Cafe La Scala - Burlingame

**Service** – The service continues to impress, with a warm welcome from the maitre d’ upon our arrival, and our waiter was both friendly and attentive. No complaints in this department. **Food** – It’s clear that the previous chef is no longer at the helm. Our group ordered two fish dishes and a lasagna. One fish entrée was acceptable, but the other was quite disappointing. They lacked the freshness and melt-in-your-mouth quality that Cafe La Scala used to be known for. While the sautéed vegetables accompanying the dishes were still tasty, the absence of the delightful polenta – the best I have ever tasted – was a letdown. The lasagna, unfortunately, didn’t meet any standards; it featured large chunks of cheese that weren’t fully melted, making it unappetizing to the person who ordered it. They didn’t even want to take the leftovers home. **Atmosphere** – The restaurant’s ambiance remains unchanged, which we appreciate. One member of our group mentioned that stepping inside made her feel like she was transported back to Europe. However, an essential aspect of that authentic atmosphere used to be the soundtrack, which included a lot of Italian opera. On our most recent visit, we were greeted with blaring rock music, followed by contemporary pop tunes. While the lyrics were in Italian, it didn’t align with the restaurant’s overall vibe. The music might have fit better at an Italian fashion show or club than in this dining setting. They did lower the volume a bit later on, but it still detracted from the experience. It would be wonderful to return to the operatic tunes. If they aim to attract a younger audience, perhaps integrating some Andrea Bocelli would be a better fit. Will we return? Likely once more, but there’s no rush. I hope they take this and similar feedback to heart and consider making some adjustments before our next visit. They don’t need to change much to reclaim their status as a great restaurant; simply switching up the background music and improving the food would go a long way – ideally by getting a better chef or encouraging the current one to elevate their game by reflecting on how their predecessor operated.

I have been dining at this local Italian café for many years, and it has gone through various ownership changes. Currently, it is at its best. I have visited several times in the last few months, and it just keeps getting better. The service is friendly and welcoming, even to children—they are attentive without being overbearing. The food, of course, is incredible. I've tried the steak, several types of pasta, salads, and desserts, and I've never been disappointed. It's a great place for families or large groups to enjoy a meal together. The atmosphere is charming and comfortable. I highly recommend it!