The eskca staff has compiled the very best places to eat in Stockton, California. You can see our methodology here.

Find a digital badge to celebrate your awesome accomplishment here, or contact us here if you’d like to request one as a sticker for your restaurant!

1. Market Tavern

Try the: Skirt Steak

“Market Tavern’s vision to bring high quality food from scratch and unique beverages to Stockton emerged in 2013. Our incredible team invited the community to enjoy an eating experience in a relaxed, but upscale environment. We have become the place where you can go to celebrate memorable life events with family and friends, conduct a business meeting, spend a night with one’s family or dear friends, date night and, of course, to just sit at the bar to enjoy “game.””

2. Smitty’s Wings & Things

Try the: Wedge Salad

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Stockton

“As seen on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, Smitty’s Wings and Things is located in a new building at 5654 North Pershing Avenue.

Our wings were voted #1 in San Joaquin County. You will find them slathered in a homemade sauce that is hard to resist!

Grab a seat at the bar for a cold one, eat in or grab your grub to go!”

3. Rays Chicken and Fish Mart

Try the: Shrimp Scampi

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Stockton

“Fresh seafood and chicken. You can take it home or have us cook for you. We offer seafood gumbo, sides and desserts. We also have specialty groceries for your cooking needs. Come and experience quality.”

4. Mama’s Pho & Sandwiches

Try the: Spring Rolls

“Most people love their own mother’s cooking. We have a big family and always told our mom that her cooking was the best. We decided to open a small to-go pho/sandwich place. We felt mom’s cooking needed to shared with the world.

We found the perfect place and location. We all know that most of the customers complaint is that the place is too small. But from the beginning Mama’s was supposed to be just a “to-go” place. Mama wanted to add a couple tables just in case someone wanted to have a cup of coffee and a sandwich real quick before heading to work. We did not see how big and popular Mama’s would get in the future.

We’d like to thank each and every single one of you for giving us the opportunity to give our mom’s cooking a try. Thank you for also giving us your honest opinions and comments. We always stride our best to serve good food, service and appreciate our customers. We also do read every comment to see where we can improve ourselves.”

5. Dante’s California Style Pizza & Cafe

Try the: California Combo

“Dante’s Pizza provides the finest pizzas made. Each pizza is individually hand made to order. Therefore it takes time to prepare all our foods, so, relax, enjoy and come back soon.

Dante’s banquet room seats up to 36 people comfortably. Our entire menu, plus more, is available in large portions for your party or event, either here or elsewhere.

Our goal is to provide an enjoyable atmosphere for all to dine in. Therefore, management reserves the right to limit alcohol consumption or simply refuse service to discourteous individuals.”

6. Fat City Brew & Bbq

Try the: Tri-Tip Sandwich

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Stockton

“A native of Stockton, Don developed a love for BBQ when he and his best friend Noah starting smoking ribs. He’s very passionate about the California Style BBQ that he spent years perfecting. That love for cooking led to him opening a retail store in 2010. The immersion into the world of BBQ then led Don to want more. What was once a hobby, grew into a career and Fat City Brew & BBQ was born.

Don is married to Nadja, and they have two adorable daughters Harley and Amarie. His family supports him unequivocally and can always be found helping out at the restaurant!!! Make sure you say hello if you see them.”

7. Genova Bakery

Try the: Dutch Crunch Bread

“Genova Bakery was founded by Angelo Rolleri in 1918. Over the time, Genova Bakery has been a family-owned, value-driven bakery in the heart of Stockton, California.

An old world Italian deli serving made-to-order sandwiches & breads from our historic corner storefront.

Our vision has not changed since the day that we opened: Create the best breads ever!”

8. Kabob & Gyro House

Try the: Baklava

Also honored in: 2021 Best Restaurants in Stockton

“Kabob & Gyro House is a traditional Meditteranian restaurant specializing in kabobs, gyros, falafels, humus, dolmades, baklavas and verity of Greek salads.”

9. Waterloo CA

Try the: Waterloo Special with Pesto Pasta

“Welcome to the Waterloo. We are delighted that you could visit us. We have been serving the same great food to overflowing crowds for over 30 years, and it just keeps getting better and better all the time. This is a family run operation. All items are prepared fresh and are of the highest quality. Most of the recipes originated right here, including Bette’s World Famous BBQ sauce and Pesto. Please sit back and enjoy the whole “Waterloo Experience”. It’s probably a little crowded and noisy right now but if you can’t wait our whole menu can be prepared to go. You may have a little wait for a table but we promise we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that you leave here feeling that it was well worth your valuable time and money. So be sure and be hungry because we have overwhelming portions. Again thank you for coming and if there is anything special we can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask any one of us.”

10. Bigworm’s Bakery & Deli

Try the: Wormanator

“Bigworm’s Bakery and Deli is serving up donuts, croissants, sandwiches, burgers, spring rolls, tacos and much more. This fun local spot calls themselves a Poly/Asian/Hispanic/American infusion.

Making some killer cronuts, this bakery is a neighborhood favorite. Their dulce de leche filled donuts with powdered sugar are amazing! Try a sandwich on their homemade bread, enjoy an order of their made from scratch uso fries (peeled in house), indulge in a breakfast sandwich with a donut bun, and power down a donut ice coffee. This place is not to be missed!”