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Spataro Restaurant and Bar Reviews List

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Spataro Restaurant and Bar

1415 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Located next to the Community Center Theatre and across the street from the Capitol building, Spataro offers panoramic views of Capitol Park and the gardens. Also, within walking distance; the Hyatt Regency, Marriot Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Convention Center and Memorial Auditoreum. From the open kitchen come classic, soulful Italian dishes prepared using local seasonal ingredients. Extensive California and Italian wine list, specialty cocktails and cigar menu are available. Outdoor dining, private dining and banquet facilities are available.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: 14th St.
95 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(95 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 95 reviews
5 stars
(44)
4 stars
(39)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • special occasion(45)
  • fit for foodies(39)
  • good for groups(28)
  • romantic(27)
  • great for lunch(26)
  • neighborhood gem(16)
Spataro Restaurant and Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

If Spataro holds itself up

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"If Spataro holds itself up to being fine dining, they've missed there mark. It's really a casual middle of the road restaurant."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2010
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We will miss Spataro

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our dinner was terrific from beginning to end. We had the lasagna and the cannelloni along with the romaine salad with lemon dressing. All were superb, and we finished with the divine chocolate caramel tart. Our server was the perfect blend of friendly and attentive. We have always enjoyed our dinners at Spataro, and we will definitely be trying their new restaurant when they reopen in a few weeks."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

sorry that it had to close

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"sorry that it had to close but it was great restuarant!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Last dinner before changes

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Last dinner before changes in the restaurant - will be a great loss for those looking for a classic dining experience..too bad for Sacramento"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Spataro was our first and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Spataro was our first and only experience, since after this week is closing as Spataro and opening as another type of restaurant. Really sad for my wife and me since our meal and service was terrific and would have been back again. A suggestion: Under special features, there should be a selection choice for 'convenient to Community Theater.'"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Closing soon.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice place that is unfortunately closing in two weeks. Limited menu."
Dined on 03/11/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our favorite spot prior to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our favorite spot prior to going to the theatre. Food and service is consistently very good in a relaxed and comfortable setting."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Pastas were outstanding as

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Pastas were outstanding as well as the burratta and proscuito appetisers. The carpaccio lacked flavor and the cod fish fritters were luke warm.
Service by Tony was outstanding."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2003
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My friend and I have been

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"My friend and I have been going to Spartaros for many years, usually before a show. Always have had outstanding and very friendly service."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Second visit a disappointment

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"First visited in January and had a wonderful food and service experience, so much so that we deceided to return in February. The service was wonderful and on the mark. Unfortunately the food was very disappointing on this visit. We had the sausage pepperdelle and clam linguine. Both were bland and were just warm enough not to be sent back to be re-heated.
Had this been our first visit, it would have also be our last. Sad to say, that we won't be back and would not recommend Spataro.
They got the makings for a wonderful dinning experience with the great servers and environment,but the kitchen delivery seems to be a hit or miss."
Dined on 02/27/2013
 2010
Special Features: romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I have eaten there several

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I have eaten there several times and it remains very good and the service is great. We are generally on a time frame and they have been very responsive to get us in and out."
Dined on 02/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We had a group dinner of 13.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a group dinner of 13. The food and service considering the large group was excellent. The duck confit brushetta was great. The salmon was particularly good as well as the pasta dishes."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This restaurant is the most

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant is the most reliable restaurant I know that combines good food, with good service and keeps the noise down for productive lunch meetings for just good old fashioned visiting. I recommend it to anyone who finds those qualities desirable. Valet parking can be had most days and validated parking in the garage underneath, makes this my favorite meeting place for any occasion"
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The butternut squash ravioli

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The butternut squash ravioli was to-die-for! We were going to the opera and received prompt service that got sis in and out of there in good time without feeling rushed. Our waiter was terrific!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: notable wine list
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I met three colleagues who

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I met three colleagues who did not know each other for a business lunch. We were greeted, seated, and served in a timely manner. I asked for a "quiet" table and we were seated at one. Our waiter was wonderful -- I appreciated his patience while four women made up their minds about what to eat. I appreciated having my water glass filled often.I have eaten at this restaurant before and found the staff at the desk at the front to be a little bit rude -- this time (maybe it was because we had a reservation) a different young man took care of us -- he was pleasant, helpful, and established a positive tone for our lunch."
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Super luncheon

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was great! The service was fast and efficient. The food was sooooooooo good. I will totally go back to this place and have recommended it to all my friends."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great restaurant. My girlfriend

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great restaurant. My girlfriend and I frequent it often and are rarely disappointed."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

dependable quality with attentive

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"dependable quality with attentive service"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Loved the ambiance and food.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Loved the ambiance and food. Our Waitress was very efficient, knowledgeable, and pleasant. Our only critique would be that the Hostess was away from the front desk (??seating people??) frequently. Many guests lingered here for some time and our late arriving guests actually 'roamed' the restaurant looking for us because the Hostess was not available."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Pasta Carbonara was delicious.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2005
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2005
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Pasta Carbonara was delicious. Like how my mom made it, with salt pork, parmesan, black pepper & an egg, not with Alfredo sauce like some restaurants do to cut corners. The Italian red wine we ordered was fabulous and our lightly dressed romaine salad was perfect. My only issue is that the restaurant on a Friday evening around 7pm was very quiet. More people showed up as we were leaving, but I was shocked how few people were in the dining room. The restaurant is large & we ate in the bar area. This place is great if you are not looking for a 'scene' and but instead a quiet spot to dine."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2005
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 21 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had dinner before the ballet

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"We had dinner before the ballet (for the 2nd tine). It's just perfect. Food is delicious with a nice variety - not just pasta and pizza dishes. The service is really great, including the valet parking which makes dinner & ballet so easy. The ambiance is upscale yet friendly. Great downtown restaurant!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 22 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Sole is excellent and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Sole is excellent and service is outstanding."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 23 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We arrived late due to a parking

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We arrived late due to a parking nightmare and we were seated immediately and were served very timely and were able to get to the Community Center for our event. They really were great getting us in and out. The food was good as usual."
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2007
Special Features: great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 24 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Nice Digs Nothing Special.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The ambiance at Spataro's was very nice and quiet with prompt and courteous service. It was quiet while the view of the kitchen was lively and interesting. The food however was unremarkable. One entree was good, and the other entree was barely edible. The food pairings were appropriate and the layers of each dish were distinct. However the quality of the meat was tough and almost inedible. We enjoyed the experience but won't return for the food. Too bad because I love the restaurant ambiance."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 25 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Overwhelmed on show night?

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Pacing is usually spot on at this restaurant. However Sat eve our olives, appetizers, & salads came out too quickly - 1 right after the other w/ no break, and then there was a long gap before our entree arrived. We had hoped to have a leisurely dinner before the show allowing 1.5 hrs for 4+ courses, but felt like we were being rushed. Otherwise, we would normally have stayed for coffee &/or port. I think our waiter was overwhelmed; we often didn't see him for a long time anywhere in the dining room & the manager(?) helped out more than a few times. One note: the burrata could use more crostini & less pancetta - or maybe consider renaming the dish to Pancetta w/ burrata & fruit, since the pancetta took up 1/2 of the plate."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 26 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

There was a minor confusion

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"There was a minor confusion since it was a busy night, but the manager was really friendly and made up for the trouble. The food was delicious and the experience was overall a good time. I would come back again and recommend this restaurant to my fellow friends."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 27 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Consistently Very good

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"As always, very good food and very good service. Very convenient to Community Center for Broadway Series and Ballet, etc."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 28 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Was very pleased with food,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Was very pleased with food, service and ambiance. I hadn't been there in a while and was not disappointed in the experience. I liked the fact that one could request a substitution for the side accompaniments on the entree, not all restaurants would do that. Would highly recommend."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2008
Special Features: special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 29 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We have been there many times

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We have been there many times for lunch usually before a show and have always been very pleased with all the features. We are always thankful that they will keep our car parked during the show. Service is ALWAYS PLEASANT. Anne Adian"
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 30 for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Tried of Trying

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"After dining here twice lately, we were excited to show friends how Spataro has changed. I had the Stracotto a week before and it was excellent. Totally different experience this time. Mor reminiscent of days of old at this restaurant. Waited an hour and a half for our dinner. Despite the waiter assuring it was on it's way the manager came over and admitted the ticket had gone astray. This was a after I sent my salad back to get what I ordered an hour before. The Italian pot roast -so good the week or two before was stringy and tasteless. Finally we had to argue to at least get our drinks comped."
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2005
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Spataro Restaurant and Bar
Based on the average of (65) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic