Chefs Featured

A Foodie’s Guide to Lodi, California

From traditional American grub to innovative farm-to-table fare, the entrees are endless. Whether you’re visiting Lodi for the first time or the 10th, here are some of the best restaurants for a decadent and delicious meal.

Fine Dining

For dining in a picture perfect setting, head to Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses. Led by culinary director and James Beard award-winning Chef Bradley Ogden, the cuisine is simple yet creative, with innovative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including many from their own garden. When in Lodi, it’s always a good idea to order wine with your meal, and Towne House has a selection of over 70 wines from the Lodi appellation. Otherwise, opt for one of the craft cocktails.

If an elegant American meal is what you seek, Zin Bistro offers a tantalizing menu selection as well as a modern, upbeat atmosphere. Similar to many of Lodi’s top-tier restaurants, Zin Bistro creates a seasonal, farm-to-fork menu featuring fresh produce from the region. This is the perfect date-night spot in Downtown Lodi, as the movie theater, a slew of shops and more than a dozen tasting rooms are within walking distance.

International Fare

If you’re in the mood for pasta, Pietro’s Trattoria is the perfect spot. Perfect for dinner dates and special occasions, the dishes are rich in flavor and portions are on the larger side. Also considered farm-to-fork, many of Pietro’s ingredients come straight from the farm or their on-site garden. Order a classic Italian chicken parmigiana or homemade gnocchi and pair with a glass of delicious Lodi wine. Upon ordering, you will be served a portion of warm, fresh out of the oven Foccacia bread that is to die for. Enjoy with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or request a side of the garlic butter, it’s a trade secret and you won’t be disappointed. 

Southeast Asia might be a cross-continental flight from Lodi, but Thai Spices Restaurant brings the flavors of Thailand all the way to Lodi, California. The menu features traditional Thai appetizers and entrees made with all-natural ingredients. If you’re the type that loves finding those “hole-in-the-wall” type places, head over to Thai Kitchen. Quaint in size, big on flavor. The green papaya salad is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet, with the perfect amount of crunch from the peanuts. Both authentic, both affordable, the flavorful fare at these restaurants will spice up your palate (and quite likely, your day).

Craving a taste of Japan? Head to Lodi’s newest sushi restaurant, Sushi Komachi, for traditional sushi with California flair. The intimate restaurant serves a variety of specialty dishes including the (quite, literally) Flaming Dragon Roll, Komachi Spicy Tuna Roll, and the mushroom, beef, and asparagus topped Cowboy Roll. The ingredients are fresh and the prices reasonable, which is always a winning combination. For a more casual setting, swing by Matsuyama Restaurant. The Hanabi Roll is somewhat legendary around here.

Thai Kitchen, Pietro’s Trattoria, Sushi Komachi

American Favorites

Think of The Dancing Fox as a one-stop-shop restaurant that doubles as a winery and brewery as well. The restaurant serves wood-fired pizza, soups, salads, and homemade bread and pies (among other dishes) as well as wine and craft beer. Stop by their tasting room to try some delicious Lodi wine! The family-run restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including Belgian antique furnishings. Whether dining at The Dancing Fox for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s something on the menu for every palate.

When it comes to burgers and beer, Moo Moo’s Burger Barn, decorated like a 1950s diner, is tough to top. Diners have their pick of 20 gourmet burgers (vegetarians can opt for the No Moo garden burger). A mix of blues, jazz, and oldies play in the background, making for a cool, casual setting. As if the juicy burgers aren’t enough to satisfy your appetite, there are beer-battered fries, flavored drinks, and old-fashioned floats, too.

Feeling nostalgic? Head over to Sno-White Drive-In located right across the street from Lodi Lake, it’s the perfect place to dry off and fuel up after a day out on the water! Sno White has been serving burgers, fries, and malts in Lodi since 1959.

Traveling with your family? Lodi Beer Co. is the perfect crowd pleaser. With a large menu offering brewery staples as well as lighter-fare, you’ll be sure to find something for even the pickiest eater here! Brewing beer on site, try a craft Lodi beer to go alongside your French Dip Sandwich with Blue Cheese Fries, Meditteranean Chicken Pizza, or Fish Tacos! You really can’t go wrong here.

Sno White Drive-In, Lodi Beer Co., The Dancing Fox

This is just a small taste of Lodi’s culinary scene. To learn more about our restaurants, wineries, hotels, and attractions, explore VisitLodi.com!

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