Adamo's Restaurant

A Midtown Gem That Feels Like Sunday Dinner at Nonna’s Tucked on the corner of 21st and P in Sacramento’s buzzing Midtown, Adamo’s Kitchen looks modest from the sidewalk—exposed brick, a chalkboard specials sign, maybe eight tables and a long communal bench. Step inside, though, and the place wraps you in garlic-scented hugs. The Adamo family (dad John rolling pasta in the open kitchen, daughter Chiara greeting every regular by name) has turned this 40-seat nook into the neighborhood’s living room. On the night I visited, the room hummed with first dates, birthday toasts, and one guy proposing over the carbonara. Yes, she said yes. I came hungry and left borderline euphoric, thanks to three dishes that should be protected by California law. First, the meatballs. Three fist-sized orbs of Niman Ranch beef and pork arrive swimming in Sunday gravy so bright you can taste the San Marzano tomatoes. One bite and the meatball collapses into velvet; the parm shavings melt on contact. I mopped every drop with the house garlic bread—crisp exterior, pillowy middle, brushed with roasted garlic butter that should come with a warning label. Next, the chicken alfredo. Forget the gloopy dorm-room version. Adamo’s fettuccine is extruded fresh daily, ridged just enough to cradle the sauce. The cream is light yet luxurious, sparked with black pepper and a whisper of nutmeg. Grilled Mary’s chicken strips carry perfect char marks and stay juicy inside. Twirl, bite, sigh—repeat until the bowl is a crime scene of sauce streaks. And the french fries? Sacrilege to order fries at a pasta temple, yet these “sucio” fries are legendary for good reason. Hand-cut Kennebecs, double-fried, then buried under melted mozzarella, pancetta bits, garlic aioli, and a snowfall of parm. They’re the love child of poutine and garlic fries, and I fought my friend for the crispy shards at the bottom. Service is pure Sacramento: zero pretension, maximum warmth. Our server Erin remembered my friend’s gluten-free request from six months ago and steered us to the polenta add-on without being asked. Wines by the glass lean Italian and under $12; the house Chianti punches way above its weight. Portions are generous but not obscene—enough to share, enough to take home a midnight snack. My tab for two apps, two entrées, fries, and three glasses of wine: $94 before tip. In 2025 dollars, that’s a steal for handmade everything. One tiny quibble: the room fills fast. Reserve on Resy or risk the “maybe a seat at the bar” shuffle. Otherwise? Flawless. Adamo’s isn’t chasing Michelin stars; it’s chasing the feeling you get when someone’s Italian grandma cooks for you and refuses to let you leave hungry. Mission accomplished. I’m already plotting my return for the winter gnocchi and the next pasta-making class. Five stars, zero notes, endless cravings.

So delish. And amazing gluten free options! Great atmosphere