Everyone loves pasta. And if you don’t, who cares? More carbonara for the rest of us. San Mateo is rife with great Italian spots—handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, tiramisu that’ll make you weep. Whatever your Italian fantasy, we’ve got it. Do you demand a perfect risotto? Understandable. And perhaps for you, it’s all about the wine list. To that we say: duh. These are the best Italian restaurants in San Mateo.
Pizza My Heart
$ | (650) 344-9800 | WEBSITE
This garlic pizza will receive more devotion in its creation than you did in your last relationship. It’s bold, aromatic, and has just a whisper of char on each slice. It’s served with a tangy tomato sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything else you order.
Peninsula Italian American Social Club
$$ | (650) 343-7981 | WEBSITE
Peninsula Italian American Social Club serves their Osso Buco about 15 minutes longer than most places, which, if you ask us, makes it just right. The meat is still tender, but you get a perfect richness on the first bite. Pair it with creamy polenta, order it with sautéed green beans, or get it plain, perfect for dipping in your favorite red wine.
LUCETI’S on 25th
$$ | (650) 574-1256 | WEBSITE
People come to San Mateo for a lot of things—tech offices, bay views, and of course, Italian food. Luceti’s on 25th has long been beloved for the third. But the cannelloni is reason enough to visit. It holds up under the weight of the classic tomato and bechamel sauce (no dryness here), and has a fresh spinach salad version if pasta isn’t your thing.
North Beach Pizza – Catering, Online Pizza Delivery, Take Out Near San Mateo
$$ | (650) 344-5000 | WEBSITE
You can look at this pizza and know exactly how it tastes—outstanding. And we’re happy to confirm. It’s chewy, deliciously topped, and made even better by whichever specialty option you choose. We’re partial to the half and half, but you can’t go wrong with the Brazilian-inspired chicken with catupiry.
Mr Burrito Man
$$ | (650) 921-3409 | WEBSITE
Hawaiian pizza isn’t authentic Italian? Next you’re gonna tell us pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza. But guess what—this is our list, and we love this sweet-and-savory pie, especially the Hawaiian version (topped with pineapple, ham, and melted cheese). And if that’s not good enough for you, try the messy pizza. It’s also delicious.
Fiero Caffe
$ | (650) 685-8210 | WEBSITE
Fiero Caffe’s breakfast pizza has that double-satisfaction effect. It’s flavorful and satisfying to begin with, but there’s an extra layer of fresh ingredients that adds a super-authentic taste. Enjoy it with the creamy tiramisu they’re known for, or any of the assorted Italian dishes filling their spacious cafe.
Ravioli House
$ | (650) 344-7433 | WEBSITE
The beauty of Ravioli House is that there is something on the menu for anyone. And these tender, cheese-filled ravioli with vodka pancetta sauce are a perfect complement to anything you might order. If you’re there with a group, tack on a couple of meatball sandwiches (they’re always served with fresh meats and unique spreads). But if you’re there solo, be sure to get them, too. Even if they’re just accompanying your turkey avocado sandwich.
Tomatina
$$ | (650) 918-5030 | WEBSITE
Tomatina took everything we love about Italian-American classics and delivered them downtown. Their garlic knots are topped with garlic butter, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The knots are soft, but hold up beautifully under all that flavor. The chicken alfredo comes with a creamy sauce that’s a touch thin but still rich, and the mixed green salad is generous with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
The calamari appetizer is tender, though sometimes a bit chewy, and the service shines with friendly waitresses who make you feel welcome, even if the timing can be inconsistent. The atmosphere is casual, with simple decor and warm lighting, fitting for a neighborhood spot where meals feel hearty and straightforward. Prices are reasonable, with entrees around $18-$25, making it a solid choice for a comforting dinner.
While the menu isn’t huge, and the kitchen can get busy, it’s a place where the highlights—like those awesome garlic knots—keep you coming back for more.
Sapore Express
$$ | (650) 315-2341 | WEBSITE
In recent years, the quality of the once-perfect spinach ravioli has varied. What has never changed is the lip-smacking homemade radiator pasta country style. We love it straight up, but when we’re feeling adventurous we get it piccata style—topped with lemony sauce, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. The attentive staff remains friendly and accommodating, and the fairly small dining room still offers those few outdoor tables.
With big portions around $18-24 per pasta dish and a solid selection of beer and wine, Sapore Express continues to be a satisfying find for Italian food lovers who arrive early to secure a table.
Vespucci Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (650) 685-6151 | WEBSITE
Of course you can get Italian classics at any trattoria. But we prefer them at Vespucci, relaxing in the contemporary dining room. The Fresh Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta & Spinach and Petrale Sole Piccata are as phenomenal as the art on the walls. Get them, a cannoli and spumoni gelato for dessert, and a glass of good wine.
La Lanterna Ristorante
$$ | (650) 341-8877 | WEBSITE
An Italian restaurant that feels like a neighborhood celebration. Pasta dishes served alongside fabulous apple strudel. Petrale Sole and generous appetizers. La Lanterna is a delight, and our favorite part of the experience is the warm service. The staff is consistently prompt and friendly, creating a cozy yet formally pleasant atmosphere that pairs well with everything on the consistently excellent menu.
Sole Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (650) 341-5555 | WEBSITE
It brings us great disappointment to admit that few dishes at Sole Ristorante Italiano truly stand out (on recent evenings, even their celebrated Ravioli has felt underwhelming). But this Sicilian-inspired cuisine never falters. It’s served with genuine warmth, and complements any of the wines you bring along.
Tastee Grill
$ | (650) 212-7711 | WEBSITE
Plenty of folks praise the falafels at this cozy Mediterranean spot. And with enough tahini and fresh veggies, we enjoy them well enough. But the real standouts here are the sauteed vegetables—the eggplant, mushrooms, and cauliflower—that are tender on the inside, caramelized on the edges, and substantial enough to soak up the rich olive oil or a spoonful of hummus.
Pausa Bar & Cookery
$$$ | (650) 375-0818 | WEBSITE
It’s rare that you find a charcuterie board, still showcasing the rustic charm of house-made finocchiona and salame al parmigiano, begging to be paired with a bright, creative cocktail. Almost as rare as a modern Italian spot that feels like a chic designer got a hold of a bustling city corner and filled it with wood-fired aromas, seasonal flavors, and warm, attentive service. But Pausa Bar & Cookery is just that special.
Mr Pizza Man San Mateo
$$ | (650) 342-7088 | WEBSITE
You might be grabbing a pie from Mr Pizza Man before a night out. Don’t blow your entire appetite on the Hawaiian pizza (more on that later). This San Mateo favorite makes the best crust on the peninsula—crispy, golden brown, with just a hint of quality in every bite.
