Sacramento's culinary scene is booming, offering a diverse range of lunch options to satisfy every palate. From casual eateries to upscale bistros, this guide explores 26 of the best lunch restaurants in Sacramento, categorized for easy navigation. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a leisurely midday meal, you'll find something to love in this comprehensive list of Sacramento lunch spots.
Best Casual Lunch Spots in Sacramento
These restaurants offer relaxed atmospheres and delicious, affordable meals perfect for a quick lunch break or a casual get-together.
1. Tower Bridge Bistro: Riverfront Views & Sandwiches
Tower Bridge Bistro boasts stunning views of the Sacramento River and the iconic Tower Bridge. Their lunch menu features creative sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their popular California Cobb Salad is a must-try.
2. Midtown Sacramento's Best Burgers: The Shack
This popular burger joint serves up juicy, flavorful burgers made with high-quality beef. They also offer a variety of other classic American fare, including fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. Expect a casual atmosphere and fast service.
3. Low-key Lunch: Frank Fat's
A Sacramento institution, Frank Fat's is known for its upscale Chinese-American cuisine. While they're famous for their dinner experience, their lunch menu is equally impressive and offers a more affordable way to experience their exceptional food.
4. Italian Delights: The Kitchen
The Kitchen offers a delightful array of Italian-inspired dishes for lunch. Their pasta dishes are particularly popular, along with their wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxing lunch.
5. Quick & Easy: Crepevine
For a quick and satisfying lunch, Crepevine is a great choice. Their menu features a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes, along with salads and soups. This is ideal for those on the go.
Upscale Lunch Options in Sacramento
If you're looking for a more refined lunch experience, these restaurants offer elegant settings and sophisticated menus.
6. Farm-to-Table Excellence: Ella Dining Room & Bar
Ella Dining Room & Bar is a celebrated Sacramento restaurant known for its commitment to farm-to-table cuisine. Their lunch menu showcases the best seasonal ingredients, resulting in exquisite dishes.
7. Elegant and Refined: The Waterboy
The Waterboy offers a stylish setting and a menu of modern American cuisine. Their lunch menu features refined dishes with creative flavor combinations.
8. Modern American Cuisine: Mulvaney's B&L
Mulvaney's B&L is a popular Sacramento restaurant known for its high-quality ingredients and creative dishes. Their lunch menu features a mix of classic American dishes with modern twists.
9. Upscale Sandwiches: Block Butcher Bar
While famous for their dinner menu, Block Butcher Bar offers outstanding sandwiches and sides during lunch. The quality of their meats and the craftsmanship of their sandwiches make it a unique upscale lunch spot.
10. Fine Dining Experience: Sienna
Sienna offers a luxurious dining experience with its elegant atmosphere and exquisite menu. Their lunch menu features refined dishes that are perfect for a special occasion.
Ethnic Cuisine Lunch Spots in Sacramento
Sacramento's diverse population is reflected in its wide variety of ethnic restaurants. Here are some standouts for lunch:
11. Authentic Mexican: La Familia
La Familia is a popular spot for authentic Mexican food. Their lunch menu features a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties. Expect generous portions and affordable prices.
12. Japanese Cuisine: Sushimoto
Sushimoto offers high-quality sushi and other Japanese dishes for lunch. Their sushi is made with fresh, high-quality fish. Expect a modern ambiance.
13. Thai Flavors: Thai Basil
Thai Basil provides delicious and authentic Thai food at affordable prices. They offer a wide variety of curries, noodles, and other Thai specialties.
14. Indian Delights: Spice Rack
Spice Rack offers a variety of flavorful Indian dishes for lunch. Their lunch menu includes a selection of curries, biryanis, and other Indian specialties. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
15. Vietnamese Cuisine: Pho 79
Pho 79 is a popular spot for delicious and authentic Vietnamese pho. Their pho is made with fresh ingredients and flavorful broth.
Quick Bites & Casual Lunch Options:
16. Pizza Perfection: Roxie Deli
Roxie Deli is known for its delicious sandwiches and pizzas. This casual spot is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
17. Sandwiches & Salads: Hot Italian
Hot Italian offers a variety of delicious sandwiches and salads for lunch. This casual spot is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
18. Mediterranean Flavors: Aioli Bocas
Aioli Bocas offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes for lunch. Their menu features fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.
19. American Classics: The Firehouse Restaurant
The Firehouse Restaurant provides classic American fare in a historic firehouse setting. Their burgers and sandwiches are popular lunch options.
Unique & Specialty Lunch Spots in Sacramento
20. Breakfast all day: Sunrise Bistro
Sunrise Bistro offers a unique lunch experience with their all-day breakfast menu. They specialize in delicious breakfast items, making it a great option for those who love breakfast food any time of day.
21. Southern Comfort Food: The Shady Lady Saloon
While known for its lively atmosphere, The Shady Lady Saloon serves up satisfying Southern-style comfort food that's perfect for lunch.
22. Tapas and Wines: Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. offers a selection of tapas and wines perfect for a more sophisticated lunch. This is a great option for a business lunch or a relaxed gathering with friends.
23. Modern Cafeteria Style: The Rind
The Rind provides a modern take on the traditional cafeteria-style restaurant, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. They frequently feature local produce and meats.
24. Creative Sandwiches: Bacon & Butter
Bacon & Butter is a Sacramento favorite for creative and gourmet sandwiches. This casual spot is perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Sweet Treats & Coffee Shops for Lunch
25. Coffee and Pastries: Temple Coffee Roasters
Temple Coffee Roasters is a Sacramento staple. While known for their coffee, they also offer a selection of pastries and light lunch items perfect for a coffee break or a light midday meal.
26. Cakes and Coffee: Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates is a popular spot for decadent desserts and coffee. While not a full lunch spot, their pastries and chocolates pair perfectly with their coffee drinks for a sweet midday treat.
This list provides a diverse range of options for your next Sacramento lunch adventure. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, menus, and any special offers before your visit. Enjoy your culinary exploration of Sacramento's vibrant lunch scene!
