A new year brings resolutions, fresh starts, and goals; and is a prime time to break (or make) habits and try all things new, restaurants included. Just because holiday parties and festivities have passed doesn’t mean that date night, an evening off from cooking, or treating yourself need to go out the window, either. Why not add “try a new-to-you restaurant” to your 2025 to-do list? These newish bites on the block are the perfect place to start.

Break for lunch in Apple Hill by visiting Blue Barn Provisions. You’ll find scratch-made bites, drinks, retail items, and more—think wine country market with a charming, pup-friendly patio, garden, and picnic area with bocce ball and cornhole. Grab something to go or munch on a charcuterie board with a glass of El Dorado County vino. File this one away for Valentine’s Day and beyond for when the weather warms (spring will be here before we know it). 

MUST-TRY: Smoked brisket (on ciabatta with horseradish crema and crispy onions) & a local hard cider

3400 Carson Court, Placerville, 916-500-9714, bluebarnapplemountain.com

For authentic Burmese cuisine, pop over to Burma Light—where the chef has over 20 years’ experience in Burmese cuisine. What is Burmese cuisine, you might ask? Expect a blend of flavors influenced by Chinese, Thai, and Indian cuisine, bringing bites that are familiar and unique at the same time. Items such as jalapeño chicken, pad Thai, and Burmese-Indian rice (raisins, green cardamom, and cinnamon) await. 

MUST-TRY: Tea leaf salad & Burmese iced tea 

703 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-510-3176, burmalight.com

Valenz Mexican Kitchen has journeyed from caterpillar to butterfly—it started as a ghost truck kitchen during the pandemic, grew into two food trucks, and has now secured a brick-and-mortar location. The family-run business likes to experiment, but fresh, comforting Sinaloa-style Mexican food staples abound here, too: shrimp tacos, tortas, street tacos, and quesadillas, to name a few.

MUST-TRY: Chile relleno burrito & wine-based lime margarita 

3275 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, 530-391-2904, valenzmexicankitchen.com

Traditional coastal Mexican cuisine melds with a Japanese raw bar experience in the form of Omakase Por Favor. Choose your own adventure or expect something special from start to finish with their “trust the chef” omakase dinner experience. Look forward to exciting oysters, fresh ceviches, and local ingredients. Fun fact: Chef Jeana Marie Pecha appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games and won!

MUST-TRY: Handmade seasonally flavored s’mores (Lincoln), ice cream sandwiches (Sacramento), & siphon pot Valiant Coffee brewed at your table

640 Twelve Bridges Drive, Suite 100, Lincoln, 916-472-5503; 1050 20th Street, Suite 150, Sacramento, 916-298-4083, omakaseporfavor.com

A beer-lover’s paradise, Moonraker Millhouse has something for everyone—kids included (thanks to a playground!). Grab a quiet spot earlier in the day in one of their expansive seating areas or bring the whole family (Fido included!) for live music and some fresh air fun. Thanks to a focus on supporting local farms and ranches, their food is extra fresh and flavorful. With over 30 beer options, small bites, pizzas, and sandwiches, no one is going hungry (or thirsty) here.

MUST-TRY: Pickle pie & Outrigger (their flagship West Coast IPA)

3501 Robin Lane, Cameron Park, 530-745-6816, moonrakerbrewing.com

Rose Park Bistro boasts a cozy, romantic ambiance, à la Great Gatsby; think sophisticated dark green velvet seating and gold touches throughout. And we haven’t even gotten to the food! Be prepared for things like seafood paella and lobster bucatini—elevated American cuisine with Mediterranean notes and a modern California influence (with a California-focused wine list, too). 

MUST-TRY: Butter parmesan crusted filet mignon & Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon

1017 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville, 916-474-5658, roseparkbistro.com

JUNIOR Restaurant & Lounge is sited in an expansive space with an upstairs, downstairs, and large patio—plus an impressive cocktail list (including several unique flight options) and fun food menu. Come for brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, or all the above. What’s cooking? Think innovative, playful twists on classics, such as chicken katsu salad, birria ramen, pesto & burrata flatbread, and short rib pappardelle.

MUST-TRY: Junior’s Burger & Purple Dragon (cocktail)

390 North Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, 916-886-8092, jrlounge.com

Plant-based eaters should flock to RAKKAN Ramen—an authentic ramen shop that started in Japan. Lucky for us, the restaurant has expanded to the U.S., Folsom included, bringing their vegan, umami-filled dashi broth stateside. Walking in, expect a minimalist, sleek interior and rich, dark wood, which—not unlike their food—feels authentically Japanese. 

MUST-TRY: Spicy vegan garnet ramen & Japanese yuzu drop 

2766 East Bidwell Street, Suite 400, Folsom, 916-496-4475, rakkanramen.com

Upon entering Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar you’re greeted with a warm, inviting space. The tortillas are made from scratch, and their modern infusion of traditional dishes includes options like pulpo con papas bravas (baby potatoes and broiled octopus) and Milanesa de pollo (breaded crispy chicken cutlet). As the name promises, don’t miss the (glowing) tequila bar! 

MUST-TRY: Queso birria tacos & La Fresita (cocktail)

2023 Vine Street, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, 916-673-9279, encantoedh.com 

by CAITLIN EMMETT

Burma Light food photo, Omakase Por Favor, and Valenz Mexican Kitchen photos by Jyo Bhamidipait ©stylereadersmedia. Moonraker Millhouse food photo by Reel Smiley Productions. Moonraker outdoor beer garden photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of thier respective companies or organizations. JUNIOR Restaurant & Lounge interior photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar drink photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.