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  3. Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
  4. Sacramento
  5. Midtown
Willow, Sacramento, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Willow

4.4
4.4
241 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
For Chef Russell, food can be a very intimate experience that can make you relive a core memory, or even create a new one, and being able to do that for someone is one of his greatest experiences.

This dining room is where we reunite and gather to celebrate, relax, and share good food.

Our cuisine is inspired by the Southern Italian and Mediterranean Sea regions, with a focus on house-made pastas, seafood, and game proteins.

Our dining room is an extension of our hospitality.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Breakfast, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Bar Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (916) 938-8001
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Russell Middleton
  • Private party facilities
    We have a private dining room that can host up to 14 guests and we can make accommodations for larger parties. Please inquire about about hosting your next private event with us via our website.
  • Neighborhood
    Midtown
  • Cross street
    4th and J Street
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    We have two public parking lots located within just 1 block of Willow. Located @ 3rd street, Underneath I-5. The second lot is the DOCO parking lots. Ample space in both lots. We also offer valet parking for $10 per hour up to $40.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

What 241 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Sacramento

    Italian

241 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Most food that came out was lukewarm - arancini was cold in the middle (only three were served to a four-top; may want to rethink that) and the duck ragu was warm at best. Soup was very good and the cocktails on point. Overall, pretty average.

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  2. ChristianV

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience and service was amazing. However, the food was subpar, it was lacking flavor and was overpriced

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  3. FoodGeek

    Sacramento

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was good, service was middling. The hostess clearly didn’t think we were hipster enough for a decent table. First the put us closest to the front door, and it was a chilly night, so when we objected the put us right next to a large, loud party. Felt Like the hostess was trying to hide us because we were a couple of old ladies.

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  4. Sara

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great girls night dinner with friends. Our server Jordan was attentive and also gave us ample time and space to catch up with each other. The food was delicious and I will definitely come back again.

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  5. Birthdaydame

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just right. I felt we could pick and choose from the menu. Steak special was delicious as described and pasta not to heavy for marathon runner. So glad we went here. Great service, attentive. Would go back.

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  6. Babs

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice, varied menu. Shishito peppers were perfect with a bit of crunch. Gnocchi dish was excellent, as was ravioli. Steak cooked perfectly. Good wine & cocktail choices. Good dessert also; sweet potato cheesecake. Appreciated portion sizes were finish able ( not too much so you can enjoy each course). Only negative was our Sangiovese wine was chilled and that lessened the flavor.

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  7. Jbbsac

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for special thanksgiving menu without realizing it contained a lot of gluten. Upon learning of my gluten intolerance the chefs modified some dishes so I could enjoy the meal. Very much appreciated!

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  8. RobertG

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First visit to Willow, Thanksgiving evening, special menu. Everything was delicious! We were surprised by the abundance of food served. Our waiter, Joseph, was excellent and friendly. We will be returning to try something from the regular menu.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were great. Would definitely return. Made our Thanksgiving special.

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  10. RachelB

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were so impressed with every aspect of our dining experience. The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. Our meal was wonderful!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Preparation of food does not align with the high prices. Furthermore, the food does not align with other Sacramento restaurants of this caliber. Sacramento has a very strong, fine dining restaurant scene. Willow does not measure up.

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  12. BonnieB

    Dallas

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and great service! Enjoyed the focaccia bread app and all the pastas were wonderful.

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  13. Brea

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful dining ambiance for special date night. Arrived a bit early and was promptly seated ahead of schedule. Right away we were informed one of the main pasta dishes was already unavailable at 5:30pm which was disappointing. We ordered two other pasta dishes and one appetizer to share. A half hour later the dinner entrees were served but the appetizer never came out. The server apologized for forgetting to place our order and served later after dinner completed. We enjoyed appetizer after dinner entrees and then it took extra long time to close out. Overall great food, unique twist on Italian dishes, fabulous décor and dining setting but the unfortunately service was lacking. Hope to try again other time.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. SacReviewer

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Willow is a beautiful restaurant. Unfortunately the service, drinks and food did not stand out.

    1 person found this helpful

  15. catolina

    Tahoe

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very salty! Price, service and quality good. Nothing fantastiic but good. Waiter was the best. Food good but not great.

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  16. TheaterDiner

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing and there is quality experienced staff to wait at your table.

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  17. Tree22

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for a birthday brunch (party of 4) on a Saturday late morning. This is a hidden gem for food quality, but they need some fine tuning on service. We were not in a hurry so we didn’t mind the over an hour for food, constant requests needing to be made for coffee refills, and feeling fairly abandoned most of the 2.5 hours there. There was only one wait staff (but never more than 3 tables to serve at any given time) and he was pleasant enough, just not quite in the workflow groove yet. Fairly new spot so I’m sure this will only get better. The food…. SO GOOD. The lemon ricotta pancake - get it! We got one for the table to share and I don’t regret it for a moment. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Suggestion to the restaurant- if you’re going to offer mimosas at a higher end/cost brunch, improve the juice options. Coffee, cocktails, food were all excellent. I’ll certainly give them another try and I’m confident they will find their way for service. Just don’t be in a hurry and enjoy the experience… not disappointed. Give this spot a try if looking for a high quality leisurely brunch.

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  18. EMSELS

    Sacramento

    52 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Relatively new restaurant we wanted to try; we were there for lunch, 2 people celebrating each others' birthdays (we exchanged gifts there). Very disappointing experience: lunch menu options very limited, prices were too high, server was inexperienced, food generally lackluster... hamburger ($20) not bad; house salad ($14) not good at all; no bread offered/ available, but focaccia bread ($12, served warm) was quite tasty but too oily (served with vinegar only, on the side). Ambience was quiet, likely because there were few people there. No birthday recognition at all. Hopefully they can get it together quickly, or they won't survive.

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  19. christined

    Milwaukee

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We were super excited to try this restaurant, when we got there the ambience was very cool. We were looking forward to eating. We ordered three entrées so that we could each share and have more of a tasting of the different entrées. We were disappointed the steak dish was tough, though the creamed spinach was delicious, the ravioli was tasteless, the only saving grace was the chicken which was very tender. We ordered a bottle of wine, the wine was very good. Unfortunately, the waiter had no idea how to serve it, he just opened the wine bottle and immediately poured three glasses, wouldn’t want to give you the option to sample the wine before it was poured. 🙁 We also had dessert. Overall, our last meal in Sacramento was sadly disappointing.

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  20. KarenS

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was an amazing gem. Unfortunately, the two dishes (Sea Bass and the Short Rib pasta) was what we had wanted and they were out of both dishes. We ended up sharing 4 different smaller dishes. All were tasty. Will return for sure!

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  21. DianeN

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great ambiance with friendly service. The food was very well designed & delicious. Portion size of entree isn’t large so adding appetizer and sides brought the pricing up quite high. Wine list was very well done (we are in the wine biz). Nice choice of sparkling and with appropriate focus on Italian wines. however the bottle price was marked up too high where it was not an incentive to buy a bottle. That may be their intention. Noise level was low which is a nice break from most restaurants. Thank you Willow, We will return.

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  22. TheaterDiner

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The house pastas and focaccia made on-site were wonderful. It is nice to have a place in Sacramento for fine Italian cuisine

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  23. DinaM

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Our first time at Willow. Veronica, our server, was exceptional! I took a friend there for brunch, she’s 85, and Veronica took the time to talk to her and listen to her, which is rare these days, that a young and beautiful and busy person would be that kind and generous with their time and attention. At first I found the background music, being controlled and mastered by a couple of DJ’s, was a bit loud and it was difficult to visit with my guest. I asked if it would be possible to have the sound of the music lowered, and they did so without issue and were very friendly about it. Again, a rare occurrence these days. The food was exceptionally delicious as well. We ordered the lemon ricotta pancake and the pork belly eggs Benedict. Absolutely excellent! My only complaint is that the coffee was not hot enough, which they tended to immediately as well. Overall, excellent and I’d highly recommend!

    1 person found this helpful

  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Again. Not the best. The gnocchi dish made no sense with a fried gnocchi served in a broth. My husband enjoyed his chicken but had some flaws. 1 out of the 2 desserts were good. Our waitress never came back to ask us what else we wanted or how our food was. We had to call her to get her attention. Though last time, we were there for over 3 hours. Last night was a major improvement with being there half that time. What really made it a good meal were the appetizers and the drinks. I’d be happy to come back for a HH with drinks and apps. The service was not the best.

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  25. DavidC

    Sacramento

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service. Loved their take on old favorites.

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  26. AmyM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I think they must have had an off night. Took way to long for dinner service. Waited over 40 minutes for entrees and 30 minutes for dessert. Do not order the polenta it was inedible.

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  27. MicheleJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My mother and I wanted to try Willow and we were not disappointed. Our waiter was amazing and had a pleasant personality. We'll be back again! We loved the Miss Willow drink ot is a must have.

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  28. JodyJ

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a great place! Beautiful design. Spectacular service. Great food!

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  29. MrLou

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great selection of seasonal menu items, not overly ambitious and very well executed. Staff were an absolute delight. They took very good care of us. Arancini with the best Romesco I have ever had. Generous green fig bruschetta were perfectly ripe on a bed of whipped ricotta. The pappardelle with duck ragu was our favorite. Wide soft fresh noodles and a silky soft ragu. Bistecca ordered rare came perfectly done and delicious with tempura sweet Jimmy Nardellos to accent the beefy goodness of the steak. Delicious cocktails (with and without alcohol). And superb deserts of butterscotch soup and a crispy fig crostata. Having figs two very different ways to bookend our meal was fun and interesting.

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  30. Exceptional

    Sacramento

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for our anniversary and had the most incredible time. Started with the Willow Bruschetta which was so delicate and light. I had the swordfish which was also flavorful and delicate and delicious. My wife had the ravioli which was PHENOMENAL. Homemade pasta and the inside was absolutely divine. Finished with the pear dessert with fresh vanilla ice cream and it was the most insanely delicious dessert I’ve ever eaten. The service was incredible - we weren’t rushed and our waiter got everything right. 10/10 would recommend, and can’t wait to go back.

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  31. Watchking

    Sacramento

    89 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    89 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    This place was recommended by one of my friends so we tried it out. I didn't even know it was located here. It's a year old so no wonder. They have valet parking for 10 bucks but we parked in the DOCO garage next door. They don't validate for this garage so we went to Macys and bought something and got validation there. The place looks nice and is connected to the hotel here. That is where the restrooms are located. It looks nice inside. We had reservations and were seated right away. The place was pretty empty yet they sat a party right next to us. No reason I guess but it would of been nice to have them further away since the place was empty. I asked our server if they had a cognac or Scotch menu but they didn't and she asked what I was looking for. I asked for my usual Remy Martin but she came back to the table and said they only had Hennessey which I don't like. She recommended an Armagnac which I got and it was pretty good. She said it was 18 but I thought that was what it cost. I saw on the later on the dessert menu that it was Laubade 18 years old and it was 23 bucks. I'm glad it wasn't 100 bucks. We told her that this was our first time and she made some suggestions. I got the Branzino which she suggested. It was ok, at least it wasn't over cooked but not much flavor. I know they have sides but it would of been nice to have something with the fish. I was still hungry. My wife got the short rib ravioli and it was good but 3 pieces not filling either. I really hate going home hungry when you spend this much money. We started with the focaccia which was good. Nothing stood out on the dessert menu so we skipped it even though we were still hungry. I probably will not come back again. I was surprised that my friend loved the pla

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  32. PatrickK

    Wilmington

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The pastas are amazing. The short rib ravioli was so good I wanted more! Calm clean and pleasant place. Well informed staff. Nice evening

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  33. Jeni

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was awful . I love farm to fork restaurants but this was not it .

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  34. jlsf

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, reminded me of dishes we ate in Italy!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding. The whole experience from valet to service, dining, and authentic Italian was fantastic. Had a wonderful evening. Will definitely be back, regularly!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This resturant is the by far one of the best in Sacramento!

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  37. KristyW

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A little pricy... but the bloody mary was crazy good!!!! Food was good just a bit over priced... loved the atmosphere!

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  38. PPis60

    Sacramento

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wait staff was the best. Very professional service..

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  39. Anonymous

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and great food. Cocktails are also very good!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    During this visit eating here the pasta was undercooked and the salad was salty. In all of the last times we have eaten here the food was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I always highly recommend this restaurant to friends in the Sacramento area.

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FAQs

Willow offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (916) 938-8001.

Willow is rated 4.4 stars by 241 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Willow

1006 4th St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3303

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    4th and J Street
  • Neighborhood
    Midtown
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Bar Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Breakfast, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    We have two public parking lots located within just 1 block of Willow. Located @ 3rd street, Underneath I-5. The second lot is the DOCO parking lots. Ample space in both lots. We also offer valet parking for $10 per hour up to $40.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Russell Middleton
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Vegan, Wine
  • Phone number
    (916) 938-8001
  • Private party facilities
    We have a private dining room that can host up to 14 guests and we can make accommodations for larger parties. Please inquire about about hosting your next private event with us via our website.
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