Food & Drinks

Asian cuisine

1st PLACE: Happy Garden Restaurant

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

Chico has a lot of options when it comes to Asian cuisine, so to be voted The Best is quite an honor. Happy Garden consistently serves up delicious Chinese fare, with a vast menu of à la carte options as well as full-course meals. The lunch specials are a great deal, and so is the takeout, which earned this restaurant a second a Best Of honor this year.

2nd PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2072 E 20th St., Ste. 100, 898-1388

3rd PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 250, 891-1800

Bakery

1st PLACE: Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

130 Main St., 895-3866

Over the years, locals have grown to trust The Crust for all their bakery needs. Craving a croissant and coffee for breakfast? No problem. Want a slice of cheesecake after lunch? They’ve got you covered. In addition, Upper Crust crafts some of the most delicious and beautiful cakes for all occasions.

2nd PLACE: Tin Roof Bakery and Cafe

627 Broadway, Ste. 170, 892-2893

3rd PLACE: Lovely Layers Cakery

131 Meyers St., Ste. 120, 828-9931

Breakfast

1st PLACE: Cafe Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

Good, strong coffee and a selection of unique, Southwest-style breakfast items? Yes, please. Regulars swear by the French-press coffee, which is always super fresh and full of zing to get you through the day. But the real treat at Cafe Coda is in the food. Quality ingredients are combined to create satisfying dishes, including breakfast staples like pancakes and eggs Benedict, but veer into exotic territory with things like the Strawberry Nutella French Toast or the famous Fat Boy (eggs, bacon, beans and salsa).

2nd PLACE: Sin of Cortez

2290 Esplanade, 879-9200

3rd PLACE: Morning Thunder Cafe

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

Brunch

1st PLACE: Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House

1717 Esplanade, 896-1147

Brunch is a beautiful medley of breakfast and lunch fare, often served mid-morning to couples and groups of friends ready to gab about the weekend’s shenanigans over good food and (often) champagne and OJ. At Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House, they take that seriously. It gets points for ambiance, food quality and service. Did we mention bottomless bubbly?

2nd PLACE: Mom’s Restaurant

209 Salem St., 893-3447

3rd PLACE: Cafe Coda

265 Humboldt Ave., 566-9476

Burger

1st PLACE: Burgers and Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

With no fewer than 15 different burgers on the menu—including turkey, bison and lamb—it’s no wonder Chicoans choose Burgers and Brew as their favorite place to chow down on meat on a bun. Of course, they put ’em together with more pizzazz—toppings range from guacamole to onion rings and everything in between.

2nd PLACE: Nobby’s

1444 Park Ave., 342-2285

3rd PLACE: Burger Hut

2451 Forest Ave., 891-1430; and 3211 Cohasset Road, 342-4555

Burrito

1st PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. D, 343-0909

Aca Taco cleaned up this year in Best of Chico wins. Not only does the popular eatery—with two locations, and open late!—serve up readers’ favorite burrito, but also their favorite taco. That’s not to mention third-place honors for Best Munchies and Best Cheap Eats. Wowza!

2nd PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

3rd PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Caterer

1st PLACE: Bacio Catering, Carry Out & Biz Box

1903 Park Ave., 345-7787

Whether you’re hosting a book club and don’t want to cook, need to provide food for a company picnic or are planning an elaborate wedding and want a feast to remember, Bacio is the place to go. Owned by respected local chef Amanda Leveroni, Bacio pays impeccable attention to detail, from professional staff to ornate presentation.

2nd PLACE: Roots Catering & Restaurant

3221 Esplanade, 891-4500

3rd PLACE: Special Times Catering

2500 Floral Ave., Ste. 10, 892-2837

Cheap eats

1st PLACE: La Comida

954 Mangrove Ave., 345-2254

La Comida is a Chico institution. Opened in 1968, the popular Mexican restaurant is all about providing no fuss, good quality Mexican food at a reasonable price. That’s why so many Chico families swear by it!

2nd PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

3rd PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. D, 343-0909

Chef

1st PLACE: Ann Leon, Leon Bistro

817 Main St., 899-1105

Ann Leon has held on strong to her title as Best Chef in Chico and it’s easy to see why. Her restaurant, Leon Bistro, is known for pushing the boundaries of food excellence. Leon emphasizes the use of local, sustainable ingredients in all her food, and she passes her passion for cooking on to the community through her on-site cooking classes as well as demos at community events.

2nd PLACE: Jeramie Sabelman, Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

3rd PLACE: Jason Colobove, Crush

201 Broadway, Ste. 200, 342-7000

Craft beer selection

1st PLACE: Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant

1075 E 20th St., 345-2739

When you have a craft brewery like Sierra Nevada in town, it’s pretty hard to beat. The taproom proves once again it’s second to none by offering all its traditional brews plus a ton of rotating taps of different styles of SN beers that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

2nd PLACE: Burgers and Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

3rd PLACE: The Winchester Goose

800 Broadway, 895-1350

Date-night dining

1st PLACE: Crush

201 Broadway, 342-7000

There are plenty of romantic destinations to eat out with your sweetie, but none quite compares to Crush. It’s elegant without being overwhelming. If you plan date night on the weekend, you’re in for an extra treat at Crush, as they create specials based on what’s in season.

2nd PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

3rd PLACE: The Pour House

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

Diner

1st PLACE: Cozy Diner

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195

Cozy Diner has been serving up comforting classics to Chicoans for over 50 years. And that’s part of its charm—the décor is straight-up ’60s diner while the food is consistently satisfying. With specialties ranging from chicken-fried steak to broasted chicken, there’s something for everyone, and all at a reasonable price.

2nd PLACE: Morning Thunder Cafe

352 Vallombrosa Ave., 342-9717

3rd PLACE: Jack’s Family Restaurant

540 Main St., 343-8383

Family-friendly dining

1st PLACE: Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant

1075 E 20th St., 345-2739

2nd PLACE: Italian Cottage

2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; and 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771

3rd PLACE: Cozy Diner

1695 Mangrove Ave., 895-1195

Fine dining

1st PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

2nd PLACE: Leon Bistro

817 Main St., 899-1105

3rd PLACE: Red Tavern

1250 Esplanade, 894-3463

Food server

1st PLACE: Christina Souza, Kalico Kitchen

2396 Esplanade, 343-3968

People love server Christina Souza for her friendliness and kindness. “She develops a personal connection with every customer, and can make anyone smile,” says one longtime customer. Souza goes out of her way for all of her diners, but she’s particularly fond of the little ones—she’s often been spied doing extra favors to make children feel special.

2nd PLACE (tie): Amanda Rhoads, Mom’s Restaurant

209 Salem St., 893-3447

2nd PLACE (tie): Laura Baume, Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

Ice cream/frozen yogurt

1st PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

Locals swear by the Chico Mint ice cream at Shubert’s. But, let’s be honest—all the flavors are pretty spectacular. In addition to their regular lineup, the folks at Shubert’s enjoy whipping up seasonal favorites, like pumpkin- and licorice-flavored ice cream. Plus, a new addition this year, the ice cream sandwiches sold a few blocks over at Dutch Bros. on weekends. Yum!

2nd PLACE: Jon and Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe

300 Broadway, 899-9580; and 1722 Mangrove Ave., 899-0484

3rd PLACE: La Flor de Michoacán Paletería y Neveriá

1008 W. Sacramento Ave. Ste. C, 893-9999; and 1354 East Ave., 774-2219

International cuisine

1st PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055

Priya has long reigned in the category of Best International Cuisine. Chicoans who’ve dined at the north Chico eatery know why. Specializing in the flavors of north India, the restaurant’s recipes typically include savory sauces made with a vast array of spices (saffron and coriander, among others) that give each freshly prepared menu item that signature Priya taste. For newbies, sample a little of everything at the lunch buffet. As CN&R readers can attest, you won’t regret it.

2nd PLACE: Inday’s Filipino Restaurant

1043 W. Eighth St., 520-2593

3rd PLACE: Cocodine Thai Cuisine

2485 Notre Dame Blvd., Ste. 250, 891-1800

Italian cuisine

1st PLACE: Italian Cottage

2234 Esplanade, 343-7000; and 2525 Dominic Drive, 342-7771

Local fave Italian Cottage regularly takes home honors for Best Italian Cuisine in Chico. Regulars swear by the fettuccine alfredo, calzones and a pastrami sandwich to die for. Plus, the delightfully old-school feel of the place, with sawdust on the floors and kitschy uniforms, make for a fun night out for any Italian dish you crave.

2nd PLACE: Crush

201 Broadway, 342-7000

3rd PLACE: Sicilian Cafe

1020 Main St. 345-2233

Local brewery - Regional (Butte/Glenn/Tehama)

1st PLACE: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

1075 E 20th St., 893-3520

2nd PLACE: British Bulldog Brewery

14540 Camaren Park Drive, 892-8759

3rd PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, 533-3885

Local coffee/tea house

1st PLACE: Naked Lounge Coffee House

118 W. Second St. 487-2634

At the Naked Lounge, the baristas take coffee and tea seriously. Want a matcha tea latte with almond milk and honey? Sure thing. How about a Mexican mocha or kombucha? Coming right up! Fancy drinks aside, the espresso and ground coffee are always top-notch, and with friendly staff and an inviting environment, who could ask for more?

2nd PLACE: Bidwell Perk

664 E. First Ave., 899-1500

3rd PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

Local restaurant - Chico

1st PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse

345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328

At 5th Street, you’re special. Just by virtue of being there, you’re treating yourself—or being treated. And that’s fantastic. Whether you’re grabbing a few drinks and appetizers during the restaurant’s bustling happy hour, sitting down for a romantic dinner for two or enjoying a group event in the banquet room, 5th Street has you covered. And then some.

2nd PLACE: The Pour House

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

3rd PLACE: Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

Local restaurant - On the Ridge

1st PLACE: Black Bear Diner

5791 Clark Road, 877-0877

Black Bear Diner keeps hungry Ridge residents well-fed and ready to go back for more. They rave about the all-day breakfast, the ginormous burgers and fast, reliable service. And at a reasonable price, who wouldn’t keep going back?

2nd PLACE: Ikkyu Japanese Restaurant

5225 Skyway, 876-1488

3rd PLACE: Casa de Paradiso

5667 Clark Road, 877-4107

Local restaurant - Oroville

1st PLACE: The Steak House

Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Highway, 538-4560

When you call yourself The Steak House, one can only assume you do at least one thing right—steak. That is an understatement at this swanky restaurant on the fifth floor of Gold Country Casino. Everything is good here, whether you order the double venison chops or the crab-stuffed prawns. Hungry yet?

2nd PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2051 Robinson St., 533-1488

3rd PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, 538-4560

Local winery - Regional (Butte/Glenn/Tehama)

1st PLACE: New Clairvaux Vineyard

26240 Seventh St., Vina, 839-2200

The Abbey of New Clairvaux is worth a visit on its own. The impressive architecture and the ambiance of the abbey, where Trappist-Cistercian monks reside and lovingly tend the grapes, offers an experience unlike any other in the region. Add to that the delicious wines crafted by fifth-generation winemaker Aimée Sunseri and you’ve got more than a few things to cheers.

2nd PLACE: La Rocca Vineyards

12360 Doe Mill Road, Forest Ranch, 899-9463

3rd PLACE: Almendra Winery and Distillery

9275 Midway, Durham, 343-6893

Locally produced food - Regional (Butte/Glenn/Tehama)

1st PLACE: Live Life Juice Co.

220 Broadway, 566-3346

Live Live Juice has flourished since launching about three years ago. Initially, sisters Abigail, Angelina and Autumn Rasmussen sold their cold-pressed juices and wellness shots only at the farmers’ markets, but customers came to count on the cleansing and immunity-boosting benefits of their products (Angelina calls it “juice therapy”) and they were successful enough to quit their day jobs and open a brick-and-mortar shop. Now we can get a juice infusion any day of the week!

2nd PLACE (tie): Lundburg Family Farms

5311 Midway, Richvale, 538-3500

2nd PLACE (tie): Maisie Jane’s

1324 Dayton Road, 809-2374

Lunch

1st PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

Chicoans often gravitate toward healthy food choices, so it should come as no surprise that year in and year out, T. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe takes home the honor of Best Lunch in town. The choose-your-fusion menu makes it easy—pick a bowl or a wrap, a protein and a grain or salad and, voilà! Add a delicious tea from the extensive menu, pick a comfy spot to settle in with your date and you have a perfect midday meal.

2nd PLACE: Broadway Heights California Cuisine

300 Broadway, 899-8075

3rd PLACE: Spiteri’s Deli

971 East Ave., 891-4797

Mac and cheese

1st PLACE: The Banshee

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

The mac and cheese at the Banshee is, quite frankly, off the hook. Order it with bacon (because, well, why not?), and jalapeños if you like it hot. Then wait for the magic to happen. Before you’re done with your Moscow Mule, you’ll be presented with a piping-hot bowl of goodness, with the cheese lovingly baked on top. The Banshee also took home honors for Best Munchies, so, if you can bear it, go ahead and try something else on the menu (the fish tacos are killer!).

2nd PLACE: Hudson’s Gastropub

2760 Esplanade, 636-4562

3rd PLACE: Truck-a-roni

Various locations, 514-3531

Mexican cuisine

1st PLACE: La Hacienda

2635 Esplanade, 893-8270

If you can believe it, La Hacienda has been serving up delicious, lovingly prepared Mexican food to Chicoans for nearly 70 years. The food is reliably good and portions are big. Diners keep going back for the tasty margaritas, the hearty quesadillas and, well, don’t get us started on the house secret sauce. Yum.

2nd PLACE: Casa Ramos

216 W. East Ave., 894-0119; and 2490 Fair St., 893-5050

3rd PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Munchies

1st PLACE: The Banshee

134 W. Second St., 895-9670

2nd PLACE: B Street Public House

117 Broadway, 899-8203

3rd PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. D, 343-0909

New restaurant (opened in the last year)

1st PLACE: Parkside Tap House

115 W. Third St., 636-4239

Parkside Tap House opened over the summer and became an immediate hangout for the fun-loving downtown crowd. The reasons are plenty. For one, the ambiance is undeniably cool. The huge bar in the middle of the dining room that extends onto the spacious patio is enough to bring people in. Then add an eclectic menu focused on small plates and upscale pub grub, and you’ve got a recipe for a winner.

2nd PLACE: Crepeville

240 Main St., 809-0042

3rd PLACE: Urban Fresh Fuel

301 Main St., 487-7165

Patio

1st PLACE: The Pour House

855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000

The patio at the Pour House is something to behold. And it’s not hard to miss, either, as it takes up the entire corner where Cohasset Road meets East Avenue. When there’s a big game, this is definitely the place to be, as the Pour House’s gigantic projection screen ensures everyone has the best seat in the house. Throw in a fire pit and killer food and drinks from inside and you’re set!

2nd PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill

100 Broadway, 342-0425

3rd PLACE (tie): B Street Public House

117 Broadway, 899-8203

3rd PLACE (tie): Burgers and Brew

301 Broadway, 879-9100

Pizza

1st PLACE: Farm Star Pizza

2359 Esplanade, 343-2056

Farm Star Pizza, “where the farmer is the star.” That’s the eatery’s motto, and it’s won the hearts and stomachs of Chicoans, that’s for sure. With gourmet pies topped with locally sourced veggies and meats, hand-tossed and baked to perfection—yeah, we get the draw here.

2nd PLACE: Celestino’s

101 Salem St., Ste. V, 896-1234; and 1354 East Ave., 345-7700

3rd PLACE: Woodstock’s Pizza

166 E. Second St., 893-1500

Sandwich

1st PLACE: Spiteri’s Deli

971 East Ave., 891-4797

There are sandwiches and then there are sandwiches. Spiteri’s does ’em all right. With a deli counter where patrons can order meat and cheese by the pound right next to the sandwich counter, where they create magic on a bun, it’s no wonder it’s a Chico favorite. With a wide selection of salads and other sides to choose from, it’s a great place to pop in for lunch.

2nd PLACE: Fast Eddie’s Sandwich Shop

1175 East Ave., 342-8555

3rd PLACE: Kona’s

965 Nord Ave., 894-1635; and 138 Main St., 893-4344

Small bites (apps/tapas)

1st PLACE: Wine Time

26 Lost Dutchman Drive, 899-9250

Wine Time’s menu is entirely made up of small plates, so it’s no wonder this oenophile’s paradise on the north side of town takes top honors in this category. What makes the restaurant so unique—and fun for groups and couples alike—is that each small plate is accompanied on the menu by a suggested wine pairing. How’s that for a dining experience?

2nd PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante

192 E. Third St., 894-4005

3rd PLACE: Crush

201 Broadway, Ste. 200, 342-7000

Spot to satisfy your sweet tooth

1st PLACE: Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy

178 E. Seventh St., 342-7163

2nd PLACE: Sweet Chico Confections

121 W. Third St., 332-9866

3rd PLACE: Upper Crust Bakery & Eatery

130 Main St., 895-3866

Street food

1st PLACE: Gordo Burrito

Eighth and Pine streets

For years, Gordo Burrito took home honors as Best Taco Truck. Since we expanded the category to include all meals on wheels, well, it continues to beat out the competition. And it’s not hard to understand why: awesome food, fresh ingredients, friendly service and affordable prices. Regulars swear by the shrimp tacos. And everything else, for that matter.

2nd PLACE: Inday’s Filipino Restaurant

Various locations, 520-2593

3rd PLACE: Gnarly Deli

Various locations, 230-7607

Sushi

1st PLACE: Japanese Blossoms

2995 Esplanade, Ste. 104, 891-9022

Sushi chef Jeramie Sabelman bought Japanese Blossoms about two years ago and it’s been taking home Best Sushi honors ever since. With a menu that utilizes sustainable seafood and local ingredients, Sabelman—who took second place again this year in the Best Chef category—ensures that his food is as environmentally sound as it is beautifully plated and delicious to eat.

2nd PLACE: The Rawbar

346 Broadway, 897-0626

3rd PLACE: Big Tuna Sushi Bistro

1722 Mangrove Ave., 345-4571

Taco

1st PLACE: Aca Taco

133 Broadway, 894-0191; and 1000 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. D, 343-0909

2nd PLACE: Gordo Burrito

1295 E. Eighth St., 809-1211; and Eighth and Pine streets

3rd PLACE: Sol Mexican Grill

3269 Esplanade, 342-4616

Take-out

1st PLACE: Happy Garden Restaurant

180 Cohasset Road, 893-2574

2nd PLACE: Tong Fong Low

2072 E 20th St., Ste. 100, 898-1388

3rd PLACE: Rice Bowl

2804 Esplanade, 899-9098

Vegetarian cuisine

1st PLACE: OM Foods

1008 W. Sacramento Ave., Ste. 1, 566-9880

OM Foods specializes in fresh, organic and GMO-free foods, so it makes sense that OM stands for Organic Mama. Many of the menu items are meatless, making this an obvious choice for vegetarians and vegans, and most items are also gluten-free. Regulars swear by the nachos and the kale Caesar salad, which, like many items, is topped with cashew “cheese.”

2nd PLACE: T. Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe

250 Vallombrosa Ave., 895-8100; and 555 Flying V St., Ste. 1, 809-1545

3rd PLACE: Priya Indian Cuisine

2574 Esplanade, 899-1055