There’s little doubt the last few months have been challenging for everyone. Concerns over coronavirus have shut down schools, offices and many small businesses — including restaurants. While some have managed to get by with takeout options, many others opted to shutter their doors permanently.

But now, the state has loosened its requirements and many restaurants are once again open for in-person dining. However, a meal out will look a lot different than it did prior to COVID-19. Tables will be spaced further apart, servers will be wearing face coverings, and diners will be provided with disposable or digital menus.

With these precautions in place, it’s time to get gussied up and enjoy a night on the town. Following is a guide to locally-owned restaurants that have reopened in the greater Sacramento area.

Note: Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties have given restaurants the green light to open on a modified basis. As of May 25, Yolo County has not yet done so. 

Sacramento County

Aïoli Bodega Española | Midtown

Photo courtesy Aioli

Aioli serves classic Spanish fare like paella and tapas, with a large selection of Spanish wine and a charming outdoor patio in Midtown.

Back Bistro | Folsom

Back Bistro is a wine-country themed eatery in Folsom with pasta, seafood and steak and a comprehensive wine list.

Cafeteria 15L | Downtown

Photo courtesy Cafeteria 15L

This downtown eatery serves elevated comfort food like mac & cheese and burgers in a swanky setting with an expansive patio.

The Shack | East Sacramento

Burgers, sandwiches and other pub food are served in a beer-garden like setting in East Sacramento, with dozens of brews on tap.

Wildwood Kitchen & Bar | Arden Arcade

This restaurant in the Arden Arcade area features farm-to-table cuisine like seafood, pasta and steak, with a large outdoor patio complete with fire pits and sparkling lights.

Flaming Grill Café | Elk Grove

Elk Grove location for unique burgers made from gourmet beef, brisket or shortrib, plus exotic meat like elk and boar.

Rudy’s Hideaway | Rancho Cordova

This longstanding Rancho Cordova seafood restaurant serves all the staples from the sea like lobster, crab and shrimp.

Centro Cocina Mexicana | Midtown

Photos courtesy Centro

Centro is known for its refined regional Mexican cuisine and specialty cocktails in a modern, vibrant setting in Midtown.

El Dorado County

Poor Reds Bar-B-Q | El Dorado

Photo courtesy Poor Red’s

Poor Red’s is an iconic El Dorado bar & grill serving meat-centric dishes, plus a full bar with signature cocktails like the Gold Cadillac.

Old Town Grill | Placerville

Placerville spot for burgers & sandwiches made from free-range, grass-fed meats and organic produce, plus milkshakes and malts.

Wally’s Pizza Bar | Cameron Park

Wally’s is an all-American sports-themed pizza parlor in Cameron Park with pies and pasta with more than a dozen beers on tap, plus specialty cocktails.

Beef ’n’ Brew | Diamond Springs

A historic Diamond Springs building is the setting for comfort food classics like burgers, ribs and steak, plus many beers on tap.

Milestone | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Milestone

El Dorado Hills eatery with creative American cuisine in a rustic yet refined setting, plus a full bar with craft cocktails.

Aji Japanese Bistro | El Dorado Hills

Aji specializes in contemporary cuisine from across Asia, like poke tacos, lumpia & bibimbap, plus designer sushi rolls and a raw bar.

Heyday Café | Placerville

This upscale seasonal eatery in Placerville with dishes like pizza, seafood and meats, plus a substantial wine list from California and beyond.

Placer County

Monkey Cat | Auburn

Photo courtesy Monkey Cat

Monkey Cat is a good choice in Auburn for refined seafood & meat dishes, as well as regional wines.  Plus, it has an inviting outdoor patio.

Auburn Ale House | Auburn

This craft brewery in old town Auburn is known for its IPAs, and it serves pub fare like wings, burgers & chili.

Flour Dust Pizza Company | Roseville

This family-owned Roseville pizzeria uses gourmet ingredients like hand-pulled mozzarella, house-made Italian sausage and San Marzano tomato sauce.

Hawks | Granite Bay

Photo courtesy Hawks

Granite Bay restaurant featuring high-end, inspired farm-to-table cuisine in a refined setting, plus craft cocktails and global wines.

Fourk Kitchen | Lincoln

A fixed-price four-course presentation dinner is the hallmark of this restaurant in Lincoln, which features locally-grown produce and meats, with or without wine or beer pairing.

Sienna Restaurant | Roseville & El Dorado Hills

Photos courtesy Sienna Restaurant

Sienna is an upmarket restaurant in Roseville and El Dorado Hills  that serves everything from French dips to Thai chili halibut, plus entrée salads and burgers.

Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse | Roseville

This Brazilian churrascaria in Roseville has grilled meats carved tableside, plus traditional sizes like caramelized bananas and black bean stew.