La Collina is one of the best Italian restaurants on the Peninsula, period, full stop. Tucked along a frontage road to El Camino Real in downtown Millbrae, it is easy to miss, but you don't want to miss the expansive menu, the great food, the cozy bar, and the hospitality of the owner, Rose. La Collina is very popular to many regular customers, including us and some of our friends. If you have never been to La Collina, try it. I guarantee you will come back. read more

Magnificent! Clam Chowder is delicious. Overall experience was great! Enjoyed will be dining with this restaurant again read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - CAPELLINI AL POLLO Angel hair pasta with chicken, mushrooms, green peas, tomato cream sauce - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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Our dinner at La Collina's was exceptional! Service was timely right from the start with our drink order and warm/fresh bread, olives/olive oil delivery. Three in our party ordered the Osso Bucco special (all said it was delicious...even better than the Italian Club?!), my eggplant parm was tender and filling with polenta/mashed potatoes and veggies alongside. Plenty for lunch the next day. We ordered an Affogato and creme brûlée for dessert -- both also yummy! Can't believe I grew up in Millbrae and haven't been here before. Definitely will return! read more

My husband took me here . It's one of the best italian restaurant I've been to. I ordered the Carbonara, calamari, Bisteca and Bruchetta. But everything was so delicious. We will have to return to try the other dishes. Authentic Italian food. Soooooo delicious! read more

Ok place for Italian food. Average price for all the dishes. The service was slow/slacking when went. Had a large table and we had to ask for our bread plate even though the oil was on the table. We also had to ask for refill on water. Asking for the bread fine cause we understand could be forgotten. But the water should be checked upon every so often or at least when the dishes start coming as you are at the table. Inside looks nice gas great painting on the wall to make you feel like you're in Italy. The food was descent. Food was hot and the portions was average size. Nothing too special about this place. read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

Great wait service and delicious Italian dishes. Beautiful interior wall murals of Italy. You start off with warmed sliced bread and their flavorful mushroom, garlic vinaigrette. Appetizers are amazing especially the Bruschetta with diced tomatoes mixed, basil, garlic, capers, served over grilled slices of bread with shaved parmesan cheese. Daily Specials offer great menu alternatives. We tried two of the daily specials: Seafood pasta with red marinara sauce Lamb shank with polenta and mash potatoes, a little dry lamb meat but delicious! Substituted the Spaghetti with penne pasta Bolognese-Pasta with meat sauce. Tiramisu is authentic with ladyfingers with a hint of amaretto. read more

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My favorite Italian restaurant in Millbrae is La Colina. The service is wonderful and never rushed. You can relax, enjoy your food, and have long conversations with your wife, friends and family. Pasta dishes out of this world, salads so tasty, and meat dishes with sauce so good. The ambience is Mediterranean drawings on the upper walls around the seating areas are beautiful wishing you are in Europe. The music from Italy with contemporary artists and artists of a bygone era is fantastic and puts one in a good mood. Enjoy your time together and services provided by Mete and Rose, the owner. We've been going here for over 30 years. Enjoy yourselves! read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Dan H - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

The food looked great online so I decided to try. I called and asked for a reservation and they said I didn't need one. It really did look nice as we entered, but when we came in and the Witch of Millbrae yelled at me and denied the call and said they were fully booked. It's sad. The rumors were right. This place is terrible. read more

Food was mediocre. Kitchen extremely slow. Server overworked. Some dishes were near inedible.

Used to eat here at least twice a month with my parents for 10 years or so when I lived in the Bay Area. It was my dad's favorite spot. Went back recently with my own kids. The old man wasn't there and I think his daughter runs the show now. Menu and quality haven't changed much. Good food, good service. Cozy little spot. read more

3 stars rating from my husband and me, 4 stars from my kids. Over a decade ago was when my family and I first visited La Collina RISTORANTE ITALIANO. Unfortunately, we weren't super impressed, so didn't return for over ten years. Fast forward to April, 2022, I suggested that we try them out again and now they are voted as one of the top Italian restaurants nearby our house by our boys. Honestly speaking, I think that my kids have overrated them. Venue: 4.5 stars/A-/B+. Located on El Camino in Millbrae, they don't have their own parking lot, but there is metered street parking around the neighbourhood and public lots are in walking distance. They offer outdoor and indoor dining, the latter with scenic paintings of Italy on peach walls of the carpeted single dining room. Booth and regular seating with white linen-clothed tables are available. They also have a bar for those who want to order alcoholic beverages. Both the men and women's bathrooms are pristine, but since they have machine blowing hand dryers, there are no napkins for germaphobes like me who don't want to touch the bathroom door handles with their bare hands. When you turn on the light in the women's bathroom, a very loud sound blares which is unpleasant. Food: 3 stars/C. My youngest son really likes La Collina because they serve gorgonzola cream sauce with their pastas. His go-to dish is a customization of the GNOCCHI PESTO by substitution of the pesto sauce for gorgonzola. The best dish that I have ordered here is the CALAMARI FRITTI which has a nice crisp. The boys, Hubby included, always order the INSALATA DI CAESAR which is meh in my opinion. The VITELLO/POLLO ALLA MARSALA and GAMBERONI are not much better due to their blandness - even adding quite a bit of salt and pepper doesn't help much. My husband agrees that the food here tends to be bland. The PENNE ADRIATICO and CALAMARI AL DORE aren't bad. Heads-up: this is another restaurant that doesn't give anything to birthday celebrants except a candle atop a dessert that you order. Service: 2.75/3 stars/C-. There is a lady who works here who isn't the warmest. Not sure if it's a cultural thing, but she consistently comes off as a bit curt and unfriendly. She also reeks of cigarettes which is gross, especially when the stench is from someone who works in the food industry. Although our waiter was nice during our most recent visit on Monday, April 3, 2023, when ordering, we had to ask for the specials of the night, the information wasn't automatically given to us. My husband also had to ask for more iced tea, they didn't offer to pour more when his glass was empty. We will be back for sure because of the kids, which is why I really want to love La Collina, but it's been over ten years now and I still only like them. Sort of. read more

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Love this resturant. The wait staff is great. From the appetizers to desserts very good. Main courses are tasty and generous. So generous I have another dinner the next day. The murals on the walls are a beautiful, reminiscent of the Italian coast line. The resturant is not huge. Has ample room for dinner parties. Very clean, white linen tablecloths and napkins. AND the ladies bathroom is beautiful and spotless! (Don't like nasty bathrooms) My first dinner at La Colina was I believe January 2025 and have been back several times since. And will continue coming back. ​​ Oh yes..........almost forgot.. When they have specials .... they are great! Had Osobuco two weeks ago it was delicious! Great Cocktails too!! That's all for now..... Signed, Ms. Bern Bell May 16, 2025 read more

I took friends who had just flown in to SFO to dinner last night at La Collina, largely based on its proximity to the airport and the positive reviews I'd seen. Three of us had dinner on a busy Friday night, and the experience was lovely in every respect. The host and waitstaff were skilled and friendly, and they handled a requested substitution to one of the entrees with ease. The bread served with the meal was delicious, and the olive oil/aceto balsamico/roasted garlic dipping sauce had us fighting (politely, of course!) over the last bits of it. One of our party had linguine with some of the most beautiful prawns I've ever seen; another had pasta with mussels. I had the chicken with artichokes, which was served with a lot of fresh, perfectly-cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes *and* polenta. For dessert we shared a order of biscotti and an order of tiramisu, both of which were large enough for three diners to feel satisfied. I particularly appreciated that we had a booth that allowed us easy conversation, and that the noise level was moderate enough that none of us had to shout to make ourselves heard. I miss that degree of intimacy that many of the newer restaurants seem to lack these days. I don't get down to the Peninsula often, but when I do, I plan to make La Collina my go-to dining spot. read more

Amazing food, amazing service, and all around vibe. So glad I found this gem during my trip. read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - House Insalata della Casa - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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I love La Collina. I'm not an authentic Italian expert and don't have an Italian grandma to compare the food to, but it is tasty, well seasoned, looks good, and smells good. I've been there a handful of times, both with and without a reservation and have always been accommodated promptly. The service has always been professional and never seemed to be slow or lagging. The tables have real table cloths, but I believe they cover them with paper table coverings. The bread and garlic balsamic dipping sauce is so good, their gnocchi is my fave. I will purposely not finish it and take it home because it is soooo delicious as a leftover. It's always crowded when I go, not uptight or pretentious. There's outdoor seating, but I don't know if it's actually used anymore because I've never seen people dine outside. read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Caprese salad - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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Our go to restaurant when we want to treat ourselves. It's been a favorite for years and their tiramisu is our all time favorite cake. Their appetizers are all amazing and their gnocchi is the best of all time. Service is kind, overall great, and quick. The restaurant gives old school classic Italian restaurant vibes. Highly recommend! read more

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Ate dinner here on a weeknight in the outdoor dining parklet. The waiter kindly turned on a heat lamp for us, and it really kept us warm despite the chilly weather. Service was attentive and quick. The free bread and olive oil/garlic dip was delicious. I don't really eat at Italian places so I can't compare price points, but the spaghetti and meatballs were $22. The portions were generous and I took home a lot of leftovers. There were only 3 meatballs BUT they were way bigger than say frozen grocery store meatballs. This place is definitely worth a try. read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Outdoor patio with heat lamps - there were several tables. Heat lamp kept us very warm on an otherwise chilly night! - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

This is my 4th time at this restaurant and its always very delicious and tastes really fresh, thank you! read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Tortellini alla Panna e Prosciutto - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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Everytime we come here,we never get disspaounted. The food and the service phenomenal and outstanding. Celebrating wifey birthday today. read more

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Love this place... From the ambiance to the wait staff to the Best Chicken Lasagna in the Bay Area...

This is a tough one. It's tough because it's a beautiful restaurant, with a really nice outside dining area that we took advantage of for our meal. The service was great, attentive and friendly. It was also nice to see a full menu with wide verity of options. But unfortunately the food didn't hold up it's end of the bargain. Everything was bland other than the garlic bread... I mean, it was heartbreaking! I will say this though, everything is cooked properly, with fresh ingredients I actually felt bad asking for salt, but it had to be done. I did enjoy my glass of Crema Chardonnay and my gf loved her iced tea. read more

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We've been here twice now. We've had good service and greeted the moment we walk in. It's an intimate space so I'd recommend making a reservation especially on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. The food is plentiful, served hot and delicious. We've had the veal Milanese (highly recommend), cozze (that broth was dippable and seafood cooked perfectly), saltimbocca, spaghetti & meatballs and tortellini. All were very good. Leave room for dessert, especially their chocolate mousse! read more

I will have a special place in my heart for this restaurant, we had made reservations a week ago for an outdoor table near a heat lamp, Didn't need it this week because we are having a heat wave. We started off wit believe it or not the garlic fries, They do this so delicious here, I kid you not you must order these. Now I had the 1/2 bottle of delicious. The sausage polenta with brown sauce. Is always tasty, the wife had the salmon pasta also a great dish. And if your gonna have delicious dessert the tiramisu is our go to. read more

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A group of us went to dinner, our party was 10. My partners step father went to use the restroom towards the END of our meal. He is Latino. As he is waiting for the restroom he is approached by a wait staff and was asked, "may I help you?" Confused, he said "No, I am just waiting to use the restroom". She said that restrooms are for customers only and he needs to leave. He tried to clarify he's been sitting at the restaurant with our table (for over an hour mind you). She didn't seem to hear him and then repeated herself that the bathrooms are for customers only. This review is beyond about bad food or poor service. This was blatant discrimination and should not be tolerated. If I was the owner, I'd fire her on the spot. There is no excuse for this behavior. Inexcusable. Period. I am horrified and saddened he was treated this way. read more

La Collina is a delicious restaurant. Yummy food, feels like homemade and they use quality ingredients. Love the romantic ambiance and the service is superb. I keep coming back for more. Love this place. read more

Bread and garlic/olive oil so good. Our entrees were delicious and the service was really great. The gentleman there was so hardworking and sweet. We went right before the dinner crowd so it wasn't too busy, cozy and quiet. We will be back :) read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem! Their food taste scrumptious and not only that, but made with love. Every mouthful is comfort. I have never dined in, but I have ordered out more than five times and each time consistently delicious. They even take note of my special request, and i believe that should receive major stars! If you are down for an old-fashioned italian hug in a bowl, I recommend you dine in here. My goto's are: Bistecca alla Griglia Salmon Piccata Penne alla Luguri All to die for! Delizioso! read more

It was better than any food we had in Italy. The shrimp with a white cream sauce is a most pleasant surprise!!! Cozy murals on the walls, soft music , and friendly staff. Near the airport so if your wanting a great reasonable treat try it read more

I do love the food and wine here, but do wish the staff was more attentive. Last night when I came in for dinner the wait to get seated seemed like an eternity that I almost sat down or considered walking out but I was so hungry and wanted Italian, so stayed put. The wait was worth it as I enjoyed my dish and glass of Chianti; however I couldn't help but notice others around received better service than I. My drinks took longer than necessary to arrive and the waiter just tossed them onto my table . I normally tip very generously especially when service is outstanding which unfortunately last night wasn't. The only plus was my husband's entree to-go was still warm when I got home. read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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Delicious food with large portions. My husband would not eat Italian food from anywhere else. I have never seen the food presentation in such a way. The owner is wonderful too. They don't charge more for less food. Our favorite Italian restaurant in Millbrea. read more

I've lived in Millbrae since 2009 and I finally went to this gem of a place! The food and the people who work there are phenomenal! I look forward to this and my husband is so happy that he finally found a delicious spaghetti Bolognese that tastes like his Noni's!! Thank u!!! read more

We came here for my mom's birthday celebration. We only come here for the lamb shank special! We asked our server if they could make it for us and they said yes! Normally really good this time we could tell it was not marinated for a long time. The polenta, side veggies, and mashed potatoes were delicious! I did had to send back my ice tea since the taste was off. Possibly and old batch. We sat outside and they had heaters to warm us up. It was a nice touch sending some tiramisu to the table for my mom! If you like Italian food come check this place out! read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Lamb shank special - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

We ordered out for my birthday. I ordered chicken Parmesan and my husband veal Parmesan. They came nice and hot packaged with care. They were absolutely delicious! The mash potatoes, polenta and fresh vegetables were amazing and the parm was as equally amazing. The sauce was nice and light. I don't know why we have waited so long to try them. Definitely North Beach quality. Deliziosa! read more

Ordered takeout from here for dinner tonight and everything was perfect! I ordered the Caprese Salad and I love how the portions are pretty big, it's great to share. The Ravioli is stuffed with cheese in a Gorgonzola Cream sauce and it was delicious! I have no complaints and look forward to ordering from here again soon. read more

A wedding anniversary meal has to be something worth remembering. Being our 35th, we thought to visit a local restaurant we have yet to try. My wife and I were quite satisfied with La Collina. We had made reservations for 5:30pm, but was able to get a table earlier. Service was great as our waiter was patient and had us pegged. Not once did we have to wave him down for anything. I can't give this place less than five stars because of the price, but if it was based on a scale of one to ten, the rating would be a nine. We ordered four items. Bread came with the meal. - Our appetizer was their fried calamari. Tender fried squid. Body portion only, no legs. A lightly battered treat over a bed of greens. Served with a horseradish cocktail sauce and lemons. - Wife's meal was their Linguini Carbonara. I usually end up finishing at least a third of her meal. I'm glad she could not finish. I am sure the carbonara would have been just right if my wife did not overly cheese'd her linguini. The taste was there. - I had the lamb shank special. As I'm a sucker for lamb dishes, I was not disappointed. The meat was tender and moist. The meat fell off the bone. It was accompanied by mixed grilled vegetables, mash and polenta. A bit pricey for just one shank, but with the times as they are, expected. - We topped off our meal with a slice of their Torta D'Chocolata, a fancy name for chocolate mousse. It was a slice of heaven and did not need anything to wash it down. read more

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Fantastic food! Autentique, warm, comforting, delicious food! We ordered Carbonara and polenta (and it was the best I've ever had). Could use some more staff, but the service was awesome too. Will come back for sure. read more

Excellent menu with wide variety of options. I had the veal scaloppini with delicious lemon butter pasta accompanied it. My wife had the special: whole Mediterranean fish grilled with lemon and butter. Friendly and helpful service. read more

Met the owner and she was extremely friendly and her suggestions were on point. We had everything from their calamari for appetizers, great main course and an amazing dessert to share between my business partners. A great relaxed place to have authentic Italian dishes read more

La Collina Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Millbrae, California

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The lamb shank dinner was Amazing from the presentation, to the preparation and the actual taste! The penne with shrimp on the other hand was tasteless and the shrimp were terrible so disappointing to say the least. Ambiance and Service were Fantastic along with the espresso! I ordered a shot Sambuca and the small old world styled crystal glass it was served in was a very nice touch! I do recommend this restaurant just don't order the penne with shrimp. read more

It was over the top perfect! Felt like we were Europe! Delicious Old Fashion! A lot of food!' Chicken Parmesan..sooo good The service was impeccable! Loved every moment.....we live an hour away and were staying at a park and fly at SFO. We will be going back read more