salty or spicy, you'll satisfy that appetite with authentic Thai dishes that boast strong aromatic components and a spicy edge at these popular restaurants:

Buddha Thai in Vacaville, CA - One of Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the US in 2015, Buddha Thai offers a unique twist on Thai food, using the freshest ingredients to sauté delicious melodies of tastes and colors.

Pok Pok LA in Downtown Los Angeles, CA - Pok Pok LA is the second Chinatown outpost of Andy Ricker, the American-born chef who has built a small Thai food empire in Portland, Oregon and New York.

Soi4 in Oakland, CA - “Soi” is a Thai word for side streets or alley ways which, together, form the essential life line that makes up the fabric of Bangkok city. Like the city, the menu at Soi4 reflects a love for good food from the streets to the highest echelon of traditional Thai kitchen. This cuisine is inspired, influenced, accented, tinged and anything but ‘fusion'.