True, Walnut Creek technically doesn't touch the water, but Ellen McCarty and Kevin Weinberg didn't think that should preclude its residents from enjoying the ambiance of a yacht club. So they decided to open Walnut Creek Yacht Club more than 20 years ago—just sans the water. Instead, the restaurant lives up to its name with the nautically themed decor and locally sourced seafood.

If you're a fan of seafood, don't miss the signature top-neck clam chowder. Eaters rave about the velvety soup, which perfectly emulates its East Coast inspiration with a base of fresh clams blended with bacon, potatoes, and cream. The Maine lobster mac and cheese also draws on classic New England cuisine, smothered with a sauce of Emmental and smoked provolone cheese and encrusted with garlic-parmesan bread crumbs. You can also choose a fresh catch of the day and a sauce, which the chef will prepare to your specifications, or try a specialty entree such as the Spanish seafood stew.

Public Domain/Pixabay/mynorbejarano