(Last updated 7/21/2023) Description and review of Camden Spit & Larder, serving London and California inspired contemporary dishes in Downtown Sacramento. NEW: See “Updates” below.
After taking in the City of Trees Mardi Gras Parade, my friend and I decided to stop in and take a look at the nearby Camden Spit & Larder menu. As a result, we made our way to the hostess stand to check on seating availability.
See related blog post: City of Trees Mardi Gras Parade
The interior of Camden Spit & Larder is very attractive – modern and elegant at the same time.
It was early evening, and all of the tables in the dining room had been reserved. The hostess offered, and we accepted, a high-top table for two along the wall in the bar area. It was the first time either of us had dined out indoors since the beginning of the pandemic. It felt a bit strange truth be told.
We each ordered a beverage to start, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc ($12) for me and a Tea Thyme specialty cocktail ($18) for my friend.
Menu
My friend ordered the “chef inspired” soup of the day (carrot/ginger) ($12) while I chose the Simple Salad (with vegetable crudité and lemon poppy seed vinaigrette) ($14). For our main course we shared the home-made pasta of the day (pesto pasta filled with turnip puree, cream sauce and broccolini) ($28).
Our meal also came with bread service – two golden brown pop-overs served with sweet butter.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Review
To say that we both enjoyed our meal would be a gross understatement. The soup (I had a taste) was exceptional. The salad was “simple” but tasty, and every bite of the stuffed tortellini pasta dish was savored.
Service
Several times that evening chef-owner Oliver Ridgeway stopped by our table to check in with us to make sure that we had everything we needed and were enjoying our meal. The bartender, who took our order as we were seated in the bar, ensured that we had ample time to enjoy our soup and salad before the pasta and pop-overs were delivered to our table. We felt very well taken care of.
A Bit of Background
Chef Oliver Ridgeway opened Camden Spit & Larder in 2018. Ridgeway had been chef in a number of fine dining establishments during his career. Just prior to opening his own restaurant, Ridgeway had worked at nearby Grange Restaurant & Bar for approximately seven years. During his tenure at Grange, Ridgeway was listed on the 2014 Saveur 100 List, the only Sacramento chef to be so named to date.
To Sum Up
Dining at Camden Spit & Larder was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The atmosphere, the food and the service were all top notch. I hope to return soon to further explore the menu. I can see lunch or dinner on one of the two outdoor patios, weather permitting, in my future.
Camden Spit & Larder Revisited
(3/30/2023) The same friend who attended the first Mardi Gras Parade with me did so again this year. We had so enjoyed Camden Spit & Larder the previous year that we made a reservation to dine after this year’s parade as well
This visit we and shared the Mac N Cheese ($14) and the Half Dozen Sausage Rolls ($18). We had noticed nearby diners being served the Sausage Rolls and made up our minds then and there to order the same.
To sum up, Camden Spit & Larder once again impressed. The ambiance, food and friendly service was a good as we remembered!
Updates
(7/21/2023) The 2023 Michelin Guide has named Camden Spit & Larder a Sacramento “recommended” restaurant. The “recommended” designation was previously known as a “plate”.
Comments on Camden Spit & Larder?
What has been your experience at Camden Spit & Larder?
Camden Spit & Larder Snapshot (as of 3/30/2023):
- 555 Capitol Mall, #100, Sacramento, CA 95814
- (916) 619-8897
- Closed Sunday and Monday
- Lunch: Tuesday – Friday (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
- Winston Hour: Tuesday – Friday (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
- Dinner: Tuesday – Friday (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.); Saturday (5:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
- Two outdoor patios
- Parking: Nearby garages/street parking
Come across a broken link? Please let me know in the comment section below so that I can fix it. Thanks!
Subscribe to SacramentoRevealed.com to receive the new and updated blog post newsletter direct to your inbox! Comments are welcome.
Leave a Reply