California’s Hotel Restaurants Shine in OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 List

When OpenTable released its 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants list, a handful of California venues popped up like bright beacons on the West Coast. Six restaurants, ranging from a rooftop spot in Beverly Hills to a cozy inn in Sonoma, earned their place among the nation’s finest hotel‑based eateries.

The rankings are built on a massive data set—more than ten million reviews from verified diners collected between May 2025 and April 2026. That sheer volume gives the list a lot of weight. It also mirrors a bigger shift: according to OpenTable, 61 percent of Americans say they’ve chosen a travel destination because of its food scene, and 60 percent booked a hotel specifically for the restaurant. Even more telling, hotel‑restaurant traffic jumped 13 percent year‑over‑year, and 92 percent of surveyed diners have eaten at a hotel restaurant without staying the night.

“Restaurants aren’t just an itinerary line item anymore, they’re the anchor,” noted Matt Davis, OpenTable’s head of North America Hotels. “This year’s Top 100 list spotlights the hotel hotspots worth traveling for.”

Gemma at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – Los Angeles
Perched on the roof of the Waldorf Astoria, Gemma offers modern Pan‑Asian fare against sweeping Southern‑California vistas. Think delicate dim sum, expertly sliced sushi, and the occasional Japanese Wagyu steak—all framed by a sunset that could have its own Instagram account.

SingleThread Restaurant & Inn – Healdsburg
Tucked in downtown Healdsburg, SingleThread pairs a 55‑seat tasting room with five intimate suites above. Chef Kyle Connaughton and farmer Katina Connaughton draw from their 24‑acre Dry Creek Valley farm, delivering a ten‑course menu that earned three Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability. As Kyle puts it, “A great hotel restaurant immerses guests in the local culture, telling the story of a destination through its seasons, local ingredients and customs.”

Sky Room – Long Beach
High atop the Fairmont Breakers, Sky Room treats diners to panoramic harbor and downtown views. The menu leans toward classic American and seafood dishes, all polished with a cocktail program that feels as elevated as the setting.

Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort – Laguna Beach
With the Pacific spreading out just beyond its windows, Splashes serves contemporary coastal cuisine that leans heavily on fresh, locally‑sourced ingredients. Seafood, steaks and seasonal plates mingle with an award‑winning wine list, making it a go‑to spot for sunset diners.

The girl & the fig – Sonoma
A Sonoma staple for almost three decades, the girl & the fig offers rustic, Provençal‑inspired dishes that showcase garden vegetables, fragrant herbs and a rotating selection of local produce. It’s casual, it’s comforting, and it feels like a warm hug after a day of wine‑country exploring.

The Pony Room – Rancho Santa Fe
Nestled inside Rancho Valencia Resort, The Pony Room delivers American‑style comfort food with a seasonal twist. Its agave‑spirit selection is impressive, the wine program is thoughtfully curated, and live music fills the evenings seven nights a week, creating a laid‑back yet polished vibe.

All six establishments met OpenTable’s stringent criteria—strong diner ratings, a high proportion of five‑star reviews, and a minimum review threshold—so their inclusion isn’t just hype; it’s data‑backed validation. As more travelers prioritize food experiences, California’s hotel restaurants are proving they can be the very reason a trip happens.