On our recent visit we stopped in to order takeout and got a family size gumbo, riblets, a side of mac and cheese, a side of dressing, buttered hot water cornbread, and their version of an Arnold Palmer. We learned on our very first visit how good the gumbo is and it's become a must ever since. The people who work here are friendly and you can tell they have a lot of regulars who stop in for food. There's a gravel lot right next to the building and you can take your food to go or enjoy it there. Our food took about 15-20 minutes and then we took it home to enjoy. The portions are definitely fair for the price. They also pack everything well for the ride home. The gumbo is our favorite, it's flavorful and packed with protein like their sausage, chicken, and shrimp and has just a hint of spice. We tried their riblets for the first time and it was a generous portion and we really enjoyed the bbq sauce they used. The mac and cheese is good, but I like mine creamier. It does have a little spice which was nice. The dressing was packed with flavor and we were excited they offered this side because you don't see it everywhere. Their hot water cornbread is definitely something they're known for and is really good on its own or dipped into the gumbo. The Palmer here tastes like Brisk raspberry tea mixed with lemonade, and we really enjoy this twist on it. Overall this spot is a local gem and we love visiting. read more

​Wednesday, January 21, 2026, @ 11:54 AM: I walked into a restaurant called Tori's Place. One customer was sitting at a table waiting for her order. ​It's a small, very interesting place! (I found this restaurant by accident on Google.) I decided to stand there and review the very clear appetizing menu, taking a moment to soak in this unusual eating spot. I enjoyed the uniqueness and creativity of the layout--you have to be here to understand it. Anyway, as I was standing there, I heard a very pleasant voice ask, "May I help you?" I reached up and turned up my "pretend" hearing aid to make sure I heard that voice coming from a professional Young Queen. It made me forget I was at a soul food establishment! Usually, I am greeted with rolling eyes, laziness, and--most of all--attitude. ​(See one of my old podcasts link below regarding my opinion on soul food restaurants on iHeartRadio): https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-david-mack-show-105280474/episode/lena-s-soul-food-in-oakland-ca-119449772/?cmp=android_share&sc=android_social_share&pr=false ​Back to my review: Her name is Victoria... like the Queen! ​I told Victoria I was looking at the menu, which has a very nice variety of soul food selections. Victoria asked me if I would like to sample the gumbo. ​Sure! ​Victoria came back with a small, teasing sample, and after tasting it, I told her, "SOLD!" Just from the taste of that gumbo, I knew my Mother's Spirit was back there doing the cooking. ​It was a very cold day, and I would have eaten there, but because of the layout, I ordered the family size to-go. The gumbo also comes with hot water cornbread. Victoria took my order, my payment, and advised me it would be ready in five minutes. I waited in my car. ​I came back in four minutes, and my order was already bagged and ready for pickup. I "suffered" during the hour-long drive home, smelling the aroma of that meal the whole way! ​Finally home, I opened the secure bag, filled to the top container, and took out the prize. The food presentation was excellent! I put the gumbo in a bowl, and it was still very hot. ​I then proceeded to taste my meal: ​Rice: Nice and fluffy! ​Chicken: Flavored perfectly. Soup ​Juice: Perfect. ​Prawns: Excellent. ​Sausage: Plump and sliced perfectly. ​All many other ingredients: Very tasty with a hint of spice. Note: ​There were no crab legs to make a mess (which I did NOT miss) and no slimy okra (which was great)! ​The sweet hot water cornbread was very buttery and looked like a thick pancake. I put mine in the toaster oven to warm it up and get it a little crisp. It was amazing! That gumbo not only warmed me up, but it also put me to sleep like a big baby! ​If this restaurant continues with the trajectory of this review (professional attitude, unique layout, and great menu items), they will be the "go-to" soul food spot on the 80! I wouldn't change a thing! ​I will return because I want to report on another food item I had my eye on before the gumbo sample! ​Go check out this spot and see the Young Queen Victoria! Make sure you tip her for great service (No Tax On Tips), just like I did! ​David Mack (Reviewer-in-Chief) read more

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I stop here every time I am in the area. My fat cells won't let me drive. Wonderful food! Tori's has to be on your Gumbo Trail! read more

Excellent Gumbo! Love this place and Ms Tori! Home cooked food, down home community vibe. A place like no other. Restores your well-being and your faith in humanity! read more

Drove from Woodland after Church and was blown away by the food! Perfectly well-seasoned 3 pieces of crispy chicken and sides, portion size, and distinct flavors that put me back in my Mother's kitchen in TN. My bill would have been much more at "Fixins" though the food there is delicious as well for a 2 piece meal with sides. Yes, the ambiance is "rustic" at Tori's and you better "pee" before you go as there is no rest room, and there is no wait staff,(just the polite young woman in the window). But many people pick up their food so it is not a problem for them. "Fixins" has me taking a break from them as the last 2 times my server passed me on to a runner and did not come back to check on me, in search of more customers (better tips, maybe) which I did not appreciate as I am a good tipper. I would hope the cultivating of a repeat customer would be equally as important. Tori's Place deserves your patronage. If you saw the review by the YTuber Darius Cooks, he was spot on about Tori's!!!! read more

My name is Pamela Green, I am from the town, Oakland. I travel to Sac to visit my mom. I stumbled across Tori's place about three years ago. When I tell you those twins do not disappoint. Every time I patronize that little whole in the wall, I'm glad I did. Ohhhhhh and the gumbo, Ima put it this way. My mama's gumbo was the best this side of the bay. She was the reining 2ueen. Now that mama can't get in that kitchen anymore. The twins at Tori's Place are now the reining 2ueen's lol . I make it my business to stop and get my bowl of gumbo and my smothered pork chop plate. Ohhhh and the ho cakes (corn bread) mmmmmmm good. Check my ladies out. You too will be glad you did. Support Tori's Place read more

Best Louisiana Style food in Sac, with some of the nicest people. Gumbo, black eyed peas Mac & Cheese and that CORNBREAD!!!!!

They offer free gumbo sample. It was delicious! I order one Togo with collard green rice on the aide. Along with my red snapper Prawn, my daughter got hotlinks and chilli cheese fries read more

Tori's Place - Gumbo sample - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

Tori's food is addictive, especially their buttered hot water cornbread. I regret taking too long to revisit. I ordered their food twice in nine days! My mom tried the gumbo for the first time and she was so pleased that I had to order a large the second time. Lots of meat, broth is heavily seasoned, chunky with veggies. Just amazing! Tried their meatloaf for the first time. Meatloaf was very wholesome with (probably) an oat binder which added to the texture. Huge serving that comes with chunky gravy. I like their meatloaf better than costco's. Reordered a second time. I selected the fried pork chops cooked with a flavorful seasoned crust. Meat was tender and the small bits of fat were rendered perfectly. I actually nibbled on the bones to get it all. Will be reordering. Mac & cheese was better this time around. Looked baked on top. It's not creamy, but it tasted like real cheese and the noodles were not mushy. We liked it, except my mom didn't. Ordered a third time despite my first impression from years ago and will be reordering. Their potato salad was unique to me. Like a whipped and airy base, but with chunks potato. Flavors were a little tart, a little vinegar, slight sweetness (maybe miracle whip?) and a nice spicy kick. Ordered twice. Black Eyed Peas would probably be the perfect dish for a vegetarian. Full of veggies, including okra but not slimy. Very spicy & flavorful, cooked tender. I don't know if the broth is meat based so probably best to ask if you're avoiding meat products. Ordered twice! Greens were tender, spicy, bitter, not overly salted. Tasted very healthy. Always a reorder. Banana pudding was creamy with strong banana flavor and a thick whipped topping. No actual banana slices. Nila wafers were still crispy not mushy. Will order again despite lack of banana slices. read more

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Please don't judge a book by its cover and get steered away from the appearance of Tori's Place because it was absolutely enjoyable. There is a parking lot located right next to the restaurant. It is a bit dark inside where the seating is but that did not bother me at all, especially because it was a warm day. The fried catfish was crispy, fresh, and perfectly battered. The gumbo was packed with lots of flavor. The hot water cornbread changed my life. My taste palette was pleased and now my cornbread expectation has risen. The ladies running the place were so sweet and appreciative. I highly recommend Tori's Place and cannot wait to stop by the next time I'm in Sac! read more

Tori's Place - Small Gumbo - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I spent $50 on two dinner plates. I got catfish and cheese yams and the other one was chicken and mac & cheese. The chicken tasted fishy because it was probably fried in the fish oil the worst fried fish that I've ever had. I can't explain it. It was just nasty. The mac & cheese was bland dry I mean craft mac & cheese is better than this one only thing good was the cornbread. The yams were not sweet at all, too watery. I'm extremely disappointed the worst soul food I've ever had. read more

Came here to Tray to try out a new lunch item. I tried out the hot links which were really good sized and they had a pretty nice flavor to them. I also tried out the hamburger plate. It came with the fries and a hamburger. It was pretty good. I would say just a little bit dry, but the flavors were there. Staff was super nice and friendly. It felt very welcoming as soon as you walked in parking is not too bad. They have a nice parking area. read more

If I could eat her every day I would! I was brought home catfish and Mac from my boyfriend and even after the trip home this might be one of the top 3 catfished I have ever ate. It was light and battered perfectly and the Mac has a slight spice to it and was to die for and don't get me started on the CORNBREAD! I can't wait to put this spot on my list to try the whole menu! read more

Tori's Place - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

Honestly the best soul food I've had. Only the yams tasted a little weird and copper-y like a can to me, but everything else was excellent. My favorite was the cornbread. I would eat just those!!! It's a more pancake shape and texture, crispy with butter but doesn't feel too greasy. Reheats well in flat convection toaster oven. Smothered pork chops: It's spicy, watch out fellow spice weenies! And extremely oily, but very delicious. Watch out for small bones as well. Gravy with cornbread, v good. Smothered fried chicken: Same as above, minus the small bones. Not overcooked! Personally preferred this over the pork chop, tho it is messier to eat. Would get either again. Mac n cheese: Not the most cheesy I've had, but cheesy and flavorful enough with a bit of pepper. Nostalgic. Would get again. The cobbler was confusing to me as it was mostly what seemed like canned peaches and no bready crumbles, and the banana pudding was okay, so will probably skip on those next time. read more

TLDR: Two words: Fried Chicken! Or Gumbo! Well, that's one word but still... or hot-water cornbread, which is kinda three words and tastes just as good! Just GO there! Ignore the appearance of the exterior and pick almost anything on the menu, engage a bit of patience as you wait for your food, then prepare to be blown away by the flavors that will massage your taste buds into blissful submission. If you're in a rush, call-in your order at least 20 mins before you plan to pick up. The rest of the story: First, Miss Tori is one of the nicest people I have met in Sacramento. And she knows her way around a kitchen. I have been here several times and the staff, who seem to be mostly relatives, are always cordial and courteous. The portions are large, so bring your appetite or prepare to have left-overs. My personal favorites: Fried Chicken - Crispy, crunchy breaded crust with well seasoned, tender and juicy pieces, including the breast. Red Snapper - wonderfully, crispy and fresh with delicious breading Gumbo - this one surprised me! Healthy portions of chicken, sausage, shrimp, with vegetables and rice in a richly seasoned broth with a nice spicy kick. If you are offered a free sample, your response should be YES! Hot water cornbread - all of the meals come with this as a side. Its a thick, pancake of cornbread that has a hint of sweetness that plays well with the buttery richness. Keep napkins handy because they are kind of buttery, unless you are really from the old-school south and mix it with the greens, which are also awesome! Bottom line, this is the best soul food in Sacramento! read more

Tori's Place - Large Gumbo. It's even better the next day! - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Shrimp/red snapper and hot water cornbread was SOOO GOOD! As per usual! I got greens and black eyed peas for the sides. The greens are a hit/miss for me (a miss this round :( sorry) but what really got me sideways were the black eyed peas! Very flavorful! Always well seasoned BUT THIS TIME!?!? WAAAAYY too much salt! One taste not even a spoonful because they were still very hot- but that small taste was so SALTY!! OMG!! I couldn't even swallow them I had to DISCARD from my mouth IMMEDIATELY!! It was like someone put a heaping tablespoon of salt in MY small dish! I thought maybe it was me since I really don't use a lot of salt in my food at home so I gave them to my daughter to taste. Mind you I have to tell HER to ease up when she seasons her own food at home! She couldn't eat them because of the excess saltiness! I LOVE Tori's place but some of the food has been a little like 'NOT Tories' for about a year or so. I come back every now and again because I like (liked) the food but I don't know.. maybe she has different people in the kitchen... been coming here for years. Come on Tori's place! I LOVE the food and supporting you so please take this review into consideration moving forward! read more

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The food is alright, nothing to rave about! The place is somewhat a hole in the wall.. Better to pick up than eat there! The sitting place was an add on , NO ac or fan.. Too hot to wait for food n eat inside! Service was poor. Ask for ice water n she said ok! Well it never came my husband had to go back to. Ask for ice water again. The wait 30 minutes !!! read more

Always a legit foodie experience! For me, it's the hot water corn bread. You just can't find that dish anywhere; makes the joint unique. And their vibe radiates local grub spot...for the neighborhood. Truly a great place to eat! read more

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Tori's Place is a hidden gem in north Sacramento, (Del Paso Heights ). We're they've been serving up some of the best gumbo in Sacramento since 2012 with only outside seating this place has stood though the test of time. It's rustic looks shaded seating were you'll seat down and enjoy the soft music while enjoying your gumbo with spicy links and buttery delicious hot water corn bread. I've also had the smothered pork chops that was sooo good.With a small window to order through and no advertising Tori's Place is a if you know you know . And to finish the meal off their sweet and savory peach cobbler yes lord ! Thank you for Tori's place. read more

Tori's Place - Even the radio station DJ's stop by tor is place - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

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First time here 6/19/24. I live in Oak Park and wanted to pick up my uncle David to go out to eat for Juneteenth. He lives in Rio Linda so I do a Google search for catfish platters nearby because that's what he wanted to eat. I find this gem of a place I drive there. At first I hesitated because of the outside and how it appeared but then I drive around and I see a line of people and a bunch of parked cars waiting to pick up food, we decide to go inside and dine in we go in and we are greeted by a sweet lady in the window. We place our order with her and wait about 15 minutes and it's ready. My uncle got the catfish plate and I got myself a small gumbo. I could tell it's all fresh because the celery and the gumbo was fresh and crunchy and a side of greens. We got tasted very fresh. My favorite thing has got to be the cornbread pancakes. They are juicy and buttery and delicious. Just went by today 6/22/24 again for a lunch snack - $98 later and I am a happy foodie ! I got so much today including the pudding ! I called it in ahead of time and it was ready as stated in 20 minutes. Nothing missing and everything tastes fresh! The potato salad has a nice spicy kick to it ! Love it ! Everything is flavorful and cooked just right ! read more

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Everything was just amazingly delish! The highlight of our meal was the corn bread. I've never had that kind of cornbread before. The gumbo was exploding with flavor. We had the Mac and cheese, fried chicken, cornbread, gumbo and gravy. I will definitely come back for more when I'm in town. This is the place to be if you are craving for authentic soul food. The service was excellent! Very friendly and efficient. The ambiance is good and homie. It's an old building but I love the rustic of it. The best gumbo I've ever had btw. I highly recommend this place. read more

Everything I have tried in my 5 visits to this place was delicious. I wish I lived closer, and I would eat here more often. My faves are the pork chops, black eye peas, greens, bbq ribs, fried fish and chicken. I have not found anything here I disliked. read more

Absolutely love the food. I have absolutely amazing experience everytime I've ordered here. Quick tip: Dont order the fried fish close to closing time read more

Been here a few times and never disappoints! Had their gumbo, pork chops, fried stuff, and of course their hot water cornbread which are to die for! According to an article I've read online, they have the best fried chicken in all of California! https://www.newsbreak.com/golden-gate-media-1351221/3962554400578-sacramento-s-tori-s-place-serves-california-s-best-fried-chicken-ranking-finds read more

I had a mixed experience. The staff member who assisted me accidentally shortchanged me by $10, which I only noticed after I left. When I returned, the error was corrected, but the interaction felt off--there was a noticeable tension, possibly embarrassment. It may have been an honest mistake, but I'd recommend double-checking your total just to be safe. As for the food, it was good overall, though a bit greasy. I ordered the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The cornbread was my favorite, very flavorful. I couldn't finish the mac and cheese due to a strong sour taste, almost like a stinky cheese (possibly blue cheese) had been added, which wasn't to my liking. The restaurant interior is also quite dark, so I'd suggest taking your food to go rather than dining in. read more

Good for the soul, Soul Food. I'm talking about flavor, portions, variety of dishes. This is *the* place to go. The service is excellent. The owner "Mama" does all of the cooking herself. Each order gets love and care as she puts them together. The young lady at the register that takes your order is both professional and very much a people person. The decor is unique, but it suits this little place. The music is 70s vintage soul music. Not too loud, perfect atmosphere to set the mood to get your grub on. I had an order of ribblets, with cornbread, greens, green beans, yams and peach cobbler. The ribblets were pure perfection. The sauce was not too spicy, it had just the right amount of tangy. The cornbread was heaven. The greens were exactly the way they should be. The right amount of seasoning without overwhelming your senses. The green beans were tender but not mushy, they had a good flavor. The peach cobbler was sweet but subtle. Each spice tied it together well. I had Diet Pepsi to drink. Best Beloved had the gumbo. While he liked the gumbo, it was a lot more than he could eat. He also enjoyed the cornbread. The yams were sweet and tender. Very much a comfort food for me. One side note: there is no designated handicapped parking. Part of the parking lot is gravel/grass. read more

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Definitely in the discussion for best fried chicken in Sacramento! This is an independently owned neighborhood place. Food is cooked to order. Fried chicken doesn't manifest itself in three minutes. Bacon cheeseburgers aren't at the other window in seconds. You're going to wait a bit. It's worth it if you have time built in. If not, you won't be happy. Look elsewhere at that point. The cornbread is AMAZING. It's like an old juke joint. The kitchen is in a Shack. Only outdoor seating. It's all covered, but you're still very much at the mercy of the elements eating here. Also, with the layout of the place, there's no public restroom. Beware. They do use a few delivery services. I look forward to taking advantage of that with my employer being fairly close by. read more

A co-worker stopped by this place and was extremely impressed with the food. So me and a different coworker went today and it was really good. Tori gave us a sample of the gumbo and it was amazing. I got the chicken plate with Mac'n cheese and cornbread. Fresh hot and delicious, the cornbread is something to write home about. Doesn't look like much from the outside but when you walk in it pretty cool in the dining area. Will definitely be back for that gumbo. read more

I have not been here since before the pandemic. This was a favorite place for myself and my husband before he died. I am very happy that they survived the pandemic and that they are still supported by the community. If I lived closer, i'd come more often. There is a nice mellow mix of old school soul and mellow jazz as a very calming background. Since I was last here, the place has become more "enclosed" - though still not a proper "restaurant", it does offer better respite from weather than before. I am reminded of a Caribbean/Central American Beach/Southeast Asian/African beach village vibe. The only thing missing is the BEACH! Food is great, cooked to order and at a reasonable price. The neighborhood may be depressed but the food is delicious and the service is TOP NOTCH! I got my order to go and will share with my neighbor who is sick. There is more than enough food for two sick Seniors. I couldn't resist: I had to taste the corn cake! OMG - just as good as the first time. If you like EXCELLENT food and enjoy the cuisines of this country, please support Tori's and places like it that may be out of your way. YOU - and each of YOU - will make the difference on the continuing survival of magnificent food establishments like this. read more

Tori's Place - Order dtation - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

The customer service was great. Workers were super nice but the food wasn't all that good. I got fried chicken and it tasted like it been fried in the same oil as fish (I don't like fish) the gumbo was good but it could've been better. Just disappointed because all the reviews were good. read more

Don't let the outside look of this place fool you. The food is great and they had a steady flow of customers. Homestyle southern cooking just like mama used to make. Meatloaf is full of flavor. It's Spicy with onions and bell peppers and covered in a delicious gravy. Cornbread Dressing is so good too. Portions are generous. If doing takeout, Check your food before leaving. They did not pack one of my sides. I went back in and they apologized and added it to my bag. This is my go to place for Sunday dinner. read more

Great food and service. Soul food for the soul. Very welcoming and friendly atmosphere

The food will remind you of good ol' Southern Cooking. Seasoned and tender. The service was excellent given the small space, just like a small town cozy. read more

Tori's food is spectacular!!! Her fried chicken is beyond belief!!! It is seasoned perfectly with a thin yet crispy coating with juicy chicken well cooked. The collard greens and yams are everything y'all. I'm going back for the gumbo that is ordered on the weekend like crazy. I love this spot. read more

This place popped up In Facebook today and I was craving fried chicken Omg Great fried Chicken GUMBO was BOMB BOMB corn bread was delicious we also got. Shrimp everything was amazing can't wait to go back again. read more

The highlight was the gumbo, which was tasty and hearty but quite expensive at $30 for 16 oz!!! The fried chicken was not as flavorful as it could be and was a little too greasy for my liking. The pancake style corn bread was an interesting concept but also very greasy and not super enjoyable. The decor was a collection of word art with some African themed elements and looked like it could use a refresh. The service was friendly but very slow and everything is served in styrofoam, so not exactly eco friendly. read more

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PORTIONS: filling and hearty PRICE: appropriate, maybe even a steal! SERVICE: counter style SURROUNDINGS: clean and open FLAVORS: ++ GUMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will DREAM OF IT + Prawn and catfish plate - perfectly crisp and tender + Fried chicken - perfectly seasoned and juicy + CORNBREAD CAKES BONUS TIP: only problem - they take your phone number so they can call you when it's ready, but we had to go up to the counter TO CHECK and our order was already waiting for a while... read more

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I had my order delivered. Tasteful & flavorable. Food packaged very well. Portion sizes were good. Food tasted very fresh and still warm/hot enough to enjoy. Live further away than most, so very surprised the yams were still nice & hot! Will definitely order again. Thanks! read more

Beware with this restaurant!!! The price they advertise is not what they actually charge. $20 for a tiny thing of gumbo is a rip off. Should have gone somewhere else read more

My dad found Tori's place through an article, and we decided to come give it a try for lunch on a Friday afternoon. Luckily, we beat the rush and placed our order for a variety of their items. We decided to try their fried catfish and prawns combo, fried chicken combo, and their gumbo combo. All of the combos came with a choice of a side, and one of their absolutely delicious hot water cornbread cakes. The gumbo combo was the only combo that did not come with a choice of side, since it was served with rice. Four hour to side options, we decided on collard greens and yams. I really wanted to try their mac & cheese, but they were out. My dad and I both agreed that our favorite dish was the fried catfish and prawns, followed by the gumbo. The fried chicken was tasty, but not our favorite of the three. The gumbo had such a wonderful flavor profile and a nice kick to it. What really knocked our socks off was the corn bread - it was like eating the most delicious cornmeal pancake, walking the fine line between sweet and savory. All in all, this is definitely the spot to visit if you're looking for some soul food. read more

Tori's Place - Catfish and Prawns Combo - Soul Food Near Me - Sacramento, California

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