When I first heard that Sacramento is a Farm-to-Fork city, I honestly found it a bit amusing. I thought, how could Sacramento be a food city? It doesn't have the abundance of late-night eateries like LA's Koreatown, nor does it boast a lineup of famous chef restaurants like San Francisco. However, after living here for a few years and exploring various places, my perspective has changed a bit. While it may not be flashy, there are surprisingly good spots hidden away.

If you're looking to dine out, heading to Midtown is the most convenient option. If you wander around J Street, K Street, and the 20s streets, you'll find quite a few restaurants, bars, and cafes. What I appreciate is that there are many small restaurants run by owners rather than large chains. Sometimes, I stumble upon a restaurant I've never seen before, and it turns out to be unexpectedly delicious. Plus, compared to LA or San Francisco, the prices here are a bit more manageable.

You come to understand why Sacramento is called Farm-to-Fork as you live here. The Sacramento Valley is a vast agricultural area, rich in produce like tomatoes, corn, peaches, and grapes. As a result, there are restaurants that change their menus with the seasons, and you often see signs indicating they use local produce. You don't have to go to a high-end restaurant that costs $100 per meal to enjoy this kind of food. There are plenty of mid-range restaurants that also use seasonal ingredients.

For us Koreans, Korean food is essential. It's better to look towards Elk Grove or Rancho Cordova rather than downtown Sacramento. From Korean BBQ to soft tofu stew and various soups, there are more options than you might expect. Of course, you can't compare it to LA's Koreatown. If you go with LA in mind, you'll naturally find it lacking. Still, having places to go on days when you think, "I must have rice and kimchi today" is something to appreciate. If you eat Korean food often, living in Elk Grove is definitely more convenient.

Interestingly, Sacramento has a decent selection of Asian cuisine. There are Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese restaurants scattered throughout the city. Especially if you head down to South Sacramento and Florin, you'll find many Asian restaurants at relatively reasonable prices. In my opinion, one of the safer bets for food in Sacramento is Vietnamese pho. With a large Vietnamese community, there are many places that serve great pho. On rainy days, having a warm bowl of pho instead of Korean soup is quite nice.

On weekends, many people enjoy brunch. In Midtown or East Sacramento, you might find places with lines forming from the morning. Typical California brunch includes eggs benedict, pancakes, and avocado toast, all enjoyed with a cup of coffee. There are also many independently operated small coffee shops, making it fun to explore these places after only going to Starbucks.

It would be a stretch to say that the food scene in Sacramento is better than in LA or San Francisco. The variety of food and the number of famous high-end restaurants are on a different level. However, Sacramento offers a certain comfort in not making a big fuss about food. You can park, go in, enjoy fresh food at a reasonable price, and leave. Initially, I complained about the lack of dining options, but after a few years, I found a favorite pho place, a brunch spot, and a restaurant to take my family to. Eventually, you realize that Sacramento is a neighborhood with its own charm when it comes to food.