Let’s face it: food fills the soul and comforts our being, not to mention provides fuel to us so that we can slay the day. And right now, couldn’t we all use a little comfort food?

Goose Port Public House

Land Ocean New American Grill

Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine

Try This: The look on diners’ faces as the Surf and Turf Molcajete lands on the table is priceless. A steaming stone cauldron of land and sea creatures, fiery peppers and onions in a piquant broth, it’s a presentation that cannot be repeated at home, besides it’s more fun to watch in a group! —LR
187 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 160, Folsom, 916-351-0900; 5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772;  mezcalitocuisine.com

The Kitchen@Helwig Winery

Try This: Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwich...the ultimate #GetInMyBelly sandwich! With extra thick slices of their house smoked applewood pork belly (no processed meats here!), marinated carrots, daikon radish and jalapenos, along with slices of cucumber, green onion and cilantro served with sriracha mayo on a French roll and paired with their beer battered fries. —WS

Visconti’s Ristorante

Try This: One of the only local places I’ve found that serves Cioppino on their regular menu. The rich, traditional Italian-style broth and delicate shellfish beg to have some of Visconti’s warm garlic bread. Fortunately there are plenty of both! Oh, and for dessert, get one of their homemade cannoli—while their tiramisu usually gets the top billing, their cannoli is to die for. —LR
2700 E Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-5181, viscontisristorante.com

Dolce Vita Caffé

Try This:  Quiches, frittatas, crepes, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, amazing sweets await you at Dolce Vita Caffé. My favorite is the Grilled Portobella a la Caprese salad—a great variation on the traditional Caprese. Finish with the Trio of Beignets. —WS
1008 Riley Street, Suite 2, Folsom, 916-467-7679, dolcevitacaffe.online

 

Wally’s Pizza Bar

Try This:  Wings at Wally’s? Yes, yes, yes! Their fresh, never frozen FLB Wings are jumbo wings flame roasted and served with a gorgonzola dipping sauce. Come for the pizza and beer, but get the wings too! —LR
4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com 

Vaiano Trattoria

Try This: Craving Italian food, and want something light and delicious? Look to Vaiano Trattoria’s Pollo con Spinachi, a flavorful composition of grilled chicken, tomatoes, artichokes and capers in a lemon and white wine reduction over raw spinach. Start with their Insalata di Pere con Gorgonzola Salad. Just the right combination. —LR
7160 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-780-0888, vaianotrattoria.com

 

Thai Paradise

Try This: Two words: Angel Wings. A whole wing deboned, stuffed with ground chicken, noodles, garlic and ginger; then battered and deep-fried and served with a special plum sauce. If you like wings, these are a must; if you don’t, try them anyway, you’ll be converted! Start with their Fresh Spring Rolls and finish with their signature Sweet Sticky Rice and Mango. —LR
2770 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916- 984-8988, thaiparadisefolsom.com; 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0389, thaiparadiseedh.com

Pete's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Try This: Their menu is designed to give you choices, lots of choices: salads, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, fish, steak...and  on and on. But the key here is that it’s all very good, served quickly and in a nice pub setting. Try Pete’s Chicken Philly sandwich—chicken and cheesy goodness...so, so good. —TC
6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, 916-988-8812, petesrestaurantbrewhousefolsom.com

Heyday Café

Try This: I’m always on the hunt for a good salad with a twist. Heyday’s Roasted Butternut Squash salad fits the bill. Baby spinach, goat cheese, red onions, bacon, almonds and brown sugar cider vinaigrette, it’s protein packed and a great salad option. —LR
325 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-9700, heydaycafe.com 

 

Nékter Juice Bar

Which Wich

1300 E. Bidwell Street, 916-294-7439, order.whichwich.com/menu/which-wich-folsom

Hisui Sushi

Bar 101

Folsom Tap House

Try This: This is serious happiness in a bowl. Piggy Mac n’ Cheese starts with large elbow macaroni, then loads it with a cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, BBQ pulled pork, Italian sausage and hickory smoked bacon—all topped with bread crumbs and lightly toasted. Trust me, you won’t want to share it with your tablemates, and I don’t blame you. —WS
25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

Sunny Garden

Sienna

Lotus 8

Relish Burger Bar

Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro

Try This: So many favorites at Bacchus, but my comfort food pick has to be their Risotto. While it changes seasonally, it is consistently the best around—so creamy and utterly delicious. And don’t forget dessert: their Warm Salted Caramel Bread Pudding is extraordinary. It’s a definite must have. —WS
1004 E Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-984-7500, bacchushousebistro.com

 

Mexquite

Try This:  Chilaquiles Poblanos is one of my go-to dishes from Mexquite. Crispy corn tortillas (simmered with tomatillo salsa and cheese until they slightly soften) are topped with two over-medium eggs, onions (though I do mine without the onions!), cilantro,  queso fresco and a side of refried beans...fills the belly and warms the heart. The only downside is that it’s only available on their breakfast menu.—WS
25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

Shogun Hibachi Grill & Sushi

Sacramento Pizza Company