15 perfect restaurants in Sacramento, United States

Tummy rumbling and ready to conquer the food scene in Sacramento? Look no further! We've scoured the streets and found the 15 best restaurants that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. From a trendy burger joint that'll have you drooling, to a swanky seafood spot that will make you feel like a true mermaid (or merman), this list is guaranteed to have you coming back for seconds... and thirds... and maybe even fourths, if you're feeling adventurous. So, grab your stretchy pants and prepare for a culinary adventure of a lifetime in California's capital!

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1. Hawks Provisions + Public House

4.6 (481)

1525 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, Hawks Provisions + Public House is a delightfully quirky destination for those with an insatiable craving for culinary adventures. As you step through the doors of this whimsical eatery, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. With witty waitstaff and an ambiance that exudes hipster charm, Hawks will have you chuckling in disbelief at the sheer peculiarity of it all, but with your taste buds cheering in delight. From the moment you peruse their menu, Hawks Provisions + Public House will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat. This innovative eatery seamlessly combines traditional fare with avant-garde flavors that will have your palate tap-dancing in delight. Savor the succulent duck confit tacos, where crispy tortilla meets tender duck meat in a harmonious marriage of flavors so extraordinary, you'll start questioning conventional taco etiquette. But the quirky charm of Hawks doesn't end with the food. Oh no, dear friend! Prepare for a décor that will make you feel like you've wandered into a whimsical Wonderland meets a funky vintage shop. Picture walls adorned with upside-down umbrellas and quirky animal masks staring at you, as if silently challenging you to not burst into laughter. And the staff? Well, they're just a bunch of amusing culinary jesters, ready to regale you with tales of flavor experimentation and culinary wizardry. So, fellow explorer, if you find yourself craving an unforgettable dining experience in Sacramento, look no further than Hawks Provisions + Public House. It's where culinary creativity meets eccentricity, and where laughter and gourmet delight dance together in harmony. Bon appétit, and don't forget to bring your appetite, your sense of humor, and an open mind!

hawkspublichouse.com

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2. The Waterboy

4.7 (648)

2000 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

Welcome to The Waterboy, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Sacramento, where food and laughter come together in perfect harmony. As you step into its inviting ambiance, prepare to embark on a whimsical journey of flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more. With a menu as artistic as the Sistine Chapel and flavors that could charm the grumpiest of taste testers, The Waterboy is guaranteed to make you forget that water is even a thing. During your visit to The Waterboy, be prepared for a delightful spectacle of flavors that will tickle your fancy and dance on your palate like synchronized swimmers. From their mouthwatering starters that rival the Olympic high dive to their delectable entrees that showcase culinary acrobatics, each dish is a showcase of the chef's expertise and a testament to Sacramento's gastronomic excellence. Just be warned, after indulging in their internationally-inspired desserts, you might be tempted to enroll in food rehab. But The Waterboy is more than just a culinary experience; it's a journey into the true heart of Sacramento. As the locals come together in this cozy establishment, the air becomes infused with laughter and conversation that could power a small turbine. So, sit back, relax, and let The Waterboy take you on a gastronomic rollercoaster ride that will leave you craving its flavors long after you've bid Sacramento adieu.

www.waterboyrestaurant.com

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3. Localis

4.7 (476)

2031 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

Welcome to Localis, the delightful culinary den nestled in the heart of Sacramento! Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other, where innovative flavors and locally sourced ingredients intertwine to create the ultimate foodie utopia. With dishes so exquisite, you'll find yourself contemplating whether it's rude to lick your plate clean – fear not, for you definitely won't be alone in this endeavor! So, bring your taste buds for a spin, and get ready to say goodbye to your diet plans in the most gloriously indulgent way possible!

localissacramento.com

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4. Binchoyaki

4.4 (413)

2226 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA

Welcome to Binchoyaki, the restaurant that takes grilling to a whole new level and reminds us that fire can actually be a good friend. Located in the heart of Sacramento, Binchoyaki is where the art of skewered meats and veggies reaches its caffeinated peak, because they don't just grill, they "binchotanize" everything. Brace yourself for an evening of sizzle, smoke, and the occasional "oooh" as you embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds screaming for more.

binchoyaki.com

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5. Bacon & Butter

4.6 (3079)

5913 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820, USA

Welcome to Bacon & Butter, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Sacramento! Prepare to embark on a culinary odyssey where crispy bacon and velvety butter reign supreme. This whimsical eatery boasts a menu that seamlessly blends classic favorites with innovative creations, promising to satisfy even the most insatiable brunch enthusiasts. So grab a fork, loosen that belt buckle, and get ready to indulge in a breakfast experience that will leave you nourished, satisfied, and perhaps even obsessed with all things bacon and butter!

baconandbuttersac.com

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6. Frank Fat's

4.5 (975)

806 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Nestled in the heart of the charming city of Sacramento, lies the culinary gem known as Frank Fat's. Step into this time-honored establishment and prepare to be whisked away on a delicious journey fit for the most discerning taste buds. With an ambiance that effortlessly combines warmth and elegance, it's the perfect place to fulfill your cravings for lip-smacking Chinese cuisine without actually selling your soul to the Chinese devil.

frankfats.com

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7. Mexican Azteca

1101 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA

Welcome to Sacramento, where even the hottest days are accompanied by the coolest vibes, and Mexican Azteca is the perfect spot to refuel your belly without emptying your wallet. This trendy eatery is a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the city, inviting you to embark on a culinary journey to Mexico without a passport. Prepare to fall head over heels for their scrumptious street tacos, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds salsa into a frenzy.

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8. The Kitchen Restaurant

4.7 (583)

2225 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA

Welcome to The Kitchen Restaurant in Sacramento, where culinary magic meets the element of surprise! This bewitching eatery invites you on a gastronomic adventure like no other. Prepare to have your taste buds high-five each other as you embark on a journey of delectable dishes that make you wonder, "Did a unicorn just sneeze flavor into my mouth?"

thekitchenrestaurant.com

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9. Canon

4.6 (548)

1719 34th St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Welcome to the delightful city of Sacramento, where a visit to the iconic landmark, Canon, is an absolute must! This striking structure, not to be mistaken with its photography counterpart, is a historical treasure located in the heart of the city. Standing tall and proud, this cannon has been serving as a symbol of Sacramento's colorful past and its ability to make a "big bang" in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. As you approach this petite yet mighty cannon, prepare to be tickled by its fascinating tale. Legends claim that this cannon was originally designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself! Rumor has it that he was inspired by his desire to invent an avant-garde musical instrument, but his musical genius was sadly overshadowed by his more famous masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. However, don't let the cannon's musical ambitions fool you—it has since retired from the symphony scene and is now simply content with posing for pictures with visitors. Step up and marvel at the impressive craftsmanship of this cannon, as it stands there majestically, defending Sacramento from the imminent threat of rogue pigeons. You may even spot a flock of those sneaky birds plotting their next aerial attack, but fear not! The Canon has never missed its target, and the pigeons know that all they'll get is a harmless puff of smoke and a stern glare. So be sure to check out this Sacramento gem and experience the city's rich history, touched with a dash of quirkiness and a whole lot of "boom"!

canoneastsac.com

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10. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

4.6 (2522)

1530 J St STE 150, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Welcome to Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, where the magic of Japan meets the quirkiness of Sacramento! Nestled in the heart of the city, this lively culinary hotspot will leave your taste buds dancing like a sumo wrestler at a ballet recital. From their mind-boggling selection of fresh sushi rolls that could rival any origami masterpiece to their sashimi that could make even the most stoic ninja shed a tear of joy, Mikuni's menu is as diverse and surprising as a squirrel doing karate. So, hop on this culinary journey where the sushi is as spellbinding as a magician's trick, and Sacramento's Japanese food scene reaches new levels of deliciousness!

mikunisushi.com

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11. Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar

4.4 (936)

2718 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Tucked away in Sacramento, like a sneaky rabbit hiding in a magician's hat, you'll discover the whimsical Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar. This enchanting spot is a sanctuary for food lovers seeking a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of humor on their plates. Prepare to have your taste buds hop with joy as you savor their delectable dishes that are as bold and delightful as a magician's grand finale.

www.theredrabbit.net

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12. Iron Horse Tavern

4.4 (2707)

1800 15th St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

Welcome to Iron Horse Tavern, where the indulgence of hearty food meets the frenetic buzz of a train station. This vibrant tavern, a Sacramento hotspot, embraces its locomotive theme with whimsical enthusiasm. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by an atmosphere that fuses old-fashioned charm with a dash of locomotive quirkiness, making it an ideal spot to feast on comfort food and raise a toast to the engine of good times!

www.ironhorsetavern.net

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13. South

S Sacramento Fwy, California, USA

Welcome to the sunny and intriguing neighborhood of South Sacramento! With its charming blend of residential streets, tasty restaurants, and quirky charm, this part of town will leave you pleasantly surprised. Prepare to be embraced by the welcoming locals, who have perfected the art of sharing a smile and a good laugh while savoring some truly mouthwatering comfort food in this laid-back corner of California's capital city.

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14. Zocalo

4.4 (2622)

1801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

Welcome to Zocalo in Sacramento, where the flavors are as wild as a rollercoaster ride with a popcorn machine! This lively Mexican joint will tickle your taste buds with dishes that will make your mouth salsa dance. Whether you're craving a deliciously cheesy enchilada or a mouthwatering burrito that's more stuffed than a piñata at a candy convention, Zocalo has got you covered. So grab a sombrero, bring your appetite, and get ready to say "adios" to hunger!

www.experiencezocalo.com

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15. The Rind

4.7 (522)

1801 L St #40, Sacramento, CA 95811, USA

In the vibrant city of Sacramento, there exists a cheesy wonderland known as The Rind. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure where cheese reigns supreme, as this charming spot offers an array of delectable cheeses from around the globe. From the welcoming ambiance to the mouthwatering cheese platters, visiting The Rind is a guaranteed wheely good time that will leave you craving for more.

therindsacramento.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sacramento via plane is to fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which offers both domestic and international flights.

Car

The best way to get to Sacramento via car is to take Interstate 5, which runs North and South through the city.

Train

Although there is no direct train service to Sacramento, Amtrak's California Zephyr offers service from both the East and West coasts, arriving at the Sacramento Amtrak Station.

Boat

Although Sacramento is located on the Sacramento River, there is no direct boat service to the city. However, river cruises departing from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities often make stops in Sacramento.

Bus

The best way to get to Sacramento via bus is to take Greyhound, which offers service to the Sacramento Greyhound Station located downtown.

More guides

Discover Sacramento in a Day

A trip to Sacramento as a tourist promises a fun-filled itinerary of historic and cultural attractions that will surely leave an impact on any traveler. From exploring the iconic California State Capitol building to taking a riverboat cruise on the Sacramento River, visitors can experience a blend of olden charm and modern vibes in this vibrant city. The culinary scene, thriving arts and entertainment culture, and abundant outdoor activities make Sacramento an enticing destination for every kind of traveler.

Discover Sacramento's Charm in 3 Days!

As a tourist in Sacramento, one can enjoy exploring the rich history and culture of the city. Attractions such as the California State Capitol, Old Sacramento, and the Crocker Art Museum should not be missed. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can find ample opportunities for recreation in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe.

Budget-Friendly Sacramento: 5 Days of Fun

A trip to Sacramento on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and full of activities. Visit the California State Capitol for free tours and explore the Crocker Art Museum on their free admission days. Take a stroll along the Sacramento River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or local restaurants.

Budget-Friendly Day Tripping in Sacramento

Sacramento, the capital of California, offers plenty of affordable activities for travelers on a budget. Visit historical landmarks like the State Capitol and Sutter's Fort, hike in nearby nature reserves, and sample local cuisine at food trucks and cheap eateries. Stay in hostels or budget hotels and take advantage of public transportation to save money on your trip to Sacramento.