Balsamico Italian Kitchen

Been here twice and everytime the food is incredible. I am a huge Italian fan and their dishes are all delicious. I am a huge fan of their simple bread and balsamic oil which is incredible, and they sell a bottle to go. Their bruschetta packs a great flavor and the Tortellini I had this time around was just the right amount of cheesy where it oozes and packs a great cheese flavor.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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 was very nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lasagna Bolognese

Had a great meal here while visiting the Imperial Beach area. Cute little place with nice staff and delicious food. Would definitely return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is such a wonderful hidden gem, and I am so glad that after driving past it on the way to work every day for two years that I finally stopped in! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and suggested wonderful wine pairings for the dishes we chose. (The wild boar pappardelle was so good!) I'll definitely be back; they also offer classes and tastings/events. Make sure to pick up some of their balsamic vinegar to take home!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, very authentic, very friendly staff. Aperol Spritzes were excellent and they have a great selection of Italian beers (and wine).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing pizza. However, I ordered it to go and waited almost 40 minutes. I ordered cannolis as well and got to my hotel to realize they gave me an entirely different dessert. Really great food but the overall experience wasn’t the best for me.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Very busy , still feels very intimate ! Recommend. ✨

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

This is a hidden gem. Excellent food and excellent service despite being short-staffed! The atmosphere is amazing. We will be back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best pasta I have had in a minute and I go out a lot plus the waiter was attentive and cool to talk to

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came to Balsamico for a balsamic tasting experience & it was awesome! The owner taught the group some basics about balsamic and then we tried several different varieties along with small plates and a glass of wine. At $25, this experience was a really good value. We had fun, learned, tried new pairings and had a light lunch - this was a really nice afternoon for me.

I highly recommend checking out any of the experiences Balsamico hosts!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was an amazing dinner and experience! Best Italian we have had in a few years. I found myself food moaning

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We try to go there once a week and always try something new. So far everything has been delicious and they always treat us like gold! We love this restaurant 😍 the absolute best and consistent food and service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lunch Pizza Combo, Sicilian Cannoli, Homemade Tiramisu, Creme Brulee

Came on a Friday with a last-minute reservation (under an hr) for a party of 7. It took a while to be seated as the restaurant was quite full and not super huge. The service was a little slow, but the wait staff was amazing. Food was really good, they bring you table bread in tomato tins with a little bit of oil. Daughter got the Margherita pizza it was 4/5, Mediterranean salad was very refreshing 5/5, tortellini ragu 5/5. Recommend trying the balsamic vinegar. It was probably better than Italian ones. Parking out front.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Love this place, killer food and drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5