Tell us Now
Hello Everyone,

Well, everybody on the FF team had Saturday off so I decided to put my wife to work and take her on a dining review with me. She knows its tough having to go out and enjoy a great meal. . of course the best part is I get to tell you all about it. For this review, we paid a visit to La Collina Italian Restaurant located at 355 El Camino Real in Millbrae.

I was surprised; the drive up from the South Bay was a breeze this evening. La Collina is located a few miles off highway 101 in Millbrae. We had no trouble finding a parking space (practically in front) there’s also a public parking lot close by at no charge – we easily made it for our 6:45 reservation. When we arrived the restaurant was pretty full – as we strolled to our seat, I noticed some yummy seafood and pasta dishes coming out of the kitchen.

Once seated we were served some soft fresh bread along with olive oil for dipping – it was a nice mixture of Vinegar, Virgin Olive Oil, Basil and Roasted Garlic. Our waitress for tonight was Nina who was helpful in giving me some clues on what was in the dipping plate.

One of the first things I noticed on there menu under drink selections was a Champagne Cocktail; there around but not usually on a specialty list. Bottoms up, I went with it, my wife was out of character and went for an Apple Martini, and she’s usually a Chocolate Martini girl. This leads to my next point, how many Italian restaurants that you’ve been to have a full bar? Along with a full bar to offer up your choice of beverage, there’s an excellent selection of wine by the glass featuring several reds and white’s depending on your entrée selection.

Along with the drink selection page, you will find ½ dozen appetizers available, everything from Mussels and Clams to Antipasto Misto which includes Grilled Eggplant, Zucchini, Artichoke, Olives and Sausage. We ended up sharing the Gamberetti Alla Manera Della Collina (say that 3 times) which was a large bowl of Shrimps sautéed in butter that included mixed veggies. Nina let us know there was a touch of garlic served in a zesty cream sauce that was addicting. We looked at each other and could tell that we could easily fill up on this appetizer. There were plenty of shrimp, the sauce was delicious, and I know we wanted to scoop up the sauce with the bread however we stopped.

I have to tell you folks, it was a tough decision for my main meal. The menu was loaded with favorites like Australian Lamb and many top pasta choices like pasta served with Rock Shrimps, Scallops in a Tomato cream sauce. For those watching calories like I should be doing, La Collina also offers a Low Calorie Grilled Chicken Breast entrée served with steamed veggies. When it came to decision time, I chose one of the specials Risotto Di Mare; my wife went with Vitello Limone Picata, a tender Veal Scaloppini served with Lemon Capers, served with butter in a white wine sauce.

When our main entrée’s arrived, the presentation was one of the best I’ve had served. The Veal was tender, cooked perfect – my Risotto Di Mare was one of the best I’ve had. I love Italian style rice along with the combination of fresh fish (Shrimps & Scallops), Garlic, Onion and Parsley. Like our appetizer I wanted to finish this so bad however we didn’t drive to Millbrae not to enjoy dessert. I ended up boxing half of my entrée which made for a nice lunch the next day. Usually when my wife and I venture out for dinner we share a dessert, however at La Collina the desserts are homemade that means lets order two of them and a couple of espresso’s please! The winners – Hazelnut Cake and Tiramisu, oh my – yes we did finish them.

As you check out the interior at La Collina you will see beautiful murals of Italy wrapping the walls – the one that caught my eye was Lake Como. I’ve dined in many Italian Restaurants throughout the U.S. and Italy, for me the décor is nearly as important as the menu; your dining experience at La Collina will totally relax you as you enjoy a fine dining experience. La Collina is the perfect place for a date or a family night out.

Folks if you’re in the Millbrae area or perhaps driving along 101, stop by La Collina and treat yourself to some exceptional Northern Italian Cuisine – your entrée will fill you as the portions will surpass your expectations while reasonably priced and backed by superb table service. I know we’ll be back. . soon.

FF Team!
4:30-9:30 Mon-Sat:


Copyright 2007-2012 FinallyFriday.com LLC | Home | Contact Us | Work For Us | Privacy Policy and Terms of Use