Paesano's Pizzeria

Paesano's has been through several iterations during the 5 years I've lived in Sacramento. I haven't been there in a while, so walking into the restaurant yesterday was a disconcerting Twilight Zone moment wherein I looked around helplessly for the order-at-counter setup, quiet booths, and baked ziti I used to know and found it all conspicuously absent.

Around the same time Paesano's appended 'pizzeria' to their name, the restaurant transformed itself, Cinderella style, from a place boasting 'Real Italian Food Real Fast' to a stylish bistro-type cafe with a bar and things on the menu that I can't pronounce. I had a great parking spot, so even though I was wondering who Paesano is and whether or not he has multiple personality disorder, myself and two friends stuck around for lunch.

I don't like noisy restaurants, so I mourn the quietness of Paesano's Past, but I have to say the new menu is impressive. It's also extensive, which means your epicurean friends can order Gorgonzola & Fuji Apple Pizza while the friends who are morbidly afraid of culinary risk can safely enjoy Spaghetti & Meatballs.

Crab & Artichoke Gratin, a balsamic vinaigrette salad, Gemelli Spinaci (pasta with spinach, apple wood smoked bacon, caramelised onions, tomatoes, feta, and roasted garlic cream sauce) and a small Margherita pizza came to a total of $43, which was fair. The food itself was amazing, and I experienced the internal, smug delight that comes with being the person in the group who picked a really excellent lunch spot.

Again my only complaint is the noise, but once the lunch-hour rush was over the atmosphere calmed considerably. However, when the main reason the noise bugs me is the fact that I'm trying to exclaim to my friends about how great the food is, it's a safe bet I'll be going back.

I love the atmosphere and friendliness and neighborhood feel of Paesanos. Call me a creature of habit, but i almost only order the Pad Thai Noodles. Sorry Thai Basil, but i love Paesanos more then yours. LOL.