The patio at Zinfandel Grille in Folsom is a sweet haven for diners who enjoy eating under the stars. There is plenty of foliage and pretty flowers, and ceiling fans whip breezily above you. Take a gander through the wine list and its selection of, well, Zinfandel, of course. The neighborhood restaurant—parallel to historic Folsom and across from Lake Natama Inn, was once a part of the Paragary restaurant group. It was divvied up and sold to independent owners, but the change did not sway the original concept of the casual eatery that trumpeted a menu of full flavors and seasonal flavorings. It offers a baked brie appetizer with candied walnuts, prosciutto, seasonal fruit and a baguette, a roasted beet salad with hydroponic watercress and wood-fired pizzas that come with fresh veggies or Italian sausage. For dinner, the pan-roasted chicken in a mustard crust continues to be popular, but the New Zealand rack of lamb served with an apricot mint relish is not one to overlook. Cindy Arora

Insider tip: On Mondays get 50 percent off a bottle of wine.

Recommended dishes: Pan-roasted chicken in a mustard crust $21

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Mastercard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $15

Hours: Monday–Friday: 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m.­–2 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 4:30–10 p.m.
Friday: 4:30–11 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30–10 p.m.
Sunday: 4–9 p.m.