Location: Grass Valley
Top Restaurants in Grass Valley
Top Things to do in Grass Valley
Grass Valley Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Grass Valley
The city of Grass Valley is the largest city in the western region of Nevada County, California, United States. Situated at roughly 2,500 feet (760 m) elevation in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this historic northern Gold Country city is 57 miles (92 km) by car from the state capitol in Sacramento, 64 miles (103 km) from Sacramento International Airport, 88 miles (142 km) west of Reno, Nevada, and 177 miles (285 km) northeast of San Jose. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 12,860.
Things to do in Grass Valley
1. South Pine Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By ralfeez - Tracy, California
First, if you are looking for a traditional breakfast, this is not the place for you. Although the food seemed fresh, it was far from any traditional breakfast that you may have experienced in the past. So, let's say that you are actually looking for something different and unique, well don't go here on a weekend. The crowds were lined out of the door. You think that you have time to waste for a leisurely breakfast? How much time do you have? Do you have an hour waiting for a seat and another hour waiting for food? Again, the food was good, not great. The staff was pleasant, not overly. The prices were very high for breakfast and the wait was unacceptable.
2. Caroline's Coffee Roasters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Emily C - San Francisco, California
I'm a huge espresso fan and always seek out artisanal, local coffee places when I travel. The hosts at the AirBnB I was staying at in downtown Grass Valley recommended Caroline's and it fit the bill. It's a great local coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, great coffee, a limited selection of baked goods and cute coffee mugs and accessories. If you like espresso, this is probably your best bet in town and they open at 7am 7 days a week, which is a huge plus.
3. Culture Shock Yogurt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Jennifer G - Grass Valley, California
I love this place, my kids love this place - who doesn't like a toppings bar! Love that they post recipes for some inspiration, and that you can taste new flavors before deciding.
4. Pine Street Burgers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By mapleRose - Austin, Texas
We enjoyed this place so much we went two nights in a row! Pesto fries were amazing. Garlic fries had a bit too much raw bite to them. Asian Chicken Salad was very large, good dressing, but would have preferred Mandarin oranges to Parmesan cheese (Cheese isn’t an Asian food!). Black Cherry house-made soda was very nice - just barely sweet. Appreciated well-raised meats, gluten free options. If we lived here we’d come back often. .
5. Tofanelli's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By janp120 - Penn Valley, California
We were seated in the 'sun room' which overlooks the lovely outdoor patios. It was chilly outside but a number of customers sat outside in the sun. A nice option. The waitress service was efficient if not warm. Helper bees were very accommodating. Food was very nice and the indoor spaces warm and inviting. Will visit again soon.
6. Cirinos At Main Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Since 1983, we have shared recipes from the Cirino Family Kitchen, to locals and visitors alike, beginning in Nevada City and expanding our operation to Grass Valley in 2003. We have been honored with being voted more "Best Of" awards than any other business in Nevada County. We invite you to come in and experience the flavors of the Cirino Family Table and enjoy the tradition we are proud to share...We might even "change your life" with a sample of our signature Cirino Bloody.
Reviewed By Richard1140 - Penn Valley, California
Our server was Andrea--a total professional. She knew her menu and had recommendations at the ready for first time visitors. Her assistant servers and the hostess were all very good at keeping tabs on customers and caring for their needs. This shows me that the owners take the time to fully train their staff and maintain expectations. Bottom line - service was GREAT!
The menu was extensive and along with the specials was all reasonably priced. I had fresh swordfish--fire grilled then fried with a light batter for moisture--the BEST I have had in a long time and definitely the best away from the ocean. The lasagna was incredible and very generous in portions.
My swordfish, a fresh salad, fresh house baked bread and fresh veggies was $25, easily a $45- 50 meal in Sacramento or SF.
The wine list is pretty good, pricing was fair and the Chianti was wonderful.
I started with one of their famous Bloody Mary's--the house made mix was good, but not one of the best I have had...but I am only one vote.
We will definitely be back--I really want to try their cioppino.
7. Diego's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Since 2002, Diegos has connected cultures and community through an escape into the Latin flavors of the Lower Americas, where our recipes are prepared daily in their traditional style. From the warm, house-made bread rolls and fresh crepes to our decadent desserts and fantastico weekend specials, we consciously source natural ingredients that are friendly to the environment. This includes free-range, grass fed, sustainably raised proteins and local organic produce. By operating with love, gratitude and a professional personal touch, we enjoy providing a colorful, comfortable setting where our guests are able to create and share memorable experiences together.
Reviewed By Brad G - Grass Valley, California
Salmon with a red Thai curry sauce and relllenos stuffed with crab made for a great meal the waitress suggested a Zin which was very good they had a dessert called Tres Leches also very good quite the pleasant experience On top of that they...MoreThank you for such warm and yummy words we really appreciate it!!
8. Maria's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
Maria’s has been serving fresh Mexican food to loyal locals and visitors alike in Downtown Grass Valley since 1992. We pride ourselves on offering you a comfortable setting where you will enjoy our authentic Mexican cuisine. Our dishes are prepared fresh daily using family recipes created in Mexico and handed down through the generations. We feature daily specials - ask when you visit!Our outdoor patio and round cantina are very popular with our loyal local fans. Come to Maria's - The closest you can get to Mexico without a passport!
Reviewed By Len T R - Auburn, California
Nice atmosphere, but obvious problem with parking. We visited on a Sunday night in the middle of a driving rainstorm and found the restaurant packed with no available parking. The restaurant does not accept reservations for small parties. This is certainly a nice circumstance for the restaurant owner, but makes for customer inconvenience. The food is okay, but is what I describe as commercial Mexican. Good, but tailored to tastes bordering on the bland side. Service is pretty good considering the busy atmosphere. Not bad, but not a place you will be dying to return.
9. Sergio's Caffe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Dayna S - Phoenix, Arizona
Stopped for lunch. Busy place and a little noise. The food was good and service was good. Had a nice wine list. Would maybe go back for dinner.
10. Paulette's Country Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By 2003cassg - Colusa, California
Paulette's was recommended to us by locals and we were not disappointed. The building sits in a mall across the street from the Best Western. The parking is adequate. The room has a huge fireplace as you enter. It must be wonderful in the winter.
The menu gives you a large selection of breakfast items including healthy choices. There is also a "Children's/Senior Menu" with lower prices. Breakfast is served all day. There are also Burgers, Hot and Cold sandwiches, Salads, Appetizers and Low-Fat ideas. The facility is open from 6am to 3pm, so go early.
Our server, Terri, provided us with excellent service and yes, they will honor all of your menu requests.
Paulette's welcomes you and makes you feel like you are just coming home to visit the family.
