With some of the best food and drink in the North State, Chico’s dining scene is welcoming to everyone, whether they’re a true gourmet or a more casual diner. Nobody will blame you for having trouble choosing from such a huge array of options, so here are some suggestions to help you pick the right place for the right occasion.
First Dates
For a picture-perfect first date, Chico has a bevy of great locations to grab a bite, a cocktail, or both.
For a taste of Southern Italy, the Sicilian Cafe offers traditional Italian dishes sure to please any palate. Burban Kitchen provides some of Meriam Park’s finest dining, with a wide variety of small plates and flatbreads complimenting a rich selection of entrees, wines, and spirits—and cocktails for two!
For those whose tastes carry them eastward, Aonami’s menu of sustainable sushi creations (including some excellent vegan rolls) compliments an upscale-yet-relaxed atmosphere. Momona’s east-meets-west menu of ramen and bao fit perfectly into its modern aesthetic, and if your date runs long, they offer a late-night streetside bao window on Friday and Saturday nights.
Leave an Impression
When you need to take things up a notch, Chico also has plenty of upscale dining available, from Nama Sake Sushi & Restaurant, Meriam Park’s premiere sushi restaurant, to 5th Street Steakhouse, which has long been one of Downtown Chico’s go-to dining destinations for a fancy night on the town. Basque Norte features a Basque-style fine dining menu with a selection of steaks, seafood, and tapas. You can enjoy a great drink at any of these establishments, but try Red Tavern for one of the most robust wine lists in the county alongside its sumptuous dinner offerings.
International Tastes
Chico boasts a surprisingly robust slate of international cuisine. Priya Indian Cuisine offers an unbeatable array of Indian dishes (including an unrivaled lunch buffet), and Sofi’z Kitchen and Bar ups the ante with incredible, authentic Pakistani food served in one of the most personable and colorful establishments in the city.
Meze Moon has Mediterranean food to die for, from baba ghanoush to moussaka and everything in between, while Cocodine Thai Cuisine has bright, spicy curries and soups in addition to your favorite Thai comfort foods—plus amazing desserts to boot.
Sweet Treats
Chico’s legendary sweet tooth has produced equally epic shops to cater to it.
Savor Ice Cream has become a local favorite, with handcrafted, seasonal flavors you’ll never find anywhere else, including a selection of decadent vegan options. Sweet Chico Confections is a Chico classic for a reason, with an astounding stock of your favorite candies and dozens of flavors of gelato and sorbetto. Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe is a perfect place for lunch, but its assortment of baked goods is so sinfully delicious, you may just have to go back for seconds.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Chico is a dog-lover’s paradise, and its restaurants reflect this. You can bring your canine companions to many of the city’s establishments, including B Street Public House and its covered patio, where you can grab fresh beignets every day to have with brunch or breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and more.
The outdoor seating at Downtown Chico favorite Burgers & Brew also allows dogs, who will be more than happy to share a bite of your burger or fries, and the lovely patio at The Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi is a perfect seat for your fluffy friend to park while you enjoy sushi, poke, and cocktails under Chico’s sunny skies. Both Parkside Tap House and Farmers Brewing Restaurant & Taproom also make great places to take your dogs, with great American cuisine and plenty of gorgeous brews.
