Pizza Innovation Flourishes in Sacramento
A wave of innovation is sweeping through the pizza scene in Sacramento. The city, which was once criticized for its lack of quality pizza options, is now experiencing a renaissance with the introduction of various new pizza concepts. Over the past few months, several new establishments have opened, each offering something unique to hungry patrons, thereby enhancing the city’s gastronomic landscape.
Among these recent additions, local pizzerias like Majka Pizzeria & Bakery, Pizzasaurus Rex, and Pizza Supreme Being have already set high standards, thrilling pizza enthusiasts with their distinctive offerings. A new crop of culinary ventures promises to continue this trend and fill the gap left by the closure of the iconic Zelda’s Pizza, a beloved institution known for its deep-dish pies.
One of these new ventures is Solimar, situated in North Oak Park next to Faria Bakery. Since its opening in August, Solimar has been offering a delightful mix of Chicago tavern-style pizzas alongside pies featuring seasonal local ingredients such as figs or house-made carnitas. It occupies a middle ground between New York and Neapolitan pizza styles, akin to what Bambina Pizza & Pasta offers.
Bambina Pizza & Pasta Expands Options
Bambina opened last month in the bustling Ice Blocks development of midtown. It has captured attention with its Sicilian-style pizzas and unique oblong flatbreads known as pinsas. The establishment focuses on offering a diverse menu, catering to varying taste preferences while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality ingredients.
Meanwhile, Juanes Ramazzini, the owner of Anonimo Pizza located in Alkali Flat, is transitioning his business to a new brand called Luccas. This rebranding effort retains popular items from Anonimo while introducing square Detroit-style pizzas and calzones, expanding the menu to attract more patrons.
Diverse Flavors in Downtown Sacramento
Burgers Pizza + More has emerged as a new player on K Street, taking over the location from Pizza Rock. Since its launch in August, this establishment has introduced wood-fired pizzas with innovative toppings that are difficult to find elsewhere. Hailing from the operators of Tako Korean BBQ, these pizzas include flavors like bulgogi, kimchi, japchae, and a unique gochujang tomato sauce.
TJ Bruce is soon to open Marilyn’s Pizza in midtown Sacramento, promising to serve 20-inch New York-style pizzas and slices for night owls looking for late-hour options. Its close proximity to several LGBTQ+ bars in Lavender Heights makes it an attractive choice for patrons in the area.
Moreover, Chicha Peruvian Kitchen has expanded from Roseville to midtown Sacramento, infusing its menu with new pizza varieties covered in aji amarillo, a Peruvian pepper, bringing a unique fusion to the forefront of Sacramento’s dining scene.
Adapting to Changing Consumer Tastes
The growth in Sacramento’s pizza scene can be attributed to pizzerias adapting successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their products suited the convenience of home dining during this period, maintaining popularity even post-pandemic. Establishments like Marilyn’s and Bambina have embraced this by offering late-night slices, catering to those looking for post-evening entertainment dining options.
Sacramento’s consumers have developed a discerning palate, increasingly supporting pizzerias that prioritize quality and innovation. Ramazzini, who has amassed extensive experience working with renowned establishments like Pizza Rock and Hot Italian as well as gaining international experience in Italy and the Bay Area, highlights the cultural shift towards an appreciation for quality. “There’s a change in appreciation for good quality that unchains us to be more creative and bring more to Sacramento,” Ramazzini noted.
Select Tastes at Miso Japanese Restaurant
On a different note, Miso Japanese Restaurant offers an authentic Japanese dining experience across from the bustling Tower Cafe and Tower Theatre. Its seemingly modest exterior belies an inviting interior featuring a light wood sushi bar adorned with samurai swords, geisha dolls, and small Japanese figurines. This setting is perfect for relaxed dining experiences, including happy hours and tabletop-grilled dishes.
While some specials, like sushi tacos, keep Miso aligned with modern trends, traditional and hearty offerings such as Japanese curry, Kyoto-style beef katsu, and yakiudon remain staples. These dishes are notably complemented by a creamy, tangy house sauce served with fluttering bonito flakes.
The sushi selection spans a spectrum from simple ebi nigiri to premium choices such as hamachi toro sashimi. An excellent middle option is the hon maguro, or bluefin tuna, known for its buttery texture and exquisite accompaniments like fried leeks and kizami wasabi. When prepared as nigiri, the sushi is served over rice seasoned with sour red vinegar, offering a traditional taste.
Miso Japanese Restaurant Details
- Address: 1517 Broadway, Sacramento
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
- Phone: 916-680-9338
- Website: Visit Site
- Drinks: Full bar available
- Vegetarian options: Available across most menu categories
- Noise level: Relatively quiet
- Outdoor seating: None
New Openings Around Sacramento
- Shipwrecked Tiki Bar commenced operations on October 5 in midtown.
- Tallow Organic Grill is set for its grand opening in El Dorado Hills, focusing on wellness-centric dining with pasture-raised meats.
- Cilantro’s Mexican Grill concluded its run after 18 years at Elk Grove’s Waterman Plaza as of September 30.
With these exciting developments, Sacramento establishes itself as a vibrant hub for culinary innovation, encouraging both new and seasoned pizzerias to thrive. The city continues to attract entrepreneurs who are eager to cater to its diverse and discerning diners, ensuring a bright future for its ever-evolving food scene.