01
Best overall pick
Canon
East Sacramento • Upscale New American Restaurant • Chef-Driven Small Plates
Inventive shareable plates, serious cocktails, and a polished but unstuffy dining room make Canon a destination for food lovers.
Canon is the kind of place you book when you want to linger over a table full of things to pass and share. The menu leans seasonal and creative, with beautifully plated dishes that still feel comforting and approachable. It’s close enough to Parkway for a spontaneous night out, but refined enough for birthdays and anniversaries.
02
Best for a special occasion
Allora
River Park • Modern Italian Seafood Restaurant • Special-Occasion Dining
Allora pairs a seafood-focused Italian menu with an impressive wine program in an intimate, design-forward space.
If you’re celebrating something big and don’t mind a short drive from Parkway, Allora feels like an escape. Expect thoughtful tasting menus, pristine seafood, and a wine list that rewards curiosity. The room is quiet enough for conversation, which makes it a strong choice for dates, anniversaries, or lingering dinners with close friends.
03
Best comfort-food stop
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Oak Park • Lively Southern Comfort Spot • Best For Groups And Families
Big plates of fried chicken, waffles, and other soul food favorites plus a lively atmosphere make Fixins worth the drive from Parkway.
Fixins Soul Kitchen is where you go when you want food that feels like a hug. The menu leans into classics—think crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese, and hearty sides—served in portions made for sharing. It’s casual, energetic, and great for bringing a mixed-age crew who just want to eat well and feel welcome.
04
Best riverfront experience
Scott's Seafood on the River
Greenhaven / Pocket • Riverfront Seafood And Steakhouse • Scenic Date-Night Pick
Scott’s Seafood delivers classic seafood and steakhouse dishes with one of the most pleasant river views within a short drive of Parkway.
Set along the river, Scott’s is all about pairing a plate of fresh seafood with a sunset view. The menu is classic—grilled fish, shellfish, chowder, and solid steaks—executed in a way that pleases both traditionalists and occasional splurgers. It’s a reliable choice when you want a slightly dressier night out that still feels relaxed and local.
05
Best for sushi lovers
Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
Midtown • Contemporary Japanese Sushi Bar • Chef-Driven Experience
Kru combines pristine sushi, inventive small plates, and a sleek dining room that rewards diners willing to venture a bit farther from Parkway.
Kru is a magnet for Sacramento sushi fans, and it’s worth planning around a reservation. The fish quality is standout, but the broader menu of small plates and cooked dishes makes it equally friendly to mixed groups. Between the polished service and modern space, it’s a strong pick when you want dinner to feel like an evening out, not just a quick bite.