Here’s a down‑to‑earth, wholehearted tour of Sacramento’s ten best Italian restaurants. From cozy neighborhood trattorie where the pasta is made by hand to polished, modern spots turning out inventive takes on classic dishes, each of these kitchens brings a slice of Italy to the River City. I’ve based this list on frequent local recommendations, reader polls, and top‑rated Hausion picks—so you know these places deliver on both flavor and atmosphere.

Across Sacramento—and just beyond its borders—you’ll find restaurants that excel in everything from wood‑fired pizza to house‑made gelato. Whether it’s the romantic candlelit booths at Biba or the friendly bustle at Paesanos, these ten spots represent the heart and soul of Sacramento’s Italian dining scene.

1. Ippolito’s Trattoria (Rosemont)

Why it’s special: Hand‑rolled pastas, warm hospitality, family recipes passed down generations.
What to order:

• Pappardelle alla Bolognese: Wide ribbons of pasta in a rich meat ragù.
• Seafood Fra Diavolo: Succulent shrimp, clams, mussels in a spicy tomato broth.
  Atmosphere: Unpretentious dining room with rustic wood tables and local art on the walls. Servers treat you like family.

2. Adamo’s Restaurant & Concert Venue (Midtown)

Why it’s special: Live music Tuesday–Saturday, hearty Southern Italian dishes, convivial vibe.
What to order:

• Chicken Scarpariello: Tender chicken thighs, savory sausage, peppers, wine sauce.
• Rigatoni alla Vodka: Creamy tomato sauce brightened with a splash of vodka.
  Atmosphere: Intimate stage framed by exposed brick; check their calendar for jazz or folk nights.
  Local acclaim: Frequently recommended on Reddit for its robust.

3. Paesanos Sacramento (Arden‑Arcade)

Why it’s special: Old‑world recipes, classic red sauce joint, consistently excellent pizza.
What to order:

• Deep‑Dish Meat Lasagna: Layers of pasta, three cheeses, house meat sauce.
• White Pizza: Garlic‑infused crust topped with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan.
  Atmosphere: Family‑friendly dining room, bright and bustling at dinner rush.

4. La Trattoria Bohemia (Downtown)

Why it’s special: Modern takes on Lombardy‑style cooking, with a California twist on seasonal ingredients.
What to order:

• Risotto al Funghi: Creamy Arborio rice with mixed wild mushrooms and shaved truffle.
• Duck Confit Pappardelle: Rich and savory, with house‑made broad noodles.
  Atmosphere: Sleek, dimly lit interior with high ceilings; ideal for date night or celebratory dinners.
  Local acclaim: Celebrated in Sacramento Magazine’s dining guide.

5. Mattone Ristorante (East Sacramento)

Why it’s special: Born from the legacy of Biba, with artisanal ingredients sourced from local farms.
What to order:

• Porcini‑Crusted Pork Chop: Served over polenta with sautéed greens.
• Spaghetti alle Vongole: Clams in garlic‑white wine sauce—simple perfection.
  Atmosphere: Cozy patio with twinkling lights; inside, cozy booths with leather banquettes.

6. Cacio (Midtown)

Why it’s special: Ultra‑casual walk‑up counter serving Roman‑style pizza al taglio (by the slice) and panini.
What to order:

• Pizza Bianca: Crisp rectangle with olive oil, rosemary, flaky sea salt.
• Carciofo Panino: Roasted artichoke and fontina pressed sandwich.
  Atmosphere: Minimalist, with a standing‑room bar—perfect for a quick, authentic bite.

7. Biba Restaurant (Land Park)

Why it’s special: Sacramento institution since 1979, helmed by restaurateur Biba Caggiano.
What to order:

• Prosciutto di Parma con Pera: Paper‑thin ham with roasted pear, orange‑honey drizzle.
• Cheese Tortoni: Classic semifreddo flavored with nutmeg and fudge sauce.
  Atmosphere: Elegant dining rooms with white tablecloths, art‑filled walls—a true fine‑dining experience.

8. OBO’ Italian Table & Bar (Central)

Why it’s special: Warm, open‑kitchen concept with wood‑fired pizza and small plates inspired by Italy’s regions.
What to order:

• Wood‑Fired Margherita Pizza: Perfectly blistered crust, fresh mozzarella, basil.
• Burrata & Beets: Creamy cheese paired with roasted beets and aged balsamic.
  Atmosphere: Industrial‑chic space with communal tables and a lively bar scene.

9. Il Fornaio Sacramento (Arden Fair Mall)

Why it’s special: Upscale chain with consistent quality, imported olive oils and flours, extensive wine list.
What to order:

• Gnocchi al Gorgonzola: Potato dumplings in a luscious blue‑cheese sauce.
• Branzino al Sale: Whole sea bass baked in a salt crust—and cracked open tableside.
  Atmosphere: Polished and refined; high ceilings, soft lighting—ideal for special occasions.

10. La Porta Restaurant & Bar (Midtown)

Why it’s special: Cozy neighborhood haunt with a robust happy hour and inventive cocktail list.
What to order:

• Tagliolini al Limone: Light, lemon‑infused pasta with parsley and Parmigiano.
• Arancini di Riso: Crispy risotto balls served with San Marzano tomato sauce.
  Atmosphere: Warm color palette, classic black‑and‑white tiled floor, friendly bartenders.

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Bringing It All Together

From the homestyle warmth of Ippolito’s Trattoria and the legendary hospitality at Biba to the buzzy, modern energy of OBO’ and La Trattoria Bohemia, Sacramento’s Italian restaurants cover every corner of the spectrum. Whether you’re craving the nostalgia of your Nonna’s kitchen or out to discover new regional specialties, these ten spots deliver authenticity, quality ingredients, and—most importantly—a genuine passion for Italian cooking.

So grab a friend (or ten), settle in with a plate of handmade pasta, and let Sacramento’s Italian scene surprise and delight you—one forkful at a time.