Two brothers, one kitchen, and a whole lot of good food. That’s the simple story behind Casa East Sac, where Steve and Theodore Gibanov turn fresh California ingredients into dishes worth talking about. It’s where you can grab a casual brunch or an indulgent dinner without feeling like you need to dress up—but you’ll leave feeling like you just had a five-star experience.
Who’s Running the Show?
Casa East Sac is the brainchild of the Gibanov brothers, Steve and Theodore. These two aren’t just cooking; they’re crafting. Steve, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, honed his skills at high-end spots like San Francisco’s Sir Francis Drake Hotel before bringing his expertise to Sacramento. On the other hand, Theodore grew up learning the art of cooking from his family and has since made waves in East Sacramento’s food scene. (Fun fact: He won “Best Bacon” at Sacramento’s Bacon Festival in 2016. Yes, that’s a thing, and yes, he nailed it.)
Together, they’ve created a menu that balances sophistication with approachability. Think elevated comfort food that doesn’t feel pretentious—just delicious.
When to Go
Here’s the lowdown on their hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed (Hey, even chefs need a break.)
- Wednesday to Friday: Lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM; Dinner from 5 PM to 8 PM
- Saturday: Brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM; Dinner from 4 PM to 8 PM
- Sunday: Brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM
Make a reservation if you plan to visit during peak hours—it’s worth it.
What’s on the Menu?
Casa East Sac serves up a mix of brunch classics, creative pizzas, small plates, salads, and hearty sandwiches. Here are some highlights from their menus:
Brunch Favorites
- Loco Moco ($23): A Hawaiian-inspired dish with grass-fed beef, white rice, eggs any style, brown gravy, scallions, and sesame seeds. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist.
- Eggs Benny ($22): Two poached eggs with ham and lemon hollandaise on Acme sourdough. Feeling fancy? Sub-smoked salmon for $8 more.
- French Toast ($17): Cinnamon vanilla batter on Acme sourdough topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh berries. Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please.
Lunch Specials
- Porchetta Sandwich ($23): Thinly sliced porchetta with aioli, salsa verde, and arugula on Acme sourdough. It’s as satisfying as it sounds.
- Casa Burger ($20): A third-pound patty with Swiss cheese, caramelized onion, house-made bun, and pickles—because life is too short for boring burgers.
- Chicken Banh Mi ($22): Pickled carrot and daikon meet jalapeño and cilantro for this Vietnamese-inspired delight on sourdough bread.
Pizza Goals
The pizzas are wood-fired masterpieces with creative toppings:
- Brunch Pizza ($24): Chef’s choice of ingredients—always a surprise but never a letdown.
- Tanya ($25): Herbed ricotta meets mozzarella and shaved prosciutto with arugula and balsamic glaze. It’s like Italy on a plate.
- Vic ($24): Herbed ricotta paired with roasted mushrooms and white truffle oil for an earthy yet luxurious bite.
Small Plates & Salads
If you’re in the mood for something lighter (or just want an excuse to order more food), try these:
- Deviled Eggs ($18): Bacon, paprika, pickled red onion—because deviled eggs deserve some flair.
- Buffalo Mozzarella Salad ($22): Fresh mozzarella imported from Campania paired with seasonal ingredients that change depending on what’s good right now.
Dessert Is Mandatory
Don’t skip dessert here—it’s worth every calorie:
- House-Made Desserts ($9): The chef’s choice changes regularly but is always indulgent.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt ($5): Because sometimes simple is best (especially when it involves flaky sea salt).
Why You’ll Love It
Casa East Sac doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t need to. The food speaks for itself: fresh ingredients prepared with care by people who clearly love what they do. If you’re grabbing brunch after a morning walk or settling in for dinner with friends, it feels like the kind of place that could easily become your go-to spot.
And let’s not forget about the vibe—it’s relaxed but polished enough that you’ll want to snap a few pics for Instagram (or just keep them to yourself because not everything needs to be shared). With its thoughtful menu and welcoming atmosphere, Casa East Sac proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be good.
Sources: casaeastsac.com, yelp.com, Casa East Sac Instagram Page
Header Image Source: casaeastsac.com
