01
Best overall pick
Burgers & Brew
Third Street Near Campus • Craft Burger And Beer Bar • Local Favorite
Big, thoughtfully built burgers and a serious draft list make this the go-to stop after class or a game.
Burgers & Brew is the place you end up when half your group wants a casual hangout and the other half wants good beer. The patties are hefty, the fries come in shareable baskets, and there are enough veggie and chicken options to keep everyone happy. Expect a lively patio, a wait at peak dinner hours, and a crowd that feels like a mix of campus and long-time Davis residents.
02
Best for date night
The Mustard Seed
D Street In Downtown • Upscale Californian Bistro • Special-Occasion Spot
A cozy, longstanding Davis favorite for seasonal, wine-friendly California dishes in a refined but relaxed setting.
The Mustard Seed is where Davis locals celebrate promotions, visiting parents, and anniversaries without leaving downtown. The menu leans seasonal and Californian, with well-executed mains, polished service, and a wine list that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s intimate without being stuffy, so you can show up nicely dressed after a day on campus and still feel comfortable lingering over dessert.
03
Classic student haunt
Woodstock's Pizza
G Street Corridor • Student-Friendly Pizza Joint • Best Late-Night Bite
Loud, casual, and reliably open late, Woodstock's serves pile-it-on pizzas built for sharing with a table full of friends.
Woodstock's is practically a rite of passage for UC Davis students, especially on game nights and after evening labs. The crust is doughy in the best way, toppings skew generous, and the Cinnabread has as much of a following as the pizza itself. TVs, pitchers, and big communal tables make it ideal for large groups and late-night cravings a short walk or bike ride from campus.
04
Refined night out
Hikari Sushi & Omakase
F Street In Downtown • Modern Japanese Sushi Bar • Best For Sushi Purists
A polished sushi bar where pristine fish, thoughtful small plates, and omakase make it feel like a night in a bigger city.
Hikari is the spot when you want to trade burritos and burgers for serious sashimi and artful nigiri. The omakase is the move if you’re willing to spend a bit more, but there are also accessible rolls and small plates for a less formal meal. It’s quieter than most student hangouts, which makes it a strong pick for a slower dinner with friends, visiting family, or a date.
05
Best global flavors
My Burma
First Street Near The Train Station • Casual Burmese Restaurant • Best For Adventurous Eaters
Bright, aromatic Burmese curries, noodles, and salads bring something different to the usual campus-area rotation.
My Burma offers a welcome change of pace from the standard college-town line-up, with tea leaf salads, rich curries, and noodle dishes that hit savory, sour, and spicy notes all at once. Portions are generous enough to share or stretch into leftovers, and the space feels relaxed enough for a quick bite before hopping on the train or heading back to campus. It’s a smart pick when your group wants to try something a bit more adventurous without leaving the Davis bubble.