Have you ever had one of those luxuriously long dinners where you want to curl up and take a nap afterwards? Well, at these California restaurants, you can do just that, as they’re all located within MICHELIN Guide Hotels. So, whether your tastes run toward European-style boutique hotels, hipster hangouts, or resorts with all the amenities, this list is sure to whet your appetite for travel and dining, California-style. And make sure to book your stay on our site or app.
Northern California
Auberge du Soleil
Rutherford (Napa Valley)
Auberge du Soleil is one of the first restaurants to elevate the Napa Valley to greatness, and Chef Robert Curry has been ensuring its legacy with cooking that is the very definition of Californian cuisine. As might be expected from this perch overlooking the mountains and vineyards, the wine list is notable and proudly showcases local growers. The chef's tasting menu invites guests to control how their experience unfolds. Begin with an elegant soup of sweet white corn poured tableside. Layered with bay shrimp and a cube of toasted brioche topped with tarragon crème fraîche, it is rich and creamy. Dishes continue to dazzle all the way through to dessert, where a stunning fig plate, complete with lemon gelée and fig leaf gelato, is an absolute delight.
Stay the night: Auberge du Soleil
Grange
Sacramento
The Citizen Hotel is primo for those with business on their minds, but that doesn’t mean it’s all corporate vibes at this downtown spot. In fact, Grange, tucked inside the hotel, is proof positive that business and pleasure mix with fine results. High ceilings and an arched shelf stacked with liquor instantly draw the eye, while wood tables lined with orange leather banquettes balance style and comfort. If visiting midday, opt for the Power Lunch and enjoy three courses for a palatable price. The menu shares a farm-focused sensibility with rustic creations. Mojo pork loin spread with calabrese bomba on toasted bread is simple and tasty, not unlike the dependably creamy broccoli-arugula soup. Hazelnut cake with strawberry and chocolate ends things on a sweet note.
Stay the night: The Citizen Hotel
Abacá
San Francisco
Chef Francis Ang, together with wife and co-owner Dian, sowed the seeds for this ode to Filipino cooking when they founded acclaimed pop-up, Pinoy Heritage. Born of a desire to more deeply connect with their culinary roots, their delicious explorations now have a permanent home in the lush Kimpton Alton Hotel. The sunny space pales next to the vibrant cuisine, which uses traditional flavors and techniques as a jumping-off point for creative, colorful dishes. Pork features heavily, as in juicy skewers of longganisa with cane vinegar and puffed rice, but a bounty of NorCal produce gets its due as well. Chef Ang gets to show off his pastry chops with one-of-a-kind desserts, not to mention the baked goods, available in the morning at the in-house panaderia.
Stay the night: Kimpton Alton Hotel – Fishermans Wharf
Ox + Anchor
San Luis Obispo
Chef Ryan Fancher's modern steakhouse is on the grounds of Hotel San Luis Obispo, in a separate building connected by a walkway. The hotel's contemporary Southwest vibe lives on in the restaurant. Design details, like butterscotch leather banquettes, a stacked brick wall divider, and teal-blue tiles, enhance the X factor. Staff are well-informed, so let them steer you through the menu. Start with such comfort fare as savory goat cheese croquettes with sweet lavender honey before embarking on the main event—charred steaks and sides of creamed spinach topped with onion rings. On the same property and from the same chef, Piadina is worth a visit—for its Cal-Ital menu and that hotel classic club sandwich turned on its head with fried chicken and B&B pickles.
Stay the night: Hotel San Luis Obispo
West Hollywood
Ardor
Southern California
If a luxury spa ran a restaurant, it would probably look something like Ardor. Cushy white velvet and leather booths, white and beige staff uniforms, and enough verdant greenery to rival a small forest match the equally chic aesthetic at its parent venue, the West Hollywood EDITION hotel. The prices are high too, not that any hotel guests would even notice. But know that there is plenty of substance and care packed onto this vegetable-forward menu. Tandoor carrots with hummus and paprika vinaigrette or grilled dukkah-crusted ahi tuna with yogurt make for satisfying, clean eating. Dry-aged lamb and steaks cater to heavier appetites, and no meal is complete without a tower of tempura onion rings and at least one dessert (try the mojito pie).
Stay the night: The West Hollywood EDITION
The Exchange
Los Angeles
Named for the historic 32-foot-tall “Commercial Exchange” sign that marks its exterior, this watering hole defined by geometrically set glass panes and set inside the hip Freehand Hotel is an oasis of contemporary Middle Eastern cooking. Its bright and comfortable dining room is quite the looker, bursting with lush greenery, while wood paneling lends the space a 70s vibe. Mirroring the striking setting, Chef Narita Santos takes inspiration from Israeli, Californian and Filipino cuisines for this vibrant menu. Opt for the salatim platter, a rotating trio of items like rich hummus with a dusting of piquant Syrian pepper; or shredded red cabbage with peanuts and dukkah. Simple desserts, including a warm dark chocolate chip cookie, are especially satisfying.
Stay the night: Freehand Los Angeles
Openaire
Los Angeles
Chef Josiah Citrin's dining room at the über-cool Line Hotel in Koreatown has a distinct feel. Showcasing a pitched glass roof, thicket of plants and plush seating, this space boasts a conservatory feel, but it's unquestionably an urban jungle inside, thanks to a crowd of buzzy diners debating what to pick from the delightfully tempting menu. Two winning selections include a meaty duck ragout tagliatelle tossed with a dusting of pistachios and pecorino, and perfect Parker House rolls accompanied by an array of spreads, such as cashew-arugula pesto. A sumptuous stew of Caledonian shrimp and heirloom beans is an earthy delight—not unlike the dreamy brown butter-pear tart served with lemongrass ice cream.
Stay the night: The LINE Hotel Los Angeles
Colony Club Restaurant
Palm Springs
This Moroccan-style oasis at the plush Colony Palms Hotel has history and charm to spare, having once been the stomping ground of stars like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. Whether you’re indoors admiring its elaborate floor tiles and wallpaper, or poolside watching guests take a dip in the turquoise waters, the glamour factor is undeniable and infectious. You might even spot a famous face on a jaunt from LA—perhaps with some post-partying bedhead at weekend brunch or catching a cocktail as the sun sets. In keeping with the pool-party vibe, the menu is laid-back, from snacks like edamame hummus, to heftier fare like a grilled pork chop with cheesy polenta. To finish, a frosted carrot layer cake with pineapple and toasted pecans is just right.
Stay the night: Colony Palms Hotel
4 Saints
Palm Springs
Set on the seventh-floor rooftop of the posh Rowan Hotel, this is the highest perch in all of downtown. A stylishly modern room features leather banquettes and a handsome central bar, but it’s the sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains that will really make you swoon—and that’s before a few rounds of signature date-infused Old Fashioneds. Chef Ysaac Ramirez lends a Southern twang to a shareable menu replete with seasonal produce, as in grilled purple sweet potatoes with creamy Alabama white barbecue sauce and pickled red chiles. Larger appetites will be satisfied by an assortment of grilled steaks, like a ribeye with smoked onion, charred tomato and rosemary salsa verde. It’s true that the prices are lofty, but after all, so are the views.
Stay the night: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
A.R. Valentien
La Jolla
Every element of this setting seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen. Begin with Dungeness crab flan surrounded by watercress, Belgian endive and roasted grapes, drizzled with tangy balsamic dressing. Then, indulge in elevated comfort foods like chicken under a brick, set over Tuscan kale and cannellini beans in tomato sauce. The brûléed lemon sabayon tart is above par and pure joy.
Stay the night: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Nine-Ten
La Jolla
There may be no better way to end a day of watching the seals and surf than savoring a plate of Jamaican jerk pork belly at Nine-Ten. Located in the century-old Grande Colonial Hotel, the dining room is more relaxed than grand, populated by beachy sorts who keep their shades on through dinner. During lunch, the menu offers casual fare like sandwiches and salads; the front sidewalk and back area overlooking the pool are excellent spots to tuck in. Those seeking the fullest experience at dinner may opt to put themselves at the “mercy of the chef,” their cheeky way of offering a tasting menu. The pastry program is a highlight, whether it’s freshly baked pastries at brunch or a “creamsicle” dessert with citrus cake, coconut ice cream and orange sherbet.
Stay the night: Grande Colonial La Jolla
