Pranzi Italian Restaurant
- Besides Spasso
- Nearby Stamp Bar & Grill
Pranzi, San Carlos: Freshly-Made Delicious Italian Cuisines
Discover Culinary Bliss at Pranzi: A San Carlos Gem
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Carlos, Pranzi has become the go-to spot for anyone craving elevated Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Based on numerous reviews, the consensus is clear: this restaurant not only delivers on flavor but offers an impeccable dining experience that will have you returning for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply in the mood for authentic Italian dishes, Pranzi excels in both quality and ambiance.
What Sets Pranzi Apart
Guests rave about the stellar service, cozy yet elegant atmosphere, and of course, the unforgettable food. The menu offers a delightful range of Italian classics with a modern twist, from homemade pastas to fresh seafood dishes. Whether dining indoors in the stylish setting or enjoying the sunshine on their outdoor patio, the welcoming environment makes every meal special. Pranzi is also family-friendly and an ideal spot for date nights, with many locals recommending it for both casual meals and special occasions.
7 Must Try Dishes
We’ve compiled a list of 7 dishes that keep diners coming back for more:
- Bruschetta – Ciabatta, garlic, tomatoes, basil, red onion
- Calamari Fritti – Crispy lemon, harissa & truffle aioli
- Squid Ink Spaghetti – Mussels, clams, bay scallops, prawns, cherry tomatoes, white wine sauce
- Truffle Gnocchi – Stuffed with truffle mushrooms, sage, brown butter sauce, toasted hazelnut
- Prime Ribeye – Crusted sea salt & pepper truffle mac & cheese, organic spinach
- Osso Bucco – Slowly braised veal shank, saffron risotto
- Pork Chop – Wild mushrooms & marsala, Yukon gold potato, farm vegetables
Why You Should Visit Pranzi
If you love Italian food made with passion, Pranzi is the place for you. Between the rave reviews about their fresh, homemade pastas and the friendly, attentive service, it’s no wonder this restaurant has earned a loyal following. Whether you go for the rich, savory Squid Ink Spaghetti or the decadent Lobster and Crab Ravioli, your taste buds are in for a treat. The addition of standouts like the Spinach Ribeye and Buratta Bruschetta make it clear that Pranzi offers something for everyone.
For your next meal in San Carlos, consider Pranzi—where every dish is a culinary masterpiece waiting to be savored.
About Pranzi
“Let our events coordinator help plan your party, business meeting, reception or other special event. Our chefs will prepare a menu that is personalized to meet your unique taste.
We have private dining capabilities to host a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, or accompany guests for a sit down dinner.
Great food comes from quality ingredients. Products that are raised and harvested locally, in a sustainable manner, will not only taste better, but will also be better for our environment, our health and our future.
We value the importance of knowing the source our food and trust the ingredients we cook, serve and eat. We stand by our children and their rightful opportunity to enjoy these foods for generations to come, while learning the importance of preserving local resources.
In a show of support, appreciation and awe, we proudly work alongside specially curated farms, ranches, seafood purveyors and artisanal producers who help us bring you a quality experience.”
Resources
Pranzi Official Website and Yelp
Other Italian Restaurants in San Carlos
Back to Restaurants and Services
Top Reviews
Shaoning Wan | Google 
Pranzi restaurant in San Carlos is a high level elegant Italian restaurant. I went there with my family members to celebrate my birthday. The food was really good. The price is not high. All dishes were beautifully made and were delicious. The environment is nice. Solid walnut tables, specially made light bulbs, TV and bar.
The boss cares customer and cares the quality of the food. He serves customers in person. I feel like he really wants all customers to be satisfied. I had a wonderful experience here. Thank you everyone who works in Pranzi restaurant.
Amanda M. | Yelp
Came here for the first time for a girl’s night with a friend last week. We had an incredible time. Service was great and food was delicious.
Just came for apps and wine, so we ordered a bottle of white with the beet salad, burrata and prosciutto, and bruschetta. Loved them all! So much in fact, that I came back again the very next day to take my mother to an early dinner. At this visit we got the conchiglie and veal piccata. Highly recommend both as well! I will be back to Pranzi frequently.
Jennifer M. | Yelp
We were a party of seven that visited Pranzi and I am impressed. The ambience of the restaurant is a great place to unwind and enjoy a tasty hot meal. The staff is great and the food is even better. Appetizers were delicious.
For dinner I ordered the grilled farm chicken and presentation really does matter. Looking at my plate MADE me want to eat it! My veggies and potatoes were cooked perfectly, my chicken was moist inside and had a great char on the outside and the spicy aioli on the chicken was so good and really tied the dish together. Everyone at our table was pleased with their meal.
Then dessert! We enjoyed the chocolate mousse cake with fresh raspberries, tiramisu and apple crepes. Two thumbs all the way up for Pranzi! My baby in my belly was happy too.
Douglas M. | Yelp
We were looking for an Italian Restaurant in San Carlos on a Sunday and most of them were closed Sundays. Pranzi was one of the few open. The food was great. We tried 3 appetizers, 3 main dishes and 2 deserts and they were all fantastic!
The waitress did an amazing job of serving us even though she was run off her feet with a packed outside dining area. Will definitely go again but not on a Sunday
Joy P. | Yelp
I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant… Our waitress was Cansel, she was delightful, customer service was great, very attentive.
My husband ordered the Red Snapper, which came with mashed potatoes and spinach, and I ordered the Ribeye, which came with spinach and this yummy Mac & Cheese casserole, both of which were, plated beautifully, hot and delicious !!!! cooked to perfection…
We asked to speak to the owner “Cedric” and complimented him on how wonderful the food was, the customer service and the ambience. We would highly recommend this restaurant in San Carlos, you must give it a try, will definitely be back. Thanks Cedric, Howard & Joy.
Theresa M. | Yelp
Sedri and his crew…woo hoo! Thank you for the consistent excellence in EVERYTHING this place boasts. From service to food, to ambience, and supporting patrons, This review, this time around is collective of some other first timers brought to Pranzi.
All have have vowed this to be the best restaurant they’ve ever been to, 100! Again, this is purely from others’ experience here since I have already given mine on many occasions.
Newbie Joshua Fashionisto and Foodie form Riverside claims this place to be now his favorite place for rib eye and added, “OMG I have to take my time eating this Rib Eye it’s so good.” Other newbie Niko the Jock from Irvine swears by the rib eye too and surrendered to the Mac and Cheese. And Rob from Vegas had already returned several times here and will be flying back. Viva Pranzi!
Ilhan Y. | Yelp
I stopped by Pranzi restaurant tonight for a dinner,it was my first time-never been there before anyway,I ordered brushetta and rip eye,those were absolutely amazing especially the meat was so tender I also loved the design inside,its a cozy place and I highly recommend people,
They NEVER let you down with their service-food and with a great smile,absolutely ideal spot,I cant wait to go back again,thank you Pranzi for making my dinner time perfect..
Gamze Y | Yelp
Today Me and my friend went to Pranzi to have a dinner ,as soon as I walked in I was so impressed by the atmosphere,we started with appetizer and they were absolutely delicious especially clams and mussels (which is my definitely favourite one;)),service, ambience and the server’s knowledge about food was amazing.
All in all we love this place a lot and highly recommend people who look for Great dinner,Thank you Pranzi for an amazing night,we’ll definitely come back again..
J. N. | Yelp
A friend brought lunch to my office one day… it was a chicken sandwich from Pranzi. It was absolutely delicious. I am now a repeat customer. I have only ordered the Free Range Chicken Sandwich because I enjoy it *that* much! It is prepared with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, & Pesto Aioli.
It comes with a very nice side salad. The staff is incredibly professional and kind, which makes this place even better!!
Sofia H. | Yelp
Probably the best Italian place in San Carlos. Last night, we had a great time eating delicious food at dinner. The servers were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was awesome and I definitely liked that you have a very modern style. Most importantly, all the food we had was great. Defınitely come back!
Jenn K. | Yelp
I was visiting w my daughter from Chicago. My squid ink pasta dish was excellent. Pasta made in house and cooked perfectly! Beet arugula Salad was a generous size and pretty good but the pasta is what sells this place. Service is also very good. She ordered the rib eye steak which came with truffle Mac. The steak was excellent according to my daughter.
Mona J. | Yelp
If you’re looking for high quality food and service, I recommend Pranzi! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed. We started with three appetizers. The Calamari was one of the best we ever had! It was perfectly seasoned and lightly fried.
The Lamb Meatballs were juicy and served with a delicate red sauce. But my favorite appetizer was the roasted Brussels Sprouts with Feta & Bacon! I ordered the sole which was one of tonight’s special. Generous serving with freshly cooked veggies.
Our friends had the paella which was loaded with a generous amount of fresh seafood!!! And… to end our meal we had the puff pastry and tiramisu!! Absolutely divine!! If you haven’t tried this place yet, I’d highly recommend you do!
Amanda C. | Yelp
I came here on a Saturday evening with a reservation for six at 7:30pm. We got seated right away and by the door which was good for the fresher air. They still have outdoor seating too! I had the squid ink spaghetti with shrimp and it was super tasty, I gobbled it all up!
My partner’s mother had another delicious dish, their special of the day, shrimp and crab ravioli. Orange sauce and it was amazing! My partner’s dish is the sea bass and I thought it was just alright. I was a fan of two appetizer dishes, too — shishito peppers and prosciutto melon (daily special).
Solid spot, really friendly, Turkish-owned, and excellent service! Will be back with my family since we were treated so well!
Chuck V. | Yelp
My family and I have gone here multiple times over the past few months and every time the food and service has been outstanding. Tonight I had the Pesce Fristo, one of the best fish dishes I’ve ever had. Four adults, three drinks, appetizers, a split salad, plus the meals, and shared dessert, with tip: $246.
Dave Miller | Google
Excellent food and service. They offer specials each day. They have an extensive by the bottle wine list and a descent by the glass list. There is a full bar and a nice selection of house specialty drinks. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available. Indoor seating has a nice ambiance.
Anuta Mukherjee | Google
Food was amazing, some of the best white sauce pasta I’ve had in a long time. The chicken was soft and wonderfully flavored. The ambiance is unbeatable if you sit outside and they have heaters so we felt warm and cozy even on a chilly November night.
Prices are not too bad compared to other fancy Italian places I’ve seen. They do however add an automatic 20% gratuity to your bill, regardless of the size of your party (we were 3 adults and a kid). Kid-friendliness: They have a kids menu!
Coy Tran | Google
Enjoyed a very lovely lunch and excellent service. Seafood linguine was a bit more spicy than expected but everything was cooked perfectly. Even the chicken sandwich was moist and flavorful. They have a nicely decorated covered parklet out front with 8 tables.
KC C | Google
There are just soooo many good restaurants on the Peninsula. Searching for an Italian was not hard though. There are many but this place makes their pasta fresh!
Found this last minute and making reservations was not hard. It was pretty packed, but tables are properly spaced out and there’s a nice outdoor seating area with heat lamps. My party and I shared a Caesar salad, shrimp apps, and then we each had an entrée. I had the squid ink pasta which was delish. I was definitely eyeing my bff’s salmon though. Talk about good portions!
We brought our own wine and I believe corkage was $25.Our waitress was awesome, although I forgot her name. Only thing I’d say is parking can be hard to find. Allow yourself some time so you can park and walk over.
Hopper International | Google
I found this cozy and romantic restaurant to take my girlfriend out for her birthday dinner. The staff and atmosphere here is excellent. The food was so savory and delicious. I mentioned to the Staff that it was my girlfriend birthday and at the end of the night they brought out a mini Tiramisu cake for her and it made her feel so shocked and surprised. I highly recommend this place. thank you
Tracy NP | Google
Lasagna is excellent. Service very friendly. We ordered the seafood pasta which smelled and tasted off to us and so we requested a swap out to the bolognese instead. Our waitress did so with no qualms or hesitation! Bolognese was excellent as well.
Tiramisu came with a candle as I’ve indicated on the reservation this was for a birthday meal and I appreciated the extra effort! The dessert was also complimentary for us I’m assuming for the seafood pasta disappointment on our part. Tiramisu was very creamy and delicious. Great portions. Interior decor is very tasteful. This is a good spot for a date night!
Navchetan Kaur | Google
I went there to have dinner with my colleagues. The place has great ambience and staff is very courteous. I loved the food and drinks. Something else topped the ambience and food and it was the kind gesture.
I had taken out dinner for my husband, but the restaurant gave me wrong order. It was already 9 PM when we found out about it. So I called the restaurant. Though they had closed for the day but they agreed to replace our order and even delivered at our home (we live close to the restaurant). 5/5 stars for the food and 10/5 stars for the service
Helen B | Google
From the Clams, Calamari, Pesce Misto to Neapolitan dessert, it was yummy. Make sure to get the port because it is great. Say hi to the owner and tip the servers well. This is a great place for a Friday night. I even saw my former student as a special treat. I also came for brunch. There was an issue with my dish and they comped the meal. They take care of their customer very well. Enjoy their outdoor patio.
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