Food is always a driving force in people’s lives. Do students agonize over which restaurants in Davis, CA, to choose? We’ve thoughtfully compiled a list of the best restaurants in Davis, CA. These restaurants have a wide range of cuisines to suit different tastes and are sure to let you find the best food for your tastes!
What Food is Davis Known for?
When coming to Davis, the first thing to do is taste the local food and experience the local flavour:
- Italian food: Influenced by immigrants, many local Italian restaurants serve authentic tastes like traditional pasta and salads. At the same time, they combine local tastes and popular dishes to improve and produce many creative dishes. Pizza is also famous in the area.
- Burgers and beer: As a large city in the United States, the quality of burgers and beer is well known. The burger is very authentic American style, and you can feel the most authentic American style with the carefully brewed beer.
- Sandwiches: Locals enjoy breakfast sandwiches, crepes, bisque and sausage. These breakfasts give locals an incentive to work through the day.
Chinese Restaurants in Davis, CA
Hometown
Location: 1330 G St, Davis, CA
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-9:00 pm, Closed on Sunday
Phone: (530) 758-6188
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Many Vegetarian Options/ Good for Dinner/ Accepts Credit Cards, Android Pay and Apple Pay
This is a trendy Chinese restaurant among local college students. Here, you can taste the most authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Located in downtown Davis, this restaurant is one of the few places to do both American and authentic Chinese cuisine. I recommend the Spicy Chicken with Basil. The meat is tender and delicious. This is followed by the very affordable Pork Gravy Over Rice, Chicken Drumstick Over Rice and Szechuan Fish Fillet, among the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
Chengdu Style
Location: 737 Russell Blvd, Davis, CA, United States, California
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 am-9:30 pm
Phone: (530) 746-2272
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Good for Dinner, Lunch
Chengdu Style is famous in Berkeley, but now it’s opening in Davis! This restaurant has a very authentic Chinese Chengdu flavour, so those who like spicy food should not miss it. Boiled Sliced Fish in Hot Sauce, Rice Noodles in Hot and Sour Soup, and Toothpick Lamb are the characteristics of the shop. The Fried Potato Strips with Mixed Sauce are a very popular starter, and the dense potato chips and spicy and sour sauce make all lovers of spicy food salivate. The store has longer hours and is still open at 9:30 p.m. Students who want to have a late-night snack can choose this restaurant to experience the delicious food from Chengdu.
Shanghai Town
Location: 1260 Lake Blvd, Ste 111 Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30 am – 9:30 pm, Closed on Monday
Phone: (530) 758-4663
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Many Vegetarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards
This restaurant will take you to experience the unique Shanghai cuisine. This small shop is secluded but popular. Seafood Shanghai Style Chow Mein, Spice Beef Combo and Shanghainese Braised Prawns were all delicious. The dishes are not greasy and the scallions are fragrant. I’m sure this is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Davis. The people working there are lovely, and their customers routinely consist of mainland Chinese natives. For folks not from China, this is an ideal place to explore a new cuisine and point to the people next to you and say, “I’ll have what they’re having!”
Tasty Kitchen
Location: 335 F St, Davis, CA 95618
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Phone: (530) 753-7007
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Many Vegetarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards and Apple Pay/ Good for Lunch, Dinner
Speaking of Cantonese food, we must mention this restaurant. They often launch new products to bring more novel experiences to diners. For example, Sauteed short rids with honey pepper sauce and Tender Beef stews in Clean Broth are delicious Cantonese dishes, and their size is not to be underestimated. At the same time, the ingredients used in these dishes must be very carefully selected. They guarantee to serve their customers the freshest vegetables and meat daily and guarantee the highest level of Chinese cuisine flavour.
Thai Restaurants in Davis, CA
Sophia's Thai
Location: 129 E St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: (530) 758-4333
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Vegan Options/ Accepts Credit Cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay/ Outdoor Seating/ Happy Hour Specials
Sophia’s was the first Thai restaurant in Davis and still remains one of the most popular food and drink stops in town. They serve country-style Thai food with a unique California flair, infusing the sweet-spicy philosophy of authentic Southeast Asian cooking with the fresh, flavorful ingredients that are the hallmark of Californian cuisine. The variety of fried rice is excellent, and a cup of Thai tea adds flavour to the dishes. Students who want to try Thai food should not miss this restaurant!
Thai Nakorn
Location: 424 G St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Tue-Thr 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Fri 11:30 am – 2:30 pm/ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Sat 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Sun 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Closed on Monday
Phone: (530) 758-7775
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Vegan Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Outdoor Seating/ Offers Catering
Thai Nakorn is a welcome addition to Davis’ already good choices in Thai restaurants in Davis. the Tom Yam here is the most authentic, and the mango sticky rice and pineapple fried rice are also very delicious. The store’s design is a warm colour system, which makes people have an appetite. The restaurant’s overall atmosphere is healing, and students who love Thai food must not miss it.
Taste of Thai
Location: 301 G St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Phone: (530) 297-5588
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Vegan Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Wheelchair accessible/ Offers Catering
As soon as you enter this store, you will feel like you are in Thailand. I would call it one of the best Thai restaurants in Davis. The store’s strong Thai flavour brings people to a foreign country. At the same time, the Thai food in the store is very authentic, and students who like Thai food very much can try it. I think Pad Thai in this shop is the best.
Thai Canteen
Location: 117 E St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon&Sun 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Tue-Sat 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Phone: (530) 231-5465
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Pescatarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards and Apple Pay/ Outdoor Seating/ Good for Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Although this is just a Thai fast-food restaurant, the food it produces is of high quality. Therefore, this house is quite popular. Duck fried rice, mango sticky rice, and green curry fried rice are popular. Students in Davis must try it; it is it is guaranteed to open your taste buds!
Japanese Restaurants in Davis, CA
Zen Toro
Location: 132 E St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm; Tue-Thu 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm; Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm; Sat 5:30 pm – 9:15 pm
Phone: (530) 753-0154
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Outdoor Seating/ Beer & Wine Only
Zen Toro was voted Best Sushi/Japanese Cuisine in Davis Wiki’s Best of Davis 08 and recently given a four-star rating by the Sacramento News & Review. Students who like to eat Japanese food must be familiar with this shop. The staff is very hospitable, and the food is delicious. I think the tonkatsu ramen is the best, and I also recommend soba noodles and Sesame Chicken.
Mikuni
Location: 500 1st St, Ste 11, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 am – 2:00 pm/ 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm; Fri&Sat 11:30 am – 10:00 pm; Sun 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Phone: (530) 756-2111
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Outdoor Seating/ Full Bar
It is located in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of the University of California, Davis. On any afternoon or evening, you’ll find local families, university students, and business professionals enjoying the spectacular sushi and casual ambience- both indoors and on the charming patio. As a restaurant chain, its level has remained remarkably stable. Therefore, its popularity is very prosperous. Their Maki roll is perfect, crispy and delicious, and the sauce is just right and satisfying to bite into.
Huku
Location: 417 Mace Blvd, Davis, CA 95618
Restaurant Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30 am – 2:30 pm/ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Sat 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Sun 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: (530) 750-0858
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Limited Vegetarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/Offers Catering/ Beer & Wine Only
This is a very local Japanese restaurant. Its philosophy is to use only the highest-grade ingredients and freshest fish they can find. With a foundation in traditional Japanese sushi and contemporary creation, Huku specializes in modern yet authentic Japanese cuisine. Its menu includes new and chic rolls, such as the Lion King Roll, which is very much in line with Davis’s tastes. The rich and spicy special sauce adds a different flavour to the salmon, and with caviar and avocado, the combined flavour is unforgettable. The Golden Well is also delicious, and the large, creamy scallops are delicious.
Yakitori Yuchan
Location: 109 E St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon&Sun 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Tue-Sat 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Phone: (530) 753-3196
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Limited Vegetarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/Outdoor
Yakitori Yuchan is an izakaya-styled Japanese restaurant serving skewered grilled meats, veggies, seafood, and various other Japanese dishes. It is the first yakitori restaurant in Davis. The Osaka-yaki or yakitori is very special and delicious. Students can relax with a glass of wine with friends after a tiring study day.
Western Restaurants in Davis, CA
The Mustard Seed
Location: 222 D St, Ste 11, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Tue-Sat 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Closed on Sunday & Monday
Phone: (530) 758-5750
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Pescatarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/Outdoor Seating/ Dogs Allowed
The Mustard Seed is a new American restaurant, perfect for dates, anniversaries and business dinners. The service is excellent, and the environment is tranquil. Students coming here for the first time can try Rib Eye Steak, and you can’t go wrong with a combination of mushrooms and Onions. You can also try Duck Breast and Sweet Potato Puree, which are tender and will make you want to buy them repeatedly.
Paesanos
Location: 139 G St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30 am－9 pm; Fri&Sat11:30am－10 pm
Phone: (530) 758-8646
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Pescatarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards and Apple Pay/Happy Hour Specials
Don’t miss this restaurant if you’re in the mood for a delicious pasta meal. This Italian restaurant is often crowded with Americans, who chat and taste the delectable dishes served at the restaurant. That says a lot about the authenticity of this restaurant. I highly recommend the various kinds of pasta, salads, and crab cakes. They are delicious, and students who like Italian food must not miss them.
De Vere’s Irish Pub
Location: 217 E St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Tue-Fri 11:00 am – 2:00 am; Sat 9:00 am – 2:00 am; Sun 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Phone: (530) 204-5533
Perks: Offers Delivery/ Offers Takeout/ Pescatarian Options/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Outdoor Seating/ Full Bar
Vere’s Irish Pub is an excellent restaurant. It serves traditional Irish pub food (Irish stew, Reuben sandwiches, bangers, etc.). So many delicious dishes make me wish it was one of the best restaurants in Davis, CA. It has a good variety of British and Irish drinks, from stouts to ciders to whiskeys to Irish coffee. Following the lively atmosphere of the shop, you can deeply experience the charm of Irish food. On weekends, you can also eat brunch here.
Crepeville
Location: 330 3rd St, Davis, CA 95616
Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Phone: (530) 750-2400
Perks: Offers Takeout/ Accepts Credit Cards/ Outdoor Seating/ Offers Catering/ Beer & Wine Only/ Dogs Allowed
Speaking of brunch, Crepeville is an excellent brunch restaurant. The decoration here is very particular, the marble decoration of the whole restaurant, and the photo is very atmospheric. Brunch in this restaurant is a standard American breakfast with authentic flavour and is very popular with everyone. Omelette and crepes are the most recommended foods. Students who like brunch can visit this restaurant to experience an authentic American breakfast.
Tips to Choose the Best Restaurant in Davis, CA
When choosing a place to eat at Davis, here are some tips to help you find the restaurant that best suits your preferences:
Preferences
Consider what type of cuisine you like before choosing a restaurant. Davis offers a wide selection of cuisines, from traditional American burgers to delicious Chinese, Italian, and more. Based on their characteristics, you can judge whether you want to eat these dishes.
Budget
Plan your budget well in advance. Because the price range of restaurants in Davis varies, you can check the menu of the restaurant you want to visit on the website in advance to find the specific prices. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a fancy meal, knowing your budget will significantly narrow your options.
Location
The location and surroundings of the restaurant are also important. Whether you like to enjoy a delicious meal in a bustling downtown area with fellow diners or enjoy the charm of dining in a quiet place alone, the environment and atmosphere of a restaurant are critical. They can enhance your dining experience and influence your evaluation of the restaurant.
Review
Read reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and local food blogs to learn what people say about the restaurant. That way, you can better understand the restaurant you want to go to. This will tell you if the restaurant is excellent and what its signature dishes are. This can significantly improve your chances of eating a delicious meal.
Special Function
You can learn more about the restaurant’s unique services, such as views, outdoor seating, live music, or a unique dining concept. These factors can add extra spice to your dining experience.
FAQ
What is Davis California known for?
Davis, California, is known for its bike-friendly streets and top-notch universities. They promote environmentally friendly travel concepts and encourage people to ride. So, in Davis, you can see a lot of bike services. Then, Davis owns the University of California Davis, whose excellent teaching level and faculty team have trained countless excellent students. As a result, Davis exudes an intense atmosphere of scholarship.
Is Davis CA expensive?
Yes. Davis, CA, is known for its relatively higher cost of living than surrounding areas due to factors such as proximity to major cities and a top-tier university. As a result, the average monthly rent in Davis is $919.33 to $2,491.97. But if you compare it to a big city like New York, where rent averages between $2,500 and $4,000 a month, it’s cheaper.
Is Davis CA a nice place to live?
Davis, CA, is widely regarded as a delightful place to live. It offers a blend of academic vibrancy, sustainable living practices, and a strong sense of community. With its bike-friendly streets, cultural events, and emphasis on environmental stewardship, Davis provides residents with a high quality of life and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
