We found ourselves in Sacramento for a weekend, but with only ONE night to properly dine out. So, before we left, I texted my lobbyist friend: “If you only had one night in Sacramento, where would you eat?” She got back to me with a quick list of what she thinks are the best restaurants in Sacramento, and SHOCKINGLY they weren’t on any of the other top Google hits for best Sacramento restaurants!
So ignore those other sites, and check out these places. Because if anyone knows where the best restaurants in Sacramento are to be found, it’s the people who have to schmooze over dinners and drinks for a living…
1. The Kitchen
The recommendation: “It’s amazing. Total dining experience.”
And she’s not wrong: It’s a prix fixe, one seating a night, restaurant that probably doesn’t have a reservation available. Which is why we couldn’t go on such short notice. Sad face.
2. Ella Dining Room and Bar
The recommendation: “Ella is my favorite. It’s by the owners of The Kitchen and it’s always really good. It’s right across from the Capital Building. So it’s a total Politico hangout. There’s a great bar there too and they make their own tonic. Plus the fried chicken and homemade hot sauce is great.”
Again, not wrong! This is where we ended up going, over-ordering, and walking away full but happy and itching to go back!
3. Kru Sushi
The recommendation: “If you can’t get into those two, Kru Sushi is also amazing.”
4. Empress Tavern
The recommendation: TWO people recommended this as not only a great restaurant, but a fantastic place for cocktails.
Bonus: Cafeteria 51L for breakfast
We ended up going to this place for breakfast twice, it’s so good. Which is cool because I got to try both the chicken and waffles and their berry pancakes. (I recommend both.) And Mike got to eat their Mexican Skillet TWICE.
Now I ask you: If you had one night in Sacramento, where would YOU eat?
