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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in San Mateo

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
1. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1846)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 49 times today
Pausa, a bar and cookery in San Mateo, calls for guests to take a recess from life and enjoy a dining experience that transports them to a place of leisure. With a strong focus on modern Italian, our menu will consist of house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, wood-fired grill, and house-cured meats. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will ensure your pause is a memorable one.We are now taking reservations for our patio tables, bar, and indoor tables. As we practice social distancing with our new limited floor plan, we ask that you and your guests limit your dining to 2 hours to accommodate all reservations.When checking table availability, if outdoor seating is not an option to select, then your reservation will be for an indoor table as the outdoor may be booked. Thank you for understanding.
A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant
2. Benihana - Burlingame, CA
4.4
Awesome(5008)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 118 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Rocca Ristorante restaurant
3. Rocca Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(1752)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 12 times today
Inspired by classic Northern Italian cooking with California influences, Rocca Ristorante features delicious veal, chicken, seafood and house made pastas – the signature Osso Bucco is not to be missed! The breathtaking décor boasts a spectacular Florentine copper & bronze high ceiling, whimsical murals and an elaborate Venetian-style balcony, all set in an enchanting Tuscan inspired setting. Wine connoisseurs will be impressed with the extensive collection of Italian and domestic selections. With our winning combination of warm and impeccable service, simple yet creative dishes and a passion for detail, Rocca Ristorante is the perfect place for your next dining experience.
A photo of Vivace - Belmont restaurant
4. Vivace - Belmont
4.7
Exceptional(2381)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Belmont
Booked 21 times today
Translated from the Italian language, Vivace means "lively", which is exactly the ambiance at Vivace - Belmont where culinary creations join with excellent wines to celebrate the cuisine of Northern Italy. Highly regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Peninsula, Vivace Ristorante is located in the charming city of Belmont. The warm interior is designed as to permit the viewing of the talented chefs as they prepare an array of Italian dishes with emphasis in the regions of Piemonte and Toscana. With its exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, high level of service, and extensive wine list (2003-2019 Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence), Vivace creates a wonderful dining experience in which the gastronomia of Northern Italy is celebrated everyday!
A photo of Waterside Grill + Lounge restaurant
5. Waterside Grill + Lounge
4.2
Awesome(120)
Price: Moderate
• Global, International • Redwood City
Booked 3 times today
Join us for a relaxing and memorable experience at Waterside Grill + Lounge. Our locally inspired seasonal menu, creative cocktail offerings, global plates and unmatched hospitality on the San Francisco waterfront provide the recipe for a great meal. With an innovative culinary and mixology team ready to cater to your every need, you’ll easily see why we are the premier destination in Redwood Shores. Our large outdoor terrace provides for unmatched al fresco bar and restaurant experience. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, we welcome you to our table.
A photo of Pasta Moon restaurant
6. Pasta Moon
4.7
Exceptional(5289)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 75 times today
A popular destination in Half Moon Bay for 30 years, Pasta Moon Restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine using the freshest local produce available- in fact, easily the finest dining on the coast; (and not the most expensive!). You'll find a cozy setting for lunch or dinner, surrounded by old arched casement windows which once brought light into the Burlingame Public Library, and you'll be served by an attentive and knowledgeable staff.
A photo of Timber & Salt restaurant
7. Timber & Salt
4.6
Exceptional(722)
Price: Expensive
• American • Redwood City
Booked 13 times today
Timber & Salt is a downtown Redwood City restaurant and bar serving quality steaks, seafood and craft cocktails. Our kitchen, led by award-winning chef Joshua Regal serves fresh, seasonal dishes highlighting the best ingredients California has to offer. We also serve one of the best burgers in Silicon Valley. Our cocktail program features hand-crafted cocktails using select spirits, house made syrups, bitters, tinctures and specialty garnishes. We also feature a deep list of spirits, fine wines and specialty beer. Both the kitchen and bar utilize fresh ingredients from our farm in Woodside California. Timber & Salt has intimate indoor seating for over 50 guests and an enclosed, heated outdoor patio for up to 30 guests. We are open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
A photo of Spasso restaurant
8. Spasso
4.7
Exceptional(1383)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Carlos
Booked 8 times today
Spasso in San Carlos is a buzzing hot spot, loved by locals for its Italian, Mediterranean cuisine and exciting wine selection. The consistently friendly staff and lively atmosphere make it a go-to place. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'superb Italian restaurant'. Another praised the 'excellent service, delicious food, and courteous staff'. With such high ratings for food, service, and ambiance, Spasso is definitely a crowd favorite.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sandy
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had our Xmas dinner here and were seated promptly as soon as we arrived at our reservation time. Hubby ordered the Lamb and I had the Fettuccine Alla Rocca. The lamb was delicious and my fettuccine was delicious as well although the scallops were very small alittle larger than a pencil eraser. We also ordered the Calamari and that was nice and tender with just the right amount of batter. Our first time here and we’re definitely coming back to try other dishes as well. Service was impeccable!
    More info
    Rocca RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Burlingame
    •
    4.9
  • Aubrie
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our chef, James, was THE BEST CHEF WE’VE HAD in a very long time! He was friendly and fun! The food was delicious, as always. Thank you for another memorable dinner experience! We will be back!
    More info
    Benihana - Burlingame, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Burlingame
    •
    4.4
  • Brian
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wonderful food- Benny was a great server. The food was all delicious! Had an amazing Christmas Eve dinner with my family.
    More info
    Waterside Grill + LoungePrice: Moderate• Global, International• Redwood City
    •
    4.2
  • KristinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing from start to finish. Burrata and crudo were are favorite apps. Pizzas are all incredible. Reminds me of traveling through Italy. Finally a great spot without having to drive to the city!
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • andreaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had dinner for 13, one with a severe dairy allergy. All food came out hot and delicious. We felt confident with the allergy (which sometimes is hard)
    More info
    Vivace - BelmontPrice: Moderate• Italian• Belmont
    •
    4.7

Discover best hot spot restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the vibrant dining hot spots in the San Mateo area of the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, where each restaurant brings its unique flair and high-quality cuisine to the table. From sophisticated American eateries to charming Italian bistros and authentic Filipino culinary experiences, San Mateo offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights that cater to diverse tastes and occasions. These restaurants are celebrated for their exceptional food quality, outstanding service, and inviting atmospheres, making them perfect choices for both casual diners and special celebrations. The dining scene in San Mateo is dynamic and eclectic, reflecting the area's cultural diversity and the locals' passion for good food and great experiences. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a business meal, or a family gathering, San Mateo's hot spots promise an unforgettable dining experience. Each venue stands out for its commitment to excellence, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but thoroughly enjoyed.

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