Ask anyone who’s not from California what the capital is and you're sure to get San Francisco or LA. To be honest there's some born and raised Californians that would ponder that question. However, it's not the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or even the Golden Gate that holds the title. No, it's a big little city located in the central valley and my home town-Sacramento.
The food scene in Sacramento has also seen growth and the city is getting much attention for its innovative restaurants that keep it local and serve farm to fork fresh ingredients. This is a huge gain in my opinion because while I was growing up in Sacramento there was no such thing as “no meat” options when dining out. If you didn't eat meat then you were at the table praying that they offered bottomless salad or politely eating everyone’s sliced celery and carrot sticks (the ones no one eats on the side of the plate). Thankfully, times have changed in the half horse half suburb city and it is my pleasure to give to you my Sacramento Top 6 Vegan Friendly Restaurants.
6. Orchid Thai
Located on 16th street this restaurant goes above and beyond in flavor and in service for its plant based clientele. As soon as you enter you are greeted with calm and sultry decor complete with a wall fountain. The hostess. will ask you your dietary preference and when you are seated you will be handed the corresponding menu. Personally, I was very impressed by the variety of their vegetarian/vegan menu. I ordered the veggie stir fry while my better half had the drunken noodle. The food had amazing flavor but the star of this spot is their excellent staff, our server even made sure to mention what ingredients weren’t vegan when we ordered and we were able to modify our food with no problem. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, plus it is located right in the heart of Sacramento’s club/bar scene so it's the perfect spot to start a good night on the town.
5. Bangkok @12
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| Thai Tea-Tastes amazing |
This one is a true hidden gem within the city. Located on the corner of 12th and I street, this hole in the wall restaurant is packing a powerful Thai vegan punch. I highly recommend the curry section of their menu because their spicy green curry will have you slurping the bowl like a kitten and all of the curry options can be made with coconut milk. As for beverages go their Thai tea is absolutely delicious and can be prepared with coconut milk. Another reason this place made my list is because of the sense of community you’ll find inside. Once you take a seat you are physically apart of the Sacramento melting pot that exists within the city and, of course, no matter who you are or what you look like you will be treated with nothing but respect at Bangkok@12.
4. Queen Sheba
Ethiopian food is probably the last thing you think would be done well in Sacramento but the city has not just one notable Ethiopian restaurant but two (second made it higher on the list). Located on Broadway Queen Sheba personifies the Ethiopian cultural eating experience. When you come in you will be kindly greeted by the sweetest woman who has been working there for years. You will be seated at a humble wooden table where you will be served with lemon infused water (optional) while you make your selection. I highly recommend the vegetarian combo because it is out of this world and can easily be made vegan. Personally, I love the way they prepare the cabbage and carrot/potato mixture. Silverware is available but you won’t need it because their homemade injera bread is all you need to scoop up all the deliciousness that will be on your plate. If you really want a treat, come by during their lunch buffet hours-$10.25 (prices may vary) for all you can eat.
3. The Porch
Located on K street I placed The Porch as number two because I was truly impressed by the restaurant's inclusive and diverse menu. This is where you go in Sacramento if you have a group where one friend eats meat, one is vegan, and one has decided to be vegetarian for a week. I highly recommend their cajun fried beets for your appetizer because if you don’t already love beets you will after you try theirs. For your main course I also would recommend the vegan/veggie burger option because it was cooked perfectly and you can add a lovely guacamole spread to take the place of the dairy condiments. Wash it all down with their adult lemonade punch bowl. The Porch literally has something for. everyone, service is amazing, and the porch is the best seat in the house.
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| Cajun Beets-You have to try |
2. Pushkins
Located on Capitol Ave, this place started off as a gluten free bakery but now has a full fledge restaurant with their own vegan menu! All their food is gluten free and they use the freshest ingredients from local farms. When you first walk into Pushkins you are greeted with a beautiful array of baked goods and the fresh smell of coffee. Similar to Orchid Thai, you will be asked what menu you choose to order from (vegan or not) and you will be able to choose between indoor and outdoor seating. We decided to try the vegan adult grilled cheese and the vegan burger both with Pushkin's signature cashew cheese. If you are a huge sandwich/burger fan like me this is the perfect place to go because the burgers are made with the impossible patty and their vegan cheese is flavorful and wildly creative (it's made with cashews and quinoa). If you are in the Sacramento downtown area during brunch/lunch time please stop by, trust me you won't regret it.
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| vegan burger with cashew cheese |
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| Vegan Grilled Cheese |
1. Habesha
As I mentioned earlier there was a second Ethiopian place on this list so here we go at #1. I may be slightly biased when it comes to Ethiopian restaurants due to my Ethiopian heritage but Habesha to me has some of the best food in the city. All of their food is so tender and each dish truly has its own flavor profile and when they’re eaten together with the injera the experience is unreal. Located on Fair Oaks Blvd, the outside of this place does not speak at all to the exceptional food that exists inside. A truly humble establishment, complete with a lovely owner who works the front and makes you feel like he’s your long lost uncle. I recommend the same order as I would get at Queen Sheba-not because I’m trying to start some kind of rivalry, but because both take great care in the preparation of this dish and because it’s the highest quantity of food you can get for your money. If you find yourself in the Arden area of Sacramento please check this place out, you won’t be disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Andy Nguyen's
I had to add this honorable mention for two reasons; one, my fiancé absolutely loves this place and wouldn’t forgive me if they weren’t somewhere on this list. Two, because they are one of the few true vegetarian/vegan restaurants in all of Sacramento. Located on Broadway, all of Andy Nguyen's food is 100% vegan/vegetarian so no need to comb through the menu descriptions with a magnifying glass. My fiancé recommends the crispy lotus rolls (her favorite) and the pad thai. To drink she can't get enough of their fresh squeezed fruit juice.
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| Lotus rolls |
So if you find yourself passing through the capital during your California adventure have no fear because the Sacramento plant based lifestyle scene is alive and well. And if you know of another good vegan or plant based friendly restaurant in the area feel free to comment and shout them out!
*I do not own the rights to any of the photos used. All rights to the photos belong to their respective owners.
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