While many Sacramentans I know turn their nose up at eating at such a well-known place in Midtown, I don’t care. There’s a reason this place is popular, busy and well-loved: because it’s awesome.
Located on Capitol Avenue, literally in the heart of Midtown, Paesanos has been one of my favorite restaurants in Sacramento for years. In fact, it’s the first restaurant I ever dined at in Midtown—and ever since then, it’s remained in rotation for dates, birthday dinners and pre Second Saturday art walk festivities.
If I had to craft my ideal meal there, it’d be as follows: start with the Polenta Fries. Just do it. They are delicious. Also, be sure to get the gorgonzola dipping sauce. Lots.
After that, it’s a toss-up: I’m a big fan of their pizzas, namely the Vegetariano (every veggie you can dream of, cloves of garlic, goat cheese) or the Pollo y Patata (chicken, potato, garlic sauce, cheese). I’ve also had the risotto, which is amazing. Their salads are also fantastic.
I’ve only had dessert there once, because usually, I’m too busy enjoying pizza and polenta. Plus, I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like, so I’m probably not your gal to tell you what to order and avoid in that realm.
My biggest tip is to go on a warm evening, sit outside, get a drink and take your time. The staff is fun and friendly, and the people watching can’t be beat. Eating at Paesanos makes me love where I live. It’s worth a visit, or a return visit.
Promise.
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OOOH and right across the street is another amazing restaurant… ZOCALOS! yum yum yum… I love Midtown!
So, I almost just had an orgasm thinking about how damn good those polenta fries are. Never had the sauce, but I usually enjoy things plain. Damn. Dayyyyyyum. I want some. Hmmm.
Oooh, good to know, thank you!
I just recently moved back up to Northern California a couple months ago and although I’m a leeeeeettle far away from downtown Sac, I am there often enough to need good restaurant recs.
Take tonight for example, my mom’s in town for business and we’re dining at Mason’s. Again. I would much rather give Paesano’s a go, but unfortunately the mother loves her some Mason’s.
I’m a California native and I’ve never been to Sacramento! I may have to remedy this soon because the polenta fries sound amazing.
Sounds delicious. Eating al fresco is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. We have a great little shop in the city where I work, they have a fabulous back patio area. Its so nice to just sit and sip a beer with a friend and enjoy the day. Or have mimosas on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
I want to start a facebook group “If someone invited me to Paesanos, I would definitely go”. Let’s go back soon.
I’ve been to Paesanos only twice, but you just reminded me that I should go back there some time soon! I had their polenta fries though and agree: they’re fantastic!
ooooooooo, that place sounds so yummy!!!!!!!!!!!
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Specialty pizza places are awesome. Not sure I’ve ever had polenta fries, but they sound divine!
So when I come visit, can we go there!? It sounds really yummy. =)
Love the Sac line-up!