The attention to detail and service were exemplary. We had leftovers, and the staff thoughtfully set them aside so they wouldn't crowd the table while we enjoyed dessert. They also surprised us with complimentary Limoncello and another citrus shot. When we were leaving with two to-go boxes, another employee noticed and offered us a bag without us even asking. Those little touches really stood out. The food was flavorful and thoughtfully presented, and I'll definitely be back to try more dishes. The only downside was the cocktail. It was about 85% ice, and the margarita had so much salt covering the entire side of the glass (not just the rim) that it was messy and difficult to drink. Next time, I'll stick with wine--or do happy hour somewhere else beforehand. Overall, a great experience and recommend! read more

See all

The food here is amazing!! I wish I took more photos! This was my first outing for dinner after having surgery - so I was excited to be out and had been wanting to try this spot since it opened. I have been to Terun in PA a few times too, so was curious to try. The space is rather small inside and we didn't have a reservation so we were seated outside which for placement, was fine. But unfortunately I think our waiter had both tables inside and outside, so there were times unfortunately we were having to flag someone down. Unfortunately I don't have photos of everything we ordered. But the two important ones, I managed to include. They have a steak on the menu which was DIVINE. Pricey, but I was treating myself since I was excited to be eating out after being home (recovering from surgery). It was cooked perfectly tender and so flavorful. The other item is the dessert! I am not normally a dessert person, but my friend is-- and I think we asked for a recommendation and we got their pistachio cake. It was also AMAZING! I highly recommend. While this is an Italian restaurant, we didn't order the typical Italian food, not by choice-- just ended up that way. I will say though, everyone's dishes looked so amazing. I definitely want to go back to try more items on the menu. read more

Impasto - Amazing ribeye! - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

We came here for dinner on a Saturday night and completely forgot to book a reservation; however, they were incredibly sweet and were able to seat us outside with a heat lamp right next to us. The outdoor seating was actually quite nice and we ended up staying outside for quite a long time which was perfect because we had the whole area by ourselves. Our waiter apparently left and never told the staff that we were still there. We didn't mind since we continued to eat and chat until they told us it was time to close. We ordered the fava bean and broccoli appetizer which was great, but in hindsight will definitely order the burrata because who can go wrong with burrata. For entrees, we had the veg pizza and the margherita. Both were excellent with their thin crust and toppings which were not overpowering. I will say eat them as quickly as possible because them hot and fresh from the oven are just incredible. I couldn't stop eating even when I was extremely full. Would love to come back here and try their pastas which seem so tasty. read more

9/14/25 I was in the mood for Italian so we decided to try out Impasto in San Carlos. Parking can be tricky since the restaurant is right on El Camino. We ended up parking on one of the side streets on the opposite side. There was outdoor seating which was great since we brought Coco with us. That evening there was only one other table outside so it was quiet. Since there was nobody sitting outside we got seated right away. Here's what we got: - Spaghetti (mine) - Rigatoni (his) - Focaccia bread (to share) The focaccia bread arrived first and it smelled deliciously fragrant. The bread was soft and warm. The butter was really great as well; very smooth and fluffy. Out come the pasta dishes next which also smelled delectable. You can taste how fresh the pasta is. The only downside to the meal was that the portion was small. I would have preferred more since it was really good! I literally finished my meal in 5 bites and was still hungry. We didn't have much interaction with the staff besides when food came and then the check. I think that's because most of the customers were inside, but that's okay. I'd probably return here with friends or if my parent in laws were in town. read more

We came for a birthday and we were pleasantly surprised. Decent sized portions and food comes out quickly! We sat outside and sometimes was more difficult to get a servers attention, but otherwise quick service. They provided us with complimentary limoncello shots and tiramisu for the birthday! read more

See all

Good food excellent service. They didn't rush us and boxed our food without asking. attentive but not intrusive. Felt authentic and good spot for Friday night out read more

Sometimes all you need is a simple Margherita Pizza and a glass of Rose on a hot day to fill your soul. The pizza crust at impasto is super light and airy. You throw on some hot chili oil and you have perfection. We've visited twice and the pizza hasn't disappointed. It's been relatively easy to get a seat and the service is friendly and welcoming. read more

See all

Hello! My boyfriend and I were first time guests here, he made dinner reservations for my birthday earlier this week. To start off, the restaurant interior/exterior is beautiful. From the wine wall to the dining tables, such intricate details. Service was spectacular, wine was amazing, the focaccia bread and herb butter a 5/5! A few things that fell short from a 5 star experience was more of the food experience. Some of the appetizers were just okay and the branzino entree wasn't fully deboned. My ratings for dinner - - Montepulciano and Red Blend 5/5 - beautiful aroma and taste - Focaccia Bread and Herb Butter 5/5 - calamari 3/5 - tasted a little bland, however the dipping sauce complimented it well - Brussels sprouts 3/5 - it came with pork and Gorgonzola cheese, which was unexpected. We don't eat pork so I ate around it. - Bistecca entree 3/5 - steak was good but my boyfriend mentioned that the steak didn't look rested after it was cooked. The green beans were the best! But the French fries had a lot of grease. - Branzino 3/5 - I think if I didn't find 5 bones while I was eating, the rating would have been higher. The salad was delicious though! I think we will try this restaurant again. Maybe try different appetizers such as the burrata or fava bean & broccoli rabe OR just stick with the focaccia bread! For entrees we will probably try a pasta and pizza instead. read more

See all

Tasty new spot in the Peninsula. The restaurant is on the smallish side. However, the team makes the best use of the space. Our server was very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Everything we ordered prepared as requested and good tasting. This is a sister restaurant to Terun in Palo Alto. read more

Impasto - Osso Bucco special - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

Absolutely blown away! The San Danielle pizza was incredible and the pasta was fresh, flavorful and cooked to perfection! What really made the experience unforgettable was the customer service. Genuine, welcoming, and attentive--something that's becoming harder and harder to find these days. It's easily a 10/10, and we'll definitely be back! And don't even get me started on dessert... it was so good I completely forgot to take a picture! I'm still dreaming about the cheesecake and tiramisu. If you're debating whether to order dessert, don't. Just do it--you'll thank me later! read more

Impasto - SAN DANIELE, Ravioli, LINGUINI DI MARE - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

We've had dinner here twice now and we enjoyed the food and service here tremendously both times. We love Terun too so it's nice to know the caliber of food is just as high here. We enjoy the focaccia, the pizzas (especially with burrata), the pastas, main dishes... the desserts ...also good. You will enjoy this experience! read more

See all

I have been to Impasto once before and had a great experience. The second time I came, I thought it was pretty mediocre, but some great things came along with it. The ambiance, modern marble tables, see through kitchen, and open bar really stood out to me. These small eye catchers really make a difference to experiences. They are known for their neapolitan pizza and their pastas. But, I think that the ribeye steak was the real MVP of the night. The pizza is great quality, but it wasn't cut all the way through which made it hard to keep it all together. Since it's neapolitan, it is naturally floppy, but this one was different. The cheese and pepperoni would fall right off when you grab it, then you'd just be left with the dough & sauce. The pastas were very small portions and the spaghetti's quality wasn't the best. The sauce was not good and way too tangy. The pasta itself was good, but what is good pasta without good sauce? The steak was a small portion as well, but it was seasoned to perfection and cooked to the right temperature (mid rare). The vibe on a Saturday night was definitely crowded. Luckily they have outdoor seating otherwise it would be crazy inside. They have much needed heat lamps outside, otherwise you would be freezing. They didn't have a surplus of workers, but I don't think they need to. Maybe 2 or 3 more would facilitate the restaurant. Besides the small portions and other flaws, I would come back for sure. The little things I named in the beginning are really game changers that drew me back in. I would recommend it. read more

See all

I fear this is overhyped. Yes, the pizza was good, but nothing extremely life changing for me personally. The focaccia was very nice I'll give them that. Also we had a reservation but they stuck us outside, and I guess they were short staffed because the bartender was helping us. Nice guy, but did not know the food so well and was unsure about the outdoor heaters. read more

See all

A compact spot by San Carlos Caltrain station serving Italian food. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Since it was rather cool, we'd reserved indoor seating and were seated promptly as we arrived. The service is friendly and courteous, but can get a bit patchy. We ordered some drinks and one of our dining companions wanted to sample two wines to make their decision. However, our food arrived before the drinks and they handed us a glass of wine, forgetting about the tasting portion they was requested. The cocktails were good, so that was a win. We got the Rigatoni Bolognese which was okay (3/5) and the Neapolitan style Calabrian pizza (5/5) which we enjoyed. This is topped with creamy burrata cheese and had dramatic looking chilies on it which didn't really help the flavor but made for a stunning photo. The service can be super attentive, when one of folks realized we were sharing the Rigatoni Bolognese, they were quick to give us an extra serving fork without asking. These small touches go a long way to making a meal special and we appreciated it. Being rather full, we skipped dessert but they got us complimentary Limoncello which was a nice touch. I'll look forward to returning to try more of their burrata and pizzas! read more

See all

Great service and amazing food! This is my go-to spot whenever I'm craving delicious Italian cuisine. I also love the ambience--it's warm and inviting. The owners are incredibly kind and always make sure you're well taken care of. I constantly recommend this place to anyone looking for truly great Italian food! read more

See all

Impasto takes me off the beaten path of Laurel St. restaurants often. It feels like the experience of being a guest in someone's house everytime. I usually make reservations but did not this past week. So our party of three waited by the crowded bar and decided to get cocktails and wine. The bartender was super busy and unable to attend to us, but one of the friendly managers took our libations order. He delivered our drinks in no time with a smile! Standing against the wall observing, Impasto works like a well oiled machine. The team work and harmony amongst staff is prominently on display. The food is quality Italian as if you were in Italy. That means you can eat pasta and pizza here without the guilt. I've had the Margherita and Nduja pizzas. Loved the uniqueness of the Nduja with zucchini and spreadable spicy calabrese salami. The pizza crust is so soft, thin and light to digest. The pastas are all so delicious and equally far from heavy. I love the Rigatoni Al Ragu with tasty bolognese sauce, the octopus pesto pasta dish and the baked cauliflower (Cavofiori Gratinati). I have yet to try the Branzino but every dish here is a pleasure to my palette! I'm looking forward to further menu exploration. Seeing familiar happy faces like Rodrigo and Burçak keep me returning more often. Yes, Impasto is my go-to spot for out-of-town guests. read more

See all

The small size and high end tenant improvements like the flooring and gorgeous bar make this restaurant feel elegant and intimate.Service is very good and the team works well together to make the dining experience pleasant. I liked the way regulars were welcomed like family and this establishment maintains a family friendly vibe- what kid doesn't enjoy pizza and pasta? We started with the pulpo. Which was uniquely presented as my son observed " like Lincoln Logs. This is a substantial shared appetizer, sliced and stacked into portions with a spicy avocado sauce and some micro sprouts the only accompaniments. It was tender with smoky grilled flavor. I would order this again. The lasagne was our least favorite dish. It was meaty, cheesy and very hearty, but had cold spots and was very mushy with the lasagne noodles almost melting into the sauce, creating a pablum texture. The Nudja pizza was fantastic. Doppio Zero, and Delphina take notes on this pizza crust. It is crispy outside and does not FLOP over with amazing bubbles and the right amount of char. They love cheese at Impasto and the mozzarella was of the highest quality. Zucchini ribbons were great accents, but the crisped mounds of soft spicy Nudja were amazing. Kyle was exceedingly pleased with the spicy chili oil, adding it to everything I have embarked on a quest to find it for our home. Impasto makes a good impression and they do Neapolitan style pizza very well. read more

See all

Everything from the moment we walked in the door was awesome. Friendly staff, gorgeous ambiance, delicious amazing food. We will be back. Thank you for a memorable evening. read more

The food was delicious and the service was very pleasant and the ambiance was great too

My first Margarita pizza... and to this day, I am still thinking about this pizza. I did not expect to eat the ENTIRE pizza in the image linked to this review, but I did. And I did not regret it one bit. The environment of the pizza was also superb for talking and just sharing good food with people. I went to go eat out with some coworkers here who also knew the owner, and while I did not get to hold a conversation with the owner, I could tell that he cared deeply about the establishment and also knew how to manage the business well. I also had a few shots of liquor with my teammates, and this also was the best tasting liquor that I have ever had (and I typically only stick with Vodka) If you ever are choosing this place versus another, you should choose this place. read more

See all

Impasto is a great addition to San Carlos. We ordered the lasagna, Margherita pizza, and caprese, and every dish was well executed. The Margherita ended up being the star of the meal. It's such a simple pizza that there's nowhere to hide, but the dough has an incredible chew, great flavor, and just the right amount of char. This is one pizza I'd only order to eat in the restaurant--the crust deserves to be enjoyed fresh from the oven. The lasagna was equally impressive. It tasted homemade, with what seemed like a lighter Bolognese and plenty of cheese, making it rich and comforting without feeling too heavy. The caprese was fresh and delicious, although I did a double take when I saw it was $27. Good? Absolutely. Expected? Not quite. Service was excellent. Our server walked us through the menu, another staff member kept our water glasses full and checked that everything was going well, and everyone made us feel genuinely welcome. The space is beautiful too--modern, bright, and polished without trying too hard. We'll definitely be back. Next time, I'm ordering more pizza. Sometimes the simplest dish is the one you remember most. read more

Quick take: great service Dropped in for a nice lunch and dined outside. Beautiful weather today. The service is definitely 5 stars. Unfortunately, the food didn't wow us. The focaccia bread was good. Lasagna was very mediocre. The layering of the lasagna noodles was also presented in a weird twist. Instead of layers one on top of each other it was constructed standing up horizontally. Lasagna was salty and very greasy.The Terun pizza was super salty and greasy. Parking was also an issue. Lot was completely full. Drove around to Old County Road and parked on the street. read more

See all

We just came from the BEST time here. We came out for an anniversary dinner thinking that Tuesday might be kind of a bad night for restaurants. Not at Impasto. Everything was top notch and perfect. The food was delicious, as always. The food is always consistently delicious though. The focaccia is to die for, but everyone says that. The prosciutto and melon, the risotto, and the cacio e pepe were all amazing. We loved every bite. The real star though, is the people. Every time we have come here, they seem happy to see you and talk to you. They're wonderful. We didn't say anything about celebrating, which means they just treat people like this always. It really makes dinner out a special event. They make having dinner out a real event, an experience, which sometimes is missing from restaurants these days. Thank you Rodrigo and everyone who was with us tonight! We loved it and we will be back! read more

This was our fourth visit to Impasto and we had a great meal as usual! Nduja Pizza: we've ordered this every time we've visited. It is SO GOOD. The Nduja Calabrese spread is super flavorful and their crust is perfectly light and fluffy. Calamarata Pasta: fantastic dish. Pasta was cooked well, the pesto had great flavor, and the octopus was tender and cooked perfectly. Lasagna: one of the best Lasagnas I've had. The prosciutto adds a really unique, extra rich flavor. Salmon Risotto Special: a bit underwhelming compared to the other dishes. Slightly overcooked (mushy) and a bit bland. Palnoma NA Cocktail: very nice! Interesting flavors and not too sweet. Service was good although our mains didn't all arrive at the same time - the Lasagna came 4-5 minutes later. read more

See all

First time at the place and my friends and I loved it. The place was nice, romantic, cozy and fun. The Linguine Di Mare was amazing! Perfect taste all around. My friends enjoyed their dishes also. The server, Alex was great! It was my friend's birthday and they brought out icecream with a candle on it along with complementary shots for digestion. Great experience for the first time. Would recommend and go back. read more

Impasto - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

It was a busy night on hump day so we were seated outside, but I noticed that the inside is smaller than I'd imagined. Aside from the space itself, service was slightly slow and felt slightly disorganized, but I personally don't mind waiting. I enjoyed the fresh air paired with a space heater :) The only meal I order at Italian restaurants is cheese pizza and pesto gnocchi to find which restaurant makes my favorite meal the best. Impasto is very close to being my favorite for the pesto gnocchi. I ordered fresh pepperoni on my regular cheese pizza and it completely elevated the flavor. And the cocktails were both fantastic, the aperol spritz was refreshing and one of their signature cocktails surprised me with a delicious cinnamon rim. I will most definitely be returning soon. read more

See all

Yummy! Solid 4. This was one of the best pizzas and sides I've had in a while. They don't skimp on the goods here! They use quality ingredients and flavor everything well. No one likes bland, sad or soggy food right? Prosciutto pizza was salty but ultra tasty. Favs beans and brocolette would be fantastic for anyone trying to go lower carb or vegan (just get it without Parmesan). It was rich and filling even as a veggie dish. The meatballs in Gorgonzola sauce were really good, but felt overly bready. Like half the inside was actually bread crumbs rather than protein. Solid 4, I would come back. Note that parking can be a bit tough due to being next to Caltrain station, but I think there's a tiny lot if you're lucky to snag a spot. read more

See all

The food here was incredible. I had such a good chicken Parmesan dish and the service was excellent. Looking forward to bringing the rest of the family back. read more

Rating this place a 3 star because of their portion size relative to its pricing. I had a beet salad ( $18) and finished it in a few bites. There were about 6 pieces of spinach ravioli with limited "diluted" sauce for $26. Nothing special with these typical items. The Margherita pizza was fine except it was a tad salty. Not sure if it was associated with the cheese they used or they added salt to their pizza. Definitely interesting. read more

See all

We tried Impasto by Terun recently and while the food delivered, the overall vibe felt a bit uneven. The menu shares a lot with Terun (which is a plus), so I went with my usuals--beet gnocchi and margherita pizza. Still hits. That chili oil on the pizza? Next level. We added the branzino this time too, and it was beautifully done. For drinks, we had the Zinfandel and the Cauro--both solid, though I leaned toward the Zin. Dessert was tiramisu with a shot of espresso--a perfect caffeine-meets-creamy finish. Ambience-wise, the indoor space looked sleek and moody in the best way, but we were seated on the patio, which felt... meh. Honestly, I still prefer the vibe at their Palo Alto location. The one real miss? The music. Think early 2000s Eminem and similar--which felt totally off for a cozy Italian dinner. Swap that for some Italian classics or mellow instrumentals and it'd be a whole different experience. Great food, uneven atmosphere. I'd go back--but probably request indoor seating. Or perhaps I'll just go to Terun. read more

See all

I've eaten at Impasto multiple times now. After an amazing experience at their parent restaurant iTalico in Palo Alto I was excited to eat here. I have not been disappointed in any of my visits. The food is amazing salad, pasta, the best lasagna I've ever had and of course pizza you can't miss here. Last date night my wife and I splurged on cocktails and loved both the old fashion and the special martini. My last visit though was a highlight as our server Alex just went above and beyond. My daughter and I enjoyed a daddy daughter date and capped the day with dinner and got the best service from Alex. He got our food out to us without delay made small talk and just completely made us feel at home. In the days of turning over tables to make a profit Alex and Impasto made us feel more like family than customers. read more

Impasto - LARGE GRILLED ROMAINE is my favorite! - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

5 stars! Amazing food, professional and friendly service, beautiful ambience! We visited here for a girls night. I highly recommend a reservation because the restaurant is relatively small and they do book up. We were all pleased with our dishes and everything was full of flavor and fresh. I highly recommend the grilled romaine salad! The lasagna was also delicious. The restaurant also has a beautiful bar with bar seating. Not ideal for people with large strollers since the restaurant is on the smaller side, but you can make it work. read more

See all

We had such a great experience! The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. We sat outside and lucked out with a beautiful day. Perfect setting for a relaxing meal. I started with a Hugo Spritz, which was light, crisp, and super refreshing. We shared the seasonal watermelon salad with goat cheese, pistachios, and a citrus dressing. It was absolutely delicious and perfectly balanced. The watermelon was at peak ripeness, and it all came together beautifully. We also ordered the caprese, and the presentation was gorgeous. The heirloom tomatoes were fresh and full of flavor. For my main, I had the calamarata. It was rich and flavorful, though the pesto and cheese made it a little heavier than I expected--I could only eat part of it. I think it might be even better with a pomodoro sauce and a little chili flake to balance things out. That said, they were generous with the octopus, which I appreciated. Parking was super easy, and I'll definitely be back to try more dishes. A lovely spot overall! read more

Impasto - CALAMARATA - Pizza Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

Addicted! Phenomenal food, super friendly staff, ambiance lovely. Just discovered this place and will now be my go-to! read more

Good pizza awesome dough and perfect crumb Tender octopus Lasagna great Been wanting to try for a while and we settled for door dash and despite the food not being fresh from the kitchen it was still very tasty read more

Birthday celebration first time to the restaurant the staff the ambience the food amazing looking forward to coming back bravo

Authentic Italian cuisine made with love! The staff welcome you as if you're family, the food is amazing, and their specials are always delicious! Everything we have ordered has wowed us and we are here several times a month. Whether it's the two of us or a party of 12, the service in the food are impeccable. Melissa at the front is incredibly kind and welcoming, and is well versed in the menu. Franco and the entire staff are great, they make a point of checking on you without being intrusive. I can't say enough good things about Impasto! read more

See all

Really impressed on our first visit! We started with the Brussels sprouts and the roasted beet salad--both were solid appetizers. The Brussels sprouts were nicely crispy on the edges and perfectly tender inside, not undercooked like you sometimes find elsewhere. The rigatoni was flavorful with a really well-balanced sauce, and the Capricciosa pizza was a standout, loved the mix of meats and veggies. Great textures, and everything tasted fresh. Excited to come back and try more menu items. read more

Great service, healthy real food, and amazing for groups. We had a large celebration for my best friend's 50th birthday. I highly recommend giving them a try. Homemade pasta, large delicious salads, Branzino fish was the best! The Tiramisu I would guess is made there, fluffy and tasty, felt like something we'd have in Italy. Hope to see them again for another celebration. read more

Great spot Went here for a friends bday These were great Steak Tiramisu Spaghetti Will be back soon read more

See all