01
Best overall pick
Oakhouse
Old Town Auburn • California Steakhouse • Best For Date Night
A polished California steakhouse in a restored landmark, ideal when you want dinner to feel like an occasion.[7]
Housed in Auburn’s historic White House building, Oakhouse leans into California steakhouse cooking with seasonal sides and an elevated bar program.[7] Service is attentive without being stuffy, making it a smart pick for anniversaries, visiting family, or any night you feel like lingering over a long meal. Reservations help on busy evenings, but the bar is a solid backup for last-minute plans.
02
Upscale but relaxed
Monkey Cat Restaurant
Downtown Auburn • Upscale American Restaurant • Most Versatile Pick
An upscale yet relaxed American spot where you can show up trail-dusted or dressed to celebrate and still feel perfectly at home.[2]
Monkey Cat balances fine-dining touches with a comfortable, come-as-you-are attitude, serving contemporary American plates that work as well for date night as they do for a lingering lunch.[2] The menu usually offers a mix of seafood, steaks, and hearty pastas, so everyone at the table can find something that fits. Ask for a patio or window table if you like a bit of buzz with your meal.
03
Chef-driven gem
Restaurant Josephine
Midtown Auburn • Seasonal French Bistro • For Food Lovers
A seasonal French bistro with Eastern European accents, designed for nights when the menu is as much the draw as the company.[3]
Restaurant Josephine focuses on a seasonal approach to French cuisine, layering in inspiration from Eastern European cooking for a menu that changes with what’s best at the moment.[3] The room is intimate and stylish, making it a great choice if you like sharing small plates, talking through the wine list, and paying attention to the details on the plate. Book ahead for weekends, as its chef-driven reputation keeps the dining room full.
04
Big-menu crowd-pleaser
Max's Restaurant & Bar
North Auburn Corridor • Family-Friendly American Eatery • Best For Groups
A lively, family-friendly spot with a huge American menu, from deli sandwiches to comfort-food classics.[4]
Max’s Restaurant & Bar is built for variety, with home-style entrées, classic deli sandwiches, and big salads all sharing space on the same menu.[4] It’s the kind of place where kids, grandparents, and hungry friends can eat together without compromise, helped along by generous portions and a full bar for the grown-ups. If you’re meeting a group near the highway, this is an easy, reliable rendezvous point.
05
Beloved breakfast staple
Katrina's Cafe
Near Grass Valley Highway • Cozy Breakfast Cafe • Top Breakfast Spot
A cozy American cafe best known for hearty breakfasts and friendly, small-town service that keeps regulars coming back.[5]
Consistently ranked among Auburn’s favorite spots, Katrina’s Cafe leans into classic American cafe cooking, especially at breakfast.[5] Expect fluffy omelets, generous pancakes, and daily specials that feel homemade in the best way. Go early on weekends; the dining room is small, and locals know it’s one of the best ways to start a day in North Auburn.