pausa, san mateo.
our last night in the bay area back in july, my brother took us to an italian restaurant in san mateo called pausa. i didn't know what to expect, but found it to be a beautifully designed space serving expertly crafted cocktails and super fresh, made-from-scratch pizzas and pastas.
strozzino: tequila reposado, cynar '70', sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, orange twist.
hokkaido scallop crudo, summer melons, fresno chiles, finger lime, basil sprouts.
we ordered the scallops and bone marrow to start. one was light and refreshing, the other was warm and comforting.
roasted bone marrow, caramelized onions, bottarga, micro parsley.
pizza scissors!
porchetta pizza with tomatoes, summer peppers, torpedo onions, gorgonzola, sausalito watercress.
chanterelle mushrooms pizza with tomatoes, house made mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, smoked buffalo, provola, shallots.
pizzas came out hot and fresh, and with pizza scissors! the textures and combinations of flavors were lovely in every dish we tried; the stinging nettle rigatoni was a standout.
stinging nettle mezzi rigatoni, braised pork sausage ragu, parmigiano reggiano.
spinach tagliatelle, tartufata, wild porcini mushrooms, spring onions, parsley.
not only was the food delicious, but the ceramics by mm clay made for a beautiful backdrop to every single dish.
espresso.
fondente al cioccolato: chocolate hazelnut crunch bar, port cherries, chocolate soil, salted caramel, white chocolate gelato.
every detail at pausa is well thought out and designed. it was the perfect setting for a family meal and the end of our trip.
233 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94401
