Italian restaurant · Imperial Beach, CA · reviewed since 2022
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%53+33.7Reliability 28%31+8.8Replies to reviews 8%27+2.2Momentum penalty59−4.1Experts Score= 40Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.40SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#39 of 42 food trucksiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 7%
4.6★★★★★284 Google reviews · 24 photos
82%five-star reviews
4.34★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
12.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Balsamico Italian Kitchen 4.6 out of 5 based on 284 reviews, with the owner responding to 22 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the authentic Italian food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, while also noting the restaurant's convenient location and reasonable pricing. However, lower-rated feedback highlights recurring issues with slow table service during understaffed periods, inconsistent food quality such as bland or mushy items, and a lack of communication regarding special menu restrictions or order accuracy.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 284 reviews (82% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 284 Google reviews (233 with written comments, 61 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 22% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Food Truck serving Imperial Beach, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other food trucks
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
Balsamico Italian KitchenFood Trucks median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Balsamico Italian Kitchen: 53/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.C
53
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Balsamico Italian Kitchen: 31/100 on this factor. Category median: 73.D
31
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 83.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Balsamico Italian Kitchen: 59/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.C
59
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Balsamico Italian Kitchen: 27/100 on this factor. Category median: 35.D
27
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
284 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars23382%
4 stars207%
3 stars72%
2 stars83%
1 star166%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 233 written reviews
89%praise
Praise15489%
Complaints1911%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6839%
Quality & results3923%
Would recommend2816%
Price & value1810%
Speed & response116%
Honesty & trust63%
Communication32%
What customers talk about
We read 233 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I’m very excited to have such a nice spot to go to that’s nearby.”
“Also my boyfriend was watching how the kitchen staff was being rude and disrespectful to the server (given it was busy) but he kept making snarky comm…”
“Came here for the first time last night - right from the get go it was top notch service.”
“Ordered a linguini pasta , bruschetta , garlic bread , margarita pizza - what came out of the kitchen was the worst food I ever had.”
“…ried atmosphere, Balsamico has absolutely earned a spot as one of our go-to date night spots in Imperial Beach.…”
“I'm not sure how this place has five stars, maybe because the staff is nice.”
“Pricey for what I ordered but worth it to treat myself.”
“The service was good, the atmosphere was comfortable but the food was overpriced, bland, and not fresh.”
“…aff treated us like true VIPs, greeting us warmly and making us feel immediately at home.…”
“Service was slow, got no napkins or water until requested and when you ask for a fountain drink they bring you a can of soda.”
“You can tell the kitchen really respects the integrity of the dish, which I appreciated.”
“He walked us through the specials, made thoughtful recommendations based on what we said we liked, and never once made us feel rushed or pressured.”
People customers mention
Italy13 reviews
Diego9 reviews
Modena5 reviews
Carlo4 reviews
Jordan3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
MMariahLocal Guide · 88 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 days ago★★★★★
Came here for the first time last night - right from the get go it was top notch service.
Food was amazing, and I feel like the price paid was very appropriate for what you got.
Wine and drink selection was also great.
I’m very excited to have such a nice spot to go to that’s nearby. We already can’t wait to go back! Highly highly recommend
MMadeline4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
My girlfriends and I love Carlo! He always gives us such a fun experience. The food here is incredible, great space and we love that it’s locally owned. 12/10 stars if I could!
FFrancescoLocal Guide · 91 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Locale elegante e curato. Menù completo ed accattivante. Michele ed il suo staff ottimi padroni di casa. Da provare e riprovare la pasta fatta in casa e l'ottimo ragù in perfetto stile italiano
CConnie3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★
The shrimp were mushy/inedible, the pasta didn’t seem to be homemade and the cannoli were sweet, not traditional. Even after mentioning this to staff, no consideration was made. Very disappointing
RRonLocal Guide · 98 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Balsamico Italian Kitchen is kind of hidden away behind a group of stores off of Palm Ave in Imperial Beach. It is small and unassuming. Our waiter was also the bartender and he was exceptional. The bread came out and it was soft and warm. When dipped in the olive oil and house balsamic vinaigrette, it explodes…
AAllison11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
There is a parking lot, service was exceptional, and the food was delightful. The fettucinne ragu and gnocchi with cheese and walnuts were both top tier!
Came here for the first time last night - right from the get go it was top notch service.
Food was amazing, and I feel like the price paid was very appropriate for what you got.
Wine and drink selection was also great.
I’m very excited to have such a nice spot to go to that’s nearby. We already can’t wait to go back! Highly highly recommend
M
Madeline Foley4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Madeline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My girlfriends and I love Carlo! He always gives us such a fun experience. The food here is incredible, great space and we love that it’s locally owned. 12/10 stars if I could!
F
Francesco FiorenzaLocal Guide · 91 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Francesco has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Locale elegante e curato. Menù completo ed accattivante. Michele ed il suo staff ottimi padroni di casa. Da provare e riprovare la pasta fatta in casa e l'ottimo ragù in perfetto stile italiano
Meal type: Dinner
Price per person: $30–40
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Group size: 1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, Suitable for all group sizes
Parking space: Plenty of parking
Parking options: Free parking lot
C
Connie Koppenhaver3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Connie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The shrimp were mushy/inedible, the pasta didn’t seem to be homemade and the cannoli were sweet, not traditional. Even after mentioning this to staff, no consideration was made. Very disappointing
Meal type: Dinner
Price per person: $90–100
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Group size: 2 people
R
Ron HaggertonLocal Guide · 98 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ron has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Balsamico Italian Kitchen is kind of hidden away behind a group of stores off of Palm Ave in Imperial Beach. It is small and unassuming. Our waiter was also the bartender and he was exceptional. The bread came out and it was soft and warm. When dipped in the olive oil and house balsamic vinaigrette, it explodes with flavor. We ordered the calamari starter and it was really good. The lasagna Classico is really well done. It came out piping hot and the bolognese sauce is very delicate but still well seasoned. The portion was large. The shrimp pesto gnocchi was a large portion as well and the shrimp tasted very fresh. The gnocchi was very tender and the pesto sauce was absolutely great. Great food, great staff and a really good wine selection. Find it and try it.
Meal type: Dinner
Price per person: $30–40
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Group size: 2 people, 3-4 people
Recommendation for vegetarians: Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings: Vegetarian menu or section, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Parking space: Plenty of parking
Parking options: Free parking lot
A
Allison Borzoni11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Allison has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
There is a parking lot, service was exceptional, and the food was delightful. The fettucinne ragu and gnocchi with cheese and walnuts were both top tier!
Meal type: Dinner
Price per person: $20–30
F
Frank MestasLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Complimentary bread with oil was given when our meal arrived. The oil dish was too deep- when balsamic was added, the bread would have too much oil and barely any balsamic (as balsamic sinks). The balsamic itself was mouth-watering. The food was alright, four of us each had a different opinion. Texture of the gnocchi was fabulous, sauce was ordinary.
Meal type: Dinner
V
Victor ValenzuelaLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Victor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve been looking for authentic Italian for a minute. Forget about little Italy. This is the spot where you won’t get the creamy American style but authentic Italian deal. I’m very satisfied 😋😋
Meal type: Lunch
Price per person: $20–30
N
Nick Cecola5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nick has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Service: solo diner and ordered a pasta dish that took just under 30min to come out. Waiter never checked to see how things were going during meal. Appeared to be understaffed with 1 waiter managing 6 tables.
Food: ordered Vecchia Modena which i believe is their signature dish but it was very bland. Seems neither the ricotta nor spinach were seasoned. The light cream sauce also had no flavor. The exterior of the stuffed shell was slightly undercooked.
