8 Golden Calaveras County Restaurants

  • Guides
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on MAY 11, 2016
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While the goldminers who ventured across the Sierras in the 1800s may have eaten simply, the visitors of today have a delicious assortment of establishments to choose from. From simple American breakfasts to romantic Italian dinners, this area is flush with flavor, proving that there’s a lot more to celebrate about Calaveras County than just the jumping frogs.

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Restaurants /

Gold Country Roasters

A cozy hangout filled with the tempting smells of roasting coffee, Gold Country Roasters is a delicious way to start a trip through the surrounding Wine Country (or if you just need an afternoon pick-me-up). Alongside the coffees, the café also offers scrumptious baked goods and fresh fruit smoothies, made to order. The owners are adventurous coffee lovers themselves, and promise to serve only the best beans available from around the globe.

Insider Tip

For a sweet morning, get the ‘sugar skull:’ it’s a coffee concoction unlike anything you’ll find at Starbucks.

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Restaurants /

Pickle Patch Deli

The wineries throughout Calaveras County are almost all terrific picnic spots, but many don’t sell food. The celebrated sandwiches at Pickle Patch Deli remedy that issue—buy a few before your afternoon vineyard trek. With cream cheese, alfalfa sprouts, and cucumbers, the Anna Sprout will delight any vegetarian, while the Hollywood tri-tip will satisfy the hungriest of meat lovers.

Insider Tip

For a hearty side, grab a pint of the pesto macaroni salad—their pesto is made fresh in house, every single day.

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Restaurants /

Rosebud’s Cafe

Rosebud’s Café is a favorite for Sierra foothill locals and every quaint dish coming out of the kitchen showcases why, like the fish and chips or brisket. Attention to detail is key: each day, the water is infused with a different fresh flavor such as cucumber or strawberries. Feel free to get tipsy at lunch—the lemon drop mimosa is a citrusy excuse.

Insider Tip

A visit to Rosebud’s Café is also time to carb up before your winery tours since all the delicious bread is baked fresh at the restaurant.

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Restaurants /

Doke Sushi

Yes, Murphy is fairly far away from the Pacific Coast, but that doesn’t stop Doke Sushi from serving up some of freshest sushi in the state. Feel free to ask the chefs behind the bar to choose what to serve you, and they will graciously accommodate. The Calaveras Roll, made with real crabmeat, is a guest favorite.

Insider Tip

The place may seem small at first glance, but they can accommodate groups of six or more with a reservation.

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Restaurants /

Aria

Aria Bakery and Espresso Cafe is a great stop if you want a quick cup of coffee, a slice of some of the best pie on the west coast, or a freshly grilled panini. Probably the best way to experience Murphy’s cozy downtown area is with a ham and cheese croissant from this intimate spot, though the mixed berry pie, available in the summer months, earns raves from locals and tourists alike.

Insider Tip

Get the chai spiced latte for a morning perk-up, even if you’re a coffee lover.

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Restaurants /

Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen

Shrouded in Gold Country forests, Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen is a Calaveras County gem, serving up excellent Italian-inspired cuisine to pasta-craving locals and tourists. You can’t go wrong with the classics, like pollo al parmigiano, fettuccine alfredo, or risotto al frutti di mare (a delicious seafood risotto). Pair everything with generous pours of local wine from the extensive wine list, and don’t be afraid to ask your server for pairing recommendations.

Insider Tip

The lightly fried calamari, served with a tasty lemon and caper aioli, is some of the best in the region.

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