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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Foster City

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57 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1724)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Mateo
Booked 6 times today
Central Park Bistro is a 100 seat contemporary restaurant in downtown San Mateo featuring fresh seasonal American cuisine by Chef Ricardo Garcia, in the $15-$45 range. We offer a carefully chosen eclectic Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Central Park Bistro is an affordable sophisticated, fun dining experience. Relax and unwind with a house specialty cocktail at our wonderful Martini Bar. We also have several intimate private dining rooms perfect for that corporate presentation business meeting, wedding rehearsal dinner, retirement/anniversary dinner, or any special function you may have in mind. Check out our private wine cellar room which seats up to 8 people for that extra special dining experience.For reservations larger than 12 or for private functions please contact the restaurant directly.
A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1871)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 28 times today
Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo is a neighborhood gem. Known for its modern Italian cuisine, guests rave about the 'super high quality' and 'exceptional' food. The 'fabulous' service and 'beautiful' ambiance are also frequently mentioned in reviews. As one reviewer put it, 'This place is a GEM! Foods are amazing!' Another stated, 'Always amazing. High quality food and the best service!'
A photo of Cafe Florian restaurant
3.6
Very Good(356)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foster City
Cafe Florian is a beloved spot in the neighborhood, praised for its great food, attentive service, and welcoming ambiance. It's particularly popular during holidays and special occasions, with reviewers noting the excellent brunch and seafood selections. The 'excellent location' inside Crowne Plaza Foster City also adds to its charm.
A photo of Elia - San Carlos restaurant
4.5
Awesome(98)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • San Carlos
Booked 19 times today
Elia is committed to crafting an exceptional dining experience for you and your dear ones. Our menu features authentic Greek dishes prepared with care, served in a delightful ambiance that reflects our dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and service.
A photo of Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4940)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Burlingame
Booked 37 times today
Kincaid's translates the traditional fish, chop and steak house into contemporary terms. In a casually elegant atmosphere, the restaurant offers outstanding cuisine and impressive bay views. You'll find new classics, consistent excellence and a splash of swagger!
A photo of Mykonos Meze restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1037)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Burlingame
Booked 46 times today
Meze is a traditional culture. From small gatherings for lunch or dinner having different mezes small sample like plates on the table to enjoy with a glass of wine or a cocktail.Mykonos Meze is established in 2020 and set within one of the beautiful and trendy restaurants of downtown Burlingame , in Lorton Ave. The restaurant offers a beautiful and friendly ambience for all occasions. The outdoor patio is perfect for long, relaxed lunches or dinners with friends surrounded by beautiful bougainvillea flowers over our white and blue walls which gives you a feel of sitting in a greek island.
A photo of Luceti's on 25th Avenue restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(937)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 11 times today
A taste of Tuscany and local treasure that is simply delicious. For over three decades, Luceti's has served Italian cuisine created by world class chef and awarded San Franciscan, Roger Bertola. Founder of the legendary Doro's, Ruggero's and master chef of Fior and the Iron Horse. Mr. Bertola was also the personal chef to generals Eisenhower and Paton. Today, Luceti's owners carry on the same tradition and cuisine that was started by Dr. Ron Luceti in 1984. Luceti's is a great place for private parties and business meetings.
A photo of Vivace - Belmont restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2415)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Belmont
Booked 20 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 Porterhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1723)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 20 times today
The renowned art of dry aging finally arrives in San Mateo, as our new dry aging window is now completed. We are proud to be the only restaurant on the Peninsula (In between San Francisco & San Jose) to have an in-house dry aging facility. Our new menu featuring these marvelous cuts of beef is now available.To accompany your steak, our Wine List celebrates the acclaimed wines of Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, France and Italy. In addition to our steak and chop offerings, our Chef provides for a daily selection of fresh fish and seafood.Whether you are having a romantic dinner, entertaining some friends and family, having a business meeting, or hosting a private party, we will provide you with the ideal setting for your next outing.*Please note that we have re-located 2 blocks away to 164 S B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
A photo of Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4484)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 31 times today
Il Fornaio is renowned for its authentic award winning Italian cuisine. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Annual winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RuthVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything at dinner last night was excellent. The spanikopita was the best both of us had ever tasted and our bucatini with a lobster tail was absolutely delicious. The service was attentive even on a busy Saturday night. My only criticism would be that we were not offered the option of a 2nd glass of wine until after our entree had been eaten. A small error overall. Will definitely be back.
    More info
    Elia - San CarlosPrice: Expensive• Greek• San Carlos
    4.5
  • L. Peter T.
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were 5, 3 stayed on the table and 2 on the bar and my experience at the bar was awful, female in white shirt there asked us if we just walked in and just sat at the bar, but we were actually assisted by people at the front and seated us properly at the bar, and then it felt like we were asked if we could afford the red wine we were ordering as he has to tell us the price of Bordeaux per glass. Overall left a soar taste for me. My wife and son on tha table was great but at the bar was bad experience, not sure if I would be back there soon. Definitely not our first choice anymore.
    More info
    Kincaid's Bayhouse - BurlingamePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Burlingame
    4.5
  • MicheleVIP
    New York City •26 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service was great and the food was delicious and served an acceptable temperature.
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    4.7
  • Alex
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    I love coming here with my husband & our friends to enjoy the seafood brunch! My husband & I don't brunch often, so it seems a bit pricey to us, but we also don't drink. A few of our friends do drink & they offer bottomless mimosas, so I can see that making up for it being a bit pricey. We will be back!
    More info
    Cafe FlorianPrice: Moderate• American• Foster City
    3.6
  • Janis
    Connecticut •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    Our dining experience at Central Park Bistro was very lovely. The food and it presentation were great. We really enjoyed the ambiance, and our waiters name was Oz, and he recommended my wine which was very nice, and helped me choose between 2 entrees, and I loved his choice. Can not wait to go back. Janis Hennessy
    More info
    Central Park BistroPrice: Expensive• American• San Mateo
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Foster City

Discover the hidden culinary treasures in the Foster City area of the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, where "neighborhood gem" restaurants offer an enchanting dining experience. These establishments are celebrated for their exceptional food quality, personalized service, and intimate atmospheres, making them perfect for those seeking a unique local dining scene. Foster City's dining landscape is diverse, featuring a range of cuisines that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes, ensuring every palate is satisfied. Each restaurant prides itself on creating memorable meals that highlight fresh, local ingredients and culinary expertise. The ambiance of these gems often combines modern aesthetics with a cozy, neighborhood feel, inviting diners to return time and again. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring these neighborhood gems provides not just a meal, but a delightful culinary journey in one of the Bay Area's most charming locales. Enjoy the blend of scenic views and outstanding gastronomy that truly defines the dining scene in Foster City.

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