Pausa

Thanks to its modern setting and warm, friendly service, crowds of smart couples and tech types flock to this San Mateo charmer. Everyone is here for the authentic Italian eats from Chef/co-owner Andrea Giuliani, who dishes up the cuisine of his native Veneto.The dining room has a view of the charcuterie aging room and those artistically presented salumi boards of pistachio-flecked mortadella and exceptional prosciutto Toscano. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are equally strong — try the cinghiale, topped with wild boar sausage, artichoke and house-made mozzarella. Of course, the pastas don’t disappoint either: whole wheat ravioli with beef cheek, sheep ricotta and Swiss chard is sure to impress.