Where Chefs Eat: Local Recommendations in Sacramento
December Edition: 12/21/21
Do you want to know the best restaurants in Sacramento? We did, so we asked our local Foodom Chef Community to give their favorite restaurants and dishes in the Greater Sacramento area. We’ll keep updating this list with the best local food, so be sure to bookmark this post!
Hint: Click on any underlined section to navigate to our featured chef’s & restaurant’s website!
Chef Daniel Ruiz’s Best Restaurants & Bakery
Plan B Restaurant
555 La Sierra Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95864
(916) 483-3000
Serving some of the most delicious French food in Sacramento. The dishes speak for themselves.
Favorite dishes:
- Mussels Mariniere – A white wine steamed fresh mussel seafood plate with herb butter wine sauce
- Fennel-leek tartelettes – topped with anchovies and goat cheese
Zinfandel Grille
2384 Fair Oaks Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 485-7100
Zinfandel Grille has been a local staple for over 20 years. They feature several scrumptious and simply amazing dishes!
Favorite dishes:
- They’re known for their mustard chicken dish, good for lunch or dinner and so tasty.
- Breaded chicken breast with Dijon mustard and panko bread crumbs, the chicken is baked in a brown butter until crispy. Served with mashed potatoes, a tomato bacon zucchini spinach salad and topped with a lemon aioli.
La Esperanza Bakery
5044 Franklin Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95820
(916) 455-0215
Founded in October of 1969, Salvador Plasencia had hopes of “creating a community filled with love, unity, and pan dulce”. La Esperanza is a market connected with a bakery specializing in fresh pastries, cakes, and breads, connected to a small store and restaurant. They also serve fresh burritos with a variety of meats and Mexican dishes.
Favorite dish: Carne Asada Burrito. It’s a classic Hispanic favorite, served with rice beans and steak. Also love the handmade tamales!
Chef Nicolai Lipscomb's Best Restauraunts
Canon East Sacramento
1719 34th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 469-2433
Creative shared plates served with cocktails, beer & wine in a sleek, wood-accented space. If you’re looking for the best variety in your cuisine, this is your place.
Favorite dish: any of the small plates are amazing!
Aioli Bodega Espanola
1800 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-9440
Cheery eatery with outdoor seats serving tapas, paella & other Spanish fare, plus a large wine and cocktail list.
Favorite dish: Delightful Spanish cocktails
Chef Syd Bailey's Best Restaurants
Aji Japanese Bistro
4361 Town Center Blvd. Suite 111
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-9181
Stylish bar & restaurant crafting modern takes on traditional Japanese fare, plus housemade fresh cocktails.
Favorite Dish: Kalbi Tacos
Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine
5065 Pacific St.
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 701-4772
Mezcalito brings authentic flavors from Oaxaca, which is best known for the land of 7 moles.
Favorite dish: Cochinita Pibil
Chef Jen Stone’s Best Local Food
Blaze Pizza
10325 Fairway Dr.
Roseville, CA 95678
Quite possibly the best pizza chain, fresh made-from-scratch pizza dough. Healthful, artisanal ingredients on the assembly line. You decide the toppings. Blazing hot oven + dedicated pizzasmith + 180 seconds = fast-fired, perfectly crisp perfection.
Favorite dish: Make your own pizza. The options are unlimited!
Sunflower Drive-In
10344 Fair Oaks Blvd
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 967-4331
No-frills counter offering vegetarian comfort grub, including nut burgers, burritos & sandwiches. A true staple of Fair Oaks casual dining.
Favorite dish: Nutburger
Loving Hut
8355 Elk Grove Blvd
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 478-9590
All dishes made with the freshest premium vegan ingredients. Organic ingredients are used when available. No MSG, No Dairy, No Eggs and Non-GMO.
Favorite dish: Mongolian Wonder with Chow Mein
Chef Ryan Montgomery's Best Restaurants
Firehouse
1112 Second Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-4772
The best restaurant in Old Sacramento. You’ll experience an inventive approach to intimate dining that fuses sophistication with everyday excellence in the heart of Old Sacramento. Enjoy the region’s most extensive wine collection and an unparalleled, locally-sourced menu presented in an inviting, classic atmosphere.
Favorite dish: Sea Bass with Puffed Rice
Sutter Street Steakhouse
604 Sutter Street
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 351-9100
Featuring U.S.D.A. Prime Cuts of Beef, Fresh Seafood, a full-service bar, and an extensive wine list. Providing fine dining in historic Folsom, Sutter Street Steakhouse takes pride in harmonizing personalized, comfortable service with the finest quality foods.
Favorite dish: Mole Ribeye
Milestone
4359 Town Center Blvd #116
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 934-0790
Contemporary, seasonal New American cuisine, wine & cocktails in a hip space with a patio. One of the most enjoyable dining experiences in El Dorado Hills.
Favorite dish: Duck Landasie
The Independent
629 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 344-7645
Looking for some of the best Placerville has to offer? The Independent features New American plates & clever cocktails presented in rustic-chic surrounds with a patio & fire pit.
Favorite dish: Molasses Brined Pork Chop
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