Canon

What a lovely experience! Three of us dined in on a Monday night, from out of state. Through a search online about which places in Sacramento are food allergen/restriction friendly, Canon came up with high reviews and praise. One in our party has complex food restrictions, basically paleo (no grains/gluten free, no dairy, no soy), and they handled it professionally and with care. Specifically our server, Katie C. was incredible. She assured us that the she would take care of everything with the chef to ensure that all the restrictions were respected and that the rest of the part could enjoy the meal as intended, and she followed through on that promise. All this while there was a huge gathering on the patio and she was juggling that plus multiple tables inside. She was so fun and knowledgable, her talent was truly exceptional! As for the food, it was delicious! For small bites we got the Brussel Sprouts and Tots; the sprouts were very, very salty and that was the only negative of the whole experience. As for the Tots, the presentation was beautiful and the taste complex with the mole and picked onions. For the rest of our meal we ordered the NY Strip, Lamp Pave, Harvest Squash. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection, the lamb flavorful and the squash a lovely combination of silky smooth texture accompanied by just the right amount of sweet and heat. We followed dinner with dessert, a couple of apple hand pies, which was a great homey sweet ending to our meal. Definitely would come here and enjoy a meal again!

A six-time Michelin bib-gourmand recipient, Canon sees Chef Brad Cecchi playing with a lot of spices and local produce to create big flavors across a collection of small plates. Located in East Sacramento between residential roads, the indoor-outdoor space secluded from any semblance of a capitol city, guests are greeted warmly at the hostess podium before being led to tables, bar or booths offering a full view of the kitchen. Dimly lit amidst dark woods, the sort of setting that creates a seductive glow while smoke from a wood fire lightly perfumes the room, service is friendly yet informed while making recommendations pertaining to both portions and preparation plus new items and those set to disappear soon. Priced less than some chains, seven dishes and a mocktail just $140 with tax and tip, unnamed Mocktails are smartly crafted and pair well to spiced Pig Skins or signature Tots stacked atop piquant dirty Mole with Pumpkin Seeds and Cotija. A “neighborhood” concept that works in all the right ways, Dutch Crunch Rolls highly encouraged for sharing, Cecchi displays a deft hand with Produce ranging from bitter Broccoli to to charred Plums cutting Pork Belly’s Fat, and for fans of spice the Urfa Chili Drumsticks offer big bang for the buck. Globally inspired and accommodating for allergies, vegans or celiac diners, Dessert tempts across Panna Cotta or Sopapillas, though passing on Canon’s Pavlova currently featuring Peaches with “Sweet Tea” flavors and a floral hint would be a mistake.