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    The Waterboy

    4.2 (1.1k reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Waterboy Photos

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    THE WATERBOY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - The Waterboy

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    Reviews With Photos

    Frito Misto of Crispy Fish, Shrimp & Anchovy Olives
    Brooke V.

    Came here for my birthday because Waterboy was one of the few restaurants with scallops on the menu. Decor reminded me of a coastal vibe. The menu was diverse and the scallops were delicious and just kissed by the pan when cooked. My husband enjoyed the salmon special. The appetizer Fritto Misto was really good. Our waitress was so sweet and brought us a complementary glass of prosecco for my birthday and put a candle in our dessert. I really appreciated the special treatment.

    Outside menu
    David L.

    I took my Ma for her Birthday here. She wanted to go to a fancy restaurant and I picked this place. I have been here maybe 17 years ago so it has been a long time. I made sure to make reservations since I didn't want to wait for a table. It was for 5 PM. I think since they open at 5 it wasn't needed. They are on a corner and have indoor and out dining. The place is nice looking and the door is handicap. Push a button and it opens for you. Pretty nice. We arrived early and even before they opened and it was empty. They accommodated us even though they were not open yet. The door opened heheh. The bar is right in front of the door. I noticed that all the seats of the bar were reserved. Kind of funny. I later learned that the regulars come in and take over the bar . Pretty neat. This pace has been around a long time and I noticed a lot of the customers are much older. It's nice to have a place where they know you and welcome you. Plus the prices are not cheap. The server was very nice and friendly. She server us Prosecco for my Ma's Birthday. So nice of them. They didn't have Remy so I got a Scotch. I got the Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask $26 it was really nice and I liked the flavor. Ma got the scallops and they were really nice and she enjoyed them a lot. My friend got the Ahi and that was good. My wife got the Spinach Agnolotti. She thought there would be spinach in it but I guess it was the pasta. I got the Waterboy Cassoulet. It had so many meats in it and the server said it would be great. I love duck and lamb so I got it. I thought the portion was kind of small. I liked it but thought some of the meats were over cooked. It was ok. As for the desserts. Ma got the Let's Eat Cake which was a lemon one. It was light and she loved it. I got the Seasonal Crostata which was an apple. It was good as well and it came al la mode. All in all we had a fantastic Birthday dinner and such a good time. Service was great and the place was pretty and we liked it. As for a fancy place. I thought it was just ok. Everyone enjoyed their food but I thought it was just average for fine dinning place. I left still hungry which isn't good. It was nice to try and my Ma loved it which is all that mattered.

    Daily special: Halibut (April 21, 2026)
    Pavel R.

    It's interesting when I went inside the interior made me feel like I was in West Palm Beach. Maybe it was the wicker chairs or that and the palm tree located right in the middle of the dining room. I'm not saying that's a bad thing by any means but just struck me of that when I came in. The food was good and the halibut special was excellent. I'd say the pricing was slightly on the higher side, but on par for the items being served. Service was excellent so I would give that five stars.

    Ravioli of Ricotta, Prosciutto, Lemon & Nutmeg
    Hector H.

    Went to this restaurant on Saturday night and it was super popular. We ordered seared scallops and ravioli and they were all amazing. On top of that, knowing that we ordered a few dishes to share, they automatically split the Caesar salad for us, which was very thoughtful and great service. Overall a really nice restaurant and we will definitely visit back again.

    Mike G.

    The food was excellent as was the service, both of which I expected, and they delivered. All of our dishes were great and cooked just right. I loved the atmosphere of the place, had a feeling of being out in wine country. Most options on the menu were meat dishes, but there are still dishes for vegetarians the eat. I had a ravioli style dish that was really good, and paired with asparagus. I got an old fashion as well, which was good, but nothing exceptional.

    Complimentary celebratory champagne

    Had our anniversary dinner tonight and let's just say, everything exceeded our expectations. We have been to multiple Michelin star restaurants in Sacramento and this local gem beat them all. Pass on canon and Ella's and even allora. The manager and service was exceptional and the food committed to the bit! We left there feeling very special and satisfied in every aspect of our dinning experience. We will most definitely be back! Thank you for making our night special and memorable

    Albert L.

    Friendly service Delicious food Have an outdoor seating area that can accommodate our dog with us! A little bit of the pricier side but I think it's worth it

    Pork Chop
    Stephy C.

    Had a fabulous time at The Waterboy! Went for a birthday celebration and the service was great. We made a reservation ahead of time and noted that it was a birthday celebration, once we were greeted and sat immediately. The food was so great! It was delicious and had lots of flavor. I had the pork chop and it was amazing! We also got the focaccia bread and frisso misso . Overall really great place!

    Mel L.

    Hadn't been here in awhile, but it is absolutely superb in all ways. The service was amazing, our server went over specials and was very attentive and knowledgeable of wine selection and pairings. The ambiance is set with candle lit tables, the only thing is the tables are too close together for me. However, it was still enjoyable. Everything ordered was delicious. The deviled egg was such a treat! I did not get a photo of the scallops dish because I was soooo excited to eat it-- that had to be my favorite thing of all. 10/10 experience and food. I recommend trying this place out if you haven't already.

    Scallops from 6/17/26
    Bob F.

    I come to Sacramento a few times a year for work and the Waterboy has become my favorite restaurant in the city. Amazing food, great service, relaxing atmosphere. 10/10 highly recommend.

    King Salmon
    Nica F.

    We enjoyed our time at Waterboy for the first time. Our server was very nice and was constantly checking in on us. We bought our own bottle with $30 corkage. The food was amazing. Its a small space inside and they have outdoor.

    Lovely airy dining room
    Pamela F.

    It's been far too long since my last visit to The Waterboy. Its fabulousness hasn't changed one bit. Wonderful, friendly service. Wide variety of usual favorites plus lovely array of seasonal specials. I opted for a mix of both. So nice that my server, Jenny, offered a half order of the housemade focaccia. The only miss of the whole meal was the frigid, rigid puck of butter that came with it. It was far too hard to spread on the delightfully soft, spongy bread. Luckily the sea salt and rosemary left it delicious on its own. Also great for soaking up the last bits in my soup and salad bowls! Enjoyed the chilled peach and melon gazpacho. The torn basil leaves really made it pop. Absolutely loved the Insalata Americana, their take on a wedge salad. The accoutrements were plentiful and perfectly complimented the cold, crispy iceberg lettuce and yummy ranch dressing. While the "soup, salad and bread" combo was satisfying, I couldn't help but get the apple tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream. Rich, sweet and the perfect serving size. The dining room is open and airy, reminiscent of a sweet European bistro only larger. I promised to Victor, who also assisted with service, that I would certainly not let so much time elapse until my next visit.

    Salad of Bacon, Burrata, and Tomato
    Melissa G.

    The Waterboy offers an opulent dining experience in the heart of Midtown. My partner and I bought tickets for their Thursday night dinner series, which has a pre-fixed menu, and we loved the theme of spring becomes summer, as it incorporated a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The tickets were $110 per person and included gratuity. Besides our interest in the dinner series, we also came to celebrate my partner's birthday, which we noted in our reservation. The Waterboy is a great place to visit if you're celebrating a special occasion, and the host recognized ours and gave us a complimentary champagne toast to help us celebrate. It's details like that, which truly make a good experience a memorable one! Inside feels intimate yet rustic, and we were the youngest diners by several years, but I still felt like we received great hospitality. Dinner was excellent, and one of our favorite dishes of the night was the bacon, burrata, and tomato salad. The chef described it as their take on a BLT, and it definitely delivered! I was a fan of all of the stone fruit featured in dishes (grilled peaches with the chicken) and loved the cherry and almond tart to finish. I'd highly recommend the Waterboy and would suggest making a reservation in advance, especially if you have a special occasion.

    Half Dozen Oysters

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    7 days ago

    Very small portions, risotto had saffron and tough chicken, not a traditional risotto. Prices were high..

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    The Waterboy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Waterboy

    What is your corkage fee?

    Reasonable

    Will you be open Thanksgiving, we have visitors from out of town coming in for a wedding and dinner?

    Hi J.J., Thank you for your interest, but will be closed for Thanksgiving. We wish you and your… 

    Does this place accommodate vegetarians?

    Yes. They have very good vegetarian meals, although not necessarily vegan.

    Gluten free options?

    Hi Stephanie, Yes, we are able to accommodate gluten-free guests and a variety of other dietary restrictions even if you don't see something listed on the menu. Our menu changes often, so listed options will vary. If you're able to let us know a few… 

    How often does the menu change?

    Hi Austin, our menu changes seasonally so the duration of each menu will vary. Typically it's every 6-8 weeks.

    Are there any vegan options on the menu?

    They are just now hiring a new chef who is vegan, who is already a ROCK STAR when it comes to flavors and textures that vegans love so much! ASK and hopefully they'll be letting her showcase her stuff, soon!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Ro Sham Beaux - Pita Bread & Hummus

    Ro Sham Beaux

    4.6(174 reviews)
    0.4 miMidtown
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    I've stopped by this place a couple times for some late afternoon drinks, and it's a nice spot…read more It's located in the same building as Ginger Elizabeth, so parking isn't great, but you can find parking within a block or so of walking. There's metered parking in the street just in front. They have a nice selection of wines and cocktails. Not the most expansive list, but a nicely curated one. Most recently, I tried the Pimms Rangoon (Gin, Ro Pimm's, fresh lemon, ginger, pineapple, fizzy water) and a wine that I can't recall. The cheeze whiz (house made whipped manchego and parm on crostini) is a must-have. The bread is wonderful as well as the cheese and olive. I'm usually not crazy about green olives, but it worked so well with the cheese. I've had tinned sardines in the past, and they were fine... along the lines of a tin of Fishwife. Next time, I'll probably try another bread & cheese dish. I like the kitschy vibe. And, our servers were nice both times I've gone. If I lived a little closer, I'd probably drop by more often, but I'll keep this place in mind when I want a drink and a small snack to go with it (and dessert at Ginger Elizabeth is next door!).

    Long overdue review that has been in the drafts our server was Sariyah and the service was…read moreterrible. Came here for our monthly meet up with the girls and not gonna lie this was a disappointment. I have wanted to try this place for so long and it was mid at best. They didn't have a kitchen when I went so their food offerings were extremely limited which I didn't know before coming. The ambiance was great. While the space was small it packed a great punch. I will say our server disappeared and she was very short when she was unavailable. I came, I saw, it's unlikely I'll return given the many options in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Go for the experience if you choose On the plus side we ended up at the dive bar Golden Bear after for pizza nachos and beer and I have found my new favorite dive bar so I'll call that a win!

    Photos
    Ro Sham Beaux
    Ro Sham Beaux - Raclette over potatoes

    Raclette over potatoes

    Ro Sham Beaux - Bread & Butter

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    Bread & Butter

    Whired Wine Window - Where the magic happens.

    Whired Wine Window

    4.3(121 reviews)
    0.7 miDowntown
    $$

    A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting The Wine Window in downtown Sacramento (1111 L St),…read moreand I've honestly been late writing this review--but better late than never! This hidden gem offers an experience that's unlike anything else in the city. The setup is simple but charming: you literally walk up to a window and order your wine. I believe it's one ring for white, two for red, and three or four for sparkling--don't quote me on that, but it adds a playful, old-world vibe that makes the whole experience memorable. The Wine Window is affordable, laid-back, and surprisingly quaint. It's the kind of place where the ambiance, the people, and the energy make it feel more like an experience within an experience--not just a drink stop. I had the chance to chat with John, the owner, who shared a bit of the backstory. He previously owned a full wine room nearby, but when the pandemic hit, he had to pivot. Instead of calling it quits, he leaned into a smaller, more intimate concept inspired by wine windows in Europe. Honestly, I think the scale makes it even better. The outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine while people-watching on L Street, and yes, there's even a restroom available (a rare but very appreciated amenity for this type of setup). If you find yourself downtown, do yourself a favor--swing by The Wine Window, have a chat with John, and enjoy a unique Sacramento experience.

    Randomly stopped in for a pre-game drink. TL;DR we came back for a post-game drink…read more I recognized very little on the wine list but after a short quiz we found two hits. One new world and one old. With the rain outside and warmth in a glass inside we had a great time. Everyone was friendly. This a great spot before an event at G1 but we will be back in between those too.

    Photos
    Whired Wine Window - The guy warned me that the rose was fruity, I think what he meant to say was it tastes like juice. But I like my wine that way!

    The guy warned me that the rose was fruity, I think what he meant to say was it tastes like juice. But I like my wine that way!

    Whired Wine Window - Food Tour to WHIRED Wine Window.

    Food Tour to WHIRED Wine Window.

    Whired Wine Window - A homage to the Buchette del Vino of Italy, a unique and historical way of enjoying a glass of wine passed to you through a window.

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    A homage to the Buchette del Vino of Italy, a unique and historical way of enjoying a glass of wine passed to you through a window.

    58 Degrees & Holding - Private Dining Room (1)

    58 Degrees & Holding

    4.1(929 reviews)
    0.2 miMidtown
    $$$

    I haven't been here for years. In fact I recall when this place was part wine bar, part wine bottle…read moreshop! Fast forward to now and the focus seems to be more loungey. The area where the bottle shop was is now a large seating area with comfy plush chairs on one side, booths on the other and tables in the middle. A friend wanted to come here since they had all day happy hour on Tuesdays. Was pleasantly surprised by the Oregon pinot noir on the HH menu at $10. Also enjoyed the charcuterie board that was $12 on happy hour. Grapes could have been fresher and perhaps more than one type of cheese would have been nice, but it was still substantial. Service was on point and attentive. The waitress even demonstrated the "chambong" that they have for $5 on happy hour. If you ever did beer bongs in your college years, you can now do champagne and rose ones while you are adulting. I wasn't in the mood for chugging champagne, I prefer to sip my alcohol these days. They also have $3 oysters on the menu for happy hour. I'll have to try those out the next time I come back.

    Five of us had reservations for 7pm on Saturday night. Admittedly, the service started out rough as…read morethey were understaffed and no one at the hostess desk. My mother-in-law went to find a staff person and they pointed us to a table with a reserved sign. It took awhile before our table was acknowledged, but we did eventually receive menus and have our drink orders taken. This certainly isn't a place to eat when you're in a hurry. Again, there was a lag between our drinks being ordered and coming out to the table. The cocktails themselves were very enjoyable and well crafted. The drinks and some appetizers held us over until dinner came out. Overall, the food turned out to be worth the wait! That was a pleasant surprise after the service started out so roughly. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and that was enough to bring this dinner up from a 3 to a 4 star experience! I really hope they're able to hire in more staff because they serve some great food and beverages.

    Photos
    58 Degrees & Holding - Private Dining Room (2)

    Private Dining Room (2)

    58 Degrees & Holding - Cheese Plate

    Cheese Plate

    58 Degrees & Holding - Wine Bar

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    Wine Bar

    Allora - POLPO - Balsamic glazed octopus, Calabrian chili, ink, potato gnocchi

    Allora

    4.4(868 reviews)
    2.3 miEast Sacramento
    $$$$
    Women-owned & operated
    Fine dining

    We had the good fortune to try Allora tonight. What a treat! The ambiance is modern and inviting,…read moreif loud. (Soft surfaces would help a lot.) The menu was varied and had a myriad of interesting and unique dishes. The service was excellent, including the delightful manager who also poured wines and checked in often. The food was very good and absolutely gorgeous. Eclectic plating and dishes with beautiful arrays of colors, textures and layers. Every dish was good, but there were a few stand outs. The melon gazpacho with melon, prosciutto and sweet shrimp was something I've never had before. It was cool and creamy and refreshing. The lasagna was something I've never creamy and rich. The halibut, with a super thin butter toast as the 'skin' was a revelation. And the desserts were something I've never well considered and played, not super sweet with contrasting sour and creamy notes in each one we tried. Overall a lovely experience and a great place to celebrate life.

    Oh my! Where to start. This was a wonderful meal. It is expensive, but what an amazing meal. We…read morestarted with cocktails. My wife had "it must be Summer. This is like a special French 75. I loved my Paloma. We had the four coarse tasting. For antipasti she had panzanella. I loved the smoked corn vellutata. This was a cool smokey corn soup. Very refreshing on a warm evening. For pasta she had bucatini ala Traponese. I really enjoyed agnolotti. It was wonderfully light but quite flavorful. For entrees she loved scallops. The pork loin was great for me. She loved her desert of ciambella while I savored bomboloni. The staff assisted us perfectly with helpful suggestions and prompt attention. The only minor concern was excess noise on the patio. We're getting older so for us the loud fan and a few loud other diners were a slight inconvenience, but overall our experience at Allora was superb. Thank you.

    Photos
    Allora - TORTELLINI EN BRODO - Branzino, scallop, fermented corn, Jimmy Nardello peppers.

    TORTELLINI EN BRODO - Branzino, scallop, fermented corn, Jimmy Nardello peppers.

    Allora
    Allora - HAMACHI CRUDO* - Cured Hamachi, marinated beets, Calabrian chili

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    HAMACHI CRUDO* - Cured Hamachi, marinated beets, Calabrian chili

    The Waterboy - french - Updated September 2026

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