10 Best Sacramento Restaurants

The best food options in Sacramento include Banana Cream Pie, Orange Freeze, Cheese Skirt, and Flapjacks. Banana Cream Pie features a flaky crust, banana custard filling, and a whipped cream topping, available at Frank Fat’s and Fat City Bar & Café. Orange Freeze is a favorite among Sacramento food who enjoy sorbet-like frozen desserts. This treat is a must-try at Merlino’s Freeze, Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, and Raley Field during River Cats games. Cheese Skirt is a crisp golden ring of cheddar cheese that extends beyond the burger patty, created by steaming an extravagant amount of cheese on the grill with ice. Cheese Skirt is a bestseller at Squeeze Inn. Flapjacks are thick, oblong griddle cakes with a biscuit-like texture and served with farm-fresh diced fruit. It’s a famous breakfast option at Bacon & Butter, Tower Café, and Orphan Breakfast House.

The average cost of a meal in Sacramento’s fast food restaurants ranges from $5 to $14 per person. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, such as Joe’s Crab Shack, Black Bear Diner, Fixins Soul Kitchen, Zocalo, and Taste of Tuscany costs between $40 and $115. Fine dining restaurants like The Kitchen, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Localis, Il Fornaio, Piatti, The Firehouse Restaurant, and The Melting Pot will cost anywhere between $80 to $495 per person. According to BudgetYourTrip, the average daily cost for food when dining in restaurants in Sacramento is $92 per person, with typical meal prices such as breakfast at $9 to $27, lunch at $14 to $37, dinner at $27 to $64, coffee at $7, and fast food or street food at $14.

The most popular best fast food restaurants in Sacramento are listed below:

• In-N-Out Burger: This classic burger chain is known for customizable burgers, hand-cut fries, and shakes.
• McDonald's: This long-running fast-food chain serves burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
• Carl’s Jr.: Carl’s Jr offers a range of burgers and is known for charbroiled patties.
• Chick-fil-A: This popular chain specializes in chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries.
• Wendy's: Wendy’s is a fast-food burger chain with a solid reputation for offering fresh, never frozen beef and signature Frosty.
• Taco Bell: This restaurant chain serves Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas, and nachos.
• Burger Hub: Burger Hub is a local favorite offering smash burgers, Zinger burgers, and loaded fries.
• The Habit Burger Grill: This fast-casual chain known for charbroiled burgers, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
• Subway: Counter-serve chain offering customizable sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
• Jollibee: This Filipino fast-food chain is famous for crispy Chickenjoy, sweet-style spaghetti, and peach mango pie.

The best new restaurants Sacramento are listed below:

• Citizen Capitol Craft House: Craft beer house with a full bar serving New American cuisine in downtown Sacramento. Citizen Capitol Craft House is located at 1201 J Street #111, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• Cora Coffee: Specialty coffee shop serving Sey Coffee and rotating roasters, crafted with love. Cora Coffee is located at 1201 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• juju kitchen & cocktails: Farm-to-fork restaurant featuring craft cocktails and a mix of small and large plates. juju kitchen & cocktails is located at 1501 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• Octopus Peru: Peruvian-inspired seafood restaurant with a full bar offering fresh and bold flavors. Octopus Peru is located at 980 9th Street, Ste 170, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• The 7th Street Standard: Contemporary California restaurant known for eclectic flavors, led by Executive Chef Ravin Patel. The 7th Street Standard is located at 1122 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• Indian Sizzle: Indian restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes in Sacramento. Indian Sizzle is located at 4680 Natomas Blvd. Ste 130, Sacramento, CA.
• TOMO Noodles & Dumplings: Casual eatery specializing in noodles, dumplings, bubble tea, and desserts. TOMO Noodles & Dumplings is located at 3230 Arena Blvd., Sacramento, CA.
• Cups & Straws: Bubble tea and food stand known for flavorful drinks and unique offerings. Cups & Straws is located at 5800 Madison Ave. Ste South, Sacramento, CA.
• Camp Cove: Australian-inspired café serving acai bowls, avocado toast, and sandwiches on Acme Bread with coffee from Amigo Coffee Roasters. Camp Cove is located at 1401 O St., Suite B, Sacramento, CA.
• Casa Flores: Family-owned Mexican restaurant featuring a signature combination plate of beef taco, beef enchilada, chile relleno, and steak ranchero. Casa Flores is located at 8304 Delta Shores Circle South, Sacramento, CA.
• Chennai Bamboo Garden: Indo-Chinese restaurant serving fusion dishes such as chicken Manchurian, Hakka noodles, and chili paneer. Chennai Bamboo Garden is located at 2784 East Bidwell St., Suite 300, Folsom, CA.

The best places for lunch in Sacramento are provided below:

• The Waterboy: Seasonal menu inspired by the cuisines of northern Italy and southern France, complemented by a diverse wine list and artisanal cocktails. The Waterboy is located at 2000 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811-4215.
• Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar: A Japanese eatery in the historic East End Lofts, featuring intricate sushi rolls, Japanese warrior-inspired decor, and a lively atmosphere. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is located at 1530 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814-2052.
• Tower Cafe: A spot known for globally inspired menu, including famous French toast, churro French toast, and Santa Fe blueberry cornmeal pancakes. Tower Cafe is located at 1518 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818-2302.
• Zócalo: A Midtown Sacramento staple, and one of favorite Sacramento’s lunch spots for over twelve years, known for fine Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, and happy hour specials, housed in a restored 1920s automobile dealership, decorated with original artwork from Tlaquepaque, Mexico. Zócalo is located at 1801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811.
• Black Bear Diner: A family-friendly, cabin-themed diner serving home-style comfort food in large portions founded in 1995 in Mt. Shasta, CA, and offers an all-day menu featuring hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and classic American entrees. Black Bear Diner is located at 2700 El Centro Road, Sacramento, CA 95833.
• Joe's Crab Shack: Casual seafood chain serving American comfort dishes like crab buckets and stuffed shrimp, with the Old Sacramento location offering riverfront views in a family-friendly setting. Joe's Crab Shack is located at 1210 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• The Porch Restaurant & Bar: Southern-inspired restaurant blending Creole, Cajun, and classic Southern flavors using locally sourced ingredients. The Porch Restaurant & Bar is located at 1815 K St, Sacramento, CA 95811.
• Bangkok@12 Thai: Thai restaurant that offers traditional dishes with a twist, generous portions, lunch deals, and signature items like pineapple curry, Pad Kraprao, and salmon green curry. Bangkok@12 Thai is located at 900 12th St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
• Orphan: Breakfast cafe that features Latin-inspired dishes like rosemary-baked toast, banana blackberry pancakes, and sweet corn breakfast tamales. Orphan is located at 3440 C St, Sacramento, CA 95816.
• Fixins Soul Kitchen: Full-service soul food restaurant honoring African American culture, serving fried chicken, smothered pork chops, shrimp and grits, and classic sides like mac & cheese and collard greens. Fixins Soul Kitchen is located at 3428 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817.

The restaurants in Sacramento serving vegan food are Himalaya Vegan, El Cantaro Vegan Taqueria, Noble Vegetarian, Burger Patch, Veg Cafe, Anna's Vegan Cafe, Plant Power Fast Food, and Buddha Belly Burger. Himalaya Vegan, located at 4160 Northgate Blvd, Ste 4, provides a rotating menu of fusion dishes like bean and vegetable soup, wild grain rice bowls, and coconut pie. El Cantaro Vegan Taqueria, at 9123 Kiefer Blvd, specializes in vegan Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Noble Vegetarian, at 5049 College Oak Dr, Ste A, serves Vietnamese dishes such as pho noodle soup and avoids eggs and MSG. Burger Patch, at 2301 K St, prepares classic American fast food like burgers, fries, shakes, and cookies, with weekend breakfast and late-night hours. Veg Cafe, at 2431 J St, 2F, provides American and Asian-inspired vegan dishes in a cafe and bar setting. Anna's Vegan Cafe, at 3500 Stockton Blvd, presents Asian-inspired dishes and lunch specials. Plant Power Fast Food, at 1100 R St, is a vegan fast-food chain that serves breakfast, burgers, wraps, 'chickin' tenders, and shakes, with a drive-up order system. Buddha Belly Burger, at 1901 S St, is a fully vegan eatery that prepares burgers, salads, small bites, wine, and local beers.

The restaurants in Sacramento serving gluten-free food are Sibling by Pushkin's, Babes Ice Cream & Donuts, Pushkin's Bakery, Paesanos, and Crepes & Burgers. Sibling by Pushkin's, located at 1813 Capitol Ave, is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant serving sandwiches, burgers, fries, and desserts. Babes Ice Cream & Donuts, at 2417 J St, specializes in gluten-free donuts, churros, paninis, and ice cream. Pushkin's Bakery, at 1820 29th Street, is a dedicated gluten-free bakery and cafe known for bread, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and desserts. Paesanos, at 1806 Capitol Ave, provides a gluten-free menu with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. Crepes & Burgers, at 8000 Auburn Blvd in Citrus Heights, prepares gluten-free sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and bread options.

The good restaurants in Sacramento focus on fresh and local ingredients. The Kitchen, which is one of the good places to eat in Sacramento, is a Michelin-starred spot that offers seasonal menus. Frank Fat's, which is the city's oldest restaurant, has been serving American Chinese dishes since 1939, with popular menu items like the honey-walnut prawns and banana cream pie that are made with fresh local produce. Restaurants known for good food in Sacramento also have received industry awards, with many earning Michelin stars and James Beard Awards.

The famous cuisines in Sacramento are listed below:

• Mexican Cuisine: Tacos, enchiladas, and tamales are served at Tres Hermanas, Chando’s Tacos, and Zocalo. Sacramento has 831 establishments specializing in Mexican food.
• Burgers: Classic cheeseburgers, gourmet burgers, and smash burgers are available at Willie’s Burgers, The Squeeze Inn, and Pangaea Bier Cafe. The burger scene in Sacramento has 539 establishments.
• Pizza: Neapolitan-style, deep-dish, and New York-style pizzas are featured at OneSpeed, Federalist Public House, and Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza. The pizza options in Sacramento have 509 establishments.
• Traditional American Cuisine: Steaks, fried chicken, and comfort food are served at Tower Café, Bacon & Butter, and The Firehouse Restaurant. The traditional American cuisine in Sacramento has 350 establishments.
• Chinese Cuisine: Dim sum, Peking duck, and stir-fried dishes are available at Frank Fat’s, Yue Huang, and Ming Dynasty. The Chinese cuisine in Sacramento has 278 establishments.
• Japanese Cuisine: Sushi, ramen, and hibachi dishes are offered at Kru, Mikuni, and Binchoyaki. The Japanese cuisine in Sacramento has 227 establishments.
• Seafood: Fresh oysters, grilled fish, and seafood boils are served at Scott’s Seafood, Station 16, and McCormick & Schmick’s. The seafood cuisine in Sacramento has 227 establishments.
• New American Cuisine: Seasonal farm-to-fork dishes, gourmet small plates, and craft cocktails are available at The Kitchen, Ella Dining Room and Bar, and Mulvaney’s B&L. The New American cuisine in Sacramento has 195 establishments.
• Italian Cuisine: Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and risotto are featured at Biba, OBO’ Italian Table & Bar, and Allora. The Italian cuisine in Sacramento has 132 establishments.
• Barbecue: Smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are served at Urban Roots, Tank House BBQ & Bar, and South. The barbecue cuisine in Sacramento has 121 establishments.
• Mediterranean Cuisine: Gyros, hummus, and grilled kebabs are offered at Kasbah, Petra Greek, and Falafel Corner. The Mediterranean cuisine in Sacramento has 119 establishments.
• Indian Cuisine: Butter chicken, biryani, and naan are available at Bombay Bar & Grill, Kathmandu Kitchen, and Pooja Indian Grill. The Indian cuisine in Sacramento has 112 establishments.
• Vietnamese Cuisine: Pho, banh mi, and spring rolls are served at Pho Xe Lua, Quan Nem Ninh Hoa, and Saigon Alley. The Vietnamese cuisine in Sacramento has 107 establishments.
• Thai Cuisine: Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice are available at Thai Basil, Krua Thai, and Chada Thai. Thai cuisine in Sacramento has 103 establishments.
• Korean Cuisine: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi are served at Oz Korean BBQ, Seoul BBQ, and Kodaiko Ramen & Bar. The Korean cuisine in Sacramento has 52 establishments.
• Greek Cuisine: Souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita are available at Opa! Opa!, The Greek Food Truck, and Yianni’s Bar & Grill. The Greek cuisine in Sacramento has 47 establishments.

The famous restaurants in Sacramento serve a variety of dishes from different cuisines. Ella Dining Room & Bar offers bone marrow. Frank Fat’s is known for fried chicken and honey walnut prawns. The Kitchen offers braised Montana beef cheeks, while Localis offers a prix-fixe menu with seasonal dishes. Patrons head to Joe’s Crab Shack for crab buckets and stuffed shrimp, while ice cream lovers head to Gunther’s for homemade ice cream.

Yes, the best restaurants in Sacramento serve unique dishes. The popular destinations for people looking for unique dishes are Binchoyaki, The Kitchen, and Localis. Binchoyaki is a funky spot known for creative doughnuts. The Kitchen is a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the unique Sacramento restaurants offering a dining experience akin to a theater stage with flames and enticing aromas. Localis presents a unique 12-course tasting menu that changes daily. Frank Fat's is an iconic restaurant in Sacramento established in 1939, serving steak smothered in oyster sauce, brandy fried chicken, Frank’s style New York steak, Peking duck, and an egg custard-inspired banana cream pie. 

Sacramento also offers unique and special experiences such as the Midtown Walking Food Tour and the Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour. The Midtown tour lasts 3 hours and features small plates, three alcoholic beverages with a drink ticket, and a guided stroll through murals and local eateries in the city, all for $125. The Historic Old Sacramento tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering tastings and stories of the Gold Rush along the waterfront district and priced at $95.