It's two for one here. Nosh in the contemporary casual café with its open kitchen, terra cotta walls, and wood accents, or go for the lively and sleek Monkey Bar. Prices are kept down by the order at the counter method (servers bring the food). The menus are upscale in their offering and afford light and hearty eaters solid choices.
Price: Least ExpensiveHeld at Chavez Plaza this outdoor market offers produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, herbs and cheeses. There is typically live entertainment too.
In addition to the fresh samples and baked treats, this market often has prepared food vendors too.
Wednesdays, May to Halloween
Located under the freeway and open year round, this certified farmers' market offers produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, herbs and cheeses. In the summer this is possibly Northern California's largest market.
Price: Least ExpensiveRich wood floors, an open kitchen, contemporary furnishings, high ceilings, and a cool glass bar area create an upscale and stylish venue to have a seafood/steakhouse type meal. The menu is pleasingly basic and favors hearty eaters, but grilled fish and chicken and decent a la carte sides will satisfy calorie counters as well.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis pub style eatery is bar casual and offers a diner worthy menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The British style decor with dark wood, white brick walls, a high ceiling, dart boards, and even a picture of the Queen attracts a crowd, especially for breakfast. If you are checking this place out on a weekend, be prepared to wait. Did we mention that tofu is on the menu? Come here for breakfast or lunch. Dinner is much more about the bar scene and the menu is quite limited.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis is not your grandparents' buffet joint. All you can eat salad, soup, pasta, muffins, "protein toppers", wraps, pizza and more. Think healthy and cheerful buffet.
Price: Least ExpensiveThe "urban" part must come from the decor. Jacks (there are three) sports concrete floors, exposed duct ceilings, modern colors and a hip vibe. It's cafeteria style here and the menu is one that will appeal to healthy and hearty eaters. Consider ordering ahead for take-out, because this place gets crowded.
Price: Least ExpensiveThe "urban" part must come from the decor. Jacks (there are three) sports concrete floors, exposed duct ceilings, modern colors and a hip vibe. It's cafeteria style here and the menu is one that will appeal to healthy and hearty eaters. Consider ordering ahead for take-out, because this place gets crowded. Additional seating is available on the outdoor patio.
Price: Least ExpensiveThe "urban" part must come from the decor. Jacks (there are three) sports concrete floors, exposed duct ceilings, modern colors and a hip vibe. It's cafeteria style here and the menu is one that will appeal to healthy and hearty eaters. Consider ordering ahead for take-out, because this place gets crowded.
Price: Least ExpensiveMore traditional than some of the other offerings in Sacramento, Ju Hachi's smallish space and sushi bar has a loyal following. The decor is cafe modern with the sushi bar on one side and tables the other. This is your friendly neighborhood sushi joint and you can have it delivered if you are within a 3 mile radius which includes downtown and midtown.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLuna's is known for its fresh juices and smoothies, but the casual café/gallery also offers breakfasts and healthy soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. They have live readings and other performances Wednesday through Saturday evenings. The décor is bright and casual with the works of local artists decorating the walls. This is the place to come for basic but fresh food and to get a feel for the artsy side of Sac.
Price: Least ExpensiveNishiki offers sushi and Japanese cuisine in a laid back setting. If you are looking for sleek, trendy and a scene, this is not it (look into Mikuni nearby for that), although it is lively. The d
Price: Moderately ExpensiveChinese can be healthy, creative and fun. This upscale eatery offers a diverse menu of contemporary Chinese cuisine. Often jam packed, P.F. now accepts reservations.
Healthy options are available such as the seared ahi, steamed dumplings, entr
The lush patio with heated lamps, olive trees and a waterfall is an intimate and upscale outdoor dining option. The decor inside is less unique but pleasant and classic with wood tables and chairs, framed French posters, mirrors and neutral colors. There are two dining rooms and the one with the fireplace is cozier and more formal, but the same Italian-Mediterranean inspired menu is served no matter where you sit. The wood burning oven turns out thin-crust pizza, seafood and meat dishes.
Price: Moderately ExpensivePluto's offers serious salads and gourmet sandwiches in a casual and upbeat space right near the Arden Fair Mall (northeast of downtown). When you walk in the door grab a menu slip, and decide what you want before you approach the salad or sandwich bar. Be clear. They move fast here. For those looking for something beyond the salad/sandwich, the sides list offers more options along with wings.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis natural foods co-op sells natural whole foods, vitamins, bulk foods, organic produce, specialty cheese, wine, beer and meats and poultry. The market also boasts a full-service deli offering breakfast and lunch fare. Fresh juices and organic espresso also offered.
Price: Least ExpensiveWe love gourmet, local markets that serve up prepared foods. The bonus here is that a upscale yet casual restaurant is situated next door. Athletic-minded travelers can come for grocery staples, ready to eat foods AND consider a sit-down meal. (Though you may need reservations.)
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis global fusion café offers a big menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is more diner typical with Mexican flourishes, but lunch and dinner offer all sorts of international cuisine. The décor also has a multicultural vibe with artisan statues, pottery, tropical plants, and trickling fountains. The outdoor patio is big and popular when the weather is nice.
Price: Least ExpensiveYou'll find this TJ's between 50th and 51st Streets. TJ's offers prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more.
Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJs a great spot for a quick meal hit.
8 am to 9 pm daily
Located in the Town & Country Village Shopping Center, TJ's offers prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more.
Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJs a great spot for a quick meal hit.
8 am to 9 pm daily
This is a fine dining option for those travelers who want to sample some of Sacramento's more foodie type cuisine. The French-Italian inspired menu changes each month and emphasizes fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. This location is about 8 to 9 miles from downtown.
Lots of gourmet goodies for all. Salad bar, sandwiches, prepared foods and more.
Open daily 8a to 9p
