Pho Saigon Bay is a restaurant in Arden, Sacramento.
Why locals love it: Howe Avenue strip-mall Vietnamese counter north of the Sac State strip, family-run with a quieter room than the Stockton Boulevard pho houses.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Six-day operation 10:00 to 21:00. Hot tea included with each pho.
Address: 1537 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
Why locals love it: Naturally-leavened sourdough counter in the flatiron Broadway Triangle building, an Oak Park bakery off the midtown circuit with the city's best country loaf.
Tip: Closed Monday. Tuesday morning only. The country sourdough sells out by 11:00 Saturday.
Why locals love it: Land Park 1947 soda fountain that reopened January 2026 under new ownership, the historic neighborhood ice cream counter most tourists miss.
Tip: Closed Monday. Reopened January 2026 after remodel. Counter ordering. Family-friendly Sacramento institution since 1947.
Why locals love it: Strip-mall Vietnamese counter on Folsom Boulevard that earned a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for pho with house pork wontons.
Tip: Walk-in only. Thursday to Sunday 11:00 to 20:30. House pork wontons in the beef broth.
Why locals love it: Tiny midtown counter on 15th Street, naturally leavened pizza and morning pastry, Michelin Recommended without the queues of bigger rooms.
Tip: Order in advance via Toast. Lunch pizzas sell out by 13:00 Friday and Saturday.
Why locals love it: Natomas strip-mall dim sum room serving the best yum cha in the Sacramento Valley, with cart service at weekend brunch.
Tip: Weekend dim sum 09:30 to 14:30 with carts. Book the dinner Cantonese seafood room separately.
Why locals love it: Sisters Napis and Napak's family Thai street kitchen on 20th Street, the city's only Michelin Recommended Thai room with regional Southern Thai dishes.
Tip: Closed every second Tuesday of the month. Order Kua Kling, Southern Thai spicy pork, off the regional menu.
