Redding Travel Guide

Sushi is my all-time favorite food and growing up in SoCal there was no shortage of amazing sushi; some even all-you-can-eat! Here in Redding, CA it’s a different food landscape than some bigger cities, but if you know where to look, you can find a gem hidden in an unassuming building in a not-so-great part of town.

Sakura Sushi was started by Sushi Chef Ken Ji who studied the art in Tokyo for 33 years before starting the first sushi bar in Redding, CA. Chef Ji masterfully creates his works of art behind the bar in the quaint building at 2130 East St. The decor is quite simple; the sushi is the real star. You can tell it’s a labor of love when the restaurant is only open for limited hours and sometime closes early if there’s no business. Definitely call ahead (530-244-0201) if you plan on trying it or if you have a larger group. You will definitely see how Sakura Sushi has the best sushi in town with fresh fish and reasonable prices along with great service from the lone server, Melissa. My go-to roll is the Rainbow Roll and it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for the most authentic, beautifully-made sushi in Redding, Sakura is it by far.

If you need your sushi craving satisfied and Sakura Sushi happens to be closed, my next pick would be Bonsai Sushi Fusion at 5200 Churn Creek Rd. This newer restaurant hasn’t been around as long as Sakura, but it took Redding by storm when it opened. With a larger menu and other Japanese cuisine for those who don’t eat raw fish (like the Bento Boxes) Bonsai serves up great Japanese food at a very reasonable price. There’s also more space for larger groups! You can’t go wrong with Bonsai! Oh, and you can order a Rainbow Roll even though it’s off the menu.

I don’t know how I lived without coffee growing up, but it’s an essential part of my life for me and for many others. How did we get anything done before coffee? Here’s my list of best coffee shops in Redding, CA.

1. Heritage Roasting Company

4302 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019 | 530.605.1990 | heritageroasting.com

Ok, so it’s not technically in Redding, but close enough to count (about 10-15 minutes away in nearby Shasta Lake). In my opinion, the best coffee in the area with an amazing ambience and great people. Perfect spot to study, catch up with friends, and generally be as hipster as you want to be. Try the lavender latte, it’s amazing! And happy hour is Monday through Friday from 1pm to 3pm.

WiFi: Heritage Guests | Password: pourover

2. Theory Collaborative Coffee

1250 California St, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.710.8345 | theorycollaborative.com

In the heart of the up-and-coming downtown area of Redding, this relatively newer coffee shop features coffee beans roasted on-site direct from farmers they have a relationship with. With amazing coffee and a wide-open airy space to get work done, Theory should be on your short-list of coffee shops to go to if you want great coffee and great atmosphere.

3. Caffé Pagato

1031 Butte St, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.338.2720 | caffe-pagato.com

Caffé Pagato is also in downtown Redding and features a large selection of specialty lattes that they make in-house. Although the space is on the smaller side, the music is great and it’s perfect for studying with lots of light and booth seating, chairs, or bar stools to choose from. Happy hour is from 3 to 5pm where you can get $2 cappuccinos. You can also add any flavor for only 50 cents. Try the Holy Honey Latte made with honey from a local monastery. They also have great lunch options if you’re hungry!

4. Stirring Coffeehouse

2250 Churn Creek Rd, Redding, CA 96002 | 530.510.1990 | thestirring.org/coffeehouse/

This coffee shop inside of a church is in a very convenient location in Redding. With a spacious interior with booth seating, a bar, tables and couches, it’s a great place to relax with a nice cup of coffee. They get their coffee from Theory, Heritage, and others and they serve up an awesome breakfast and lunch menu! Try the Nitro cold brew. Great place to get your caffeine and church fix at the same time.

5. Brew

1320 Yuba St #105, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.242.1998 | brewredding.com

Another coffee shop downtown, Brew serves up amazing craft coffee featuring beans from Noble Coffee in Ashland, OR. The super chill atmosphere and local art, Brew is a great place to chill. The space is definitely inviting and warm. I like the lavender latte from here.

6. From the Hearth (downtown)

1427 Market St, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.768.1306 | fthcafe.com

With multiple locations to serve you, this is the newest and arguably the best one of the bunch. I like the industrial look and large outside seating area. The food is also great here. My favorite is the Yakuza bowl with smokey pulled pork and veggies on rice with some secret sauce. Their bakery is great too with fresh-baked goodies. They even serve local beer and wine.

7. Coffee Bar (now Evergreen)

2085 Pine St, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.243.1912 | evergreen.coffee

Yet another coffee shop downtown, this hip and trendy place serves up delicious coffee and breakfast to match. There’s a cool motorcycle for decor and an outside seating area. If you need WiFi, this is not the place to go, but you can get lots of offline work done in this relaxed environment.

Bonus: Tea 4 U

1340 Churn Creek Rd, Redding, CA 96003 | 530.768.1988 | facebook.com/T4Redding

Ok, so they don’t serve any coffee, but they have amazing boba tea just like what I’m used to in Southern California. There’s plenty of space with booths, tables, and a lounge area with a great assortment of games to play with friends. My favorite drink is definitely the taro milk tea with large boba. Other great options are the Elegant Rose Royal and the Okinawa (earl grey with brown sugar). Oh and try the popcorn chicken. It’s amazing!

WiFi: SpectrumWifi | User: TeaForU1 | Password: T4bobatea

Growing up in SoCal has me spoiled for Mexican food. It’s one of my favorite ethnic foods because of the rich flavors and bold ingredients. These are my go-to’s for great Mexican food in Redding. Try them all!

1. Roquitos Taqueria (now closed)

2605 S Market St, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.768.1103

This is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall Mexican spot. Featuring amazing quality meat, especially the carnitas which are smoked for hours. My favorite is the burrito with carnitas (it’s the size of a little baby). Make sure to get it Roquitos-style for the trade secret sauce that includes jalapeños and lime juice. They have a very small outside eating area with picnic tables and misters for the Redding summer heat, so it’s probably best to take it with you.

2. Casa Rios Grill

1647 Hartnell Ave #1, Redding, CA 96002 | 530.276.0646

Since Roquitos closed down I decided to add another one of my favorite Mexican restaurants to visit in Redding; Casa Rios. This is a sit-down restaurant with ample room in the dining area and fast, friendly service from everyone there. My boss who happens to be Mexican introduced me to this place and I’ve fallen in love since! Try it out!

3. El Delicioso Burrito

1275 Churn Creek Rd, Redding, CA 96003 | 530.222.2921

Another hole-in-the-wall type Mexican spot, this time in a gas station. One of the few places that open late in Redding for your late-night cravings and they have a drive-thru. How convenient! The only place I know that does carne asada fries well. Brings me back to my roots in SoCal where I can get carne asada fries 24 hours a day. The California burrito is another favorite! They also have a fairly good sized eating area with a salsa bar. Not super fancy, but it does the job!

4. Tacos El Norteño Food Truck

Corner of Airport Road and Old Oregon Trail

This taco truck is the most authentic in Redding for sure. They’re usually parked Monday to Friday around lunch time (until around 4ish). One of the few places that serve cabeza (meat from a roasted head, typically beef), lengua (tongue), and tripas (intestines). My personal favorite from here are the lengua tacos or burrito. If you can catch them, you’re in for an authentic Mexican experience. Make sure you bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards.

5. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant

435 E Cypress Ave, Redding, CA 96002 | 530.223.2540

If you’re looking for a sit-down experience with an authentic south-of-the-border ambience, Guadalajara’s is for you! This is the place my Mexican friend recommended so you can’t go wrong there. They have fresh-made tortilla chips and salsa and the food and service is great.

6. La Cocina de Chuy

2030 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001 | 530.262.8646

Formerly known as El Rinconcito (under new ownership), this place is another spot next to a gas station. The space is cozy and quaint, with a blend of Mexican and South American cuisine. The horchata is amazing here and the staff is super friendly.

7. Taqueria Los Gordos

5200 Churn Creek Rd # L, Redding, CA 96002 | 530.222.5081

With two locations to serve you, Los Gordos is another great option for Mexican food. I prefer the Churn Creek location because of the ample parking and convenient location. Great, friendly staff and large portions make this Mexican restaurant another one for the list. The seating area is more spacious than La Cocina de Chuy and the salsa bar is amazing.

8. Chipotle Mexican Grill

961 Dana Dr, Redding, CA 96003 | 530.223.9292

No list of Mexican restaurants is complete without Chipotle, especially for those who are afraid to try cabeza or lengua. Super convenient location in the heart of the city and you know exactly what to expect; quick, healthy and fresh food that is hard to get tired of. I can eat here everyday if I had to. It can get pretty busy around lunchtime and parking can be a challenge, but definitely worth it. You can order with the Chipotle app to save some time and go straight to the cashier to pick up your food. A little secret: you can ask for cilantro and lemon or lime slices to add later!