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Restaurant Reviews List >
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San Carlos Restaurant Reviews >
Italian Restaurant Reviews
La Tosca Reviews List
La Tosca
La Tosca offers Tuscan and Italian specialties in a warm, friendly and comfortable setting. Streetside tables overlook lovely downtown San Carlos. Chef Federico has 20 years experience in his Italian kitchen at La Tosca. Daily specials and live music are offered Tuesday through Saturday. No corkage on Monday evenings..
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Click Here For Our Reviews on Yelp.com
78 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 78 reviews
5 stars
(40)
4 stars
(28)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(53)
- special occasion(32)
- romantic(25)
- fit for foodies(24)
- great for lunch(16)
- great for outdoor dining(16)
La Tosca Reviews List
Review 1 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, really attentive staff, nice, cozy atmosphere. Will be back again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent of course
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"La Tosca is one of our favorite local restaurants. The food is always delicious and the staff is always warm and friendly.
The staff gives excellent table service. We were there for Mother's Day dinner and it was a "full house"--which is so good to see at a local restaurant. And even with the full house, our food order nor table service did not lack the usual care.
Do we recommend La Tosca to others? Yes, absolutely!!
Do we dine there often? Yes, of course we do!!"
The staff gives excellent table service. We were there for Mother's Day dinner and it was a "full house"--which is so good to see at a local restaurant. And even with the full house, our food order nor table service did not lack the usual care.
Do we recommend La Tosca to others? Yes, absolutely!!
Do we dine there often? Yes, of course we do!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
La Tosca
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server was wonderful, however the food was a step- above Home Town Buffet. The pasta sauce was terrible - thick and no taste - we ordered veal, (and I really don't think it was veal - some other type of meat), and the bread had no taste - like eating cardboard. Will not be going back. -"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 6 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
La Tosca
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We've been here many times. The service was always impeccable and the food delicious. They are polite and friendly. This time, however, the service was disappointing. There was a new server who wasn't very polished or experienced. We ordered the cannelloni, which we'd never had before, and we found it to be a bit dry. The salmon was outstanding.
We will go back, but we will request the one of the family members serve us, and I'm sure it will be outstanding."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Anniversary Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Returned to La Tosca for an anniversary dinner. Good selection of items on the menu, service was great and food was great. Very nice selection of wines by the glass. A very enjoyable anniversary dinner."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food great service great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"great food great service great atmosphere"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
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Review 10 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I chose the restaurant because
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I chose the restaurant because Nancy Gililard happens to sing on Wednesdays. I didn't expect the food, the wine, and the ambiance to be as wonderful as I found it to be."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for dinner with my wife
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for dinner with my wife and son and we all had great meals. I had a nice veal parmigiana, my wife had passta, and my son had spaghetti and meatballs. Our wait person was very accommodating as we tried several tastes of Italian wines before making a selection."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
awesome
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service and fantastic food. Very comfortable and the Tiramisu was incredible. We are coming back for more."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2002
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Italian gem in San Carlos
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone at our table was very happy with what each of us ordered. I had prawns and asparagus with linguine - fresh and delicious. The sea bass was great. Although linguine and clams wasn't on the menu, they made it for one of us. And for the meat lover there was meatballs AND meat sauce with spaghetti, again, offered by our server but not on the menu. Good desserts and bruschetta. We had a booth for the four of us, and it really made for such a nice experience."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mediocre experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were somewhat disappointed with the restaurant. It had such good reviews. Food was only ok nothing to rave about. The table was so, so. I requested a cozy table (at 6:00 pm) and we got a table in the back, practically in the kitchen. I questioned it, because the restaurant was empty when we got there. They have booths, which looked much cozier, but they were all reserved. The hostess insisted this was a cozy table!
They waiter was very sollicitous, overly so.
We will not dine here again, given all the other choices available in San Carlos and the Bay Area."
They waiter was very sollicitous, overly so.
We will not dine here again, given all the other choices available in San Carlos and the Bay Area."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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Review 16 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is a continual delight. The food is always wonderful, the ambiance perfect for conversation, the noise level is moderate (which is hard to find)and I can always rely on the fact that they do pay attention to your request when you make your reservation.
The chef prepares each dish as if it were for a food revue!"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Paying attention
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The reviews suggested better than we experienced. The calamari fritti was presented well, but badly overcooked. The smoked salmon carpaccio was low in taste and presentation (basically a slab of smoked salmon that looked like it had been lifted out of the styrofoam a minute earlier). Cooks usually check and sample their goods before sending the food out, so perhaps the chef was out that night? The main dishes were "good", the veggies well done. The waitstaff was attentive and the atmosphere pleasant. Indeed, the piano player did a fine job of infusing the place with warmth and helped make it a pleasant evening."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2003
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Review 18 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
NEVER DISAPPOINTS- FOOD IS
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"NEVER DISAPPOINTS- FOOD IS GOOD, WITH GOOD DAILY SPECIALS, AND THE SERVICE IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS. THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE, AND MAKE SURE IT IS GOOD. FROM THE OWNER TO THE BUSBOY ALL HAVE SMILES ON THERE FACES LIKE THEY ARE ALL HAVING FUN, YOU CAN'T HELP BUT ENJOY WITH THEM."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great little place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought a group of 5 and we were given their largest booth. It was right next to the door, so their were occasional drafts, but not as bad as I had expected. That booth is a bit crowded for "large" men, but it was a cozy atmosphere once we squeezed in. We had the mixed appetizer plate and it was great, but a bit small in my opinion on each of the selections for 5 people. I'd probably order two or three "full portions" of apps to share instead of the sampler plate to ensure that everyone got to try everything. I loved the corkage free night (Mon and Tues). The food was great as was dessert. Service was exceptional. I had the veal with shrimp. Although excellent, it was smaller than I had anticipated."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a 5 stars restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a 5 stars restaurant because of the great food, I been to this restaurant several times with friends for lunch and dinner, we have had the salmon with vegetables, mushroom rissotto,ravioli gongorzola, salads, all fresh just perfect and the desserts are delicious, we all love the food and the great customer service, great place for a romantic dinner, there are various restaurants on this laurel street but la Tosca is my favorite I highly recommend this little great place, check it out for yourself"
Dined on 02/27/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
La Tosca offers the best food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"La Tosca offers the best food on the peninsula. The service is above and beyond. The people that work there from greeting to end are the best. They seem to remember you after just a few visits and treat you like a king. My favorite dinner is the rack of lamb. I will go back again."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was delicious and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was delicious and the server was very friendly. We really enjoyed it all."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, great food, excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, great food, excellent service, love La Tosca!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
La Tosca is always great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"La Tosca is always great! Food is wonderful, staff is on it. San Carlos is lucky to have such a restaurant."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place was fantastic!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place was fantastic! Starting with the atmosphere, which is exactly what you want from a small Italian restaurant - small and cozy. Then came the service, which was exemplary from the moment we came in right up to when we left."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
LaTosca is a good restaurant,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"LaTosca is a good restaurant, not great. The food was good, my ravioli was quite good. We ordered the appetizer platter, the calamari was a bit tough. The calamari steak (entree) was better. Our wine was good, but a friend's pear martini was not good, she did not drink it. Zabliogne for dessert was very good. The day was nice and we sat outside. A note about the carpet inside, it needs to be cleaned."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2003
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for La Tosca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, food and service was great!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for La Tosca
Based on the average of (50) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate