Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Sacramento

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 22, 2014 7:00 am EST

Organic ingredients include fruit, vegetables and grains grown without the use of pesticides, as well as poultry, meat, seafood and dairy products from animals raised without growth hormones or antibiotics. Many people across the Sacramento region and around the world are actively seeking out foods and beverages that are organic, but finding restaurants that use organic ingredients can sometimes be a challenge. According to the USDA , around 877 million pounds of active pesticides were used on American crops in 2007, and using organic farming and ranching methods can add to production costs. Luckily, these Sacramento restaurants are committed to offering tasty organic options on the menu.

The Waffle Experience
4391 Gateway Park Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 285-0562
www.thewaffleexperience.com

This new eatery offers a top-notch culinary experience with creative savory and sweet pleasures for every palate. Chef and owner Michael Donoho uses fresh, locally sourced and primarily organic ingredients. Even the restaurant's paper products are organic and Donoho says that going organic "costs us a little more, but it is worth it to us." Menu selections include the Sacramento King, made with house-smoked salmon, arugula, tomato, cucumber and caper cream cheese atop a dill and cracked pepper waffle. Another dish has organic strawberries, applewood smoked bacon, blue-vein cheese, candied almonds and a balsamic-glazed lardon waffle. Kids love the toasted waffle with melted cheese, served with organic crème of heirloom tomato soup, while adults swoon over the Billy the Goat special, made with fresh figs and pears, goat cheese and prosciutto on a rosemary waffle with black pepper syrup.

Baagan
910 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Suite 160
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 771-2117
www.baagan.com

Baagan promises that most ingredients are raw, gluten-free and organic, without artificial flavorings and colors, and all menu items are vegan and free of wheat, dairy and GMOs. Patrons love the eggplant panini, made with fresh tomatoes, spinach and homemade basil pesto, and the organic "cheesecakes" that include almonds, cashews, fresh fruits and other fresh ingredients. Try the Golden Monkey Warrior smoothie, a healthy treat with bananas, pecan milk, cardamom and turmeric.

Magpie Cafe
1409 R St., Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 452-7594
www.magpiecafe.com

Magpie's menu of fresh, local and organic items changes regularly, with current selections listed on the restaurant's website. Favorites include a salad of snap peas, beans, endive frisee, roasted potatoes and duck, and the Dragon Mushroom omelet, using organic eggs, local mushrooms, farmstead cheese, greens and potatoes. Try the house-made granola with fruit, organic yogurt and local honey, or the popular pork chop dish with local stone fruit, figs, Bravo chipotle cheese and polenta. Magpie also offers organic beverages like Blue Sky ginger ale and beer from Eel River.

The Porch Restaurant & Bar
1815 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-2423
www.theporchsacramento.com

Traditional southern cooking meets California cuisine at this eco-friendly restaurant, which uses organic and seasonal local ingredients. The menu changes nearly every day, with special favorites like the organic watermelon and crab salad, made with avocado, cilantro, corn, spiced pecans, feta and a vinaigrette of honey and mint. Grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and organically farmed seafood are available in a number of meals, and dishes like the cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes include locally sourced produce, cheese and organic eggs.

Dad's Kitchen
2968 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 447-3237
www.ilovedadskitchen.com

Featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," menu items include organic chicken, turkey and pork, grass-fed beef and numerous local vegetables and herbs. Gluten-free breads can be used upon request, and tempting foods are available for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.