The Best Restaurants In Sacramento, California

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The Kitchen Restaurant is truly a one-of-a-kind fine dining establishment. Executive Chef John Griffiths creates a ‘playbill’ or menu consisting of seven acts, six of which are food courses, and one intermission. The seasonal menus, which feature the finest ingredients from the Sacramento region, change monthly. The six-course menu can be paired with wine offerings chosen by Jeremy Reed, the sommelier, or diners can choose from the extensive wine list. With everything cooked in front of the guests, foodies will feel like they are at a performance where the outcome is delicious farm-to-fork gourmet fare. Reservations are mandatory.

Another restaurant owned by the Selland family, Ella happily showcases the bounty of the Sacramento and Central Valley region in its New American fare. Located in the heart of downtown, the restaurant provides a unique ‘rustic luxury’ ambience that is warm and friendly and features seasonal menus by new Executive Chef Rob Lind. Current selections include the mouth-watering pan seared scallops with creamed kale, bacon lardons, porcini mushrooms, and kale chips and the juicy Ella hamburger with smoked bacon, roasted onion, choice of cheese, and parsley fries. Peruse the drink menu for the award-winning wine list and leave room for one of their delectable desserts that include spiced carrot doughnuts.

Frank Fat’s has been a staple in downtown for 75 years, and its close proximity to the Capitol has made it a political meeting hotspot over the years. Established in 1939 by Frank Fat, who arrived in the USA 20 years earlier from China, this restaurant serves Chinese American fare in an elegant atmosphere and was a recipient of the prestigious 2013 James Beard Foundation America’s Classic Award. Serving lunch and dinner, diners can savour house specialities like Fat’s brandy fried chicken, award-winning dishes, such as honey walnut prawns, or something a bit different like marinated dove and elk. Do not forget to save room for Fat’s famous banana cream pie because it is a must-try for any foodie.

Housed in an historic 1853 firehouse in Old Sacramento, The Firehouse Restaurant is the epitome of fine dining. Serving American inspired fare with an artistic flair, Executive Chef Deneb Williams works with local farmers and ranchers to bring the freshest ingredients to the establishment. The seasonal menu features succulent dishes, such as Moroccan duck and frutti di mare, which is a combination of seafood, plus vegetarian options are available on request making this a place where anyone can satisfy their hunger. With myriad of wine choices, irresistible desserts, an elegant interior decorated with fine and decorative arts, including an Orrin Peck painting and a glass dome that may or may not be a Tiffany, and impeccable service, discerning guests will not regret their visit to this multi-award winning restaurant.

As the name implies, Tres Hermanas, located in midtown, is a Mexican restaurant opened by three sisters in 1996. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, the sisters have created a festive atmosphere with brightly coloured décor and a tasty menu specialising in Mexican cuisine from the northern region. The dishes are made with the freshest ingredients possible and include flavourful options, such as the popular carnitas and the chicken mole poblano. With plenty of vegetarian options and a full bar serving a variety of refreshing margaritas, diners will enjoy this spot.

Located on R Street, the local favourite Magpie Café is a casual restaurant that was established in 2009. This gem serves American fare prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and as a result, their innovative menus change often. Serving lunch and dinner, dishes to note from the current menus include Vietnamese steak salad with herbs, pickled roots, jalapeños, natural beef, and lettuce and the summer risotto with azolla baby squash, early girl tomatoes, basil pesto, and aged jack cheese. They also serve brunch during the weekend with a highlight being the savoury bread pudding that includes bacon, chipotle cheddar, chives, butter, and maple syrup. Diners will appreciate the creativity that goes into these flavourful plates.