01
Best all-day hangout
Penryn Grill
Right Off I-80 In Penryn • Casual Bar And Grill • Go-To Local Bar And Grill
A friendly, no-fuss spot for burgers, flatbreads, and a cold beer after a day on the road or in the foothills.
Penryn Grill shares a lot with a 76 station, but it feels more like the town’s living room than a highway stop. The menu leans into hearty comfort food—think stacked burgers, wings, and loaded fries—backed by a full bar and plenty of TVs. It’s an easy choice when you want a laid-back meal, a game on in the background, and staff who quickly remember your order.
02
Top brunch and lunch pick
Greenhouse Penryn
Penryn Road Near The Highway • European-Inspired Brunch Café • Best For Relaxed Daytime Meals
Bright, plant-filled café doing thoughtful European-leaning brunch plates, fresh juices, and good coffee.
Greenhouse Penryn is where locals linger over late-morning meals and a second cappuccino. The kitchen turns out seasonal toasts, salads, and egg dishes with a European twist, alongside fresh-squeezed juices and craft coffee. Grab a sunny table, order something baked in-house, and plan to stay longer than you meant to.
03
Most scenic setting
High-Hand Cafe
Loomis – Inside High-Hand Nursery • Garden Farm-To-Table Restaurant • Best For Leisurely Lunch
Set among nurseries and brick arcades, this cafe serves California comfort food with a garden-to-plate sensibility.
High-Hand Cafe makes a meal feel like a small getaway, thanks to its greenhouse-style dining room and lush nursery surroundings. The menu focuses on fresh, familiar plates—wood-fired pizzas, generous salads, and seasonal specials—built around local produce. It’s ideal when you want to stroll the nursery, then sit down for a glass of wine and an unhurried lunch or early dinner.
04
Coziest Italian spot
La Fornaretta
Historic Newcastle • Cozy Italian Trattoria • Date-Night Standout
A warmly lit Italian restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and an intimate, old-world feel.
Just a few minutes up the road from Penryn, La Fornaretta is a go-to when you’re craving Italian done with care. The brick oven turns out blistered pizzas, while the kitchen leans on family recipes for pastas and hearty mains. Small-town friendly service and closely spaced tables give it an inviting, date-night energy without feeling fussy.
05
Most inventive menu
The Chef's Table
Rocklin – Sunset Boulevard Corridor • Upscale New American Bistro • Special-Occasion Choice
A chef-driven spot with a seasonal New American menu, thoughtful wine list, and polished yet relaxed vibe.
The Chef's Table is where many Penryn and Rocklin locals head when they want something a step above the usual night out. The menu changes often, showcasing creative takes on regional ingredients—from refined small plates to rich, shareable mains. With knowledgeable staff, a tight but smart wine list, and an intimate dining room, it suits everything from anniversary dinners to a splurgey midweek treat.