La Boheme (Fair Oaks)

We have been here several times and all the comments that follow apply to every visit. We have gone as a couple, a foursome and a larger group. Location of the restaurant is poor, in an area of town miles from entertainment, nightlife etc. and having dinner there means forgoing other activities that evening. The appearance of the restaurant is unassuming - it shares the lot with a convenience store and we have sometimes had to track through the sort of night traffic convenience stores get - neither comfortable nor conducive to an upscale experience. Inside, the restaurant is understated and elegant. We have sampled much of the menu and the food is generally good to very good, but I can't recall a single item that stood out except for the infrequently-offered Beef Wellington we lucked into one night. La Boheme is - unfortunately - among the best restaurants in Sacramento and it wows the state worker and local business types, but anyone who has been to a truly upscale restaurant in SF, LA, NYC etc. is going to be underwhelmed. Besides the slightly downmarket location and the good but not outstanding food, the service... oh, boy, the service. The same management and crew have been there for quite some time so there is no issue of inexperience, but the service has been consistently inept, clumsy and amateurish - the sort of uncertainty, bumbling, intrusion and general annoyance you'd be bothered by in a Denny's or Black Angus. It's out of place and unexpected, yet what we've encountered on every visit. The maitre d' and waiters just don't quite seem to know what they are doing, from the minute you're seated until you leave. It's very weird and overpowers the acceptable elements of the experience. Oh - and all of this comes at perhaps one of the highest per-person costs in the Sacramento area, at least $100 per person with all the amenities. I don't think we'll be going back again, as the regrettably consistent downsides don't outweigh the average food and premium cost. Pros: Adequate to sometimes excellent food. Cons: Poor location, inept and amateurish service, very expensive. more

This resaurant is by far the best we have experienced in a very long time. As a business traveller I am exposed to so many good restaurants around the states, this tops them all. La Boheme was a great place to bring my clients to, the food was great, the service incredible. I explained to the staff that I was having a business meeting. They were discrete and very professional. They know their stuff. Pros: Service, food, ambience Cons: Outside is very modest, not great curb appeal. more

The food was good - as usual. I've been going there for years. The service was so rushed - I've never seen anything like it. And, there were only 2 other tables occupied. The waiter needed to slowed down - felt like he wanted us out the door so he could leave. He should be working at a TGI Fridays if he wants to get people in and out. Was not a leisurely, relaxed dinner. Pros: good food Cons: too rushed, waiter was impatient more

We had a 6:30 reservation and were promptly seated and given menus. Wihtin a minute we were asked for drink selections. Within 2 minutes they were brought and the waiter is standing there asking what we wanted to order. We continued to be rushed with one course coming right on top of the other. We were done before 7:30. The waiter was unfriendly and abrupt. The food was good, but pretty traditional. All of our entrees arrived just warm, amazing given every course was brought so quickly. Pros: Quiet, Nice Decor Cons: Rushed service, food not hot more

A night a La Boheme always amounts to a wonderful evening. You cannot put a price to the experience you have there. The service, though professional, is friendly and warm, and the food cannot be outdone. Your taste-buds will be tantalized and satisfied, while you relax in the romantic dining area. Finish off your evening at the beautiful bar for an after dinner drink. You will not be sorry with this pick. Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Service more

I want this place all to myself. Without a doubt, the best reataurant in the area. Great for romantic dinners, nice bar area, with well poured cocktails. Best service in a restaurant even when busy. Please leave your kids at home. Pros: Pepper steak, the entire menu, service Cons: outside appearance more