Nestled among quiet streets and leafy bike paths, Senda Nueva is one of Davis, CA’s best-kept secrets—especially for food lovers. While it may not get the same spotlight as downtown, this vibrant neighborhood just north of Covell Boulevard is dotted with delicious discoveries, from inventive breakfast stops to international eats, cozy bakeries, and local food trucks worth tracking down. If you’re hungry for something new, come hungry and let’s take a flavorful stroll through Senda Nueva!
Where Fresh Flavors Meet Friendly Faces
Senda Nueva is classically residential, but thanks to the surrounding Greenbelt and proximity to North Davis, it benefits from a unique blend of locally owned eateries and neighborhood-oriented food traditions. Most of the action is centered around the Covell Boulevard and Sycamore Lane intersection, where several popular restaurant clusters are tucked into approachable strip malls and plazas.
Standout Restaurants: From Neighborhood Favorites to New Additions
- Dunloe Brewing & Taproom (1606 Olive Drive, just off Covell)
Not your standard brewpub, Dunloe Brewing partners with rotating food trucks and pop-ups Thursday through Sunday evenings. What’s special? The tasting room doubles as a community table—grab street tacos from Los Taco Tex or a wood-fired pizza from local legend Pirate Pizza, then settle in for a Davis-brewed IPA. Expect laid-back vibes, friendly locals, and a meal under $20.
- Taqueria Davis (505 ½ L Street, near Covell & L St.)
An unassuming spot, this family-owned taqueria is a beloved staple. Their carnitas and lengua tacos ($3–5 each) are local favorites, and the salsas have a cult following (hint: green sauce, every time). Students and long-time residents alike vouch for the authenticity, and the mural-covered walls add to the charm.
- Davis Noodle City (129 Eighth St., just south of Senda Nueva)
Technically a block outside the border, but worth venturing for heaping bowls of hand-pulled noodles, zesty beef noodle soup, and crispy scallion pancakes (everything $8–$15). Perfect for a chilly Davis night or fueling up after a bike ride on the greenbelt.
Cafés and Bakeries: Hidden Javas & Sweet Treats
- Cloud Forest Café (222 Sycamore Ln., tucked into the Sycamore Square center)
Tucked between a hair salon and a small grocer, this cozy independent café is a San Fran-meets-Davis hideaway. Cloud Forest serves Equator Coffee, vegan pastries, and sandwiches bursting with local greens (most under $12). Their Saturday cinnamon rolls are legendary among neighborhood regulars—come early or they’ll be gone!
- Start House Bakery (mobile; follow on Instagram for current location)
While there isn’t a dedicated bakery storefront in Senda Nueva, Start House’s pop-up booth at the Saturday Farmers Market (Central Park, less than a 10-minute ride away) is where you’ll score hands-down the best sourdough loaves and ginger-molasses cookies in town—made by a Davis local, often using fruit from neighborhood trees.
Food Trucks & Pop-Ups: The Soul of Senda Nueva Bites
While Davis is famous for its food trucks, Senda Nueva’s corner of Covell and Sycamore Lane is a frequent weekend hotspot for roving vendors. On summer Fridays, you’ll likely spot:
- Gogi’s Korean BBQ Truck
Crispy, spicy, perfectly sweet-and-savory—Gogi’s bulgogi and kimchi fries ($7–$12) draw a crowd and sell out fast. The owners are Davis grads who love talking food and sharing homemade kimchi.
- Taquizas El Gordo
Arrive early for handmade tortillas, smoky grilled meats, and aguas frescas straight from the cooler ($2–$10). Watch for their weekend “quesabirria special”—melt-in-your-mouth beef and gooey cheese folded into golden tortillas.
Want to track trucks? The “North Davis Eats” Facebook group or the Senda Nueva Nextdoor page often post schedules.
Culinary Traditions: Community Roots Run Deep
One thing that makes Senda Nueva’s food scene truly unique? The sense of old-school neighborhood hospitality. Here are a few quirks and traditions:
- Front-yard citrus stands:
During winter, it’s common to find pop-up lemon or orange “stands”—basically kids selling bags of backyard fruit on the sidewalk for $1. It’s Davis charm at its purest.
- Greenbelt Picnics:
Locals love grabbing sandwiches from the café or taqueria and biking to Arroyo Park (along the Putah Creek Greenbelt). The grassy areas near Evergreen and Sycamore fill with families and friends enjoying takeout al fresco on sunny days.
- Block Parties & Potlucks:
Senda Nueva is known for its community potlucks, especially around holidays. Expect homemade tamales, cupcakes, and fresh bread from the home bakers on Alder Way or Quail Run.
Price Ranges: Something for Everyone
Dining in Senda Nueva is refreshingly affordable, with many options under $15 a meal. Whether you’re a student, family, or working professional, you can eat well without emptying your wallet. Food trucks and taquerias top the budget list, while bakeries and brewpubs offer mid-range treats and meals. Rarely do you need a reservation, and almost every spot is kid-friendly (and bike-friendly, a Davis must).
Hidden Gems: Don’t Miss These Local Favorites
- Tom’s Thai (Sycamore Square)
Known by word-of-mouth, Tom’s Thai is a takeout-only, family-run kitchen with punchy curries and stellar Pad See Ew. Try the house Thai iced tea—sweet and strong. Best for an affordable dinner to enjoy at home or in the park.
- Greenbelt Lemonade Stands
Scattered along the bike paths, especially on summer afternoons—look for homemade lemonade (and cookies!) offered by enterprising kids.
- Night Bites on Covell
For late-night cravings, the Covell & Sycamore intersection has a 24-hour taqueria window and a donut shop that serves surprisingly good late-night coffee.
Let’s Eat: Why Senda Nueva Should Be on Every Foodie’s Radar
Whether you’re in search of a flaky morning pastry, spicy street tacos, street food made with heart, or a distinctive Davis food experience, Senda Nueva is a dining adventure just waiting to be explored. Skip the downtown crowds, bring your appetite down the greenbelt, and let your taste buds find their new favorite neighborhood eats. The only hard part? You’ll want to come back tomorrow.