Best Casual Restaurants in San Mateo

52 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

1. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(370)

Price: Moderate

• French American • San Mateo

Booked 10 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 Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant

2. Pausa Bar & Cookery

4.7

Exceptional(1839)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Mateo

Booked 56 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 Central Park Bistro restaurant

3. Central Park Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1697)

Price: Expensive

• American • San Mateo

Booked 19 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 Pacific Catch San Mateo restaurant

4. Pacific Catch San Mateo

4.7

Exceptional(1438)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • San Mateo

Booked 20 times today

Pacific Catch is a WestCoast Fish House dedicated to delivering high quality sustainable seafood with a unique perspective. From the day we opened we've been mindful about where our ingredients come from and how to bring to life the vibrant flavors and feeling of the Pacific. It's our commitment to our guests to keep things interesting, innovative, wholesome and thoughtfully sourced. That's why we've formalized our relationship with the Monterey Bay Seafood Aquarium's Seafood Watch, James Beard Foundation's Smart Catch and the Surfrider Foundation by becoming a partner and bringing on a director of sustainability to help steward these efforts.We will be following the most stringent protocols on cleaning, sanitization, social distancing, and protections for employee health including temperature taking and the use of protective masks and gloves.

A photo of Rise Woodfire - San Mateo restaurant

5. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

4.5

Awesome(629)

Price: Moderate

• American • San Mateo

Booked 15 times today

Proudly local and family-owned, we serve elevated comfort food including wood-fired pizza and rotisserie fare in the heart of Downtown San Mateo (located inside a historical train station!). Try local favorites like our signature pizzas, prime ribs and roast chickens, as well as many vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes to choose from. Our indoor and outdoor dining are open, so come experience our grand main dining room or dine outside in our state-of-the-art heated covered patio -- kids love watching the trains go by! Takeout service for pickup and delivery are available - Order online through our website www.risewoodfire.com.For table reservations of 13 or more, please contact us directly at info@risewoodfire.com

A photo of Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas restaurant

6. Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas

4.5

Awesome(115)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • San Mateo

Booked 4 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 !

7. Avenida

4.4

Awesome(276)

Price: Expensive

• Filipino • San Mateo

Booked 8 times today

Avenida Modern Filipino Restaurant and Bar was inspired by the dynamic lifestyle of Avenida Rizal, one of the main thoroughfares in the Old Manila during the pre and post World War II era. It was named after the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal.For decades, Avenida Rizal was a melting pot as well as the mecca for entertainment and dining in the Philippines.Being the center of Old Manila’s social life, Avenida Rizal was also famous for its Art Deco as well as its theaters and opera house where performing arts lovers came to watch zarzuelas, vaudeville acts and stage plays. The theaters were designed by very well respected architects who were later honored as National Artists.Avenida Restaurant would like to pay homage to the glory days of the Old Manila.

8. Sapore Express

4.1

Excellent(15)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Mateo

Sapore Italiano opened on Burlingame Avenue, Ca in 2001 and has been a family favorite for over 19 years. Home-made pasta in rich sauces made with the finest quality ingredients has made Sapore Italiano a success and now we bring you a fast, casual dining experience with the same taste and quality Sapore is known for. Sapore Express offers the best of what our flagship restaurant has to offer in a casual dining experience that is fast-paced. At Sapore Express, you won’t sacrifice quality for price and you won’t have to choose between taste and time. Ciao-- and see you at Sapore Express in San Mateo!

A photo of Tomatina - San Mateo restaurant

9. Tomatina - San Mateo

4.1

Excellent(143)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Mateo

For parties over 4 guests or if desired time not available, please contact us directly at 650-918-5030 to book your reservationWE CATER ANY EVENT no celebration is too large or too small!You’re always welcome at San Mateo’s Tomatina, our family-friendly Italian restaurant at the corner of 4th and B Streets in the heart of downtown San Mateo just off Highway 101. Located just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport, minutes from the San Mateo Event Center and a block from Century 12 San Mateo, we are here for any occasion. Tomatina is designed to appeal to as many people as possible, which is why they carry a vegetarian, gluten-free and children's menu in addition to their regular ones. Each month, Tomatina offers seasonal specials in addition to the normal menu.

10. Swing Shift

new

3.0

Good(0)

Price: Moderate

• Comfort Food • San Mateo

Booked 1 time today

Swing Shift is a vibrant, casual dining restaurant that offers urban comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the heart of the community, it serves up the dishes that we crave crossing cultures and cuisines - from burgers to noodles to tacos to rice. The intentionally inclusive menu is over half gluten-free, and with a large selection of vegetarian and completely plant-based items, making this a restaurant that truly has something for everyone. The drinks list offers a variety of craft low-ABV cocktails and mocktails, an all organic, sustainable and/or biodynamic wine list, and a selection of traditional beers and non-alcoholic beers to suit every taste. With its friendly service, upbeat vibe, and creative dishes, Swing Shift is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy a fun dining experience without compromise.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Charlesvip
Chicago / Illinois •177 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The cocktails and food were very creative. The wine list is exclusively, unapologetically, and properly Italian. I love my California wines, but am glad that this place is committed to Italian food and wine.
More info
Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
•
4.7
K
Keith
New York City •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 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).
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Central Park BistroPrice: Expensive• American• San Mateo
•
4.8
J
Joseph
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 25, 2024
We went here two days in a row - It was THAT GOOD! We had a party of 8 the first day and went back with just 2 for a second time Wait staff was great both times. Portions are generous and staff is attentive. Variety is wide with something for every taste. Pizzas are incredibly fresh, crispy and loaded with toppings. Chicken was unbelievably moist with a crispy skin. Wine selection is considerable. Deserts are also wonderful! Ambience is comfortable, but active and the area is worth walking around. OUTSTANDING in every way. This will be my "goto" whenever I'm in the area.
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Rise Woodfire - San MateoPrice: Moderate• American• San Mateo
•
4.5
R
rayvip
Tahoe / Reno Area •12 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 24, 2024
Good fresh fish cooked perfectly with great service also. Will be back!
More info
Pacific Catch San MateoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• San Mateo
•
4.7
J
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

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Best Casual Restaurants in San Mateo

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52 restaurants available nearby

1. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

2. Pausa Bar & Cookery

3. Central Park Bistro

4. Pacific Catch San Mateo

5. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

6. Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas

7. Avenida

8. Sapore Express

9. Tomatina - San Mateo

10. Swing Shift

See what locals rave about

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