Arioli Bodega Esanola
A Spanish restaurant in midtown well known for its wine!
On this occasion out Kris and myself invited two of out friends out to a wine bar. We had planned on visiting 58 degrees but when we got there and found out they didn’t serve appetizers or anything we walked back to Arioli. Arioli is a little Spanish restaurant. They serve excellent wine, and authentic Spanish cuisine. I ordered mussels in white garlic and wine sauce, calamari in spicy tomato and capers sauce and the pork loin in balsamic and port reduction with figs and onions. It was all very good.
I give Arioli a 10 out of 10 for taste. It was authentic, cooked very well, balanced to perfection, familiar and still exotic. The pork loin was the best, and while I could barely eat any more I finished the entire dish it was that good. The color and spice were so rich and thick. The aroma was sweet and tangy. The pork cut was on the fatty side but it was cooked to perfection.
The service here is very homey. The owner is a very gruff friendly neighbor sort of man. He often stays late to keep his customers happy, he makes excellent wine recommendations and usually comes and greets each table at some point during the night.
Arioli keeps a very nice table, but I would rate the atmosphere at an 9. It is a very romantic restaurant; quiet and cozy. In the summer they have a secluded garden patio that is very nice in the evenings. If you go for a nice summer night plan on spending the entire night talking and drinking very good wine.
For price I believe we paid $$ for dinner but I was the only person eating and then another $$$ for the wine.
Over all I give Arioli a 9. Delicious, colorful, and full of character; the flavor will seduce you.
1800 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-9440
