Must-see restaurants in Sacramento

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Waterboy

    Sacramento

    The wicker and palm in the windowed dining room offer a preview of the chef's style – a French-Italian spin on Central Valley ingredients. The day's catch…

  • Lucca

    Sacramento

    Within a stroll of the convention center is this quality Italian eatery. Parmesan frites with truffle aioli are the way to start.

  • Pizza Rock

    Sacramento

    An anchor of the K St Mall area, this loud, enormous pizza joint has a great Margherita, a rock and roll theme and a well-tattooed staff.

  • Tower Cafe

    Sacramento

    Best bet for big ol' breakfasts – custardy French toast, chorizo sausage with eggs – at a 1938 art-deco movie theater.