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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of It's Italia restaurant
1. It's Italia
4.8
Exceptional(2081)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 21 times today
It’s Italia opened in 1997 as a San Francisco style trattoria and pizzeria serving gourmet pizzas, house pastas, and creative salads, always with a California Italian flavor.Thirteen years later, having moved into the beautiful Half Moon Bay Inn on Main Street Half Moon Bay, our menu has expanded to include seafood and meat selections from our rotisserie and mesquite grill, artful pastas and award winning pizza, creative salads and antipasti, and an array of house desserts. A Tuscan style courtyard patio with fireplaces and a fountain is ideal for large parties and receptions. Our full bar and locally famous bartenders create a lively social ambience nightly. Over one hundred fifty bottles line up on our wine list from Italy, California, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
A photo of La Costanera restaurant
2. La Costanera
4.7
Exceptional(3944)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 24 times today
Experience the culinary richness of Peru at La Costanera, a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant opened its doors October 2, 2009. The scenic California coast in Half Moon Bay, overlooks the Pillar Point Harbor with sweeping views of the beach and ocean. Just a short, beautiful drive from San Francisco (25 miles). The space is grand, with 180 degree windows, two stories, and a large outdoor terrace. We offer a full bar, domestic and imported Peruvian beers and a hand selected wine list. Come try our Pisco Sour – a classic Peruvian cocktail – and experience all that La Costanera has to offer...
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 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 Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
4. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1883)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 46 times today
Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo is a neighborhood gem. Known for its modern Italian cuisine, guests rave about the 'super high quality' and 'exceptional' food. The 'fabulous' service and 'beautiful' ambiance are also frequently mentioned in reviews. As one reviewer put it, 'This place is a GEM! Foods are amazing!' Another stated, 'Always amazing. High quality food and the best service!'
A photo of Mykonos Meze restaurant
5. Mykonos Meze
4.8
Exceptional(1050)
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
6. Il Fornaio - Burlingame
4.5
Awesome(4498)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 55 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 Porterhouse restaurant
7. Porterhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1731)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 18 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 Park & Howard Bistro restaurant
8. Park & Howard Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1343)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Burlingame
Booked 20 times today
Park & Howard Bistro located on the corner of Park and Howard Ave in Burlingame CA and featuring fresh seasonal American cuisine. We offer a carefully chosen eclectic world wide wine list. Park & Howard Bistro has a decidedly understated rustic motif, linen tables clothes, hardwood floors, intimate leather booths , & rich mahogany wood accents and is an affordable sophisticated, fun dining experience. Park & Howard Bistro also has intimate private dining rooms perfect for that corporate presentation, business meeting, wedding rehearsal dinner, retirement celebrations ,anniversary dinner, or any special function you may have in mind. Check out our private wine cellar room which seats up to 12 people for that extra special dining experience. The lunch menu is full of wonderful seasonal pairings salads, sandwiches and entrees. Service is approachable, knowledgeable, attentive and friendly, in a comfortable atmosphere
A photo of Luceti's on 25th Avenue restaurant
9. Luceti's on 25th Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(942)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 8 times today
A taste of Tuscany and local treasure that is simply delicious. For over three decades, Luceti's has served Italian cuisine created by world class chef and awarded San Franciscan, Roger Bertola. Founder of the legendary Doro's, Ruggero's and master chef of Fior and the Iron Horse. Mr. Bertola was also the personal chef to generals Eisenhower and Paton. Today, Luceti's owners carry on the same tradition and cuisine that was started by Dr. Ron Luceti in 1984. Luceti's is a great place for private parties and business meetings.
A photo of The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
10. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar
4.4
Awesome(398)
Price: Moderate
• French American • San Mateo
Booked 17 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • sfgirl11VIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined today
    Vibrant atmosphere, food portions were generous and service was good except it took a long time to get our entrees. Overall fun place for a group outing.
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • KarenVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This restaurant never disappoints! Food outstanding! Service always good. Love this place for special occasions and for just everyday dining.
    More info
    It's ItaliaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Half Moon Bay
    •
    4.8
  • Lylliam
    San Francisco Bay Area •115 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 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
  • GlenVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Clam Chowder (usually only available on Saturday as a special) was a big hit! Also, the Peuvian paella was a standout. Plenty of excellent vegetarian selections.
    More info
    La CostaneraPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• Half Moon Bay
    •
    4.7
  • lisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great food (burger, tuna tartare, and truffle fries) and wonderful ambiance. Love this place!!
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Half Moon Bay

Discover the hidden treasures of Half Moon Bay's dining scene with our curated list of "neighborhood gem" restaurants, perfectly nestled in the scenic Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area. These establishments are celebrated for their unique charm, exceptional service, and commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience. Each restaurant captures the essence of local culture, offering menus enriched with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a flair that reflects the coastal beauty of their surroundings. The dining atmosphere in Half Moon Bay is distinctly laid-back yet sophisticated, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and culinary delight. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering with friends, these neighborhood gems provide the perfect backdrop with their inviting ambiance and innovative cuisine. Explore our selections to experience the best of local dining where every meal is served with a view and a touch of local history. This guide ensures that every recommendation not only meets but exceeds the expectations of gastronomes looking for authentic, high-quality dining experiences in Half Moon Bay.

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