Sacramento can tend to be overlooked by out-of-state visitors to California, especially with San Francisco just about 90 miles away. But travelers looking for an underrated city with a thriving culinary scene should make time for the state’s capital. From long-standing family-run businesses to recent additions to the city’s food scene, Sacramento is brimming with one-of-a-kind restaurants. It’s even known as the “Caviar Capital of America.”
To get you started with your foodie tour through the area, we’ve rounded up five restaurants that locals love. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these five under-the-radar spots offer a look into unique Sacramento institutions that are community-approved. While researching these locations, we largely relied on Reddit, looking for places frequently mentioned in various threads by locals. We then used other sites like Yelp as well as Google reviews to ensure that each option was generally well-reviewed. On your next trip, check out these favorite spots to dine as Sacramentans do.
Juno’s Kitchen
Every Reddit thread we combed through had practically endless restaurant recommendations for the state’s capital city. But if you want a place that locals consistently call out, head to Juno’s Kitchen. In the words of one Redditor, the deli “has the best sandwiches in Sacramento.” Juno’s, tucked along J Street in East Sacramento, offers an array of sandwiches, like pork banh mi, soppressata salami, and panko-crusted eggplant (a favorite among Yelp reviewers), along with cozy dishes like shrimp mac and cheese and gambas al ajillo (a garlicky shrimp dish served with chorizo). Despite this, with its minimal social media presence, Juno’s has still remained relatively under-the-radar, although it did earn a mention in a 2023 The Sacramento Bee article.
All of its meat and poultry is sustainably sourced, and produce is farm-to-table. Not to mention, Juno’s tender sourdough bread is made fresh daily. A Reddit user in r/Sacramento says, “Once they sell out of bread, they close for the day! So get there early! No indoor seating, just a couple tables outside, but McKinley Park is close by for a picnic.” Junos is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and its hours are listed as 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
La Trattoria Bohemia
A few doors down from Juno’s, the Czech and Italian restaurant La Trattoria Bohemia is under-the-radar even among some locals. But those who’ve tried it, can attest to its quality. “Makes me feel like I’m back visiting Europe,” said a Redditor in r/Sacramento. The menu includes pastas and pizzas, including aglio olio and chicken paprikash varieties. There are also specialities like schnitzel (fried chicken or pork with potatoes), and Bavarian goulash, which is cooked in sauerkraut, dolloped with sour cream, and served with Czech dumplings. An array of wines is also offered, along with various Czech beers on tap…