Cheap Eats: Sapore Ristorante

Enjoy flavorful Italian food!

By Michaela Jarvis

Published: December 21, 2012

Photo by Dougaldo C. // Yelp.com

Unusual doesn’t begin to describe Sapore Ristorante. Despite its stark atmosphere and next-door proximity to Señor Burbujas (Mr. Bubbles) laundromat, Sapore serves Italian food that is painstakingly prepared and better than you’d find at many fancier restaurants. A big-enough-for-two Caesar salad ($6.99) sports garlicky house-made croutons and a genuine dressing, and lasagna ($10.99) is ultraflavorful and less of a sloppy cheese bomb than most U.S. versions. A shrimp scampi appetizer ($8.99) gets a C- on presentation, but the shrimp are delightfully plump, and the cream-based garlic sauce will have you mopping the plate with pieces of warm crusty bread. All of the food bears the mark of a sensitive chef who knows good flavor and how to achieve it.

Ambience: There isn’t any. Can you say takeout? (If you have kids, though, they’ll be welcomed and might enjoy meeting the owners’ adorable girl and boy.)
Best buy: When was the last time you saw a steak for $12.99? This one’s a pretty thin cut with a circa 1973 red wine mushroom sauce, but it’s tender and juicy, and cooked to whatever temperature you like. Oh, and the garlic-sautéed side veggies are al dente and fresh.
Cheers: Choosing from a number of house varietals, we drank the Chianti ($5.99 a glass), which worked just fine with the food.
Dessert: It seems like every midrange Italian restaurant serves a tiramisu ($5.99), and this one is genuine, creamy, and light.
Multiethnic twist: The tacos ($1.25–$2 each) don’t look half bad, either!

1500 Monument Blvd., Concord, (855) 252-8834, saporeristorantes.com. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Sat.

Sign up to get our e-newsletter and receive exclusive invites to special events, parties, and happenings.

Edit Module Show Tags

Edit Module Show Tags Edit Module Show Tags Edit Module Show Tags

Faces

Gourmet Gallop

Food and wine lovers took a self-guided stroll through downtown Walnut Creek and sampled bites from 18 participating eateries—including Torsap Thai Kitchen, Oke Poke, and Silk Road—at this yearly event. All proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its PEEK Outreach Program (Performing Arts Education and Enrichment for Kids).

Coming to the Rescue

More than 200 guests were in attendance for Contra Costa Humane Society’s (CCHS) gala fundraiser, enjoying food, music, and auctions while learning all about CCHS. Funds support programs and services that promote pet adoption and help provide for animals and their families in need.

Orinda Classic Car Show

The community’s automotive all-stars came together for the 15th year in a row to raise money for causes such as the Educational Foundation of Orinda, the Orinda Association’s Seniors Around Town transportation program, Orinda Parks and Recreation, arts, and the Orinda Historical Society. The weekend kicked off with a preshow party—which included dinner, libations, and dancing—at the new Orinda Arts and Garden Center. The next day, the show took place at Orinda Motors and featured an exhibit of classic Porsches and a second special display of vintage station wagons.

Day in the Park

In an effort to raise money for the Taylor Family Foundation, which provides financial and emotional aid for children in Northern California who are living with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities, supporters gathered at Camp Arroyo in Livermore for the organization’s annual celebration. The event was a smashing success and included a wide selection of gourmet food, desserts, drinks, and silent and live auctions. Musical guest Brian Culbertson, an award-winning jazz musician known for hits such as “Always Remember” and “Colors of Love,” rocked the stage.

Summer Wine Festival

In August, Saint Mary’s College of California and its alumni association held their 15th annual summer festival in order to give financial assistance to students. The afternoon consisted of wine tasting, delicious food, and a lot of fun. Some of the wineries, breweries, and vendors in attendance included Canyon Club Brewery, Captain Vineyards, Michael’s Chocolates, and Wente Vineyards. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit student scholarships.

Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation Launch

In July, Stephen and Ayesha Curry hosted an official kickoff event for their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, in Oakland’s Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt. The celebratory day was filled with outdoor games and activities, attracting more than 900 children from Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development’s Town Camps. Focused on improving the lives of underprivileged youth, the organization aims to bring an end to childhood hunger and provide children with quality education and safe spaces where they can play and engage in physical activity.

East Bay SPCA Adopt-a-thon

To raise awareness for the thousands of homeless animals in the area, the East Bay SPCA hosted its 11th annual adoption extravaganza in Oakland’s Jack London Square. Nearly 30 local animal shelters and rescues attended, bringing more than 200 pets. With dogs, cats, rats, birds, and more in need of a home, visitors could choose from a variety of animals to find their perfect companions. There were also plenty of family activities, a photo booth, giveaways, and vouchers for discounted pet microchips.

Animal Run Canicross Charity Race

At this animal-friendly canicross (canine cross-country) charity race in Richmond, attendees ran either a 5K, 10K, or half marathon to raise funds for Stockton’s Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary and the wildlife rescue organization WildCare in San Rafael. The Animal Run community promotes kindess and sustainability, and runners were encouraged to enjoy free food and raffles as well as support vegan businesses.

Coit Family Visitor and Education Center Debut

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery opened its new Coit Family Visitor and Education Center at a public ribbon-cutting ceremony with over 300 garden members, donors, and guests present. The center will welcome the 15,000 people who visit the Walnut Creek garden annually and provide workshops, tours, classes, and educational programs.

Taste Our Terroir

This yearly Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association culinary event brought together local winemakers and chefs at Ruby Hill Winery’s Casa Real event center in Pleasanton. For four days, oenophiles engaged in a food and wine–pairing competition, sustainable garden tours, a blind-tasting seminar, and more.

Berkeley Rep's Ovation Gala

In celebration of Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s outgoing artistic director, Tony Taccone, 475 Bay Area arts supporters gathered at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco for a memorable evening. The festivities honored Taccone’s 22 years with the nonprofit as a visionary leader, and more than $1 million was raised in support of the theater’s artistic endeavors and programs. Bob the Drag Queen performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and Rita Moreno sang “This Is All I Ask” from Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup, which Taccone wrote.

Edit Module Show Tags

Find us on Facebook

Diablo Magazine

Cheap Eats: Sapore Ristorante

Enjoy flavorful Italian food!

Top Tickets

Trending

Faces

Find us on Facebook