Highly Recommended Natomas Restaurants
Natomas is experiencing a culinary awakening. No longer just a bedroom community north of downtown Sacramento, it’s blossoming into a vibrant hub for food lovers, offering a diverse range of flavors and dining experiences. Forget preconceived notions about suburban dining; Natomas is serving up everything from authentic international cuisine to innovative takes on classic American fare. If you’re looking for the best food in Natomas, this guide is your passport to a delicious adventure. We’ll take you on a journey through some of the top restaurants, hidden gems, budget-friendly options, and sweet treats that this rapidly growing area has to offer. Get ready to explore the best eats Natomas has!
Let’s start with some of the best overall restaurants that consistently receive rave reviews and are considered must-try establishments in Natomas. These are the places that locals recommend to visitors, and for good reason.
The Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse
Located on Arena Boulevard, The Flame & Fire is a carnivore’s paradise. This Brazilian steakhouse offers an all-you-can-eat experience with a variety of grilled meats, carved tableside by skilled gauchos. The salad bar is also extensive, with a wide selection of fresh vegetables, salads, and sides. The ambiance is lively and upscale, making it perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out. If you go, be sure to try the Picanha (top sirloin), a Brazilian specialty. Price range: $$$ A local reviewer says, “The best Brazilian steakhouse I’ve been to outside of Brazil! The service is impeccable, and the meat is cooked to perfection.”
Scott’s Burger Shack
A cornerstone of the Natomas community. Scott’s has been slinging high-quality burgers with fresh ingredients for years. Scott’s Burger Shack is located on Truxel Road and is a family run place. Scott’s burgers are juicy, flavorful and consistent. If you stop by be sure to try the Scott’s burger with everything on it, and make it a combo with the fries and a drink. Price range: $
Thai Basil
Located on Del Paso Road, Thai Basil is a popular spot for authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from classic Pad Thai to flavorful curries and spicy soups. The ingredients are fresh, and the spices are perfectly balanced. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a great place for a casual meal or a romantic dinner. Be sure to try the Green Curry or the Tom Kha soup. Price range: $$ “Thai Basil is my go-to for Thai food in Natomas,” says one satisfied customer. “The food is always delicious, and the service is excellent.”
Exploring Natomas Cuisine by Type
Natomas boasts a diverse culinary landscape, with restaurants specializing in various cuisines from around the world. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular categories.
Mexican and Latin Flavors
Zocalo Restaurant
Situated on Arena Boulevard, Zocalo offers a vibrant and authentic Mexican dining experience. From traditional tacos and enchiladas to innovative dishes that showcase the flavors of Oaxaca and other regions, Zocalo’s menu is packed with delicious options. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with colorful decor and a lively bar scene. The margaritas are a must-try, and the weekend brunch is a local favorite. Price Range: $$ “Zocalo is always a great choice for Mexican food in Natomas,” says one reviewer. “The food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is fun and energetic.”
Chando’s Tacos
A food truck turned local chain, Chando’s Tacos brings authentic street-style tacos to Natomas. With locations throughout the Sacramento area, including one on Del Paso Road, Chando’s is known for its flavorful meats, fresh toppings, and homemade salsas. The carne asada and al pastor tacos are especially popular. It’s a great spot for a quick and casual meal. Price Range: $
Asian Delights
The Asian food scene in Natomas is diverse and delicious, with options ranging from Chinese and Japanese to Thai and Vietnamese.
Chinese
New Canton Restaurant
Located on Truxel Road, New Canton is a long-standing favorite for classic Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from stir-fries and noodles to soups and seafood. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The honey walnut shrimp and the Peking duck are particularly popular. Price Range: $$
Japanese
Bento Box
This place is located on Terracina drive. Bento Box has an all you can eat experience, and high-quality fish. The ambiance is a great experience to eat at.
Sushi Hook
Sushi Hook on Truxel road is a restaurant that prides themself on their consistency of freshness, and delivering good quality sushi. Sushi Hook has great service and an excellent value. Be sure to try their rolls and salmon. Price Range: $$
Thai
Bangkok Garden Thai Cuisine
For an authentic and flavorful Thai experience, Bangkok Garden Thai Cuisine on Northgate Boulevard is a top choice. From Pad Thai to flavorful curries, Bangkok Garden Thai Cuisine has a large variety of options. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from classic curries and noodle dishes to flavorful soups and salads. The ingredients are fresh, and the spices are perfectly balanced. Price Range: $$
American Comfort Food
Chicago Fire Pizza
Craving deep-dish pizza? Chicago Fire Pizza on Del Paso Road is the place to go. The restaurant serves up authentic Chicago-style pizza with a thick, buttery crust and generous toppings. They also offer a variety of other American favorites, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. Price Range: $$ “Chicago Fire is the best pizza in Natomas,” says one fan. “The deep-dish is amazing, and the service is always great.”
Jack’s Urban Eats
A popular Sacramento-area chain, Jack’s Urban Eats has a location on Arena Boulevard in Natomas. The restaurant offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The carving station is a highlight, with roasted meats carved to order. It’s a great spot for a quick and healthy meal. Price Range: $$
Italian
Pizza Rock
Located on Arena Boulevard, Pizza Rock is more than just pizza. They have a wide variety of Italian cuisines, and specialty pizzas from all over the world. Pizza Rock has won many awards for their pizzas. Be sure to try their specials that they have for each pizza. Price Range: $$
Budget-Friendly Eats in Natomas
Eating out in Natomas doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options that offer delicious food at affordable prices.
Taqueria La Zacatecana
Located on Northgate Boulevard, Taqueria La Zacatecana is a no-frills Mexican restaurant that serves up authentic and affordable tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. The carne asada and al pastor are particularly popular, and the prices are hard to beat. It’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal. Price Range: $
Pho Anh Dao
Craving Vietnamese pho? Pho Anh Dao on Truxel Road is a great option for a warm and comforting bowl of noodle soup. The restaurant offers a variety of pho options, as well as other Vietnamese dishes. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Price Range: $
Starbread Bakery
Located on Northgate Boulevard, Starbread Bakery is a local favorite for its sweet and savory Filipino pastries. The Señorita bread is a must-try, with its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, buttery flavor. They also offer a variety of other pastries, such as ensaimadas and ube rolls. Price Range: $
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known restaurants, Natomas is home to some hidden gems that are cherished by locals. These are the places that offer unique and authentic experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes
This is place is a great spot for the burgers and the french fries. MooYah prides themselves in high-quality ingredients and fresh hand cut fries. Be sure to try their milkshakes, they have a large variety of milkshakes to choose from.
Poke Noke
Located on Gateway Park Boulevard, Poke Noke is a Hawaiian restaurant that offers delicious poke bowls. You can customize your own bowl and chose all your own toppings and sauces, and the seafood is fresh and high-quality.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Natomas
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of Natomas’ top spots.
Mimosa House
Located on Arena Boulevard, Mimosa House is a popular spot for brunch and breakfast. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic omelets and pancakes to creative breakfast bowls and sandwiches. The mimosas are a must-try, with a variety of flavors to choose from. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters
While primarily a coffee shop, Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters on Del Paso Road also offers a selection of pastries, breakfast burritos, and other breakfast items. The coffee is roasted in-house, and the quality is exceptional. It’s a great spot for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Coffee and Dessert
No food tour is complete without a stop for coffee and dessert. Here are some of the best places in Natomas to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dutch Bros Coffee
A popular chain throughout the West Coast, Dutch Bros Coffee has a location on Truxel Road in Natomas. The coffee is known for its creative and flavorful drinks, and the service is always friendly. It’s a great spot for a quick caffeine fix.
Gunther’s Ice Cream
An old-school ice cream shop that has been serving Sacramento for decades, Gunther’s Ice Cream has a location on Freeport Boulevard. The ice cream is made in-house, and the flavors are classic and delicious. It’s a perfect spot for a sweet treat on a hot day.
Conclusion
From authentic international cuisine to innovative takes on American favorites, Natomas has something to offer everyone. With its growing population and expanding culinary scene, Natomas is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers. So, whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor looking to explore the area’s best eats, be sure to check out the restaurants mentioned in this guide. Discover your own favorites and experience the delicious flavors of Natomas! The vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, so keep exploring and enjoy the journey. You’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in this dynamic and delicious corner of Sacramento.
