On 9th Street between J and K hidden behind a very inauspicious door, is a new entry on the Sacramento dining scene. Leonardo and Mina Fasulo, the owners of Davis standout, Osteria Fasulo, have opened a new restaurant in Sacramento, Il Posto, Italian for The Place.

I met a friend there for lunch yesterday. Neither of us had ever been to the restaurant before. In fact until a few days ago, neither of us had even heard of it. I arrived a few minutes early, and was slightly worried as it appeared a little shopworn for a new eatery. A visit to the bathroom showed that it had not been updated and when my friend arrived and we were led up the long stairway, the red carpet could have definitely done with being replaced or at least shampooed.

We were asked if we wanted to sit by the window, which we agreed to. As we gazed out at the alley and the dumpsters, we realized that urban dining has a life of its own!

But we were quickly greeted by our waiter and a very tasty lunch ensued. The restaurant is currently offering its winter menu. My friend ordered the ravioli filled butternut squash and served with a brown butter. The waiter suggested a salad also. When the salad arrived it was served in a parmesan basket. It looked scrumptious. I ordered the tuna, white bean and sweet onion salad and the waiter suggested some soup to accompany it. I chose a cup of the tomato soup and must say that it was probably the best tomato soup I ever ate, and the salad was pretty darn good too. The meal was accompanied by very tasty bread and a pesto like sauce for dipping.