Balsamico Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Imperial Beach

This is not our first time at Balsamico and, unfortunately, not the first time we’ve had bad service there. Carlo was our server. He was MIA for our entire dinner. After waiting for 20 minutes, he took our order, later delivered our drinks, and at the end gave us the check. He did not: serve our appetizers, the main course or check to see if our orders were to our satisfaction. As a matter of fact, Carlo walked by our table several time during the course of our dinning experience and never once acknowledged our existence. We had to take plates from another table because we had none, were served cold food and not offered Parmesan or peppers for our cold pizza. We believe his name was Alfredo, he was the one seating guests, clearing tables, delivering food, pouring water, and working much harder than the other two food servers that were present. We know the service at Balsamico is marginal at best, but that night it was, well… less than marginal. As a night food server at a fine dinning establishment for many years, I recognize a quality food server and one who needs to improve. In my opinion and based on my work experience, Carlo without a doubt needs to improve. We enjoy the food but the service is subpar, with the exception of Alfredo who worked extremely hard and deserves a 5 star rating. For the record, this is our first ever review of anything but felt compelled to share our...

it was a nice and cozy experience ! the place felt like you were eating at your nonna’s house in Italy (i dont even live in Italy but now i know how it feels like bc of this place). the people serving us were incredibly nice and always made sure that we were comfortable and enjoying the food. they’re heartwarming soul just made we want to go back already. but do not start on me with the food !! OMG THE FOOD IS WAS IMPECCABLE. ive never experienced so many different flavors in one bite of having their truffle ravioli. i still dream about it. it’s a mix of a flavorful truffle with a light taste of mushrooms and cheesiness. if you don’t like mushrooms OR cheese, think again. bc that dish will make you fall in love with something you’d never think of falling in love with. the ravioli was perfectly cooked. and the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken was perfection. the most perfect amount of cheese, butter, and creaminess. the chicken was also a good choice to put in there. tender, flavorful, and so classic. not to mention, the garlic bread is literally garlic ON bread. but it’s crispy, soft, and amazing if you mix in the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and then dip the bread in there 😋 i could give 10 stars if i wanted to. i wish the best for the italian owners of the place and please go there to try it for yourself. i promise, you will not regret gaining those 2 pounds...

Everyone, I was absolutely shocked when I opened up the lids of my to-go order of Lasagna Bolognese and Carbonara and taste tested them. If you've never had carbonara before, the main protein that makes this pasta dish so special is guanciale or pancetta. When you order a dish like this, the protein is salty by design. You should expect your pasta to have that cured meat heaven, but Balsamico is missing the mark. Are they dumping a 1/4 cup of salt into the pasta water? Why is this saltier than the ocean? Maybe this one was a one off. Nope. The lasagna was even saltier, barely edible because I haven't eaten anything all day due to work. I want to make something very clear. I love salt. Most American restaurants under season, so for the first time in my life I'm shocked to say, this restaurant has a new cook/chef, or they think the main ingredient should be a salt block. What a complete waste of money. I would never recommend this establishment to anyone. Taste your sauce and dishes before sending it out. My god how can it be this bad.

The server that took my order...