In the past, I've found some great food in California. Sadly on my most recent visit, in 2012, most of the places were pretty disappointing. Here are a few exceptions:

Sears Fine Food

‘Fine Food’ is pushing it, but Sears makes a fine breakfast pancake!

For more informaion visit their website,1 or see Google Maps.2

Last visited August 2012.

Drake's Beach Cafe

Great, very simple food in the Point Reyes National Seashore.3 I had the fried chicken with garlic fries and it was simply perfect.

For more informaion visit their website,4 or see Google Maps.5

Last visited August 2012.

The House of Beef

A steak house in Oakdale which more than lives up to its wonderful name! Yosemite seems to be a gastronomic desert (and I include the Ahwahnee in this) so ignore this place at your peril!

For more informaion visit their website,6 or see Google Maps.7

Last visited September 2012.