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Best Californian Restaurants in San Mateo

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84 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Old Post Office restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(76)
$$$$
• Californian • Burlingame
Booked 84 times today
Finally a high end restaurant in our area. Most beautiful restaurant on the peninsula
A photo of All Spice – San Mateo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
$$$$
• Californian • San Mateo
Booked 3 times today
What a lovely jewel box of a restaurant! Johnny was very helpful, and the food, yum! Being a tasting menu one might expect small portions as one sees at many restaurants, but this is not the case here. We’re definitely coming back.
A photo of Amara restaurant
4.5
Awesome(148)
$$$$
• Californian • Belmont
Booked 8 times today
Beautiful restaurant that still manages to make the huge space feel very cozy and inviting. Ambiance pairs well with the delicious seasonal food and creative cocktails. Service was exceptional and accommodating throughout the entire dinner. I’d recommend this place to anyone looking for great Mediterranean food or celebrating a birthday.
A photo of Ernest restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(243)
$$$$
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 45 times today
Every bite delicious. So many interesting flavors. Sit at the bar if you can’t take loud noise.
A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3998)
$$$$
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 113 times today
Brought 18 people from all over the country here last night and was absolutely amazing
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9247)
$$$$
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 108 times today
Enjoyed the movie in the backround ambiance for our daughter's 18th birthday. Food was delicious, service was quick and cordial. Would go again in a heartbeat.
A photo of Eylan restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(589)
$$$$
• Californian • Menlo Park
Booked 35 times today
I had a wonderful experience at Eylan Menlo Park! The ambiance is beautiful and elegant, with a great atmosphere. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and the service was attentive and friendly. Overall, a lovely place to dine and enjoy a great evening. Would definitely recommend!
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2427)
$$$$
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 82 times today
Very exciting to see them back in business. We sat at the counter over looking the kitchen and had a wonderful time, watching pastas, pizzas, salads and deserts get made. Joseph behind the counter was extremely friendly and nice to talk to. The food was incredible with the Agnoletti Del Plin being over favorite. We finished off the night with Tiramisu and Hazelnut gelato that paired very well together. Top tier meal for 2.
A photo of Blind Butcher restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(707)
$$$$
• Californian • The Castro
Booked 32 times today
Great friendly and attentive service and delicious food and cocktails as always. Love the music, overall vibe, lamb lollipops, salads, sides and desserts, especially the tiramisu.
A photo of 3rd Cousin restaurant
4.5
Awesome(617)
$$$$
• Californian • Bernal Heights
Booked 10 times today
We luckily found this little gem. Everyone that works there were amazing always came by to check on us. Wished my wife and I Happy Birthday like 20 times. We were here for food week and the menu was amazing. Everything we ordered was so delicious. Portion sizes per perfect, not to small, just the right size for us to both share and enjoy. Thank you for making a great Birthday.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Peter
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Finally a high end restaurant in our area. Most beautiful restaurant on the peninsula
    More info
    The Old Post Office$$$$• Contemporary American• Burlingame
    •
    4.7
  • Renzi
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always love dining at Mistral. Food was delicious and sufficient portions served. Our server Mauricio was very attentive and friendly and the manager Gin came by to greet us. We were treated with warmth and it also helped that we were seated near the patio fireplace 😊
    More info
    Mistral Restaurant & Bar - Redwood City$$$$• Californian• Redwood City
    •
    4.7
  • Ann
    San Francisco Bay Area •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were very happy with our food selections. All the dishes were hot and appetizing. The service was excellent. We enjoyed the atmosphere and did not feel rushed to finish our meal. The staff was sensitive to our mother who was 94 on Wednesday. They brought her cake with candle. Thank you Rocco.
    More info
    Rocca Ristorante$$$$• Italian• Burlingame
    •
    4.8
  • James
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Beautiful restaurant that still manages to make the huge space feel very cozy and inviting. Ambiance pairs well with the delicious seasonal food and creative cocktails. Service was exceptional and accommodating throughout the entire dinner. I’d recommend this place to anyone looking for great Mediterranean food or celebrating a birthday.
    More info
    Amara$$$$• Californian• Belmont
    •
    4.5
  • JasonGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •395 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Sep 19, 2026
    What a lovely jewel box of a restaurant! Johnny was very helpful, and the food, yum! Being a tasting menu one might expect small portions as one sees at many restaurants, but this is not the case here. We’re definitely coming back.
    More info
    All Spice – San Mateo$$$$• Californian• San Mateo
    •
    4.6

Discover best Californian restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the vibrant Californian culinary scene in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the Peninsula and San Mateo region. This area boasts an array of restaurants that excel in serving innovative dishes inspired by the diverse flavors and high-quality ingredients typical of Californian cuisine. Diners can expect a delightful mix of contemporary and traditional cooking techniques, often highlighting local, sustainably sourced produce and seafood. The dining scene here is characterized by its commitment to freshness and creativity, making it a true foodie's paradise. Each establishment offers a unique dining experience, from casual, laid-back atmospheres to upscale, refined settings, catering to a variety of tastes and occasions. The focus on excellence and innovative culinary practices in these restaurants not only attracts locals but also visitors seeking authentic and memorable dining experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a light, health-conscious meal or a lavish feast, the San Mateo area on the Peninsula provides an excellent backdrop for exploring the best of Californian cuisine.

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