American$$land-park
Selland's on Broadway in Land Park, Sacramento, is the family counter on the same block as The Kitchen, rotisserie chicken and farm-vegetable plates.
Signature: Rotisserie chicken, Sandwiches
Order: Rotisserie chicken, the seasonal grain bowl, the farm-vegetable sides
Tip: Counter ordering, no reservations. Quick lunch and dinner. Same block as The Kitchen flagship.
American$$$$old-sacramento
The Firehouse on Second Street in Old Sacramento is the historic 1853 brick firehouse turned fine-dining room with the largest wine list in the region.
Signature: Beef filet, Seared scallops
Order: The beef filet, the seasonal seared scallops, a bottle from the wine cellar
Tip: Jacket suggested for the dining room. Patio courtyard is the warm-weather option. Book a week ahead.
American$$midtown
Iron Horse Tavern on 15th Street, midtown Sacramento, is a modern American tavern with reclaimed wood, copper bar and railroad-heritage decor.
Signature: Outlaw burger, Smoked brisket and cornbread waffle
Order: The Outlaw burger series, the smoked brisket and cornbread waffle, weekend brunch
Tip: Patio takes the late-afternoon sun. Weekend brunch from 09:00. Sister room in Folsom.
Global fusion$$land-park
Tower Cafe on Broadway in Land Park opened Earth Day 1990, James Seyman global-fusion brunch room with palms-and-patio garden seating outside.
Signature: Famous French toast, Jamaican jerk chicken
Order: The award-winning French toast at brunch, Piag's Thai steak, Jamaican jerk chicken
Tip: Brunch queues Saturday and Sunday after 09:30. Patio with palms is the table to ask for. Open daily for breakfast through dinner.
Mexican$$$downtown
Mayahuel on K Street, downtown Sacramento, is Ernesto Delgado Mexican fine-dining and tequila museum, Gabriel Romo murals and an agave list.
Signature: Tequila and mezcal flights, Family-recipe Mexican plates
Order: A tequila or mezcal flight; the family-recipe pozole and mole
Tip: Patio for dinner. Live music selected nights. Walking distance from the Convention Center and Capitol.
French$$$downtown
Brasserie du Monde on K Street, downtown Sacramento, is the polished 1930s-styled French brasserie, world-cuisine menu drawn on French technique.
Signature: Croque monsieur, Boeuf bourguignon
Order: Croque monsieur at lunch, boeuf bourguignon at dinner, the filet mignon sauce diane
Tip: Lunch Monday to Friday from 11:00. Walking distance from Golden 1 Center. Wine cellar runs deep.