Why You Should Go: Most lists of the nation’s best restaurants rarely feature establishments outside of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, but we’re willing to guess that most food critics have simply overlooked Sacramento. With many awards to its name, any list of California’s finest restaurants is incomplete without mentioning The Firehouse, a Sacramento institution in every sense of the word.

What You Should Know: A Zagat favorite for its old-world charm, mouth-watering food and a wine list worthy of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, The Firehouse is a must-try experience for any Sacramentan. Housed in an 1850s firehouse in the heart of Old Sacramento, The Firehouse dazzles with décor, atmosphere and food alike. Start your meal off with the Crab Cake or Thai Peanut Pork Belly before moving on to a true delicacy like the Elderflower Almond Duck, Frutti di Mare, Steak Delmonico or Summer Corn Sea Scallops. And trust us, when your meal is over it's only natural to wonder what's so special about New York, LA, and Chicago.