San Carlos, CA — Residents of the Peninsula now have a new destination for Neapolitan-style pizza, as the team behind popular Palo Alto restaurants Terún and iTalico has launched “Impasto” in San Carlos. The new eatery, which opens its doors on Tuesday, August 6, offers a menu similar to its sister establishments, featuring signature Neapolitan pizzas and select dishes like beef carpaccio, grilled octopus, ravioli, and chicken Milanese.
Impasto’s menu, however, distinguishes itself with specialty pizzas made from Caputo cuor di cereali, a whole-grain flour. The restaurant also offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options, as well as a unique dessert pizza made with cacao pizza dough. The specialty pizzas come in two varieties: the “Fichi,” featuring fior di latte mozzarella, fresh figs, prosciutto crudo, and chestnut honey, and the “Porchetta,” topped with fior di latte mozzarella, gorgonzola, and porchetta.
Co-owner Franco Campilongo explained, “Chef Kristjan [D’Angelo] has been experimenting with different dough types at Terún and iTalico, but we lacked the space to do it consistently. At Impasto, with a bigger kitchen and fridge, we can offer these varieties daily.” Campilongo also highlighted the distinct characteristics of the whole-grain flour, noting its darker color and softer texture compared to traditional doppio zero flour.
Gluten-free options include Margherita, prosciutto and arugula, and nduja pizzas, prepared in a separate oven to minimize cross-contamination risks. However, Campilongo cautioned that there might still be some cross-contact, as everything is cooked in a shared kitchen space.
Located adjacent to the San Carlos Caltrain station, Impasto offers ample parking options, including spaces in the nearby Caltrain lot and additional parking across El Camino and Old County Road. The restaurant’s design features a modern, upscale ambiance with natural lighting, cerulean blue wall paneling, brown leather chairs, and an open-concept kitchen. The menu prices range from $12-22 for appetizers, $22-25 for pastas, and $19-28 for pizzas.
Campilongo, a Redwood City resident, chose San Carlos for his third restaurant due to its proximity to his home and its appealing European-style plaza. He envisions the plaza as an ideal venue for live music, much like the events held at Terún.
Reflecting on his journey, Campilongo shared, “Coming here has been a dream, and it keeps being a dream. The land of opportunity and all those beautiful places you can visit and amazing people.”
While there are no immediate plans to open more full-service restaurants, Campilongo expressed interest in potentially opening a to-go pizza spot in the future.
Impasto
661 El Camino Real, San Carlos
Phone: 650-486-1504
Instagram: @impastosancarlos
Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 5-9 p.m.