Author: Photos by Anna Wick

The 1924 Burger at Stepdad's in Sacramento

Stepping Up

When the beloved Dad’s Kitchen closed in 2024, a family of veteran restaurateurs swooped in to resurrect the space. Enter Stepdad’s, the cozy Land Park restaurant by the owners of The Jungle Bird, Tank House and Camden Spit & Larder that makes you instantly feel right at home.
Carla Meyer, Photos by Anna Wick,
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All That Glitters

From shimmery craft cocktails to seasonal small plates, The Hillmont at Remedy Supply Co. embraces Auburn’s rich history while offering modern American eats. This dazzling foothills restaurant just might spark a new Gold Rush.
Erika Mailman, Photos by Anna Wick,
Slow and Low spare ribs

Right on ’Cue

Texas collides with California as the team behind LowBrau and Beast & Bounty gets cooking at Slow & Low Smokehouse, plating up succulent ribs, juicy tri-tip and standout brisket. In this showdown of meaty flavors in Elk Grove, diners don’t need to choose a side in the great barbecue debates—just the many scrumptious side dishes.
Hillary Louise Johnson, Photos by Anna Wick,
The dimly lit dining room of V's Paradise, with a large golden tree sculpture

Paradise Found

Marrying old-world charm with new-world optimism, V’s Paradise in Old Sacramento is a love letter to our city’s rich immigrant history. A classic American steakhouse with a dash of Asian-inspired umami and a sprinkle of Armenian spices, it’s a destination restaurant where the menu is brimming with unexpected flavor twists.
Hillary Louise Johnson, Photos by Anna Wick,
Journey to the Dumpling in midtown

Double the Dumplings

For many, the journey to Journey to the Dumpling just got a whole lot easier. The celebrated Elk Grove restaurant has expanded into midtown, introducing its signature 18-pleat XLB, hand-pulled noodles and other hot and steamy chopstickery to a new group of dumpling devotees.
Leilani Marie Labong, Photos by Anna Wick,
Okesutora

Dinner and a Showstopper

All the culinary world’s a stage at the ambitious new omakase restaurant Okesutora. After honing his skills at the celebrated sushi chain Nobu, chef Hieu Phan returns to his native Sacramento to deliver sea-worthy flavors with a dash of storytelling and a splash of spectacle in midtown.
Hillary Louise Johnson, Photos by Anna Wick,
The Slough House Kitchen

Eastern Eden

Head east for a delicious oasis without leaving town. The Slough House Kitchen offers a haven from the hustle of city life with desert-island-worthy dishes and an escapist patio made for watching summer sunsets while sipping a glass of Amador zin.
Hillary Louise Johnson, Photos by Anna Wick,
The interior of willow and their cavolo campanelle

Chow Bella

Willow serves up love, Southern Italian style, with a side of colorful and texture-rich décor. After three tough pandemic-impacted years, the downtown restaurant scene is looking up.
Carla Meyer, Photos by Anna Wick,
The window of Restaurant Josephine, which features the restaurant logo; married co-owners Courtney McDonald and Eric Alexander

French Twist

Restaurant Josephine—launched by two former chefs at Auburn’s acclaimed Carpe Vino—offers a culinary tour of France with a delicious detour to Eastern Europe (think smoked salmon crêpe gâteau topped with caviar). Bon appétit and bon voyage.
Leilani Marie Labong, Photos by Anna Wick,