16 Best Restaurants in Elk Grove, CA

Known for its outstanding wineries, vineyards, and wine cellars, the city of Elk Grove in Sacramento County, California, has booming tourism.

Founded in 1850, the city was named after Elk Grove Hotel, built by James Hall as a stage station for travelers.

The hotel was originally called Tavern Stand, where Hall painted an elk's head on the signage.

Based on a 2021 census estimate, the city has more than 178,000 people.

It became the fastest-growing city in the U.S. between 2004 and 2005, after it was incorporated as a city in July 2000.

Its historic district, outstanding tourist attractions, and exceptional restaurants have attracted many people to work and live in the city.

You can add the hot summers and cool winters to the list, which makes the city more tempting to check for quaint restaurants downtown.

Here are the best restaurants in Elk Grove, California!

Mikuni-Elk Grove

When your cravings cry for authentic Japanese fare, head out to Mikuni-Elk Grove, an upscale restaurant offering an exceptional dining experience.

Served in a contemporary vibe with majestic bamboo stands, the restaurant exudes an East-meets-West vibe.

Choose from their delightful sushi, garlicky edamame, chicken teriyaki, udon, sashimi, veggie rolls, tempura, and flaming shrooms.

They have a huge selection of Japanese eats, so whatever tickles your fancy, they have it for you!

Mikuni was founded in 1987 by the Arai family, with the first location in Fair Oaks, California.

Today, it has almost 10 locations in the Sacramento Valley.

Mikuni-Elk Grove's location is on Bond Road.

Journey to the Dumpling

Dumplings, anyone?

Do it at Journey to the Dumpling, which serves the best pork soup dumplings in town in a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly vibe.

Customers, both locals and tourists, are also raving about their exceptional chow fun, siu mai, dumpling noodle soup, green beans, and many more.

You can also try their famous spicy steak & potatoes, green onion pancake, and egg tarts, which customers also talk about.

If you prefer vegetable options, they have a great selection ranging from vegetarian dumplings, fried rice, to mushroom bao.

Journey to the Dumpling was founded in October 2016 on Laguna Boulevard.

It was also voted the Best Chinese Restaurant in Sacramento.

Take the journey!

Boulevard Bistro

Another jewel in Elk Grove that's passionate about offering exceptional Californian fare in a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere is Boulevard Bistro.

Led by the owner, Chef Brett, he ensures that everyone who walks through their doors will experience great food and fine wine.

They have gained a good reputation for their filet mignon, grilled bone marrow, deviled eggs, pear salad, and duck confit.

Chef Brett makes all these fantastic dishes through his Escoffier Old World French techniques.

He is passionate about wild game, offal, and nose-to-tail cuisine.

So if you have a love for meat, this is your place.

The restaurant has received awards, including Best of Sacramento by Sac Mag's and Zagat America's Best Restaurant Award.

Chef Brett opened Boulevard Bistro on Valentine’s Day in 2006 in a 1908 bungalow on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Brick House Restaurant & Lounge

Another gem in the hood, Brick House Restaurant & Lounge offers Italian-American eats, served in brick-walled digs and a warm atmosphere.

They have the tastiest ravioli in town alongside their delicious calamari, pesto seafood pasta, beef stroganoff, lasagna, and many more.

You should also make room for their Brick House burger, filet mignon, and prime rib.

They also have seasonal cocktails and an excellent selection of whiskey.

Their full-service bar features flat-screen TVs to watch sports and entertainment.

Listen to live music on weekends while enjoying their delightful dishes and tasty cocktails.

Also, they have a heated patio, which can be used during cold seasons.

Brothers Geno and Franco Cassella opened Brick House Restaurant & Lounge in 2007 on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Todo Un Poco

Adorned with colorful Mexican sugar skull murals and classic Latino-style art, among other things, Todo Un Poco gives you a delicious Mexican-Italian fusion.

They're known for their house specialties, including Mexican Lasagna and Pasta Jalisco, both are fusions of two popular cuisines.

Their ravioli, Fettucine alfredo, meatballs, portabella paradise, rice and beans, mole enchiladas, and Punjabi pizza are not to be missed.

Todo Un Poco was established in 1998 on Laguna Main Street.

Local media Elk Grove Citizen voted Todo Un Poco the "Best Mexican, Best Pizza, and Best Italian" restaurant.

Little Brazil Steakhouse

In Old Town Elk Grove sits Little Brazil Steakhouse offering Brazilian flavors and rotisserie-cooked meats in a traditional style.

The restaurant uses the "pay what you weigh" system, which is common in Brazil, where you'd only pay for the portions you want.

Try their delicious and famous Brazilian-style steaks, picanha, pork ribs, alcatra, garlic beef, plantains, mashed potato, ribeye, and many more.

Little Brazil Steakhouse was established in 2021.

You can find it on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Wasabi Japanese Steak House

Specializing in hibachi and sushi, Wasabi Japanese Steak House offers a wide range of Japanese teppanyaki eats.

If you're up for an outstanding hibachi experience, this will be a perfect spot for delicious traditional Japanese fare.

They're popular for their tempura, wasabi, sashimi, sushi rolls, and specialty drinks like hot and cold sake, house wines, and cocktails.

These are all served in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

If you're taking your kids with you, they will also like how the hibachi-style cooking is done right on your table!

Wasabi Japanese Steak House was founded in 2007 on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Thai Chili

If you're all for a spicy side of things, head out to Thai Chili, which serves the best Thai cuisine in town.

Served in traditional Thai digs with a warm atmosphere, delight in the restaurant's specialties, including drunken noodles and pad Thai.

But it doesn't have to be spicy; for whatever tickles your fancy, may it be a little sweet or that umami taste to satisfy your palate, Thai Chili has it.

You can also try their delicious yellow curry, tom kha noodle soup, curry puffs, garlic steak, pumpkin curry, and many other traditional Thai eats.

For vegetarians, their crispy tofu and curry puffs are a must-try!

Spicy lovers can also enjoy their popular spicy fried rice, spicy noodles, spicy green bean, and spicy seafood with eggplant, among others.

Thai Chili was established in 2004 in Old Town Elk Grove Boulevard.

Sarom's Southern Kitchen

You can't go wrong with southern comfort food served in a warm typical diner courtesy of Sarom's Southern Kitchen.

Founded in 2015 by Cambodian cook Sarom Doeuk, the restaurant has gained a good reputation for its southern dishes that hit home.

Patrons profess their love for the restaurant’s versions of spicy chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, country fried steak, jambalaya, po'boy sandwiches, biscuits & gravy, and many more.

Also, their omelet and sweet potato pie are to die for!

Sarom Doeuk started Sarom's Southern Kitchen when her daughter visited the South and convinced her to learn and cook southern fare.

You can find it on Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove.

Old Town Pizza and Tap House

Pizza is the love language of Old Town Pizza and Tap House, which serves brick oven-cooked pizza specialties, starters, salads, and craft beer.

Try their famous pizza flavors like Chuck Norris, mushroom pizza, grandma Helen, and the Mediterranean.

Also, their blue cheese fries, hot wings, and garlic fries are all crowdpleasers.

You can also make room for their California salad and cinnamon sticks.

Most of all, the crowd favorite is their build-your-own pizza, in which you can choose your sauce, cheese, meat, and veggies.

Gluten-free options are also available for those who have diet restrictions or allergies.

To top it off, they offer a great selection of rotating craft beers to enjoy with friends and family.

Husband and wife Jamie and David Smith started Old Town Pizza and Tap House in 2012 on Elk Grove Florin Road.

Fish & Things Poke Bar

You don't have to go to Hawaii to get the best poke bowl.

At Fish & Things Poke Bar, you can enjoy their customizable poke bowl specialty with fresh ingredients from fish to vegetables.

They also have signature bowls such as classic Hawaiian, California love, and spicy heat wave.

Their in-house sauces are all made from scratch, including teriyaki, spicy mayo, kimchi, and garlic sesame.

Or how about trying the crowd favorites—delicious ahi tacos, sushi rolls, and teriyaki chicken?

Fish & Things Poke Bar is a family-owned restaurant established in 2017 on Laguna Boulevard.

Jang Goon Sushi & Korean BBQ

Japanese cuisine is already delicious, but to fuse it with Korean eats is exceptional.

Experience Japanese-Korean fusion at Jang Goon Sushi & Korean BBQ, which produces oh-so-delicious Korean barbecue and signature sushi, among others.

Don't miss out on their popular Bulgogi and Soondubu.

For spicy lovers, try their delightful spicy tuna roll, spicy Jang Goon roll, Ichiban, and many other spicy specials.

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know that the restaurant also offers plant-based options.

They also have outdoor dining if you prefer to bask in the natural Golden State sunlight.

Jang Goon Sushi & Korean BBQ was established in 2019 on East Stockton Boulevard.

The Barn Cafe

In a family-friendly, country-chic setting, The Barn Cafe offers a hearty breakfast and delicious smoked barbecue served with warm smiles.

Alongside their famous smoked barbecue, try their popular chicken fried steak, brisket, biscuits & gravy, hash browns, and breakfast burrito.

Their breakfast, which is served all day, is one of the best in town and has gained a fine reputation among locals and tourists alike.

The Barn Cafe is the brainchild of Tina and Tom McDaniel, whose dream and passion are to serve American comfort food in a restaurant with a small-town vibe.

You can find the restaurant on Grant Line Road.

Maru Ramen Bar

Ramen is usually the first thing you think of when you're craving noodles.

Thankfully, Maru Ramen Bar is here to satisfy your ramen cravings.

Treat yourself to their famous ramen bowls at Maru Ramen Bar, including their special Maru Ramen, seafood ramen, and many more.

If you're into spicy food, their Akamaru ramen, made with spicy broth, is one for the books!

They only use premium ingredients for their broth to produce the best ramen in town.

Other offerings include their chix wings, bulgogi fries, shrimp tempura, gyoza, wonton dumpling, and pork belly fries, all a must-try when visiting this place!

Take advantage of their exceptional ramen bowls made with fresh veggies and plant-based broth for vegetarians and vegans.

Maru Ramen Bar is located on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Palermo Ristorante Italiano

Serving delightful and authentic Southern Italian eats, Palermo Ristorante Italiano offers a romantic and comfortable atmosphere.

Choose from their delectable and popular lasagna, ravioli, minestrone soup, cannoli, risotto, veal, and linguini.

Remember to make room for their delicious tiramisu for dessert.

Palermo Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned restaurant and has since served the community for over 30 years.

Even better, they serve all guests with a warm smile and a welcoming vibe.

You can find it on Emerald Oak Drive.

Umai Bar & Grill

Served fresh and prepared with passion, you get to feast on mouthwatering sushi rolls that customers of Umai Bar & Grill are raving about.

They're also famous for their fresh sashimi, tempura, chicken teriyaki, spicy edamame, and house sake, among others.

Their Happy Hour offers cheaper select food if you purchase any drink specials, including their popular Spice & Stormy.

For those who have food restrictions, they also have available gluten-free options on request.

Feng Liang and Andy Cuong established Umai Bar & Grill in 2017 off Grant Line Road.

Umai in Japanese means “delicious.”

The restaurant happily serves the community with a passion for connecting family and friends.

Final Thoughts

The quaint city of Elk Grove is a gem in Sacramento Valley that promises award-winning and thriving restaurants.

Enjoy different cuisines from many corners of the world and experience the city's warm and inviting vibe.

Head to Elk Grove, California today and bring home great memories—other than your take-out, of course!