Biba
This authentic Italian eatery has earned high praise from both Gourmet and Travel and Leisure magazines. The Italian-born owner-operator Biba Caggiano has written eight cookbooks and is the host of the Discovery Channel's Biba's Italian Kitchen. The restaurant is Italian-American, with most of the menu featuring red sauce. When they say authentic, they mean it, so expect a dining experience straight out of Northern Italy. In 2009, dinner entrees were between $13 and $29.
Old Tavern Building
2801 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 455-2422
http://biba-restaurant.com
The Firehouse
As per the name, the restaurant is set in the former home of Sacramento No. 3 Firehouse, built in 1853. It made Fodor's Choice in 2009, and has won eight excellence awards from Wine Spectator magazine. The menu is an eclectic, gourmet mixture of several dishes based firmly on European and American recipes, with a sprinkling of Asian-fusion entrees added for good measure. Dinner entrees were priced between $22 and $45 in fall 2009. There is also a very well-priced Happy Hour at 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
1112 Second St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-4772
The Waterboy
This is a great restaurant, unpretentious enough that it's willing to take a stab at gourmet chili cheese hotdogs. The menu is inspired by a mixture of Northern Italian and Southern French influences, but there is always a strong presence of classic American dishes as well. The Waterboy takes a great deal of pride in using local and organically raised meat and produce. The late 2009 dinner menu entrees were between $23 and $27.
2000 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 498-9891
http://waterboyrestaurant.com
The Kitchen
The Kitchen is one of the restaurants that has embraced the new trend of having an open kitchen with diners arranged along a bar built around it. This enables the restaurant to combine a bit of cooking school into the meal. The menu is set and rotated monthly, meaning you should check in advance, as you will be offered no choices. In October 2009, it was a four-course meal plus dessert. The fourth course was mishima ranch wagyu beef two ways with fall bean pesto, cabernet-bone marrow glaze, thyme and carrot butter.
2225 Hurley Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 568-7171
http://thekitchenrestaurant.com
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
