2010 Best of Sacramento Winner - Best Gourmet Takeout

Selland's Market–Café is the type of neighborhood restaurant that makes friends envious when they come for a visit. Sure, maybe they’ve got a Wal-Mart up the street from their duplex, but you’ve got a super chic café and gourmet market where you can pick up a bakers dozen of coconut cupcakes, eat a mushroom quiche and buy a bottle of California Syrah all in one swoop. What motivates the owners of this counter-style café? “Quality,” says Joshua Nelson, whose family also owns The Kitchen. “We call it handcrafted food, because everything you see here is made here.” The café is spacious and warm with muted yellow walls and comfortable chairs that create a homey atmosphere for a quick lunch or an evening dinner where you can wear flip-flops and still eat good food. Selland’s has more than 150 items, an impressive hot case that showcases salmon filet, pork carnitas and its popular macaroni and cheese, a diverse salad selection and an on-site wood fired brick oven where pizza is made. Oh and let’s not forget the pastry case: plenty of sweet options, including a palm-size banana cream tart that coyly beckons from behind the glass. Sigh … Cindy Arora

Recommendations: Turkey — citrus and curry marinated breast— with Brie, caramelized onions and curry mayo $8.75. Romaine heart with ranch, bleu cheese, tomatoes and green onions $ 4.25. Apple croustade with powdered sugar $4.50

Insider tip: Check out the cheese selection and choose one to pair with a bottle of wine from the shelves

Reservations: Not needed

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Check (local), Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine & beer

Corkage: Free