When I first stepped off the plane at Sacramento International Airport, I wasn’t just thinking about the Capitol building or the scenic American River. I was hungry. And not just for food—though that too—but for stories, flavors, and the real pulse of the city. Sacramento, California’s underrated gem, isn’t just the political heart of the state. It’s also the farm-to-fork capital of America, and once you dive into its food scene, it’s easy to see why.
Over the past few years, I’ve returned to Sacramento more times than I can count. Each visit brings something new: a quiet corner café crafting espresso like it’s an art form, a bustling bistro turning heirloom vegetables into unforgettable meals, or a taco truck serving food so good it makes you rethink every fine-dining experience. This is a city that feeds you in every sense of the word. So here are 10 places I keep coming back to, places that, in my humble but highly seasoned opinion, every food lover must experience.
1. The Kitchen Restaurant
Address: 2225 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
I still remember the first time I secured a reservation here. It felt like I was prepping for an elite dinner party rather than just going out for a meal. That’s because The Kitchen is not just dinner—it’s a performance.
Housed in a modest building near Arden-Arcade, The Kitchen offers a chef’s table, multicourse prix-fixe experience that is both theatrical and deeply personal. The night I visited, Chef Kelly McCown himself stepped into the spotlight, engaging guests, presenting ingredients, and even inviting us back into the kitchen for a look behind the scenes.
The highlight? The Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef with a mushroom reduction, paired with a local pinot. I could write a sonnet about that dish alone.
Reservations: Must be booked weeks (often months) in advance through Tock.
Money-saving tip: Look for off-season dates (like January or September) or weeknight reservations to score better availability. There’s no discount, but your chance of snagging a seat increases.
2. Canon
Address: 1719 34th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Canon is everything I love about Sacramento: sleek but warm, upscale but not pretentious, seasonal but never boring. Hidden in the East Sacramento neighborhood, this restaurant focuses on shared plates, which is perfect if you want to sample as much as possible.
The last time I was here, I sat out on the softly lit patio, sipping a smoked old fashioned while waiting for a spread of Korean fried chicken, roasted beet salad with whipped feta, and gochujang-glazed pork belly. Every bite was a little celebration.
Reservations: Book directly through Resy, especially for weekend dinners.
Money-saving tip: Canon has an excellent Happy Hour (Tuesday–Friday, 5–6 p.m.), where you can try select dishes at nearly half the price.
3. Bacon & Butter
Address: 5913 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
I don’t usually wake up early while traveling. But for Bacon & Butter, I’ll set an alarm. This beloved brunch spot in Tahoe Park turns simple morning food into an art form.
Picture this: thick-cut bacon, fluffy biscuits drenched in sausage gravy, and lemon ricotta pancakes so light they practically levitate off the plate. I still dream about their seasonal pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Reservations: They don’t take them. Get there early—like before 8:30 a.m. on weekends—or you’ll be waiting for up to an hour.
Money-saving tip: Weekdays are less crowded. Also, portions are generous, so two people can easily split a dish and a side.
4. Frank Fat’s
Address: 806 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Step inside Frank Fat’s, and you’re stepping into a piece of Sacramento’s political and culinary history. Open since 1939, it’s where lobbyists, lawmakers, and foodies all sit shoulder-to-shoulder.
What keeps me coming back? The honey walnut prawns are divine, and their banana cream pie is arguably the best on the West Coast. But the real showstopper? Fat’s signature New York steak with black pepper glaze.
Reservations: Book via OpenTable. They fill up fast during legislative sessions.
Money-saving tip: They offer a \$40 3-course prix fixe menu on select weekdays. Ask about it—it’s not always advertised.
5. South
Address: 2005 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95818
If soul food had a capital in California, South would be it. I came here the first time on the recommendation of a Lyft driver, and I’ve since become a regular. The vibe is relaxed but buzzing, and the food—dear God, the food.
Their buttermilk fried chicken is legendary: crisp, juicy, perfectly seasoned. Pair that with mac and cheese, a side of collard greens, and a peach sweet tea and you’re golden.
Reservations: Walk-ins only. Get there by 5:30 p.m. for dinner or you might miss out.
Money-saving tip: Order from the “Family Box” section if you’re with a group—it feeds 3–4 people and is more cost-effective.
6. Hawks Public House
Address: 1525 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816
Hawks is where I go when I want a refined dining experience without the formality. This place focuses on California cuisine with European technique, and their house-made pastas are some of the best I’ve had outside of Italy.
On my last visit, I had the squid ink tagliatelle with Dungeness crab, and the way the flavors unfolded was pure poetry. Their seasonal cocktails are a hit too—especially the bourbon and fig old fashioned.
Reservations: Strongly recommended on weekends—book through their website or OpenTable.
Money-saving tip: Come for Happy Hour (Tuesday–Friday, 3–6 p.m.) and enjoy small bites and drinks at a fraction of dinner prices.
7. Zócalo Midtown
Address: 1801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811
Let’s talk about ambiance. Zócalo feels like a fiesta the moment you walk in. The space is vibrant, with bold Mexican tile, dramatic lighting, and upbeat music. But the food is what hooks you.
I always order their Carnitas Michoacanas, slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Their tableside guacamole is a must, and the margarita flight? Dangerously good.
Reservations: They accept reservations via OpenTable.
Money-saving tip: Visit during Taco Tuesdays and Happy Hour for great drink specials and discounts on tacos and appetizers.
8. Mulvaney’s B\&L
Address: 1215 19th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Chef Patrick Mulvaney doesn’t just cook—he tells stories with food. Mulvaney’s B\&L is a cornerstone of Sacramento’s farm-to-fork movement, and eating here feels like joining a community.
The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh from local farms. On one visit, I had spring lamb with grilled asparagus and fava bean purée, followed by a tangy Meyer lemon tart. It felt like a love letter to Northern California.
Reservations: Required for dinner. Book through their site or OpenTable.
Money-saving tip: Ask about their “family meal” packages to-go—seasonal, affordable, and beautifully crafted.
9. Magpie Café
Address: 1601 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Magpie is my go-to for casual, clean, hyper-local eating. Their brunch is low-key legendary, with dishes like duck confit hash, house-made granola with Straus yogurt, and buttermilk biscuits with seasonal jam.
Even their coffee game is strong. They source from small California roasters and serve it with precision.
Reservations: Walk-ins are common, but weekend brunch fills up.
Money-saving tip: Grab a to-go lunch salad or sandwich—great quality and better value than sitting down if you’re in a hurry.
10. Fixins Soul Kitchen
Address: 3428 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
I came here once after a day exploring Oak Park’s murals and fell hard for Fixins. It’s unapologetically Southern: lively, bold, full of flavor, and fiercely community-centered.
Their shrimp and grits blew me away. Creamy, buttery, with just the right heat. Don’t sleep on their chicken and waffles, or the sweet potato pie.
Reservations: Available via Resy, but they also accommodate walk-ins.
Money-saving tip: Portions are massive. Share an entrée and save room for dessert.
Travel Tips for Booking Your Foodie Adventure in Sacramento
If you’re planning a culinary trip to Sacramento (and you absolutely should), I highly recommend using a combination of Google Flights or Skyscanner for airfare, as they let you compare flexible travel dates for the best deals.
For lodging, Booking.com and Hotels.com both offer solid hotel options near Midtown and Downtown Sacramento, which is where most of these restaurants are located. I’ve also used Vrbo for more intimate stays, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.
As for restaurant reservations, Tock is your go-to for upscale experiences like The Kitchen, while OpenTable and Resy cover most of the others. It’s worth setting up alerts for popular spots, especially on weekends or around major events.
And one last tip? Download the Too Good To Go app. A few local bakeries and cafés offer discounted food at the end of the day, and it’s a smart, sustainable way to sample more.
Whether you’re in Sacramento for business, politics, or just passing through, these ten restaurants each offer something unique—a story, a flavor, a feeling. Each one fed me in ways I didn’t expect. And if you plan it right, they’ll do the same for you.
If you’re hungry, go. If you’re curious, go. And if you find yourself in any of these restaurants, save me a seat. I’ll be back soon.
