Cafe Figaro
Italy's Greatest Hits, Done Right
Burlingame · Burlingame · Italian · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Cafe Figaro feels like it was built by someone who actually loves Italian wine — not just someone who ordered a case of Pinot Grigio and called it a day. It's focused, confident, and earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence without trying too hard. You're in a cozy Burlingame neighborhood spot, and the list knows exactly what it is.
Selection Deep Dive
The list runs 80-plus bottles and stays almost entirely in Italy, which is exactly the right call for a place serving osso buco and pasta carbonara. Piedmont shows up strong with Barolo, Tuscany covers all the classics from Chianti Classico Riserva to Brunello di Montalcino, and the Super Tuscans — Sassicaia and Tignanello — give the list genuine prestige without turning it into a flex. Amarone della Valpolicella rounds out the northern Italy contingent for those who want something big and brooding. The Veneto gets a token nod with Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, which feels appropriately humble given how dominant the reds are.
By the Glass
Ten to sixteen options by the glass is a healthy pour program for a neighborhood Italian, and the price range of $10–$18 keeps things accessible without scraping the bottom of the barrel. Will Akkaya, the sommelier on staff, likely has a hand in keeping the glass pours relevant rather than just dumping house wine on people who didn't bring a group.
Chianti Classico Riserva — $45
Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the most food-friendly wines on the planet and tends to carry fair markups at Italian spots that respect the region. At this price range, it's the kind of bottle that drinks well above its weight next to a plate of pasta.
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
Most people gloss past Pinot Grigio on an Italian-heavy list, assuming it's filler. At a place with a proper wine program, though, a well-chosen Pinot Grigio delle Venezie can be a crisp, mineral-driven pour that actually competes with the room — especially if you're starting with something lighter before moving to the Barolo.
Sassicaia
Sassicaia is a genuinely great wine, but it's also one of the most widely distributed Super Tuscans in the world, which means restaurants can — and often do — charge a significant premium on name recognition alone. Unless you're celebrating something, the restaurant's other Tuscan options will drink nearly as well for considerably less.
Brunello di Montalcino + Osso buco
Osso buco needs a wine with structure, earthy depth, and enough acidity to cut through the richness of the braised veal shank. Brunello di Montalcino is basically built for this moment — the Sangiovese tannins and dried cherry fruit lock in with the savory braising liquid in a way that makes both the food and the wine better.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Cafe Figaro is the neighborhood Italian you hope is walking distance from your house — a focused, Italy-first wine list, knowledgeable staff, and fair prices that won't make you do math before ordering a second bottle. Send a friend here without hesitation.
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