Central Park Bistro

Name: Central Park Bistro
Address: 181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, United States, 94401
Telephone: (650) 558-8401
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1724 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 6 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Ricardo Garcia
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Location
181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Area
San Mateo
Cross Street
Ellsworth Street
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Mix Green SaladUSD 14.00
Brie Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Baguette & Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Made Soup of the DayUSD 8.00
- CupUSD 7.00
Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold BeetsUSD 16.00
Organic Mix Green, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living Butter LettuceUSD 16.00
Blood Orange, Pomegranate Seeds, Toasted Almonds & Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
CaesarUSD 14.00
Petite Romaine Heart, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing

Starters

Baked Burrata – USD 14.00
Oven Baked Burrata, Green Onion, Sea Salt & Crostini
Butternut Squash Gnocchi USD 14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
Charcuterie
Breseola (Beef) - Coppa - Salame Finocchiona - Prosciutto Di Parma- Soprasetta - Served With Homemade Pickles, Mustard Grain & Broiche Bread
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- USD 14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Crab CakesUSD 20.00
Mango-Avocado Salsa, Lemon Aioli & Micro Greens
Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-USD 18.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Duck Spring Rolls – USD 16.00
Served with Sweet Chili Sauce
Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUSD 20.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato – USD 14.00
Burrata Cheese, Pesto, Basil, Crostini & Balsamic Reduction
CalamariUSD 16.00
Fried Calamari With Maui Onion Rings, Artichokes, Chili Lime Aioli & Cocktail Sauce
Butternut Squash Gnocchi USD 14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
- FullUSD 28.00
Artichoke BeignetsUSD 14.00
Served With Green Garlic Aioli
Mediterranean Spiced Beef MeatballsUSD 16.00
Fresh Basil, Tomato Concasse, Parmesan Cheese & Marinara Sauce

Sandwiches

All Sandwiches Come With One Side Dish Included. We Can Also Offer Open Face or No Bun. Sides: Soup - Apple Cabbage Slaw - Cucumber Herb Salad, Mixed Green Salad, Onion Rings, Gremolata French Fries

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale SoleUSD 26.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Salmon Cake – USD 24.00
Remoulade Sauce, Avocado, Sliced Tomato & Greens + Your Side
Grilled Chicken – USD 24.00
Aioli, Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula, Sliced Tomato + Your Side
HamburgerUSD 26.00
Painted Hills Naturel Beef Burger & Cheddar Cheese

Wood Oven Pizzas

Gluten Free Pizza Available Add $3

MushroomUSD 24.00
Seasonal Mushrooms, Boschetto Tartufo Cheese, Arugula & Drizzle White Truffle Oil
Proscuitto di Parma & Salami FinocchionaUSD 26.00
Marinara, Mozzarella Cheese& Fresh Basil Leaves
Heirloom Tomato -USD 24.00
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil Leaves, Garlic & Balsamic
Smoked SalmonUSD 26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUSD 26.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto GF
Grilled SalmonUSD 30.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUSD 34.00
Mango, Cucumber, Avocado, Arugula Salad & Teriyaki Glaze
Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - USD 30.00
Shaved Asparagus, Chives, Vodka Cream Sauce
Grilled Skirt SteakUSD 38.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck RagoutUSD 30.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Spaghetti MeatballsUSD 24.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco RavioliUSD 28.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUSD 28.00
Mushroom Risotto - USD 28.00
Hen of The Wood Mushrooms, Asparagus, Green Peas & Drizzle Truffle Oil
Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - USD 28.00
Roasted Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts & Marsala Wine Sauce

What 1,724 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
American
Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro delights diners with "delicious food," "wonderful ambiance," and "attentive service." The menu offers a broad range of dishes, from elegant appetizers to hearty mains, all praised for their "beautiful presentation." It's a "neighborhood gem" perfect for both intimate dinners and large gatherings, making every visit memorable.

1,724 Reviews

R
Roger
San Francisco
63 reviews
2.0
63 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Very strange experience. Explicitly told the maitre d'hotel and waiter that one of us (two people) had a corn allergy--both assured us they could work around it. Menu choice of the scallops on risotto doesn't mention corn. When the non-allergy diner popped up with corn kernels, we called the waiter over--and they were horrified. But--that's still quite the moment. Then, at dessert, we ordered two desserts--discussed that the crust of the key lime pie-and asked if the crust had any corn meal in it, or used corn syrup sweeteners--and they said no. And then--two deserts appeared on the table--but no key lime pie; instead--beignets and bread pudding. So: food is good! Service is chaotic. And they are NOT listening to you. Careful if you have food allergies. Be really careful.
Is this helpful?
J
Janis
Connecticut
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our dining experience at Central Park Bistro was very lovely. The food and it presentation were great. We really enjoyed the ambiance, and our waiters name was Oz, and he recommended my wine which was very nice, and helped me choose between 2 entrees, and I loved his choice. Can not wait to go back. Janis Hennessy
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I
Irene
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had two exceptionally original entrees which were beautifully presented. The vegetable accompaniment was perfect as was the key lime pie dessert.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
VIP
New York City
33 reviews
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Very disappointing experience. The wait staff are attentive but the food quality has deteriorated so much.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
San Francisco
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our food was extraordinary and the service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
P
Pablo
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our birthday was acknowledged which is not as common as you would think. Presumably the manager and the bartender both took their rounds at the bar taking care of us. It is not very often multiple people are involved in making sure service goes well. No complaints!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandi or Richard
San Francisco
49 reviews
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed our repeat visit to Central Park Bistro. Will definitely visit again!
Is this helpful?
J
Judith
VIP
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to eat here. The food is delicious and the staff is very friendly and welcoming
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 12 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time there .exceeded all our expectations . The menu was extensive and interesting .the food was presented in the manner of a top nyc restaurant and the taste was fabulous . The cocktails before the meal were delicious and interesting some new to us . The lamb chops were perfect and juicy the ossobucco raviolis were sinful and amazing . Our friends had halibut and scallops that they could not stop talking about . Great service lovely staff and very good value not over priced at all. We have a new favorite place to take friends to dinner and this is it.
Is this helpful?
A
Antonio
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed 2 bottles of an Italian Prosecco, reasonably priced. My wife enjoyed the duck pate and salmon entree. I chose the gnocchi and veal ossobucco ravioli. Simply put outstanding!
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FAQs

Central Park Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 558-8401.

Central Park Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 1724 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Additional information

Cross Street
Ellsworth Street
Area
San Mateo
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ricardo Garcia
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Central Park Bistro

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Key Lime Pie

Seared Scallops

Warm Toffee Bread Pudding

Salads

Mix Green SaladUSD 14.00

House Made Soup of the DayUSD 8.00

Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold BeetsUSD 16.00

Living Butter LettuceUSD 16.00

CaesarUSD 14.00

Starters

Baked Burrata – USD 14.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi USD 14.00

Charcuterie

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- USD 14.00

Crab CakesUSD 20.00

Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-USD 18.00

Duck Spring Rolls – USD 16.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUSD 20.00

Heirloom Tomato – USD 14.00

CalamariUSD 16.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi USD 14.00

Artichoke BeignetsUSD 14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef MeatballsUSD 16.00

Sandwiches

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale SoleUSD 26.00

Salmon Cake – USD 24.00

Grilled Chicken – USD 24.00

HamburgerUSD 26.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

MushroomUSD 24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami FinocchionaUSD 26.00

Heirloom Tomato -USD 24.00

Smoked SalmonUSD 26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUSD 26.00

Grilled SalmonUSD 30.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUSD 34.00

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - USD 30.00

Grilled Skirt SteakUSD 38.00

Duck RagoutUSD 30.00

Spaghetti MeatballsUSD 24.00

Veal Ossobuco RavioliUSD 28.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUSD 28.00

Mushroom Risotto - USD 28.00

Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - USD 28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Central Park Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Central Park Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Central Park Bistro currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information