Sacramento, while known for its farm-to-fork cuisine, also boasts a surprising number of excellent restaurants serving up delicious salmon dishes. Whether you prefer your salmon pan-seared, grilled, cedar-planked, or in a creamy pasta sauce, Sacramento has something to satisfy every palate. This guide highlights 17 of the best spots to indulge in this delicious fish.
Finding the Perfect Salmon Dish in Sacramento
Choosing the right salmon restaurant can feel overwhelming with so many options. To help you navigate the Sacramento seafood scene, we've compiled this list based on factors like:
- Freshness of Ingredients: We prioritized restaurants known for sourcing high-quality, sustainable salmon.
- Preparation Styles: Variety is key! This list showcases restaurants offering diverse cooking methods and flavors.
- Ambiance & Service: Dining should be an enjoyable experience. We considered atmosphere and customer service in our selections.
- Value: While fine dining is represented, we've also included options catering to various budgets.
Top 17 Sacramento Salmon Havens: A Diverse Culinary Journey
This list isn't ranked in any particular order, as each restaurant offers a unique salmon experience.
Upscale Experiences
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The Kitchen: Known for its farm-to-fork philosophy, The Kitchen often features exquisitely prepared salmon dishes, reflecting seasonal ingredients. Expect innovative preparations and a sophisticated ambiance.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar: This elegant establishment provides a refined dining experience, with salmon dishes that are both beautiful and delicious. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients shines through.
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Frank Fat's: A Sacramento institution, Frank Fat's offers a unique blend of classic American and Chinese cuisine. While not exclusively a seafood restaurant, their salmon preparations are worth seeking out.
Mid-Range Delights
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Mulvaney's B&L: A popular spot with a lively atmosphere, Mulvaney's often features salmon specials that are both creative and satisfying. Their consistent quality and diverse menu make it a reliable choice.
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The Waterboy: Located near the Sacramento River, The Waterboy provides a beautiful setting for enjoying their salmon dishes. The waterfront views enhance the dining experience.
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Biba Restaurant: Biba offers a stylish setting with a menu that changes seasonally. Expect thoughtfully prepared salmon dishes that reflect the freshest available ingredients.
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Ten22: Known for its modern American cuisine, Ten22 often includes carefully crafted salmon entrees on its menu. The restaurant's attention to detail makes it a stand-out choice.
Casual & Comfortable Options
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Tower Bridge Bistro: With its casual yet elegant atmosphere and stunning views of the Tower Bridge, this restaurant offers a delightful experience. Their salmon dishes are a popular choice.
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Hook Line & Sinker: A popular spot for fresh seafood, Hook Line & Sinker consistently delivers delicious and reasonably priced salmon options.
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Raley's Fine Foods (Various Locations): While a grocery store, many Raley's Fine Foods locations have excellent seafood counters and prepared food sections with ready-to-eat salmon dishes. A great option for a quick, affordable meal.
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Sacramento Seafood Company: This is another option for fresh, high-quality salmon. Their casual setting is ideal for a relaxed meal.
Hidden Gems
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The Rind: This cheese-focused restaurant might surprise you with its delicious salmon dishes, often featuring unique pairings and preparations.
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Selland's Market-Cafe: While known primarily for its market, Selland's Market-Cafe offers a small but carefully curated menu with consistently delicious options, including salmon.
Beyond the Usual: Exploring Unique Salmon Dishes
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A Sushi Restaurant (Your Choice): Sacramento has numerous excellent sushi restaurants. Many offer high-quality salmon nigiri, sashimi, and rolls.
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Local Fish Markets: Several local fish markets sell fresh, high-quality salmon that you can prepare yourself at home. This offers a budget-friendly alternative and allows for complete control over the preparation.
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Farmers' Markets: During the season, some farmers' markets might offer locally sourced, freshly caught salmon. This is a fantastic option for supporting local businesses and enjoying incredibly fresh fish.
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Restaurants with Rotating Menus: Many Sacramento restaurants have menus that change regularly to reflect seasonal availability. It's worth checking out their current offerings.
Tips for Ordering Salmon
- Ask about sourcing: Inquire about where the restaurant sources its salmon to ensure sustainability and quality.
- Consider cooking methods: Decide if you prefer grilled, pan-seared, baked, or another style.
- Check for special preparations: Many restaurants offer unique preparations like cedar-planked salmon or salmon with unique sauces.
This guide offers a diverse range of options for enjoying delicious salmon in Sacramento. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for menus and reservations, especially during peak hours. Enjoy your salmon culinary adventure!
