Finding culinary gems in Vacaville requires patience and a hearty appetite. We’re talking multiple trips down I-80, sampling enough tri-tip to rival a cattle ranch, and debating whether that new bistro truly deserves a spot on the list. This guide saves you the legwork. It’s packed with sizzling steakhouses, family-run taquerias, and farm-to-table spots that prove this Central Valley city is more than just a pit stop.
Skip the chain restaurants, and book a table at one of these local favorites instead.
Shula’s Kitchen 707
$ | (707) 305-6258 | WEBSITE
We’re pretty sure the only Mexican dish you can’t get at Shula’s Kitchen 707 is a taco that magically refills itself. They’ve got birria tacos, carne asada fries, quesabirria tacos, rice and beans. Okay, we’re going to stop listing menu items now and just tell you that we’re planning on ordering their birria tacos for everyone we know and love. Especially as they offer both dine-in and catering, and prices start at a very reasonable $8.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (707) 447-0123 | WEBSITE
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is a place of many charms. Namely causing countless families to ask themselves what exactly makes their buffalo wings so addictive. But it turns out that they’re also serving some of Vacaville’s most popular pizzas. They’re available to enjoy in the clean, family-friendly dining room and fun fact, the atmosphere stays welcoming even when a loud crew of middle schoolers takes over. Just like the claw machine that keeps kids entertained.
Heads up, there’s wheelchair accessibility, friendly staff who take good care of everyone, and an owner who accommodates small get-togethers too.
Boba Cafe 137
$ | WEBSITE
Boba Cafe 137 is one of those local spots you swing by for a classic milk tea and some excellent taro boba. But throughout the year you can also check out their seasonal menu for limited-time flavors that have everything you’ll want for a treat. Some of the standout options include brown sugar boba, matcha lattes, fruit teas for something refreshing, milk foam toppings, popping boba, customizable sweetness levels, and affordable prices compared to other chains. Cheers to boba lovers everywhere.
Villa Corona
$ | (707) 451-1230 | WEBSITE
We’re about as close to being authentic Mexican food experts as Taco Bell is to being a Michelin-starred restaurant. But let us indulge for a moment, because if we were seeking true regional cuisine, we would spend hours demanding handmade tortillas from abuelas and diving face first into Villa Corona’s $25 Asada Burrito of dreams.
But if, like us, you don’t have authenticity expectations knocking about, they also have more accessible delights available, including their 10/10 guacamole and crispy carne tacos.
Wah Shine
$ | (707) 448-0785 | WEBSITE
Somewhere out there, a lonely takeout container just sighed with envy at the thought of Wah Shine’s pineapple chicken. This seriously comforting Chinese-American restaurant serves up home-style meals that include crispy egg rolls, savory pot stickers, and their signature broccoli beef. It’s about $45 for a dinner for two, with portions that guarantee leftovers. Did we mention the shrimp fried rice that tastes like someone’s grandma made it?
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (707) 451-8000 | WEBSITE
They’re out there right now, hiding in plain sight. You might not recognize them straight away, but trust me, they exist. No, I’m not talking about pizza purists who insist on wood-fired ovens. I’m talking about take-and-bake skeptics. Thankfully, Papa Murphy’s has the Murphy’s Combo pizza. A fresh and delicious number complete with tasty cheese and crisp crust, it’s a local favorite in Vacaville and an excellent pizza option whether you’re pro-takeout or not.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (707) 448-2715 | WEBSITE
Fa la la, this year has been a whirlwind, la la la la. When planning a special 1-year anniversary celebration and needing a place that truly cares, we like to turn to comfort. If it happens to be Italian comfort, even better. Get yourself a seat in their welcoming dining room, enjoy the fresh, quality food that suits any party size, and let waitress Laura go above and beyond with her kindness and attention to detail. Or just bring the whole family. Two birds, one stone.
Tea Dojo
$ | (707) 999-5456 | WEBSITE
What do you call a boba that forgot its popping boba? We have no idea. But we do know that the mango matcha latte from excellent Vacaville cafe Tea Dojo will be much better than any boring regular tea. Not only do you get a cute packaging – hello, everyone loves cute packaging – but mango green tea, strawberry matcha latte, crispy french fries, some casual popcorn chicken, and calamari. We’ve never met any mini mochi bites before but we have a feeling we’d get along.
Burger City
$ | (707) 448-3377 | WEBSITE
A great burger is about many things. Quality ingredients, generous portions, friendly service, and most importantly, flavor. If, like us, you enjoy spending your meal time savoring bold combinations and satisfying sides, then you’re going to want to get involved in Burger City’s menu. As well as your essential burger needs, they’ve also got standout options involving sweet potato fries, fish and chips, and yet more delicious choices.
California Burrito Mexican Food
$ | (707) 359-6100 | WEBSITE
For full disclosure, we want to let you know that this picture is making us hungry. A lot. Classic Vacaville spot, California Burrito Mexican Food, is serving up a carne asada super burrito for around $12 that includes generous portions, fresh salsa, and decent flavors. If you and your friend / coworker / family member have made the decision to skip fancy atmospheres this year – or just want reliable food – we’d say this burrito is the way to go. It’s the perfect quick dinner for one.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (707) 447-1269 | WEBSITE
If you had asked us a few months back, we would have confessed we’d go to great lengths just to get our hands on one of Chick-fil-A’s original chicken sandwiches. But now, instead of scheming our way into an early lunch run, we can simply order it whenever the craving strikes. This Vacaville fast-food favorite is serving up consistently juicy, tender chicken with that perfect little crunch, along with waffle fries that are absolutely best enjoyed hot.
Beyond the sandwiches, they’re also doing creamy Oreo milkshakes that hit the spot every time.
Lim’s Thai Cuisine
$ | (707) 474-9584 | WEBSITE
This holiday season we’ve decided to swap out the usual heavy holiday feasts – too much, big no no – with diving headfirst into Drunken Noodles. Join us in this Thai food mission by ordering a generous portion from Lim’s Thai Cuisine. If those wide rice noodles with extra pork aren’t your thing, then there’s also a reliable classic selection, Pad Thai with all the fixings, and gluten-free options for those with dietary needs.