Must-see restaurants in Sacramento & the Central Valley

  • Davis Farmers Market

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    With more than 150 vendors and an awe-inspiring selection of local produce, meat, flowers and baked goods, this market forms the vibrant heart of Davis…

  • Noriega's

    San Joaquin Valley

    Surly Basque gentlemen pass the communal wine carafes at Bakersfield’s family-style Basque institution. The fixed menu includes a procession of dishes…

  • Empress Tavern

    Sacramento

    In the catacombs under the historic Crest Theater, this gorgeous restaurant hosts a menu of creative, meat-focused dishes (including family-style options…

  • Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Five generations of Shuberts have produced delicious homemade ice cream, chocolates and confections for more than 75 years at this beloved pastel-colored…

  • Towne House Restaurant

    San Joaquin Valley

    The bright, crisply designed on-site restaurant of Wine & Roses draws on locally sourced ingredients in an elegant preparation. There's often live jazz in…

  • Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    The suds on tap are the main draw at the on-site restaurant of the Sierra Nevada Brewery Company. This genuine Chico destination is great for downing…

  • Woodstock's

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    The most popular pizza joint in town serves slices at lunch and gets boisterous at happy hour. Besides the usual combos, it has a fun selection of gourmet…

  • La Bonne Soupe Cafe

    Sacramento

    In a new space as of 2018, this beloved French cafe continues to serve divine soup and sandwiches, assembled with such care that the line of downtowners…

  • Smitty’s Wings & Things

    San Joaquin Valley

    This checker-tiled neighborhood wing joint is run by a former NFL player and his wife, who turn out perfectly crispy wings (which were recently featured…

  • Rocket Dog Gourmet Brats & Brew

    San Joaquin Valley

    Sure, something like 'Hansel's Heaven' – a bratwurst served on a pretzel roll and covered in mac 'n' cheese – isn't health food, but this excellent, ultra…

  • Mulvaney’s B&L

    Sacramento

    With effortless class and obsessive commitment to seasonality, this converted 19th-century firehouse offers delicate pastas (such as a fresh lamb…

  • Papa Urb's Grill

    San Joaquin Valley

    Filipino flavors drive the menu of fusion fast food at this bright cafe: there's adobo and longanisa (Filipino pork sausage) in many of the typically…

  • Burgers and Brew

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    It's all in the name; the brilliantly simple formula of this buzzing brewpub makes it a charming local favorite. The 30 craft beers on tap include the…

  • Kitchen Restaurant

    Sacramento

    Husband-and-wife team Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer's cozy dining room in the northeast 'burbs is the pinnacle of Sacramento’s food experience. Their…

  • Little Oven Pizza

    San Joaquin Valley

    Turning out picture-perfect, New York–style thin crust, this tidy downtown spot offers daily specials and makes a quick, cheap option. The Pesto Bango – a…

  • Luigi’s

    San Joaquin Valley

    Lined with black-and-white photos of sporting legends, this amazing lunch spot has been around for over 100 years. The stuffed chicken melts in your mouth…

  • From The Hearth

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Pastries and expert coffee drinks in the morning, crispy panini on just-baked bread for lunch and dinner. Everything is very fresh, colorful and made-to…

  • Shoki II Ramen House

    Sacramento

    Like its tiny original location on 24th St, this cozy ramen house under the direction of Yasushi Ueyama makes amazing housemade noodles that live up to…

  • Cafe Smitten

    San Joaquin Valley

    This bright cafe in the heart of downtown has a great vibe, serving lighter fare, such as a savory 'avocado smash' sandwich, and buttery pastries. It has…

  • Commonwealth

    San Joaquin Valley

    Elegant without being stuffy, there's a great selection of local wine and indulgent sandwiches at this downtown spot (try the M80, which joins jalapeño…

  • Dancing Fox Winery & Bakery

    San Joaquin Valley

    Everything here celebrates grapes – from the Lewis Family Estate's own wines to the bread cultures created from the vineyard's petite sirah grapes. The…

  • Andy Nguyen's

    Sacramento

    This tranquil vegetarian Buddhist diner serves steaming clay pots and curries. The Peaceful Existence Clay Pot – which includes a ‘chicken’ drumstick with…

  • On Lok Sam

    San Joaquin Valley

    Venture south of the Crosstown Freeway (Hwy 4) to (New) On Lok Sam, established in 1895 in the center of Stockton's lively Chinese settlement. The garlic…

  • Dewar’s Candy Shop

    San Joaquin Valley

    Perched on the pink stools at the counter, families dig into homemade ice cream with ingredients sourced from surrounding farms since 1930. Dreamy flavors…

  • Localis

    Sacramento

    The 'hyper-seasonal' menu includes the city's best fancy brunch (the lamb benedict is a decadent delight) and artfully prepared comfort food, all served…

  • Gunther’s

    Sacramento

    Look for 'Jugglin Joe' – a cheerful, ice-cream-slinging neon giant – towering above this 1940s soda fountain. Gunther's makes its own ice cream and frozen…

  • Sam's Mediterranean Cuisine

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Delicious and cheap shawarma (get the beef with tangy yogurt and chili sauce) makes this little spot a university institution. Cash only.

  • Davis Noodle City

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Students and locals tuck into wooden booths at this cozy spot to slurp up thick homemade noodles, fresh dumplings and scallion pancakes.

  • Sam’s Italian Deli & Market

    San Joaquin Valley

    This Italian market and deli is the real deal, stacking up the ‘New Yorker’ pastrami and some mean prosciutto and mozzarella.

  • Thailand Restaurant

    San Joaquin Valley

    Go immediately for the spicy noodles and green papaya salad at this friendly, spotless Thai restaurant.

  • Delta of Venus Cafe & Pub

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    This converted Arts and Crafts bungalow has a social, shaded front patio, delicious homemade granola, and tons of vegetarian and vegan options. At dinner,…

  • Palamino Room

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Genuine Texas BBQ in a saloon that's been operating since 1946. Previously known for bar brawls, it's been overhauled and dressed up with signs dating…

  • Circle K Ranch

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    This excellent pit stop offers seasonal fruits and nuts from May to November, but the best deals are in the adjacent packing house, where you can barter…

  • Branding Iron

    San Joaquin Valley

    The Branding Iron roadhouse, a favorite of ranchers in the area, has been spruced up a bit for the tour buses, but locals still dig the hearty steak…

  • Tank House BBQ and Bar

    Sacramento

    The classy roadhouse vibe suits this historic railway stop, where you can get passable BBQ and soak in the mix of local characters, families and wayward…

  • Al's Place

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    This landmark Locke bar is a magnet for amiable Harley crews. The draw isn’t the food so much as the ambience. Above the creaking floorboards, the ceiling…

  • Rogelio's

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    Making the most of the delta's multiethnic history, Rogelio's hotel and casino restaurant serves a mash-up of Mexican and Chinese dishes, with a few…

  • Grange Restaurant & Bar

    Sacramento

    On the ground floor of the Citizen Hotel, this upscale seasonal restaurant features locally sourced flavors of the Sacramento Valley. It also has a…

  • Red Tavern

    Sacramento & the Central Valley

    The Red Tavern is one of Chico’s favorite fine-dining experiences, with a sophisticated menu that uses local, seasonal and organic ingredients. On Sundays…