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888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA
888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA
888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA
888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA
888 Ristorante Italiano, San Carlos, CA

888 Ristorante Italiano

4.5
4.5
521 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 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

What 521 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

521 Reviews
  1. ExtremelyPleased

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. Ros3dine

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. CatsMeow

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. LReader

    San Francisco

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

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

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  24. 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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  25. DuncanD

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Italian, not American Italian., even the Pasta. And GF Available. Excellent base menu and seasonal Specials. Approachable wine list of US/Italian wines. Great experience at reasonable cost.

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  26. PDGs

    Palm Springs

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was outstanding. Servers were friendly, attentive, and kind. Food was delicious. They serve fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic. The calamari was fresh, lightly battered, and served hot. The carpaccio was excellent. Our entrees were wonderful too. You won’t be disappointed!

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  27. Rick

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For many years I have looked for Melazane Parmigiana without breaded fried eggplant. This amazing dish at 888 Ristorante Italiano served grilled, smoky eggplant with plenty of cheese and delicious sauce. This was the best I have ever eaten by far. I am already wanting to return for this delicious dish!!! Thank you!

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  28. Ryczard

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    One of the best tables in San Carlos. So glad they made it through the pandemic.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and ambiance. One of the the best dining experiences in this area. Can’ t go wrong with any dish. The owner and his staff provide excellent service.

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  30. DonaldV

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A really outstanding dining experience! We loved the ambiance and the food. From the Calamari to the Sangiovese wine to the entrees (Veal for my wife, Spaghetti and Meatballs for me) everything was all we had hoped for! Topping off an almost perfect evening, was the Chocolate Gelato. We will definitely be returning.

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  31. LisaG

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite places. The food is always fantastic, the service is great, and the atmosphere is charming. We recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or a regular weekday or weekend dinner. It's always wonderful.

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  32. SVdinerinSB

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic. Service was impeccable. Freddie Maddalena is the consummate host.

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  33. DavidL

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Start to finish a wonderful dining experience. As usual the service was attentive, the food was excellent, and the ambiance pleasant.

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  34. Ckgee

    San Francisco

    104 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The bread and olive oil/balsamic are a nice start. The calamari fritte are tender and crispy and warm dipping sauce. The linguine and clams were delicious with plenty of fresh clams. The specials were delicious...salmon and shrimp and the ox tail papparedelle. Second time here and everything on the menu have been great.

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  35. KayeBo

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent food and friendly service at this San Carlos restaurant that has been in business here for years--and justifiably so.

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  36. atamL

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    food, service and ambience are great - unfortunately the noise level made it hard to have a conversation at our table without making sure we got closer to each other so that we could hear. Overall, , we were happy with our choice and would go back again

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  37. Susan

    San Francisco

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is a neighborhood gem. The food is always outstanding and the staff are so friendly. The owner even comes out to greet his guests. The perfect spot.

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  38. MarkG

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great meal at this local gem - highly recommend for delicious food and excellent service. Having Celiac disease, I must eat gluten-free, and most things on the menu are naturally so, or can be adapted. Care is taken to avoid cross-contamination.

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  39. SATY

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Salad was delicious! Main course was bland.

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  40. Gabe

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food4service5ambience3
    Food is very good, service is friendly and timely. This was not our first time there. But we will not return. I am sorry to say. On both evenings the noise level in the restaurant was just horrible, it makes you lean in just to hear the person across from you, cannot hear anyone else At the table. Even the waiters had to scream if you want to learn about the specials. The live music at the wine bar next door just added to it. The open front door to serve the people eating on the street lets a draft of cold air in frequently, along with the cigarette smoke from the people outside the wine bar.

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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 4.5 stars by 521 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 2 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
  • 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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