Vespucci Ristorante Italiano
| Address: | 147 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA |
| Phone: | +1 650-685-6151 |
| Site: | vespucciristorante.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 5–9:30PM 5–9:30PM 5–9:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 5–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 20
MA
May Gutchinov
We are new visitors in San Mateo, CA, and had a very pleasant dining experience at Vespucci Ristorante Italiano last evening. Francesco and Manuela greeted us in person once we entered the very elegant, warm, and very beautiful décor of the restaurant. My two friends (out of the four of us) had just returned from Italy for a vacation, and they were reminded of all the fond memories of eating out in Italy. I have not been to Italy, and I definitely felt an urge to visit Italy someday. The menu is very appealing and well described. Most importantly, the items we chose were well-prepared, and proven as superb quality. The Bruschetta alla Vespucci was so refreshing. It was the first time I experience the very high quality of olive oil they use. I can taste the freshness of the sea on the Carpaccio di salmone. This dish is very challenging to get satisfying outcome. I love it. My friend claimed that she had the best Minestrone con verdure. Well, I assumed this must have involved a lot of thought and experience in the process of preparing it - the right broth, fresh ingredients, and etc. The Ravioli Ricotta E Spinaci and the Fusilli alla Genovese tasted just right as if you were enjoying the best home cook meal in Italy. Of course, I definitely cannot emphasize enough about the Lasagna!!! I do not think I can achieve this level of cooking in my life time. I thought we were done enjoying the fine dining. But, there was more, we had Tiramisu and Torta Nonna. Even though we were conscious on sweets but could not help cleaning the plate, down to the last drop of the whip cream and sauce. The owner came over and shared his experience of eating out in Italy, while we kept wondering how they prepare the food so good. The exchange of conversation made me believe that he must have put so much thoughts with heart, and effort to make this restaurant stands out among others. Most of all, he cares for his customer to have a wonderful dining experience. He has definitely achieved that! Thank you Vespucci Ristorante Italiano – Salute to the Chef. You are the gem!
TA
Tammie Bui
I rated 4 stars for the hospitality and service of the host (the charming and nice lady). She was such a welcoming and friendly host that made me absolutely pleasant. The servers though, Im not sure what was going on that day that stressed them out or it was because I was a lone Asian chick (my Western friend came in later and it kinda changed the situation), but they were not attentive and their attitude to me specifically were so depressing as if they were forced and tired to do their jobs. The atmosphere of the restaurant is pretty cozy and has an Italian feel to it, which I appreciate. There are a lot of interesting dishes on the menu that Id want to try but as we were in a rush to be at Create Mix & Mingle in 40mins, we had to settle and do everything fast. My friend got the classical bolognese rigatoni ($22), which he craved to be very good (I wont necessarily count on his opinion though as hes one of the easiest eater on earth). I got the seafood squid ink pasta. The idea was cool, the presentation of the dish also looked good, but I personally was not impressed with the taste. The pasta was undercooked and tasted nothing special/different from regular pasta. The pasta sauce was quite plain and not flavorful. The only good thing about the dish was the plentifulness of seafood. For $30, I think they can do better than that.
AN
Annette Lee
Pretty good Italian restaurant. Their salmon bow tie pasta was great! Not too creamy or heavy. Although it felt like it was missing that extra kick to stand out to me. My boyfriend got the seafood risotto. It came with a lot of seafood. I think he ate more clams than actual risotto. Definitely enjoyable if you like seafood. Pair with wine for even better! The service is very nice! They are pretty slow with the check & to order, but I suppose the atmosphere is more of a relaxed one. I definitely came underdressed (Uggs haha) on a Saturday night, so there is a little bit of a dress code. Its a Michelin recommended restaurant, and I can see why. Definitely try it!
LI
Liliana Williams
We were greeted warmly by a gracious staff and service was excellent throughout our dinner. They allowed us to stay late and thanked us warmly for coming. The meals were excellent and arrived at a timely manner. The decor was lovely--white and gold pillars with an Italian flair and fascinating photos of sculptures. The atmosphere was cozy and elegant. Bathrooms were extremely clean. Wonderful experience!
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Jeremy West
I cannot say enough good things about this place. The food is amazing and very authentic. The owners are a couple recently from Naples. The are very friendly. It feels less like a restaurant and more like an invitation to dinner with a friend. It was so good, I went back with my Italian roommate and he said it felt just like being at home.
AR
Artur Lach
By far the best Italian restaurant in the Bay Area. On top of delicious food their customer service is outstanding. The restaurant is ran by extremely friendly couple who makes you feel like you are at the family table! This is definitely our new Sunday treat. Just make sure to try it when you are in the area!
MA
Marji Karlgaard
Enjoyed a great meal -the fish was perfection, vegetables were farm fresh and delightfully seasoned. The owners greeted and served us with warmth and timely attention by the wait staff. Cant wait to return and bring friends to this gem of an eatery.
DO
Doug Fung
Lovely Italian restaurant. The Risotto di Fruti de Mare had a lot of seafood in it, though I was disappointed that its flavors was a bit light and monotonic. The staff was ready to explain the menu when needed.
CH
Christina Romeo
The atmosphere is as authentic as it gets. You feel like youre in someones home or even an Italian palace. The food represents such authentic home cooked flavors and consistent every time I go there.
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Suresh Madhavan
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Vespucci. We had spent our holidays in Naples and the restaurant owners are recreating that food culture and feel. They are succeeding. Highly recommend.
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leeza garcia
Authentic Italian! Sweetest Italian couple own this trendy restaurant, they bring food from home back to the Peninsula. Their grandma recipe special is so yummy! Thank you Francesco and Manuela.
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fefi fofum
$$$, for blue collar San Mateo. $22 for lasagna !? Very formal, upscale. Best dress up alot. And odd dance floor feel arrangement of too much open space. Maybe some large potted plants?
IN
Inessa Kapustina
Overpriced and mediocre food - a real disappointment after reading the reviews. There are so many good restaurants in our area. Why would you come back here? I certainly will not.
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Ruth Conlon
My son and I had lunch today. Service was impeccable. Great menu. Loved our selections and presenations of the entree. Great restaurant.
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Travis Thompson
Food was amazing, had sounds sole filet and it was to die for. Also had teramasu for desert, so good. Definitely will come back.
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Patricia perry
Have been there many times.Always great meal good service and great food.
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Betty Tran
Its a quaint, romantic restaurant with amazing lamb and pasta.
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Shannon Smith Hartwell
Delicious food and old world hospitality. Dont miss it!
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Anshul Shrestha
Loved the ravioli and clams. I just love italian food
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Predrag Bjelogrlić
Great atmosphere. Excellent quality of ingredients
