Restaurant guide for Sacramento, including the best and most popular dining spots for travelers and visitors.
Are your taste buds ready for a capital experience? If your travels take you to Sacramento, California, the following eateries will not only please your palate but also not take a big bite out of your wallet.
Aioli - Close to the Capitol and a quick cab ride or walk from the major downtown hotels, Aioli Bodega Española offers exotic cuisine from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa and is especially well known for traditional dishes such as paella and zarzuela. There is live guitar entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights and, during warmer weather, an outdoor patio in the back adds to the relaxed ambience. While the atmosphere is both lively and informal, reservations are recommended. Wine Spectator recently named Aioli "the place to eat in the Central Valley."
Biba - Named after its owner, Biba Caggiano, Biba is a Sacramento institution. Located in the Midtown area, this upscale venue offers unique Italian dishes created by Biba herself, who is also an award winning chef and cookbook author. The homemade gnocchi, made fresh daily, is a favorite. Make certain to pace yourself! The portions allow for a sample of antipasti and a first and second course so enjoy all this restaurant has to offer - including dessert. There is an extensive wine list to compliment the wonderful food. Dress is business or business casual. Biba has garnered rave reviews from such publications as Gourmet and Travel and Leisure magazines.
Lemon Grass - Chef and owner Mai Pham's Vietnamese restaurant features authentic cooking from Pham's homeland as well as many other Thai and Southeast Asian recipes. She is also the author of two highly regarded Vietnamese cookbooks. Lemon Grass is a nationally recognized and award winning restaurant that provides a unique opportunity to savor the best of Southeast Asian cuisine. It is an upscale venue that is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Sacramento and reservations are strongly recommended. Best tip for a starter: Mai's spring rolls are to die for.
El Novillero is one of several Mexican restaurants serving traditional California style Mexican food. This restaurant, located in South Sacramento, is known for its carnitas, a slow roasted pork that is truly mouthwatering. El Novillero serves up this signature dish in tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or on a platter complete with tortillas and a fresh pico de gallo salsa. This is a family-friendly restaurant with very large servings. The dress is casual and be prepared to eat your fill here.
Other Mexican restaurants you may enjoy include Tres Hermanas in Midtown, which also serves traditional Mexican breakfasts on weekends and features Northern Mexican cuisine from the owner's family that grew up in Chihuahua, and Ernesto's, a very popular downtown restaurant known for its good food, great margaritas, and lively evening scene.
For Latin American cuisine in upscale venue, try Centro Cocina Mexicana, also in Midtown. This restaurant offers unique dishes from Mexico, Central America and South American and sports an extensive list of tequilas. Evenings are always crowded, so reservations are recommended.
Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar features a distinctive seafood menu, but also offers beef and pasta dishes cooked to perfection. Located halfway between downtown and Fair Oaks and literally around the corner from Lemon Grass, Scott's provides exceptional fresh seafood dishes and well deserves its reputation as Sacramento's favorite seafood restaurant. Martinis and oysters are popular at the bar. On rainy winter nights, content yourself with the shrimp cocktail, a bowl of their New England clam chowder and a glass of wine while you engage in people watching. Dress is business or business casual and reservations are recommended.
The Firehouse is a Sacramento classic housed in an 1853 firehouse in Old Sacramento. This five-star rated institution has been a fixture in fine dining for over forty years. The classic continental entrees have been updated and both lunch and dinner menus provide a wide range of culinary treats. The courtyard is also open for lunch and is one of the locals' favorite venues for spring and summer meals. The wine list is one of the most extensive in Sacramento. Dress is business or business casual and reservations are recommended.
Chanterelle - is an elegant restaurant located in the historic Victorian Sterling Hotel. It is in the Midtown area but very close to downtown. An excellent choice for a romantic dinner, a bridal reception, or for early fare if you are going to the nearby summer Music Circus, the reserved setting is in contrast to the award winning California regional cuisine. If the time of year permits, dining is available outdoors. Chanterelle also offers an elaborate Sunday brunch. Dress is business dressy and reservations are recommended.
Frank Fats - Located Downtown, Frank Fats is a family owned and operated restaurant that also has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in Sacramento, first opening its doors in 1939. Over the years, Fats served up authentic regional Chinese food to most of the powerful elite and remains a popular location for politicians and power brokers alike. The ambience is both elegant and modern, but it is the excellent service and exceptional quality of the food that continues to win Fats awards. Dress is business or business casual. If time permits, enjoy a cocktail at the ornate bar before sitting down for dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Fats serves lunch during the week. If the Legislature is in session (January - September) reservations for lunch are also recommended.
Celestin's Caribbean Restaurant and Voodou Lounge - If you are looking for something a bit different, try Celestin's. This restaurant has been open since 1983 and from the bright and vibrant atmosphere to the authentic and fiery dishes is a treat for the senses. There are a variety of gumbos on the menu and each is exceptional. Located in Midtown, this is a lively venue of Friday nights and weekends, so make reservations. The dress is casual. Celestin's is also open for lunch during the week.
The Waterboy - Located near the Capitol, The Waterboy provides an outstanding mix of Country French and California cuisine that continues to win rave reviews. Lunch in this airy restaurant is bistro fare ranging from sandwiches to more exotic Mediterranean inspired dishes. Dinner remains casual, but the menu is much more elaborate, featuring Niman Ranch meats and savory seafood and shellfish creations. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The dress is business casual.
