Chả cá la vọng — turmeric fish sizzled with dill at the table — is one of Vietnamese cuisine's most theatrical dishes, and Sacramento's best version comes from a kitchen that specializes in Northern Vietnamese cooking. When you find it on a menu here, order it without hesitation.
Hanoi 36 Streets top-pick
Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM
The name says it all — Hanoi 36 Streets specializes in Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Turmeric-marinated fish pan-fried tableside with massive handfuls of fresh dill, spring onion, and shrimp paste on the side. Sacramento's best version of Hanoi's most famous dish.
Co Do Restaurant best-value
Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM
Co Do serves grilled fish when available, and the version does justice to the dish — well-marinated fish, plenty of dill, and a proper shrimp paste dipping sauce. It is more of a special kitchen than a staple menu, so availability varies.
Coriander Vietnamese Restaurant hidden-gem
Mon-Sun 11AM-9PM
An accessible take on grilled fish for Midtown diners. The turmeric fish is well-seasoned, and the dill is present though less abundant than at Hanoi 36 Streets. A good introduction to the dish.