Ironman California is almost upon us, and for racers that means one thing: time to load up on carbs. Luckily with Ironman California being in Sacramento, which is known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, there are plenty of eateries that offer some of the best tasting carbs around. Here are a few local restaurants serving carbo-loaded dishes for those looking to gain a competitive advantage.
Image Courtesy of: John Hernandez
OBO’ Italian Table & Bar
This authentic Italian eatery is stocked full of delicious carbohydrates that are sure to fill you up before your big race. OBO’ Italian Table & Bar has an extensive menu featuring locally sourced homemade pastas, focaccia, wood-fired pizzas, and sandwiches. Be sure to treat yourself to a German chocolate cupcake for dessert -- don’t worry, you’ll burn it off tomorrow without a doubt.
Image Courtesy of: OneSpeed Pizza
OneSpeed Pizza
What better place to carbo-load and get in the Ironman spirit than a local pizza joint centered around a bicycle theme? OneSpeed is located in the heart of East Sacramento offering creative wood-fired pizzas and other classic Italian dishes. Here you can choose from an array of pizzas like the Garden Pizza, the House Made Italian Sausage, or even the Calzone Carnivore if you prefer your pizza folded in half. If pasta is your carb of choice, be sure try the gnocchi with pork ragu.
Bambina’s Pizza and Pasta
A cozy neighborhood spot in Midtown, Bambina’s Pizza & Pasta delivers comforting Italian classics that are perfect for pre-race fueling. Their hand-tossed pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, and crowd-favorite garlic knots make it easy to load up on carbs without overthinking it. Keep it classic with a margherita pizza or dig into a bowl of rigatoni for a filling, race-ready meal.
Piatti
Piatti is known for its refined yet approachable Italian cuisine. From fresh pastas to wood-fired pizzas and house-made focaccia, Piatti offers plenty of carb-forward options in a relaxed setting. It’s a great choice for athletes looking to enjoy a well-balanced, satisfying meal before race day—especially if you’re dining with a group that wants a little variety.
Marilyn's Pizza
This local staple serves up generously topped pizzas with a perfectly chewy crust, exactly what you want when carbo-loading before a big race. Grab a whole pie to share or stop in for a quick slice and salad combo to keep things simple and effective.
The Philly
If sandwiches are more your speed, The Philly offers carb-loaded classics that still get the job done. Known for their cheesesteaks piled high on soft rolls, this spot is ideal for athletes craving bread-forward comfort food. Pair a sandwich with fries for an easy, filling meal that will keep your energy stores topped off heading into race day.
Mattone Ristorante
Mattone Ristorante brings traditional Italian flavors to Sacramento with a menu full of pastas, pizzas, and rustic entrees. Their house-made pasta dishes and rich sauces make this a solid stop for anyone serious about carb-loading. Enjoy a relaxed sit-down meal and savor a plate of fettuccine or spaghetti—your legs will thank you on race day.
Willow
The Exchange Hotel is home to a newer Sacramento restaurant inspired by the Southern Italian and Mediterranean regions. Willow offers a wide variety of house-made pastas, seafood dishes, and smaller bites. Try Willow’s Foccacia made from scratch or their Cavolo Campanelle pasta featuring pesto and Parmigiano Reggiano for a little taste of Italy sure to power you through the race.
Adamo’s Restaurant
This Midtown eatery is a carbo-loader’s dream, as it focuses on the homestyle Italian classics you love and crave. From the Carbonara pasta dish with spaghetti, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, egg and Grana Padano to the four-cheese ravioli with Calabrian chili and garlic oil, basil pesto and pine nuts, Adamo’s Restaurant has a little something for everyone. If you have room for dessert after your meal, give one of Adamo’s house-made cannolis a try.
Federalist Pizza
If pizza is on your mind, Federalist Pizza in Midtown Sacramento is a great choice. Start your meal off with Federalist Pizza's Sunday sauce served with fresh bread before indulging in one of their gourmet pizzas ranging in flavor from "The Southside Pizza" featuring fresh mozzarella, fontina, potatoes, pork chorizo, cilantro, and chili oil to "The Stanford Pizza" with fontina, red onions, mushrooms, arugula, tomatoes, and pesto. Don't worry, Federealist Pizza has all your favorite classics such as pepperoni and margherita too.
Paesanos
With one location of this chain conveniently located in Midtown Sacramento, Paesanos is known for having some of the best Italian food in the area. Whether you’re looking to fill up on pizza, pasta or other carbo-loaded dishes, Paesanos has plenty of options to please everyone—even those who are gluten-free. Be sure to start off your meal by ordering a round (or maybe two or three) of Paesanos’ delicious Bocce Balls, which are fried pizza dough smothered in garlic butter, parmesan, and basil.
