A new Italian restaurant is planned for the former Curry Up Now space in the Ice Blocks, according to news first seen in the Sacramento Business Journal. The space at 1610 R St., Suite 130 has been vacant since the previous tenant closed earlier this year.
The incoming business, Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta, is spearheaded by Juan Ramazzini, an owner of Anonimo Pizza. The restaurant will occupy the approximately 1,500-square-foot space and is currently going through the alcohol licensing process. The restaurant is anticipated to open in September, according to the Business Journal coverage.
Expanding upon the pizza concept proven successful by Anonimo, Bambina’s will also offer fresh pasta dishes made fresh daily. However, the core highlight of the menu will remain the New York-style and Sicilian-style pizzas featuring crispy, fluffy, thin crusts with a lighter and refresher texture compared to crusts available from other restaurants in the area. The menu also includes small bites, beer, and wine. After 9 p.m., the concept will become a late-night slice house for those needing something quick but tasty to fulfill their nighttime cravings.
“We are having 3 styles of pizza, traditional NY style, Sicilian style and something new we are bringing to Sacramento is the PINSA. It is an ancient style of pizza from Rome, it is a healthier and lighter dough made with a mix of wheat, soy and rice flours,” Ramazzini told What Now Sacramento in an email, adding that guests should try their unique “Duck Ragu” pasta and iconic meatball pasta.
Once open, Bambina’s will further diversify Ice Blocks food offerings alongside existing eateries like Mendocino Farms, Frank, Device Brewing Company, and Philz Coffee, as well as the upcoming vegan concept Love Child and soon-to-open Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant Chu Mai that’s right across the street. The restaurant will open from 11 am to 10pm, Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and will extend its hours if there is an event nearby.
“Overall Sacramento is in need of more and better pizza options, as well as pasta options. We are very limited when it comes to italian cuisine. Ice Blocks is the new are developing where more restaurant and bars are starting to open and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of that development and the new area to hang out.” Ramazzini said.
