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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in San Mateo

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37 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
1. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1882)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 47 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 Porterhouse restaurant
2. Porterhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1731)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 17 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 Central Park Bistro restaurant
3. Central Park Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1725)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Mateo
Booked 12 times today
Central Park Bistro is the perfect spot for special occasions. With a variety of private dining rooms, a private wine cellar, and an award-winning wine list, it offers a sophisticated, yet fun dining experience. Reviews rave about the fantastic food and exceptional service, with many patrons returning for birthdays, anniversaries, and business dinners. The restaurant's ambiance, often described as warm and intimate, makes it an ideal location for celebrating special occasions.
A photo of Espetus Brazilian Steakhouse - San Mateo restaurant
4. Espetus Brazilian Steakhouse - San Mateo
new
4.6
Exceptional(1438)
Price: Very Expensive
• Brazilian Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 32 times today
Espetus Churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse. This restaurant began in 2003, as an homage to the Brazilian cowboys who would cook each night by roasting meat over an open flame. Today, this form of dining has evolved to a totally unique culinary experience. Guests at Espetus are seated with a red and green painted wood block on the center of the table. If the diners are hungry, they place the green side face up and servers will come by with a wide array of grilled dishes on skewers. Whenever they are hungry, they simply flip the block to red.Espetus has an extremely large and varied menu for guests to enjoy. Guests can enjoy items like sirloin steak, top sirloin, filet mignon, flap steak, grilled chicken, marinated shrimp, rum-soaked pineapple, pork belly, flame-grilled bison and many more. Espetus also has a cold bar with items like rolls and pasta.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
5. Il Fornaio - Burlingame
4.5
Awesome(4496)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 38 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.
A photo of Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame restaurant
6. Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame
4.5
Awesome(4957)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Burlingame
Booked 25 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 Rocca Ristorante restaurant
7. Rocca Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(1774)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 12 times today
Inspired by classic Northern Italian cooking with California influences, Rocca Ristorante features delicious veal, chicken, seafood and house made pastas – the signature Osso Bucco is not to be missed! The breathtaking décor boasts a spectacular Florentine copper & bronze high ceiling, whimsical murals and an elaborate Venetian-style balcony, all set in an enchanting Tuscan inspired setting. Wine connoisseurs will be impressed with the extensive collection of Italian and domestic selections. With our winning combination of warm and impeccable service, simple yet creative dishes and a passion for detail, Rocca Ristorante is the perfect place for your next dining experience.
A photo of Iron Gate restaurant
8. Iron Gate
4.8
Exceptional(3100)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Belmont
Booked 15 times today
Iron Gate offers excellent Continental cuisine in an elegant environment. The only restaurant with table site & flambe service in the bay area. Private Rooms available for 25 up to75 guests. The entire restaurant can be bought out for private parties.
A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant
9. Benihana - Burlingame, CA
4.3
Awesome(5105)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 74 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 Park & Howard Bistro restaurant
10. Park & Howard Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1343)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Burlingame
Booked 19 times today
Park & Howard Bistro is the perfect spot for special occasions. With its cozy, rustic setting and an extensive wine list, it offers an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Reviews rave about the excellent service and delicious food, and the private dining rooms make it ideal for corporate events and celebrations.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had an amazing dinner food was delicious 😋 We will definitely be back again
    More info
    Espetus Brazilian Steakhouse - San MateoPrice: Very Expensive• Brazilian Steakhouse• San Mateo
    •
    4.6
  • GODFREYVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Waiter was attentive, helpful and great. We come at least twice every month
    More info
    Il Fornaio - BurlingamePrice: Moderate• Italian• Burlingame
    •
    4.5
  • Abayer415
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were looking for a steak house and found Porterhouse. What a find, fantastic food, nice ambiance, attentive waitstaff, great drinks, great ue whole nine. I will definitely be going back and want to say it is worth a try.
    More info
    PorterhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • Lylliam
    San Francisco Bay Area •115 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Central Park Bistro for a birthday celebration, and it was an all around great experience. The restaurant went above and beyond to accommodate our large group, making sure every detail was taken care of. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance set the perfect tone for a relaxed yet elegant evening. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring we were all comfortable and well taken care of throughout the night. As for the food, everything was absolutely delicious. Each dish was showcased with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Whether it was the appetizers, main courses, or desserts, everything impressed. Overall, Central Park Bistro provided the ideal setting for a celebration. The service, food, and atmosphere made it a memorable evening for all of us. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to host a special event or just enjoy a delightful meal.
    More info
    Central Park BistroPrice: Expensive• American• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • AlinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Delicious food, great service and atmosphere! Cannot wait to come back.
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the perfect venues for special occasions in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the Peninsula and San Mateo regions. Our selection features restaurants that excel in creating memorable dining experiences with their exceptional service, exquisite food, and inviting ambiance. Whether you're planning a birthday, an anniversary, or any celebratory event, these establishments provide the ideal backdrop with a variety of settings from cozy indoor spaces to scenic outdoor patios. The dining scene in this area is renowned for its diversity and quality, offering everything from intimate bistros to vibrant, themed eateries. Each restaurant has been carefully chosen to ensure that your special occasion is nothing short of spectacular, backed by rave reviews and a reputation for excellence. Enjoy a blend of local and international cuisines, tailored to make your event a unique and delightful experience. Choose any of our recommended spots in San Mateo for an unforgettable celebration that will leave you and your guests with lasting memories.

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