1475 Eureka Road, Suite 120, Roseville
916-540-7643
miaroseville.com
miaroseville

Owner and Chef Mustafa Durmaz

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sunday); 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)

TRY THIS: Mac & Cheese Croquette, Burrata Pizza, Mediterranean Garden, Cioppino, Lobster Ravioli, Ribeye, Mushroom Risotto, Chicken Piccata, Mia Dream

DRINKS: Full bar; beer, wine, and cocktails

TAB: $$

HEADS-UP: Reservations accepted (and recommended) but walk-ins are welcome; can accommodate large parties; ideal ambiance for special occasions; kids’ menu; all desserts, sauces, dressings, etc. are made in-house; impressive wine list and cocktail offerings; spacious front patio

Sapphire

If you’re looking for a perfect “bang for your buck” date night experience, Mia Restaurant & Bar might just be the place. The ambiance strikes an ideal balance between playfully upbeat and subtly sophisticated, with both intimate and group seating options. The décor is thoughtfully designed and impossible not to like. 

Mac & Cheese Croquette

We began our meal with the burrata pizza, a dish that came highly recommended by our waitress (instead of my initial inclination toward the steak tartar, much to my wife’s delight).

Ruby

I’ve recently rekindled my love for pizza (and believe me when I say it’s a deep one), and this was one of the best pies I’ve had in years. Was it nostalgia? Doubtful. Burrata, for those unfamiliar, is a beautiful cheese comprised of a mozzarella shell encasing a creamy, slightly stringy filling of stracciatella. This, accompanied by fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze, reminded me why Italian cuisine is so well loved throughout the world. The combination of flavors and textures was nothing short of exceptional.

Next, we dove into entrées, beginning with one of my all-time favorites: cioppino. Originating in 1800s San Francisco, this iconic seafood stew was born from Italian fishermen who would all “chip in” with their catch of the day. Mia’s rendition, loaded with mussels, prawns, bay scallops, clams, and salmon in flavorful house marinara, certainly did the dish justice.

Lamb Shank

Our second entrée was the lamb shank, accompanied by mushroom risotto and a red wine demi-glace. A bit of personal history here: my love for lamb began while working as a guide in Patagonia, where local gauchos would split a lamb and cook it over an open flame. The meat’s earthy, slightly gamey taste became a fast favorite. This version delivered all the beautifully robust flavors lamb is known for; combined with the mushroom risotto (which, truth be told, stole the show), each bite was rich, heavy, and filling. 

Mia Dream

While we were planning to indulge in dessert, we had to forego the temptation. Next time, I’m saving room for the “Mia Dream” (chocolate cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce) or perhaps a piece of tiramisu.

Would I crown Mia the greatest restaurant I’ve ever dined at? Not quite. But would I place it at the top of my list for date night? Absolutely. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value for your money. With exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and a solid drink menu, it’s a place that offers fantastic value for your money. I’ll be back for round two. 

by Ryan Martinez  |  photos by JYO BHAMIDIPATI
Have you been to Mia Restaurant & Bar? Tell us about your experience by messaging us on Instagram (@stylemags), Facebook (@stylemediagroup), or emailing [email protected].