Bear Bites: Delarosa Showcases Italian Cuisine and an Energetic Atmosphere

Located in the Stanford Shopping Center, Delarosa offers delicious Italian cuisine that sets it apart from the mall’s other eateries. Delarosa’s Palo Alto branch opened recently in late November, adding a fourth to its locations in San Ramon and San Francisco. The establishment has been in high demand since its opening. While the food is filling and the environment is welcoming, the eatery is still clearly working out some kinks in its service, such as forgetting to provide utensils.

The meatball appetizer radiates mediocrity. The marinara sauce is too spicy, overpowering the rest of the dish’s bland flavors. The plate is served immediately after ordering, though the meat’s dry and tough texture suggests it has been left waiting for a while. The crostini comes burnt and hardened, failing to distract from the substandard main ingredient. Overall, the dish is underwhelming and poorly executed, especially for its hefty price.

This delicious dish is the menu’s standout. The pappardelle is cooked wonderfully, allowing for a nice chew with every bite. Unlike the spicy marinara soaking the meatballs, this tomato sauce complements the dish well, adding freshness and flavor. The slow-braised pork contrasts texturally with the pasta and provides a rich umami taste. However, the plate is sparing with the meat, and a more generous portion would have elevated the meal. Overall, the pappardelle is a must-try and a strong example of the classic Italian dish.

The hanger steak is a tasty plate combining multiple fresh ingredients. The beef cut is tender and beautifully grilled. The green salmoriglio sauce adds an herby bright flavor to the dish, enhancing the meat. The potatoes, kale, and caramelized onions accompany the steak to create a variety of flavors and textures. However, the caramelized onions hinder the dish,  because they are too strong and nearly overpower the other flavors. That being said, the fresh salinity added by the sprinkled capers help balance out the onions. 

Conceptually, the fennel sausage pizza sounds magnificent, featuring green onions, oregano, chili flakes, and of course sausage. The reality, however, severely disappoints. The toppings taste great, but the crust is too thin to handle the pool of marinara sauce. Each slice flops when held up and tastes watery. The sausage is delectable, but the pie would have benefited from including more than one piece per slice. The ingredients are delicious and high-quality, and the ends of the crust are delightfully chewy. This pizza would be promising but is let down by the sauce and its proportioning.