| Restaurant Name | Rating | 1996 Rank |
| Aioli Bodega Espaņol | 3.3 (B+) | 10 |
| Biba | 3.6 (A-) | 1 |
| Boston Market | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| Celestin's Caribbean Restaurant | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| Cutter's | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| Danielle's Creperie | 3.4 (B+) | Honorable Mention |
| Dos Coyotes | 3.0 (B) | 6 |
| Eastern Empire | 3.3 (B+) | 4 |
| Mama's Royal Cafe | 3.3 (B+) | 5 |
| Old Town Market Cafe | 3.3 (B+) | Honorable Mention |
| River City Brewing Company | 3.6 (A-) | 1 |
| Sacramento Brewing Company | 3.2 (B+) | 7 |
| Stinking Rose | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| Sudwerk - Davis | 3.0 (B) | 8 |
| Sunrise at the Oasis | 3.6 (A-) | 1 |
| Tammy's Cafe | 3.0 (B) | 9 |
| Thai Cottage | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| A Tavola Trattoria | 3.0 (B) | Honorable Mention |
| Tower Cafe | 3.3 (B+) | Honorable Mention |