Sacramento chefs build menus around fresh produce from the nearby Central Valley. That’s helped the city earn its reputation as “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.” Food festivals here celebrate hyper-local ingredients, and restaurants capitalize on the region’s mild climate with open-air patios that accommodate furry family members. Some also serve dishes made just for dogs.
Year-round sunshine and tree-lined neighborhoods set the scene for outdoor dining across Sacramento. Popular culinary districts range from Old Sacramento to J Street to R Street and beyond.
In Old Sacramento, Joe’s Crab Shack and Rio City Cafe serve seafood, sides and drinks on dog-friendly decks overlooking the Sacramento River. Nearby, Emma’s Tamales and Bali Kitchen offer flavorful lunch options. Look for baked goods and coffee, along with breakfast staples, salads and burgers, at Steamers. The independent spot has been a local favorite for three decades.
Cafe Bernardo serves up regional ingredients at three locations around Sacramento. Start your day with fluffy blueberry-cornmeal pancakes, or swing by later for lunch or dinner. Capitol Garage also opens for three daily meals, offering American classics and vegetarian food on K Street. J Street mainstays such as Tapa the World accommodate pups, and the Broadway location of Selland’s Market Cafe has an especially popular patio. The family-owned cafe also operates on H Street.
