The 20 Best Restaurants in Sacramento, California

Canon | East Sacramento is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for inventive New American small plates and distinctive brunch offerings. An open kitchen and energetic dining room create a lively backdrop for artfully presented dishes that play with familiar flavors in unexpected ways. A focused bar program highlights well-crafted cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, and a solid selection of beers.

Frog & Slim offers contemporary cuisine with Italian and French influences in a stylish setting evoking a subtle jazz-era ambiance, highlighted by artwork and photography. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, such as arancini and seafood pasta, emphasize balanced flavors and careful execution. Creative cocktails and attentive, professional service contribute to an engaging, convivial dining experience.

Ella Dining Room & Bar is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering refined New American cuisine in an elegant setting. Dishes such as seasonal soups, house-baked breads, fresh pasta, and composed seafood plates highlight focused flavors and careful technique. Attentive, knowledgeable service and thoughtful details contribute to a polished, memorable dining experience.

Allora is a Michelin-selected restaurant in Sacramento offering refined Italian-inspired tasting menus in a polished, intimate setting. Seasonal menus highlight carefully prepared seafood, handmade pastas, and thoughtful desserts. Attentive, knowledgeable service and a skilled sommelier contribute to a relaxed, special-occasion experience focused on detail and flavor.

Zinfandel Grille offers contemporary American grill dishes in a comfortable dining room and inviting patio. Guests note well-prepared, flavorful plates such as scallops and prime rib tartare, presented with care. Attentive, knowledgeable servers guide diners through daily specials and a concise wine selection for a relaxed, enjoyable meal.

Camden Spit & Larder is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering English-influenced, contemporary comfort food in an upscale, stylish dining room. The menu balances hearty and refined, with options ranging from vibrant salads and mushroom pâté to seafood dishes like salt cod fritters. Housemade desserts, including creative sorbet and rich bread-based sweets, add a satisfying finish to the meal. Attentive, professional service rounds out the polished experience.

Il Fornaio Sacramento offers classic Italian cuisine in a high-ceilinged dining room accented with glass and decorative details. Guests highlight well-prepared pastas, including ravioli and lasagna, along with fresh salads and antipasti. Dishes are described as flavorful and generously portioned. Attentive, professional service and a relaxed atmosphere complete the experience.

Zócalo Restaurant, a Michelin-selected restaurant in Midtown Sacramento, serves Mexican-inspired dishes in a striking historic building. Guests mention flavorful plates such as enchiladas with fresh tortillas and hearty burritos, along with house dips and salads. The spacious patio and stylish interior create an energetic setting, complemented by attentive service and convenient phone-based ordering.

Mayahuel offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in a space with eclectic decor and an extensive tequila selection. The bar specializes in sipping tequilas and creative cocktails, including seasonal margaritas. The menu features flavorful dishes such as enchiladas, mole preparations, and thoughtfully prepared vegetarian and vegan options. Attentive, knowledgeable staff help guide both drink and food choices for a well-rounded dining experience.

Grange Restaurant & Bar, a Michelin-selected restaurant inside The Citizen Hotel in downtown Sacramento, offers seasonal, farm-to-fork American cuisine. Dishes highlight fresh ingredients, from seafood to slow-cooked meats, thoughtfully paired with an extensive wine list. The dining room blends historic architecture with a comfortable feel, creating a relaxed setting for both brunch and dinner. Attentive, knowledgeable service supports an unhurried, enjoyable experience.

Alaro Craft Brewery, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar combines house-brewed beers, cocktails, wine, and sangria with a menu of hearty, flavorful dishes. Guests highlight the consistently high quality of the beer and a kitchen that offers creative, well-executed plates such as chicken and chorizo paella. Attentive, welcoming service and a lively Midtown Sacramento setting complete the experience.

Dawson's Steakhouse offers a traditional steakhouse experience with expertly cooked steaks, flavorful accompaniments, and classic starters like crab cakes. Guests note attentive, personable service and a willingness to accommodate seating preferences. The atmosphere suits both relaxed evenings and special occasions, complemented by a thoughtful wine and cocktail selection and rich desserts such as carrot cake.

Der Biergarten offers a relaxed outdoor setting with an extensive beer selection, including rotating options and specialty pours. The menu features hearty, German-inspired comfort foods such as brats, pretzels, waffles, and potato salad. Shaded seating, misters, and heaters help keep guests comfortable, while games and a dog-friendly policy add to the lively, laid-back atmosphere.

Centro Cocina Mexicana offers contemporary Mexican cooking in a lively bar and dining room setting. Guests highlight freshly made guacamole, warm chips with spicy salsa, and flavorful enchiladas with rich mole. A full bar with varied drink options and a busy happy hour scene adds to the experience, while attentive staff and polished presentation contribute to its appeal.

Set along the Sacramento River and connected to a hotel, Scott's Seafood on the River offers an upscale setting for classic seafood and American dishes. The menu features preparations such as salmon, halibut, fresh salads, and housemade desserts. Guests appreciate the riverfront location, with an outdoor patio that enhances the dining experience.

House Kitchen & Bar offers contemporary American comfort food in a stylish yet relaxed setting near the heart of downtown Sacramento. Diners highlight flavorful dishes such as chicken and waffles, alongside a well-chosen selection of beers. The kitchen accommodates gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based diets. Attentive, personable service and a welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

Zócalo University Village offers modern Mexican cuisine with an extensive menu that goes beyond classic tacos and enchiladas to include hearty bowls and burritos. Complimentary chips with salsa and black bean dip set the tone for the meal. Margaritas and other cocktails are popular choices at the bar. The inviting, comfortable dining room is matched by attentive, well-informed service.