01
Best overall pick
OBO' Italian Table & Bar
East Sacramento On Folsom Blvd • Modern Italian Market-Café • Best All-Around Choice
A polished yet easygoing Italian spot locals rely on for wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and a strong happy hour.
OBO' hits the sweet spot between special and everyday, with a counter-service setup, a full bar, and a menu that works for both quick bites and lingering dinners. The open, light-filled space and shaded patio make it a natural meet-up spot before or after a river walk. House-made pastas, seasonal vegetables, and smartly priced wine flights showcase Sacramento’s farm-to-fork ethos without feeling fussy.
02
Essential brunch stop
Bacon & Butter
Tahoe Park On Broadway • Creative Brunch Café • Best For Indulgent Brunch
A bustling daytime café known for over-the-top brunch plates, strong coffee, and locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re willing to wait for a table, Bacon & Butter delivers one of the most satisfying brunches near La Riviera. The menu leans big and comforting—think griddled biscuits, seasonal scrambles, and towering pancakes—balanced by smart touches like house-made jams and market produce. It’s an easy hop from La Riviera and a great way to kick off a lazy weekend before heading back to the river.
03
Comfort-food favorite
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Oak Park By Mcclatchy Park • Lively Southern Soul Food Restaurant • Go-To Comfort-Food Fix
A high-energy spot serving fried chicken, waffles, and classic sides in portions that invite sharing.
Fixins brings a celebratory vibe to Southern comfort food, with music up, servers moving fast, and plates that feel like a family reunion. Crispy fried chicken, candied yams, and mac and cheese are the headliners, but don’t skip the starters or the cocktails. It’s an easy drive from La Riviera when you want a fun, noisy meal with friends rather than a quiet night out.
04
Refined date-night choice
Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
East Sacramento Near Sutter Park • Contemporary Japanese And Sushi Bar • Top Date-Night Choice
A sleek Japanese restaurant pairing pristine sushi with inventive small plates and a serious cocktail program.
Kru is where East Sac goes to impress, whether it’s a date night or a celebratory dinner with close friends. The sushi and sashimi are the obvious draw, but the cooked dishes and bar program show equal care, with seasonal ingredients and artful plating. From La Riviera, it’s close enough for a spontaneous evening out that still feels like a treat.
05
Most inventive menu
Canon East Sacramento
East Sacramento Off Alhambra Blvd • Inventive New American Small-Plates Restaurant • Best For Adventurous Eaters
A stylish spot built around shareable plates, bold flavors, and one of the better cocktail lists in town.
Canon leans into creativity, with a menu that changes often and encourages sharing so you can try a bit of everything. Expect clever takes on vegetables, punchy sauces, and thoughtful plating that still feels welcoming rather than precious. For La Riviera diners who enjoy exploring new flavors and splitting a spread of dishes, it’s well worth the short drive.