Eat / Stay / Play

DINING, LODGING IN PLACER AND NEVADA COUNTY CA
GO TO STAY


AUBURN ALEHOUSE
Popular brewpub in an historic building in Old Town Auburn. Sip their award-winning craft beers paired with imaginative starters, small plates, sandwiches entrees and house-made desserts.
209 Washington St., Auburn CA 95603; 530-885-2537 AuburnAlehouse.com

BRIARPATCH CO-OP COMMUNITY MARKET
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: hot soups, entrees, salad bar, wraps, sandwiches, burritos, burgers and more. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, glutten-free and raw dishes using organic or natural ingredients.
290 Sierra College Dr., Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-272-5333 Briarpatch.Coop
REVIEW #1 and REVIEW #2

CARPE VINO (21+ Establishment)
Carpe Vino’s innovative menu is California themed yet French-inspired. The menu changes virtually weekly, with new selections added based on farmers market availability. Award-winning wine list: Upwards of 40 wines are available by the glass. Dinner: Tues.-Sun. 5-9 p.m., Wine Bar Tues.-Sun. noon-10 p.m. 
Reservations of 5 or more most contact Carpe Vino directly.
1568 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 823-0320 CarpeVinoAuburn.com
REVIEW

CASA LAS KATARINAS
The menu at Casa Las Katarinas (Spanish for “ladybug”) is pure Mexican. Dishes include pork chile verde, carne asada and tinga (shredded beef in a chipolte sauce). Burritos, enchiladas, tacos, as well as vegetarian options. Desserts include flan, made from a century-old recipe, with homemade caramel. All of Las Katarinas dishes are made from scratch. New location.
10100 Alta Sierra Dr., GV 274-1477
REVIEW

CIRINO’S AT MAIN STREET
Since 1983, discerning locals and their guests have come to expect the tradition of quality, value and flavor that Cirino’s at Main Street delivers. You will find a comfortable atmosphere, professional staff and an award-winning menu of salads, sandwiches, pastas, seafood and steak. Full bar, extensive wine list.

213 Main St., GV 530-477-6000 CirinosAtMainStreet.com

DIEGOS
A South American inspired café that is known for some of the most succulent flavors around. A foothill favorite for more than 10 years, their eclectic menu is made with love and attention to quality. From their savory gourmet sandwiches, grass-fed beef, local organic veggies, to their robust salads and soups made from scratch, Diegos’s offers a tasty variety for the hearty meat-eater, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diner.
217 Colfax Hwy., GV 477-1460 DiegosRestaurant.com
REVIEW

HAWKS RESTAURANT
Upscale gourmet dining in a sophisticated setting where warm California cuisine meets rich, modern elegance. Specialities like house-made tagliarini, crispy duck confit and slow-roasted short ribs are accompanied with locally grown produce of the highest quality.
5530 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay, CA 95747; 916-791-6200 HawksRestaurant.com
REVIEW #1 and REVIEW #2

HIGH STEAKS AT THUNDER VALLEY CASINO RESORT
High Steaks steakhouse prepares the finest cuts of Prime beef broiled to perfection alongside unique appetizers and side dishes such as our signature Bacon-Wrapped Prawns or Sweet Corn Brûlée. Complement your meal with an award-winning wine selection.
1200 Athens Avenue Lincoln, CA 95648 (916) 408-8327 ThunderValleyResort.com

IKE’S QUARTER CAFE
Ike’s serves organic New Orleans style cuisine with an upbeat twist and something for everyone. Menu items include classics such as Jambalaya, including a vegetarian version; bumbo, blackened catfish and po’ boy sandwiches. Ike’s burgers also are famous, made from naturally raised beef.
401 Commercial St., Nevada City, CA 95945; 530-265-6138 IkesQuarterCafe.com
REVIEW

JAX AT THE TRACKS
Housed in an original 1940s diner next to Truckee’s downtown railroad tracks, JAX offers honest food with a twist. Think decadent comfort food. Classic diner fare is featured on our menu, alongside innovative offerings.
10144 West River St. Truckee, CA 96161 530-550-7450 JAXTruckee.com
REVIEW #1 and REVIEW #2

JERNIGAN’S GRILL & TAP HOUSE
“Fresh Food, Fresh Beer, Fresh People” sums up this Nevada City ale house and family restaurant featuring delicious homemade food, sports on big screens and a rotating menu of 18 eclectic beers on tap. Entrees range from burgers featuring Niman Ranch free-range beef, tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches, to vegetarian items including portabella or grilled tomato goat cheese sandwiches.
123 Argall Way, NC 530-265-6999 JernigansGrill.com

KAIDO
A Japanese restaurant offering sushi as well as tempura. Specials like the Seven Samurai Sushi Roll, with seven different layers of fish, present feasts to the eyes and the taste buds. The chef’s focus is on keeping the food light and natural. Old Japanese movies on a screen serve as a backdrop to help set the mood. Wine and beer.
207 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-274-0144 KaidoSushi.com

KANE’S
Sophisticated down home comfort food. White tablecloths, but casual and elegant attire are welcome. Italian fare and creative specials such as seafood pasta. Heart healthy dishes. Come enjoy a new lounge and outdoor patio. Free parking in the rear.
120 E. Main, Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-273-8111 KanesRestaurant.com
REVIEW 1 REVIEW 2

LEFTY’S GRILL
Casual, white tablecloth dining in the heart of Nevada City’s historic district, owned and operated by two left-handed chefs, some of the area’s top talent. All dishes hand-prepared from scratch, with specialty dishes and unique sandwiches. Try the gourmet burger, award-winning grilled flatbread pizza or fresh seafood. Seasonal dinners. Lefty’s newly remodeled Back Room available for private functions. Beer and Wine.
101 Broad St., Nevada City, CA 95959; 530-265-5838. LeftysGrill.com
REVIEW #1 and REVIEW #2

MANZANITA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE
Manzanita is a celebration Northern California Cuisine focusing on rustic cooking techniques, local produce and regional farms.
13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Court Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 562-3050 RitzCarlton.com
REVIEW

MARIA’S
Family style Mexican restaurant with traditional choices plus a range of new light fare. Maria always adds her own creative twists to family recipies. Old favorites and new entrees like freshly roasted poblano chile enchiladas. Carry out and catering available. Full bar.
226 E. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-274-2040 MariasGrassValley.com
REVIEW #1 and REVIEW #2

MONKEY CAT
One of the Sierra Foothills’ tastiest upscale bistros. The menu is varied and always offers fish, meat, poultry and pasta. At Monkey Cat you can plan to eat either inside the restaurant itself or in the outdoor patio which contains a bar. Dog friendly, Wi-fi accessible.
805 Lincoln Way, downtown Auburn, CA 95603; 530-888-8492 MonkeyCatAuburn.com
REVIEW

MORGAN’S LOBSTER SHACK AND FISH MARKET
Enjoy the freshest seafood in the Lake Tahoe area with fish arriving almost daily and locally grown produce when available at this casual restaurant. Order traditional east coast fare, lobster rolls, fried clams, haddock and west coast favorites like wild Alaskan halibut. Fresh fish market for dinners at home.
10089 West River St., Truckee 530-582-5000
1401 S. Virginia St., Reno, 775-683-9300
MorgansLobsterShack.com

PINE STREET BURGERS
A family friendly restaurant featuring Durham all-natural beef, free-range chicken, Max’s artisan burger buns and sandwich bread and Truckee sourdough sandwich rolls. Caspers famous hot dogs as well as vegetarian dishes. House-made natural and dairy-free shakes, and locally sourced fruit sodas made with organic cane sugar. Try the Smouldering Pine Burger.
1249 E. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-477-5006
REVIEW

SERGIO’S CAFFE
Enjoy authentic Italian food at Sergio’s Caffe’s new location with your hosts Sergio and Lena and chef Francesco. Favorites include classic osso buco, cioppino, fried calamari, veal marsala and filet mignon.
109 Mill St., GV 530-274-2600 SergiosCaffe.com
REVIEW

SOPA THAI
Family owned and operated restaurant. Authentic decor sets the mood. Patio dining available during the warmer weather. Extensive menu for entrees. The chef also prepares the level of spice to your taste, from Thai chili hot to mild. Favorite dishes include mango red curry and pineapple fried rice. 312-316 Commercial St., Nevada City, CA 95945; 530-470-0101; 720 Plumas St., Yuba City 790-7672 SopaThai.net
REVIEW

TASTE OF THAI
Authentic cuisine prepared by a Thai-trained chef. The restaurant was named one of the
100 best Thai restaurants in the U.S. The food is flavorful and healthy with the freshest of ingredients (no msg). Take-out and catering. Wine and beer.
204 W. Main St., Ste. 103, Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-274-2968

THE FARM TABLE

The Farm Table specializes in the farmstead arts of preservation and whole harvest cookery. It uses the best of local and seasonal ingredients and offers many delicious gluten-free and vegetarian options.
311 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667 530-295-8140 OurFarmTable.com

THREE FORKS BAKERY & BREWING CO.
Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. serves wood-fired pizza, craft beer brewed in its seven barrel brewhouse, regional wines, hard cider, artisan breads, baked goods, soup, salad, sandwiches, fresh drinks, loose leaf tea, espresso and coffee. It sources as much of its food as possible from local organic producers.
211 Commercial St., Nevada City, CA 95959; 530-470-8333 ThreeForksNC.com
REVIEW

TOFANELLI’S
California cuisine, Italian-inspired dishes and the tasteful kitchen artistry of owner/chef Susie. Serving gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Enjoy excellent food featuring halibut, rack of lamb, Italian meatloaf, lasagna and prime rib on Tue. and Sat. Seasonal patio dining, plus an atrium and cocktail lounge with wine list.
302 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945; 530-272-1468 Tofanellis.com
REVIEW

TRE PAZZI TRATTORIA
With a play on the name associated with the famed Medici family, tre Pazzi offers authentic trattoria style Italian meals in a casual, welcoming enviornment. House specialities include hand tossed pizzas, pasta dishes and traditional Italian chicken, lamb and veal entrees.
928 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603; 530-823-2994 TrePazzi.net
REVIEW

TROKAY RESTAURANT
Trokay is a new American restaurant. It has won a four-star review in the Sacramento Bee.
10046 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee CA 96161 530-582-1040 RestaurantTrokay.com
REVIEW

WEST SHORE CAFE
Premier lakefront dining at Lake Tahoe using fresh, seasonal produce, seafood and meats under Executive Chef Mike Davis. Enjoy lunch entrees ranging from Farmhouse Chowder to the West Shore Burger, and dinner entrees including Main Diver’s Sea Scallops to Pork Osso Bucco and Grilled Durham Ranch Beef Tenderloin. Extensive wine list. Indoor-outdoor dining. Dinner reservations recommended
5160 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 96141; 530-525-5200 WestShoreCafe.com
REVIEW

GO TO LODGING

  • Follow us on PinterestFollow us on Pinterest