Great Food Good Vibes NC des na on ca

When one thinks of the Sierra Nevada Foothill region, amazing dining is probably not at the top of the list. Most folks equate upscale dining to restaurants in larger cities, but honestly, some astounding restaurants are found in smaller towns, with nearly all being family owned and operated. In Nevada County, that’s the case; you’ll find restaurants run by passionate entrepreneurs, who are often the second or third generation, serving (in many cases) family recipes handed down through the ages.

The Town of Truckee that lies to the East, and Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Penn Valley to the West all boast several impressive restaurants. And what do they all have in common?

Culinary thunder!

That’s a powerful declaration, but it’s true; these restaurants can hold their own against the bigcity competition. There’s no lack of farm-to-table, imaginative presentation, and diversity of cuisine. We’re talking cafés, fine dining, bars, bistros, and bakeries... you name it, you’ll find it here in Nevada County.

We’re a county with a farming legacy, continued today by incredible organic, sustainable farms and ranches that serve as a resource for our local eateries. There’s a pride here in serving the best quality, freshest local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and wines.

In these pages you’ll find our Local Favorites, meet some of the fun and fabulous restauranteurs, and get a glimpse of why Nevada County is so highly praised as a destination. Not only for its dining, but for its sense of community. Enjoy dining like a local and have a happy culinary journey!