Impasto by Terun

Came here for dinner on a weekend night - we were lucky to be able to walk in as it got crowded really quickly after. Read about it in a local magazine - it’s known for its wood fired pizza which we tried and liked. Also had the seafood risotto which was very good. Next to Caltrain station, free parking nearby and Caltrain parking further down the road. Vibrant with good service.

We went for my fathers birthday. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. We enjoyed everything we got. Absolutely delicious pasta and ravioli. Only thing we didn't try was the pizzas, that will have to be next time!

We had a wonderful experience at this Italian restaurant. The food was exceptionally fresh and flavorful. Jackson, our server, took great care of us, and the owner, Franko, personally welcomed us at our table and even offered dessert. Overall, one of the best Italian spots we’ve tried—highly recommended!

4 and 1/2 It was a birthday dinner for a large group. Pizzas and pastas were very good except ragu. Steak was under seasoned. Calamari sauce was great. No cake cutting fee. Slow service I will come back for pasta and calamari sauce

The host staff was nice and friendly, and she let us choose the table we wanted as it wasn’t too busy. The inside was very bright and elegantly decorated. You can see the kitchen with the chef making pizza through the glass window, and observe how clean and organized their kitchen is. We inquired about their ability to accommodate my kid’s peanut allergy, and the staff went to ask and came back to confirm with us that they don’t use peanuts in the kitchen. We really appreciate how proactive the staff are regarding the safety and food allergies. We ordered: Rigatoni bolognese ($18) from the kid’s menu. The rigatoni was al dente and nicely coated with the bolognese sauce. The quality of the sauce and the meat in it was top notched and the flavor was very well balanced unlike the overly salted sauce we usually get in the US. Terún pizza ($25): pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and spicy salumi. This pizza reminds me of my favorite Diavola pizza I got in Naples (but minus the olives—wish they had put olives on it too). The dough was cooked just right. You know it’s a good Neapolitan pizza when you fold it into a u shape and it stays without the crust breaking or the tip disintegrating. Caprina salad ($21): The salad portion was huge. The price tag of $21 is very well justified by the portion and the quality of the ingredients. The lemon dressing was nice and refreshing. I think this place has become our favorite Neapolitana pizzeria in the Bay Area. The tricky thing about Neapolitan pizza is that it has to be thin crust and well-cooked without being charred or dried like cardboard. The thinness of the crust does not have much room for errors, and Impasto nailed that. The services were very attentive, with the staff checking on us regularly to see if we needed anything or if my kid was ok with the food. All in all, this place is a keeper and we will definitely come back to try more dishes on the menu.

Impasto was a great experience and I would highly recommend and return. The design of the space is beautiful and the vibes are inviting. The good is great! The standout is the spaghetti! It was perfect! I definitely want to try more of the menu and other pizzas.

Burcak @ the bar is AMAZING! What a great environment & such a sweet place with the best personal touch.. Franco went out of his way to say hello & greet us. My new favorite place to dine!

Impasto is not ready yet. It is like a teenager with massive potential to be great, but has rough edges and also needs to chart a path to realize its destiny. It is a fabulous addition to the Peninsula but as of a month into its opening, it simply isn't "great". I won't pamper this review with great atmosphere, great and friendly service, breezy and crisp outdoor seating, etc. Afterall, we're in San Carlos. The fact that it is right next to a train station may have been trouble with diesel trains but now Caltrain is fully electric. All good. The issue is with the food. The ingredients are top notch. The recipe is good and whoever is cooking, is really trying hard to follow. But the lack of maturity shows. Many dishes lean on the bland side - and I can absolutely tell that this wasn't the intention rather timidness or even a mistake. The dough is good as well as the burrata. So whatever combination you put out is a winner. But again, the salt. Everywhere it's just about 30% missing. Focaccia bread is slightly bland. French fries absolutely came out saltless. Carpaccio was saved by parmasean but the meat wasn't "rare" enough. Seafood risotto was hearty but also lacked character. The gnocchi was rich and was perhaps the only dish that wasn't bland. However, something about the blend of sauce and texture made one quickly get bored with it. I cannot simply see one person scraping the entire dish of gnocchis. Now the unforgivable part is the margherita pizza. Don't get me wrong - dough was great and so were the cheese. The problem was with the watery and bland tomato sauce. You do not want your Neapolitan margherita to drip of tomato juice and water. You just can't. Amateurish mistake I'd say. It is absolutely clear that Impasto comes from the right roots and is destined to be great. It's just not ready yet. It needs to get it together. Grow up a bit. And not get overwhelmed when all tables are filled with those that are coming in with anticipation. Not too late. Just tighten it up and cook with confidence.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Over a year now visiting Impasto. Still great food and service. Great bar drinks and such a friendly staff.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Literally feel like I'm taken to a different world once I step in this restaurant. It's beautifully designed and decorated, and channels a high-end ritzy vibe. I will admit when my kids and family decided to eat here last minute, I felt rather underdressed given the ambiance. But that did not hinder us from receiving wonderful table service. The food was amazing! Of course you must try their pizza, in which the dough is just on another level. My son who is a bit picky nearly finished a whole pizza to himself! And he's only 8! Which leads to my next praise, their pizzas are huge! Can be shared between 3- 4 people. My personal favorite was their roasted beet salad, so much flavor and different textures, and refreshing too! My only dock would be for their Brussel sprouts, which came out pretty burnt. They were also kinda mushy, so not crispy like how most places do it. Parking is ample as it's part of the train station parking (look for designated signs for restaurant parking). We've gotten togo a few times too and it did not disappoint!

We decided to dine her on a Sat night on a friends recommendation. The restaurant was packed and felt a little stuffy inside so we chose to sit outside. There were only 2-3 servers for a very full seating outside. The service was just so slow, even things like sparkling water took about 10 mins or more to arrive. The server was in such a rush that they spilt my champagne all over the table. The situation could have been salvaged by the food but the pasta did not match up to the bill we paid. The standout was the cauliflower appetizer. The chickpea pasta and ravioli were disappointing. They were also very cold by the time they arrived (maybe due to the service issue) I was also disappointed by the tiramisu - i consider myself a tiramisu connoisseur :D and this was mostly cream. As any of us who have been to Italy or north beach restaurants can attest, the warmth of service is critical and the restaurant did not deliver. The manager was handing out free apps/drinks/desserts to tables around us due to slow service but we did not get anything or even an acknowledgment on slow service ---- so be consistent if you are doing that?

Yum! Finally got a chance to try this restaurant and was really really pleased with my dinner. My friend and I ordered the fava bean appetizer, the octopus and the rigatoni! Each dish was delicious and not too heavy. I was actually impressed with the portions. We also tried the tiramisu and it was excellent. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in San Carlos.

Most amazing customer service from the owner, Franco and staff! Food was fantastic and we will continue to visit this restaurant

What a lovely first experience at Impasto! We came here on my friend's recommendation and were sat outside by some heaters. The menu had familiar names of dishes but some that intrigued us. We enjoyed the super freshly fried calamari and that lemon sauce was amazing! I had the octopus pesto pasta dish and all the specials looked yummy too! Parking is in downtown San Carlos , which can be hit or miss depending on timing. There are a few spots dedicated to the restaurant in the Caltrain lot but don't count on those. This would be a great spot to check out for a special event, as we were treated with great hospitality too!

The service was great! ALL of the food was amazing! The atmosphere was nice. I've already been back.

Impasto was great at allowing us to adjust our reservation for 10 people and easily accommodated us outside. The outside patio is very well heated with space heaters (almost too heated haha). The staff is super attentive and friendly and had good recommendations. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their food and the quality of dishes was super high. The only thing we didn't really enjoy was the brussel sprouts. theyre cooked whole so they don't get crispy at all and topped with strong Gorgonzola cheese. Biggest hits were the kids pesto pasta and pizzas.

Came here last month for an early Christmas celebration with 5 couples total. We were able to get lunch reservations and first off - the service was so warm and friendly. It really felt like coming to a beautiful family restaurant!! I'm so glad we got to try this place. EVERYONE who works there was warm and welcoming. There was 10 of us and we tend to like family style so we can try a bunch of different things - and given we were seated in a long table - we found it easier to order in a group of 4 and then my group of 6. It was perfect since the group of 4 wanted specific things that the rest of us weren't as hot on... So overall - both groups started with the Focaccia Puglese! MY OH MY! Note - the ONLY serve this at Impasto. Terun does NOT offer this (I tried when I went there a month later) so this is an absolute MUST. Even for some of us who are watching our carbs - devoured their little piece and we all debated if we should order another. Growing up in SF, I've had focaccia from North Beach in SF as we lived close by to the little corner shop so I have HIGH expectations of focaccia and I will say - this version is even better than what I remember growing up in SF from that little focaccia shop!! Light and fluffy on the inside, infused with tons of flavor on the outside with just the PERFECT textures! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! Next time we will not split one for 6 but I'd go for at least half!! LOL We also got the Eggplant Pulpette! This was recommended by my sister (who btw LOVES Impasto and would eat here daily if she could). This dish was a PERFECT BITE... the crunch on the outside - the tender flavorful eggplant in the center with that delicious creamy sauce. I can see this also being a MUST ORDER!! It's not overwhelming with the eggplant - it's just a perfect hint of the flavor with all the other complimentary textures and flavors!! We also got the Pulpo (Octopus) - Now this too is a must order if you like octopus. We are huge octopus fans - ate octopus every change we got in Mexico City as they had the most tender flavorful and I think this was on par with what we get in Mexico City!! And you can dip in their lemon-avocado sauce if you like spicy or their regular sauce but the key here is how TENDER they make their octopus. Was so easy to cut up for all to share and the bite was so tender and would practically melt in your mouth!! YUM!! For salads - we couldn't decide and decided to be healthy and got two. The Grilled Romaine and the Tuna Salad... Ok both were delicious but I will say the Tuna Salad was my absolute favorite and definitely something I would crave. They actually added a little bit of beets into the salad (as I had voted for beet salad but got outvoted) so I was a super happy camper!! And the tuna didn't have the "fishy" smell or taste - definitely a high quality... and combined with everything - with the crunchy chopped romaine lettuce and that lemon vinaigrette. YES - definitely my FAVORITE! I loved the grilled romaine as well - as the grill gave it that smokiness but it definitely came in 2nd to the Tuna Salad. Main courses - the Gnocchi which is made out of beets. I thought this was perfect as it didn't taste too heavy or rich which most gnocchi's are which is why I could never JUST have gnocchi as the only thing I eat. Definitely a shareable dish and super tasty - nice spin with the beets - made it less heavy. The one dish I was so so on was the Margherita Pizza. Don't get me wrong - the flavors were amazing and the outside pizza crust was delicious - a nice compliment but it's the center... it got all mushy and soft - definitely had to use a knife and fork - I assume it's because of the mozzerella they use but I'm not a huge fan of soft mushy pizza centers - so that would be a pass for me... Flavors all there just that texture... We also got the Rigatoni - I will say this was delicious as a typical Rigatoni would be. Wasn't unique or special but it did hit the mark in the right flavors and al dente of the pasta... The table of 4 had also ordered the Parmigiana Di Melanzane (Eggplant Parm) and they seemed to enjoy it tremendously. If I weren't so full on our side I would have asked for a bite. It looked small at first glance but I was told it was VERY filling!! The other main course they ordered was the Pollo ALLA Milanese. Milanese style is a thin pounded chicken breast, breaded and fried. They seemed to be very happy with this dish as it also came with salad and skinny fries! Overall - This is the place to come for delicious Italian food (especially for the Focaccia and Eggplant Polpette) as these are dishes you typically don't find in other Italian restaurants!! I can't wait to go back and try other dishes!! I'm hoping another pizza won't be as soggy in the middle - as the Pera sounds amazing... Till my next visit.... OH and of course the WONDERFUL and amazing friendly staff and service!!!

I had dinner here with a larger party so I got to try a good variety of options. The pizzas definitely stood out as much better than the pastas. Serving size for the pastas also seemed much more limited. Of the pizzas I did try, there was no skimping out on the toppings, plenty of meats and cheeses. The staff were also incredibly helpful. Our waiter came around numerous times to refill waters and check in. The owner even stopped by to make sure we were having a good time. We were seated outside in January by our own choice and I've never seen a restaurant with so many space heaters. We actually requested they turn one down it got so warm. Impasto made for a fun and tasty night overall.

I was excited to try this highly-rated restaurant on Yelp, but my experience was far from what I had hoped for. First, there's no parking, so you have to park across the street on Laurel. Once you get inside, the place is packed with chairs, making it difficult to walk to your table or the bar. I opted for the bar, but the tables were so close that I could hear everyone's conversation and even grab their food. The drinks and pizza were disappointing. The taste was terrible, and the prices were exorbitant. To make matters worse, they add a 20% surcharge to the bill, so be cautious. On top of that, someone stole my umbrella at the front. Despite the negative experiences, the customer service was friendly and attentive. The service itself was good, but overall, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant.

The food and service are excellent, everyone is very friendly! The ambiance is very pleasant!

My pizza was crunchy in the middle. You'd think the fact that they advertise accreditation by Vera Pizza Napoletana (despite that accreditation not being listed on Vera's site...hmm...) would mean they can make a perfect pizza. I guess not. The restaurant is relatively small so be sure to make a reservation. They pack in tables so it felt cramped. Service felt rushed. For the price, my experience was a little disappointing.

We ordered catering from Impasto by Terun for a party and were very impressed. Everything was thoughtfully packed, fresh, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. The food was delicious and a big hit with our guests. Highly recommend for catering or special events!

incredible pizzas and pastas!!!!!! will have to go back solely for the food. parking was free in the lot (about a 2 min walk away). looks really nice inside too :) service was okay, we had to ask twice for water and same for boxes and the check. food was great though!

Impasto had been on my list to try for awhile for three reasons. The focaccia, the fries, and the nutella pizza. Spoiler alert: we were too full for the nutella pizza. We made a reservation for 7:30 PM on a Sunday and since all the tables were still full, they gave us some prosecco at the bar for the few minutes we did have to wait. The service here is great! Very attentive and personable. The place had cleared out by the time we left. What we did order: Appetizers/Sides Focaccia pugliese - Besides one super doughy part, this focaccia was AMAZING. I could have just eaten this for my dinner. Apparently the focaccia is so popular that they ran out of the original one that evening. With the fresh tomatoes, you don't even need the butter. Cauliflower (fancy name but it's cauliflower) - this was really nicely cooked Fries - the fries were very thin and yummy but needed a little more salt Pizzas Margherita and Pera - Impasto has the same pizzas as Terun. Sadly, by personal taste only, their crust is good but never my super favorite. It is always a solid pizza, but I prefer just a little more chew/doughy. Again, personal preference. I was really satisfied with my focaccia though and very full. My friend also got a pasta that I didn't taste. Fancy Italian restaurants in the Bay Area are never cheap so just take note. Everything (including appetizers) somehow costs $20+ (besides my focaccia and fries). Overall, I would come back to try the nutella pizza and get the focaccia pugliese and some apps again!

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Impasto is located right next to the San Carlos Caltrain station. Parking is available on the street. Impasto is the same ownership as Terun in Palo Alto. The restaurant is brand new inside and the dining room is high quality. Service throughout the evening was attentive and prompt by the staff. Our waiter did a pheneomenal job providing suggestions and checking up us throughout the evening. Started off with the eggplant croquettes, salmon croquettes, and the truffle fries as appetizers. The eggplant croquette was super cheesy and the salmon croquette was unique. The truffle fries were quite fragrant. The porchetta pizza was gigantic. The porchetta was flavorful and the wheat crust was quite tasty. Ended off the meal with the tiramisu which was quite light. ~$75/head after tax and grautuity for dinner.

Been here twice and both visits were amazing. The staff is awesome as is the food. They have pizzas and other entrees Owned by Italians too.

Great food and fantastic service. We had a 7:15pm reservation and waited a whopping 25 minutes for our table for 6 standing in a very crowded entry way. We were not happy, but the wonderful owner did more than enough to compensate us. He brought us glasses of Prosecco as we waited and when we were seated he sent over very nice appetizers on the house. We then had Jackson as our server who was absolutely fantastic. Service is amazing. Water and wine glasses were constantly filled, anything we requested was delivered within seconds. A wonderful experience. Food is delicious and the restaurant is beautiful, lots of good energy. I would definitely return!

Had dinner at Impasto tonight and loved it! The place has such a nice, cozy vibe. Melissa was our server and she was awesome -- super friendly and just really made the night better. The grilled fish was perfect, super fresh with that nice smoky flavor, and the pasta was so good I could've easily eaten another order. Great food, great service, great atmosphere... I'm already planning my next visit.

We were excited to try this place but unfortunately the food was just ok. We have pretty high standards for pizza and there are so many good options nearby so the pie here kinda fell flat, plus it's pretty pricey. We couldn't help but compare to other places like Vesta, Del Popolo, or Speederia which are far superior in our opinion. The plus is that they have a nice ambiance inside, but if we have an itch for pizza we'll be going elsewhere.

Amazing food service and atmosphere. Good job everyone. I'll be back soon for sure. That pasta pomodoro it's perfect

Stopped by for dinner and they did an amazing job with the interior. Everything is beautiful including the massive bar! Service is very attentive as well, they really take care of you. Polpo - octopus had great texture and the sauce went well, this was thoroughly enjoyed Beet salad - loved the crunch from the hazelnuts, simple and effective salad. The only thing I didn't love is the pizza. It's personal preference, but I enjoy Neapolitan pizza with a bit more to the crust, with nice big bubbles and a bit more chew. Other than that, a beautiful restaurant, perfect for a date night!

Felt really rush the whole time we ate... it's way too loud on the patio and tables are too close to one another. Make a reservation, it gets pretty packed. Parking was pretty easy to find near by. The Aperol spritz was good. My partner and I thought the bread was just ok. The Brussel sprouts were so soggy and oily. The lasagna was the better dish compared to the rigatoni. Overall, good was just ok. I think the pizza may be better. I definitely liked terun and Italico a lot more.

What a beautiful restaurant! It has indoor and outdoor seating options. Reservations were easy to make on the website and highly recommended. It was BUSY! My girlfriends and I were so excited to try this place. We MiGhT have over-ordered a tiny bit, but enjoyed EVERYTHING. * cauliflower was my absolute fave * focaccia bread and butter were amazing (even yummy the next day and kid-approved * the spaghetti was yummy * prosciutto arugula pizza was a table fave * tuna tartar was tasty, but it didn't come with enough crostini (that's ok though- I ate it with the focaccia * margarita pizza- perfect * ribeye w/green beans and fries- killed it * calamari- very yummy The staff worked efficiently and provided excellent service. Can't wait to come back soon. Thank you!! P.S. We came out from all over the Bay Area and wasn't familiar with San Carlos. There's street parking, parking structures and a parking lot right next door.... Looked like it was parking for CalTrain riders, but read the fine print! It's restaurant parking :) Hope you enjoy!!

I had a craving for pasta and pizza so I was able to snag a same day reservation at Impasto! When my family arrived for our reservation, the hostess was very sweet and offered us an indoor table even though my reservation was for outside; we happily obliged! The restaurant itself was nicely decorated and you could see the large oven that they cook the pizzas in. My family tried the following: - Focaccia Pugliese - You can tell this was freshly made. It was crispy on the edges with a soft chew in the middle. It was served with house made rosemary butter, but it didn't even need it. It was so good on its own! - Roasted beet salad - This was a standard beet salad. Ingredients were fresh but nothing special. - San Daniele pizza - This was an excellent white pizza! It was served with arugula and prosciutto, mushrooms and shaved cheese. I highly recommend! - Terun pizza - This was a red pizza with spicy salame. The flavors were spot on, but the pizza was flaccid due to the tomato sauce. - Calamarata - This was a standout dish! The fresh pasta was shaped like calamari and was smothered in pesto sauce with octopus and potatoes. The portion was also pretty large. I would definitely order this again! I had been to Terun before so I knew I'd have a great meal here at Impasto! The food was solid and our server was very nice and friendly. He was also authentically Italian! We were stuffed with delicious carbs. Otherwise, I would've wanted to try the Nutella pizza for dessert! Next time...

My friend wanted to go here to celebrate her new job. I was hesitant because I do not like Terun in Palo Alto but Impasto blew me away! I liked it so much more and will definitely be back. The decor inside is so cute. The manager came by to check on our meal, which was super nice and personal. They gave my friend ice cream with our dessert for our celebration. The food was great! Her spaghetti sounded basic from the menu description but it was so good and fresh; I'll be ordering it next time.

Ducked into Impasto during a break in the rain and felt like I had been greeted by old friends. Staff was warm and attentive. Lighting was stylish and slightly under lit which created an intimate vibe. We shared the beet salad, San Daniele pizza and panna cotta which was fresh and savory. This pizzeria has it all and is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Came here with some friends on a Friday night and this spot was packed! Good thing we made a reservation! The portions here are pretty generous! We got two pizzas to share and then shared some pastas! The calamarata pasta is a must get! My fave the entire night

The only authentic Italian restaurant/pizzeria in San Carlos Best pizza.best pasta, and a top wine cellar that combined with a superior service make Impasto a destination for food lovers

sunday father's day lunch at impasto...reservations made and arriving on time...busy, but promptly seated at arrival...lunch for 3 and wanting to share...taking a smokey pineapple for the drink...a $17 special cocktail...tasty and refreshing...browsing menu and deciding to share a 5 formaggi pizza...a 5 cheese pizza for $25...also sharing the rigatoni $26 and pollo milanese $32...the pizza arriving first with hot bubbling cheese....the first slice is always the best...hot with intense cheese flavors...rigatoni was very hearty with a thick meaty sauce...simply perfect and delicious...chicken milanese had a wonderful tangy sauce over the salad and fried chicken...golden brown and perfectly tender chicken...delicious salad and a mound of fries to fill...great lunch...attentive staff...worth the $131.23 total...

Lively atmosphere, interesting decor, and a beautiful bar. The pizza's are large with a thin classic Italian crust. The rigatoni Ragu sauce was superb. Great Italian wine list. Excellent service from our waiter. All around good experience!

Pollo milanese - dry. Calamari - tough, and out-of-a-box flavor. Pizza Capricciosa - overly salty. Hendrick's gin martinis - scant. Service - good. Bill - higher than local competition.

Understaffed and overpriced, a rough combination for this restaurant near the San Carlos train station. Cocktail was spot on. Appetizer (savory flan) was very, very mid for the price. Entrees were not very good either: The seabass was underseasoned , the sauce 2was limp, and the cooking process. really needed a harder sear. Lasagna was no better than Kirkland frozen. Service was unattentive. After a good start where the server kept coming back several times to see if we were ready to order (come on man, we've barely sat down), he proceeded to ghost us once our food arrived. Once we were done, it took 15 minutes for anyone to give us a check. And there is no check. He stands there reading what we ordered off a Payment Processing machine, so nearly impossible to verify accuracy. What a strange way to settle up! I'm afraid we won't be coming back here, considering the numerous dining choices in San Carlos and surrounding communities. I hope they do better in the future and wish them the best.

This restaurant is beautiful, I loved the decor & lighting. My friend made reservations online for us to sit indoors but unfortunately we were not able to be seated right away. A server came over & offered to sit us outside, we were both hesitant due to the cold weather but after he showed us the table & plenty of heated lamps, we decided it would be fine. We started off the night with some calamari & it was just the right amount of crispy, the lemon sauce that came with it was to die for, so delicious, I could've had that on its own lol I opted for the daily special, risotto with salmon & it was flavorful & satisfying. This restaurant was worth the try, I like that you can see into the kitchen when you walk into the restaurant, I eyed the wood fire oven & I'm sure I'll be back to try the pizza.

Beautiful space right next to San Carlos Caltrain station. The staff are wonderful, wide range of drink options, great tasty food. Highly recommended.

I highly recommend Impasto- the pizzas were phenomenal, the pastas also on point- it took me back to Italy. Great service and well delivered menu. Prices are also very reasonable considering the quality of the food and ambiance.

Bartenders made amazing drinks! Came a few days later for dinner with a friend and her mom, and the service was just as good and the food was delicious.