Cafe Figaro — Restaurant in Burlingame

Not sure if it was because it was the Friday before Memorial Day or what, but we experienced bad service when we came in. My friends and I decided to come here after seeing their decently priced dishes. Upon entering, they asked us if we had a reservation (we didn't), the server then abruptly walked away. Another server then seated us and told us to order quickly so then they could get the food out before the rush of diners came in.

We were expecting a full restaurant with people with reservations based on what he said, but for the hour that we were there, the restaurant was not even remotely full. Additionally, a table of 7 came in without a reservation, and they were welcomed by the server to sit without complaint or even mentioning that they would have a full restaurant.

I'm not sure if it was because we were college-aged and didn't look like the typical Burlingame crowd, but the service just differed between our table and others that came in later.

The food came our ridiculously quickly, which was a bit odd. The gnocchi (Gnocchi alla Piemontese) that was ordered was under cooked and doughy. The other pasta dish (Rigatoni con Salsiccia) was decent, but nothing too exciting.

Overall, bad service, okay food (especially if it was cooked). I usually don't really post reviews, but the service was so bad that I had to say something. My response to Will's response below:

Will, thank you for your quick reply. After reading your response, I would like to bring up that although you address the speediness of the food coming out, which wouldn't have been that big of a deal had not the gnocchi been properly cooked, but the service itself. I believe that the service that we received was abnormal and an anomaly, according to your previous glowing reviews. Nevertheless, my friends and I are entitled to the opinion that we received less-than-stellar service. Service does not mean just the speed of the food coming out and the waters being filled, but it also means the feeling of being welcomed into a restaurant, which is not what we felt. We did understand the fact that you were booked, but it seemed like your servers were ready to have us out as soon as possible to seat the people that were not actually there yet. Seating us while you were completely booked and mentioning it to us is fine, however, the fact that you were able to so graciously welcome another table of 7 without a reservation and without mentioning your booked tables for that night to them was almost opposite of the service that we experienced when we entered the restaurant.

Sure, my review was not a positive one, but that does not mean that my review is a dishonest, slanderous one. I gave a two-star review because the service did not make us feel welcome in the restaurant. Your defensive reply makes it seem that my friends and I did something wrong by entering your restaurant and eating there. I would love to have experienced the wonderful service and food that night, but unfortunately, that was not the night for us. Perhaps we can try your restaurant again and have a better...

Very quiant, cozy family atmosphere. Very friendly and attentive staff. Excellent service and delicious food. Started with the Antipasto Misto Figaro per Due appetizer which was a meal in itself for two, the calimari fritti was tender and yummy. For dinner my wife had the Parmesan Chicken nicely plated and the chicken was so tasty and tender it melted in your mouth. I ordered the Bistecca di Manzo al Pepe but had sold out of the New York steak so our server said he could substitute it with a skirt steak which turned out to be an excellent suggestion, it was cooked to perfection and was so tender and the reduced balsamic vinegar sauce just made it so special. And for dessert we shared their wonderful Teramisu with a birthday candle for my wife's 66th B-day dinner. Now mind you this was a gift certficate from my nextdoor neighbor in appreciation for working on her car, but this restaurant was a total surprise easily one of the best italian dinners I've had in the area even better than Bertolucci's in SSF and Boca di Beppo doesn't even come close. Hats Off to Cafe Figaro, will definitely...

STAY AWAY!!! This place has horrible service. We tried to eat here twice and had terrible experiences both times. The first time when we came in person, we were told we'd be seated in 15 minutes. After 15 minutes passed, we were told another 20 minutes. We waited 45 minutes in total, and eventually left because they were still not anywhere near seating us. Terrible.

The second time was during COVID-19. We placed a takeout order, tried to pick up after 15 minutes, and were told to wait a few more minutes by the staff. After 15 minutes, they said to wait longer. Notice a pattern? We ended up waiting 50 MINUTES in total for a simple takeout order. The man who gave the incorrect estimate was not even apologetic. Saying the table or food will be ready in 15 minutes when the restaurant needs another 40 is LYING. They weren't even that busy.

The restaurant also messed up the order of another customer who waited even longer than us. To top it off, their food was not even good. Watery sauce and overcooked pasta.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Never ordering from here again. This place deserves...