Best Authentic Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Pasta Moon

4.7

Exceptional(5289)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Half Moon Bay

Booked 65 times today

A popular destination in Half Moon Bay for 30 years, Pasta Moon Restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine using the freshest local produce available- in fact, easily the finest dining on the coast; (and not the most expensive!). You'll find a cozy setting for lunch or dinner, surrounded by old arched casement windows which once brought light into the Burlingame Public Library, and you'll be served by an attentive and knowledgeable staff.

A photo of Mezza Luna Restaurant restaurant

2. Mezza Luna Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(3450)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Half Moon Bay

Booked 43 times today

Located in the historic Princeton Inn building at Half Moon Bay Harbor, Mezza Luna offers an authentic Italian dining experience just minutes from Maverick's Beach. Celebrating over 30 years in business, we've been awarded Best Italian and Overall Restaurant by locals. Our specialties include homemade pastas, pizzas, and artisanal gelato, all crafted from authentic Italian family recipes. We use only the freshest local produce, seafood, and top-quality meats. Signature dishes include Insalata Mezza Luna, an organic green salad with fresh marinated seafood, and Ravioli Mezza Luna, homemade ravioli stuffed with mixed seafood. Enjoy our full bar by the cozy fireplace for a romantic evening, or book a window seat with harbor views. We also offer private venues for weddings, business gatherings, and special events. Located 20 miles south of San Francisco, Mezza Luna is a short drive from the Peninsula. Join us and discover why we're a beloved dining destination.

3. Fattoria E Mare

4.4

Awesome(276)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Half Moon Bay

Booked 9 times today

Fattoria e Mare ("Farm and Sea") is a vibrant Bay Area restaurant utilizing organic, sustainable ingredients sourced from local vendors. The menu will change often featuring local, fresh ingredients at their peak. As the name of the restaurant suggests, the menu places an emphasis on seafood, while also providing a range of other Venetian inspired options. Executive Chef and Owner, Pablo Estrada, immerses himself in every meal he creates. He is passionate about crafting delicious, unique dishes and ensuring all guests have a wonderful dining experience. We were originally located in Burlingame, but have moved to a new location, nestled in the heart of downtown Half Moon Bay. Our new location allows us flexibility to serve large groups, parties of two, or anything in between. We have options for private dining experiences (e.g. work parties, birthday parties, etc.) Happy Hour specials are offered Sunday-Thursday, 3:00-5:30. We look forward to welcoming you!

A photo of Monsoon Himalayan Cuisine restaurant

4. Monsoon Himalayan Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• Nepalese • Half Moon Bay

Booked 4 times today

Discover the rich flavors and authentic taste of Nepal at our family-owned restaurant, where every dish is created with passion and love. Our spices are expertly blended in-house using only the freshest ingredients, and our commitment to sourcing produce from local farmers ensures that every bite is packed with vibrant, seasonal flavor. From traditional momo dumplings to spicy chicken curry, Monsoon Himalayan Cuisine has something for everyone. Plus, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, you'll feel right at home from the moment you step through the door.Come experience the warmth and hospitality of Chef/owner Ram and his family, and taste the difference that a passion for great food can make.

5. India Beach

4.5

Awesome(54)

Price: Moderate

• Indian • Half Moon Bay

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to India Beach Restaurant, part of the Clay Oven Family. We are El Granada's premier, authentic Indian restaurant for all your eat-in, take-out, catering, and special event needs. We prepare delicious Indian dishes using the centuries old traditional Tandoor fired up to 1000 degrees. Please come and visit us soon!

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant

6. Pausa Bar & Cookery

4.7

Exceptional(1846)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Mateo

Booked 50 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 Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame restaurant

7. Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame

4.6

Exceptional(218)

Price: Moderate

• French • Burlingame

Booked 7 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 Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant

8. Il Fornaio - Burlingame

4.5

Awesome(4450)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Burlingame

Booked 62 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 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) restaurant

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)

4.7

Exceptional(754)

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!

10. Izakaya Ginji

4.6

Exceptional(235)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • San Mateo

Booked 7 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 .

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MaryVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a delightful family dinner at Pasta Moon with our 92-year-old grandfather, and it couldn’t have been more special. Italian cuisine is his favorite, yet this was his first time visiting Pasta Moon—and he absolutely loved it! He ordered the puttanesca, featuring mussels, clams, and scallops, which put a unique and delicious twist on the traditional dish. Another standout was the lasagna, which was a big hit with our group. The portions were incredibly generous, and the service was impeccable—the staff made sure we always had everything we needed. It’s clear why this restaurant has been a beloved favorite for so many years. Pasta Moon truly delivers a memorable dining experience!
More info
Pasta MoonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Half Moon Bay
•
4.7
M
mariVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our go to place. Everything is so good. Owners are very friendly.
More info
Monsoon Himalayan CuisinePrice: Moderate• Nepalese• Half Moon Bay
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I have been going to Mezza Luna for 50+ years. Never fails to please . The service is outstanding, the ambience pure Italian and the best looking waiters around. Then have kept the prices within bounds and never stinted on the portions . I will ne gong there as long as I'm around.
More info
Mezza Luna RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Half Moon Bay
•
4.7
M
MicheleVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This place is one of the best kept secrets for food, service and ambiance in Half Moon Bay. Our party of 8 enjoyed a wonderful night! The large charcuterie and cheese platter was delicious and fun to share. My son's steak and the delicate layered potato and cheese au gratin on the side were exceptional. The homemade bread disappeared fast and so did my husband's seafood pasta. Also outstanding, the gluten-free pizza dough, homemade. Everyone was friendly and made our evening special. We'll be back again soon!
More info
Fattoria E MarePrice: Expensive• Italian• Half Moon Bay
•
4.4
AA
AmitAVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 20, 2024
Food was fresh and delicious. I also liked the location and the floor sitting arrangement. Good place to eat, drink and relax.
More info
India BeachPrice: Moderate• Indian• Half Moon Bay
•
4.5

Best Authentic Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Pasta Moon

2. Mezza Luna Restaurant

3. Fattoria E Mare

4. Monsoon Himalayan Cuisine

5. India Beach

6. Pausa Bar & Cookery

7. Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame

8. Il Fornaio - Burlingame

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)

10. Izakaya Ginji

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable