Our History

Doug Silva Chef, owner, Barbara Silva, owner, Don Brown, Sous Chef

Silva’s Sheldon Inn was established by Doug and Barbara Silva on August 2, 1988.

The building that houses the restaurant is over 100 years old, It was originally “The Miles Cash Market”, a general store in the busy town of Sheldon. It was the main center for the residents of the outlying area, hop farmers and cattle ranchers. It served as the Post Office, meeting place of all night dances and voting, which were held upstairs.

The Silva’s with the help of family and friends, took the shell of this building and in just 8 months, transformed it into the restaurant that it is today.

Doug Silva is a graduate of The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He has been cooking for over 30 years. He has worked in many famous kitchens with some excellent chef teachers, among them being Ernies of San Francisco, a landmark restaurant for over 50 years, Scomas of San Francisco, and The Cal Rossi Corp of San Francisco.

He was the opening chef for Biba’s restaurant in 1982. His style of cooking reflects French, Italian, Portuguese, Asian and American classics.

Mr. Silva has made the reputation of one of Sacramento’s best chefs, and has enjoyed excellent reviews from the food critics of the area in every restaurant he has cooked for, including Silva’s Sheldon Inn, which has been voted Best Restaurant in Elk Grove by Sacramento Magazine.

Mrs. Silva’s restaurant experience encompasses over 30 years. She has worked in all areas of the restaurant business, but her first love is making desserts.

Mrs. Silva has cooked at Scomas of Larkspur Landing San Raphael, Sonoma Mission Inn, the original “Fish Emporium,” and served as private cook for one of the heirs of the Folger Coffee Company.

We have been so fortunate to have enjoyed 20 years here. We have met many wonderful people - both guests in our restaurant, and employees. Our employees have always been the key to our success and we continue to to strive for the best. Read the latest article published about us in the Sacramento Bee.

Together Doug and Barbara have put their experiences and dreams into what is now Silva’s Sheldon Inn. Their goals has and continues to be good fresh food at reasonable prices and friendly, unpretentious service. “Simple Country Elegance.”

Doug and Barbara thank Chance Phillips for taking many of the photographs featured on our site. Chance has worked at the Sheldon Inn and is now pursuing his career as a professional photographer. Chance is available for weddings or other events you may wish to have photographed. You may contact chance at: nxtchaos@comcast.net.