Think “farm-to-table” and comfort food rarely comes to mind. Instead, farm-to-table typically elicits images of fresh salads, seasonal produce, and just-picked fruits. But farm-to-table isn’t just a warm weather concept; there is plenty of fresh, seasonal produce to be had in the fall and winter too — especially in Yolo County.
It’s no secret that Yolo County is the epicenter of amazing produce, supplying the entire Sacramento region with fruits, veggies, nuts, meats, honey, wine, and so much more. But its bounty isn’t limited to spring and summer. Eating seasonally should be the norm in the colder months too when we crave rich, stick-to-your-ribs comfort foods. Restaurants in Yolo County take this task seriously, whipping up classic dishes like grilled cheese, chicken fried steak, and lasagna, all produced with local ingredients. Following are some of the top farm-to-table comfort foods in Yolo County.
Comfort Food Dishes in West Sacramento
Franquette, West Sacramento
This dainty French-themed café in West Sacramento showcases the best of Yolo County produce with its refined yet accessible menu. They are perhaps best known for their decadent breakfast pastries, but they have a full slate of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although their menu items change with the season, they typically offer comfort food classics such as quiche, ratatouille, and a croque madame.
Where to Find Farm-to-Table Comfort Foods in Winters
Preserve, Winters
This charming eatery in Winters is at once refined yet rustic, highlighting the bounty of surrounding farms. The varied menu features steak, seafood, and pasta. But for a true comfort food indulgence, the Rocky Organic Fried Chicken can’t be beat. Well, unless you pair it with the mac and cheese, baked with buttered breadcrumbs.
Carboni’s Ristorante, Winters
Italian cuisine is one of the most popular comfort foods out there, and at Carboni’s Ristorante in Winters, you can indulge your craving. Their house-made lasagna features layers of fresh pasta, ricotta, beef and pork topped with marinara and melted cheese. Another good option is the chicken parmesan, also topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Buckhorn Steakhouse, Winters
If meat is your go-to comfort food, you can find house-aged, certified angus beef at this old-school steakhouse in Winters. A good bet on a chilly night is the Mentink Prime Rib, slow roasted with herbs and spices; or the pork rib dinner, slow-smoked and served with mashed potatoes.
Putah Creek Café, Winters
This family-operated spot in downtown Winters specializes in comfort-food classics! In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find something on the menu at Putah Creek Café that isn’t comfort food. For breakfast, hearty options include biscuits and gravy, featuring house-made sausage patties and buttermilk biscuits, or the chicken and waffles, made with chicken thighs, bacon, and sriracha maple syrup.
The Best Comfort Foods in Davis, CA
The Mustard Seed, Davis
The Mustard Seed in Davis has been serving up seasonal, locally produced California cuisine for more than a quarter of a century. The refined menu showcases elevated dishes, many with a comfort food slant. One dish to consider is the grilled ribeye with madeira sauce, served atop garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. You can finish off your meal with the decadent chocolate croissant bread pudding with crème Anglaise.
Paesano’s, Davis
The long-standing Paesano’s in Davis is known for its hearty Italian-American fare. If you’re looking for comfort food, nothing beats good ole fashioned spaghetti and meatballs with house-made marinara, served with buttery, toasty garlic bread.
Café Bernardo, Davis
Café Bernardo is known for its eclectic menu, featuring influences from across the globe. One of their most popular is pozole verde, a Mexican-style stew made with chicken, hominy, green chiles, and tomatillos that will warm you from the inside out. Or, if you’re hoping for a comfort food staple that harkens back to childhood, the grilled ham and cheese sandwich fits the bill. It’s even better with a side of house-made mac & cheese.
Sudwerk Brewing Company, Davis
For more than 35 years, Sudwerk in Davis has been brewing German-style beers and turning out classic pub fare. Those looking to fill up this fall and winter should consider their infamous Reuben Sandwich, which was featured on the Food Network on Guy Fieri’s “Best Bite in Town.” It’s made with beer-brined and smoked pastrami, locally made sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and parmesan crusted craft marble rye.
Indulge in Comfort Food Classics in the Capay Valley
Road Trip Bar & Grill, Capay
If you’re in the Capay Valley, there’s no better spot for some great farm-to-table comfort food than Road Trip Bar & Grill. Their pub-style fare includes all the classic dishes: burgers, sandwiches, fries, and the like. But for true comfort food, consider their house-made chili, open-faced hot roast beef sandwich, or chicken fried steak smothered in brown gravy.
The Best Farm-to-Table Comfort Foods in Woodland
Savory Café | Woodland
This quaint brunch spot prides itself on its partnerships with area farms, orchards, ranches, and other growers. Although they offer plenty of fresh salads to showcase seasonal produce, local products are also featured in their many comfort food dishes. Some to consider include the chicken fried steak, served with local organic free-range eggs and house-made gravy, or the chilaquiles, fried corn tortillas topped with charred tomatillo salsa, avocado, pickled onion and microgreens.
Indulge in Yolo County’s Farm-to-Table Comfort Foods
Whether you’ve got a hankering for pasta or meat, breakfast food or sandwiches, you’ll find plenty of comfort food dishes in Yolo County. Best of all, they’re all made with locally produced ingredients grown on farms in the surrounding Yolo countryside. If you’re considering a weekend eating your way through the region, consider the many lodging options in Yolo County and book your getaway today!
