Best Restaurants in Lodi
Lodi, a charming city nestled in California's Central Valley, is not just renowned for its lush vineyards and world-class wines, but also for its vibrant culinary scene. The city is home to a diverse array of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of palates. From authentic Italian cuisine to mouth-watering Mexican dishes, and from cozy bistros to upscale dining establishments, Lodi's restaurant scene is a gastronomic delight. This article will guide you through the best restaurants in Lodi, ensuring you know exactly where to dine when you visit this beautiful city. Whether you're a food connoisseur or a casual diner, Lodi's culinary landscape promises to impress.
Pietro's trattoria
4.7
(1774)
Enduring farm-to-fork eatery with old-world flair preparing a family-style menu of Italian classics.
Reviews:
The bread here is amazing! Pizza was extremely tasty, this place really banks on the quality of their breads. You can really taste how fresh the ingredients are, sauce was perfect, cheese was perfect, service was amazing. Management is doing a great job with running this place, you can tell it’s a local favorite but they find you a table w no hesitation. I’d def recommend this to anyone wanting a quality meal w a great environment.
ninjadarookie
Wonderful spot to visit with delicious Italian eats. I’m always in awe when we arrive to see all the fresh herbs and veggies in their garden. Their panzanella salad is a must and I love that they highlight was in season so it’s always changing. Their pizzas are probably some of the best! The meatballs were so good, abundant enough to make into a meal.
Nicole Youkhaneh
My husband and I went for dinner on a Saturday night and it was phenomenal! I had the amatriciana — I have not seen guanciale in the US before!! The mussels were incredibly fresh with delicious tomato sauce It was really tasty and the bread was freshly baked and fabulous! Wonderful service like super attentive and kind. The wine list was full of unique locally sourced wines. You need reservations if you come on a weekend night. Beautiful outdoor patio with a cozy fire. So so good. My husband had the pork milanese which came with a lovely arugula salad and a fancy shredded pecorino romano. I can’t say enough about this place. Perfect for a romantic evening!!!!
Courtney Reed
Pietro’s Trattoria’s food was absolutely fantastic. We had the Pappardelle with Ox Tail Ragu and the Crest del Gallo with sausage - both were great. Had the vegetable side which was green beans with onions - simple preparation but the green beans were fresh and flavorful. Our server was great. And, Oh the fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic was really good as well. Would definitely return - maybe tomorrow!
Lawrence Day
I've heard a lot about Pietro's for the past couple of years and finally tried it. It was a little bit of a drive from Stockton to Lodi to check it out, but my wife and I came for our anniversary so the special occasion merits a short trip. The place is beautiful. They get 5 stars for aesthetics. Once you get inside the smell of the cuisine immediately greets you, and then I immediately noticed their cooling system was perfect. It's been fairly hot out recently but it was nice and cool inside and very comfortable. They have a huge dining room, as well as a huge outdoor seating area. This is a very big operation with lots of staff who are all dressed impressively in clean and neat uniforms. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chef's prepare appetizers, pastas, and whatever else they are sautéing on their line. They have the most modern and up to date technology visible for taking orders and getting them to right stations and back out to the servers. So the food was coming out extremely quickly as we were ordering. I was worried when our server didn't immediately take our dinner order after we ordered appetizers. But surprisingly, they were very busy for a Tuesday night and our food came out very much faster than I was anticipating. Our server came back and got our dinner orders in as we were getting started on our appetizers and the entrees were delivered to our table before we even finished the appetizers. They also bring out fresh baked bread for you to snack on as soon as you are seated and we got a refill on the delicious bread before our entrees came out. The bread was definitely amazing. Appetizers were very good as well. We had bruschetta and arancini. I would say the bruschetta was 8/10 and arancini 9/10. I would definitely come back here just for the bread and arancini. We also had cocktails. I enjoyed my Spanish Steps tequila cocktail with agave and whatever else they put in it. I give it an 8/10 and would have that again. I ordered the Chicken Picatta for dinner and my wife had Chicken Parm. I was expecting a little bit better for the entrees for a fine dining restaurant. For me, a chicken piccata should be an encrusted chicken breast, typically pan fried. I received several slivers of chicken and they didn't look like they were breaded at all. The sauce was good. Potatoes were overly salty and some were very burnt and crispy. I would have liked a very nice and soft, well seasoned potato more. I give the Chicken Piccata a 4/10 although I did enjoy the sauce. The sauce that came with the arancini was also very good and was great for dipping my bread in. I would definitely go back just for that. Final thoughts on the visit, they had a ton of staff and everyone was nice and professional. Everyone was prompt. They had music playing but I felt like it was a bit too loud, for dinner, but they also had a very full dining room and their customers were very loud so maybe the loud music helps mask multiple loud and boisterous conversations. It didn't turn out to be quite the intimate dining experience I was expecting. I thought it was be a smaller, quieter, candle lit type of setting. It felt more like a Denny's/Olive Garden feel with a bunch of people in a large dining space. Lots of families. Loud. People enjoying themselves, laughing, eating. I guess you could say maybe it was business casual/country club more so than a high end steak house dining setting. Kudos to the owners for building such a huge and impressive operation. They've done great with the staff.
RUNE GOOD
317 E Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
The oxford kitchen
4.3
(195)
Reviews:
Came on Saturday evening and sat at the bar. They were very busy and bartenders did their best to keep up with customers. Had a bit of a wait, but was understandable. Food was fantastic! We started with a calamari appetizer and had the Shepherds pie and my husband had the burger. Nice wine selection as well. Would definitely come back!
Anne Sanchez
WAS always one of the best experiences. They are currently undergoing another transition. My original review was from awhile back, we got to know most the staff and they were all extremely helpful and friendly. We learned recently a lot of staff left and they were puling from the other location. These new people are definitely adapting, but didn't have the Oxford Lodi vibe we loved. Not greeted up on entrance, had to wait awhile to be noticed at the bar, never a problem before. The drinks are still expensive but feels like you're getting less bang for your buck now, the espresso martini was almost all foam. The bartender said that's how it's done, not in our experience in multiple bars, but I'm no expert. Not going back any time soon, will try again in a few months, to see if they've come back to the Lodi vibe we felt welcomed to.
Cory Acker
Okay this places is a 4.5. I read reviews where people complained about portion size and price etc. Well I have to say that the portion sizes are just right. I was stuffed for hours. Service was on point. Really friendly, attentive and informative. The drinks were good but 😬 my pineapple margarita tasted off. Not sure why. That and the chocolate desert being too much chocolate are the reason for the 4.5 versus 5. The food was amazing. Everyone loved their food and had nothing but good things to say. I tasted the scotched eggs, wings, calamari, cauliflower, Wellington and the chocolate tart. Everything except desert for me was in point. Well flavored, cooked to the right temperature. I felt like my meat dissolved in my mouth. Anyways, it's a beautiful establishment. Would recommend
Genesis A
My wife and I enjoyed our first meal at the Oxford Kitchen. Per their website, their cuisine is inspired by the diverse food of the London street markets. I went with the Classic Beef Wellington and my wife ordered the fish offering of the day. Both entrees were delicious. For a small plate appetizer, I high recommend the Scotch Eggs😍 We will be back soon.
David Torres
We did like the food, although my fish and chips were chewy for some reason. Very pricey, no add-on soup (cup) or salad option. Only a full priced bowl of $14.99 soup. That's very expensive to add onto a lunch item. So, I didn't try the soup. Honestly, it's not a big menu. So a picky eater will prob not eat much. Not sure if I would go again, but it was good.
Melinda Antirien
110 W Oak St, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
Towne house restaurant at wine & roses
4.5
(332)
Hotel eatery with gourmet American cuisine, outdoor seating, live music & many wines.
Reviews:
Came here for breakfast for the first time last Saturday and it was great. My husband, the kids and I wanted to bring my parents to a nice restaurant and they loved it. It's pricey but worth it. We made reservations that same morning but they only had tables outside and it was perfect. This place is beautiful and the food is superb. The service is no less than that either. They have the best customer service we have experienced and I can see it starts with the manager. The staff is just wonderful. We will sure be coming here again.
gabi quiroz
Amazing. Great service, colorful food, relaxing environment, over all a perfect spot. Only thing missing are hammocks for the after meal siesta 💖
Michelle S.
Food: the drinks are over thought and over priced. They didn't taste good and when an attempt for a simple well mixed drink is $10 doesn't work if it's given in a small rocks glass. The only good thing for me was an appetizer of what seemed like veggie kitchen scraps put into a donut fritter where you wish you had more of the sauce but was only sitting in a small strip of it wiped on the plate. I had the chicken and it was dry. I wound up giving what was left of it to the dog when I got home. My wife's fish was lacking in flavor and was sitting in what seemed like a soup that didn't allow seasoning to adhere to it so the fish was bland. we didn't bother with dessert Service: it is very trained when you hear your server go to each table and ask everyone "so is the food delicious?". Knowing it's a way to pad compliments and should just read the room. The staff was more willing to poor water than anything. Atmosphere: when the reservation was made we were told there were birds and that was exciting. We even got to our reservation early to ensure good seating and guess what...no birds...Sat in the sun with no umbrella and as a bigger guy of 6"2 my legs were pinched under the table between the chairs...too small...I also say other patrons trying to lower blinds in order to shade themselves from the sun that was hitting us at 92° that day. Won't be going back
Evil pumpkin
Beautiful patio, incredibly kind and attentive staff, and delicious food. The menu is full of unique flavor combinations worth trying!
Donnelly West
Tonight I had one of the best experiences of my life with my daughter on a daddy daughter date, no special occasion but definitely a special night thanks to the staff and atmosphere at Wine and Roses! The only reason they didn't get 5 stars on everything is the the food was sooooooooo good!!! I couldn't help needing more!!!! When I say I needed more it's no exaggeration, the staff were pleasant and attentive and after dinner we had a stroll through the grounds and it was nothing short of something you would see in a garden magazine! Just a wonderful experience, even the birds were polite, not joking one actually said HELLO as we walked up!!! We will be back!!!!
Chester Miller
2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242, USA
Mazatlán cafe
4.3
(184)
Compact, informal Mexican eatery with a modest menu of classics like tacos & burritos.
Reviews:
My favorite Lodi restaurant for good old fashioned Mexican food like my grandmother used to make! Hand made flour tortillas amazing. Big portions and good prices.
Harry Souders (10x)
The service was spectacular and the waitress was very entertaining. The showman ship and the presentation of the food was great, However the food which was lacking something..
Curtis A
I walked into the cafe, it was clean organized, and had wonderful smells of food. I ordered; a beef burrito ($10) and caldo de res (beef soup $14.50) includes rice, onions, chopped cilantro, lime slices, and homemade tortillas. I asked for chips & salsa and they gave me 3 different salsas and 1 guacamole & fresh chips. The young man that took my order was very friendly, I struck up a conversation with him and he was a little nervous but very pleasant. The kitchen crew worked well as a team, and put my order together fast. The burrito was good especially with the salsas, they complimented the beef and rice. The soup has a really good blend of flavors, I was very satisfied with my meal. I am planning to try the Chile Colorado, Chile Verde, menudo and pozole. I would recommend this cafe, you will not be disappointed.
Jules Jewels
Well let’s see I was craving menudo I’m visiting from Orange County and I saw this place had good reviews. I ordered menudo take out and the flavor was good, but the tribe wasn’t fully cooked I had to cook it for another 30 minutes by this time I no longer .
graselita delatorre
I bought posole and other stuff and the staff forgot everything to go i gt home and poured my posile had literly no meat all juice i always buy from here but this time it was just not good al around hopefully it changes i know evertihying is high in prices but if your going to charge 14 plus dollars for a soup please give me 14 dollars of food not just juice
Steve Davis
125 N Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
Hollywood family café & catering
4.6
(704)
Reviews:
I love love love this place so much! I have lived in the area for years and always wanted to try this place but never did until about almost 2 years ago when me and boyfriend first started dating and I told him to let’s go try this place out. I was always attracted to the old Hollywood 50s theme and this place gives all of those feels and more. First off everyone is super nice here and I love that it is family owned and ran.I also love the food and especially the thick, creamy, and flavorful country gravy and the sweet, bubbly, and crisp mimosa. I can put the country gravy on everything lol and I have to have the delicious strawberry pineapple mimosa every visit!The food is always fresh and have that homemade with love taste. I thought maybe my first experience here I got lucky with the food and service but no EVERYTIME I have visited I get the same homey service and family vibe experience. I have made this my regular spot and even tho I used to only visit with my boyfriend( this was “our spot”) now I have brung friends and family here because I want everyone to experience the love I feel here.I even visit often alone and the 20 minutes I travel to here is worth every second. Being experienced as a server and cook myself, I can really appreciate an establishment like this.
Alexis I
I want to give the place 4.5 stars. THe food was good and definitely came out fresh, so that was awesome. The service staff was all super friendly and attentive. I'd deduct the 1/2 star cause it was really slow, it just took a while to get our food. But that happens sometimes, so I'm not taking a star away yet. I did enjoy the food, we tried the CEO burger, French Dip, mozzarella sticks and the Club Sandwich. No complaints. Great garlic fries too!
Corey Strock
First off let me start by saying the atmosphere here was second to none. My wife, daughter, and I were spoiled by the unwavering attentiveness of our server, Lexie. Our daughter enjoyed her breakfast with a complimentary cookies and cream sundae for her fourth birthday. I will end this by saying, you will not be disappointment by the quality and sheer volume of the servings. Thank you for taking the time to read this and God bless!
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Me and my mother came in and I had the biscuits and gravy meal and my mother had eggs Benedict. The biscuits were small but amazing but the gravy was flavorless which was a shame, but my mother dish was one of the best I've had. I'd order that for sure. Only suggestions I'd have is make the biscuits larger and redo the gravy(more flavor and sausage). The place is amazing and looks like a 50's cafe.
Brandon Frazier (The Awesome)
I started going on my days off, which I had so few, and I enjoyed everything there up until recently when they hired some new people there. The tables on the left side of the door in guessing rarely have anyone sitting there, so unless you speak up, it's pretty invisible, at least for me. However, despite that and it being sticky for some odd reason, the service there is great, the food is as well. They do have days where it's slow, but do be understanding.
William Marcelo
315 S Cherokee Ln, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
Black bear diner lodi
4.4
(1315)
Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.
Reviews:
Came with a group of 6 for Dinner. First time.. Pot roast is great n Mashed Potato was delicious. My Hubby ordered Ribs .. he felt not much meat. Other friends were happy with their order. Service was great
M Moor
Uber eats. Lettuce had dirt/sand in it, I ordered avacado in sandwich one small piece was added. French fries were hardly cooked or seasoned. Very disappointed!
Julie Peace
My daughter and I went for dinner, and we loved it! She had the ribs and shrimp dinner, and I chose to have the turkey dinner. Our server was so attentive and fun! The food arrived promptly and smelled delicious, and it did not disappoint. My daughter tucked into her meal and kept smiling more with every bite (a very good sign!). I took a bite of mine and was transported back to homemade holiday dinners. About halfway in, I realized we hadn't said a word, just made all the sounds of totally enjoying our food! We are talkers, so that was amazing. We decided to have dessert. Apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream was our choice, and it was fabulous. Homemade crust blanketed tender, cinnamon, and sugar flavored apple slices that melted in our mouths. The ice cream was the perfect cool compliment to the warm, rich filling. I can practically taste it now. Yum! Definitely goooo get some of that goodness!!
Kim Robinson
Holy cow I forgot how good this place is to eat at. For 16 bucks I got a meal that actually became two meals it was so big, the food was amazing, the service was top notch (our waitress was funny as heck) and the atmosphere was superb. It was the perfect balance between value and quality. You can bet I will be back very soon, just not today…I just finished two huge pancakes for breakfast from my leftovers. 😁
Eric Neitzel
Me and my husband came in for dinner tonight the food had no and I mean no flavor very Blend and under season I had Steak and eggs and the hash brown, was so hard. I nearly broke a tooth we paid too much money I was very unhappy we came to far for horrible food not right at all.my husband got the cheesecake and I think it's spoiled its so gross we had to Throw it away before we get sick. The pancakes was the only thing good And the waitress was nice. The cook didn't do good at all.
Nichole Thompson
2347 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95242, USA
California al's restaurant
4.6
(332)
Reviews:
Small mom n pop restaurant. Very nice settings. First time for our family. We had a party of 7 ppl. I was worried they won't have enough room due to the pictures. Well they were able to put 2 tables together to make it fit us. Good thing it wasn't too busy. The employee was super nice and constantly check on us. My kids and I were super shocked at the size of the pancakes. We could of shared the pancakes because it was that big but order extra side of meat choice & egg. The parking lots isn't so big. Looks like it fits about 12 cars but you can park across the street which has more parkings. They have a small outdoor dining place as well. Oh remember to check their House Daily Special Menu on the chalk board on the wall. We didn't noticed it until after we had already ordered.
Pang Houa Yip
Cal Al's is a family favorite. Consistently good diner food with excellent service. Ordered the cheese steak and my friends split the crispy chicken salad.
Elsa H
My son Gunther and I have been loyal patrons of this charming diner for years now, and it's become a cherished part of our routine. The staff here has a remarkable way of making us feel like we're dining among friends, especially when it comes to their interactions with Gunther. What initially began as a one-time visit has since evolved into a heartwarming tradition of frequenting this establishment. The genuine warmth and kindness exhibited by the staff towards Gunther have left an indelible mark on us. They've created an atmosphere where he feels not just welcomed but genuinely valued. It's heartening to see him form a connection with the staff, turning every visit into a delightful experience. From that very first visit, we knew we had discovered a gem. And with each subsequent meal, our appreciation has only grown. This diner has become more than just a place to eat; it's a place where lasting memories are made. Kudos to the wonderful staff who have turned us into devoted regulars. We look forward to many more years of delightful dining experiences here.
Cameron Gardner
Friendly service and good food. Had the sauteed mushroom burger. The potato salad was pretty yummy as well!
Nicole Blackwell
What a great place! Our server was absolutely adorable and so helpful! We WILL be back for sure! Update: we went back! The French Dip was absolutely one of the BEST I have ever had! Incredible! The service was great too! I wish it was a bigger place with better parking though. We had a table next to us of about 8.. they took up the entire lot! They left when we did amd every lady drove a car.. for 1 table. So that made it look busier than it was. Even though every table was full.
Melinda Antirien
601 W Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240, USA