Whether you’re planning a quick day trip, a weekend escape, or an extended stay, Sacramento is a must-visit road trip destination for food lovers. As America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento serves up delicious flavors worth traveling for —from comfort food classics and Michelin-rated masterpieces to sweet treats and small bites. So buckle up and bring your appetite—here are the must-stop spots on your Sacramento foodie road trip.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira ft. Bacon & Butter
For the Brunch-Loving Road Tripper
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and here in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, we’re not letting anyone start their road trip hangry. Whether you’re craving
This Michelin-rated local favorite in East Sacramento is known for its generous portions and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their biscuit sandwich is known for being a “must-try,” featuring egg, cheese, bacon, and caramelized onion layered atop fluffy biscuits, smothered with bacon gravy.
This beloved local coffee shop is a staple for the start of your road trip. Temple Coffee Roasters’ beautifully decorated cafes throughout the city serve award-winning coffees that pair perfectly with one of their delicious pastries.
Located in Midtown Sacramento, this Southern-inspired restaurant offers hearty brunch plates like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and bourbon brunch cocktails in a welcoming, rustic setting.
Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento inside the Hyatt Centric, this upscale-yet-approachable restaurant offers seasonal brunch favorites and craft cocktails, perfect for a relaxing start to your day.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira ft. Nash & Proper
For the Budget-Friendly Road Tripper
When you’re in Sacramento, great eats don’t necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag. Sacramento offers plenty of delicious, affordable options, perfect for the foodie road tripper who doesn’t want to break the bank.
If you’re craving quick, authentic Mexican food on the go, then Chando’s Tacos is a stop worth taking. Their tacos, burritos, and carne asada fries are flavorful, filling, and easy on your wallet.
Every Saturday, year-round, Midtown comes alive with what’s rated California’s best farmers’ market. Stroll through rows of local vendors offering fresh pastries, tamales, handcrafted goods, and farm-fresh produce from Sacramento’s more than 1.5 million acres of surrounding farmland.
This plant-based burger joint offers sustainable, crave-worthy options from their signature Patch Burger and shakes to their loaded fries and mac and cheese.
Looking to heat up your road trip? Nash & Proper is known for having some of the best hot chicken in town, offering sandwiches, tenders, and combo plates with heat levels ranging from mild to seriously spicy.
Image Courtesy of: Selland Family Restaurant Group ft. The Kitchen Restaurant
For the Michelin-Rated Foodie
With multiple Michelin-rated restaurants, Sacramento is a dream destination for food lovers who appreciate culinary creativity and bold flavors. These spots elevate the road trip experience in America's Farm-to-Fork Capital into something truly unforgettable.
This Michelin-starred restaurant features an open-kitchen setting, allowing you to witness the magic of their culinary team creating six-course prix-fix meals made with the best seasonal ingredients.
Located in East Sacramento, Canon’s menu focuses on fresh, intriguing small bites like charred broccoli, a pimento-stuffed flatbread, smoked tombo tuna, and more.
This downtown Sacramento favorite overlooks Capitol Mall, offering British food with a farm-to-fork flair. Be sure to try the spit-roasted chicken served with whipped potatoes, pearl onions, asparagus and mushroom ragout, bacon, and salsa verde.
Located in the heart of downtown, Grange Restaurant & Bar offers a modern take on American cuisine, featuring beautifully plated dishes with bold flavor combinations. This even makes for a great lunch spot as they offer a “Power Lunch” which allows you to try three courses for a reasonable price.
Image Courtesy of: Rachael Durling ft. Mojo's Local Tap & Kitchen
For the Brews & Bites Road Tripper
If your road trip calls for good beer and even better bites, Sacramento has several award-winning breweries that combine local brews with crowd-pleasing food.
Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse
Enjoy house-brewed beers and smoked BBQ favorites like brisket, ribs, and cornbread in a laid-back, communal space perfect for large groups.
This laid-back neighborhood spot is a great spot to grab a local beer and enjoy delicious pub fare like burgers, flavorful wings, loaded nachos, and more.
Alaro Craft Brewery, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
This Midtown staple offers award-winning beers alongside delicious Spanish-inspired bites like tapas, tacos, and house-made dips.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
For the Wine & Dine Road Tripper
If your ideal road trip includes wine flights, cheese boards, and curated seasonal menus, you won’t want to miss sipping and savoring at these stops.
Enjoy locally sourced cuisine paired with house-made wines, all served in a warm space that includes a charming outdoor patio perfect for enjoying Sacramento’s more than 270 days of sunshine a year.
This cozy Midtown wine bar specializes in wine and cheese pairings and comforting, gourmet dishes like their famous truffle mac and cheese.
This stylish wine bar in East Sacramento offers rotating pours and delicious small bites from Michelin Starred chef, Chris Barnum-Dann. And even better, they have a bottle shop where you can take your favorite wines with you on the rest of your road trip.
This downtown Sacramento restaurant offers sophisticated seasonal dishes alongside an impressive wine list that reflects both regional and international selections.
Pictured: Gunther's Ice Cream
For the Sweet Tooth Road Tripper
Let’s face it – no road trip is complete without a sweet treat. Sweeten up your Sacramento road trip with one of these dessert spots.
This Sacramento icon has been serving handmade ice cream since the 1940s. Be sure to try their signature 50/50 freeze—a refreshing mix of fruit juice and vanilla ice cream.
This old-school, family-friendly ice cream parlor is known for its towering sundaes, thick milkshakes, and rich house-made caramel.
This retro 1950s-style diner offers a rotating selection of hundreds of different cakes, pies, and pastries, all made from scratch.
