Best Casual Restaurants in San Mateo

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Peninsula

Neighborhoods

BurlingameFoster CityHalf Moon BayMenlo ParkMillbraeRedwood City

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

76 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) restaurant

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

4.8

Exceptional(760)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • San Mateo

Booked 24 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 The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

2. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

4.4

Awesome(398)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French American • San Mateo

Booked 15 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.

A photo of Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie - San Mateo restaurant

3. Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie - San Mateo

4.4

Awesome(653)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • San Mateo

Booked 22 times today

Proudly local and family-owned, we serve elevated comfort food including wood-fired pizza and rotisserie fare in the heart of Downtown San Mateo (located inside a historical train station!). Try local favorites like our signature pizzas, prime ribs and roast chickens, as well as many vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes to choose from. Our indoor and outdoor dining are open, so come experience our grand main dining room or dine outside in our state-of-the-art heated covered patio -- kids love watching the trains go by! Takeout service for pickup and delivery are available - Order online through our website www.risewoodfire.com.For table reservations of 13 or more, please contact us directly at info@risewoodfire.com

4. Izakaya Ginji

4.5

Awesome(236)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • San Mateo

Booked 14 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 Pacific Catch San Mateo restaurant

5. Pacific Catch San Mateo

4.8

Exceptional(1461)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • San Mateo

Booked 19 times today

Pacific Catch is a WestCoast Fish House dedicated to delivering high quality sustainable seafood with a unique perspective. From the day we opened we've been mindful about where our ingredients come from and how to bring to life the vibrant flavors and feeling of the Pacific. It's our commitment to our guests to keep things interesting, innovative, wholesome and thoughtfully sourced. That's why we've formalized our relationship with the Monterey Bay Seafood Aquarium's Seafood Watch, James Beard Foundation's Smart Catch and the Surfrider Foundation by becoming a partner and bringing on a director of sustainability to help steward these efforts.We will be following the most stringent protocols on cleaning, sanitization, social distancing, and protections for employee health including temperature taking and the use of protective masks and gloves.

A photo of Tomatina - San Mateo restaurant

6. 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.

7. Swing Shift

3.8

Excellent(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Comfort Food • San Mateo

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.

8. Sapore Express

4.4

Awesome(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Mateo

Booked 1 time today

Sapore Italiano opened on Burlingame Avenue, Ca in 2001 and has been a family favorite for over 19 years. Home-made pasta in rich sauces made with the finest quality ingredients has made Sapore Italiano a success and now we bring you a fast, casual dining experience with the same taste and quality Sapore is known for. Sapore Express offers the best of what our flagship restaurant has to offer in a casual dining experience that is fast-paced. At Sapore Express, you won’t sacrifice quality for price and you won’t have to choose between taste and time. Ciao-- and see you at Sapore Express in San Mateo!

9. Mykonos Meze

4.8

Exceptional(1051)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Greek • Burlingame

Booked 52 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.

10. Rocca Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(1774)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Burlingame

Booked 14 times today

Inspired by classic Northern Italian cooking with California influences, Rocca Ristorante features delicious veal, chicken, seafood and house made pastas – the signature Osso Bucco is not to be missed! The breathtaking décor boasts a spectacular Florentine copper & bronze high ceiling, whimsical murals and an elaborate Venetian-style balcony, all set in an enchanting Tuscan inspired setting. Wine connoisseurs will be impressed with the extensive collection of Italian and domestic selections. With our winning combination of warm and impeccable service, simple yet creative dishes and a passion for detail, Rocca Ristorante is the perfect place for your next dining experience.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RUSS
California Central Coast •11 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a reservation for 6 pm on a Tuesday. Go early. Parking is challenging. We were seated right away. The place was packed for a Tuesday night. It’s a relatively small place. Several large groups brought the noise level up to an excessive level. The menu is big. Lots of choices and lot of unusual options to choose from. Service was friendly, efficient and professional without being over bearing. The food was delicious with large portions. We enjoyed our first visit. Will probably visit again in the future.
More info
The Barrel Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Moderate• French American• San Mateo
•
4.4
S
Serena
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was my first time there. Service and food was great
More info
Pacific Catch San MateoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• San Mateo
•
4.8
R
Robert
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very nice place for something different all around. Very friendly atmosphere, excellent service and very clean.
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)Price: Expensive• Japanese• San Mateo
•
4.8
B
Ben
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 20, 2025
A good restaurant. Good food with good value. Service is excellent.
More info
Izakaya GinjiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• San Mateo
•
4.5
B
BethVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 18, 2025
Brilliant menu, especially the special menu for Valentine's Day and the weekend. Service was spectacular, and everything we ordered was delicious. Highly recommend the Moroccan carrots!
More info
Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie - San MateoPrice: Moderate• American• San Mateo
•
4.4