California’s capital has become a genuine food city, balancing farm-to-fork ethos, multicultural energy, and a love affair with bold flavor and community spirit.
Sacramento’s restaurants are as diverse and inclusive as California itself.
1. The Kitchen Restaurant
A special-occasion destination and repeatedly Michelin-starred, The Kitchen offers theatrical multi-course tasting experiences built on the very best NorCal produce, local seafood, and exquisite technique.
Guests are treated like old friends, and the showy, interactive kitchen-table format means every dinner is a celebration.
Book months in advance for a meal you’ll never forget.
2. Tower Café
Next to the city’s beloved Tower Theater, this eclectic, globally inspired café boasts a fairy-tale garden patio and a brunch menu that has become iconic.
From chile verde eggs Benedict to coconut French toast and Moroccan chicken, flavors hop the world map.
Expect a wait on weekends, but locals say it’s always worth it.
3. Hawk’s Public House
This neighborhood favorite brings upscale comfort with a local twist—house-cut fries, golden fried chicken, chicory salads, rich pastas, and prime steaks, all sourced from farms “down the road.”
The bar crafts inventive cocktails, there’s always a seasonal dessert, and the atmosphere feels equal parts lively family dinner and date-night hot spot.
4. Zocalo
Sacramento has great Mexican food, and Zocalo stands out with vibrant mezcal cocktails, show-stopping mole, roasted street corn, carnitas plates, and a beautiful interior modeled after Mexican haciendas.
The bar bustles all evening, and the sprawling patio fills with multigenerational groups—proof the spot’s both festive and familiar.
5. South
A beacon of soul food and Southern comfort, South is where you’ll find some of the city’s best fried chicken, okra, grits, and pecan pie.
The bright, cheerful dining room gives off pure comfort vibes, and the chef-owners (a mother-daughter duo) make you feel like family.
Fried green tomatoes, hot biscuits, and “Second Line” craft cocktails are must-haves.
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