Seison Restaurant, Oakland

Though it sits inside a city landmark that was built in 1913, Seison siphons more inspiration from California’s rich, natural landscape than from the urban history that surrounds it. That’s not to say it doesn’t retain touchstones to Old Oakland’s past, though—the space within Washington Inn Hotel is marked by classic hardwood floors, old-school molding, and elegant wall drapes that look plucked from a 1920s cocktail lounge. The food, however, pays homage to the state's bucolic farms, coastal shorelines, and produce-rich gardens with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Depending on the time of year, guests may encounter anything from steamed clams in zucchini basil broth to rib eye au poivre with balsamic reduction, following meals with the likes of peach cobbler or bread pudding.