The Best Restaurants in Elk Grove: 10 Spots You’ll Want to Bookmark

By Mei Chen

Over the years I’ve learned there’s a good reason to visit Elk Grove—actually, a dozen of them—all centered around the growing food scene. From handmade noodles to barbecue that makes you forget your manners, Elk Grove has quietly built a dining lineup that deserves your attention. Here are 12 restaurants that you won’t want to skip during your next Elk Grove visit.

Boulevard Bistro

Sheldon Inn Restaurant and Bar Elk Grove

1. Sheldon Inn

Sheldon Inn Restaurant and Bar is like a farmhouse that decided to get fancy. The menu leans on French and Portuguese classics, with the occasional American comfort food thrown in for good measure. The patio is ideal on a breezy evening, where you can sip something cold and let the country vibes convince you that life moves a little slower out here.

2. Boulevard Bistro

Old Town Elk Grove is charming in a “let’s take a stroll after dinner” kind of way, and Boulevard Bistro fits right in. It’s in a 1908 bungalow, the kind of place where you’ll whisper to your dinner date, “I’d live here,” between bites of Alaskan halibut. Everything on the menu feels like it was made with actual care, and the cozy dining room is all mood lighting and intimacy. It’s a place you want to linger, preferably over a second glass of wine.

3. Kajiken

If you haven’t tried abura soba—ramen without the broth—let me introduce you to Kajiken, where this dish is the star. You swirl the noodles in oil and sauce until they’re glistening and coated, and somehow, it’s better than most ramen bowls I’ve had. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, this mini West Coast chain Originally from Nagoya, Japan, recently opened in Elk Grove’s The Ridge shopping plaza and is worth the carb coma you’ll fall into afterward.

4. Hello Temaki

Opening in early 2024, Hello Temaki promises Japanese tapas and hand rolls that are basically sushi burritos in the best way. It’s landing in Laguna Pointe and already feels like it’ll be the kind of spot that gets added to your regular rotation. Hand rolls? Tapas? I’m sold.

5. Todo Un Poco

The name alone might make you pause—Mexican and Italian under one roof? But Todo Un Poco Mexican & Italian Bistro makes it work. The walls are covered in murals, the vibe is delightfully eccentric, and the menu feels like someone took your cravings and made them a reality. The enchiladas are rich and cheesy, and the lasagna might actually compete with the best Italian spots in Sacramento.

6. Fujiya

Fujiya doesn’t just serve sushi; it serves a vibe. The sleek interior feels like somewhere you’d take a date to impress them, but the prices are reasonable enough to justify a Tuesday night splurge. Their nigiri practically melts on your tongue, and the chef’s specials are always worth the leap of faith.

7. Slow & Low

Slow & Low Smokehouse is barbecue, yes, but not as you’ve known it. Sure, there’s the standard barbecue platters, but then there’s also loaded fries with brisket and Alabama white sauce, cornmeal-fried cauliflower, brisket tacos and a andouille sausage in a pretzel bun slathered in stewed onions. With communal tables, it’s the kind of place where you settle in and let the food—and a couple of cold beers—work their magic.

8. Mikuni

If you’re the kind of person who can’t resist a sushi roll with a clever name like “Train Wreck” or “Pimp My Roll,” Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar will be your happy place. But gimmicks aside, the fish is fresh, the rolls are massive, and the vibe is just upscale enough to feel like a treat without needing a reservation a month in advance. Try the “Spicy Johnny Roll” and see if it doesn’t ruin all other sushi for you.

9. Brick House Restaurant

Part bar, part Italian-American eatery, Brick House does comfort food right. The chicken marsala is tender, swimming in a sauce that might as well be drinkable, and the burgers are piled high with toppings that leave you asking, “Should I order another?” Pro tip: Don’t skip the live music nights—it’s like a free concert with dinner.

10. Thai Chili

Some places don’t need to shout—they just quietly serve incredible food, and Thai Chili is one of them. The panang curry is rich and creamy without being cloying, and the crispy spring rolls are so perfectly golden you’ll wonder if there’s a secret fryer setting you don’t know about. It’s a no-frills spot, but when the food is this good, who cares?