Sole Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in San Mateo

Biggest disappointment was the misleading romantic photo of the back patio and tent, which has not been set up for a couple years, since the pandemic concern has eased. Luckily, there’s still a front outdoor area, tented on front sidewalk, with great heaters (I did not smell propane) for those who can’t afford to get sick during major high-level viral season. Protected and comfy enough with a nice breeze despite high around 57 outside. Luckily for us, wasn’t busy so carved a comfy niche with great company.

The beautiful crown jewel of Sole Ristorante is the woman who must be Karen, owner, waiter, “busboy!” Welcoming, personable, fun, highly accommodating and attentive, no airs, no accent, no problem—even when we continued chatting long after lunch hours! 6 stars! She’s certainly worth returning for! :)

Admittedly, I’ve dined enough Michelin-type dining over the years to have, arguably, a semi-food-snobbish frame of reference when I review. This is a good down-to-earth home-cooked Italian rendering. The complimentary bread was ok, but the complementary sundried tomato olive oil “confit” was lovely. The mozzarella tomato caprese over spring mix appetizer was a good 3.5. My cioppino was a solid 4.5 with three nice garlic toasts, cooked the right amount, delectable garlic olive oil tomato broth with great seasoning, good-size salmon chunks seemingly farm-raised. (I did not hear comments about my pals’ linguini vongole, picture-perfect rigatoni bolognese, or plump spinach-filled ravioli of a semi-particular diner—but all was readily consumed!) I was impressed by the large neat tiramisu (4), delicious vanilla ice cream (4.5-5)—partly with affogato (3.5, decaf on request), then more with apple turnover (4). My caff latte 4.5-5 … yum+lovely! I appreciated the impressive selection of coffee/espresso.

Easy free street parking! You get a bit of the gist of the 3-4 atmosphere by the posted photos, other than the now-defunct back-patio gala. I was not enthralled by the unisex restroom in the back of the kitchen, but I’ve def seen worse—so maybe skip that if possible? $30-$50 pp on avg sounds right. Id be happy eating that cioppino virtually everyday :)...

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE! If I could give it no stars I would. I came here once a couple months ago and it was decent, I thought id come back here for a potential better experience but nope. I dont even know where to begin… first, we came and there was no one to seat us down, after waiting, I sat myself down and let the waitress know where I was seated (outside patio towards the end). The server was very inattentive and seemed very rude from the beginning. We got a Cesar salad which was VERY HEAVILY dressed and the dressing was thick.. tasted disgusting but we were hungry so we ate.. both of us currently have upset stomachs. then comes the main course.. pasta and ravioli, the pasta was terrible and the ravioli was EXTREMELY OILY and flavorless. Our appetite was done for at that point and I went up to ask for to go boxes and to pay. After paying, i left no tip on the receipt and went to pack up the food. As I was packing, the waitress (older lady) yelled from the front door “WAS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY SERVICE?” In a very condescending and rude way (keep in mind theres at least 5 tables inside that heard this) I then proceeded to be nice and said “no not at all” and she yells back “OH, SO YOU JUST DONT TIP?” And walked away. I have never ever had this happen to me before and I am APPALLED! I am NEVER coming back here. Waste of time and money in my opinion. To the owner: you should train your staff. I promise you this waitress has driven away more business than you think. Extremely rude and unacceptable behavior, shes very hostile and no customer owes her any tips. Despite of a great or a terrible experience....

This is currently my favorite Italian restaurant! (went here back in 2018, reviews a little late ;))

Mainly because their pasta is homemade or at least it is very fresh compared to those dry versions you buy in stores and boil at home.

Also many of their dishes had amazing flavor!

We even ordered a Alfredo pasta that was not on the menu and that was delicious too!

Favorites was the truffle gnocchi and funnily enough their Alfredo :)

Also I liked their beet salad! Very different than most salads you normally have so that was a nice change.

Their Bolognese was good too, like 3.5 stars, but maybe I just like creamy pastas more.

Their sauce that came with their free fresh bread is very delicious!

I forget which ravioli we ordered. It was yummy though, like. 3.8 stars.

Salmon with pistachios was ok, like 2.5 stars.

We also ordered a pork special, but it was not that tasty, like 1.5 stars. The veggies on the side were very...