Looking for inspo on where to eat?
Yelp, Sacramento Bee offer suggestions. Plus, news on a pair of Yolo County holiday skate rinks, two farmers market events and more
It is the season of the list.
Six restaurants in Davis and one in Woodland made the list of Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Davis and Vacaville for 2024. The rankings are based on reviews by Yelp Elites, and don’t necessarily reflect the restaurant’s overall rating.
Yang Kee Dumpling was ranked first in the region. The dim sum restaurant is tucked away in the Oakshade Town Center, at 2151 Cowell Blvd., Suite C.
Of Davis, Good Friends Hawaiian Poke, 400 G St., was third; My Burma, 500 First St., Suite 11, was fifth; Hikari Sushi & Omakase, 110 F St., Suite A, was seventh; Guad’s Tacos & Beer, 231 Third St., was ninth; Sit Lo Saigon, 414 G St., was 17th; and Tasty Palace, 403 G St., was 21st.
The Woodland eatery The Hive ranked 16th. The honey, and mead-tasting, gift shop, restaurant and event venue is at 1221 Harter Ave.
Dixon restaurants included were Rosemary’s Farm to Fork Cafe, 10th, and Solano Baking, 14th.
Vacaville eateries ranked were Rice Barn Thai Eatery & Wine Bar, second; Bazar Eatery, fourth; B&B Boba and Banh Mi, sixth; Cuba Cafe, eighth; Clay Oven Grill & Bar, 11th; Buddha Thai Bistro, 12th; Okashi Fusion, 13th; Haruki Sushi House, 15th; Attalus Coffee, 18th; Cherry Blossom Ramen & Sushi Bar, 19th; Show de Carnes Express, 22nd; Bar Lynn, 23rd; Heritage House Cafe, 24th; and Wah Sing Mongolian Hot Pot & BBQ, 25th.
→ Pro tips: This week, Sacramento Bee food writer (and Davis local) Benjy Egel published his list of the Top 50 Restaurants of 2024.
Davis eateries included Hikari Sushi & Omakase, listed above, and Paste Thai, at 417 Mace Blvd., Suite 1.
In Woodland, Egel named the Mexican/Salvadoran stand Pupusería La Chicana, at 9 Main St.
And Buckhorn Steakhouse at 2 Main St. in Winters rounded out the Yolo County lot. See the full list here.
→ Skating rinks are in: The Davis Phoenix Coalition hosts the Davis Rainbow Holiday Skate Rink, open from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 through 8 outside the Davis Food Co-op, 620 G St. Cost is $15.
The synthetic skating rink launches on the evening of the city’s 43rd annual Candlelight Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, which kicks off from the Co-op at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Gloria Partida, founder of the Davis Phoenix Coalition, said, “We are excited to bring this experience back to the community. We will have an emphasis on highlighting the diversity of winter holidays celebrated around the world, and are pleased to partner with the Davis Food Co-op in this endeavor.”
The Davis Phoenix Coalition promotes “a world where all people are safe, respected and free from violence.” Partida is a member of the City Council but spoke on behalf of the organization.
The Woodland Holiday Ice Rink will have its grand opening from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. It’s at Freeman Park, 1001 Main St. After that and through Jan. 6, hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
“The outdoor rink is a winter wonderland with lights, festive decor, holiday music, fire pits and hot cocoa, all near downtown shopping and dining. Plus, half of the profits will be donated to the nonprofit managing the rink,” its website says.
General admission is $18 for 90 minutes, and includes skate rental. Children 3 to 11 are $10. “Fire pit experiences” for up to four guests range from $50 to $100, depending on the day. Party packages are available. Visit Woodland is the host.
→ Farmers market fun: The Davis Farmers Market has two special events coming up: its Pre-Thanksgiving Market and Gift Basket Central.
The day before Thanksgiving – Nov. 27 – the market extends its hours. It’s open noon to 5 p.m. in Central Park, 301 C St. Even though it’s a Wednesday, many Saturday vendors will be there with seasonal produce, flowers and table décor, olive oil, nuts, honey and wine. Bakeries will bring fresh pies, breads, rolls, stuffing mix and cookies. There will be dips and appetizer options too.
The rest of the season, visit the market from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. It will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, but open on Saturday, Dec. 28.
On Dec. 7, 14 and 21, the market runs its Gift Basket Central station, offering free baskets and wrapping when patrons buy three or more market goodies.
I should disclose that I do public relations for the market – through June. I’ll finally be down to one job – this Substack column – after that, thanks to your support.
→ Give the gift of Comings & Goings: Gift subscriptions to Comings & Goings are now available. It’s a great way to support and share my work. If you know someone who needs to be in the know, click the button below.
→ Keeping track: The redesigned Davis Business Tracker lists the status of hundreds of Davis businesses. The new design is easier to read and sort. It’s a great resource when you want to check on merchants that I’ve written about in recent years.
– Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you know of a business coming or going in the area – or if you see a typo above – email wendy@comingsandgoings.news. If you’re on Facebook and Instagram, please like and follow.
Love Yang Kee! Such a gem.
I love Yang Kee, but would not consider it a dim sum restaurant. They have some baos, but it is not a “cha teng” or dim sum place. They specialize in XLB dumplings.