Sacramento Dining

Before I begin my introduction to the city’s myriad culinary delights, let me ask you this – did you know that Sacramento has the highest number of highly rated restaurants in Northern California according to Zagat? Yes, you read that right! The abundance of fresh, locally-grown food is a major contributing factor to the quality of the meals served in various dining establishments all over the city. Let’s walk you through some of the best restaurants in the area.

Best Restaurants in Sacramento

The trendy and contemporary The Kitchen Restaurant has a waiting list that can be up to a month long, and for good reason. Chef Randall Selland only serves 50 people every night with a delectable five-course menu that rotates monthly. Favorites include beef with black truffle flan and the most mouthwatering buttered Maine lobster you’ll ever eat in your life.

If you want to sample the best of Northern California’s seasonal and freshest produce, you should definitely try out Magpie Café. With a menu that changes daily, expect to come across a wide array of American comfort food that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Oh, and everyone says that their Chocolate-Avocado Mousse is out of this world.

The Firehouse, located in Old Sacramento, is housed in a converted 1853 firehouse (hence the name). The California Restaurant Association awarded this stylish restaurant a highly-coveted five-star rating. If that’s not enough to entice you, then how about their sinfully good roasted duck and outstanding wine selection? Bring your friends or your date for a truly unforgettable night.

In the mood for authentic Italian cooking, coupled with great service and a warm and inviting atmosphere? Biba is the place to be for Italian food lovers and those who wish to experience what it’s like to be part of a big, happy, Italian family. Grilled scallops wrapped in sage sounds good and Biba’s mascarpone cheese-topped Italian chocolate brandy mousse is simply divine.

East Sacramento has newer restaurants like Formoli’s which offers an amazing whiskey burger.  But, the area also has old wonderful neighborhood places like Espanol, which is actually an Italian restaurant.  It has been around since the 1920’s and doesn’t have a website.  Order a dinner, and you get a tureen of minestrone soup and salad for the whole table, and a pasta with your order.

There are some great pizza restaurants like Chicago Fire which has deep dish and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, the Hot Italian with a lot of unusual toppings.  Uncle Vito’s has pizza by the slice, which is as close as you can get to NYC pizza without a plane ticket.