Nevada County is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene. Premier events like the Sierra Poetry Festival and the Nevada City Film Festival draw creative minds each year. Charming art galleries and murals fill the towns. But art doesn’t stop at canvas or stage. It thrives in the kitchen too. Local chefs bring passion and creativity to every dish. They craft flavors that are just as memorable as any gallery exhibit. If your taste buds are ready for a journey, these are some of the best Asian inspired restaurants in Nevada County.
Nevada City
Sopa Thai
312 Commercial St, Nevada City
(530) 470-0101
Sopa Thai in Nevada City brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the Sierra foothills. Made-from-scratch dishes are crafted with fresh herbs and spices. Step through the heavy chestnut doors of the former Chinese Laundry and discover a warm, Asian-inspired space. Inside, you’ll find traditional Thai tables, triangular pillows, and inviting decor. Outside, a lush garden patio offers one of the best outdoor dining spots in town. Popular dishes include Som Tom and Mango Red Curry. The menu also features many vegan and vegetarian options.
Fred’s Szechuan
224 Broad St, Nevada City
(530) 478-9072
A treasured neighborhood gem, where warmth and familiarity greet you the moment you step inside. The relaxed, inviting atmosphere blends the friendly hum of conversation with the confident rhythm of a busy kitchen. Signature dishes, from savory homemade Chow Mein to bold General TSO’s Chicken, balance spice and sweetness with fresh, thoughtful preparation. Generous portions and approachable flavors make every meal satisfying, while attentive service and understated hospitality create a space to linger, share a conversation, or grab takeout for a perfect local dining experience.
Grass Valley
Chang Thong
149 S Auburn St, Grass Valley
(530) 648-4101
At Chang Thong, every bowl of ramen and pho is crafted with passion, care, and authenticity. Co-owner Wana Wan Kubitschek slow-cooks her broths up to 72 hours, layering rich flavors and fresh vegetables in what she calls “edible medicine.” The intimate seven-table space focuses on quality over speed. The menu features hand-made sauces, fresh rolls, chicken satay, vegan dumplings, and seven ramen and four pho options. Named for the Thai word for elephant, the restaurant celebrates culture and compassion. Plans are underway to showcase artwork created by rescued elephants.
Royal Dragon
101 W McKnight Way, Grass Valley
(530) 272-2868
Tucked just off the main drag in Grass Valley, Royal Dragon is a family-run Chinese restaurant with more than two decades of loyal following. Founded by Roger La and cooked by his family of dedicated chefs, it serves Cantonese, Mandarin, Hunan, and Szechuan favorites, including Crab Meat Puffs, Walnut Shrimp, and the beloved General’s Chicken. Guests return for the quality, care, and friendly service, as well as the charming 18-year-old arowana fish, “Sushi,” that greets children at the front. Off-the-beaten-path yet thriving, Royal Dragon blends authentic flavors, family dedication, and community spirit in every meal.
Truckee
Rakkan Ramen
10001 Soaring Way Suite 160, Truckee
(530) 214-8612
Rakkan Ramen, a Truckee hotspot, brings Japanese soul food straight from Tokyo to the Sierra. Located near Raley’s O-N-E Market, the menu features five ramen bases: AMBER, PEARL, GARNET, SPICY GARNET, and QUARTZ, plus a 100 percent plant-based broth for fully customizable bowls. From vegan-friendly creations to protein-packed favorites, every dish is crafted to satisfy a range of tastes. Rakkan Ramen proves that authentic flavor and thoughtful options can coexist in every bowl.
Drunken Monkey
11253 Brockway Rd Suite #105, Truckee
(530) 582-9755
Drunken Monkey in Truckee is a low-key Japanese eatery where innovation meets tradition. Chef-owner Sam Okamoto blends his French culinary training with his father’s sushi expertise to create fresh, creative dishes, from Japan-sourced hamachi nigiri to house-made kimchi. The menu features gluten-free options, Bay Area–sourced noodles, and tapas like shrimp avocado salad and ahi poke. With craft cocktails, an extensive sake list, and locally inspired ingredients, every visit delivers a unique, elevated dining experience.
Mountain Lotus
10124 E St, Truckee
(530) 583-7500
Mountain Lotus Cafe in Truckee offers California cuisine with a Pacific Rim twist, rooted in nourishment and community. Led by Chef Rich Selden and inspired by Blue Zones food traditions, the cafe crafts vibrant, plant-forward dishes using seasonal ingredients sourced from small farms across the region. Partnering with Mountain Lotus Yoga, the space blends mindful eating with mountain living, creating wholesome meals designed to refuel adventurers, yogis, and locals alike.
