We came in from San Diego and stayed at a local hotel. After eating at Nick's last night (great food, great service, very, very loud, sloppy, immature drunks eating dinner at the center of the... More

We came in from San Diego and stayed at a local hotel. After eating at Nick's last night (great food, great service, very, very loud, sloppy, immature drunks eating dinner at the center of the restaurant, striving to be the center of attention--and succeeding), we wanted to find quieter place. We also read the reviews of Portofino on line, and were convinced that it would be an overpriced, disappointing experience. With Barolo, we were not disappointed. We had three minute wait and the hostess apologized for not seating us immediately. Throughout the meal, all of the servers smile, smiled, smiled, and they were also very attentive. Food got to us fast, and it was excellent. Fillet of soul and flank steak. Borolo is in a converted home, this gives it a homey atmosphere. You could sit the restaurant and imagine a family cozying up to their fireplace and watching the rain storms as they rolled in off the Pacific. The cordial manager met us at the door and bid us adieu as we were leaving. He truly wanted to know how our meal and service was. When we complimented the food and service he beamed; this made us realize how much he (and the entire staff) wanted to please patrons. I say give it a try.
Less

This is a fabulous restaurant! In the last year, it has improved alot. The food has always been phenomenal and the martinis well-shaken. The staff is young and less polished style then a... More

This is a fabulous restaurant! In the last year, it has improved alot. The food has always been phenomenal and the martinis well-shaken. The staff is young and less polished style then a professional waiter from San Francisco but they are a young, vibrant, and friendly staff. I have some things to rave about which keeps me coming back for more even if its a bit of a drive from SF. First and foremost their martinis. Ron, the bartender knows how to shake one up and the portions are enormous, its awesome! Second, just introduced on the menu, is the lobster tail, its well presented and tasty. And third, the panna cotta, what a beautiful thing. Pacifica is a small town and this is a great addition to the culture and cuisine. Now that beloved "Nick's" is closing, the locals and customers from all over the bay area can rely on a place to go to for a nice dinner experience. I highly highly recommend!
Less

The host who greeted us was awkward, and had no innate charm. We were seated in a quite corner table, which is just what we wanted. Howver, the room decor, while comfortable, was pretty boring. The... More

The host who greeted us was awkward, and had no innate charm. We were seated in a quite corner table, which is just what we wanted. Howver, the room decor, while comfortable, was pretty boring. The layout was ok, it's just that the wall decor was pathetic. Pictures that were too small for the walls, too tiny to see, of hackneyed "Italian Restaurant" themes, really a waste of prime space. We saw nothing of the location since it was dark when we arrived. Service was erratic. Empty dishes were left in front of us for too long, glasses filled with more water as we were getting up to leave. However, on the good side staff was aware of dietary restrictions, and did generously give us champagne to celebrate an occasion. But they admonished us for not drinking enough of it. OK, the food. Food was good, and there was enough of it. However, the squid salad dressing needs a bit of lemon or something to balance the bland oil, the lamb on polenta was very good, and my husband enjoyed his trout. My complaints are about the room, which wouldn't have prreoccupied me if the service had been more graceful and less self conscious. Things may putt toghether, so I'd be happy to try again.
Less

If you don't live in Pacifica then the drive down the coast is worth it if you want to see a beautiful sunset and have a great meal! Barolo is worth the drive. If you are fortunate enough to live in... More

If you don't live in Pacifica then the drive down the coast is worth it if you want to see a beautiful sunset and have a great meal! Barolo is worth the drive. If you are fortunate enough to live in Pacifica then make your next night out a dinner at Barolo. The food is excellent, the staff is friendly, and atmosphere is classy and calm. I love it!
Less

As a native Pacifician I really want to love this place, as we have few good restaurants and lost one when Nona's went downhill. And the food is excellent, I have been 6 times since it opened, but... More

As a native Pacifician I really want to love this place, as we have few good restaurants and lost one when Nona's went downhill. And the food is excellent, I have been 6 times since it opened, but the service is the WORST! The wait staff, and host, are inexperienced and snooty. It feels as though they are doing you a favor by waiting on you and by letting you into the place in the first place. Come on guys this is Pacifica if we wanted to be served by snobs we'd dine in San Francisco. It would get 5 stars if the service was better!
Less

What an exciting addition to the Pacifica restaurant scene this modern Italian restaurant is. It is situated on Pedro Point in a building that was previously Ristorante Mare, a popular restaurant in... More

What an exciting addition to the Pacifica restaurant scene this modern Italian restaurant is. It is situated on Pedro Point in a building that was previously Ristorante Mare, a popular restaurant in Pacifica for many years. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by a very charming hostess who will guide you to your seat in the sophisticated dining room. The hardwood floors, butcher block tables with golden woven placemats along with gas fireplace, recessed and designer lighting lend a casual elegance to the interior. Fresh baked Focaccia and a delicious Puttanesca dipping sauce is served while looking over the short but varied menu. The Fritto Misto which consists of Calamari, shrimp, artichoke & lemon is delicious and fried to perfection, but I would have enjoyed a few more shrimp. The Caesar is served with white anchovies which I find a little too bland for my liking, but overall we enjoyed it very much. The Rustic Trout on one visit was a yummy whole Rainbow Trout served head-on with lemons discreetly hiding the beady eyes and stuffed with spinach. On another visit, the same dish was a Fresh-water Trout prepared similarly but not being a real salmon lover this type of trout was somewhat of a disappointment. The Veal Piccata although very small was sautéed perfectly and sat atop a very generous scoop of pasta, was quite enjoyable. An order of Flat-Iron Steak was thinly sliced and mounded around some very good mashed potatoes and lovely al dente sautéed spinach. Although this cut of meat can be somewhat chewy, it was ordered VERY rare and served exactly as ordered, a lovely dish. We order a “call” cocktail and received a generous pour which also came at a price, $10 per cocktail. The wine list we found to be expensive by Pacifica standards, with a “house” Cab going for $8/glass. Overall, I highly recommend Barolo which serves delicious food at a very reasonable price (sans alcohol).
Less