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The Waterboy is a neighborhood restaurant in Midtown Sacramento that has been cooking delicious food and providing great service since 1996. We feature a seasonal menu, inspired primarily by the beautiful cuisines of northern Italy and southern France. In addition, we offer a diverse wine list and a full bar featuring artisanal cocktails and aperitifs.

 

EVENTS
See our Events Page or join our newsletter at the bottom of the page for upcoming events.
For information on private dining & events email us at: contact@waterboyrestaurant.com

 

GIFT CARDS
Gift Cards can be purchased by clicking this link.

 

sac_waterboy

Providing delicious food & excellent service in Midtown Sacramento since 1996. Lunch: Tues-Fri, Dinner: Tues-Sat
Sister Spot: @onespeedpizza

Chloe’s Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust & Chloe’s Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust & freshly whipped cream. This one’s a crowd favorite every time Chloe puts it on our dessert menu, and for very good reason 😋🍋‍🟩

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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
The Waterboy Cassoulet has returned! Hearty and fl The Waterboy Cassoulet has returned! Hearty and flavorful, this traditional French dish is one of our favorite things to eat in the winter. Sonoma Liberty Duck confit, lamb shank, house garlic sausage, pork belly & roasted root vegetables atop creamy bacon-braised white beans, finished off with breadcrumbs, jus & aioli ❤️

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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
Ravioli of Wagyu Beef Cheek, Mortadella, Greens & Ravioli of Wagyu Beef Cheek, Mortadella, Greens & Caramelized Onion with Sofrito, Beef Reduction, Sage Butter, Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamico. 

This dish will be saying farewell when we change the menu next Thursday night (1/15), so come visit us soon & enjoy it one last time 🍽️❤️

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📣: The Waterboy will be closed for dinner on Friday, 1/09 and Saturday, 1/10.
Did a little practice round of the Beef Wellington Did a little practice round of the Beef Wellington for our upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration 🎉 We’re incredibly happy with how everything’s coming together, and we can’t wait to share the final result with you next week.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s a great time to grab one of the few remaining seats. We’d love to have you with us. 

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This Week’s Holiday Hours:

⛄️ We will be open for lunch & closed for dinner on Christmas Eve (12/24).
🎄 We will be closed for both lunch & dinner on Christmas (12/25). 
❤️ We will be open for lunch & dinner as usual on 12/26, and open for dinner as usual on 12/27.
This New Year’s Eve, we’re once again hosting This New Year’s Eve, we’re once again hosting a prix fixe event inspired by our beloved Thursday Dinners— the format you know and love, with a little extra sparkle for the holiday.

Chef Rick has crafted a beautiful multi-course menu that blends festive elegance with timeless Waterboy favorites. We hope you’ll join us for an evening that’s as delicious as it is festive as we welcome 2026 together 🥂

Seats are going quickly, so we encourage you to reserve soon. Tickets are available through Resy or by giving us a call at (916) 498-9891. 

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𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮 🎉

- ᴛᴏ ʙᴇɢɪɴ -
Steak Tartare  •  Oyster on the Half Shell  •  Gougère
 
- ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ - (ꜱᴇʟᴇᴄᴛ ᴏɴᴇ)
Caesar Salad: Croutons, Lemon, Parmesan
* ᴏʀ *
Caramelized Onion Soup: Gruyère Crouton, Fines Herbes

* 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳’𝘴 𝘌𝘷𝘦 *
 
- ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ -
Potato Gnocchi: Bolognese Ragù, Wild Mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano
 
- ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ - (ꜱᴇʟᴇᴄᴛ ᴏɴᴇ)
Bouillabaisse: Halibut, Sea Scallop, Gulf Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Aioli, Croutons, Saffron, Orange
* ᴏʀ *
Beef Wellington: Filet of Beef, Mushrooms & Pâté Wrapped in Puff Pastry
Glazed Carrots, Pearl Onions, Brussels Sprouts, Madeira Demi-Glace

* 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 *
 
- ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ -
Profiterole: French Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Truffle Sauce, Sea Salt Caramel

$165 per person  (ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘʀɪᴄᴇ ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇꜱ ɢʀᴀᴛᴜɪᴛʏ)

We’ll have a special menu available for our vegetarian guests as well. Please see the Events page on our website for details. 

𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮!
The Waterboy is closed tonight for a private event The Waterboy is closed tonight for a private event, but we’ll be ready to make this (any plenty of other delicious things!) for you when we’re back open next week ❤️ Have a great weekend & we’ll see you on Tuesday!

📸: Spaghetti with Seared Sea Scallops, Roasted Cauliflower, Crispy Pancetta, Lemon, Brown Butter, Beets & Breadcrumbs

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📢 The Waterboy will be closed for private events on the following dates: Saturday, 12/06 * Wednesday, 12/10 (closed for lunch, open for dinner) * Friday, 12/12 (open for lunch, closed for dinner)

Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
A little fall sunshine to brighten these colder da A little fall sunshine to brighten these colder days, courtesy of persimmon season. Frisée, endive, radicchio, sweet Fugu persimmon, walnuts, pomegranate, and sheep’s milk cheese with a ginger-citrus vinaigrette. The perfect balance of crisp, peppery, sweet, and bright.

📸: Salad of Bitter Greens with Fuyu Persimmon, Walnuts, Pomegranate, Sheep’s Milk Cheese & Ginger-Citrus Vinaigrette

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📢 The announcement for our New Year’s Eve prix fixe event will be going out soon! 🎉Send us a message if you’d like to be added to our email list. 

Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
One of our all-time favorite Waterboy classics is One of our all-time favorite Waterboy classics is making a special appearance! We’re featuring Bouillabaisse all week long (Thanksgiving excluded— we’ll be closed so our staff can enjoy the holiday), so come enjoy a bowl with us when you’re ready for a break from cooking, cleaning, and turkey leftovers ❤️

📸 Bouillabaisse à la Provençale: Fish & Shellfish Stew with Leeks, Fennel, Saffron, Pernod, Grilled Bread & Aioli⁠
Gnocchi’s back on the menu! This time we’re se Gnocchi’s back on the menu! This time we’re serving our favorite “little pillows of love” with a hearty & flavorful mushroom bolognese, roasted autumn squash, chanterelles, and (of course) Parmigiano Reggiano. 

📸: Potato Gnocchi: Wild Mushroom Bolognese, Roasted Autumn Squash, Chanterelles, Herbs, Parmigiano Reggiano

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📢: We will be closed for regular dinner service on 11/20 in lieu of our Thursday Dinner prix fixe event. 

Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
Mark your calendars! Our final Thursday Dinner of Mark your calendars! Our final Thursday Dinner of the year is happening on November 20th… “A Decidedly French-Inspired Meal”⁠
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Join us as we kick off the holiday season with a five-course menu celebrating classic French flavors and the best of our local harvest, with optional wine pairings from our friends at Kermit Lynch.⁠
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Seats are going quickly, so reserve your spot soon! ❤️🍽️ (Tickets available through link in bio) ⁠
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🇫🇷 Thursday Dinner at The Waterboy, 11/20/25: “A Decidedly French-Inspired Meal”⁠
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A Tasty Bite to Amuse Yourself: Some Petites Gâteries to Get Things Started⁠
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A Salad of Gently Smoked Salmon: Baby Frisée, Poached Celery Root, Crispy Potatoes, Shallot-Mustard Vinaigrette, Crème Fraîche⁠
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A Crêpe of Braised Rabbit: Wild Chanterelles, Mirepoix, White Wine, Gruyère, Herbs de Provence⁠
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A Duck Leg Confit (Sonoma Liberty, of course): Roasted Cabbage, Autumn Squash-Potato Purée, Glazed Nantes Carrots, Black Truffle Jus⁠
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A Mousse of Bittersweet Chocolate: Brown Butter-Pistachio Shortbread Cookie⁠
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$110 per person (includes gratuity)⁠
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À bientôt!⁠
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** Thursday Dinner is a special event at The Waterboy where we offer a prix fixe menu to be enjoyed by all guests dining with us that evening. This will be the only menu available that night. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available through our link in bio. **
Pasta is love ❤️ 📸: Spinach Tortelloni wi Pasta is love ❤️ 

📸: Spinach Tortelloni with Ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Leeks, Treviso, Tomato Cream & Crispy Artichokes (last day on the menu is 11/11 for dinner and 11/12 for lunch)

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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
29 years! ❤️ On this day in 1996, The Waterboy 29 years! ❤️ On this day in 1996, The Waterboy opened its doors for the very first time. 

We’ve seen plenty of changes throughout the years, but the heart of The Waterboy has remained the same: care deeply, cook honestly, and take really good care of people.

For nearly three decades, we’ve been extremely fortunate to work alongside farmers and purveyors whose passion and integrity inspire us daily, staff who pour their hearts into every service, and amazing guests who’ve become like family. The community that’s grown around this restaurant is such an incredible gift, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

To everyone who’s been a part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you. You’re the reason we’re still here, and you’re the reason we do what we do. So, we think we’ll keep on doing it ❤️
You don’t need to know how to perfectly pronounc You don’t need to know how to perfectly pronounce “profiteroles”... you just need to know how to perfectly clean your plate once they arrive at the table. We find that this skill comes very naturally to most people, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about 😋❤️

P.S. We’re open on Halloween, and we would absolutely love for you to come down and enjoy a delicious meal with us 🎃

📸🎥 Profiteroles: Choux Pastry with Housemade Coffee Ice Cream & Spiced Crème Anglaise
Potato Gratin. Need we really say anything more?⁠
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⁠Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.⁠
Radiatori al Sugo Piccante 🍝 The curves and rid Radiatori al Sugo Piccante 🍝 The curves and ridges of these “little radiators” are perfect for grabbing onto the rich & flavorful ragu of braised pork shoulder that they’re served with. 

📸 Radiatori al Sugo Piccante: Ragu of Braised Pork Shoulder, Tomato, Pancetta, Calabrian Chilies, Red Wine, Pecorino

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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for “L’Autunno Italiano” last Thursday! These dinners are a labor of love, and you’re the reason we pour our hearts into every detail. It makes us so happy when our dining room is filled with both familiar faces and new friends who are experiencing Thursday Dinner for the very first time ❤️

The next one will take place on November 20th, so keep an eye out for an email announcement in the next couple of weeks. 

Haven’t joined us for a Thursday Dinner yet? We’d absolutely love to have you. Send us a DM if you’d like us to add you to our email list so you’re among the first to be notified.

🎥 Thursday Dinner Prix Fixe Event, 10/09 - “L’Autunno Italiano”

Antipasti:
Some Bocconcini Gustosi to Get Things Started

Insalata di Gemma Piccola:
Salad of Little Gems & Treviso with Olives, Robiola, Salami Rosa, Roasted Delicata Squash, Toasty Breadcrumbs & Red Wine Vinaigrette

Gnocchi al Sugo di Pesce:
Potato Dumplings, Scallops, Halibut, Leeks, Fennel, San Marzano Tomatoes, Lemon, Red Chilies & Mint

Faraona alla Griglia:
Charcoal Grilled Guinea Hen with Rosemary, Grapes & Vin Santo, Capay Mills Polenta, Chanterelles, Bacon, Garlicky Chard

Torta di Mele:
Italian Apple Cake with Apple Hill Golden Delicious, Cinnamon, Zabaglione & Sea Salt Caramel
📢 Pardon our interruption for this brief public 📢 Pardon our interruption for this brief public service announcement: The Waterboy Pastrami Sandwich is on special for lunch this week. Very official people say that eating this sandwich improves the likelihood of having a great day by 792% (and no, we did not forget a decimal point). 

Thank you. You may now resume your regularly scheduled programming. 

📸🎥: Waterboy Smoked Pastrami Sandwich on House Rye Bread with Cabbage, Pickles & Whole Grain Mustard
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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
La Tagliata— a classic Italian approach to steak La Tagliata— a classic Italian approach to steak, and one of Chef Rick’s favorites. In true Waterboy fashion, it’s a simple & delicious preparation that lets our high-quality ingredients shine.

📸🎥 La Tagliata: Grilled Sliced Steak,  Arugula, Parmigiano, Roasted Potatoes & Onions, Rosemary
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Lunch is available Tuesday through Friday, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday.
If this perfect weather hasn’t already made you If this perfect weather hasn’t already made you fall in love with the season, this risotto should do the trick 🍂 

New to the menu: Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Winter Squash Risotto, Caramelized Endive, Chanterelles, Brown Butter & Gremolata 

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📢: Just a few spots left for our “L’Autunno Italiano” Thursday Dinner event on October 9th! These dinners are some of our very favorite nights at The Waterboy, and we’d love to have you with us. Menu & ticket information can be found at waterboyrestaurant.com/events 
⁠
Our next Thursday Dinner event takes place on Octo Our next Thursday Dinner event takes place on October 9th, and we’ll be cooking up a delicious Italian feast featuring one of Rick’s favorite Tuscan classics as the main course… guinea hen! 

It’s going to be a really wonderful evening filled with fantastic food, beautiful wines, and great company. We’d love to have you there! Tickets can be purchased through the link on our main page.

Thursday Dinner at The Waterboy, 10/09/25: “L’Autunno Italiano”

Antipasti:
Some Bocconcini Gustosi to Get Things Started
 
Gnocchi al Sugo di Pesce:
Potato Dumplings, Scallops, Sea Bass,
San Marzano Tomato, Lemon, Red Chilies & Mint
 
Insalata di Gemma Piccola:
Salad of Little Gems & Treviso with Olives, Robiola,
Salami Rosa, Roasted Delicata Squash, Toasty Breadcrumbs & Red Wine Vinaigrette
 
Faraona alla Griglia:
Charcoal Grilled Guinea Hen with Rosemary, Grapes & Vin Santo, Capay Mills Polenta, Chanterelles, Bacon & Garlicky Chard
 
Torta di Mele:
Apple Hill Apples, Cinnamon, Zabaglione
& Sea Salt Caramel

$110 per person (includes gratuity)
⁠
Ci vediamo presto!

** Thursday Dinner is a special event at The Waterboy where we offer a prix fixe menu to be enjoyed by all guests dining with us that evening. This will be the only menu available that night. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available through our link in bio. **
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The Waterboy

2000 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 498-9891 tel

DINE-IN and TAKE-OUT

LUNCH: Tuesday-Friday, 11:30am-2:00pm

DINNER: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00-9:00pm & Friday-Saturday, 5:00-9:30pm

contact@waterboyrestaurant.com

Get Reservations for The Waterboy at RESY.com
© Copyright 2020, The Waterboy, All rights reserved.