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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

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3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pasta Moon restaurant
1. Pasta Moon
4.7
Exceptional(5273)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 44 times today
Pasta Moon, situated in the charming town of Half Moon Bay, has been a beacon of Italian culinary excellence for over 30 years. This restaurant is renowned for its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, using only the freshest local produce to craft dishes that are both delightful and beautifully presented. Diners consistently rave about the menu, highlighting the "homemade pasta dishes" and "exceptional lasagna,” which some claim surpasses even those found in Italy. The cozy setting, heralded by its old arched casement windows, creates a perfect backdrop for a meal served by "attentive and knowledgeable" staff. Pasta Moon is not just a meal; it's an experience where every bite tells a story of tradition and quality, making it a must-visit destination on the California coast.
A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
2. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1837)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • San Mateo
Booked 46 times today
Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo offers a captivating escape into the world of contemporary Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its "modern and innovative approaches," Pausa delights diners with house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and expertly cured meats that elevate traditional Italian flavors. Guests rave about the "phenomenal experience" that reminds them of dining in Italy, praising the "delicious combinations of ingredients" and "incredible attention to detail." The ambiance is described as "modern and trendy," perfect for both lively gatherings and intimate dinners. With "top-notch" service consistently mentioned, Pausa stands out as a must-visit for an authentic and inventive Italian dining experience.
A photo of Vespucci Ristorante Italiano restaurant
3. Vespucci Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(851)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • San Mateo
Booked 8 times today
Vespucci Ristorante Italiano, located in the heart of San Mateo, is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, where "every dish exudes the true essence of Italian flavors." Praised for its commitment to tradition and quality, the restaurant features a menu crafted by Italian-born chefs that evoke the culinary spirit of Italy. Diners rave about the "Gnocchi with Gorgonzola," described as "homemade pillows of perfection," and the atmosphere that "perfectly complements the culinary experience." The warm hospitality and personalized service make every visit memorable. As one reviewer notes, "Definitely my only go-to place when I'm craving Italian food!" Vespucci Ristorante Italiano is truly a gem that offers an exceptional Italian dining experience, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Adrianvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything was amazing. Had the burger (beef was great), margarita pizza (great dough), b-sprouts, arancini (stuffed with cheese), shishito peppers, and chocolate cake. Excited to come back. Thanks!
    More info
    Back to BackPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
    •
    4.7
  • Margarita
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner was very good. The music is played at a very high volume that conversation was difficult. We asked the hostess to have the music lower a bit and her response was; let me ask the manager. Volume was not lowered; we then asked our waiter and he immediately made the miracle of listening g to the request. Definitely too high of music volume.
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • Eileenvip
    Orange County •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of our favorite ristoranti on the peninsula specializing in Northern Italian cuisine. The dishes are authentic and thoughtfully prepared. The wait staff is attentive without being intrusive. A great date night place.
    More info
    Donato EnotecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Redwood City
    •
    4.6
  • Sunil
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Overall great food and good options for vegetarians too.. enjoyed the lunch
    More info
    Vespucci Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.8
  • Kimeron
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 4, 2024
    Delizie is the best Italian place on the Peninsula! Great food, great people and great music! Francesco the owner is a wonderful guy and trombonist!
    More info
    DeliziePrice: Expensive• Italian• San Carlos
    •
    4.8

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