The Best Things We Ate In September In California

September in California brought me some unforgettable food moments that I can’t stop thinking about. From coastal seafood shacks to inland farm stands, the Golden State delivered incredible flavors all month long.

I explored everything from tacos to pastries, and each bite told a story worth sharing. Here are the dishes that made my September absolutely delicious.

1. Uni Toast at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco

Creamy sea urchin spread over perfectly toasted bread sounds simple, but the execution blew my mind. The uni tasted incredibly fresh, with that ocean-sweet flavor that melts on your tongue.

A hint of citrus brightened everything up, making each bite feel luxurious. I appreciated how the crispy bread provided the perfect textural contrast.

This small plate packed a huge flavor punch.

2. Birria Tacos from Teddy’s Red Tacos in Los Angeles

Crispy edges meeting tender braised beef is a combination I never knew I needed until now. Dipping these tacos into the rich, spicy consommé added another layer of flavor that made me close my eyes in happiness.

The cheese melted into every crevice, creating little pockets of gooey perfection. I found myself going back for seconds without hesitation.

Pure taco magic happened here.

3. Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. in Marshall

Slurping oysters right where they’re harvested feels like a California rite of passage. The briny, cold bivalves tasted like pure ocean, with a clean finish that left me wanting more.

Sitting by Tomales Bay with the sun warming my face made the experience even better. I tried several varieties, each offering subtle differences in flavor and texture.

This is coastal eating at its finest.

4. Carne Asada Fries from Lolita’s in San Diego

Piling grilled steak, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream onto crispy fries creates pure indulgence. I grabbed a fork and dug in, finding perfectly seasoned meat in every scoop.

The fries stayed surprisingly crispy despite all the toppings, which impressed me greatly. This dish feels like a celebration in a basket, messy and absolutely worth it.

Late-night cravings officially have a new answer.

5. Sourdough Bread from Tartine Bakery in San Francisco

A perfect loaf of bread can make your entire day better, and this one absolutely did. The crust crackled when I tore into it, revealing a chewy, tangy interior full of irregular holes.

I spread salted butter on a warm slice and felt genuine happiness wash over me. The fermentation process here creates complex flavors that store-bought bread simply can’t match.

Bread lovers, this is your pilgrimage destination.

6. Al Pastor Tacos from Leo’s Tacos Truck in Los Angeles

Watching the trompo spin while the cook shaves off caramelized pork is half the experience. The meat arrived on warm corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro, creating sweet and savory harmony.

I squeezed fresh lime over everything and took my first bite, immediately understanding why people line up here. The char on the meat added a smoky depth I couldn’t resist.

Street food excellence lives here.

7. Garlic Noodles from Crustacean in San Francisco

Secret recipes can make or break a restaurant, and this dish proves it perfectly. The buttery strands coated in that famous roasted garlic sauce had me twirling my fork nonstop.

Every bite felt indulgent yet somehow light enough to finish the entire plate. I loved how the garlic wasn’t overpowering but instead added a sweet, caramelized depth.

This is comfort food elevated to an art form.

8. Avocado Toast at Sqirl in Los Angeles

Yes, avocado toast might be everywhere, but this version stands out from the crowd. Thick slices of house-made ricotta sat beneath perfectly ripe avocado, all on toasted multigrain bread.

A sprinkle of chili flakes and sea salt elevated everything into something memorable. I appreciated the generous portions and the thoughtful balance of flavors.

Brunch goals were absolutely achieved here.

9. Chocolate Croissant from B. Patisserie in San Francisco

Buttery layers that shatter when you bite into them define a great croissant. The dark chocolate tucked inside melted just enough to create pockets of richness throughout.

I counted the layers while eating, marveling at the craftsmanship required to create such perfection. This pastry paired beautifully with my morning coffee, starting my day on a high note.

French technique meets California ingredients flawlessly.

10. Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles

When you cut into burrata and that creamy center spills out, magic happens. Paired with peak-season heirloom tomatoes and basil, this simple dish showcased ingredient quality above all else.

I drizzled olive oil and sprinkled sea salt, then savored each bite slowly. The contrast between the rich cheese and acidic tomatoes created perfect balance.

Italian simplicity meets California produce beautifully.

11. Margherita Pizza from Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles

Sometimes the simplest pizza is the best pizza, and this one proves that theory. The wood-fired crust had those perfect charred bubbles, while fresh mozzarella melted into creamy pools.

Bright tomato sauce and fresh basil completed the classic combination that never gets old. I folded my slice New York style and savored every bite.

Pizza perfection requires no fancy toppings here.