One thing you can always count on in Southern California is fresh and delicious cuisine presented beautifully. What food is southern California known for? Well, here are nine Southern California specialties that will make you feel right at home. Number 5 is my favorite. How about you – do you have a favorite of the SoCal cuisine mentioned on this list?

1. California Roll
flickr/rakka
It's no coincidence that one of the most popular sushi rolls in the country is named after the Golden State. You can find a California Roll on every sushi menu in the country, but they are most flavorful here in SoCal thanks to all of our fresh avocados.
2. In N Out
flickr/coffee shots
Whether you're a local to SoCal or just a visitor, odds are you've had the chance to devour an In N Out burger at some point. Let's not forget the hand-cut french fries and a thick milkshake. Yes, this is an artery clogging meal, but every bite is worth it.
3. Avocado
wikimedia commons
Nothings says Southern California like a fresh, green avocado. In salads, on sandwiches, or even eaten all by itself with some salt and lemon. Pure SoCal heaven!
4. Fusion
Miheco/Flickr
One thing you can expect from SoCal cuisine is that it's going to be beautiful. Presentation is everything in Southern California, especially when it comes to California fusion. What exactly is fusion cuisine? It's a culinary movement that combines ingredients from different styles of cooking and fuses them together to create a unique look and flavor, such as this Caribbean-Mexcian fusion dish pictured here.

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5. Cobb Salad
flickr/miheco
This iconic Southern California salad was first made in Hollywood in the 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant. It's named after the restaurant's owner, Robert Cobb, who came up with this delicious salad topped with bacon, chicken, egg, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese. You can count on this salad showing up on many restaurant menus throughout SoCal.
6. Oranges/Citrus
flickr/randy robertson
The smell of fresh citrus in the air is something many people who grew up in SoCal can still remember. Step into anyone's backyard in Southern California and you are likely to see an orange, lime or lemon tree. There's nothing more SoCal than plucking a piece of fresh citrus right off the tree.
7. Mexican Food
flickr/ming-yen hsu
Anyone who has ever lived in SoCal then moved away will tell you the one type of food they miss the most is Mexican food. It's true that you can order Mexican food anywhere in the country, but it's never as flavorful and authentic as what you can find here.
8. Pho
flickr/Doran
SoCal didn't invent this dish, but we sure made it popular in the states. In Orange County especially, you can find a Pho restaurant on pretty much every corner. So what exactly is Pho? A Vietnamese soup made with beef broth and glass noodles along with thinly sliced beef or chicken.
9. Fish Tacos
flickr/jessica spengler
Fish tacos are a SoCal specialty inspired by the tasty fish tacos found in the seaside taquerias in Mexico. Whether you like them grilled or fried, you can be sure that a fish taco in Southern California with a squirt of lime is one of the most delicious meals you can devour in this part of the country.

Mmmmm! Hungry yet? I don’t know about you, but I could sure go for a slice of fresh avocado right now. So many delicious things to feast on here in SoCal – Southern California food is the best! Let us know if there’s anything else you think we should add to this list.

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SoCal Cuisine

Christy Articola | September 18, 2022

Ok ok ok, I read this post and now I'm super hungry for all of the above. Where can I get some of the best of the best when it comes to items on the above list?

We're glad you asked. SoCal cuisine is so fantastic and there are countless fantastic restaurants in this part of the state that want to serve you up some of the best food you've ever had. Let's start with the very first thing on this list: sushi. You can get great sushi all over SoCal, but have you ever tried this place? You Won’t Find Better All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Than At Southern California’s 100s Seafood Grill Buffet. It's a great place to start!

That sounds great! What about some recommendations for Mexican food in Southern California?

Oh boy are you in luck. Some of the best Mexican food in the nation and perhaps even in the entire world can be found in SoCal. This post will help you get started. WARNING: Do NOT try to go to all ten of these places in one day!  10 Restaurants in Southern California to Get Mexican Food That Will Spice Up Your Life

Wow. That's fantastic. Are there any other places that you can recommend where I can dive face first into some of the other iconic foods on this list?

Absolutely! And we want to save you money, too. Check out this list of 7 Exceptional Southern California Restaurants To Try When You’re Dining Out On A Budget and get out there and get some good food for yourself right now. Yum! Have a great meal and we hope that you greatly enjoy many of the incredible foods that SoCal has to offer!

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