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Best Authentic Restaurants in San Mateo

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53 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
1. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1836)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 45 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 Izakaya Ginji restaurant
2. Izakaya Ginji
4.7
Exceptional(235)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • San Mateo
Booked 11 times today
Izakaya Ginji, located in downtown San Mateo, is a Japanese gastropub specializing in Yakitori and tapas style dishes. Izakaya Ginji also has a vast selection of rare Sake and unique Beers. For Japanese spirits, the restaurant also offers a variety of Shochu.We have 10minutes grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 10 minutes after your reservation time.Due to limited seating, dining is limited to 2hours until further notice.Please be sure to include your children or your service animal as a head count for accurate reservation!Also, we are now taking reservations for our INDOOR TABLE ONLY. ***We will NOT accommodate any requests for outdoor patio seating. Reservations are strictly for INDOOR ONLY*** We will be NOT allowing any outside food and drinks. We look forward to providing you with an authentic Japanese dining experience .
A photo of Avenida restaurant
3. Avenida
4.5
Awesome(276)
Price: Expensive
• Filipino • San Mateo
Booked 20 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.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) restaurant
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)
4.8
Exceptional(746)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • San Mateo
Booked 33 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Vespucci Ristorante Italiano restaurant
5. Vespucci Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(850)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 5 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 Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas restaurant
6. Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas
4.5
Awesome(115)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • San Mateo
Booked 5 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 Tomatina - San Mateo restaurant
7. 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.
A photo of Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame restaurant
8. Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame
4.6
Exceptional(201)
Price: Moderate
• French • Burlingame
Booked 15 times today
Embark on a Parisian culinary journey at our cherished 20-year-old French Bistro, nestled in the heart of Burlingame at 401 Primrose Rd, CA. Experience an intimate ambiance and relish signature dishes like Cassoulet, Duck, Escargot, Bone Marrow, French Onion Soup, and Beef Bourguignon and more! Our extensive wine selection perfectly complements this authentic French cuisine. Join us to create lasting memories and savor the essence of France on your plate. Bon appétit!
A photo of Mykonos Meze restaurant
9. Mykonos Meze
4.7
Exceptional(989)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Burlingame
Booked 46 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 Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
10. Il Fornaio - Burlingame
4.4
Awesome(4427)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 46 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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Discover best authentic restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the essence of authenticity in the bustling dining scene of San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay Area, Peninsula. This page offers a curated selection of restaurants renowned for their genuine culinary experiences, where each establishment is dedicated to delivering real flavors that resonate with both locals and visitors. Here, you can indulge in a variety of cuisines that boast traditional cooking methods and high-quality ingredients, ensuring every meal is a reflection of true craftsmanship. San Mateo's dining culture is vibrant and diverse, catering to all who seek meals crafted with authenticity and passion. These restaurants stand out not only for their exceptional food but also for their commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a genuine dining experience, these establishments in San Mateo promise to satisfy your cravings with their authentic dishes and unique culinary styles. This well-rounded guide helps diners navigate through the top choices for authentic dining in San Mateo, enhancing your culinary journey with trustworthy and expert recommendations. Explore the authentic tastes of San Mateo and experience dining that truly honors its roots and traditions.

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