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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Mateo

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47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1697)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Mateo
Booked 11 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(1837)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 47 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 Porterhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1679)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 12 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 The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(369)
Price: Moderate
• French American • San Mateo
Booked 7 times today
The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar welcomes everyone with selective wines selection and many pairings superbly with a wide variety of cuisine. With selective cheeses and charcutiers, hundreds of different wines, seafood,and meats.The Barrel Bistro&Wine Bar attracts colleagues for a drink after work, business dinners, a quick bite or drink before a show, late night revelers, families for Sunday brunch and more.
A photo of Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas restaurant
4.5
Awesome(115)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • San Mateo
Booked 2 times today
Amour Amour celebrates 10 years anniversary with the relaxed lifestyle, where small plates, good drinks and a cozy and tranquil atmosphere are all part of the experience. Guests can start with the sachet de prosciutto wrapped with goat cheese, fig jam, almonds and herbes de Provence for an introduction to Amour Amour’s culinary French and Spanish style. Popular hot tapas options include the Spanish seafood paella and Spanish meatballs in a sauce consisting of tomato, nutmeg and paprika, The roasted patatas bravas with spicy tomato aioli is another favorite. Amour Amour’s cold tapas plates, such as the Oregano octopus, capers , or the burrata capresse , are flavorful and refreshing ,squid ink paella . For a sweet bite, enjoy the tropical coconut panna cotta with mango puree. Be sure to wash your meal down with a house-made sangria. Bon appetit !!!Family owned and operated !
A photo of Vespucci Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(851)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 8 times today
Please consider:*Kitchen closes at 8:30pm, we place last order at 8:15pm and we don’t accept any reservation after 8:00pm*Being a small restaurant, it is crucial for us to know in advance if the number of guests in your party changes, or you want to change the time, or you are planning to not come at all. Please avoid to just not show up, but kindly call to inform us, it will be much appreciated. If we don’t hear from you, we will re-assign the table after 15 minutes. If you need to increase the number of guests on a reservation made through Open Table, please call the restaurant.*We don’t take groups larger than 10 people on Fridays and Saturdays. *About birthday celebrations : we don’t have a free dessert policy, if you order one from our dessert chart, we will bring it to the table with the candle. You can also bring your own cake, our cutting fee is $3 per person.*Corkage fee is $25 per bottle.*We don't longer offer outdoor seating, only indoor dining and take out.
A photo of Mykonos Meze restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(992)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Burlingame
Booked 37 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 Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4885)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Burlingame
Booked 34 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 Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4986)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 81 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 Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4433)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 33 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
  • Margarita
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner was very good. The music is played at a very high volume that conversation was difficult. We asked the hostess to have the music lower a bit and her response was; let me ask the manager. Volume was not lowered; we then asked our waiter and he immediately made the miracle of listening g to the request. Definitely too high of music volume.
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    4.7
  • Ferras
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I had another wonderful experience at Porterhouse! As always, the service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to make the evening special. The food was absolutely delicious—perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. From the warm ambiance to the attentive service, every visit reminds me why Porterhouse is a favorite. Thank you to the entire team for consistently delivering such an outstanding dining experience! Bruno you are the BEST!👍💯
    More info
    PorterhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Mateo
    4.7
  • Keith
    New York City •49 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Never had anything less than a wonderful meal here. Service is always attentive without being intrusive. And the noise level allows for conversation! Portions are good -- we both took some of our entrees home, although we did order apps and extra sides (highly recommend the Brussels sprouts chips).
    More info
    Central Park BistroPrice: Expensive• American• San Mateo
    4.8
  • Janice
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Restaurant was bustling and lively with a great, warm atmosphere. Food was really good and the servers were very professional and attentive. Only comment is that it was super loud, we could hardly hear each other at a table of four. But good for them that they were so crowded! I totally recommend it, just know it may not be quiet.
    More info
    The Barrel Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Moderate• French American• San Mateo
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 24, 2024
    Great restaurant for business meeting and dinner was amazing with full of tasty tapas very savory!! Excellent service with great wine recommendations very professional and respectful service Well done Amour staff coming back again soon Love the mango panna cotta very fresh and delicious
    More info
    Amour Amour Wine Bar & TapasPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• San Mateo
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in San Mateo

Explore the hidden culinary treasures of San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula, where neighborhood gems serve up exceptional dining experiences. These restaurants, cherished by locals and admired by visitors, exemplify the best in regional and international cuisine, each offering a unique ambiance that reflects the charm of their surroundings. From authentic Italian delights to exquisite Filipino dishes, the dining scene in San Mateo is vibrant and diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The establishments in this area are renowned for their high-quality food, superb service, and the warm, inviting atmospheres that make each visit memorable. Patrons consistently praise these eateries for maintaining a standard of excellence that turns first-time visitors into regulars. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue for a family gathering, you'll find that these neighborhood gems in San Mateo provide the perfect setting for any occasion. Discover why the Peninsula's dining scene is a haven for those seeking truly special culinary experiences, where every meal is served with a touch of local flavor and a commitment to satisfaction.

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