Today the Michelin’s little red book of restaurants came out for the San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country. This guide provides a list of the best of best that dining has to offer.
But, Sacramento doesn’t have a Michelin Guide- yet. Right now it’s only available for four cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco and new this year, Washington D.C.
So fine, those are all great cities, but I’m sure the Sacramento guide is coming soon, right?? Likely just a matter of time.
In the spirit of today’s Michelin announcement, I thought I’d note my tried and true favorites here in Sacramento. Of course, this is just a micro list. Once I started writing this post I started to realize I could go on and on. More to come at a future date, but for today, here are the ones that off the top of my head got my mouth watering.
Best Overall Experience
The Kitchen
It’s not all hype. It really is amazing. So if you can swing it, do it.I’ve been to The Kitchen twice and both experiences were amazing. The food is prepared right in front of you. It’s a show and dinner combined. Every course is amazing, and if you want more, just ask. The chef is happy to feed you ’til your heart is content. It’s about as good as it gets.
Best Southern Food
The Porch
I grew up in Virginia and South Carolina and my favorite food when I was a little kid was grits. The Porch’s Shrimp and Grits are hard to beat. My husband is loyal to the Shrimp Po’ Boy. And we both love to start our feast with either the Grilled Brie or the Skillet Cornbread. Worth every calorie.
Best Burgers
Broderick
Broderick Roadhouse is within walking distance from our house, which can be amazing, but also dangerous. All their burgers are just so good! My husband always orders the Johnny Cash or the Gold Rush Burger and shares a taste (or three!). I almost always get the Lamb Burger, but sub out the lamb for a veggie patty, which is homemade and delicious. You also get all the lamb burger toppings this way, which includes roasted tomato, goat cheese, and arugula.
Best Asian Food
Frank Fats
There is just something about this place. The day after we got married, over 12 years ago, we went here right before we left for our honeymoon. We still go here for special events and it’s always wonderful. Our favs are the Won Ton Soup, the Honey Walnut Shrimp, and of course, the Banana Cream Pie.
Best Brunch
Iron Horse Tavern
The food here is good for any meal, but brunch is really special. So many yummy items that it is really hard to pick. And as soon as you think you’ve figured it out, the waitress will bring something to table beside you that looks amazing and you’ll abandon the thing you finally settled on. Plus R Street just has such a great vibe now, right? It’s kind of perfect.
Best Tapas
Aioli Bodega Espanola
If you do tapas like I do, it doesn’t mean you leave the restaurant hungry, it just means you got to have a ton of little plates that were all amazing. Think ADHD for the palate. That is what happens when I go to Aiolio. From the duck to the figs wrapped in goat cheese, it’s all so amazing.
Best Cheese Experience
The Rind
Best cheese board, best grilled cheese, best mac and cheese- The list goes on and on. If you love cheese, you will be very happy here. We always split a few items so we get to taste it all. Fingers-crossed that their Thanksgiving mac and cheese comes back again this season! I’m still thinking about it, a whole year later!!
Best Sandwich Shop
Beach Hut Deli
So, I know this is a franchise, but I still needed it on the list. The custom sandwiches are crazy good. Everyone can find something they will like, even if you stick with a basic turkey and cheese. The breads, meats, and veggies are really fresh. Amazing!
Best Dessert
The Parlor
A scoop of ice cream, with a few select toppings (if you’d like), all panni-pressed in a warm donut. Yeah, it’s amazing. It’s such a one-of-a-kind experience, you have to try it (if you haven’t already). I don’t care if it’s raining and October, I always say yes when someone suggests The Parlor.
So that’s it for now. Clearly, Sacramento has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to restaurants. I could have easily come up with another 15, but I’ll save those for next time.
Also, I’m always looking for recommendations, so post your favorites below or shoot me an email. I’d love to give it a try!
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