This is likely the best restaurant in the Pocket/Greenhaven neighborhood and is definitely worth the trip for those who don't live in the neighborhood. A very small quaint restaurant with high quality ingredients and a cozy ambiance. A husband and wife run this place with a few staff and it is packed almost every night. I'd recommend making a reservation. They even recommended an appetizer because "there's only one chef and he's working on 31 plates". There are some patio seating in addition to the indoor tables and the bar. Nevertheless, it didn't seem to be an incredibly long wait for our food. We ordered the orchiette con salsiccia, which seems to be on the menu often. One of my favorite things to order. The sausage is cooked perfectly and has good flavor and I love the broccoli rabe and pasta texture. It's not a very saucy dish but full of flavor. We also tried the fregoli e gamberi. Again, not saucy, but great flavor. The shrimps were cooked really well and had great salinity and spice. read more

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We arrived as a party of 4 on a Friday night at 7pm. Though it wasn't too busy, we ended up waiting about 30 minutes for our main course to arrive -- not too long if we were just a party of adults, but with a young kid, this was a bit on the long side (not the fault of the restaurant). Other than the wait, the waiter and waitress were lovely and attentive through the meal. Our appetizer (asparagus & burrata, with prosciutto) did arrive quickly. It was tasty, though two of us found the burrata cheese quite salty, and the asparagus was a bit chewier than I expected. The Torchio e Granchio stole the night; the Dungeness crab meat was excellent and tasted fresh, and matched the cream sauce well (which I normally don't like to eat, but was great with the crab). The beef and pork meatballs were sizeable, which was appreciated; we found them a bit over-flavored however (particularly with oregano), and the sauce-to-meat proportions was a bit much (way too much sauce for the amount of pasta and meatballs for our taste). I found the Orecchiette con Salsiccia to be wwayyy more spicey than the Fregola e Gamberi. Though on the menu they both have one chili sign beside them, I could barely taste any spice in the Fegola e Gamberi, but in the end I picked out a small pile of chili pepper bits from the Orecchiette, which even after doing so my mouth still burned through the meal. They definitely need to add an extra chili next to this dish in the menu. read more

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Just WOW!! We were completely blown away by every aspect of our dinner tonight. Katie was so friendly and the super talented chef Anthony is incredible. The ganache dessert is over the top! We can't wait to come back. read more

A hidden gem in the Pocket serving Italian dishes in a small cozy restaurant that is definitely worth a try. The service was very good and friendly. Given the size of the place, I would definitely recommend reservations as they are usually booked a few days in advance. The menu also changes seasonally so check prior if you are looking for something specific. They use local ingredients and dishes are crafted well. I have tried several dishes and they are all soild choices depending on your protein and mood. For starters, the roasted beet salad is tasty and the mandarin and pistachio notes were my favorite bite. My go to dish is the Orecchiette, which has homemade sausage, broccoli rabe, and calabrian chilies. It is not spicy but has the flavor throughout the dish. The one thing I did noticed is that most dishes are not that saucy so be careful if you are looking for sauce to pick the right dish. All in all, I would recommend this local business instead of any chain as the local and seasonal touch put this spot in a class of it's own. read more

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Came for date night on a Friday night. Per everyone's recommendation, I did make a reservation. The restaurant seats 24 people at a time so I can see why I needed one. Service was great and attentive to our needs. The server explained the menu and explained the daily special. We started off the with bread and truffle butter which was really flavorful and the truffle taste wasn't overpowering. We indulged a little and also got the mushroom bruschetta and I was so sad it was gone so quick. Would come back here for the mushroom bruschetta alone. I ordered the Cacio with grilled chicken and my bf got the vodka pasta. I enjoyed my cacio as it was seasoned well and I was definitely full. I thought there wasn't enough cheese from looking at it but I promise there was cheese in every bite. I would definitely get it come here again and try their other items. read more

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Cacio is a revelation. Tucked into a shopping center in the Pocket is hands down the best Italian restaurant in the city. My wife and I go for dinner a couple of times a month at this point, and have yet to eat or drink anything short of magical. Their menu always holds seasonal creations alongside staple dishes (like, of course, cacio e pepe), and there's almost always a daily special to consider as well. You literally cannot go wrong. Salads are large enough to split as an appetizer for two, and their bread course with truffle butter is a must-get for any special night out. Their wine list is modest but varied - you'll find something for every pallette here for sure. And of course, the pasta. Handmade, cooked perfectly, and accompanied by sauces and additions that celebrate the great seasonality of Sacramento cooking. Incredible doesn't begin to describe it. One of the owners heads the kitchen, while the other conducts service with the efficiency of a Michelin maître d, and the warmth of your Nona inviting you to dinner. Their bartender/server who works alongside her is a true professional. They work as a great team to deliver great service and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The place itself is small, you you'll need a reservation to ensure you can get in! Their reservation system is quick and easy, and they're quick to recognize return guests with a hearty "welcome back" too. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you're in the area and jonesing for some Italian food, it doesn't get better than Cacio in Sacramento. read more

Cacio - Cacio e Pepe with pancetta - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

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The food was amazing...and they are not afraid to use cream. Being Asian...it's a risk, but it was delicious. The service was excellent. The ambiance was quaint, not crowded...intimate for sure. They even have personal blankets if you choose to eat on the patio. We went for our anni...and the short rib on polenta was amazing and sizeable. The fettuccine was delicious and I had to try the house made italian sausage with it. For me the sausage was a lot for the dish, but I was a happy camper overall. The cream of tomato with truffle is heavenly too. And we found out that you can email days in advance to order it in a larger portion. Plus the wine and bellini pairing was perfect. Let's go again. read more

Cacio - Daily special - Short Rib with Broccoli Rabe over Polenta & Fettucini con Funghi, Spinaci & Gorgonzolla with In-House Italian sausage. - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

Cute litte place, very limited seating and that's basically why they are pretty much by reservations only. Food was excellent, service was great. We were a little disappointed in their dessert menu. Cost is on the little higher side. Private parking lot. Not for huge parties. Great for date night. read more

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Came here for dinner Friday night and scheduled a reservation ahead of time. This place is amazing and something I didn't think you can find in Sacramento. The staff were very friendly and really knew the food. They were helpful in helping us select an appetizer, dinner, and a wine. This place is perfect for date night or having wine with a small group. The restaurant is a bit small so I wouldn't come here with more than 4 people. read more

Cacio - Cacio e Pepe - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I usually only go out in downtown and midtown so I never know about this place until my friend took me. First of all it's in a strip mall next to a Mexican restaurant with Latin music, patio seating is next to the parking lot, but they put a blind, heat lamp, a blanket on each chair and made it cozy. The service was great, truffle butter was delicious (I love truffle everything), beets salad was delicious too but my friend and I share the salad so it became a bite size. I said "Can I have cacio e Pepe with shrimp", but I was correct for "prawns", but the dish came and it was "shrimp". The pasta was cooked perfectly, a bit chewy not soggy, just the way I like, so was the "shrimp". Everything was delicious but I gave 4 stars because $14 for 5 added shrimps is kinda ridiculous... read more

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Oh gosh, I just realized I haven't written a review of one of my all-time favorite restaurants! My husband and I have had the fortune of visiting Cacio a handful of times now. It's a go-to recommendation to friends and family, as well as a special place for us to celebrate occasions or just a nice date night. While they do have some walk-in availability, we have always made reservations. The space itself is very intimate, which is one of the things we love. Now for the food! YUM-MY. Every single thing we have ordered has been an absolute hit. Some items on their menus are constants, like their namesake cacio e pepe, but they also have seasonal items and nightly specials. Again, we have really enjoyed everything they whip up! The service is also so kind, warm, and welcoming. We feel like we're having dinner at a friend's place, and you get the strong sense of community and family here. What a gem in the Pocket area. We love it! read more

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Amazing dining experience. Sat at the counter and got to chat with the owners about the history of Cacio, plus wine pairings and dessert recommendations. I already knew what I was having for dinner. It was their signature dish Cacio e Pepe. It did not disappoint. That said the "adult Mac and Cheese" stole the show! Best I've ever had . Highly recommend make sure to call ahead and make reservations as they fill up fast. read more

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Have been there several times now, and they never disappoint!.. Food is wonderful and so are the staff!! Definitely my go to place when I want authentic Italian food! read more

A GEM in the Pocket area! FOOD: I absolutely love the menu here. There are just enough items and you know they are all made to perfection. I always get the Cacio de Pepe pasta and a mixed greens salad! DELICIOUS and fresh. I love the hallow noodles on the pasta and the yellow raisins added to the salad. SERVICE: The service and the vibe here are lovely. You can tell the owners take great pride in their restaurant. Katie (owner and typically our waiter) is always so pleasant and personable. AMBIANCE: So cute and cozy! This is the perfect place to meet a friend or go on a lunch date without the kids. Hehe Overall, will I be back? Oh yes! This is in our rotation. You must visit!! read more

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What can I say without craving Cacio again? Let me start off by saying, service is always pleasing, warm and delightful. My partner and I have been coming to Cacio AT LEAST once a month to try a new item on their menu. I make it my priority to try one Chef's special when we go because they're always delectable! Our go-to items are definitely their Ciabatta bread with truffle butter and Cacio board with charcuterie (the cheeses just melt in your mouth!) we've tried their Cacio e Pepe and their seasonal soups. When I say EVERYTHING we've tried have met our expectations.... Trust me mama, it has. The only picture I've taken is the Chef's special with Tuna (10000/10), which you can view in this review. Please try Cacio and don't be afraid to try the Chef's special! read more

Cacio - Chef's Special (something something Tuna; rating 1000/10) - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

What a lovely experience! The food was amazing. The pasta was fresh and delectable. We loved the vibe at lunchtime, which was relaxing and intimate. We're definitely going to come back someday. read more

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Ambiance: Fabulous hidden secret in Pocket Area that is small business owned by husband and wife team. They maximize all 900 sqft with efficiency and decorate uptown wine bar from a small outdoor eating, counter and tables. MUST have a reservation which open up in the afternoon. You can try to get in without but super tough. Food: 10/10 Roasted Beet Salad- fresh and light, 10/10 Cacio pasta with grilled shrimp. This is how it is made! Peppery and shrimp grilled to perfection. 10/10 Roasted duck breast special- tender, acid with the yuzu sauce and faro and greens salad. 10/10 fresh white truffle butter with fresh ciabatta bread as a MUST.. earthy and salty goodness on hot bread. Service: Stellar Service by the owners wife and a full staff of 4. Attentive and great recommendations. Only in a small business are you going to offer 4 specials for the evening. Have a special occasion or just because; make your reservation at Cacio and support this lovely small business. Well worth it! read more

Cacio - Grilled duck breast special with yuzu and faro spinach salad - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Would definitely recommend trying to make a reservation if possible. One time my friend and I tried to attempt a walk in for dinner and we were turned away because they were so booked. Luckily on a second try, we were able to snag a spot for lunch and were very pleased with our experience! Cacio serves up delicious home-style Italian in large portions! I had to try the namesake dish, cacio e pepe and it was very delightful. The add on of chicken breast surprisingly stole the show for me as it was so flavorful and moist. read more

Cacio - Exterior - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

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We had an amazing time here for our wedding anniversary. The food was exceptional, the staff was amazing, and all around a great atmosphere and experience. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Wanted to try this spot based on reviews and less than a 5 minute drive from home Couldn't make a reservation however they accommodated us as a walk in. Ambiance is cute and owners are super nice. We sat out in the patio. Drinks: Bellini and beer Apps: bruschetta - amazing- the cheese, balsamic and bread were so good! Entree: Fettuchine con Salsa di Formaggio Tartufata and Fregola e Gamberi I don't eat much pasta but thought my dish needed to be less al dente but otherwise the flavor and cook on the prawns were great! I would come back to try their other dishes. read more

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this little place has high quality food & by far the standout item for us was the Penne alla Vodka =) everything we ordered was delicious but that Penne alla Vodka was something else!!!!! read more

Cacio - Penne alla Vodka (with pancetta added but it still would have been spectacular as displayed on the menu which is vegetarian) - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

Loved the beet salad and the octo salad! Everything was delicioso! Just look at the yummy, tantalizing drool worthy pix!! Service was nice and friendly. Parking was easy and plentiful in the plaza. Great time, took bottle of wine and leftovers home. Food was fresh and nicely made, flavors were yummy. Need to go back soon! read more

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Excellent service and a very personable experience. Food is excellent and ambience too. Thanks for the special attention! read more

First off, make a reservation. The entire restaurant could fit easily in most single family homes so please respect their need to fill every seat multiple times every night. More importantly, it's perfect! Portions are the right size, food is lovingly prepared, the atmosphere feels like you're in a home versus a normal restaurant. We were out in just over an hour but didn't feel rushed at all. It wasn't even expensive! I built the same meal at Olive Garden for pickup (no coffee, scallops replaced by a seafood pasta, penne/sausage replaced with rigatoni/sausage, added an order of breadsticks since it's sooo important) and it was $85.73 after tax. Add the coffee and you're right back to $95. I'd like to think we're worth the $12. We normally each get our own entree with a third to share as an appetizer and the sizes were perfect for that. We definitely ate much more than a normal night at home but we didn't feel the overfull feeling you get with fake/processed food. Bottom line: Make a reservation, enjoy your meal, get an extra entree to share, skip the heartless chains that dump alfredo sauce on spaghetti with bacon and call it "carbonara." You deserve it. read more

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I had a nice time eating at cacio. The service was very friendly and the ambiance very cute. It's a small space so I do recommend having a reservation. I ordered the bread with truffle butter and the penne pasta. I found the truffle butter underwhelming and lacking salt. I also found the penne pasta lacking salt as well but the overall flavor quite good. I wish the penne was home made or they used a homemade pasta instead of penne. My friends got steaks (the special) with mashed potatoes which were delicious. read more

Cacio - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

Wow! This little hole in the wall was an unexpected find! Went on a Tuesday night with reservations at 5p. About half full. Service was personal and attentive. The food was excellent! Started with the grilled peaches and burrata (get it / thank me later!). I had the cacio de Pepe with pancetta. My buddy had the tuna - both excellent!! Great little date night spot! Highly recommend! read more

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We came here for the first time with some friends, for my girlfriend's birthday. Originally she tried to get a table for 10-12 but was told, we if we wanted a party that larg. We would have to rent out of restaurant, so instead we went with a table for 6. Which was odd because when we arrived there was a table behind us that had about 10-12 people, but they hadn't rented out the entire restaurant. So I'm not not sure what happened between their party and ours. Drinks: Sauvignon Blanc (Little James) Italian Blood Orange Sparking Soda Appetizer: Cacio board Main Courses: Cacio e Pepe w/Grilled Prawns Penne alla Vodka Dungeness Crab pasta w/Lemon creme sauce Dessert: House made Crème Brûlée Although Cacio serves a small amount of people, it took a while to receive our meals. Maybe that's because everything is made from scratch, so I try to take that into account. But if that's typical, I definitely wouldn't arrive hungry. Or maybe I would order an appetizer first to hold you over for a bit. Food was really good, with the Penne alla Vodka being the best dish. The Dungeness Crab we all liked the least, and all had high hopes. But it was just ok. Overall: Good service and friendly waiter. Delicious food, and one of the best Crème Brûlée's I've ever had. read more

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I saw a lot of positive Yelp reviews and was eager to try somewhere new for my birthday. A reservation was made about a week before the dining date (which is recommended). It's not a big place, so you definitely want to make sure you're guaranteed a spot. The staff were excellent. They really couldn't have been anymore welcoming, friendly, or helpful. The food was excellent! We tried the Ciabatta Bread & Truffle Butter, Bruchetta, Farro & Corn, Roasted Beet Salad, and I ordered the Busiate Trapanese Pesto for my entree. Personally, I didn't love the flavor of the Farro & Corn, but everything else was delicious. I really enjoyed the Roasted Beet Salad and my main dish. I read that their menu does change frequently due to them cooking with local, seasonal ingredients. I especially love businesses that do this! If you're also celebrating here, they were able to accommodate the request to customize the menu. Our party's menus read, "Happy Birthday". I just happened to sit down at the place where the menu read, "Happy Birthday Stephanie!", which is a really nice personal touch. I'd like to make it back to Cacio for another meal very soon! read more

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Amazing amazing! What a little gem of a place! We absolutely love the food, never disappointed, great wine selection, nice ambiance and good music. The homemade lasagna was to die for, literally the thinnest sheets of pasta brought together with and amazing sauce. The bread dessert with chocolate, wow! Service impeccable. read more

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This is my favorite restaurant in greater Sacramento, and has been for many years. My girl-friend doesn't want me to ever go there with anyone but her. For her, it is "our restaurant" When you ask a waitperson here about a dish, you get a LOT of information: prep, ingredients, etc. They KNOW what they are serving, they are proud, and they care. If you offer an opinion they LISTEN. I recommend you always add the side of bread with truffle butter. You will feel like you are first in line at the morning opening of a Paris bakery. Just wonderful. Read the ingredients in their salads, even if you don't plan on having one. The creativity behind these is kind of shocking. You will wonder.............what does it taste like when they combine "this" and "that" in a salad. It always "works". I know this sounds over the top. I have no connection to this restaurant. No agenda. I just love this place. read more

Great pasta, wine and appetizers. This place books fast, I would recommend making reservations. Cute place in the heart of the Pocket neighborhood. Definitely ask for the best wine pairing to go with your dish. Highly recommend! read more

Cacio - Orecchiette con Salsiccia - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Wow!! What an underrated gem of Sacramento. Casual clothes and environment + prices with fine dining experience. You get real amazing service from the team and the flavors of the entrees absolutely warm the soul. Thank you for being so attentive!! Small, intimate space with a small outdoor patio dining option as well. RSVP recommended- I believe their bar is open for walk ins. Lots of regulars noted. Really appreciated the cute anniversary shout out on the menu upon seating. Mushroom Polenta - 10/10. The mushroom were sautéed to perfection. Every bite was yummy. House Special Soup - reminded me of a bootleg gumbo without the seasonings. I could definitely eat an entire pot. The beans were amazing. Garganelli con Mais e prosciutto cotto - pasta, ham pieces, and a lot of corn. We added grilled chicken for extra protein. The corn definitely kept the entree on the sweeter side for my taste buds. Orecchiette con Salsiccia - WOW!! 100/10. I absolutely loved this. The homemade pork sausage was pretty salty but the crisp and flavor it added to the pasta was delicious! Really loved the broccoli bites with the hint of chilies. The pasta was fun shaped and easy to eat. Could eat this over and over. House Chocolate Ganache - grilled bread with chocolate sea salt and olive oil. It was delicious. Great to share between 2-3 people. They have our hearts here at Cacio. See you soon!! read more

Cacio is a small restaurant with nice ambiance and is run by a couple who really put their hearts into ensuring every guest has an excellent experience. This was our first time there, and we are very excited about returning soon. They change their menu about every two weeks, which means we'll enjoy a different experience each time we dine there. The Cheese & Charcuterie Board was excellent as were our entrees; Chicken with Risotto for Nancy and Penne alla Vodka with Sausage for me. We both cleaned our plates! The wine we ordered was a beautiful Italian Barolo that paired perfectly with our dinners. This is clearly one of the very best restaurants in the area, and because Cacio is so small, I strongly suggest that you make reservations in advance. read more

Our first visit to Cacio a couple of months ago was great so we invited friends this time and the staff didn't disappoint. We had Brussels sprouts Caesar salad which surprised and excited our friends. We already knew how refreshing it was. Our main dishes were Orecchiette con Sasiccia, Garganelli con Asparagi e Crema al Limone, and the trademark Cacio e Pepe. We enjoyed them all, and the serving size was large enough to take a good portion home to have later. The setting was very cozy. Our server was knowledgeable, very pleasant and answered our questions. We were not rushed and it was a totally delightful experience for us and our friends. read more

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How have I not reviewed Cacio before? Maybe it's because I selfishly wanted to keep this gem a secret. But it's too late; the secret's out. Katie Kinner is an amazing human; so welcoming, so talented. Her smile lights up the room, and you will instantly feel like you are with family. She knows her wines and will always recommend the perfect pour for your food choice. She is attentive to every guest. Jonathan Kerksieck is an inspiring chef. His soup of the day is always incredible. Their shaved Brussels Sprout Ceasar salad is one of our faves. Tho only downsides are the size of the restaurant; which makes reservations essential; and the size of the parking lot; which is not their fault, it's the fault of the landlord and the gym next door. Why don't those gym rats ride bikes? ;-) Another nice thing about this husband and wife team is the hard work they do for others. They have pop-up dinners for local food trucks where they work essentially for free to help other chefs succeed. Katie and Jonathan deserve every kudo they receive. Cacio is the best restaurant in the Pocket, and one of the best in the Sacto valley. And before you clutch your pearls and ask why my photo has a dog in it; no dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant. This was their dog, Charlie; who was facing a fatal diagnosis and they elected to close down the restaurant on a Saturday night and hold a celebration of life while Charlie was still alive to bask in the adoration of his raving fans. They make excellent food. They love pets. They love their fellow humans and do charitable work on other's behalf. What more can you ask?! Go eat at Cacio. read more

Cacio - Private Celebration of life for their dog, Charlie, who was dying of cancer. - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

We live very close to this restaurant and we have been there many times. Every time we (and any guests we bring) praise the quality of the welcoming ambiance, service, and of course the food! I would eat there 2 times a week if I could! They even have a small patio where there are heat lamps and blankets as needed. Truly a gem of a restaurant!!! read more

Truly a hidden gem in the Pocket neighborhood. The Cacio e Pepe was molto bene. The bucatini was cooked just right and the cracked pepper matched perfectly. I ordered one meatball on the side, just to give it a try, and it was too sweet for me and didn't match the flavor of the Cacio. However, the salted fennel pollen butter served with the room temp bread was truly amazing. I'd go back for the bread and butter alone... but I'd probably get the Cacio e Pepe again. Plenty of parking in this strip mall. About 30 can be seated inside and they have a few tables outside as well. read more

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Their lasagna is the best hands down! It was my first time there so I viewed photos and reviews before I decided. I also had their Casio pasta which was amazing. Everything was very authentic and fresh. The salad was perfect the truffle and butter was perfect and I fell in love with their ice cream. It was the perfect dinner date. very small and very intimate. read more

This place is reservation only. You'll find a simple Italian menu but, the food is quality. Family owned neighborhood vibes. We always order the Orecchiette con Salsiccia, Roasted Beet Salad and try the rotating/seasonal items. read more

Cacio - Summer 2024 Menu - Italian Near Me - Sacramento, California

I am so glad that I finally had the pleasure of dinning in at Cacio. The servers were very affable and welcoming. We had to wait approximately 15 minutes prior to being seated. I am really fortunate for the reservation as the restaurant was at capacity. The food was definitely worth the wait. We ordered the ciabatta bread with truffle butter. The truffle butter was so delicious. It was very creamy and the truffle paired very nicely with the bread. The Cacio e Pepe with chicken was also amazingly delicious. I really enjoyed the daily special, which consisted of medium rare filets, broccolini's, potato's, and mushrooms. We devoured everything on our plates. The chocolate ganache was different, but in a good way. The toasted ciabatta bread had a somewhat Smokey, sweet flavor when it was dipped in the chocolate. I will definitely return in the very near future. read more

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