Tucked into a strip mall on Sunset Boulevard in Rocklin, Wally's Café is a humble but locally loved spot that brings the warmth and flavor of traditional Lebanese cuisine to Sacramento’s suburbs. This family-owned restaurant has earned a stellar reputation, and once you walk through the door, it's easy to see why.
Wally's Café has roots that stretch far beyond Rocklin. Walid Matar, the founder, first honed his love for cooking while living abroad in Europe, missing the food of his Lebanese childhood. He began experimenting and perfecting recipes that would eventually define Wally’s Café. In 2007, he opened the first Wally's in Emeryville, California. Since then, the family's commitment to real, scratch-made food has only grown, opening additional locations in Rocklin and Costa Mesa.
Wally's menu is broad, catering to meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Some standout dishes include:
- Pomegranate Chicken
- Beef Shawarma plate (pictured)
- Gyros plate (pictured)
- Falafel Platter / Veggie Sampler
- Beef & Lamb Gyro Wrap
- Gyros salad (pictured)
- Pita bread, hummus, pickled cucumbers, olives, turnips (pictured)
Despite offering "classic" items like gyros and kabobs, many regulars emphasize that the Lebanese roots shine through in everything, from the dips to the pickled vegetables. The menu offers a delicious variety of plates, wraps, sides, even burgers and fries!
The Atmosphere: Casual, Friendly, Real
Wally's Café manages to feel both laid-back and meaningful. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light, and framed photos lend a personal, cultural touch.
The staff often feels like extended family, and the owner himself, Walid, is known to chat with guests, a reminder that this is a labor of love, not just a business.
One of the first things you'll receive is a bowl of lentil soup, served complimentary. It's a humble, flavorful gesture, simple, soothing, and made from a family recipe.
The end of a satisfying meal is homemade Baklava, also complimentary. These small touches speak volumes about Wally's commitment to hospitality and his love for his patrons.
Accolades & Local Love
Wally's Café isn’t just a neighborhood favorite; nationally, they've earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in America, ranking as high as #6. That's not an easy achievement, but after visiting and experiencing this Rocklin fave in real time, it was nothing to doubt.
Walking into Wally's is like stepping into a warm, welcoming kitchen. One reviewer praised the open kitchen layout, where you can actually watch chefs prepare meals, framed by photos reflecting Lebanese heritage. We were greeted warmly by the restaurant Owner, Wally (little did we know, we were in the presence of Ownership, he's so humble and genuine).
Locally, the café has been nominated in the 2025 Roseville / Granite Bay / Rocklin Readers' Choice Awards, a testament to how deeply it's woven into the community.
Final Thoughts
Wally's Café in Rocklin is more than just a place to eat; it's a little corner of Lebanon, lovingly recreated in the heart of suburban Northern California. Whether you swing by for a quick gyro wrap, a comforting bowl of lentil soup, or a full specialty plate with kabobs and dips, you're likely to leave feeling full and welcomed. If you're a foodie looking for authenticity, or just someone who appreciates warm hospitality and generous portions, Wally's Café deserves a spot on your must-try list in the Sacramento area.
Fun fact, this eatery was referred by another local favorite, Susan Thomas of Stanford Ranch Self Storage. Susan has been the proud resident manager of Standford Ranch Self Storage for about 4 years. She loves working at this beautiful storage facility and is a true advocate for her community. She takes as much pride in her storage facility as Wally does with his dishes and restaurant. Wally's Café is a nice treat for your hunger after a trip to Stanford Ranch Self Storage; it's only 2 minutes to get to Wally's from the facility.
Wally's Café (Rocklin)
2110 Sunset Blvd. Unit 600
Rocklin, CA 95765
916-580-0850
Wallys.cafe
Mon-Sat: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
