Best Southern American Restaurants in San Mateo

36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant

1. Central Park Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1697)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 11 times today

Central Park Bistro in downtown San Mateo offers a truly delightful comfort food experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Chef Ricardo Garcia masterfully prepares American classics with a fresh, seasonal twist, ensuring every dish not only comforts but also excites the palate. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb chops and the "soft and richly sauced" gnocchi, highlighting the quality and heartiness of the meals. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the dining experience, with cozy private rooms and a vibrant martini bar, enhancing the warmth and welcoming vibe essential to great comfort food. Visitors often mention the "attentive service" and "delicious food," making Central Park Bistro a standout gem for those seeking a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion, this bistro consistently impresses with its superb culinary delights and charming atmosphere.

2. Porterhouse

4.7

Exceptional(1679)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 12 times today

Porterhouse in San Mateo is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine, particularly renowned for its expertly dry-aged steaks, a rare find on the Peninsula. Nestled between San Francisco and San Jose, this restaurant offers a menu that beautifully marries classic American steakhouse fare with fresh seafood, creating dishes that are both refined and satisfying. The ambiance, described as having "old school charm with amazing steaks," sets the stage for memorable dining experiences. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" meats and "attentive service," with one diner exclaiming it’s the "best steak ever!" Whether it's a casual dinner or a celebratory gathering, Porterhouse promises a standout meal every time, making it a must-visit for those seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Mateo.

A photo of Pacific Catch San Mateo restaurant

3. Pacific Catch San Mateo

4.6

Exceptional(1438)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 16 times today

At Pacific Catch San Mateo, the essence of Hawaiian cuisine is brought to life with a commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood that captures the vibrant flavors of the Pacific. Diners consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one patron noting, "the fish tacos were the most amazing we have tasted" and another celebrating the "standout dishes" like the sushi bowl and poke & ceviche trio for their "exceptional freshness and quality." Located in the scenic area of San Mateo, the restaurant not only promises an enjoyable dining experience but also a dedication to environmental stewardship, partnering with notable foundations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Pacific Catch offers a taste of Hawaii that is both delightful and conscientiously sourced, making every visit a testament to the best of Hawaiian cuisine.

A photo of The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

4. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(369)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 7 times today

For an unforgettable Spanish culinary experience, The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar in San Mateo is a must-visit! Diners are captivated by the authentic Spanish offerings, like the "traditional seafood paella valencene" and the "Spanish octopus," both celebrated for their exquisite flavors. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality shines through, with reviewers raving about the "best salmon I have ever had" and a wine list that is "extensive," enhancing meals with perfect pairings. The ambiance, complemented by live music, creates a vibrant Spanish dining atmosphere right in the heart of San Mateo. As one satisfied diner put it, "The food is always spot on," making The Barrel Bistro the go-to destination for Spanish cuisine aficionados.

A photo of Rise Woodfire - San Mateo restaurant

5. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

4.5

Awesome(629)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 20 times today

Rise Woodfire in Downtown San Mateo offers an authentic Pizzeria experience that locals and visitors alike rave about. Nestled inside a charming historical train station, this family-owned gem serves up mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas that are a cut above the rest. Guests frequently praise the unique and flavorful combinations, like the Beef back + arugula and Medjool date + chevre pizzas, describing them as "mouth-watering" and a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The robust, homemade crust and fresh ingredients ensure each pizza is a delightful culinary journey. Along with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent service, Rise Woodfire promises an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch pizza in San Mateo.

6. Swing Shift

new

3.0

Good(0)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • 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.

A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant

7. Park & Howard Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1289)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Burlingame

Booked 17 times today

At the heart of Burlingame, Park & Howard Bistro emerges as a sterling example of authentic Bistro cuisine, delighting patrons with its "beautifully presented" dishes and "fabulous unexpected" dining experiences. This gem, located at the bustling corner of Park and Howard Ave, offers a comforting yet sophisticated atmosphere with its rustic motif and intimate settings, perfect for any special occasion. Reviews consistently praise its "perfectly prepared" meals, ranging from the succulent butternut gnocchi to the tender filet mignon, all enriched by a "knowledgeable and friendly" service. Whether it's a sunny lunch or a cozy dinner, Park & Howard Bistro stands out for its dedication to quality, flavor, and a genuinely welcoming ambiance, making every visit a memorable one.

A photo of Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame restaurant

8. Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame

4.5

Awesome(4885)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Burlingame

Booked 34 times today

At Kincaid's Bayhouse in Burlingame, the seafood is not just food; it's an experience. Celebrated for its exceptional quality and the freshness of its offerings, Kincaid's makes every dish memorable. Patrons consistently rave about the authenticity and taste, describing the seafood as "amazing" and emphasizing the standout dishes like the Chilean sea bass and the Portuguese seafood. The restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence shines through in their seafood selections, often highlighted by guests as a reason to return. With its stunning bay views and sophisticated ambiance, Kincaid's offers a seafood dining experience that is both delightful and distinct in the heart of Burlingame.

A photo of Pizzeria Delfina Burlingame restaurant

9. Pizzeria Delfina Burlingame

4.7

Exceptional(390)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Burlingame

Booked 26 times today

Pizzeria Delfina in Burlingame is a gem that brings a slice of Italy to your table with its Neapolitan-inspired pizzas. Famed for its "amazing crust" and authentic Italian flavors, this beloved establishment stands out for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere. One diner raved, "The pizza is great, just like in Italy," underscoring the authenticity that Pizzeria Delfina delivers. With a menu that evolves daily, featuring seasonal antipasti and handcrafted piatti, it's no wonder that guests keep returning. Whether it’s the "exemplary service" or the "delicious food," Pizzeria Delfina captures the essence of Italian dining, making it a must-visit in Burlingame.

A photo of Saltyard Restaurant and Bar restaurant

10. Saltyard Restaurant and Bar

4.5

Awesome(745)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Burlingame

Booked 14 times today

Saltyard Restaurant and Bar in Burlingame is a stellar example of American cuisine done right. This vibrant spot, newly introduced to the Burlingame dining scene, has quickly gained praise for its “fresh, tasty, beautifully presented” dishes and “incredible” food. Guests rave about the variety and quality, from the power lunch specials to the seafood risotto, which one patron described as "excellent!!" The ambiance is described as “comfortable” and “modern,” providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying American classics with innovative twists. Whether it's for a business lunch or a cozy dinner date, Saltyard delivers an exceptional dining experience highlighted by “excellent service and food” that keeps patrons returning for more.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
Nancy
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
Prelude is such a gem that we are lucky to have in the Bay Area. In an era where tasting menus can often leave you underwhelmed and needing a slice of pizza at the end, Prelude did the exact opposite. While I did opt for the caviar supplement and added on the sweetbreads dish from the ala carte menu, even without the extras I still would have left full to the brim. Some can’t miss dishes are the stuffed chicken wing, the catfish dumplings, the aforementioned sweetbreads, and the pork chop. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I found the by the glass wine options superb- I was particularly fond of a pour of a very special 1996 Chenin Blanc with dessert. I look forward to returning to Prelude again and again.
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
C
Chadvip
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 7, 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Southern• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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San Mateo

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in San Mateo

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36 restaurants available nearby

1. Central Park Bistro

2. Porterhouse

3. Pacific Catch San Mateo

4. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

5. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

6. Swing Shift

7. Park & Howard Bistro

8. Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame

9. Pizzeria Delfina Burlingame

10. Saltyard Restaurant and Bar

See what locals rave about

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