Guy Fieri’s culinary career started in the Golden State when he opened up his “Awesome Pretzel” cart in the fourth grade and later washed dishes to save up for a trip to France to study French cuisine. Since then, he’s visited hundreds of restaurants. Head back to California with Guy and visit some of the locations featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

For tostadas with a towering twist and more elevated Mexican classics head to La Tostaderia which is tucked away in Grand Central Market in L.A. The chef was born in Mexico and later went back to culinary school to learn more about flavor profiles and it shows. Guy was impressed by the tender octopus tostada and blown away by the cheesy shrimp burger.

The Crest Cafe in San Diego is a diner lover’s dream: This joint is open from 7am to midnight every day. Guy’s crazy about the Butter Burger, a patty stuffed with herb butter. If you’re not ready for a burger, then go for breakfast, which is served all day (and night!) long. Guy sighed with joy after taking a bite of the Creme Brulee French Toast: “It’s just the right balance: half dessert and half breakfast.” 

There’s regular Thai food and then there’s Jitlada. Guy swore that if the chef of Jitlada won GGG he would come to the restaurant, and he was not disappointed. “This is one of the best Thai experiences I have ever had,” Guy said after tasting the Green Curry and the Tom Yum Soup.