Where to Find Island Cuisine in the Sacramento Region

Craving a taste of the islands? Maybe you recently visited a tropical paradise and need a fix before your next getaway. Or maybe the warm weather is eliciting the carefree vibes associated with island fare. Or maybe you just prefer the bold, sweet-and-spicy tastes that island cuisine is known for. Whatever the reason, if you’re on the hunt for island cuisine, Sacramento has a surprising variety of spots to satisfy your craving.

Island cuisine is a broad term referring to dishes inspired by the food of Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and beyond. Its signature attributes are bold spices, tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, and abundant seafood. And, like the laid-back vibes of the islands themselves, island food culture is unpretentious and welcoming. The following are some popular dishes:

• Hawaii: Poke, Spam Musubi, Loco Moco, Kalua Pig
• Jamaica: Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Stew, Rice and Peas
• Philippines: Adobo, Lumpia, Lechon Kawali, Sinangag
• Cuban: Cubano sandwich, Ropa Vieja, Tostones

So, whether you’re in the mood for tropical Hawaiian dishes, spicy Caribbean specialties, or Filipino comfort food, the following are some restaurants in the Greater Sacramento Region dishing up the best island cuisine.

Bodega Kitchen & Cocktails | Sacramento

Located in Sacramento’s Greenhaven neighborhood, this welcoming restaurant specializes in Caribbean-inspired fare. Dishes include the classic Cubano sandwich (roasted pork, ham, pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese) and plates with Caribbean-style rice and peas topped with jerk chicken, roasted pork, or guava BBQ shrimp.

Homes Near Island Cuisine in Sacramento County

JJ’s Hawaiian BBQ | West Sacramento & Sacramento

This casual eatery, with locations in both West Sacramento and Sacramento, is known for its varied Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired menus. Dishes include poke bowls, Hawaiian BBQ chicken and beef plates, and loco moco (a hamburger patty atop rice smothered in brown gravy and topped with an egg). In addition, they have numerous smoothie and milk tea offerings.

Kultura Café | Rocklin

Photo Courtesy of Kultura Cafe

This modern Filipino cafe in Rocklin features not only bubble and milk tea but also traditional cuisine. Some things you’ll find here are lumpia, chicken adobo, and Filipino sausage with sinangag (garlic fried rice). They have dozens of milk teas and slushes available, with flavors like taro, pineapple, and mango.

Kau Kau | East Sacramento

This Hawaiian restaurant in East Sacramento has a modern vibe that’s a step up from other island eateries. Popular dishes include the sweet and tangy huli-huli chicken and traditional Kalua pork. They also serve island-style brunch, with dishes like a macadamia nut waffle and French toast made with taro bread and pineapple-ginger compote.

Yolo County Homes for Island Food Lovers

Zumapoke & Lush Ice | Davis

If you’re craving a taste of the tropics, this family-owned spot in Davis is a good bet. You can build your own poke bowl or try one of their Hawaiian plates, which include Kalua pork or luau BBQ chicken, complete with rice and mac salad. In true Hawaiian fashion, they also serve shave ice and Hawaiian Sun beverages.

Sol Cubano | North Highlands

Photo Courtesy of Sol Cubano

If it’s a taste of Cuba you’re after, this restaurant in North Highlands fits the bill. They have all the Cuban specialties, including lechon asado (marinated roasted pork), ropa vieja (stewed, shredded beef), and oxtail stew with Cuban herbs. And, of course, no Cuban meal is complete without tostones (fried sweet plantains).

Big Island Hawaiian BBQ | Folsom

Traditional Hawaiian plates are the specialty of this fast-casual eatery in Folsom. Barbecued chicken or beef, Kalua pork, or island white fish is served alongside rice, cabbage, and Hawaiian macaroni salad. You can also get appetizers such as Spam musubi (grilled Spam atop seasoned rice, wrapped in nori), or comfort food like Spam & eggs.

El Dorado County Homes Near Caribbean Restaurants

Dubplate Kitchen & Jamaican Cuisine | Sacramento

Brown stew chicken, curry goat, and jerk shrimp are just a few of the dishes you’ll find at this Jamaican restaurant in Sacramento’s Arden Arcade area. In true Rastafarian style ,they also have several meatless options, including a vegan fish plate and ital stew, made with coconut milk and root veggies such as beans, sweet potato, squash, and taro.

Tropics Island Grill & Ale House | Camino

Photo Courtesy of Tropics Apple Hill

Apple Hill might seem like an odd place for a Hawaiian restaurant, but Aloha is welcome anywhere! They offer all types of island-themed dishes, including Spam musubi, a kalua pork sandwich, and blacked ahi tacos. They also have tropical beverages, such as a lilikoi (passion fruit) cider and a POG (pineapple, orange, guava) mimosa.

Café Connection | Downtown Sacramento

If you’re in the Downtown Sacramento area, consider checking out this Caribbean restaurant. They feature traditional dishes such as oxtail stew, goat curry, and jerk chicken, which you can get wrapped up in a burrito or stuffed in a taco. They also offer house-made roti stuffed with various fillings.

Live Where the Island Vibes Are in Placer County

Kellz Kitchen Jamaican Cuisine | Natomas

Authentic Jamaican dishes are on the menu at this laid-back spot in Natomas. Dishes include spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail stew. They also make ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish made with dried and salted cod and ackee, a tropical fruit with a soft, buttery texture.

iFish Poke & Hawaiian BBQ | Roseville

Located in Roseville, this casual restaurant blends traditional Hawaiian barbecue with poke. Their Hawaiian plates include classics like short ribs, chicken, and shrimp, served with rice and mac salad. Or, you can choose a build-your-own poke bowl, with options like Hawaiian tuna, tofu, or shrimp. For dessert, try a green tea or mango macaron ice cream sandwich.

Spoon & Fork | Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Spoon & Fork

Operated by the same team behind The Lumpia Truck, this brick-and-mortar version on Broadway offers the same Filipino comfort food. Dishes include sinigang chicken wings (made with sour tamarind dust), crispy lechon kawali (fried pork belly), and pork sisig (citrus-marinated pork atop rice with a fried egg). And, of course, they have several varieties of lumpia.

Indulge in Authentic Island Food in Sacramento

Whether the classic Hawaiian plate lunches, the bold spices of Caribbean jerk chicken, or the indulgent taste of Filipino pork, you’re sure to find a restaurant in the greater Sacramento area that satisfies your craving. There’s no need to travel overseas to get a taste of the islands!