Vince and Pauline Frugoli opened Vince’s Ristorante in mid 1964. They loved great food and sharing their great food and recipes with family and friends. Vince’s in West Sacramento was the first of three locations, followed by one on Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento and the third one in Elk Grove. The West Sacramento ristorante was run by Pauline’s brother throughout the 1970s to December 2008. He was in his 70s when he turned the reins over to Robert and Peter Rossi. The Rossis and the Frugolis were friends (which means they are family). Robert worked in the Folsom location for two years in the ’80s while going to school to cook. Robert moved to the East Coast and back to the West Coast, learning to be a chef. When it was time for Pauline’s brother to retire, they asked Robert if he was interested in becoming the new owner. Robert and his father, Peter, took ownership of this great Italian ristorante in January 2009.
You would often find Peter on the piano and singing, while Robert with his exquisite cooking skills was in the kitchen. Robert is still in the kitchen making amazing old-world Italian dishes, pizza, lasagna, gnocchi, and ravioli as well as chicken, seafood, and their famous steaks. Vince’s Ristorante makes their own sausage, homemade raviolis and lasagna, plus cut all their own steaks.
Whether it is lunch or dinner, the customers love the authentic Italian feel, the relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere plus the great food. The bar is a fun place, too, with more than 20 varieties of bottles and draft beers and an amazing wine list. The full bar has a fun and talented bartender.
Community is very important and Vince’s Ristorante supports many nonprofits, historical society and Lions Club using their banquet room, along with fundraisers. The arts are also very important. The many events hosted at Vince’s Ristorante include karaoke on the second and fourth Thursdays, a yard sale on the first Saturdays and live music. Plus, there is a Comedy Night every Friday. There will be a big 60-year celebration in October and all are welcome.
I asked Robert what he wanted people to know and he said, “that we value family, Italy and community.” When you’re at Vince’s, you feel like family and that you’re in old world Italy.
Vince’s Ristorante is at 840 Harbor Blvd. West Sacramento. The phone number is 916-371-6395 and the website is www. vinceswestsac.com.
Hours are:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays
4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (dinner only) on Saturdays
Vince’s Ristorante is closed Sundays and Mondays.
For your next party or business event, check out Vince’s Ristorante’s banquet information and catering.