As much as I prefer to cook at home, there are days when I just want to head out and enjoy the incredible food scene right here in my backyard.
So here is a guide to my favorite tried-and-true spots in the Elk Grove, Sacramento and the greater Sacramento area. They’re all budget-friendly, some even borderline cheap.
These are eateries and restaurants I visit often, genuinely enjoy, and confidently recommend to friends, family, or anyone who asks.
Vietnamese Favorites
Duc Huong (Sacramento) …. of course
My go-to spot for traditional Vietnamese sandwiches (bánh mì). It’s hard to beat $6 for a large sandwich. If you’re not a big eater, share one or save half for later.
The only downside is the wait. The line to order usually moves quickly, but picking up your sandwiches can still take time since it’s everyone’s favorite bánh mì spot.
It’s also a great place to grab to-go items like lemongrass roast chicken, Vietnamese ham (chả lụa), meat pies (pâté sô), flan (so good!), and plain baguettes in various sizes.
They accept both cash and card.
Thanh Son Tofu (Sacramento)
Just across from Duc Huong, in a smaller parking lot you can easily walk to, is a small shop that you might not even realize is open. Have patience. The women working there can be get rude when there’s a long line.
That said, I still come here solely for their fried tofu. Specifically, the one with wood ear mushrooms and bean-thread noodles. It’s absolutely delicious and I’ll take the verbal assault anytime. Order by the pound.
I usually skip the other items since Duc Huong tends to have them fresher, along with better service.
Also, they don’t price out anything so you will need to ask for pricing. Their generic receipts are not much help either.
Just remember to bring cash because it’s cash only. No exceptions.
Saigon Oi (Sacramento)
6835 Stockton Blvd #430, Sacramento, CA 95823
A great spot for modern Vietnamese vibes and authentic flavors. They have a limited rotating menu and there can be a bit of a wait.
It’s beautifully decorated and nice for a fancier meal. Get you camera ready because it’s an instagram worthy spot.
They accept both cash and card.
Saigon 88 (Elk Grove)
Great for a family sit-down meal. I tend to go here on cold, rainy days to warm up.
They specialize in Vietnamese free-range chicken dishes like chicken salad, chicken porridge, and chicken noodle soup (my favorite).
They also have a few beef dishes, such as bún bò huế, which the husband loves.
Condiments are readily available at the table for customization, which is always appreciated.
They accept both cash and card.
Sit Lo Saigon (Elk Grove)
7405 Laguna Blvd #170, Elk Grove, CA 95758
The sister restaurant of Saigon 88, this spot focuses specifically on beef noodle soups.
The menu is small but offers different regional styles, like the northern pho served with a fried breadstick or the slightly sweeter southern version. You also have the option to add on a gigantic beef rib for a little extra.
They also have a nice outdoor seating area that’s perfect for the warmer weather.
It’s self-service and pay-first. Seat yourself, pour your own drinks, and the food will come out shortly after. Condiments are available at the table so you can customize your bowl to your liking.
They accept both cash and card.
Pho Bistro (Elk Grove)
4805 Laguna Blvd Ste101, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Where the locals eat and hidden inside a strip mall. Very affordable Vietnamese dishes of all kinds, and service is fast. It’s so fast that you barely have time to settle in before everything arrives. No-frills restaurant that’s simply tasty and comforting. Party trays are also available.
They accept both cash and card.
For a traditional sit-down dim sum experience, this is the place. Very quick service. Order from the push carts or off the menu. Their fish congee from the menu is absolutely delicious!
Friendly staff who also speak English, which is rare for authentic dim sum spots.
They accept both cash and card.
And if you’re morbidly curious like me, the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery is just a short 9-minute walk away, beautifully landscaped and stunning in autumn.
ABC Bakery (Sacramento)
A local legend for dim sum takeout for good reason. It’s a simple take-out eatery focused on quality and consistency.
The baked BBQ pork buns are a must. They’re perfectly sweet and savory, with soft, fluffy dough.
They also have a solid selection of dim sum classics like egg tarts, siu mai (pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and many others. Everything is reasonably priced and served warm.
This is my go-to place to grab tasty and portable food for a rafting trip down the American River.
The lines can get long, especially on weekends, so plan ahead accordingly. And remember to bring cash as it’s cash and debit only!
Ramen
Kajiken (Elk Grove)
7470 Elk Grove Blvd #120, Elk Grove, CA 95757
A popular Japanese restaurant specializing in Aburasoba, a brothless style of ramen. It’s incredibly flavorful and I also love their cold tofu that only they seem to master in the area.
I just don’t like their flavored lemon water. Plain regular water, people!
They accept both cash and card.
Akebono (Sacramento)
4960 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
This is casual Japanese restaurant in Sacramento that has a little bit of everything. If you’re craving sushi, ramen, teriyaki plates, or bento boxes, this is an easy all-in-one spot.
The menu is big and the prices are reasonable. It’s the kind of place you can go with a group because everyone will find something they like.
They accept both cash and card.
Ramen 101 (Rancho Cordova)
10824 Olson Dr A, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
This is a solid spot for a simple, satisfying bowl of ramen. It’s conveniently located near my favorite grocery store, KP International Market, which doesn’t have many good options in its food court. This is why I go to Ramen 101 instead.
You can customize spice levels and add extras like egg, bamboo shoots, or green onions. Portions are good and prices are reasonable.
It’s a casual restaurant. Order and pay at the front, then seat yourself. There’s very little interaction, if any, and that’s how I like it.
They accept both cash and card.
This is more than just a restaurant. It’s like stepping foot in Mexico! There are often lines out the door, with many Spanish-speaking customers. I think I was the only Asian person there at the time, but don’t worry, they speak English too.
The dinosaur-size chicharrón is simply out of this world—so big it could probably be classified as a weapon.
If you want to make Mexican food at home, there’s also an attached Mexican grocery store and bakery. It’s literally an all-in-one spot for everything Mexican.
They accept both cash and card.
La Fiesta Altena (Elk Grove)
8924 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624
A dependable neighborhood taqueria for when taco or burrito cravings hit.
And you know it’s good when Spanish-speaking day workers come here for lunch.
They also have a free salsa and chip bar, and if you love their salsa, you can buy a large portion to take home.
The restaurant is on a busy, narrow street, so drive slowly to get into the small parking lot in the back. Outdoor seatings are also available.
They accept both cash and card.
Buffets
Gogi BBQ (Elk Grove)
9660 Bruceville Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95757
A fun spot for Korean BBQ. The meats are of high quality and there are plenty of fresh vegetables such as leafy lettuce for wrapping and Korean side dishes for an authentic Korean BBQ.
I love the grill-at-your-table experience, and the smoke is well controlled. Prices are reasonable, and you can add an individual hot pot for an extra charge.
Ordering is easy with the touch screen at your table, and there are lots of ready-made appetizers if you don’t want to cook everything yourself.
They accept both cash and card.
Yum Buffet & Grill (Sacramento)
4300 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823
Great bang for your buck, especially during lunch time. I’m mainly here for the fresh sashimi which is so rare to find quality in a buffet. A few slices of sashimi alone is more than worth the lunch price.
They accept both cash and card.
Hibachi Buffet, Sushi & Grill (Citrus Heights)
5623 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Another bang for the buck. Pay first and get a plethora of options. Great service, too. Their sushi rolls are excellent and made with the same quality as sit-down restaurants.
They accept both cash and card.
A lovely spot to grab Vietnamese coffee, located at the far end of the parking lot from Duc Huong. They offer fruit teas for hot Sacramento summers, but I go here just for the potent coffee.
It’s strong, thick, and comes with plenty of ice to balance the bold flavor. If you want to stay awake for the next 2 days, go here!
The heavily loaded ice cups for the coffee travels well, so I often pick up a few drinks when I’m driving back to the Bay Area.
They accept both cash and card.
Elk Grove Donuts
10043 Bruceville Rd Ste 140, Elk Grove, CA 95757
Donut shops are a dime a dozen, but out of all the ones I’ve tried, this is my favorite.
The donuts are soft, fluffy, and freshly made. Don’t wait too long, though, as most shops close early.
Sometimes they also have seasonal items or viral desserts, like the Dubai chocolate donuts that pop up on social media.
They accept both cash and card.
What are your favorites?
Do you live in the Sacramento or Elk Grove area? I’d love to hear which of these are your favorites, or if there’s a hidden gem I haven’t tried yet! Share your thoughts in the comments below.