Central Park Bistro

4.8

1725 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 28, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ricardo Garcia
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Location
181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Cross street
Ellsworth Street
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Mix Green Salad$14.00
Brie Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Baguette & Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Made Soup of the Day$8.00
- Cup$7.00
Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00
Organic Mix Green, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living Butter Lettuce$16.00
Blood Orange, Pomegranate Seeds, Toasted Almonds & Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
Caesar$14.00
Petite Romaine Heart, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing

Starters

Baked Burrata – $14.00
Oven Baked Burrata, Green Onion, Sea Salt & Crostini
Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
Charcuterie
Breseola (Beef) - Coppa - Salame Finocchiona - Prosciutto Di Parma- Soprasetta - Served With Homemade Pickles, Mustard Grain & Broiche Bread
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- $14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Crab Cakes$20.00
Mango-Avocado Salsa, Lemon Aioli & Micro Greens
Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-$18.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Duck Spring Rolls – $16.00
Served with Sweet Chili Sauce
Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$20.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato – $14.00
Burrata Cheese, Pesto, Basil, Crostini & Balsamic Reduction
Calamari$16.00
Fried Calamari With Maui Onion Rings, Artichokes, Chili Lime Aioli & Cocktail Sauce
Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
- Full$28.00
Artichoke Beignets$14.00
Served With Green Garlic Aioli
Mediterranean Spiced Beef Meatballs$16.00
Fresh Basil, Tomato Concasse, Parmesan Cheese & Marinara Sauce

Sandwiches

All Sandwiches Come With One Side Dish Included. We Can Also Offer Open Face or No Bun. Sides: Soup - Apple Cabbage Slaw - Cucumber Herb Salad, Mixed Green Salad, Onion Rings, Gremolata French Fries

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole$26.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Salmon Cake – $24.00
Remoulade Sauce, Avocado, Sliced Tomato & Greens + Your Side
Grilled Chicken – $24.00
Aioli, Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula, Sliced Tomato + Your Side
Hamburger$26.00
Painted Hills Naturel Beef Burger & Cheddar Cheese

Wood Oven Pizzas

Gluten Free Pizza Available Add $3

Mushroom$24.00
Seasonal Mushrooms, Boschetto Tartufo Cheese, Arugula & Drizzle White Truffle Oil
Proscuitto di Parma & Salami Finocchiona$26.00
Marinara, Mozzarella Cheese& Fresh Basil Leaves
Heirloom Tomato -$24.00
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil Leaves, Garlic & Balsamic
Smoked Salmon$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$26.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto GF
Grilled Salmon$30.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$34.00
Mango, Cucumber, Avocado, Arugula Salad & Teriyaki Glaze
Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - $30.00
Shaved Asparagus, Chives, Vodka Cream Sauce
Grilled Skirt Steak$38.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck Ragout$30.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Spaghetti Meatballs$24.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$28.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00
Mushroom Risotto - $28.00
Hen of The Wood Mushrooms, Asparagus, Green Peas & Drizzle Truffle Oil
Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - $28.00
Roasted Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts & Marsala Wine Sauce

What 1,725 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
American
Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro in downtown San Mateo offers "excellent food and service" with a warm and inviting ambiance. Guests appreciate the "beautifully presented" dishes and "friendly staff." The menu is extensive, featuring standout items like the "veal ossobucco ravioli" and cocktails. While service can sometimes be chaotic, the restaurant remains a "favorite" for many.

1,725 Reviews

R
Ruth
VIP
San Francisco
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A wonderful destination for dinner in downtown San Mateo. Food and service are excellent. The staff are warm and friendly. A favorite to keep going back to.
Is this helpful?
R
Roger
San Francisco
63 reviews
2.0
63 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Very strange experience. Explicitly told the maitre d'hotel and waiter that one of us (two people) had a corn allergy--both assured us they could work around it. Menu choice of the scallops on risotto doesn't mention corn. When the non-allergy diner popped up with corn kernels, we called the waiter over--and they were horrified. But--that's still quite the moment. Then, at dessert, we ordered two desserts--discussed that the crust of the key lime pie-and asked if the crust had any corn meal in it, or used corn syrup sweeteners--and they said no. And then--two deserts appeared on the table--but no key lime pie; instead--beignets and bread pudding. So: food is good! Service is chaotic. And they are NOT listening to you. Careful if you have food allergies. Be really careful.
Is this helpful?
J
Janis
Connecticut
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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
Is this helpful?
I
Irene
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had two exceptionally original entrees which were beautifully presented. The vegetable accompaniment was perfect as was the key lime pie dessert.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
VIP
New York City
33 reviews
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Very disappointing experience. The wait staff are attentive but the food quality has deteriorated so much.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
San Francisco
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our food was extraordinary and the service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
P
Pablo
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our birthday was acknowledged which is not as common as you would think. Presumably the manager and the bartender both took their rounds at the bar taking care of us. It is not very often multiple people are involved in making sure service goes well. No complaints!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandi or Richard
San Francisco
49 reviews
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed our repeat visit to Central Park Bistro. Will definitely visit again!
Is this helpful?
J
Judith
VIP
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to eat here. The food is delicious and the staff is very friendly and welcoming
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time there .exceeded all our expectations . The menu was extensive and interesting .the food was presented in the manner of a top nyc restaurant and the taste was fabulous . The cocktails before the meal were delicious and interesting some new to us . The lamb chops were perfect and juicy the ossobucco raviolis were sinful and amazing . Our friends had halibut and scallops that they could not stop talking about . Great service lovely staff and very good value not over priced at all. We have a new favorite place to take friends to dinner and this is it.
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FAQs

Central Park Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 558-8401.

Central Park Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 1725 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 28, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Additional information

Cross street
Ellsworth Street
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ricardo Garcia
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Central Park Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Key Lime Pie

Seared Scallops

Warm Toffee Bread Pudding

Salads

Mix Green Salad$14.00

House Made Soup of the Day$8.00

Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00

Living Butter Lettuce$16.00

Caesar$14.00

Starters

Baked Burrata – $14.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00

Charcuterie

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- $14.00

Crab Cakes$20.00

Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-$18.00

Duck Spring Rolls – $16.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$20.00

Heirloom Tomato – $14.00

Calamari$16.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00

Artichoke Beignets$14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef Meatballs$16.00

Sandwiches

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole$26.00

Salmon Cake – $24.00

Grilled Chicken – $24.00

Hamburger$26.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

Mushroom$24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami Finocchiona$26.00

Heirloom Tomato -$24.00

Smoked Salmon$26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$26.00

Grilled Salmon$30.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$34.00

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - $30.00

Grilled Skirt Steak$38.00

Duck Ragout$30.00

Spaghetti Meatballs$24.00

Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$28.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00

Mushroom Risotto - $28.00

Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - $28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Central Park Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Central Park Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Central Park Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information