Sacramento has embraced its “Farm‑to‑Fork” identity with a mix of ambitious restaurants, casual bistros, and inventive bars that highlight the region’s agricultural abundance.
These five relatively new or newly buzzworthy spots show where the city’s dining scene is right now.
1. Canon
Canon is one of Sacramento’s most celebrated modern restaurants, combining a sleek, contemporary space with a menu built for sharing.
The interior features clean lines, warm woods, and an airy feel that matches its refined but playful cuisine.
The menu focuses on seasonal small and medium plates, often vegetable‑forward, with global influences woven in—think roasted carrots with layered textures, creative grain dishes, and carefully sourced proteins prepared with bold sauces and spice blends.
Sharing is encouraged, making it easy to sample widely. The cocktail program is a major draw, with inventive, balanced drinks that change with the seasons. Canon is a go‑to for food lovers looking for something both sophisticated and fun.
2. Allora
Allora brings a polished, modern Italian seafood and wine experience to Sacramento.
The space feels intimate and upscale, with careful attention to lighting, table settings, and details that make it ideal for special occasions.
The menu emphasizes seafood and house‑made pastas, often layered with coastal Italian flavors—citrus, herbs, olive oil, and delicate broths.
Tasting menus and wine pairings are a big part of the appeal, with a strong focus on sparkling and white wines that complement the food. Allora is a great choice when you want a more formal, curated dining experience that still feels contemporary and fresh.
3. Beast + Bounty
Beast + Bounty was designed from the start to serve both “meat eaters” and “plant eaters” equally well.
The airy, design‑forward space features lots of light, greenery, and a casual‑chic atmosphere that suits brunch, lunch, or dinner. The menu is divided between vegetable‑centric and protein‑centric dishes.
You might find inventive salads, grain bowls, and plant‑based plates alongside steaks, burgers, and seafood. Many dishes are built around local produce and change with the seasons.
With a solid cocktail list and a buzzy atmosphere, Beast + Bounty is a natural choice for groups with mixed dietary preferences.
4. Tiger
Tiger combines a bar, restaurant, and nightlife spot in downtown Sacramento. The interior is vibrant and modern, with a strong energy that ramps up as the night goes on.
The menu leans toward elevated bar food and shareable plates—crispy bites, creative sandwiches, grain bowls, and globally inspired snacks that pair well with drinks. The kitchen often plays with bold flavors and fun combinations that feel right at home in a late‑night setting.
Cocktails are front and center, with a rotating list of inventive options, plus a solid selection of beers and spirits. Tiger is perfect for those nights when you want dinner and drinks to blend into one long hangout.
5. Magpie Café
Magpie Café embodies Sacramento’s farm‑to‑fork ethos in a casual, approachable way. The space is bright and relaxed, making it a favorite for lunch, brunch, and easygoing dinners.
The menu changes frequently, but always centers on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll see colorful vegetable plates, creative salads, sandwiches, and entrees that showcase what’s fresh—often with a Mediterranean or Californian twist.
Desserts and baked goods are also a strength, with pies, cakes, and cookies that feel homemade but refined. Magpie is a great everyday spot for people who care about where their food comes from.
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