Sacramento and the Gold Country Restaurants

American, Italian, and Mexican are common Gold Country fare, but chefs also prepare ambitious European, French, and contemporary regional cuisine that mixes California ingredients with international preparations. Grass Valley's meat- and vegetable-stuffed pasties, introduced by 19th-century gold miners from Cornwall, are one of the region's more unusual treats.

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  • 1. Grounds

    $$

    From potato pancakes for breakfast to grilled rib eye for dinner, this bustling bistro with a series of wainscoted rooms and an outdoor back patio has something for all palates. Lighter grilled vegetables, chicken, sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups always shine here, as does heartier fare that might include elk medallions and prawns, forager-mushroom risotto, and cioppino with a relatively delicate yet full-flavored broth.

    402 Main St., Murphys, California, 95247, USA
    209-728–8663

    Known For

    • Full bar
    • Wines by local producers
    • Attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun.
  • 2. JoMa's Artisan Ice Cream

    $

    The smell of waffle cones will guide you to this town treasure whose Portuguese-Swiss namesake has been making ice cream since she was a young lass. Handcrafted flavors include Chill'n Cherry Chip (cherries and dark chocolate) and Wake Up Murphys (coffee, cocoa, and fudge).

    386 Main St., Murphys, California, 95247, USA
    209-728–8655

    Known For

    • Fruity sorbets
    • Cookies and ice-cream cakes
    • Gluten-free flavors
  • 3. Alchemy

    $$

    A casual spot on the eastern edge of town, Alchemy serves sturdy comfort food like meat loaf, pan-seared fish, and mushroom bourguignon over polenta. Fried calamari with roasted jalapeños and a Caesar with smoked-Gouda croutons are among the starters that pair well with the many Calaveras County wines on the list.

    191 Main St., Murphys, California, 95247, USA
    209-728–0700

    Known For

    • Alchemy burger with blue cheese
    • Lunch-only sandwiches
    • Mildly pricey for dinner but reliable

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch Mon., Tues., and Thurs. (but check)
  • 4. Aria Bakery & Espresso Cafe

    $

    For a place as small as it is, this bakery-café produces a staggering array of sweet and savory pastries, sandwiches, salads, and desserts you can enjoy with a well-brewed (if not always swiftly made) coffee, espresso drink, or tea. The croissants are golden and flaky, the quiches moist and filling, and the scones large and flavorful; the breads for lunchtime sandwiches include sourdough, focaccia, and polenta wheat.

    458 Main St., Murphys, California, 95247, USA
    209-728–9250

    Known For

    • Limited seating inside and out
    • Blueberry muffins, savory croissants, and other baked goods
    • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No dinner
  • 5. Murphys Pourhouse

    $

    The scene's light and lively indoors and out at this pub whose 16 taps dispense everything from pale ales to studly stouts. The kitchen turns out well-made snacks, salads, burgers, wraps, and a slew of sandwiches on various breads.

    350 Main St., Murphys, California, 95427, USA
    209-822–3942

    Known For

    • Rotating mostly West Coast beer selection
    • Summertime trivia and movie nights on the lawn
    • Family- and dog-friendly
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Rob's Place

    $$

    Comfort food crafted with care makes a trip to this low-slung restaurant on downtown's edge a pleasure whether you dine inside at linen-topped tables or on the dog-friendly, street-facing patio. Several burgers, one vegetarian, another named for a local winemaker, entice the regulars, but don't overlook dinner entrées that might include shrimp curry, lamb and grits, or grilled Indian-spice tofu with pistachios and Sriracha.

    140 Main St., Murphys, California, 95427, USA
    209-813–7003

    Known For

    • Clever appetizers
    • Only local wines
    • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs., Reservations not accepted
  • 7. Toscano's

    $$

    After paying dues at area restaurants, husband-and-wife team Oscar and Alejandra Sanchez struck out on their own in 2023, opening this tile-floored trattoria with a bar and indoor seating and a covered street-side patio. Carefully selected ingredients and a light touch with Italian sauces elevate dishes that might include shrimp scampi, cioppino, and chicken and veal piccata and marsala.

    380 Main St., Murphys, California, 95427, USA
    209-728–8800

    Known For

    • Caramel French toast and breakfast burritos and muffins
    • Sandwiches and quesadillas for lunch
    • Call for reservations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

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