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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in San Mateo

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
1. Pausa Bar & Cookery
4.7
Exceptional(1844)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 25 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 Porterhouse restaurant
2. Porterhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1695)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 12 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 Central Park Bistro restaurant
3. Central Park Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(1711)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Mateo
Central Park Bistro is the perfect spot for special occasions. With a variety of private dining rooms, a private wine cellar, and an award-winning wine list, it offers a sophisticated, yet fun dining experience. Reviews rave about the fantastic food and exceptional service, with many patrons returning for birthdays, anniversaries, and business dinners. The restaurant's ambiance, often described as warm and intimate, makes it an ideal location for celebrating special occasions.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
4. Il Fornaio - Burlingame
4.5
Awesome(4450)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 18 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 Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame restaurant
5. Kincaid's Bayhouse - Burlingame
4.5
Awesome(4909)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Burlingame
Booked 22 times today
Kincaid's translates the traditional fish, chop and steak house into contemporary terms. In a casually elegant atmosphere, the restaurant offers outstanding cuisine and impressive bay views. You'll find new classics, consistent excellence and a splash of swagger!
A photo of Rocca Ristorante restaurant
6. Rocca Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(1749)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 12 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.
A photo of Iron Gate restaurant
7. Iron Gate
4.9
Exceptional(3057)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Belmont
Booked 7 times today
Iron Gate offers excellent Continental cuisine in an elegant environment. The only restaurant with table site & flambe service in the bay area. Private Rooms available for 25 up to75 guests. The entire restaurant can be bought out for private parties.
A photo of Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame restaurant
8. Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame
4.7
Exceptional(1185)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 1 time today
Welcome back Chef Rodriguez!As Chef Jose Rodriguez puts it aptly: ''When I am not in the kitchen cooking, I am experimenting and reinventing myself continually. I don't know any other way to feel alive.'' After a long hiatus, Chef Rodriguez returns to Trapeze where he always felt at home. Under a new management, Jose is granted the opportunity to express his creativity in his work freely. With years of experience and much amassed recognition in some of the most well known Michelin Star awarded restaurants in the Bay Area, we are all excited to see what wonders he will bring. ''In addition to my regular menu, I'm trying what I call approachable foods - simpler in some cases and more sophisticated creations in other'' said Mr. Rodriguez, who has been working as a private chef and caterer for over 20 years.For reservations larger than 10 or for private functions please contact the restaurant directly.
A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant
9. Benihana - Burlingame, CA
4.4
Awesome(5001)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 134 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant
10. Park & Howard Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(1306)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Burlingame
Booked 8 times today
Park & Howard Bistro is the perfect spot for special occasions. With its cozy, rustic setting and an extensive wine list, it offers an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Reviews rave about the excellent service and delicious food, and the private dining rooms make it ideal for corporate events and celebrations.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MelanieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Double celebration of Christmas Day and birthday dinner. We wanted a good beef dinner for Christmas Day and Porterhouse did not disappoint. Greeted warmly by the hostess. Ambiance was nice and cozy in the little alcove. Bruno came by to say “hello” to our birthday girl. Her family are frequent diners of Porterhouse. Food, wine and beer selections were great. Service by Kayla during our dinner was superb. We very much enjoyed our filet mignon, porterhouse and prime rib! Will be back when we want an excellent quality beef dinner.
    More info
    PorterhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • Rob
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service was excellent and food isfresh. We started off with a Margarita Pizza ( excellent). Several pasta dishes ( pasta made fresh daily). Ambiance was uplifting and festive.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - BurlingamePrice: Moderate• Italian• Burlingame
    •
    4.5
  • Jennifer
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Lovely dinner on Christmas Eve. We had two service dogs with our party and our table was perfect and out of the way of other diners. I would recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner!
    More info
    Central Park BistroPrice: Expensive• American• San Mateo
    •
    4.8
  • KristinaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing from start to finish. Burrata and crudo were are favorite apps. Pizzas are all incredible. Reminds me of traveling through Italy. Finally a great spot without having to drive to the city!
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • food2explore21VIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food service is excellent. With a reservation, waiting is as expected. Menu has great choices from seafood to meats. 3 course menu for just about $50 is a great choice. Preference for me, blood orange King Salmon was excellent, cooked perfectly. Service is great! Creme Brulee is always good choice if you want dessert. Good place for big group or family dinner
    More info
    Kincaid's Bayhouse - BurlingamePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Burlingame
    •
    4.5

Discover best special occasions restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the perfect venues for special occasions in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the Peninsula and San Mateo regions. Our selection features restaurants that excel in creating memorable dining experiences with their exceptional service, exquisite food, and inviting ambiance. Whether you're planning a birthday, an anniversary, or any celebratory event, these establishments provide the ideal backdrop with a variety of settings from cozy indoor spaces to scenic outdoor patios. The dining scene in this area is renowned for its diversity and quality, offering everything from intimate bistros to vibrant, themed eateries. Each restaurant has been carefully chosen to ensure that your special occasion is nothing short of spectacular, backed by rave reviews and a reputation for excellence. Enjoy a blend of local and international cuisines, tailored to make your event a unique and delightful experience. Choose any of our recommended spots in San Mateo for an unforgettable celebration that will leave you and your guests with lasting memories.

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