3649 J Street, Sacramento, 916-455-7803, latrattoriabohemia.com

“It’s as if I’ve never eaten food before. These dishes are THAT GOOD,” I proclaimed to our gracious waitress at La Trattoria Bohemia—an East Sacramento staple since 2000. She was truly humbled by our food euphoria. 

Bohemian Potato Pancakes

This charming restaurant offers scratch-made Italian- and Czech-inspired comfort food—from schnitzel and scallopini to pasta, pizza, and paninis—providing a flavor experience unlike any other. With an unassuming exterior, live acoustic music (on our visit), and an intimate dining area, I wasn’t prepared for the romantic experience that lay ahead.

My eyes widened when I saw Bohemian Potato Pancakes under the appetizer menu. This should-be-given-all-the-awards-worthy dish was crispy and dense but completely free from heavy greasy residue. The savory pancakes were served Napoleon-style with smoked salmon, capers, red onions, and sour cream. My taste buds rejoiced so much that I considered ordering more.

Chicken Picante

For my main course, I had the mouthwatering Chicken Picate. The chicken breasts were sautéed to perfection in a light white wine sauce that complemented the flavors of the green cabbage and rosemary potatoes served on the side. My husband tried the homemade Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi—plump, perfectly pillowy dumplings smothered in a rich Gorgonzola sauce and topped with prosciutto and mushrooms. Typically, we add extra salt and pepper to our plates; with these, however, no additional seasoning was needed. To pair with our plates, I sipped on the La Marca Prosecco while he savored a glass of smooth Primator Lager (their beer list includes several primo picks from the Czech Republic). 

Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi

We were silent for most of the meal with the exception of several “OH WOWS” and “MMMS”; it’s too hard to talk when you’re busy savoring each bite of a meal made with such love. 

For the perfect date night dinner at a place you’ll want to return to, look no further than La Trattoria.