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Best Italian Food Restaurant Sacramento
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
1518 W El Camino AveSacramento, CA 95833
Neighborhood: Natomas
(916) 234-3570
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
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$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Best Italian Food Restaurant Sacramento
Review Highlights
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"First timer, and my husband n i love Anthony's." In 6 reviews -
"It's truly a neighborhood gem." In 3 reviews -
"...very good and fresh and the wine sauce top galley, also the..." In 2 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole J.
West Sacramento, CA
6/13/2011
We had dinner here, 6/10.
This is def a local/hidden spot...we liked that it wasn't too crowded for a Friday night and the service was really good.
Jimmy liked his clam chowder, my minestrone soup was hearty but bland. It was better when I added S&P.
Jimmy ordered the plate with chicken fettichini alfredo and meat lasagna. We both liked it alot.
I ordered spaghetti with sausage. I really enjoyed it. The pasta was cooked perfect, I liked the thickness of the red sauce and I was surprised how much I liked the sausage. My order was so big I only had half and took the rest home. -
Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2011
This is one of those hidden spots that should just stay hidden. I'm sure some of the people that live nearby like it, but I just wasn't feeling that vibe holmes.
For the Best Italian Food the menu wasn't much for 'Pure" Italian. It was dark inside which was probably be design to cover the dingy and cheap feel to the interior. The staff seemed to be a bit on the downer side. It wasn't as bad as emo's cutting themselves but there was a lack of pep in their step.
I went safe with the bread and chicken fettuccini. Honestly it wasn't that good and I left most of it on the plate and filled up on bread instead. Saving grace was the good garlic bread! Apparently I'm not the only one who feels this isn't the best judging by the sparse crowd. -
Review from Samantha W.
Sacramento, CA
9/4/2011
Thought I'd try this place after I got a flier for it on my door. Honestly, I didn't know it even existed.
Upon first impression, I wasn't impressed. The decor is dark, dirty, dingy, yeah...I didn't have high hopes, but my dad and I decided to stay anyway. The kid, I'm assuming the bus boy, didn't look older than maybe 14. He was slow, didn't speak to tables when dropping off drinks or garlic bread (which, by the way, we only got two small pieces in one basket). Our waitress was friendly enough, she took our order, and that was that.
I ordered the chicken alfredo, my dad ordered lasagna. Like I read in another review. They were good, not great, but good enough to eat.
That was that. Nothing really outstanding or special about the place. If we were stuck at home and didn't know what to eat, I wouldn't throw it out as a suggestion, but if someone said "Hey, we're going to that little Italian restaurant" I'd go. -
Review from Jen G.
Sacramento, CA
3/10/2011
Good, not great, similar to the last few dates I've been on. The pictures on yelp make this place look like a hot mess, but I was pleasantly surprised by the yummy food, good service, and quaint atmosphere. Let me preface the "yummy food" classification by saying there has never been an alfredo or a lasagna that I haven't liked so take that for what it's worth.
Tiny place, if you are dining and looking for privacy or have a party larger than 4 you might want to find someplace else. Reminds me a bit of the Sopranos, imagined I was a gangster, which was fun. -
Review from B P.
Sacramento, CA
4/1/2011
Great food. Not bland at all, like some of the other reviewers said.
I enjoyed my meal and will be going back! -
Review from Alena M.
1/26/2009
I'll start off by saying that the only reason I ate here was because I had a $10 http://restaurant.com gift certificate. The strip mall location, out of control Valentine's Day decorations, disturbingly loud refrigerator and so-so food are a guarantee that I won't be back.
Yes, the prices were low and the portions were fairly big. And I got salad and garlic bread with my manicotti. But the quality was really sub-par and the ambience was lacking hard core.
I'm usually a nice reviewer but this place just didn't do it for me. -
Review from K V.
Sacramento, CA
5/10/2009
Fine dining, it's not. It's doesn't try to be.
Yes, it's in a strip mall. Yes, the decor is lacking. Yes, they only have one highchair and it's broken. I will take this over a bland, soulless, chain restaurant with average overpriced food any day.
The minestrone is good. My husband enjoys the pasta. I can't get enough of the Chicken Anthony - chicken with artichoke hearts and mushrooms in a wine sauce. My dad enjoyed the cioppino so much he didn't share.
I don't recommend the desserts but I'm usually so full from dinner I don't mind skipping it.
The service is friendly and there seem to be many regulars. It's truly a neighborhood gem. We have yet to be disappointed. -
Review from Mark L.
Sacramento, CA
4/7/2010
Mom and pop shop in a strip mall? Sounds good to me, the place itself is pretty mediocre. Cheap Italian food that doesn't taste like crap (actually I'd go as far as saying it's better than Carinos and Strings).
I ordered a lasagna luncheon with a salad and garlic bread (included). It was a lot of food for the $8 price tag and it was good. Reminds me of Wings Kitchen on La Riviera by Sac State, good budget food.
When you come in, seat yourself and the cook will be with you shortly and don't think for second that you won't get good Italian food because it is a Hispanic-owned restaurant because you will enjoy the place.
I'm going to give the place 3-stars since the food was good, service was a little on the slow side, but I've had better Italian food but you get what you pay for. -
Review from Amy J.
10/5/2010
This little place is charming, very reasonable & great for families. The problem is, they just don't season their food. The menu is ambitious. I was desperately hoping the food would be above-average, I'd be in there twice a week! Alas, just can't give it high marks.
Tried the multi-meat canneloni, ravioli & minestrone. Large portions, but no flavor. If they would just put some salt & spices in their dishes, the place would be a hit. It's in an area of S. Natomas that is starved for restaurants, especially of the non-chain variety. -
Review from Erica C.
3/14/2010 1 photo
There really isn't any places to get pasta in Natomas, except for maybe Strings and Carinos. Both those places are mediocre. This place is better than the two.
We walked in and seated ourselves. Service was quick. I ordered the Linguine Del Mare and had a cup of Clam Chowder. Clam Chowder was tasty. The linguine needed a little bit more flavor. But it was alright. The pastas also came with garlic bread.
I would probably come back here again if I was really craving for some pasta. But i'm still looking for a good pasta place around here to eat! -
Review from crystal c.
Sacramento, CA
4/12/2010
There is a program through my work where you can order things from an online menu of a restaurant of the day, then it gets delivered. Anthony's is one of the restaurants that participates and I've ordered from them twice. Please note that I have never eaten in the restaurant so I can't speak for the service, ambiance, or anything else. This review is purely about the food.
Usually, anything taken to-go isn't as good as it would be if you ate in. I've found that the exceptions to this rule are Italian and Chinese, so I figured Anthony's to-go food would be about the same as what they would serve you.
The first time, I ordered fettuccine and it was cold, bland, the noodles were way overcooked. I reheated it and it was still terrible. The sauce was so tasteless it was as if they had poured milk on the noodles. Yuck. I ate four bites and threw it away.
The second time, I ordered spaghetti with mushroom sauce and a side of minestrone soup. It arrived very hot (I almost dropped it because the bottom burned my hands) which leads me to believe it was relatively fresh.
The noodles were, again, way overdone. The sauce was good at first, then as I started chewing it took on this weird sweet flavor that reminded me of that fake sugar you put in coffee. I tried another few bites and it was the same. I couldn't get more than five or six bites in before throwing it away. The mushrooms were rubbery and soggy and barely had any sauce on them. It looked like they'd been taken straight from a can and thrown onto the spaghetti after if was already cooked and put into the container, almost as an afterthought.
The minestrone soup had no flavor and all the vegetables were overcooked to the point that it was little more than a pureed mush.
All I was able to eat both times was the mediocre slice of garlic bread that came with it. I can deal with food being cold from being taken to-go, but the flavor itself and quality of the food is awful. I won't be ordering again, and don't see myself seeking this place out.
Two stars instead of one for benefit of the doubt. -
Review from Ivy L.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2009
Came here because it was really close to my apartment. Kinda different from other italian places b/c this small restaurant is run by a hispanic family. it was kind of hard ordering b/c of the language barrier. I had the sausage and peppers italian sandwich that came with fries. It wasn't too special...tasted just like a polish from the grocery store. The grilled bell peppers with onion really made it better though. it made the sandwich sweet and the juices from the sausage made it savory.
I'll come back to this place because it's cheap and the food is decent. You won't be disappointed, but you won't be amazed either. -
Review from Lenne K.
Sacramento, CA
4/9/2009
First timer, and my husband n i love Anthony's.
It's a small place. It takes awhile to cook our food although it was only 2 people dine when we came.
But the food was great. In the future, we probably order it to go just to save time. -
Review from Devo S.
Updated - 3/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Love this place...love the canneloni rossini! Never disappoints; I'll keep going back since there is a distinct lack of variety in Natomas, and because these guys deserve to stay in business. Totally a neighborhood gem!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2010
I think Anthony's is a real neighborhood gem. There is not much choice out here the Natomas area… Read more »
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Review from Jill C.
Sacramento, CA
4/1/2011
Hubby and I enjoyed our meal, which was 2 for 1 w/ Entertainment coupon, went late on a Monday nite, just before closing time at 9 but enjoyed pretty good meal for the $. A few other parties were finishing up.
Granted the soup needed alot of salt, but then it was fine (lotsa places are not adding salt these days-for low sodium clientele).
Don't know what people are saying about ghetto, we did not get that feeling at all. Yes its in a strip mall but we parked 10' from front door and once inside was a little campy Italian place, not hideous.
I had scampi, which was very good and fresh and the wine sauce top galley, also the bread was a nice free addition.
He had double lasagne which came with fettucine alfredo, the minestrone, and veggies and bread (all for about $12) and I must say I kept stealing his noodles one at a time to eat with my scampi (my riggatoni reminded me of Fuseli Jerry & I just could not).
And we only paid for 1 entree.
We finished off by sharing a tiramisu which was the lightest, most delish I have had in sometime. We will go back to this neighborhood joint. -
Review from Leonard R.
Sacramento, CA
3/30/2011
Delicious generous portions. Save some dough and find them on http://restaurants.com, buy a gift certificate on sale and chow down! You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Jennifer A.
West Sacramento, CA
2/7/2008
Anthony's is kinda like the best kept secret in Natomas. It has a strip mall feel to it because, well it's in a strip mall, but you can get a good meal at the right price here. Its a family run establishment and the food is supprisingly very good. My husband likes the Sausage and pepper plate and I love the Chicken ala Anthony. Stick with the Pasta (aslo the seafood dishes are very good for the price) stay away from the Pizza(it was an afterthought to try and bring in a lunch crowd) and you will be happy camper. Dinners include Soup or Salad and Bread. As with most Italian places. Service is usaually good if they aren't to busy ,wich weeknights are fine for. Eat and enjoy. Most sit down Italian food is overpriced in my opinion. ( it's far superior to Spagetti Factory) Anthony's hits it right on target. You will be surprised!
Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Angel N.
Sacramento, CA
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have great food everytime we go there. We love that they remove the meat sauce for us because we are vegetarians. AJ the owner has always been helpful with our community events by donating food to the elementary school.
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Review from Inga B.
Sacramento, CA
12/7/2009
I really love this place, except it's in a messed up area. ghetto people outside scare customers away, in my opinion.
Garlic bread is OK....
salad is good, w/ kidney/garb. beans, I like the ranch, it tastes fresh, not hidden valley
The combo pizza is AWESOME!!!!!
ANthony's chicken- yummmmmmmmmmmm
Fettuccini Alfredo - one of the best i've had!!!!
YES, they are Mexican owners......BUTTTTT HELLO!! MOst restaruants around here have hispanic cooks in the back that you dont see.....Rarely is there a lil old Italian g-ma in the back slaving in the kitchen!!!!!!!!
Anyways, try it out, if you're afraid of the area, come in the day then...and have the pepper spray in hand!!!!!! hahaha -
Review from The L.
West Sacramento, CA
11/3/2008
This place is a hole in the wall and kinda in the ghetto. They are not Italian and the service was a bit slow. The ranch was very watery, the meat sauce and alfredo sauce food tastes bland and they are very skimpy with their garlic bread. Every time we get a soda refill, they put more ice so but the end of the night, the ice was filled to the top of the glass. They only thing I like is their cioppino - that was not bad. But I won't return just for that. I am still seeking a good Italian restaurant in Sacramento.
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Review from Jeremy S.
Sacramento, CA
12/16/2008
Delicious food reasonably priced...
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Review from Sarah S.
8/10/2010
I ended up here with my friend because Bangkok City was closed. Total old school Americanized Italian, and it sits like a brick. I tried the cannelloni and the eggplant parmesan, which tasted all right. You're definitely not wishing for more cheese or sauce. The prices were a little all over the place. There are a million variations on pasta with meat and cheese but they cost anywhere from $7 to $15 or so. Good service.
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Review from Shaunta R.
Sacramento, CA
12/13/2008
Anthony's has been around for yrs and if u haven't heard it is the best italian food Resterant.nice size portions very tasty. I have tried many different entrée can't choose my fav I always reccommend to friends.very good prices
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Review from frank g.
Sacramento, CA
6/25/2011
this is a bargain. with a nice family as owners who run the place. they want to please you. great eggplant parmesan (maybe it depends on who is in the kitchen, not sure). prices are fine. it is sort of retro small italian eatery. good, free, garlic toast. water glasses filled often. very personal service. a few miles from arco arena, go and head up the street to see the game after.
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Review from Carley H.
Sacramento, CA
3/7/2011
Wow, I am surprised at these reviews, so I had to post one myself. I have eaten here twice. I definitely agree with all of those who say that this place lacks spices/salt/flavor. I have been disappointed as well as those I took with me were disapointed. I would definitely say Carino's is better. Carino's knows how to do flavor. The garlic bread is warm, but not good bread. The whole experience both times was less than mediocre. The only thing this restaurant has going for it is that literally there is NO competition in the area it is in. Still, I am not sure that convenience is worth a lack of taste.
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Review from Edward H.
Elk Grove, CA
2/24/2009
The place was advertised to open at 11 AM. I came at 11:15 and the doors were still locked, so I decided to come back later. When I went in, there was no sign specifying whether to seat myself or if someone would come in and wait for me, so I was standing there lost for a minute while the server was looking down at a piece of paper. I decided to just seat myself.
When it came down to ordering food, I tried the fried Zucchini and the Ravioli in meat sauce. The Ravioli also came with a salad and garlic bread. The ranch dressing for the salad was very watery, and unfortunately, it was the same ranch dip used for the Zucchini (which tasted bland). The Ravioli was piping hot, but the tomato sauce seemed to suffer the same watery qualities of the ranch.
I was able to finish the meal and the bill was somewhat inexpensive, but I suppose you get what you pay for. -
Review from Rich B.
Sacramento, CA
3/29/2009
This is one confusing little Italian joint. It's located in a Natomas strip mall. We entered and noticed how dark it was in there. Nobody seemed in any hurry to seat us, so we seated ourselves. It's run by what seemed to be a hispanic family and the bottle of Tapatio on the table had me starting to get worried about how "Italian" the food was going to be. The waitress came to our table to give us our menus and take our drink order. Talk about communication issues! If you speak good enough Spanish, then you will be fine. Unfortunately I do not and I would have never guessed that would be an issue in an Italian place.
The food is cheap and the portions are pretty large. They brought out garlic bread and asked if we would like more. It was ok but not much different than what you can make at home in a couple of minutes.
Spaghetti and meatballs - Meat sauce was actually pretty good. The meatballs though needed some help. Not a lot of flavor and they seemed to be straight-up boiled. Not very appetizing.
Fettucine with chicken - sauce was ok but once again the meat seemed to be boiled. Zero flavor.
Minestrone soup - blah. Take it or leave it. Was too watery for my taste.
They are really friendly here and at least seem to be trying. The clientel seemed to be mainly hispanic or senior citizens and they all seemed to know the staff/owners very well.
All of the reviews seem to be on one end of the spectum or the other. I guess maybe it would help to look at the reviewers other reviews to get an idea if they seem to have the same taste as you in restaurants. I can't slam the place, but there are so many options for good Italian food that I can not imagine a scenario where I would return a second time. -
Review from m g.
Sacramento, CA
2/7/2010
I have always wanted to try this place and just did. The food was fantastic! I had the Chicken Marsala and my wife had the Chicken Anthony, both were outstanding! I have not had Chicken Marsala like this in years. The last time was when I was younger and a buddy's mother had made it and mind you, she was from Italy.
The salad dressings are so-so and the garlic bread is just that, garlic bread. Other than that, everything else was great. Mind you, this is a hole in the wall place in a so-so part of Natomas. But, if you are looking for great Italian meals, good prices, and do not mind the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, try this place. Not many other Italian places to compare this to in the area except for Carino's or String's (now closed), the food here is definitely much better and cheaper.
Yes, the owners are hispanic, but that does not matter as they cook like they are Italian.
Oh, the sign to seat yourself is affixed to the counter in back. -
Review from gretchen y.
Sacramento, CA
6/4/2009
my family and I have enjoyed our meals many times, what it lacks in ambience reflects on the big portions and good prices,I had a prawn dish and they gave me like 8 big plump fresh prawns. Id take this place over the olive garden any day.The veal marsala was very good
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Review from Richard D.
Broderick, CA
11/23/2008
Jennifer nailed it!
