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231 Ellsworth
Category:
Romantic Dining
231 South Ellsworth Ave
San Mateo,
California 94401
My husband and I finally had a chance to dine here last week. Everything was incredible! We got...
More 2 years ago
My husband and I finally had a chance to dine here last week. Everything was incredible! We got there early, but had a chance to look at the menu in the window. They were not 100% ready at 5:30, but invited us in and got started on our drinks while they lit the candles on the tables. Inside it's a romantic setting with cozy booths lining the walls and tables arranged where you didn't feel cramped at all. They promtly brought out fresh, hot bread and room temp butter (thank you!). As we started on the break and cocktails, they checked on if our drinks were ok and the waiter soon took our oder. Although warned that the tuna was served pretty rare, I ordered it anyway, and was very embarrassed to ask them to cook it more. The waitress totally knew what I was going to ask as she came to our table. When my plate did return, it was the most incredible tuna that I have had...period. The fish was so tender yet cooked al the way through (tough with tuna), stacked on top of delicious mustard greens (although I don't eat veggies, not one leaf was left on my plate), and lay in a coconut sauce that was like liquid heaven! Before our main entrees were ready, the chef sent out samples of thinly slices fish drizzled with oil, a strawberry soup of some type, and a sample of yet another cold soup. My husband's pork dish was great too: moist slices of pork over a great sauce. The service was great too. At least 5 people served us at one point or another during our visit. Although we did just pop in during the middle of the week, I would highly recommend reservations. I can see how a place like this can easily and quickly establish regulars no matter what day of the week. The price was a bit more than a casual dinner, but worth every single dollar especially if you go there for an occassion. We will most definitely return (and this time I will consider the waiter's suggestion about the fish...still feel terrible!) Enjoy!
Pros: service, food, and atmosphere
Cons: $$, no mixed drinks
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Pasta Grotto
Category:
Italian Restaurants
1058 Shell Blvd Ste C
San Mateo,
California 94404
Went to this place last night based on the reviews found on CitySearch, and the fact that it is so...
More 1 year ago
Went to this place last night based on the reviews found on CitySearch, and the fact that it is so close to our hotel. This restaurant is just lovely. Very understated. The owner/waiter was extremely friendly and helpful. He seemed to know everybody in the restaurant except us. The dining area is small, and you can hear kitchen chatter about order...giving it a very mom & pop type feel.
The food: My salad was a generic spring mix, but the dressing was homemade and quite good. The cherry tomatoes were very good. Big plus for sourcing quality ingredients even for the small stuff. My boyfriend had the wedding soup, which he loved. It was just as it should be... comfort food. We had the sauteed mushroom appetizer, which was wonderful. My orange chicken was good. The chicken was cooked perfectly. He ordered the raclette, which was served up very traditionally, little onions and all. He loved it. We had a warm berry & vanilla ice cream dessert, which was fabulous. We both had the merlot, as recommended by the owner. Very nice table wine that went well with everything.
Overall: this place is not fancy. The food is traditional. They aren't going for creativity points. But serving up what I would call swiss comfort food. It was well worth the time and $, we'll be back.
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Great thin crust pizza! The salads are great! They are on of the few restaurants that deliever...
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Great thin crust pizza! The salads are great! They are on of the few restaurants that deliever to our home.
Pros: Great Salads and Pizza
Cons: None
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Great food! Must try if you are into Italian Food. Few things that is a must to try: Brick oven...
More 6 months ago
Great food! Must try if you are into Italian Food. Few things that is a must to try: Brick oven baked homemade pizza, Spaghetti with meatballs, Calamari and the famous chocolate brownies with caramel and ice cream. You will Love it!
Pros: Many tasty dishes and drinks.
Cons: Can get busy on the weekends.
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La Lanterna
Category:
Romantic Dining
180 W 25th Ave
San Mateo,
California 94403
I came to La Lanterna with a group of girlfriends for a nice dinner out on the town last weekend. ...
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I came to La Lanterna with a group of girlfriends for a nice dinner out on the town last weekend. We were so impressed with the service and the quality of the food. It seems that so many places are slacking on the small things- not here! I will definately refer my friends and return again. I'm even thinking of taking my father to the fathers day brunch at their other restaurant in San Carlos - Azure.
Pros: easy to park, great ambiance, outside tables
Cons: sometimes hard to get a reservation
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Portofino Grill
Category:
Italian Restaurants
929 Edgewater Blvd
San Mateo,
California 94404
I had dinner on a Friday night with a group of 10. We all tasted each other's meals and, with the...
More 2 years ago
I had dinner on a Friday night with a group of 10. We all tasted each other's meals and, with the exception of the clams & pasta, it was all delicious. The pasta with claims had a plastic taste, but this was quickly remedied with a new meal.
A prior reviewer stated the portions were small. Maybe they have made changes since that review, but I found the portions to be rather large--certainly plenty to share a few bites.
Everyone seemed happy with the wine choices and my mojito was excellent (lots of fresh mint and lime juice).
I live about 30 minutes from Foster City but definitely plan to have dinner here again.
Pros: food, ambience
Cons: parking--very busy parking lot
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If your looking for a place to get some good fish n chips and a few drinks try this spot. No need...
More 11 months ago
If your looking for a place to get some good fish n chips and a few drinks try this spot. No need to get all dressed up casual atmosphere and good people around.
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I've been going to Trattoria Pasta Grotto for years and the owner recently changed the name to...
More 2 years ago
I've been going to Trattoria Pasta Grotto for years and the owner recently changed the name to Chalet Ticino. People thought he only served pasta but his Osso Bucco is wonderful, as are other meat and fish entrees and his Swiss dishes are great. Sunday breakfast is also terrific. In the summer, you can sit outside and Alec, the owner, is so nice and helpful. Oh, and be sure and have his desserts! Price is reasonable and service is great.
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I still don't know who are the guys running that restaurant., but it is the place to go. From...
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I still don't know who are the guys running that restaurant., but it is the place to go. From major events, like weddings, to just a good dinnner with a friend. The atmosphere in the reestaurant is very authentic to italian cuisine. There are 4 brothers who always argue, but it is always a pleasent night for the guests. I felt like a personal guest in their home. The food is amazing, from delicate veal to melt in the mouth pasta. For seafood lover Crab Ciopino, THE BEST IN BAY AREA. I have never seen anyone finish a bowl of Ciopino there, so if you do, let me know.
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macaroni grill has good pastas and the prices are not too expensive either. i really like having...
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macaroni grill has good pastas and the prices are not too expensive either. i really like having the custimized pasta where you can pick the type of pasta and what goes in it. i have not been disappointed with anything there so far.
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