Top 10 Restaurants in Stockton, California, According to Tripadvisor

August 05, 2026

A list of the top ten restaurants in Stockton, California, according to customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Choices, choices. So many delicious options when you're trying to figure out where to eat in Stockton. We know it can be difficult to decide on your own, so we asked the expert reviewers on Tripadvisor for their favorites to help you decide.

Please note: Chain and franchises were excluded from the list. The list changes often - rankings were accurate at the time of posting.

1. Market Tavern

Market Tavern continues to draw rave reviews. Its diverse menu is a hit with diners, as are the atmosphere and the vegan/vegetarian friendly options. Another element that really wins over customers is the efforts they go through to source all of their ingredients locally. Freshness is something that can't be faked and Market Tavern is all about authenticity. Pro tip: Try the Thai-style Brussels sprouts... they're life changing.

Address: 236 Lincoln Center
Phone: (209) 932-8001
Accepts online reservations: Yes, book at OpenTable
Take out orders: Yes

2. The Waterloo Club

Fans love both the "old timey" vibe and the delicious food at The Waterloo. When it comes to the food, this place is legendary for ribs, chicken, and pesto pasta. Another popular option is the French Dip, which one reviewer praised as "the best I ever had in my life." Another bonus is you can actually buy a bottle (or more) of their BBQ sauce. That way, you can enjoy a bit of The Waterloo whenever you want from the comfort of your own home.

Address: 10447 Waterloo Rd
Phone: (209) 931-4019
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

3. Dave Wong’s Restaurant

Guests at Dave Wong's raved about both the food and the service. This is a great spot for family-style dining, so you can pick out a few options and share. The garlic chicken is also a popular option, with fans saying it's the best you can get in town. Pro tip: Start with the chicken lettuce wrap appetizer.

Address: 2828 W March Lane
Phone: (209) 951-4152
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

4. Garlic Brothers Restaurant

Guests love Garlic Brothers for its relaxed waterfront atmosphere, generous portions, and Delta views that make every meal feel like a getaway. The wood fired pizzas, garlic fries, and fresh seafood are local favorites, and many diners recommend enjoying a meal on the patio while watching the boats go by. Pro tip: Start with the Garlic Artichoke Dip or Garlic Fries, then pair your entrée with one of the restaurant's signature Mai Tais.

Address: 6629 Embarcadero Drive
Phone: (209) 474 6585
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

5. Delta Bistro & Lounge at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

Delta Bistro & Lounge is a fantastic downtown Stockton restaurant with a view of the delta. Situated on the first floor of the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, this spot is a perfect place to start your evening before a game at the Stockton Ballpark or Adventist Health Arena, an event at the Bob Hope Fox Theatre, or a movie at the Regal Stockton City Centre Cinema 16 & IMAX. Visitors have raved about the Delta Artichoke appetizer and Delta Hamburger, as well as the option of enjoying a delicious menu with a beautiful outdoor view.

Plus, if you decide to stay the night in Stockton, you're already at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel where you can snag a delicious breakfast burrito the morning after your stay!

Address: 110 West Fremont St
Phone: (209) 323-3131
Accepts online reservations: Yes
Take out orders: Yes

6. Mezzo Restaurant

Authentic, multi-regional Italian & Mediterranean cuisine set in a casual environment is what you get at Mezzo—and customers love it! Their savory meat, hand crafted pastas, home made cheeses, made-from-scratch sauces and soups make up a delicious lineup with the freshest most wholesome Italian cuisine. Plus they have their full bar featuring "happy hour" drink specials and quite the impressive wine list to pair with your meal. Overall, Mezzo provides an incredible fining experience in Stockton.

Address: 3499 Brookside Dr, Suite A
Phone: (209) 473-7300
Accepts online reservations: Yes
Take out orders: Yes, through Spot On

7. Nena's Mexican Cuisine

Nena's is a Mexican culinary tradition with a fantastic setting, placed right in the Historic Waterfront Warehouse at the Downtown Stockton Marina. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you're going to find your hunger for delicious Mexican cuisine will be thoroughly satisfied. They are well known for their homemade tortilla, which are also great for soaking up extra sauce or rolling a burrito with your side of beans. And don't forget to order some drinks, too. So good!

Address: 445 W. Weber Avenue, #120
Phone: (209) 547-0217
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

8. El Rancho Inn Steak & Lobster House

If you consider yourself a true carnivore aka a "meat and potatoes" type, then El Rancho is the place you want to try. You'll have your choice of a cut of meat cooked how you like it. A lot of the reviewers raved about the surf and turf options as well, but it's the steaks that are the star. One reviewer even went as far as to say it's the "best meat in town." Another compared their steaks to driving a "European super car," making it hard to go back to anything else after you've had the best.

Address: 1457 East Mariposa Rd
Phone: (209) 467-1529
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

9. Angelina's Spaghetti House

If you're in the mood for Italian, then the Tripadvisor reviewers say Angelina's Spaghetti House is the place to go. Many of the reviews rave about the raviolis, so you know they're a big deal here. It's said you'll know an Angelina's ravioli with the very first bite. Add that with their red sauce which is practically a local institution in itself, and you have the makings of a legend.

Address: 1563 E Fremont St
Phone: (209) 948-6609
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

10. Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar

Papapavlo's is a mainstay in Stockton, and a quick read-through of the reviews will tell you why. For a memorable experience, order the "saganaki". It's also known as "flaming cheese" which should tell you all you need to know on why it's memorable. They bring it to your table and then light it on fire. It really adds a showy spectacle to the evening. Be sure to end the night with some baklava cheesecake, another reviewer favorite, and you'll go home happy and full.

Address: 501 Lincoln Center
Phone: (209) 477-6133
Accepts online reservations: No
Take out orders: Yes

Try as many of these spots as you can by staying a night or two. Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to enjoy the beauty of the city, take part in a shopping spree, and savor some delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

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