Sacramento Must Try Restaurants

(UPDATED 7/8/2020) Description of the Sacramento Must Try Restaurants identified by Zagat.

Towards the end of last month Zagat released a list of 11 restaurants it identified as Sacramento Must Try Restaurants.  Zagat noted that Sacramento, the state capital, is a metropolitan hub in the heart of a prime agricultural region, and that the region delivers on high-quality dining with “…superb beers, tasting menus and nationally recognized coffee roasters”.

Ambitious Tasting Menus

Localis was recognized for its inventive combinations of fresh, seasonal food.  Zagat called the Localis $79 five-course tasting menu “a deal”.   Localis is located at 2031 S Street.

For a similar experience, Zagat also recommended consideration of The Kitchen.

SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)

Cocktails and Bar Bites

For cocktails and bar bites Zagat recognized Block Butcher Bar, describing it as a “…dimly lit, wood-paneled Midtown charmer” serving high caliber, unpretentious cocktails that also serves more substantial bites sourced from the next door sister establishment LowBrau, a contemporary beer hall.  Block Butcher Bar is located at 1050 20^th Street.

Zagat also recommended for consideration both the Red Rabbit and the Empress Tavern.

See related post:  Empress Tavern – Sacramento Restaurants 

Chocolate Lovers

In the “for chocolate lovers” category Zagat recognized Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates (a Sacramento favorite) describing the establishment as a “chic sweet shop” and noting its “myriad options”.  Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates is located at 1801 L Street.

Zagat also recommended consideration of Kobasic’s Candies. 

Unique Spin on Japanese Cuisine

Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine was recognized for its “unique spin on Japanese cuisine”.  Zagat suggested – for an extravagent experience – opting for the $125 omakase and noted that it “rivals SF’s best midpriced tasting menus.”  Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is located at 3135 Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento.

See related posts:  Kru – Sacramento Restaurants and Kru Revisited

Zagat also recommended consideration of Binchoyaki.

See related post: Binchoyaki Izakaya – Sacramento Restaurants 

Vegetarian

Mother was Zagat’s pick for vegetarians.  Zagat noted that Mother “happens to be meat-free but could hold its own with the best carnivorous destinations in town”.  Mother is located in downtown Sacramento at 1023 K Street. 

Zagat also recommended for consideration another vegetarian friendly establishment – Selland’s Market Café.

See related post:  Sellands Market-Café – Sacramento Restaurants 

Contemporary Mexican

In the “contemporary Mexican” category Zagat recognized Nixaco, noting that “locals have no issue making the trek”  for their “thrilling tacos”.   Nixaco is located at 1805 Cirby Way #12 in Roseville.

Zagat also recommended for consideration both Mayahuel and Cielito Lindo.

See related posts:  Mayahuel – Sacramento Restaurants

and Cielito Lindo Mexican Gastronomy

Upscale But Relaxed

Ella Dining Room and Bar was recognized as a place to go “for an upscale but relaxed celebration”.  Zagat noted that the establishment is “certainly formal but hardly stuffy, with an even more relaxed sidewalk patio”.  Ella Dining Room and Bar is located in Downtown Sacramento at 1131 K Street.

For a similar experience Zagat recommended for consideration both Biba and The Waterboy.

Beer

When it came to beer Zagat recognized Track 7 Brewing noting “we’re particularly excited about the bold IPAs and well-balanced porters and stouts from the 2011-established Track 7”.  Track 7 Brewing locations are:  3737 W. Pacific Avenue, Suite F and 826 Professor Lane in Sacramento.

Zagat also made mention that the Sacramento craft beer trend “easily rivals the hoppy scene in the Bay Area” and suggested that “devotees should spend an afternoon jumping from taproom to taproom”.

Also recommended for consideration by Zagat were:  Ruhstaller Beer and Device Brewing Company.

Seasonal Californian

For seasonal Californian cuisine Zagat recognized Magpie Café.  Zagat described Magpie Café as “eclectic” and noted that it was “an important part of Sac Town’s renaissance when it opened in 2009 and has since graduated to much more spacious digs”.  Magpie is located at 1601 16^th Street in Midtown Sacramento.

See related post:  Magpie Café – Sacramento Restaurants 

Also recommended for consideration were Mulvaney’s B&L and Grange.

Coffee

For “lattes” Zagat recognized Chocolate Fish Coffee – making specific mention of “the award-winning baristas” and noting that both locations (East Sacramento and Downtown Sacramento) are “sleek and friendly (with none of the Third Wave Coffee attitude)”.  Chocolate Fish Locations are:  4749 Folsom Boulevard and 400 P Street #1203.

Zagat also recommended for consideration both Temple Coffee Roasters and Insight Coffee Roasters. 

Old-School Ice Cream

In the “old-school ice cream” category Zagat recognized Leatherby’s Family Creamery, noting that “flavors and sauces are made in-house” and that Leatherby’s Family Creamery is “all about (the) classics”.   Leatherby’s is located at 2333 Arden Way in Sacramento.

Zagat also recommended for consideration both Vic’s and Gunther’s. 

See related post:  California Walking Sticks Ice Cream Walk 

So, there you have it – Zagat’s list of  Sacramento Must Try Restaurants.

Update

(7/8/2020)  Broken links deleted.  Note:  Both Mother and Cielito Lindo have unfortunately closed their doors.

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