Italian Restaurants in Sacramento You Need to Visit

ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN SACRAMENTO 

Italian restaurants have always been famous for their abundant selection of dishes and unique flavor combinations. Italian restaurants in Sacramento are no exception. Traditional, modern technology and carefully selected ingredients are closely linked here. Italian chefs try to make their meals as healthy as possible by adding lots of vegetables, fiber, and healthy carbs. For pasta preparation, for example, try to use durum wheat flour and add bran. Also, sugar is practically not used in Italian cuisine, except for what is found in vegetables and fruits. Well, in desserts, and main dishes, it is customary to add a lot of nuts and dried fruits saturated with healthy fats and protein.

Let’s take a quick tour of the most famous Italian restaurants in Sacramento that you must visit.

PIATTI 

Location: Pavilions Shopping Center

Restaurant Overview

With 25 years of history in Sacramento, Piatti has evolved from being part of a respected chain to becoming a local institution in its own right. The restaurant perfectly balances traditional Italian cooking with contemporary California influences.

Menu Highlights

• Seasonal menu changes reflecting local farm partnerships
• House-made pasta program
• Wood-fired pizza selection
• Extensive gluten-free options

Special Programs

• Happy Hour (Monday-Friday, 3-6 PM)
• Weekend Brunch
• Holiday special menus
• Corporate catering services

Price Point & Value

• Lunch entrees: $14-24
• Dinner entrees: $18-36
• Happy Hour specials starting at $6

This is one of the famous restaurant chains’ establishments, which in its 25 years of operation, has become an iconic and historical place in Sacramento. Restaurants of this chain are located throughout America and always have positive reviews from visitors. Sacramento locals and tourists appreciate this place for its pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, and the highest quality food. The restaurant’s prices are affordable, but everyone can take advantage of special offers, gift cards, and even happy hour.

Promotions in honor of holidays and events are also available.

The food and menu items may vary depending on the season, as this restaurant uses natural products from local farms. The list of wines is quite varied; you can find something to your taste and budget.

Reviews:

• Many Sacramento guests and locals choose this particular restaurant because of the impeccable service and incredibly delicious food.
• People say prices are very affordable for food of such high quality.
• Interior design and indescribable atmosphere are what guests pay attention to
• The staff is so polite and friendly that you can feel at home here.
• During happy hours you will be pleasantly surprised by the low prices and special meals and cocktails.

LA TRATTORIA BOHEMIA – Where Italy Meets Czech Republic

Location: Downtown Sacramento

This unique establishment offers an intriguing fusion of Italian and Czech cuisines, creating a dining experience unlike any other in Sacramento.

Unique Offerings

• Signature Fish Dishes: Innovative preparations featuring pistachios and pomegranate
• Pizza Program: Wood-fired pizzas consistently rated among Sacramento’s best
• Czech-Italian Fusion Dishes: Unique combinations that respect both culinary traditions

Practical Information

• Closed Mondays
• Outdoor patio dining available
• Lunch specials include soup, salad, and bread
• Street parking available

Notable Dishes

• House-made gnocchi
• Traditional schnitzel
• Seafood risotto
• Authentic Czech beer selection

This restaurant is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable evening in a magical atmosphere and taste delicious food made with ingredients. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, but keep in mind they have a day off on Monday.

If you are a connoisseur of fish dishes, you will be pleasantly surprised that this Restaurant serves fish dishes with pistachios and pomegranates. At first glance, this combination may seem strange, but believe me, you will not be disappointed. And when combined with asparagus, it will become the best dish of your life.

The chefs will amaze you with a selection of homemade and gourmet cuisine. And the assortment of drinks will satisfy the needs of the most sophisticated gourmets.

Reviews:

• The most popular offer from the menu is lunch specials, which contain everything you need to satisfy your hunger: soup, salad, and bread.
• The number of waiters in the staff is sufficient for such a popular place, and the level of service deserves special attention, the team is polite and friendly.
• The restaurant has a patio, which makes the visit even more convenient and creates a cozy atmosphere.
• The interior is bright and colorful, so that you will be looking at decorative elements throughout your visit.
• The combination of Italian and Czech cuisine allows you to choose dishes of different tastes.
• By the number of pizza orders in this restaurant, we can say that this is the best pizza in the city.

IL FORNAIO – From Baking School to Culinary Haven

Location: Downtown Sacramento

History & Atmosphere

Originally established as a baking school, Il Fornaio has transformed into one of Sacramento’s premier Italian dining destinations. The restaurant maintains its connection to its educational roots through impeccable bread service and pastry program.

Dining Spaces

• Main dining room with exhibition kitchen
• Private dining rooms for events
• Outdoor patio seating
• Bar area with high-top tables

Special Services

• Full-service catering
• Corporate event planning
• Custom menu development
• Wine pairing dinners

Training & Quality

• Staff undergoes rigorous Italian culinary training
• Regular menu updates reflecting seasonal ingredients
• Authentic recipes from various Italian regions
• Certified Italian wine specialists on staff

Reviews:

• The quality of the service and the staff’s dedication to their work makes it clear that all employees are happy to work in this place. This affects the attendance rate most positively.
• The kitchen staff’s skills are so high that you will simply be left speechless from the dishes in this restaurant.
• The selection of wines, cocktails, and drinks is so wide and varied that it will satisfy the needs of any local or foreign guest.
• This restaurant is the most popular and suitable place for business meetings in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Although prices may seem overpriced, you will immediately know that the costs are justified once you visit this place.

OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR

This is another place in Sacramento with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that is worth visiting, whether you are a local or visiting Sacramento on vacation. This place’s employees create an indescribable atmosphere that combines coziness, comfort, friendliness, and positive energy. This is the place to eat meals prepared by expert chefs at an affordable and reasonable price. We are confident that you will be satisfied with the quality of the products from which all dishes spring.

The restaurant offers separate seasonal menus as well as menus for special events and happy hour. You can bring your loved one for a delicious dinner, which will cost you only $ 25. And that includes a bottle of wine. The selection of wines, by the way, will pleasantly surprise you. Subscribe to this restaurant on one of the social networks to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, menu changes, and special offers.

Reviews:

• The restaurant’s space is well organized, so there is a place for any visitor so that everyone is comfortable.
• The unique dough preparation technology makes it the tastiest and most crunchy in the whole city.
• A wide selection of pizzas
• The selection of cocktails, wine, and craft beers is wide and varied enough to find a drink of your choice.
• Impeccable service and the staff is always polite and caring.
• The waiters will help you get all the information you need if you are not already familiar with Italian cuisine. They will tell you about any dish, having analyzed the composition in detail.
• Of the minuses – there are few dishes for vegetarians. All pizzas contain meat or cheese.
• If you come here on your birthday, you will be treated to a free dessert.

OBO’ ITALIAN TABLE & BAR – Modern Casual Italian

Location: East Sacramento

Concept & Execution

A contemporary take on Italian dining that emphasizes accessibility without compromising on quality. The restaurant has successfully created a space that works equally well for quick lunches and leisurely dinners.

Special Features

• Date night special: Dinner for two with wine for $25
• Seasonal menu changes
• Active social media presence with exclusive offers
• Extensive wine program

Menu Highlights

• House-made pasta selection
• Artisanal pizza program
• Craft cocktail menu
• Local wine partnerships

Single Drawback

• Limited vegetarian options (though they’re working on expanding this section)

THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY – Nostalgic Italian Dining

Location: Downtown Sacramento

Atmosphere & Design

The restaurant‘s Victorian-era decor and traditional setting create a unique dining environment that pays homage to Sacramento’s historical architecture while serving classic Italian-American cuisine.

Practical Amenities

• Complimentary parking with reservations
• Private event spaces
• Family-friendly dining areas
• Historic trolley car seating

Value Considerations

• Complete meals include bread, soup or salad, and dessert
• Group dining packages available
• Children’s menu options
• Birthday celebration programs

This restaurant will become your favorite place for family events or romantic evenings with your beloved. The nontrivial interior, attention to detail, and special lighting make the atmosphere in the restaurant intimate and pleasant.

This restaurant has successfully created an interesting, but at the same time, classic Italian atmosphere within its walls. If you want to arrange a private event or party here, contact the manager, they will tell you how to make this event unforgettable.

Reviews:

• Although the interior is quite old-fashioned, this does not negatively affect the restaurant’s ambiance. This is a classic and traditional Italian place with exciting design elements.
• Of course, prices have increased significantly over the past 30 years, but they remain among the lowest in the city.
• Lack of on-staff waiters slows down the service process a bit.
• If you pre-order a table, the restaurant will provide you with a free parking space
• Portion sizes are slightly smaller than average, but food quality is top-notch.
• The staff is hospitable, the team easily find a common language with children and are always glad to expect unexpected guests.
• Some people say bartenders talk too much.

Tips for Dining at Sacramento’s Italian Restaurants

1. Reservations: Essential for weekend dining at most establishments, particularly at Biba and Il Fornaio
2. Seasonal Considerations: Many restaurants adjust their menus seasonally; spring and fall typically offer the most interesting special menus
3. Parking: Downtown locations often have valet service or validated parking; check websites for specific arrangements
4. Special Dietary Needs: Call ahead for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, as availability varies by restaurant
5. Wine Selection: Consider making wine reservations for special bottles, as many restaurants have limited quantities of their most prestigious wines

Farm-to-Fork Connections

Sacramento’s Italian restaurants benefit from the region’s agricultural abundance. Many establish direct relationships with local farms and producers:

• Local olive oils from nearby producers
• Seasonal produce from Sacramento Valley farms
• Regional wines from nearby appellations
• Local meat and dairy providers

This farm-to-fork connection ensures that while the recipes may be Italian, the ingredients showcase the best of California’s bounty.

There are many restaurants in Sacramento where you can experience traditional Italian cuisine and enjoy top quality food. Most local chefs prefer to prepare healthy meals with ingredients from local farms. There is a restaurant for every taste and any event. You can organize a family evening, a romantic dinner or even your party. Keep in mind that it is better to pre-order tables in some places to get the best seats. We hope you can find your favorite Italian restaurant in Sacramento.