Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like #16 Bigworm’s Bakery & Deli tucked away in a plaza in Stockton at the corner of Hammer and West Lane. From fine dining to gyro food trucks — find them all in Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat in the Sacramento Area.
Did your favorite restaurant make it into the top 50? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!
Topping this year’s list of the best places to eat in the Sacramento area is Wally’s Cafe and they’re no stranger to our top lists! They moved up the ranking from the 2021 list to grab the top spot this year.
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 50 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Lebanese
What they’re known for: Delicious Shawarma and Kabobs
Yelpers say:
“It’s a small but cozy restaurant serving up some of the best Mediterranean/Lebanese dishes in the California. My Yelp friend in the Bay Area told me about Wally’s. She frequents the one in Emeryville and highly recommended them. That was several years ago. As a matter of fact, Wally’s has been voted one of Yelp’s best restaurants in the nation three times! That’s some bragging rights!” -Micki M.
“The food was amazing. Full of flavor, large portions (definitely asked for a to go container) and the owner was so enjoyable to talk with. Great service. I’ve been a repeat customer and always a great dining experience. The chicken kabobs are my favorite with the garlic sauce!” -Kristina M.
2. Roundhouse Deli (Roseville)
Cuisine: Deli, Sandwiches
What they’re known for: Tri-Tip tacos and sandwiches
Yelpers say:
“OMG this place is addicting. We came after getting a friend’s recommendation and boy, they and the Yelpers are right–this place is amazing. Never had tri-tip tacos like these.” -Annette H.
“Awesome family owned business . Great food! The tri tip is amazing . I definitely recommend this place. It’s pretty busy so just prepare for a little wait . Enjoy!” -Tim T.
3. Chulla’s Cafe (North Highlands)
Cuisine: Internationally-Infused Coastal Cuisine
What they’re known for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner options using unique flavors and techniques of North, West, and East African coastal cuisines and infusing them with tastes from the Asian, Latin American, and Pacific Coasts
Yelpers say:
“Yup, my burger loving husband had to get that Hungry Lion King as soon as we found out about it. I opted for the other popular chicken shawarma based on reviews. Both were a sight to behold and a dream to devour.” -Alyssa Mae C.
“Delicious African-style food. Chulla’s Cafe is a fast casual restaurant with fantastic food. I ordered the chicken Afro shawarma. It was absolutely delicious.” -Ryan K.
4. Guy’s For Lunch (Roseville)
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Soups and Salads
What they’re known for: Fresh sandwiches, salads, sides and cookies
Yelpers say:
“I don’t understand how after years, this place is still just as delicious. Seriously, they kept their quality + high standards well above average. Their sandwiches are spectacular, the soups are flavorful, and the salads are fresher than fresh. We always look forward to eating at Guys. ” -Becky D.
“I tried several sammies here and had them sliced into thirds with the intention of sharing. All of the sandwiches were good but liked the chicken salad/salami combination the best. I also tried the Turkey chili which had great flavor.” -Douglas Y.
5. Mandy’s Breakfast House (Sonora)
Cuisine: American Breakfast and Brunch
What they’re known for: Classic breakfast done right as well as specials that put their own spin on breakfast and brunch
Yelpers say:
“Great menu with a lot of creativity and options. Many classic items and also items with a cool spin.
I ordered the Chilaquiles and it was phenomenal!! In addition to the regular potato or fruit sides they have deep fried mushrooms as an option. Everything was fresh and homemade.” -Shannon C.
“What an amazing place! The food was great but the service, amazing! The staff whom I assume are owners they’re so professional and friendly. I’d recommend coming here hungry. The selections are plenty and portions are HUGE! And if you’re not hungry, at least just get a side of white toast, it taste like buttery pillows with a nice crisp edge.” -Aletta G.
Cuisine: Japanese
What they’re known for: Quality Japanese takeout with a variety of fresh and fried sushi rolls
Yelpers say:
“Don’t judge a book by it’s cover! Not only Is the sushi fantastic and ALWAYS fresh but Rick is the nicest guy and is always genuinely happy to accommodate and go out of hood way to ensure that all god’s customers are and stay happy!” -Johnny A.
“I can eat a salmon hand roll everyday! This little spot is consistently 5/5! You can’t get better sushi quality! Order by text and pay by cash or Venmo. Small lot out front but there is also street parking. The nicest guys work here! I will keep coming back and supporting this business.” -Nga L.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
What they’re known for: A mobile food truck with delicious gyros and generous portions. They’re called HEFTY Gyro for a reason!
Yelpers say:
“I had been craving a gyro or chicken pita and there was hefty gyro! I had no idea they were so popular and rated so well but honestly it makes sense. Their customer service was incredible. The speed of service was great and the chicken pita I ordered was AMAZING!” -Michelle M.
“Yaaassss! This stop is a-must. If you see them in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate. The food was super tasty, fresh, and well-proportioned. The fries were outstanding; talk about addicting! I also had a beef shawarma wrap that’ll satisfy your Mediterranean craving.” -Alex M.
8. Urban Grill & Salad (Rancho Cordova)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
What they’re known for: Fresh and healthy ingredients used in their menu items, including Halal, vegetarian and vegan options.
Yelpers say:
“As a vegan, I frequent many Mediterranean places and have eaten a LOT of falafel. This is by far the best falafel and falafel wrap that I’ve had. I love that they add pickles. The falafel is moist and very flavorful. We were staying at a hotel nearby for three nights and we got the eggplant falafel wrap each of the three nights for dinner. SO good!” -Gina C.
“I decided on the Supreme Falafel Sandwich and it really hit the spot. Tons of perfectly crisp falafel and all the accompaniments. I really enjoyed their “secret sauce” – whatever it was. For the price, the portion was huge and the sandwich was every bit delish.” -Courtney P.
9. Famous Burgers & Brew (Rancho Cordova)
Cuisine: Burgers
What they’re known for: Flavorful burgers with a variety of toppings
Yelpers say:
“This is one of the best places for a tasty burger in the Sacramento area! Have been there several times and decided that all their burgers are all great! Burgers are a beefy-size! Very filling! All so delicious! Fries and onion rings are super also! Large menu to choose from! Highly recommend and will be back very soon!” -Diana L.
“We love this spot it’s perfect for a date night, lunch with the family, or a girls day out. The food is amazing!!!! The beef they use is just so good. We have tried so many of the burgers and we have yet to try one we don’t like.” -Bobbi P.
Cuisine: American
What they’re known for: Four course meals created with fresh seasonal ingredients
Yelpers say:
“Such a good concept. Fourk Kitchen has really embraced the number 4…and forks! Four nights a week they serve a Four course prefix menu that changes monthly. All the food was tasty but the first and last were the most memorable for me. We started with shrimp ceviche that was fresh and bright with cherry tomatoes and an avocado purée. Dessert were perfect bites of strawberry shortcake nestled in a dollop of mascarpone whipped cream.” -Jan C.
“The food is phenomenal and I absolutely love the atmosphere/experience. I suggest you visit their website in order to gain an understanding of their fine dining experience and concept. Reservations are hard to come across but you can always request to be placed on a waitlist. “ -Laura Z.
12. Mud Pie Stand (Sacramento)
14. Royal Indian Cuisine (Auburn)
16. Bigworm’s Bakery & Deli (Stockton)
17. House of Thai Rice & Noodle (North Highlands)
18. Skip’s Kitchen (Carmichael)
20. Flour Dust Pizza (Roseville)
21. Julian’s Patisserie and Cafe (Folsom)
23. Bonsai Japanese Cuisine (Roseville)
26. Fernando’s Cali Kitchen (Yuba City)
27. West Coast Taco Bar (Sacramento)
28. Tiferet by the Park (Sacramento)
29. 18 Grams Coffee Roasters (Sacramento)
30. Flaming Burrito Grill (Auburn)
31. Organic Delights Cafe (Rancho Cordova)
32. The Kitchen Restaurant (Sacramento)
33. Taste of Himalaya (Jackson)
34. Bambi Vegan Tacos (Sacramento)
35. Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream (Sacramento)
36. Alicia’s Sugar Shack (Twain Harte)
37. Adam’s International Market (Elk Grove)
38. Small Town Food + Wine (Amador City)
39. Greek Food Imports Deli Market (Sacramento)
41. Yummy Kabob (Rancho Cordova)
43. Martin’s Famous Street Tacos (Gold River)
44. Tandoori Flame (Roseville)
47. Indian Cafe Restaurant (Manteca)
48. Twelve 28 Kitchen (Penn Valley)
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Sacramento area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Sacramento area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 27, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 27, 2022.
