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888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA

888 Ristorante Italiano

4.8
4.8
537 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
If you’ve ever enjoyed the 888 dining experience, you know it’s not like your average Bay Area Italian restaurant. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Carlos, 888 Ristorante Italiano brings authentic flavors of Italy to Laurel Street. 888 was created from a passion for Italian cuisine that’s deep-rooted in the Maddalena family. Owner Vince Maddalena and Chef Raul learned their craft through growing up in the restaurant industry. Specifically, Maddalena’s, owned by Vince’s dad for over 30 years in Palo Alto. When Vince’s dad closed shop, Vince knew he wanted to continue sharing his passion for food with the public. And so 888 was born! When it comes to cooking, we never take shortcuts. Almost all of our menu is made in-house and we keep things fresh by changing our dishes as seasons come and go. Enjoy our intimate dining experience with a significant other, family and friends or just let us know if you have a large group and we would be happy to accommodate. Your host, Vincenzo Maddalena, would like to welcome you to his restaurant for a unique dining experience of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon Appetito!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

What 537 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Best Food

  • Peninsula

    Best Value

  • Peninsula

    Italian

537 Reviews
  1. SL47

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite local restaurant on Laurel. Food and service always good

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  2. MarkG

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always outstanding food and service. We’ll be back 😊

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  3. JamesO

    San Francisco

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    A nice boutique restaurant. Cozy and comfortable. Good selection of Italian wines.

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  4. DianeS

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    888 is our favorite local restaurant. Vince and George are welcoming and wonderful. The food is always excellent. It's a wonderful place for an intimate dinner or for a larger group. It's our "go to" restaurant of choice!

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  5. RogerPierre

    San Francisco

    132 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    132 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My 79th birthday! What a great time had by all! Fantastic Colorado lamb, not New Zealand or Australian frozen lamb. An oxtail ragu over pappardelle, fresh sea bass, and lasagna, just to name a few!

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  6. KHatch

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic meal and very safe for diners that need to remain gluten-free!

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  7. LongtimeSanCarlan

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything anybody could want in a neighborhood Italian restaurant. Delicious entrees, great desserts! 888 Ristorante Italiano was perfect!

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  8. PeninsulaTechMom

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is fantastic. Tried the cuttlefish appetizer. So tender with a slight smoky flavor. Lighter sauces than many Italian restaurants It feels like a small family owned restaurant like we visited in Italy.

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  9. JaniceS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and the food was excellent. It was a first time visit for my two friends and they loved it.

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  10. Madoo

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything on the menu looked so good, it was hard to decide. We settled on the specials, halibut and osso bucco, and couldn't have been more pleased with the delicious flavors. Loved the saffron risotto. Service was impeccable. Food for six of us arrived in timely manner; water glasses were always refilled. Dining outside on a cool night was pleasant with the heat lamps.

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  11. Chippy23

    San Francisco

    86 reviews

    4.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    It's been exactly 15 years since we returned to 888 for an anniversary celebration. The Insalata Di Cesare was fresh and tasty. Both Rigatoni Alla Bolognese and their special of the day, Oxtail Sauce with Pappardelle Pasta were prepared extremely flavorful. It was piping hot and every morsal was divine. The Lily's Homemade Cheesecake was also delicious. We will be back more often now.

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  12. Pickyeater

    Central Coast

    62 reviews

    4.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    888 is a delightful cosy Italian haven on Laurel Street in San Carlos. The menu is sufficiently varied and enhanced by daily specials. The dishes are affectionally prepared. The service is personal and attentive. One word of caution. This is not a dine and dash location. To dine there is to expect to spend a lot of time. There can be lags between order taking, serving of appetizers, and entrees. Pretend as if you are back in Sienna, relax, and enjoy a delicious but extended evening.

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  13. CarlE

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Always a pleasure dining at Ristorante where Vince takes great care of his clients

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  14. SvetlanaK

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for the great evening another day and accommodating us with outside sitting and special spaghetti for my niece ! We loved the ambiance that was warm and inviting, and made us feel right at home. Your Bruschetta is the perfect appetizer – it’s a flavorful, crispy delight that sets the tone for what’s to come. the fish was cooked to perfection and was swimming in your special delicious wine sauce. Thank you ! Fir us it was a true culinary delight that will keep me coming back for more.

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  15. SL47

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It’s our go to restaurant. Intimate and delicious

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  16. EmmaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The patio is on the pavement but in a nice area, there is a little street traffic which doesn't bother us. We were able to bring our dog and water was provided for her. Six of us were celebrating a birthday, ages 18 to 65. We had a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, three appetizers and 6 different main courses. Bread and good oil is provided. Everything was beautifully cooked and delicious. The vegetables were outstanding. The tuna carpaccio was amazing! We had halibut, gnocchi, truffle linguini, veal chop and all were superb. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend!

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  17. ExtremelyPleased

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is was our second time there and it was also outstanding. The food is absolutely delicious (I had the gnocchi and it melted in my mouth like home made), the service was excellent, and the ambience wonderful. I highly recommend it!

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  18. josed

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never fail for service and outstanding food quality!!

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  19. Ckgee

    San Francisco

    104 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was delicious and service was good. We have been here before and enjoy the outdoor seating and dining in San Carlos.

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  20. Frank

    Tahoe

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The restaurant has a very intimate feel. The owner is always there making sure things are going ok. The gnocchi are outstanding. The filet of sole is excellent. I would pass on the risotto.

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  21. TimG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We dined here for our anniversary. We were looking for genuine Italian cuisine and got it! The service was polite and attentive.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Simple but high quality dishes provided at very reasonable prices.

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  23. Ros3dine

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite Italian Sicilian food. You will love it! I have been going there for many years!!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Service was not friendly. I had to ask for a glass of wine. Once we ordered food server never came back until food was served. Never saw the server. I had to find the server to tell him I had a bug that was in my wine glass. Didn’t even respond to the bug in the glass. I would think as a courtesy he would have brought me a fresh glass of wine. Nope. Over all experience was so poor. I was hosting the people that were with me and it was not pleasant. Not to mention we were the only people in the restaurant.

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  25. june

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Parklet was great. Weather, food, service great. Fun fining.

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  26. Lushiav

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    We haven’t been here in a few years and we were really disappointed this last time. Prawns were over cooked for two of our dishes, dishes didn’t have much flavor, and the veal was nothing to brag about. Gnocchi, lasagna, and dessert were good. Very disappointing as we were looking forward to coming again.

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  27. SanCarlosFoodie

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite Italian restaurant! The food is fantastic, Vince is such a gracious host, the restaurant is charming indoors, and the new deck out front with the gazebo makes outdoor dining very pleasant. 

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  28. ShaunM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We celebrated a three person after wedding lunch and had a delightful experience in the sidewalk area of the restaurant and were well taken care of by the owner, Vince.

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  29. Michaelc

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    nice wine list. Excellent food and good survive. try outside if weather is ok

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  30. MichaelM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service, delicious food and welcoming envronment

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  31. Sfnative45

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Can’t wait to return. My petroleum melted in my mouth.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Enrique, our server, was phenomenal! Food was fresh and very good.

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  33. Frank

    Tahoe

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    888 Ristorante serves very good food and has very good service. The owner is very attentive. There are many wonderful choices on the menu. It’s hard to choose. Their gnocchi is outstanding.

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  34. Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Lovely little restaurant, but food could be better in my opinion.

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  35. CatsMeow

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Italian food, friendly professional service. We had the Risotto with fresh spring vegetables, there is always a fresh seafood special. We had pan-seared halibut with a white wine and cherry tomato sauce. Wonderful desserts too

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  36. Friend

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Vicente and his team did an excellent job … as always.

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  37. Shinkiitten

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    All 3 appetizers were very good as was the service, but none of the four main dishes we ordered were good. Shellfish undercooked, sole mushy, rigatoni and salmon just so so. Also deserts were just average.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best sole I have ever had and best bruschetta 🥳

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  39. LReader

    San Francisco

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very delicious meal. Great staff. Can’t wait to return.

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  40. DonaldV

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went there with friends last night, our second visit, and found our experience was exactly like the first, outstanding.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

888 Ristorante Italiano does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

888 Ristorante Italiano is rated 4.8 stars by 537 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for 888 Ristorante Italiano

888 Laurel Street, #3951, San Carlos, CA 94070

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    San Carlos
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Tue–Fri 11:00 am–1:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Patio/Outdoor Dining
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