The Best Spots for Fresh Oysters in the Greater Sacramento Area

Few seafood delicacies are as prized as the oyster. For starters, they are said to be an aphrodisiac, similar to chocolate, strawberries and red wine (a plus with Valentine’s Day coming up!) Secondly, oysters produce pearls — another romance-related trait. But most importantly, oysters are cherished for their flavor: briny, minerally, tasting slightly of the sea. They are also used as vessels for flavorful sauces such as mignonette, a blend of vinegar, shallots and black pepper.

Sacramento is located just a few hours from some of the most renowned oyster farms on the west coast. Being so close to the source, it’s no wonder there are so many restaurants in the greater Sacramento area that offer fresh oysters. Following are some spots to consider.

Oyster Bar | Natomas

Photo courtesy Oyster Bar

You can’t go wrong at this seafood spot in Natomas – after all, oysters are in the name! They offer a rotating selection of raw oysters as well as seafood towers. Best of all, they have a number of house-made sauces, including habanero hot sauce, southern garlic sauce and pink mignonette. They also have happy hour specials.

Restaurant Josephine | Auburn

Photo courtesy Restaurant Josephine

Although the seasonal menu changes regularly, Restaurant Josephine in Auburn frequently offers fresh oysters. Selections include both east and west coast varieties served with toppings such as rhubarb mignonette and grated horseradish. Other offerings include French-themed dishes such as moules frites, steak frites and steak tartare.

Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar | Downtown Sacramento

Nothing pairs better with oysters than Champagne, so it’s no wonder this Champagne-centric bar in Downtown Sacramento offers oysters along with their bubbly! Oysters on the half shell are served with Champagne mignonette and lemon. They also offer other bubble-friendly bites such as caviar and charcuterie.

Franquette | West Sacramento

This charming French-inspired wine bar and cafe in West Sacramento is brought to you by the team behind Michelin-rated Canon in East Sacramento (which also has great oysters). The menu features classic cafe fare, including oysters with mignonette. They also offer a handful of French wines, including sparkling wines.

C. Knight’s Steakhouse | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy C. Knight’s Steakhouse

This classic steakhouse in El Dorado Hills offers every type of steak imaginable, from porterhouse to ribeye. But they also have a large selection of seafood, including oysters on the half shell. Depending on what’s fresh, they may have Miyagi, Blue Point or Kumamoto, sometimes dressed up in different sauces.

Station 16 | Downtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Station 16

This seafood restaurant and raw bar in Downtown Sacramento is a great bet for oyster lovers. They feature shuck-to-order raw oysters with cocktail sauce and mignonette, as well as baked oysters with mozzarella and Cajun seasoning. Happy hour features fresh oysters plus oyster shooters made with vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a Tajin rim.

Red’s Bistro | Loomis

Photo courtesy Red’s Bistro

This upscale bistro in Loomis focuses on seasonal, sustainable cuisine, including meats and seafood. Starters include oysters on the half shell, sold by the dozen or half dozen, accompanied by horseradish, mignonette and a locally produced hot sauce. Take advantage of weekly happy hour specials when oysters are $2 a pop.

Bawk! | Midtown Sacramento

Sure, it may seem strange that a fried chicken place offers fresh oysters, but Bawk! in Midtown Sacramento is known for their oysters on the half shell. They are sold by the dozen or half dozen and are served with mignonette, salsa verde and lemon.

Powell’s Steamer Co. | Placerville

Photo courtesy Powell’s Steamer Co.

This lively pub in Placerville is known for its fresh seafood. The menu features oysters on the half shell, oyster cocktail, and barbecued oyster special. They also feature seafood stew with oysters and a pan roast made from tomato-based broth and cream.

Scott’s Seafood | Sacramento & Folsom

Photo courtesy Scott’s Seafood

Scott’s Seafood Folsom and Scott’s Seafood on the River both feature a daily selection of oysters. They are served on the half shell along with cilantro mignonette and cocktail sauce. If you prefer your oysters cooked, you can also order grilled garlic butter oysters or oysters Rockefeller. They also have happy hour specials featuring $2 oysters.