25 BEST Restaurants IN SACRAMENTO

1. Sushi Q

Let’s start with my favorite cuisine, Japanese food. Sushi Q serves some of the best sushi in town. it’s still under the radar, although it’s becoming very popular. They have two locations, one in Elk Grove and one in the South Land Park area. Lobster tempura is delicious, and their large sashimi plate is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

2. Azayaka Sushi

This is my new favorite sushi spot. It’s truly authentic and high quality, They have some of the best bento boxes I’ve ever had outside of Japan. the amount of care they put into the food and the aesthetics is next level. They are one of the few that offer Omakase sushi restaurants in Sacramento for a  reasonable less than $130. Make reservations especially if it’s the weekend.

3. Kru 

One of the original elevated contemporary Japanese restaurants in downtown Sacramento by the talented Billy Ngo. I dined here before they moved to their new location when it was a much more smaller establishment. Their quality has stayed top notch and their rolls are actually good with a good rice-to-fish ratio and a seasonal changing menu so there’s always something new to try. Reservations are highly encouraged.

4. Mikunis

Another excellent and more casual vibe sushi spot with awesome happy hour. Their spicy garlicky edamame is delicious. all their rolls are superb. It’s a great Sacramento restaurant to have lunch or happy hour at. Order their salmon truffle appetizer, trust me!

5. Kodaiko

The newest food child of the mastermind behind Kru, a delicious ramen spot serving their popular hearty three-day pork (tonkatsu) paitan in the heart of Downtown k street. Vegetarians rejoice because their mushroom vegan ramen is seriously delicious. 

6. Ella’s Dining Room 

Now we pivot to some of the classic American restaurants. This fine establishment is one of the best restaurants in Sacramento’s downtown. Ella’s dining room is a staple restaurant in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Serving New American, farm-to-fork cuisine for lunch and dinner, featuring entrees of seafood, steaks, pastas, small plates, salads, fresh oysters, and traditional caviar service. Ella also features an award-winning wine list and seasonal and classic hand-crafted cocktails. Their happy hour is one of the best in town. It’s an upscale classy place to dine in the Sacramento area.

7. Beast + Bounty

Newer trendy restaurants in Sacramento. Truly a feast for the eyes. The swanky mid-century modern vibes with the pops of green and pink colors is such a fun place to dine at. They serve modern California cuisine with seasonal dishes that rotate and take on shared meal some of my favorite is the octopus appetizer and tomahawk steak.

8. Zeldas Pizza

This is one of the hidden gems and hands down the best pizza you’ll find in Sacramento. Zelda’s Pizza is the best unique pizza place, dare I say,  in Northern California. I don’t even love pizza, but this pizza I’ll gobble up guilt free. It’s a nostalgic hole-in-a-wall wall dark tavern-like space but let me tell you their crust and pizza are more like a pie. I always order the pepperoni and garlic double sauce extra crispy. Try it and let me know if it’s not your favorite. Last time I was there I met a couple in line who are from Chicago and they were excited to try to get a taste of Chicago in Sacramento. so there you go. 

9. Massulo’s

Another best Sacramento restaurants, serving more of a traditional Neopolitan pizza style. thin and delicious. the folks at Mussolos put care into their dough and pizza. I always get take out and you really need a whole pizza to yourself. 

10. Fixins soul kitchen

If traditional American comfort food is what you’re after  They serve some of the best juiciest fried chicken at this fine establishment. Their chicken is seriously the juiciest fried chicken you’ll get in Sacramento. Their cornbread and all the fixings are also top-notch. Do yourself a favor and come here and try it. I sometimes order the full bucket to go. the price is fair, the hot sauce is hot, and they have outdoor seating for those cozy sacramento summer nights.

11. Binchoyaki izakaya Dining 

Another best restaurant in Sacramento, recognized by the Michelin Guide. This location pays homage to the deep roots of Japanese history in Sacramento, located in the old ” Japanese neighborhood” where many Japanese Americans opened their businesses and shops. the cuisine is a modern take on the izakaya staples. They serve skewers and plates. Good to know, the service can be extremely slow. prepare to smell like smoke by the time you leave as they grill their skewers on Japanese charcoal. All your appetizers and food at the same time because it will take a while to reach your table. Deliciously nonetheless.

12. Allora

Located in East Sacramento, this lovely contemporary Italian cuisine is recognized by the Micheline guide with an extensive wine list. the food is delicious, their lobster noodles was delicious and they do have a rotating menu. It’s a fancy place for date night or a special occasion

13. Echo & Rig

One of the best and newest hot steak houses in Sacramento. Located n the Sawyer Hotel in downtown doco center. Truly great cuts and great service. come here for a special occasion.

14. Frank Fats

One of the oldest Chinese restaurants since 1939, and an authentic staple restaurant in Sacramento. Located in Downtown Sacramento this great Sacramento restaurant serves traditional Cantonese cuisine, and their Peking duck is the best and so is their banana cream pie. 

15. Tower Cafe

A great brunch place a Sacramento staple next to the historic old tower theater, It’s a garden Oasis and the inside is filled with the owner’s prior eclectic collection from their travels. historic tower theater. Iconic breakfast and brunch place serving

16. Localis 

The newest Michelin star restaurant in Sacramento, in an unassuming building, is Localis. The blend of seasonal ingredients and beautiful and artfully displayed is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

17. The Kitchen

Is Sacramentos first michein star restaurant. it’s such a unique and fun experience! You will not leave feeling deprived. the unique experience of being able to go inside the kitchen and sample appetizers and slurping there are oysters on a half shelf to your heart’s content. they serve a rotating seasonal menu. I had an amazing time and would definitely recommend it to anyone. You absolutely need to make reservations in advance. 

18. Rayujin

Serving the best and heartiest Tokotsu (pork) broth ramen. It’s the best and my favorite ramen place. it’s always consistent and deliciously good.

19.  Gunthers Ice cream

Gunthers is a refreshing treat on a hot Sacramento day. They serve the most, and I mean the most amazing vanilla ice cream. The creamiest and most delicious. they are known for their 50-50 freeze with a blend of creamy vanilla ice cream in the middle and icy real fruit-filled ice cream on top and bottom.

20. Biba 

Another delicious and true Sacramento staple. Located in Downtown Sacramento this is one of the oldest and best restaurants in Sacramento. Serving great traditional Italian dishes. It’s the perfect place to take a date or go on a date night.

21. Swish Japanese Fondue

Another best place to eat in Sacramento, well Elk Grove, but close enough! They serve AYCE Shabu-shabu that’s delicious. it’s about the broth. I love their tonkatsu broth. It’s a great place to have dinner during the colder months in Sacramento. 

22. Saigon Oi

A Vietnamese restaurant that serves a special dish called banh canh cua, udon noodle crab soup. If you’ve read my Best Vietnamese Restaurants article, you know Saigon Oi has a few other notable specialties. Make sure you try the noodle soup, it’s seriously delicious.

23. Bacon and Butter

one of Sacramento’s most popular breakfast spots. Their French toast will make your heart sink and flutter at the same time. Incredibly delicious and popular. Make reservations or prepare to wait in long lines.

24. Journey To The Dumpling

One of the best places to eat in Sacramento if you’re craving those delicious soup dumplings! Every single dish here is delicious. I recommend their pork and shrimp soup dumplings and their friend soup dumplings. Add a veggie plate to balance out the carbs, and get ready to slurp up some of the thinnest wrappers and delicious soup dumplings. 

25. Yue Huang

The best dim sum in Sacramento, you’ll find it here at Ye Huang. Their extensive menu has some of Dim Sum’s iconic dishes with a modern twist. You should absolutely try their dragon rice roll. Wowzers! It’s my favorite dish there.