Sacramento Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Sacramento

April 14, 2018 Darwin Bolte

California's capital city is often overlooked by tourists seeking out better known destinations in other corners of the state. Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion. Anyone with an interest in trains will enjoy the Railroad Museum's massive collection of antique locomotives. Everyone will enjoy the restaurants and shops of historic Old Sacramento on the city's lovely waterfront.
Things to do in Sacramento

1. The Kitchen Restaurant

2225 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-3483 Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Seating, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards American, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner +1 916-568-7171
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 223 reviews

The Kitchen Restaurant

The Kitchen, a Selland Family Restaurant, serves a five-course prix fixe demonstration dinner menu based on a monthly seasonal framework that features the best and freshest ingredients available on a daily basis, mostly procured locally and regionally. Dinner service also includes an interactive intermission featuring chefs’ tasting stations, as well as a finale of fresh herb tea service and artisan coffee served with Dessert. BY RESERVATION ONLY.<br><br>The Kitchen Restaurant has earned every imaginable local and regional award along with an impressive list of national accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond Award five years running, a nod as a semi-finalist for the James Beard “Outstanding Restaurant” Award, the highest Zagat ratings, and honors from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, as well as inclusion in the Yelp Top 100 and the Open Table Top 100.

Reviewed By Tulika_sac - Sacramento, California

Kitchen is not a regular restaurant but a restaurant theater where the food, the chef and the staff are the stars !. The chef is entertaining with good sense of humor and has amazing culinary skills. The staff was attentive, friendly and ready to make the evening spectacular for us.
We were here for about 4 hours but didnt feel it was too long. The food was extensive, in addition to the course menu, the intermission had spread of gourmet food ( Sushi, tacos and other snacks). We were served a platter of dessert along with the dessert course and a take out box to take it home.
On arrival we were encourage to roam the back kitchen and pantry where small plates were offered.
All in all incredible experience watching chef and crew make food in front of us, entertaining talks and amazing food.

2. Biba

2801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95816-6000 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 105 +1 916-455-2422
Excellent
74%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 636 reviews

Biba

Reviewed By 92210David_W - Indian Wells, California

Having traveled to Italy on many occasions & visited many regions, I’ve had lasagna plenty of times to know good, great or bad. Biba’s is exceptional, and Biba personally greeting your table makes the experience off the chart fantastic.

Be sure to ask about lasagna availability when calling to make your reservation, because it isn’t on the menu everyday, and I suggest going early enough to safely assure yourself they won’t be sold out.

I’m in love with Biba’s charm and her food, so I never miss a chance to dine here when I’m in Sacramento.

3. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

1530 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814-2052 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 46 +1 916-447-2112
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 724 reviews

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Reviewed By 4everjung - Placerville, California

I have been going to Mikuni's since they opened up in Rancho on Hazel. Despite the expansion, they still pay attention to the customer and service. We started at the bar and waited for a table. Once seated, the server was good at making suggestions based on our questions. The rolls are amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the "mixed" sununomo. There was not mix. It was sliced cucumbers with fileted shrimp. It was good, but did not meet our expectations. You can dine here very affordably...a novelty in Downtown Sacramento...without compromising service and quality. I highly recommend!

4. The Waterboy

2000 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811-4215 Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 24 - SGD 39 +1 916-498-9891
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

The Waterboy

We feature a seasonal menu, inspired primarily by the beautiful cuisines of northern Italy and southern France. In addition, we offer a diverse wine list and a full bar featuring artisanal cocktails and aperitifs.

Reviewed By Dragonfly972 - Castro Valley, California

The Waterboy is one of the best dining experiences we have encountered in a long time. The interior is classy (not drippy) upscale white tablecloth. The patrons (for the most part) were dressed the part, which seems to be an exception these days. Nice to see on a Saturday night out. Our server, Courtney, was top notch in every way. Professional, articulate, and personable. In fact all of the staff was really great. Everyone covered all the bases with ease. And, the pace of the service throughout the evening was perfect.
The food was excellent from beginning to end, with marinated olives, to our salads (chicories salad and the beet salad), I totally could have made a meal out of just the chicories salad (fantastic!). Main courses were the ravioli with a turnips side, and the lamb shank with risotto... All of them spectacularly prepared. It is also great to know that The Waterboy serves sustainable, local food.
We never felt rushed at all, in fact we felt like we were supposed to stay and just revel in the wonderful meal we had just savored.
This place is truly on our "HIT LIST" for dining.

5. The Firehouse

1112 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3204 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 41 - SGD 105 +1 916-442-4772
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 699 reviews

The Firehouse

Reviewed By Russ A - Turlock, California

A nice high end restaurant in Old Sacramento. Nice atmosphere, great service amd great food. Flavors were tasty. I would recommend this place.

6. Tower Cafe

1518 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818-2302 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 39 +1 916-441-0222
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 864 reviews

Tower Cafe

Reviewed By Mary P - Woodland, California, United States

A fun place to eat whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner you will always find something on the menu that will delight your taste buds. For over 24 years we have been eating here and the Chinese chicken salad is by all means, hands down our favorite! Service is courteous and attentive. The outside seating on the patio is wonderful and comfortable . We always enjoy our visit.

7. Mulvaney's Building & Loan

1215 19th St, Sacramento, CA 95811-4154 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 41 - SGD 46 +1 916-441-6022
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Mulvaney's Building & Loan

Reviewed By kcdenman - Fair Oaks, California

There are two doors; look for the one with the actual sign on it, then everything will be fantastic. It's like you're visiting your culinarily-inspired world-traveling uncle who is desperate to cook the latest thing he's discovered, so many options and such lovely service. All the tiny touches are appreciated from carafes of water to nicely salted butter and freshly sliced bread. Started with an amuse bouche of Asian-inspired meatballs with aioli followed by the bread. We ordered the cheese plate with such decadent wildflower honey, sesame flatbread, four cheeses, dried fruit and walnuts. He ordered the duck with carrot top spaetzle and blood oranges while I had sturgeon with black eyed peas which was perfect. We finished the night with chocolate bread pudding (his) and New Orleans butter cake (it is Mardi Gras, y'all!) with duck fat caramel and sour cherries on top. Chuck and the rest of the servers did not rush us at all, it was well paced throughout.

8. Ella Dining Room & Bar

1131 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3904 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 41 - SGD 66 +1 916-443-3772
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 412 reviews

Ella Dining Room & Bar

In the heart of Downtown, the family behind The Kitchen and Selland&apos;s Market Café brings you the region’s most relaxed and elegant destination, Ella Dining Room and Bar. Ella offers warm, welcoming ambiance in an inspiring space that evokes effortless European rustic luxury. Our design team from Amsterdam has created an environment that is modern yet timeless, dramatic yet comforting. Ella brings together the finest quality local farm to fork ingredients from this bountiful region to create authentic and honest fine food that nourishes body and soul. Chef and Owner Randall Selland and family invite you to savor the joys of friends, family, and great food and wine. Service is gracious and refined. Ella has signature handcrafted cocktails, an eclectic and impressive wine list, and a fresh seafood bar. We specialize in Private Parties. Perfect for business lunches, celebration dinners, and everyday enjoyment. Walking distance from Convention Center, Capitol, theaters, and hotels. Located in America&apos;&apos;s Farm to Fork Capital, Sacramento, in the city&apos;s "The Kay" District.

Reviewed By WineEng - Green Valley, California

Nice, modern, hip dining scene for downtown Sacramento. Our food selections were delicious and prepared to our requests. Service was attentive and there when needed.

The only odd thing was that we arrived at the start of the lunch crowd yet several items on the menu, including a specialty, had only a couple of servings available. Almost seems like they were relying on yesterday’s preparations instead of having plenty for the lunch crowd. That was disappointing. If that had not been the case, it would have rated a 5.

Lots of parking garages nearby plus valet if walking a block is a problem. Recommended. Cheers

9. Grange Restaurant & Bar

926 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814-2703 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 52 - SGD 79 +1 916-492-4450
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

Grange Restaurant & Bar

Grange is a culinary expression of all things local, reflecting the authentic essence and soul of its community. Service is warm, friendly, and embracing at Sacramento&apos;s premiere dining destination. With an intimate atmosphere of urban sophistication, Grange is the quintessential Sacramento restaurant experience.

Reviewed By Sandra S

The Grange is a popular upbeat restaurant in midtown Sacramento. The service was very slow when we arrived but going forward was excellent. The cod was “as good a fish” as my husband has ever had. The duck was superior and my chicken was very tender. The risotto was not good and the clams were very small. We enjoyed our experience. A restaurant you must try, however it will lighten your wallet!

10. Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant

2416 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816-5002 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 26 +1 916-443-6919
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 243 reviews

Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant

Reviewed By Mark M - El Dorado Hills, California

It's the Wandering Yank here. I was last here 5 years ago, and as I was meeting a friend from out of town for lunch and the location was ideal, I suggested Tres Hermanas. Excellent idea!!!

For $9.99, I had a salad with a delicious and interesting cilantro salad, not-too-large carnitas quesadilla, and rice and beans. Wow!!! Everything was delicious!!!

The place is a converted house in a semi-residential neighborhood, so it's more interesting than the usual strip mall. Service was very prompt and engaging. And the prices were very reasonable. What else is there to ask for?

2 thumbs up!

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