Nectar Cafe is a living foods restaurant in Auburn that actually welcomes dogs on their patio, which is rare enough in Gold Country that it’s worth the drive if you’re in the area. Everything here is vegetarian and made fresh daily from organic, mostly local ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, so you might find something completely different depending when you visit—we grabbed a creative salad with local greens and a wrap filled with sprouted vegetables that tasted nothing like health food in a boring way.

The patio is shaded and comfortable, with water bowls available for dogs without you having to ask. It’s the kind of place where the staff genuinely seems okay with your dog being there, not just tolerating it. The setting is low-key Auburn—you’re not paying premium prices or dealing with stuffy restaurant energy. Parking is straightforward, and the location puts you close to the downtown Auburn shops if you want to kill time browsing before or after eating.

The menu leans heavily into vegetables and plant-based proteins, so if you’re traveling with someone who eats meat, this probably isn’t the place for compromise meals. But if you’re vegetarian or just curious about what fresh, locally-sourced food tastes like when it’s actually prepared well, it’s worth stopping in. The portions are generous enough that you won’t leave hungry, and the quality of ingredients really shows in the flavor.

Bring your dog and expect to spend a relaxed hour here rather than rushing through. The patio has that comfortable, neighborhood vibe where lingering feels natural. They also have their own website if you want to check out what’s currently on the menu before you visit, which is helpful since daily specials change.