The Most Fun Restaurants in Sacramento

While people may flock to the city for all the fun restaurants in Sacramento, settlers in the 1850s showed up for the gold. This influx of people from around the world created one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the world, and that tradition lives on to this day in the area’s best eateries. Those who covet fresh food will gravitate toward the ‘farm to fork’ movement, which started here in 1849. The trend has grown consistently since the city’s first 'Whole Food' Festival in the 1870s. Evolving ramen, Cali-Baja style, and Filipino fare have also become staples, and this shows just how diverse the gastronomic scene has remained. But which restaurants do the savviest foodies visit to find good fun and food? Welcome to Tastemaker 20. We’ve gathered data from tens of thousands of eateries around the world – all to find where OpenTable’s most devoted culinary connoisseurs like to enjoy a meal. Check out these fun restaurants in Sacramento and book a spot before they’re full!

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated October 31, 2019

Restaurants:	Allora, Canon, Fabian's Italian Bistro…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, American, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Sacramento, Fair Oaks…

Allora

$$$$

Seafood

Sacramento

4.8

2029 reviews

The private wine club, Italian inspired cocktails and option for communal seating are only small parts of what designate Allora as a fun restaurant in Sacramento. The decor – ranging from the hanging light fixtures to the exposed beam ceilings – create a whimsical atmosphere the moment guests enter. Even the velvet green chairs come off quirky! Patrons will immediately recognize the place from the foliage-packed patio area. Once inside, they have their choice of Wescott Bay oysters, dry-aged bistecca, pork osso bucco and a variety of other fine dining options.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Canon

$$$$

American

Sacramento

4.7

1656 reviews

Seasonal menus, shareable plates and unique décor have helped Canon live up to the anticipation that locals had prior to its opening. Those who want the experience of a fun restaurant in Sacramento often come during Happy Hour – when delicious bar fare such as cheeseburgers and fried eggplant can be enjoyed for an even lower cost – but options like grilled whole chicken, prime ribeye steak and seared ahi tuna are enough to attract guests at any hour. The vaulted ceiling, eclectic lighting and even the beautiful outdoor mural create an ambiance that cannot be missed.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Fabian's Italian Bistro

$$$$

Italian

Fair Oaks

4.7

1443 reviews

Not only is Fabian’s Italian Bistro one of the more fun restaurants in Sacramento, it was also recognized as the best eatery in the city for two straight years. Tasting Tuesday and Wine Wednesday are great opportunities to hang out with friends and make new ones. Even those who dine alone, however, will get a kick out of the chandelier lighting, huge wine rack and fire pit in the outdoor area. Try the braised pork rigatoni, day boat scallops, butternut squash tortoloni and liguine scampi to see what all the fuss is about.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Osteria Fasulo

$$$$

Italian

Davis

4.9

1381 reviews

When the atmosphere of a fun restaurant in Sacramento is combined with contemporary and authentic Italian dishes, the result is Osteria Fasulo. The eatery is family-owned, and they have filled the area with vintage photos, impressive fountains and simple seating that offers a modern twist among Old World décor. Those who dine outside can even sit surrounded the grapevines. Popular options include pasta con Polipo, a daily beef selection, pan-seared veal chop and delicious oysters. They also cater to special dietary needs for those who have them.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Jungle Bird

$$$$

Polynesian

Midtown

4.4

674 reviews

For individuals whose idea of excitement is a tropical paradise, The Jungle Bird is the fun restaurant in Sacramento that cannot be missed. Tiki statues, tribal masks, paintings of exotic birds and other island décor thrust guests directly where they wished they’d spent their honeymoon. Monday features an all-night Happy Hour, and anyone who wants to see tiki blended with metal music has to show up for Sabbath Sundays. The menu stays consistent with the exotic appeal by offering dishes such as kimchi fried rice, moku beef noodles, tombo poke and kalua pork sliders.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sheldon Inn Restaurant & Bar

$$$$

American

Elk Grove

4.7

2106 reviews

Serving the city for over three decades and housed in an over century-old building, Sheldon Inn Restaurant and Bar is nothing if not classic. The luxurious chandeliers, fine art, outdoor fountain and vintage-style bar come together and create an environment one might expect from a classy joint in the ‘50s. Those seeking a casual experience should head over to the lounge areas either inside or at the fire pit. Menu offerings include Portuguese, American and French cuisine ranging from black Angus skirt steak and Passmore Ranch salmon to Grilled calves liver and crème brulee.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Aioli Bodega Espanola

$$$$

Spanish

Sacramento

4.7

1872 reviews

With a promise to transport guests to Andalusia, Aioli Bodega Espanola consistently delivers on its word and is always listed as one of the fun restaurants in Sacramento. The menu features delicious Spanish offerings such as a variety of bocadillos, chorizo al ajoarriero, paillard de pollo and portobello de la moda. For those a little rough on their foreign languages, there are English descriptions on the menu as well. The statues, cultural masks, murals and extensive foliage on the exterior successfully create the feeling that guests have sat down for a meal in Spain.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grand Island Mansion

$$$$

American

Walnut Grove

4.7

672 reviews

The sprawling estate of the Grand Island Mansion is historic and located among the Sacramento River delta region. The building is in the style of the Italian Renaissance, but the Sunday brunch menu is far more diverse. One would expect to see the Mediterranean Orzo pasta salad or Italian toast, but guests are also pleasantly surprised by the prime rib and garlic roasted red potatoes. This is a fun restaurant in Sacramento simply for the fact that locals consistently come back and patrons get to enjoy the feeling of pure luxury – even if only for a day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Capitol Garage

$$$$

Fusion / Eclectic

Sacramento

4.2

1122 reviews

Geeks Who Drink trivia, Capitol Friday's with a live deejay, Dinner and a Drag Shows and even murder mysteries all make Capitol Garage one of the most fun restaurants in Sacramento. The Midtown icon is known for more than just its events, though, as it also offers an eclectic variety of menu options. This includes the chimi cheese steak, leaky grilled cheese, cowboy steak hash and 15th Street jambalaya. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. The neon signs, graffiti-like murals, live bands and unique dining sets make this eatery stand above most of its competitors in the area of ambiance.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zocalo - University Village

$$$$

Mexican

Sacramento

4.7

1553 reviews

Promising both an upscale and casual experience, Zocalo at University Village continues the brand's reputation as a fun restaurant in Sacramento that was earned at the Roseville and Midtown locations. Their Happy Hour is packed with everything from blackberry margaritas to Clas Azul Reposado, and the unique column designs, abstract sculptures and arched doorways create a chic environment that can make anyone feel artsy. They offer Mexican fare at its finest, and this includes en mole enchiladas, carnitas tacos, salmon con mango and a variety of soups and salads.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Frank Fat's

$$$$

Chinese

Sacramento

4.8

1702 reviews

Serving the area since 1939, Frank Fat’s has had a long time to become one of the most fun restaurants in Sacramento. They’ve accomplished this by consistently transporting their guests to Asia. Samurai artwork, a bust of the original Frank, unique wood carvings and framed portraits all add to this feeling. It's likely the Mongolian baby back ribs, shrimp purses, Peking duck and other international fare, however, that really creates the atmosphere. There are also American, Italian and French offerings on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants