One of the very best parts of any vacation is eating out. No prep, no clean up — just a world of new dishes and ingredients to discover. As you probably know, California is famous for its farm-to-table cuisine; Placer County restaurants take full advantage of this delicious fact. Whether it’s grown fresh on-site or harvested in the region, our eateries know how to prepare mouthwatering food and handcrafted refreshments like no other. From Roseville to Auburn to Tahoe City and everywhere in between, read on for places to eat in Placer County that will have your belly full and taste buds tingling. It’s time to feast!
Flower Farm Café in Loomis
Enjoy lunch from Flower Farm Cafe paired with wine from Casque
Who wouldn’t want to eat outside underneath beautiful willow trees? Flower Farm Café likes to keep it local, featuring fruits and vegetables grown right on the property. Along with locally-grown food, they also serve brews from Loomis Basin Brew and handmade specialty cocktails. After your farm-to-table lunch, head next door to Le Casque winery to taste their Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines.
Fourk Kitchen in Lincoln
This eatery has three locations (Folsom, Lincoln and Reno) and a unique menu that gives the restaurant its name. They offer one set menu per month with a four-course dining service— you can see where they got the idea for the name. The menu allows guests to experience fine dining in a casual setting. The only rules at Fourk are to “be yourself, have a great time, and most importantly, enjoy the people you’re with.”
Auburn Alehouse Restaurant in Auburn
A classic pint from the Auburn Alehouse Restaurant
For local food, local beer and a historical Placer County location, head to Auburn Alehouse Restaurant in Auburn’s Old Town. Pair your Alehouse Chili with an award-winning small-batch brew while you enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, and get a kid-friendly menu if you’re bringing the whole family.
Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe City
A North Tahoe institution since 1978, fill up on a hearty breakfast or lunch before a day of Tahoe adventuring. If this popular spot has a line for a table, cross the road to enjoy views of Lake Tahoe or head to their coffee shop annex to get caffeinated while you wait. Have one of their benedicts or huevos rancheros, just don’t forget to try their famous mimosas – by the glass, mug or pitcher. Cheers!
Soule Domain in Kings Beach
Just on the California side of the California/Nevada border, tucked into an old cabin, is where you’ll find Soule Domain. Only in Tahoe would you find a fine dining restaurant in a log cabin! Featuring local, seasonal produce, this romantic restaurant is a must-stop on any Tahoe visit.
Four Sisters Café in Roseville
If you’re hungry for a homemade breakfast or lunch, head over to Four Sisters Café for fresh, seasonal and homemade recipes. Try a dish that highlights their bacon, which is all cured, smoked and sliced in-house. Top it all off with some corned beef, made just that morning, or one of their homemade biscuits.
Restaurant Josephine in Auburn
You’ll find this fine dining farm-to-table restaurant in the historic Odd Fellow No. 7 Lodge building in Midtown Auburn. The owner chefs Eric Alexander and Auburn native, Courtney McDonald, create a weekly menu based on what’s in season from local producers and what’s available from their own 5-acre farm, Four Tines Farm. The menu blends French bistro favorites and Eastern European classics–meaning you could be dining on oysters or sauteed summer squash or Farmers Cheese Vareniki.
Hawks in Granite Bay
With an emphasis on classically prepared seasonal and local Sacramento Valley ingredients, Hawks’ Modern American cuisine is sure to impress any foodie. Owner chefs Michael Fagnoni and Molly Hawks opened Hawks in 2007 and have delighted diners in their stylish modern dining room with well-crafted dishes like almond wood grilled filet mignon and housemade charcuterie.
Q1227 Restaurant in Roseville
Dinner at Q1227
Named after Chef Q’s December 27th birthday, Q1227 Restaurant’s “modern comfort” food menu is an ode to the chef’s southern roots combined with his love for California’s farm-to-table ingredients. With a lively atmosphere, stylish décor and spectacular service, be sure to make a reservation to secure your seat for the chef’s high end take on southern cuisine. Enjoy favorites like the unique fried lobster bites, hand-crafted flatbreads and steaks or go “off menu” and let Chef Q decide on a 3-course dinner that won’t disappoint.
The Tin Lantern Bar & Grill in Meadow Vista
Sacramento’s foothills are home to the Tin Lantern Bar & Grill. Eat in their dining room or relax on their open-air patio while you enjoy one of their daily specials or favorites like grilled artichokes, risotto topped with prawns, scallops or filet tips and delicious burgers with house-cut fries. The welcoming staff, farm fresh ingredients and comfortable seating make this a “must eat” when in Meadow Vista.
The Chef’s Table in Rocklin
This Rocklin eatery is the self-proclaimed “modern-day Cheers” with a great atmosphere, fun crew members and farm-to-table fresh food. With 24 rotating beers on tap, local wines and an ever-changing seasonal menu, you’re sure to taste the best and freshest California ingredients. From Thai favorites, to seafood dishes to tacos, their menu is sure to delight, but get there early since this popular spot doesn’t take reservations.
When you travel in Placer County, there are plenty of ways to spend your money locally, and restaurants are the perfect way to do that. You’ll be supporting local farmers and restaurant owners while enjoying a handcrafted, delicious meal. Farm-to-table never tasted so good. Why not see if you can visit all 10 restaurants on our list?
If this list has left you thirsty, did you know Placer County has more than a dozen breweries, over 20 wineries…plus some distilleries? Start checking some of them off of your list! It’s time to start tasting life at its peak.
If you’re hungry for more ideas about places to eat in Placer County, check out our dining guide.