Prelude Kitchen & Bar
Restaurant · Sacramento ·

Prelude Kitchen & Bar

Restaurant · Sacramento ·

Seasonal eats, craft cocktails, award-winning wine list

pork chop
short rib
risotto
steak
happy hour
attentive service
beautiful view
ambiance
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by Prelude Kitchen & Bar
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null
Prelude Kitchen & Bar by null

Information

1117 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Get directions

$100+

See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended
Cozy

Information

Static Map

1117 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Get directions

+1 916 898 1071
preluderestaurant.com
@preluderestaurant

$100+ · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy
•Romantic
•Trendy

Last updated

Jan 27, 2026

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The Best Restaurants in Sacramento, Roseville, and Elk Grove | Eater SF

"Upscale dining in California’s capital city has an unspoken mandate in farm-to-fork sophistication at this point, no? It’s a welcome given, and Prelude is no exception. But where many restaurants hew to flavor pairings that border on the cliché, this swanky Midtown destination, right across the street from the Capitol, takes things a step further, aims to surprise. There, the Brussels sprouts small plate is studded with pork belly instead of the usual bacon, and dressed with a puckering cranberry compote and a dash of apple cider vinegar. And how often does one get to enjoy the warming depth of an arrabbiata with delicate Dungeness crab? Not to mention dark chocolate mole — as a side dish. Prelude is a celebration of creativity expressed within convention, a fine way to kick off an evening." - Tamerra Griffin

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-sacramento
Prelude Kitchen & Bar
Prelude Kitchen & Bar

Michael G.

Google
Very average food offset by good service. The beef carpaccio was quite bland, the tuna tasted slightly old, and the scallop risotto was just awful. The french fries were crisp but had a mealy texture. The pork chop was delicious.— well cooked and well seasoned. There are much better options in this price range.

Michelle T.

Google
A nicer dining option in downtown Sacramento with delicious drinks, good service and pretty good food (some dishes are hit-or-miss as I’ll explain below) We opted for outdoor seating. I much prefer to sit outside, the inside vibes are a bit off to me (I can’t put my finger on it…). The interior is quiet and the trimming, layout, and bright lighting makes it feel like the inside of a residential house. I think this resonates with other diners as well since I saw all the outside tables full, while the inside had a lot of empty tables. The service was great, really friendly. The cocktails were delicious as well. The food was overall good. The pork chop and the chicken dishes were great. The steak was cooked perfectly. There were a few dishes that were REALLY SALTY. Like almost hard to eat, because it was so salty. For instance, both of our pasta dishes our entire group of 9 thought were really salty.

Sasson F.

Google
I really don’t see how this restaurant is rated so high. We dined here last night and the experience was quite underwhelming. The service was exceptional, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that the food is overpriced for what it is. The ambiance was cold. It didn’t seem friendly. Seemed more pretentious. We started off with the Seared Ahi Tuna. There wasn’t enough pineapple vinaigrette so it was bland. The grade of tuna was good though, but not enough in the portion size. My wife and her friend had the Steak Frites. For $59 they’re going to serve flank steak? It was cold and the fries tasted old and stale. My wife’s friend had the Basil Risotto & Hokkaido Scallops. Poor guy got only 3 scallops and a small portion of risotto. I could tell he was still hungry after his meal. I got the Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken. The chicken itself was dry, but the pan sauce was flavorful. I probably got the largest portion out of everyone’s entrées. To end we had Matcha Pots De Creme and Affogato for dessert. Again, they were ok, but just average desserts at best. Nothing thy wowed us. We’ll probably never come here again because I don’t see the value. Our bill was $450 for dinner and a few drinks. If you feel like blowing money and pretending to be rich go here. Otherwise, there are a lot of other better choices for food and value.

C H

Google
We dined at Prelude tonight before heading to the ballet and let our server know immediately that we were on a firm timeline. Our reservation was at 5:00pm, with plans to be finished and walking to the theater by 6:30pm. That context matters here. We were seated by the patio door on a 45-degree evening, and every time the door opened, a blast of cold air came through. Not exactly a great start, and confusing given the weather. Our server was very nice, and we communicated our time constraints clearly up front. Drinks were ordered and delivered, but then service became disjointed. At one point, another server walked by and literally took my menu mid-conversation and handed it to another table. A few minutes later, after clearly noticing my confusion, he returned with a replacement and asked if we had ordered yet. We had not. When our server finally returned, we ordered the bone marrow to share for the table of four. When it arrived, it was half a bone with no marrow whatsoever, topped with greens that appeared to be covering that fact. The manager did check in, acknowledged the issue, and offered to replace it. We declined due to time and appreciated that it was removed from the bill. My wife and I ordered a steak and asked the kitchen to split the entrée, which they did beautifully. When the food finally arrived, it was cooked perfectly. Credit where it’s due. Unfortunately, it arrived far too late. Entrees didn’t start coming out until around 6:25pm, and some orders were forgotten, causing further delays while the rest of the table waited. At that point, we were forced to rush through our meal just to make the ballet on time. What was supposed to be a relaxed pre-show dinner turned into a stressful sprint. There were a few saving graces: polite service, a responsive manager, and well-cooked food. But the overall experience, especially given the clearly communicated time constraints, fell short. For a restaurant positioned like Prelude, timing and execution matter. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend it based on this visit.

Saja S.

Google
We had a wonderful experience dining here! The three of us thoroughly enjoyed every dish we ordered—everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a great meal. The staff was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for good food and a great vibe!

Les D.

Google
On October 15th, I had dinner at Prelude Kitchen & Bar in Sacramento with a group of 13 colleagues. Despite the size of our party, we were seated fairly quickly and didn’t have to wait long for our drinks. We started with several appetizers—Seared Ahi Tuna, Wagyu Carpaccio, and Artisan Bread—and everything was delicious and well-prepared. For my entrée, I ordered the Steak Frites, which came out cooked perfectly and paired nicely with the fries. The only downside was that the dish wasn’t quite as hot as I would’ve liked when it arrived, but it still tasted great. I enjoyed a nice glass of Zinfandel alongside my meal, which complemented it well. The service throughout the evening was attentive and professional, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming—ideal for both groups and smaller gatherings. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the experience was very enjoyable. I’d definitely return.

Cloyce D.

Google
I'm a hopeless romantic and love when a new place carries the nostalgia of something old. Prelude Kitchen & Bar is tucked at the end of a side street in downtown Sacramento, and stepping onto their patio instantly reminded me of dining in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, or Rome. The only difference? None of those gorgeous places had a picture-perfect view of the California State Capitol right across the street. For the past 10-12 years, my wife and I have faithfully had a date night every Tuesday evening. (Men, be warned: this tradition started because Tuesdays used to mean cheap movies--and look what it's turned into. ) Every now and then, we stumble across a gem, and Prelude is absolutely one of them that will stay in our rotation from this day forward. The food? Every bit as good as the view. The pork chop alone deserves its own love story--it will make you want to leave your wife... but only to go to the restroom, and then come right back to share it with her. From start to finish, everything was excellent, including the attentive service. If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers romance, charm, and unforgettable flavors, Prelude Kitchen & Bar is the place to be.

Kat G.

Google
I had a great birthday dinner for my friend at Prelude Kitchen Restaurant. The food was really good, and the raspberry lemon drop was absolutely delicious. The birthday flowers to take home was a great special touch. I'll definitely come back!

Darla Rae B.

Yelp
Prelude Kitchen & Bar-- your seasonal soup as of 12/23 was incredible! It was a coconut milk based soup with pork, potatoes and chipotle and it felt like a warm hug to my belly. Our server then suggested we try the Bartlett Pear Tart and that was the chef of kisses. We didn't have a plan for anything but this was the best choice by chance! Highly recommend
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Rochelle S.

Yelp
We had a team dinner here last night and I have to say, it was a great experience. Our server Veronica (I hope Im right! She was awesome!) was amazing and has the best memory! She remembered all orders! Excellent service from everyone! We ordered 3 different appies, the pear was amazing!! 6 different entrees and drinks! I had affogato for dessert and it was phenomenal. Ambiance as always is beautiful. This is my 2nd time here- one was a date night and now with a group, both are amazing experience!!
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Matt S.

Yelp
Advertised on Yelp as "quiet" and "romantic", yet it is nothing of the kind. In the heart of the Capitol district of Sacramento, it is home to loud foot traffic on its veranda/patio, most of whom are among the homeless/addicted population (which is prevalent here), and a younger, less sophisticated clientele. Not a place to take your SO if you're wanting soft ambiance.
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Kate F.

Yelp
We got the delicata squash as an appetizer and it was an amazing combo of flavors . I also liked that it was a unique dish. I got the pumpkin gnudi for my main dish. It was a good savory dish but I am not sure I would order it again. My friend got the pork chop and which I wouldn't normally order but it was cooked to perfection and I wouldn't probably get that if I visited again. The service was top notch. Our waiter was friendly and when he didn't know where to recommend for bars, he sent someone else over to let us know the different areas and a couple Of suggestions while we were in town
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Terry C.

Yelp
Went here for a work dinner. The ambiance had it. The service was good, but most of us were just meh about the food. I had some of the pasta and it was just ok.
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Alex S.

Yelp
Prelude is located directly across the street from the Capitol. It was our first time there and we were celebrating two birthdays (mine and my sister in law). We wanted to try somewhere we had both never been before, and we had heard good things! Prelude has a great menu and bar/cocktail list. Our server was usually one of the bartenders, and he recommended the pear side car which was delicious! It was not overly crowded on a Friday night and has a nice, quiet atmosphere. They also gave us birthday centerpieces with flowers and a happy birthday topper. All the food was delicious! The Brussels sprouts were great for sharing and super tasty. The bone marrow wasn't enough for five people to share, so I didn't try that one but everyone seemed to enjoy it. The mushroom mousse was unique but not a stand out for me. Our salads were good and my brother in law enjoyed the broccoli cheddar soup. There was a bit of a longer lull in between courses than we were expecting, and they did seem to be a bit understaffed. The entrees were all super flavorful and delicious. They have the flavors right although I wish my short rib had come out a bit hotter. We were celebrating, so we opted in for dessert even though we were full! The desserts were all great, and good for sharing. We enjoyed our meal and experience here. I think I can definitely see us coming back for a date night or other special occasion, as long as we're not in a hurry!
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Loren R.

Yelp
What a great spot. By myself. Sat at the bar after being greeted warmly. I feel welcome here, though I walked in wearing a t shirt with drywall mud splotched patches on it. I was judged not. Kim. Bartender. Pranced and did the occasional body jig. Dancing almost imperceptibly to a song in her head. I heard her humming to a Bach song in her head. I love a restaurant the makes servers and bartenders feel comfortable in their own skin. What a treat to be served by such positivity and energy. My wine was excellent. ( inert gas wine freshness system ) My pork chop juicy Juicy juicy juicy. When I was done. There was a small bone in my plate. Not gristle or fat. What a treat. Warm atmosphere. Warm service. Gourmet American food. I'm in heaven.
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David Y.

Yelp
As many times that I've visited the State Capital, I'm surprised that it's taken as long as it has to actually learn about and visit the Prelude Kitchen and Bar. On this particular occasion, I visited with a large group of folks and my experience, which was very positive, was expressed by the others in my group. On this occasion, we were greeted by a very friendly group of staff. They could not have been more accommodating both in adding patrons and tending to requests we had. I realize that large groups could get lost amidst a dinner rush, but such was absolutely not the case. The team was helpful and supportive throughout with wine and food suggestions that were spot on. My review today is going to be on my entrée. I chose the Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken (this is not a fried chicken) rather something along the pan seared side with a finish in a roasting oven. This chicken was juicy with a nice color and crisp and topped and accented with a unique and solid version of salsa verde served atop fingerling potatoes and very tasty and perfectly cooked pole beans. To enhance this even further is a perfectly balanced Jus with a great balance of sodium and fat. This dish was excellent and I give it 5 stars. Prelude Kitchen and Bar has found a new fan in me. From beginning to end, I was impressed by every aspect of what they do. A creative and very tasty set of options to accommodate just about every palette. This was not my last visit to the Prelude Kitchen, rather the first of many. Their beverages were abundant with solid wine options to fit most every preference both in taste and in price. Bravo to the team for providing such a wonderful and fun experience!
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Lisa D.

Yelp
Amazing menu and food. We had bone marrow with toast, broccolini salad, steak, and seafood pasta. Everything was delicious. I cannot wait to come back and try more exquisite meals there.
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Will D.

Yelp
Went here for my mom's birthday and it came out amazing. Our waiter was very attentive and they brought my mom flowers with a birthday sign. I got the pork chop and the soup of the day which was a chili. Both were amazing. Lovely environment but not noisy. Great for a family outing or date night.
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Alan L.

Yelp
Very nice meal The room is large and airy. The cocktails are creative and tasty. The food presentation is attractive. The flavors of everything we had were very good. The Pork Belly Esquites was particularly good. The staff was helpful and attentive.
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Marco C.

Yelp
Everything we ordered were great! Perfectly cooked. Only wish they had more dinner entrée options.
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Sierra M.

Yelp
Food and service was amazing!! Steak was perfectly cooked and the sauce with it was amazing. We also had the mushroom risotto which tasted amazing (best I have ever had) and ceased salad (dressing is not creamy it is more of a vinaigrette). I'd go back for the mushroom risotto out of all things. Also had Brussels for appetizer and the butter that came with it tasted good.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
A nicer dining option in downtown Sacramento with delicious drinks, good service and pretty good food (some dishes are hit-or-miss as I'll explain below) We opted for outdoor seating. I much prefer to sit outside, the inside vibes are a bit off to me (I can't put my finger on it...). The interior is quiet and the trimming, layout, and bright lighting makes it feel like the inside of a residential house. I think this resonates with other diners as well since I saw all the outside tables full, while the inside had a lot of empty tables. The service was great, really friendly. The cocktails were delicious as well. The food was overall good. The pork chop and the chicken dishes were great. The steak was cooked perfectly. There were a few dishes that were REALLY SALTY. Like almost hard to eat, because it was so salty. For instance, both of our pasta dishes our entire group of 9 thought were really salty.
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Jamie L.

Yelp
made a reservation for 2 on saturday night and mentioned that it was a special occasion. they had a cute little vase of flowers for us to set the special celebratory mood. started with the Carpaccio, Esquites and shishito peppers. had the Basil Risotto with scallops and added chicken. the carpaccio had a Tomato Aioli sauce adding an extra richness that i was not expecting. the esquites were good, too, but the beef tallow added more fat and richness. my only complaint was the saltiness of the risotto. i wish i had asked for a side of lemon ricotta to balance out the dish. other than that, dinner was nice. overall, excellent service. good food and great drinks. very nice ambiance.
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Samantha T.

Yelp
Incredible meal and exceptional service. Our dinner was amazing. Parking can be tricky, but don't let that deter you there's a garage across from the entrance. The flatiron steak was delicious and perfectly cooked! Highly recommend this neighborhood gem!
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Christine T.

Yelp
Came here for the first time for our anniversary and was extremely impressed with the food, the vibes, and the service!! When making a reservation they asked if we were celebrating a special occasion to which I told them it was for my anniversary. Upon arrival, we were greeted immediately and given a small mason jar of flowers with a "Happy Anniversary" stick attached! (Loved the attention to detail, and as an added bonus we got to keep the flowers!) I had the scallops and risotto, my husband got the steak, we had Manila clams for appetizer and finished the night with the carrot cake. EVERYTHING WAS COOKED TO PERFECTION! The steak was tender and perfectly cooked with these amazing potatoes that were extremely crisp on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside! My risotto was creamy and the scallops were perfectly cooked! I usually don't like carrot cake (but my husband is a fan) and oh my gosh, I was in heaven after the first bite! They gave us complimentary chocolate truffles to celebrate our anniversary, and our server Victoria was extremely attentive and sweet!! The vibe of the whole place was awesome, with modern decor, such a perfect place for a party! (They have private spaces for this too!) Definitely will not be my last time here! Can't wait to go back!
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Michelle L.

Yelp
Returned for Happy Hour before another Friday evening Broadway Sacramento show, bar seating. 3 of us shared two orders of the fried ravioli, one brussels sprouts, one artisan bread, and one dark chocolate mole...pretty much everything from the Happy Hour menu except the parmesan truffle fries. The fried raviolis are great (hence the second order). The brussels this time came with big pieces of pork belly and cranberry compote compared to my previous visit where it was pancetta and pistachios instead. The artisan bread was two kinds of bread (foccacia and another maybe baguette?) and came with a sundried tomato-balsamic dip and a wowzer smoked bone marrow butter (pretty sure it wasn't honey garlic butter which was the other kind listed on the menu). Never seen that before. The dark chocolate mole had fresh tortilla chips, pickled red onion, and cotija cheese. This was also first for me, as I'm more familiar with mole being served with meat and rice. Their mole was a nice sweetness from the chocolate. From the bar, we had hot toddys, gummy bear martinis, and I had a blood orange paloma (zero proof CleanCo Tequila). They do validate parking unless you paid a flat event rate in advance.
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Leila D.

Yelp
We came here to celebrate our anniversary, and what a thoughtful gesture! They placed a vase of flowers with a Happy Anniversary sign at our table. It was a lovely touch! Great service, our server Erika was very attentive. My vodka cocktail with lavender syrup was delicious. I had the summer greens salad, which was refreshing with a vinaigrette topped with plums, peaches, and pumpkin seeds. I also ordered the buttermilk-brined chicken, which came with potatoes and fresh vegetables, including green and white beans. The dish was very tasty, although the sauce was a bit too salty. Overall, the flavors were on point. We ordered affogato for dessert, and they even threw in an extra. Thank you for a great dinner!
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Jon N.

Yelp
We started the night at a steakhouse in the hotel down the street and it was a disaster. I decided to cut my losses and find something else, and fortunately I found Prelude which was still open. I grabbed a seat at the bar and had great service, an excellent glass of wine and a delicious dungeness crab pasta! It literally saved the night! Great vibe, and nice decor. I'll be back next time we come to town!
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Dale R.

Yelp
Pork chop was good. Go with the pork chops. The poached pear app was a little small and the pear didn't have much flavor, but it was good. I also ordered the kale citrus salad. Fresh flavor. Hardly no oil on it. Wish the walnuts were toasted. Everything is a la carte so the bill can get high. Quickly. Appreciated the happy hour specials the fried olives appetizer at the bar. Thought it was strange though that some of the happy hour appetizer specials were the same regular price as the menu. Overall, the service was fantastic. I had to keep reminding myself while I was eating the food that it was farm to fork focused so things weren't overly sauced and buttered up. Which kept things fresh tasting.
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Cloyce D.

Yelp
I'm a hopeless romantic and love when a new place carries the nostalgia of something old. Prelude Kitchen & Bar is tucked at the end of a side street in downtown Sacramento, and stepping onto their patio instantly reminded me of dining in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, or Rome. The only difference? None of those gorgeous places had a picture-perfect view of the California State Capitol right across the street. For the past 10-12 years, my wife and I have faithfully had a date night every Tuesday evening. (Men, be warned: this tradition started because Tuesdays used to mean cheap movies--and look what it's turned into. ) Every now and then, we stumble across a gem, and Prelude is absolutely one of them that will stay in our rotation from this day forward. The food? Every bit as good as the view. The pork chop alone deserves its own love story--it will make you want to leave your wife... but only to go to the restroom, and then come right back to share it with her. From start to finish, everything was excellent, including the attentive service. If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers romance, charm, and unforgettable flavors, Prelude Kitchen & Bar is the place to be.
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Shaayla S.

Yelp
we wanted to celebrate a special occasion, and i've always seen prelude recommended as one of the best high-end restaurants in sacramento. i was drawn in by the view of the capitol outside their restaurant! we ended up parking in the garage nearby, definitely be careful around this area. it was a short walk to the restaurant, with a view of the capitol building greeting us before entering. we had a reservation, and got seated immediately. our servers and waiters were completely attentive the entire time, and the interior is elegant but homely. we started with their artisan bread and did not expect this to come with so much bread! there were 4 different types of bread ranging from a herby baguette-like bread to sweet, soft challah. the infused butter was fennel, and i LOVED the butter quality and flavor. each bread brought something new, and for $9 this was a steal. we ordered the pork chop and steak frites as well, and while i think both were a little too expensive, they were well-worth it. i like that the pork chop has rotating seasonal accompaniments. we got their corn succotash, which was bright and fresh, i loved how it cut through the fatty meaty-ness of the pork chop. the pork chop was cooked well, a little chewy but not too tough which is definitely hard to master. the steak was soooo tender and melt-in-your-mouth! i loved the provision of the lemon, it managed to brighten up the whole dish and paired really beautifully with the arugula. we would have gotten dessert but we were stuffed by this time! i highly recommend prelude for any special occasions- don't forget to ask for parking validation too!
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Jen S.

Yelp
Came here for a work dinner and it had a great ambiance. It wasn't too loud but loud enough to let people enjoy themselves and speak openly without feeling self conscious. The appetizers were all delicious and great for sharing. I didn't get a photo of the caprese because it was devoured. The tomatoes were naturally sweet and they were the star of the dish. Ordered the Basil scallops and the flavors were perfectly balanced with the slight saltiness of the scallops. Would definitely come back.
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Jen-Ann L.

Yelp
This location has been a revolving door for years but we might have a longer-term candidate now! I can only describe this place as swanky. Very attentive staff and clean and crisp, down to the minute decor and details. It seems to fill up on "show nights", being in close proximity to the Broadway Sacramento venue and the staff are very respectful of showtimes. As for the food, I would say it was a little pricey for my own taste. I'm happy to report there is a happy hour menu that ends at 6 pm. The fried ravioli were especially delicious and came highly recommended by the bartender. The accompanying salad had capers and other mandolined veggies and a great sauce. I would definitely recommend this as a standout. The garlic parm truffle fries and fried Brussels sprouts are all that you could ask for, not particularly special or unusual, but very good, nonetheless. I found the bacon on the side of the Brussels very crispy.
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Hannah G.

Yelp
It was okay. The appetizers we got were great but I got the scallops for dinner and it was 3 tiny ones and so much pesto orzo. It was good at the start but got old fast. Especially with that price... insane
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
It's been quite some time since I dined here but it was a whole different experience than I'm accustomed to - delicious food, creative menu, good service and a beautiful ambiance. Pricey but worth it for a special meal!
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Christine L.

Yelp
Happy Hour here is limited to the bar area only, the HH menu is tiny as well. The patio seating is serene and has a view of the capitol building. The martini and margaritas were perfectly crafted. There were like 4 dishes offered during happy hour all were sides dishes. The dining room looked so romantic here, they have a beautiful wine rack right behind the bar which looks awesome. The two dishes I tried was the blistering asparagus, by far one of the best asparagus I have eaten in a long time, and the fries were seasoned perfectly. Bring some friends, date night, family this place is perfect for a good drink and some delicious food. Parking might be a challenge where this restaurant is located.

Dennis E.

Yelp
We hit Prelude on a night of a triple whammy. A play, a King's game and some large convention. We had a deadline of getting out by 7:15 and the manager and wait staff did everything they could to speed the kitchen up for us. We were out by 7:14 (had arrived about 5:45). The food was excellent and a fine "Piggy Back" Old Fashion. My hat tips for Alicia our server who kept us informed throughout and everyone else on their toes. I will attempt to be one of her tables again!!
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Daniel B.

Yelp
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the host at the front desk. Since we had arrived a bit early, we decided to relax at the bar and enjoy a cocktail. The bar lounge area was cozy, especially on a rainy day, with the fireplace adding a touch of warmth to the ambiance. The bar staff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to provide us with detailed information about the menu. Once we were seated at our table, we were delighted to find a beautiful vase adorned with flowers and a "Happy Anniversary" decoration. The entire staff made sure to congratulate us, which was a lovely gesture. For our appetizer, we opted for the Di Stefano Burrata Cheese, served with grilled radicchio, Spanish anchovy bagna cauda, and garlic toast. While the addition of the Spanish anchovy bagna cauda was delightful, we were a bit disappointed to find only one slice of bread. Given the amount of burrata, we believe that at least two slices would have been more appropriate. To satisfy our craving for more bread, we ordered the House Baked Artisan Bread, which included assorted house-baked breads and fennel pollen butter. The fennel pollen butter was a new discovery for us and paired perfectly with the breads. The rosemary bread was particularly noteworthy, with its buttery texture, softness, and addictive flavor. We would have happily ordered a full tray if possible. For our main course, I chose the New York Steak, accompanied by hasselback potatoes, grilled asparagus, smoked bone marrow butter, and charred scallion pesto. I ordered my steak medium, but it arrived slightly overcooked, at medium-well. However, the smoked bone marrow butter helped to balance the temperature and added flavor to the steak. The asparagus was cooked to perfection, retaining its crispness while becoming tender. The hasselback potatoes were a standout, thinly sliced yet maintaining their round shape, cooked to a delightful crunch on the outside and softness on the inside. My wife ordered the vegetable risotto topped with grilled chicken. The risotto was delicious, featuring pesto and ricotta cheese, and the vegetables--tomatoes and arugula--paired well together. We decided to skip dessert because we were too full. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and we will definitely be going back. The staff deserves five stars! One last note. There is parking garage conveniently located, unfortunately the restaurant doesn't validate and the cost is $15.00.
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Elisha W.

Yelp
Our first time here was great, we knew we had to come back. This evening for our anniversary it was confirmed why we came back. Victoria and the team were great. My wife and I had a great experience again. We will be back, with more people soon. Great restaurant
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Crystal C.

Yelp
Ok now this place is a gem, everything I had was delicious and the service was definitely worth the bill I'll definitely be returning here. I have absolutely no complaints, usually when you go to a place like this the plates are smaller portions and here it was the complete opposite the portions were very generous, definitely a cute place for date night or dinner with the girls.
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Vivian D.

Yelp
Went here for a birthday lunch. We were the only people there on a Wednesday. The service was somewhat slow to get our drinks. We were waiting on one of our party to show and that seemed to signal to the waiter that we didn't want our drinks. The food was really good, though! Not much of a selection at lunch, 5 items. Wouldn't go back.
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Jim B.

Yelp
We had a late Monday lunch...Jake, he of stellar humor, took amazing good care of us. Delicious food, cool and well-selected wines, we had a very good time. Prelude delivers
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Michael B.

Yelp
Had a birthday dinner on a busy Friday night. The service was amazing and our server was very attentive and helpful with suggestions off the menu. We ordered the Brussel sprouts and were amazed at how good they were to start the night. For the main course I ordered the Pork chop and my girlfriend ordered the mushroom risotto, both were very delicious and paired well with the drinks we ordered. Our server even brought us dessert on the house! Amazing experience and we definitely will be back! Overall a really great fine dining experience!
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Abbey R.

Yelp
Spent $300 on dinner for 4 and it was mediocre at best. It took over an hour to get our food and service was SO SLOW. For a $300 meal I'd at least expect my meal to be warm and delivered in less than an hour. Our server hardly checked on us and it took forever to get any drinks. Do not recommend.

David B.

Yelp
Our waitress Erica introduced herself and mentioned the specials, we ordered a couple of appetizers and drinks. Everything was exceptional. Update; We are having dinner again there tonight!
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Sené G.

Yelp
10's across the board! Service 10 Food 10 Ambiance 10 I took my friend for the first time as a birthday gift. She LOVED it! This was my 2nd time and both times were absolutely amazing! 10 out of 10 will recommend! We unknowingly stayed 1hr past closing time. No one told us it was time to leave, no one hinted at the time. In fact I believe it was closing manager who said "no rush, take your time we still have another table hanging out". Our server was pleasant, kind, the hostess complimented us on our perfume! The birthday flowers were a cute unexpected treat!
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Christian S.

Yelp
Overall the food was good, but overpriced. The restaurant feels like it was designed for lobbyist and people at the capital who are not actually paying for the meal. The food was actually pretty good! We had the bread, beef carpaccio, and pork chop. All were done well. But for me everything was just overpriced, and there isn't much ambiance to compensate for it. The interior feel of the restaurant is pretty cold, and it was dead the night we went for dinner which probably didn't help. Either way, a $20 old fashioned? The food was good, but not where I felt the experience justified it. There's just not enough to make me want to go back.
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Adam C.

Yelp
Prelude offers an upscale feel and in a well designed restaurant. Servers were very friendly and accommodating. This place is known for its brined pork chop which I enjoyed. It did come out lukewarm which may mean it had been pre cooked earlier but the flavor was there. The restaurant was busy and the wait time for food was longer than you would expect. Overall, it was a great experience and I appreciated that it was not a chain restaurant.
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Julie B.

Yelp
Came here last night with my husband and daughter for dinner. The atmosphere was amazing and the staff are so friendly and nice. Our waitress was super helpful and friendly too. We ordered the bread and pork belly appetizers and a couple of cocktails which were very tasty. I ordered the risotto with scallops which was delicious. My husband ordered the steak and frites and he loved it. My daughter ordered the chicken and she said it was delicious. Overall this is a great place with great food and great service. Than you for making our evening meal special.
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Sasson F.

Yelp
I really don't see how this restaurant is rated so high. We dined here last night and the experience was quite underwhelming. The service was exceptional, but that doesn't make up for the fact that the food is overpriced for what it is. The ambiance was cold. It didn't seem friendly. Seemed more pretentious. We started off with the Seared Ahi Tuna. There wasn't enough pineapple vinaigrette so it was bland. The grade of tuna was good though, but not enough in the portion size. My wife and her friend had the Steak Frites. For $59 they're going to serve flank steak? It was cold and the fries tasted old and stale. My wife's friend had the Basil Risotto & Hokkaido Scallops. Poor guy got only 3 scallops and a small portion of risotto. I could tell he was still hungry after his meal. I got the Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken. The chicken itself was dry, but the pan sauce was flavorful. I probably got the largest portion out of everyone's entrées. To end we had Matcha Pots De Creme and Affogato for dessert. Again, they were ok, but just average desserts at best. Nothing thy wowed us. We'll probably never come here again because I don't see the value. Our bill was $450 for dinner and a few drinks. If you feel like blowing money and pretending to be rich go here. Otherwise, there are a lot of other better choices for food and value.
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Michelle L.

Yelp
First time checking this place out and it did not disappoint! Super friendly, attentive staff in a beautiful, elegant space. Their cocktails were so delicious and visually appealing. Accommodated a few changes to their salad, and it was amazing. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meals! I had the risotto with shrimp and it was so flavorful and beautifully prepared, I couldn't stop eating it even though I was full :) We were celebrating a few birthdays and even though we were too full for dessert, the staff brought us each our own little dish of decadent truffles with a candle, so unexpected and thoughtful If I am headed downtown again, this place will definitely be on the top of my list to go back to!!
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Dawn W.

Yelp
We were a party of 9, the service was incredible. Devon was knowledgeable about the menu, Miguel made sure our glasses never went dry. They both were fun and added so much to our experience. The food was beyond incredible, from the appetizers to the main courses. Yes, I got to taste them all. The steak, pork chop, fish and pasta. The food was thoughtful, creative and above all a delicious treat. Leaving all of us full and very satisfied. We also enjoyed three desserts. Beautifully presented with incredible flavor profiles. The entire evening was amazing and we are looking forward to returning. Big thank you to the staff at Prelude and their Chef Aaron!
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Brittany S.

Yelp
Great food! Good wine! Bougie! Great view of the capitol building... would come back again!
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Preet P.

Yelp
Made reservation for 8 people on a weekday for lunch to celebrate graduation. We were given a table which was very private. Restaurant was quiet with beautiful decor and ambience. However, there was only one waitress working. She did her best. Services was so slow that we started having second thoughts after we ordered drinks because it took her so long. She said some employees called in. Lunch menu was so limited. Drinks and starters were good. We end up going to a different restaurant for actual food. It seems like a perfect restaurant for dinner though.
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K G.

Yelp
Really good and plan on going back. Food was great. I took a bit off for service due to the hostess making us wait up front for a while despite plenty of open tables. Our waiters and other staff were great though.
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Christina Y.

Yelp
The food tonight was amazing. The artisan bread warmed through perfect but it went over the top with that fennel pollen butter, ate every slice. Next we had the smoked pork belly esquites just delicious the corn sweet and crunchy. You would think the bork belly and beef tallow would make it a heavy dish but it was light and a great starter. The watermelon gazpacho so good. I hade the Campanella it was fresh and the burst of saltiness from the olives delicious. My friend had the basil risotto with scallops and I had a taste it was so good she ate every single bite. It was so beautifully presented I took a picture. The service was impeccable our waiter was attentive but not intrusive and I never felt rushed. Will definitely be back.
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Tinah Y.

Yelp
About the only good thing about this restaurant is the validated parking option. Food was either bland or over salted. The Cayenne Ricotta that came with the grilled asparagus had no flavor and didn't go with the dish. The sundried tomato vinaigrette was about the best thing that I had there. I ordered the angus ribeye and asked for rare, what I got was an over salted medium well steak. It was so salty, I can't even give it to my dog. The dish came with peas and two literally "smashed" potatoes, weirdest combination ever. Peas had no flavor on any of the dishes and just no place for it. The house made linguine was the worst! Pasta was overcooked and there was absolutely no flavor and the toss in peas just ruins the texture of the dish and made it worse. Service was okay, but, definitely not worthy of 20%.