Business Details
27 Years
experience
Family-Owned Fine Dining in Davis, CA
We are proud to celebrate 25 years of serving exceptional cuisine to the Davis community. Our family-owned establishment has built a reputation for sourcing the finest local ingredients, which our skilled chefs transform into innovative dishes paired with award-winning California wines. Since our founding, we have prioritized creating an intimate dining environment that combines the warmth of a private home with the sophistication of fine dining. Our dedication to quality extends beyond the plate, encompassing attentive service and a carefully curated ambiance that enhances every guest's experience.Through industry challenges, we have maintained our commitment to excellence while preserving our personal touch. Located in downtown Davis, we cater to diverse occasions including romantic dinners, celebrations, and casual gatherings. Our 25-year legacy reflects the loyalty of our patrons and the success of our approach that values authenticity and culinary artistry.
Services
Fine Dining
Private Parties
Wine Pairing
Seasonal Menus
Local Ingredients
Dessert Selection
Beverage Menu
Lunch Service
Dinner Service
Outdoor Dining
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of culinary expertise in Davis
- Our menu features locally sourced ingredients daily
- Award-winning wine selection from Northern California
- Cozy, home-like atmosphere with attentive service
- Perfect venue for special occasions and celebrations
What people say
Award-winning wines
Cozy atmosphere
Seasonal menus
Attentive service
Special occasion venue
Services
Fine Dining Experience
Our restaurant offers carefully crafted menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Each dish combines culinary innovation with traditional techniques to create memorable flavor profiles. Available for lunch and dinner daily in our intimate dining room.
Wine Pairing Selection
Curated wine list featuring Northern California's best vintages. Sommelier-selected pairings enhance each course's flavor profile. Both classic and unique varietals available by the glass or bottle.
Private Dining Events
Dedicated private dining space for special occasions and corporate events. Custom menus and wine pairings available for groups. Professional staff ensures seamless event execution with personalized attention to detail.
Seasonal Menus
Menus that change with the seasons to showcase freshest local produce. Four distinct seasonal menus highlight California's agricultural diversity. Dishes reflect current harvests and culinary trends while maintaining signature quality.
Dessert Creations
Handcrafted dessert menu featuring classic favorites with modern twists. All desserts made in-house using premium ingredients. Complements wine pairings and provides satisfying conclusion to dining experience.
Questions
What makes The Mustard Seed unique?
Our family-owned operation combines 25 years of experience with locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we provide private dining spaces for special events with customized menus and dedicated service.
What type of cuisine do you serve?
We specialize in California cuisine using seasonal local ingredients prepared with classic techniques.
Are reservations required?
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend reservations, especially for dinner service and special occasions.
Do you offer wine pairing options?
Our sommelier-curated wine list includes Northern California's finest selections for perfect food pairings.
What are your seasonal menu changes like?
Our menus change with the seasons to showcase fresh local produce, featuring four distinct rotations annually.
Reviews (7)
Trevor Burgan
Jun 03, 2022
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Beautiful restaurant, excellent food. The service was great and you can tell the owners take great pride in their establishment. We've been here multiple times during our daughter's college experience and it's always been top notch. The cornmeal dusted scallops were amazing and the halibut I ordered was cooked perfectly. We sat outside on the patio and while the weather was warm, they made sure we were comfortable.
Cmw
May 21, 2022
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Yeah. That was pretty great. It's pricey (and glad a good friend's company was picking up the tab), but the food was exceptional, the presentation exceptional, and the service knowledgeable and professional. Would absolutely come back knowing everything from the appetizers to the desserts would be the right temp. Oh. and for some reason the food nearly came out too quick. There was a wizard in the back that had the timing down perfectly.
Brad Temple Solarman
May 21, 2022
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I was surprised at how difficult it was for a single diner to get a table. I came back an hour later got seated. Did not "feel the love" if the place. I started with the crab cakes. I received what looked like hush puppies flattened out, the 3 pieces were so small, and had very little crab in them. I just came from Maryland and experienced good crab cakes. This was a huge disappointment.(see pics).
My main course was the rack of lamb. It was more like 3 bones on a plate, not a rack like I was expecting. This was actually the saving grace of a 1 star review.very well prepared, tasty, juicy and just delicious. For the price.expected more. The vegetables were not bad, somewhat over cooked. But tolerable. My desert cake was also very good. $100 with tip. not something I would again. Location and space could really offer something special. They need a menu that provides that special something. Overall.3 stars. Service was 2.5, speed of service 4.0, atmosphere 4.0
My main course was the rack of lamb. It was more like 3 bones on a plate, not a rack like I was expecting. This was actually the saving grace of a 1 star review.very well prepared, tasty, juicy and just delicious. For the price.expected more. The vegetables were not bad, somewhat over cooked. But tolerable. My desert cake was also very good. $100 with tip. not something I would again. Location and space could really offer something special. They need a menu that provides that special something. Overall.3 stars. Service was 2.5, speed of service 4.0, atmosphere 4.0
Bartellj
Apr 15, 2022
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Top notch food and service! Great atmosphere in a small setting. I ordered the lamb and it was cooked perfectly. We ate inside but they have a really nice patio that I think will try next time. This is a perfect place to take friends or your parents. They have a really great wine selection I enjoyed the Maulbeck. I highly suggest coming here if you can get reservations!
Lissa Lou
Apr 06, 2022
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Absolutely lovely experience and delicious dinner! Kim was an amazing host and server- we loved his recommendations. I've never had better tomato bisque! Can't wait to come back and explore the menu.
William Steele
Feb 04, 2022
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A Davis icon and one of the top restaurants. It's definitely the best spot in Davis for rack of lamb and bread pudding. I've made a special trip in the rain for the latter. Yes, it's that good. Tonight I tried the tomato bisque too. Superb. The restaurant used to be a house. So it's super cozy and a great place to woo a date, get a table for 2 in the room with the fireplace. That said, I've also seen larger parties of 8+ on a few nights.
Even when the place is packed, it doesn't get too loud. Iike I said, cozy. The wine list is very good with some better-than-expected wines by the glass. It's 20 bucks if you bring your own bottle. No booze and you won't miss it. The service is super friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The meals arrive very quickly. Salads and soups are delicious. Meats are done perfectly. Portions are very generous. I visit often. Always delighted.
Even when the place is packed, it doesn't get too loud. Iike I said, cozy. The wine list is very good with some better-than-expected wines by the glass. It's 20 bucks if you bring your own bottle. No booze and you won't miss it. The service is super friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The meals arrive very quickly. Salads and soups are delicious. Meats are done perfectly. Portions are very generous. I visit often. Always delighted.
Sarah Obaidi
Sep 06, 2021
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Took husband on a nice dinner date. We ordered crab cakes. They were rich in flavor and very savory! For entrees we ordered the duck breast and pork dish. They were both cooked to perfection and the texture of the duck breast was amazing. I loved the sauce on the pork. We also ordered iced, in house-brewed teas. Very romantic setting. Ideal for discussing relationship issues and romantic dates in general!
