Café Roma

This new little place just opened up. While I love it, I hate it because the Gelato will kill my waistline. Just by walking in I could smell the fresh ingredients and taste the authenticity in their food. Thank you for opening!!!
**closed now**

I’m a little surprised that this place is now closed because I heard they were just renovating. Well, RIP Café Roma. I’ll eulogize you for posterity’s sake.
Food: I came here with some colleagues for some classy gelato. At first, I wasn’t expecting much. From the street, Café Roma looks like a generic Italian restaurant. The gelato was anything but boring, however. They had flavors like salty caramel and a deep maroon blackberry cabernet sorbet (
). I never had the pleasure of eating their food, but I remember one of the people in my program brought this enormous meatball sub to a lunch meeting. It looked absolutely scrumptious.
Atmosphere: This place looked sort of like an upscale soda fountain and an Italian villa. You’d never guess it was so fancy from the outside.
Service: Our server, coiffed with the most amazing hairstyle and painted with fabulous retro makeup, doled out tons of samples with finesse. It did take her forever to charge us, though.
Synopsis: I didn’t see a lot of traffic coming in and out of here. I also never tried their food for some odd reason, possibly because of the price, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that they’ve closed. Farewell, Café Roma.

I used to love this place and go there all the time! Over the past few months, the service has gotten terrible!
Last time I was there it took me 20 minutes to get my order. Everyone being the counter was running around like crazy and bumping into each other and dropping things. Behind the counter was a mess, with food and scraps everywhere. I watched them assemble my pannini in a blob of hummus that was on the counter. The worker was very nice and apologetic for the wait so I left somewhat okay.
I decided to give them another try today. I ordered half a pannini and a salad. Again, I waited 20 minutes to get my order. During this time, I was asked several times to repeat what I had ordered (every few minutes) and they gave me different reasons why it was taking so long… they put in the wrong sandwich in the press, they had to mix some more salad, etc… FINALLY I got my order and the worker told me he gave me a whole sandwich instead of the half that I had ordered because of the long wait. I thanked them and hurried out. When I got back to my office I opened the bag and inside was someone else’s order. Lasagna or something… and no salad. So annoying! I’m not sure if I will go back any time soon. Its too bad, because their food is actually really good!

Loved this place! Hands down used to be my favorite restaurant to go to downtown. Great food! Pizza was to die for, paninis were fantastic, good lasagna, and. They had Gelato. Sorry to see this place go.

This Café Roma location is now closed. There is a sign on the door that says «Sorry. Business Closed» and when you look in the window, everything except the counters is gone and the place is empty.

Amazing customer service and the Neopolitan Pizza was made to order and WOW! Loved this place !

I took my lasagna to go as well as a menu for my supervisor… I threw away the menu. First of all, they have a jar next to the register that says, «Every time you don’t tip a unicorn dies». (Smh) So tacky! If I want to, I will; you pressure me, I won’t. And I didn’t. Next, my lasagna. The bottom was burned so I could barely cut through it, let alone eat it. Had to cut off the bottom before ingesting. The «garlic bread» served with it… let’s just say it was *hard* to take a bite. I’m good! Don’t think I’ll be back. Ciao

Love this place! Great food, phenomenal desserts and even better service. Occasionally, I stop by here for coffee or breakfast/​brunch on the weekends. The family who owns this place hires really sociable, fun people. They always remember me and maintain this place well.

Café Roma is one of the only places in downtown Sacramento that serves Italian food.
Food:
I ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce, and it was decent. It is something I can easily make at home, but I was craving some pasta.
They have daily specials. The Chicken Parmesan sounded really good, so I will have to try that next time.
Side Notes
Ambiance:
You order at the cashier and you’re given a number, if you’re dining in.
Service:
The line to order can get pretty long during peak lunch hours.
Overall:
If you’re looking for some decent Italian food in downtown Sacramento, give this place a try!

I’ve eaten here maybe three times, and it’s safe to say I’ve left each time somewhat disappointed in the food. It’s not terrible, it’s just not great.
The service is fine; I mean, it’s a pay-​at-​the-​counter-​and-​they-​bring-​you-​your-​food place, and I’ve never had anyone make a mistake on my order. The way they display the side dishes in an open glass case kind of makes me twist my mouth a bit, but it’s a good way to see what your options are.
Their on-​the-​wall menu is a little frustrating for people who don’t have the best eyesight, as whoever wrote it has small handwriting. The atmosphere is decent, the restaurant looks clean, and they have a nice little patio out front.
All this said, I’ve heard they have great gelato.

Cute setting in a small café, with a perfect view of the Capitol on a weekday. :)
The daily cheese ravioli with meat sauce was pretty good. The only downside was it took quite a while for it to be prepared and served. In a location where majority of the customers would be state workers, I’m surprised the service was slower than what we expected, knowing they have a limited time for lunch.
The food itself was good, but the panini looked better, which next time, that is what I’ll try out. The chicken Tuscany.
On the bright side, they do validate the parking garage on the corner for up to 3 hours, and around the corner from the Cathedral.

Another sweet little restaurant my wife introduced to me. In our most recent visit we both enjoyed sharing each others meals. She had the chicken alfredo pasta while I had orignially ordered an Italian sausage slice of pizza, which they sadly didn’t have at the moment, I was just as delighted by their panini. Great service and they expanded their restaurant… one of our favourite places to eat. 5 stars for Café Roma!

Though it may not have the absolute best food in the area (don’t get me wrong, they make a great panini), you won’t find friendlier or more attentive service anywhere around the L street side of the Capitol than you will at Café Roma.
I’ve only been twice, but both times I felt like I was treated like a regular. The first time, a man who I assume must have been the owner more than made up for a long wait time with repeat check-​ups and a gelato offering. The second time, I had no problems– just a yummy, prompt panini with which I was offered a frequent buyer card.
Besides their paninis (which are perfect for a light Katie-​sized lunch… so fellas, you may want to order a side!), their Greek salad is also good if you’re a veggie lover! Can’t wait to try more sammies and salads. This is definitely a local business that I don’t mind giving my business to. They seem to really want to know their customers and give them a good experience — not just take advantage of folks in the area desperate for lunch.

I love their Tuesday lasagna and their gelato! The lasagna is $ 7.50 and is rich in cheese and meat and sauce! They give you a side of garlic butter bread for all of that yummy sauce. The vanilla bean gelato and strawberry cheesecake gelato were soo good. I look forward to trying the other flavors!
The tables are squeezed in here, so it would be uncomfortable to sit back-​to-​back with someone at the neighboring table. There’s outdoor seating for people like me who enjoy a little more space. They bring your food to you if you eat there, which is always nice.

This is a great little lunch spot for 1 – 3 people, especially if you are craving Italian. I have tried a few different items on their menu and truly enjoyed everything. I usually get the «meal deal» for $ 8.99 which includes a wonderful grilled sandwich (or sub), salad and a drink. The sandwiches are really great, here’s what I’ve had so far:
Tuna Melt — Very gourmet and herby. Loaded with fresh ingredients and quite yummy, though I think I prefer the more fattening tuna melts I make at home.
Meatball Sub — This thing is huge. The bread is toasty, yet soft, and stuffed with just the right amount of marinara, home made meatballs and mozzarella cheese. Oddly enough, it is very easy to consume without making a huge mess.
Turkey and Havarti Panini — Super tasty and satisfying without being too filling.
They use nice, DARK leafy greens in their salads which is awesome. Make sure you get some gelato while you’re there! I believe they have 15 flavors and three sizes to chose from. I have tried Vanilla Bean and Strawberry Cheesecake and both were excellent.

I work down the block and had to go to See’s next door for a gift so I gave them a try.
I ordered the Tuscan Chicken Panini. The bread was fresh and light but my sandwich seemed to be missing ½ of it’s advertised toppings. It was bread, chicken, cheese and tomato’s. No sign of the basil, lettuce or lemon aoli they listed as ingredients. It was dry and tasteless.
Staff was friendly enough. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door and advised of the specials. As I was paying for my panini I asked what was on the Hummus plate special and told they could make it however I want… huh??? I just want to know what it comes with but never really got an answer. The flat bread pizza on display looked good and would be the only reason I may go back and try them again.
One other pet peeve… if you are a café brew your own iced tea, they had one of those tea/​soda machines.

Came here on a whim– it was one of those «I don’t give a crap about what we eat for lunch let’s just find something right now I’m friggin’ hungry»
afternoons.
Prices, I have to say are fair– my only beef was with how small my half of a panini was… I ordered it with the pasta salad– and thought it was a side of foccacia. I’m not gonna lie. it WAS good. I’m a sucker for fresh basil though;) The kid had the Marguerite pizza… amazing. You bet your ass Ill be back for a slice. I am not sure how they do Is it the sauce? the crust? the spice??? Whatever it was, it tastes like HOME. I also love that they sell cans of orange and lemon Pelligrino.
Staff was SUPER sweet and cool– service with a no nonsense smile. We sat outside in lovely rocking chairs, under a huge umbrella, with the Capitol as our view next to a beautiful baby olive tree. I can see myself coming back here for the gelato. I’m kinda in like with you, Café Roma.

I’ve been coming here lately for breakfast and I must say, it REALLY hits the spot. Whether you’re hungover or just need something nice and solid in your stomach, Café Roma’s breakfast is your morning break destination.
I get the two egg breakfast (scrambled), with fried house potatoes, sausage, and toast. It’s like $ 6, but so worth it and they give you a pretty heapin’ helping of yum. They put pepper and a few other herbs/​spices in their scrambled eggs so they’re just like mom made them. The sausage isn’t a patty or teeny weenie, it’s a proper Italian sausage, cut in half and browned. It’s similar to a traditional breakfast you’d see at Waffle Square, Denny’s, or Lyon’s, but tastier.
They make it when you order it, so if you’re in a rush you should call ahead.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish my breakfast.

I tried Café Roma for the first time yesterday and instantly got hooked on their meatball sub!
They use fresh truckee sourdough rolls for the bread, their own sausage and sauce and bake it with some mozzarella on top and WOW is it good.
I did almost miss the restaurant because there was no hanging sign above their space like the other restaurants along the same street, but a quick turn to the left and you can see the signs on their windo.
It’s not a huge place, but the food can be taken to go or you can eat outside where you can get a great view of the state capitol building while you enjoy one of their creamy gelato flavors. I went with the peanut butter chocolate flavor and I’d definitely have it again.
The employees were friendly and organized and the service was quick.

While aimlessly strolling down L Street on a beautiful, sunny, spring like day in late winter, I came across Café Roma. Thanks to an informative review by one of my Unilocal friends, I knew they served gelato and it seemed like the perfect time to give them a try.
Entering the small café I noticed the gelato counter near the front and immediately was approached by a friendly young man behind the counter that seemed to be fairly knowledgeable about the various flavors and the manufacture (Gelato Classical).
After a few minutes of indecision and several free samples, I made my choices of a scoop of strawberry and a scoop of white chocolate raspberry in a medium cup.
I proceeded outside to a table basking in the glorious penetrating rays of warm afternoon sunshine to experience this wonderful, life changing encounter with my lush creamy gelato. After indulging in only a few bites, a man sat down at the table next to me, immediately lighting up a putrid smelling cigarette, the light breeze making it float in my direction, completely engulfing me and my wonderful gelato pleasure in acrid smoke. Unfortunately this is a rather typical experience with any Sacramento eatery having any kind of patio.
Within a minute a rather foul smelling bus (I did not think they had those in Sacramento any longer) came roaring to the curb next to my table, its breaks screaming in an ear splitting screech. Fortunately it devoured my smoking intruder and rushed away in a large gust of wind leaving me to enjoy the splendidly beautiful day and my delicious gelato.
The end.