Sergio’s Caffé: Fresh Italian food in a stylish setting

NEVADA COUNTY HAS EXPERIENCED A BOOMLET in restaurant expansions in recent years. Examples include Summer Thyme’s Bakery & Deli and Kane’s Restaurant in Grass Valley, Lefty’s Grill in Nevada City, and Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats in Truckee, among others. All of them have built a loyal following, with innovative, reasonable fare.

Now Sergio’s Caffé has expanded to a new, stylish location on Mill Street in historic Grass Valley, just down the street from its original location for 11 years. The food is as good as ever, with a creative Italian-trained chef, and the service is attentive, thanks to dedicated and approachable Owners Sergio and Lena Martignago.

Sergio is successful because he thinks like his customers. “When I go out to eat, I want a meal that’s healthy, well presented and rea- sonably priced,” he says. And he delivers.

One recent night we enjoyed dinner at Sergio’s. The Caesar salad was fresh and crisp. Our entrees—Veal Marsala, a grilled Filet Mignon with demi-glace, and spaghetti with meatballs for our son—were all superb.

We topped off our meal with homemade tiramisu and chocolate mousse. Sergio’s has a well-rounded wine list; we enjoyed a bottle of Naggiar Sangiovese.

The 1,700-square-foot restaurant seats 45 guests and has an open kitchen. The decor includes handsome wood furnishings, a marble-topped bar and warm lighting. In the spring, an outdoor patio adds to the charm.

Pianist Craig Palmer, an accomplished musician from San Diego, entertains diners with soft tunes. Sergio and Lena are hands-on owners, offering attentive service with the rest of the staff. Sergio’s brother, David, just moved from the East Coast to join the team.

Chef Francesco Gazzana is from Milan. He is proud of his Osso Buco, reflecting his Italian heritage, as well as veal dishes and seafood including calamari, Cioppino, and clams and mussels.

Francesco has been friends with Sergio for 15 years. Sergio grew up in Mendoza, the famous wine-growing region of Argentina, and Lena is from Ukraine, giving the Grass Valley restaurant an international flair. “This restaurant fulfills a longtime dream,” says Sergio.