Welcome to the Best of NorCal by Taste NorCal, a curated guide to the restaurants, wineries, destinations, hotels, attractions, shops, and experiences that make Northern California one of the most vibrant and diverse regions in the country. From world-renowned culinary destinations and wine regions to charming small towns and hidden local treasures, the Best of NorCal highlights the people and places that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Our mission is simple: to help locals and visitors alike discover the very best Northern California has to offer. Whether you’re searching for an unforgettable meal, planning a weekend getaway, exploring a new wine region, or looking for unique local businesses worth supporting, the Best of NorCal serves as a trusted resource for finding standout experiences throughout the region.
How We Choose the Best of NorCal
The Best of NorCal by Taste NorCal is not your typical “best of” list.
Rather than relying solely on online reviews, popularity contests, or advertising dollars, our selections begin with the people who know Northern California best — the locals who live here, work here, dine here, travel here, and experience everything this remarkable region has to offer.
Throughout the year, we gather recommendations and insights from residents across Northern California. These are the people who know where to find the hidden gem restaurant tucked away in a small town, the winery worth the drive, the boutique lodging property that exceeds expectations, or the local experience visitors might otherwise miss. Their firsthand knowledge helps us identify the businesses, destinations, and experiences that truly stand out.
From there, our editorial team reviews those recommendations and carefully curates each category. We look for quality, consistency, reputation, customer experience, and the unique character that makes a business deserving of recognition. Every selection is one we are proud to recommend to our readers and visitors.
One of the things that makes the Best of NorCal unique is our commitment to showcasing all of Northern California. While major destinations such as San Francisco, San Jose, Napa, and Monterey are naturally represented, we believe excellence can be found in communities of every size. Some of the most memorable meals, destinations, shops, wineries, and experiences are located in places like Winters, Modesto, Mill Valley, Grass Valley, Sonora, and countless other communities that help define the character of Northern California.
As the program grows, the public will also have an opportunity to participate. Millions of Northern Californians who actively dine out, travel, explore local destinations, and seek new experiences will be invited to help determine the region’s favorites through public voting. Together, community recommendations, editorial review, and public participation create a recognition program that reflects the authentic voice of Northern California.
Whether you’re planning your next weekend getaway, searching for a memorable dining experience, or looking to discover a new favorite business, the Best of NorCal by Taste NorCal is designed to help you experience the very best our region has to offer.
We invite you to explore the list, visit these outstanding businesses, and discover for yourself why they have earned their place among the Best of NorCal.