Which closed restaurant do you miss the most? Here’s how Bee readers voted in our survey
Several Sacramento restaurants have closed in the past few years — especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which made it more difficult for local establishments to stay afloat.
The Bee asked readers last week what Sacramento area restaurant, closed anytime from 2020 to now, they miss the most.
A few restaurants came top of mind to readers, spanning a variety of cuisines, dining styles and neighborhoods around the capital region.
Here are the most missed restaurants in Sacramento:
Ma Jong’s Asian Diner
1431 L St.
Ma Jong’s closed doors in August 2020 after 16 years of business, joining a growing list of downtown restaurants that shut down during the pandemic. The Pan Asian restaurant served Chinese specialties and a few east Asian dishes like Vietnamese salad rolls and Thai chicken wings.
“It was my go to for Chinese (California-ized) food,” Bee reader Dave Harzoff wrote. “(Lots) of fresh vegetables not overcooked to go along with the proteins.”
The diner was a mainstay for state workers especially during lunchtime and happy hour.
Roxy Restaurant and Bar
2381 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Arden Arcade’s Roxy Restaurant and Bar shut down in April after 15 years of business.
According to Bee readers, the restaurant was treasured for its atmosphere and fond memories. Many patrons would celebrate birthdays and other special occasions at the American establishment.
Bee reader Paul Ketchum said that Roxy’s was his recently deceased mom’s favorite spot and will always hold a special place in his heart for this reason.
“The atmosphere, the drinks, service and food were fabulous, and it always made Mom happy,” Ketchum wrote.
Biba Restaurant
2801 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento’s once beloved institution, Biba’s, shut down in May of 2020, after struggling to make ends meet for a while.
The pandemic, which forced the restaurant to move to a take-out model, caused a breaking point for the owners to say “Arrivaderci” or “until we meet again” after 33 years.
The Italian restaurant was widely remembered for its proprietor and chef, Biba Caggiano, “who put Sacramento on the map as a city of fine places to eat.”
One Bee reader said they missed Biba not only for its food, wine and staff, but also for it being “100% Sacramento.”
“There are so many that have closed but this must be the biggest loss,” another reader wrote. “It was a great restaurant, with excellent food, experienced staff, and a great atmosphere.”
In February, Biba sued a new Italian restaurant, Mattone Ristorante, accusing the establishment for stealing the now-closed restaurant’s recipes. However, the legal dispute was later “(amicably)” resolved, with both sides agreeing to dismiss the lawsuit.
Lucca
1615 J St.
Lucca has been closed since at least March 2021, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. It was listed for sale earlier last year.
The Mediterranean midtown restaurant was a casual, upscale dining spot and used as a gathering spot for occasions like anniversaries and wedding parties.
Sacramento local Jessica Pagan said that the restaurant served the “best penne pasta” which used to be her favorite dish in Sacramento, and added that Lucca’s lemon drop martinis and gelato were “fabulous.”
“They had a beautiful patio area that was great to sit in on summer evenings,” Pagan wrote. “I miss that place so much!”
Harry’s Cafe
2026 16th St.
Harry’s shut down at the end of 2021 upon its owner’s decision to retire after 17 years in the “restaurant game.”
Run by Vietnam-raised owner Harry Luong, the breakfast cafe featured a menu with Chinese, Vietnamese and American fare — and that’s not all. It was known especially for its fluffy pancakes and decadent short rib stew.
One reader said they miss Harry’s for its oxtails, Vietnamese noodles and Hawaiian-style breakfast, as well as the hospitality from Harry and his wife, Lynn.
This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 12:02 PM.