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Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Peninsula? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of The Village Pub restaurant

The Village Pub

4.9

4.9 (3996)

$31 to $50

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

This beloved Woodside landmark brings destination dining to Silicon Valley. The Village Pub is rich with a sense of heritage and authenticity. The warm and elegant ambiance is the perfect backdrop for Chef Mark Sullivan's Contemporary American cuisine with Classic French roots.

We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery daily!

Top review

L

LindaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Over the top excellent as usual!!!! We love Melody ❤️

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A photo of Hokkaido Scallops of a restaurant

Hokkaido Scallops

A photo of Carnaroli Risotto of a restaurant

Carnaroli Risotto

A photo of Beignets of a restaurant

A photo of St. Michael's Alley restaurant

St. Michael's Alley

4.8

4.8 (795)

$31 to $50

American

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Established in 1959, owners Jenny Youll and Mike Sabina expanded the once small coffeehouse of St. Michaels Alley into this intimate dining establishment in 2009. The restaurant provides three comfortable spaces for a dinner out with friends, date night, or a complete private event. The main dining room is wood paneled and intimate. The front room / bar area is more casual and social, yet still offers tables with linens and the full menu. The solid wood bar is a favorite dining spot for many of the regulars and locals. A beautiful outdoor patio is most enjoyable on warm summer days and nights as it open to the sky. Enjoy a cocktail at the full bar before venturing into one of the upscale and relaxed dining spaces of St. Michael's Alley.

The restaurant is currently offering the Autumn Menu on the Patio as well as takeout, Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5pm.

Top review

T

Tony

Dined 3 days ago

Nice cozy restaurant with nice atmosphere. The food was great and the service too. Just a little loud from boisterous folks at neighboring tables. But still romantic and fun at the same time.

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New Year's Eve Celebration Pre-fixe menu

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant

Central Park Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1706)

$31 to $50

American

San Mateo

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

V

Vicky

Dined 4 days ago

Han is the best! We had a fantastic time — great food, service, and value. Make sure to look for him the next time you visit the restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

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A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of Grilled Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Grilled Filet Mignon

A photo of Hurrica Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Hurrica Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (557)

$31 to $50

American

Redwood City

About the restaurant

As the only waterfront dining experience, with front-row view of the Award-Winning Westpoint Harbor Marina, you will enjoy serene delightful and casual-elegant dining experience in the Redwood City.
Named after the famous and majestic Hurrica V sailboat, the design inspiration of teak wooden walls evoke a sense of warmth and
Executive Chef Justin Baade took his love of 'live-fire' cooking by building a custom hearth offering seafood, steak and vegetables either smoked, grilled or cooked in the embers.
Housing the largest, privately owned jellyfish tank, it's a memorizing experience to see the baby jellyfish upclose and personal.
Take a moment to enjoy the custom artwork from various artists and mediums such as wired fish artwork from the Wirelady, or commissioned mosaic artpiece by Angelina Duckett, even our restrooms are a work of art!
We want our guests to have a unique and immersive experience, no only culinary but visually!

Top review

G

George

Dined 3 days ago

Oysters, Tuna Tartar, chowder, and pork loin were fantastic! The beet/crab salad not so much!! There was too much coarse black vegetation that was inedible, had no flavor and scratched the throat as went down, and there was almost no crab, but the beets were very good. This was the second time I have visited your restaurant - the location, the ambiance of the restaurant, the jelly fish wall, the service and the overall experience was excellent. My rating is AAA+.

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A photo of First Seating - New Year's Eve of a restaurant

First Seating - New Year's Eve

A photo of Second Seating - New Year's Eve of a restaurant

Second Seating - New Year's Eve

A photo of Mountain House restaurant

4.7

4.7 (383)

$31 to $50

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

The Mountain House has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Serving as a rest stop for travelers, loggers and homesteaders in the Santa Cruz Mountains- we have evolved into a beloved destination known for our Coastal Countryside cuisine and rustic, intimate ambiance. Offering a menu highlighting game meats, locally sourced ingredients, and a curated selection of California and Old World wines, the Mountain House is one of the most unique settings in California. From a roadhouse to fine dining, the unassuming red cabin has stood the test of time along with the majestic redwoods that surround it.

Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by distinguished chefs Dmitry Elperin and William Roberts. We offer a three-course prix fixe menu for in our dining rooms and additionally, we serve an à la carte menu in our bar and lounge, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take the scenic route to The Mountain House, where nature, history, and hospitality converge.

Top review

T

Tyler

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

This was our second visit to Mountain House, and definitely not our last. Service is top notch, and the food is so tasty…and the setting can’t be beat.

A photo of Timber & Salt restaurant

4.6

4.6 (720)

$31 to $50

American

Redwood City

About the restaurant

Timber & Salt is a downtown Redwood City restaurant and bar serving quality steaks, seafood and craft cocktails. Our kitchen, led by award-winning chef Joshua Regal serves fresh, seasonal dishes highlighting the best ingredients California has to offer. We also serve one of the best burgers in Silicon Valley. Our cocktail program features hand-crafted cocktails using select spirits, house made syrups, bitters, tinctures and specialty garnishes. We also feature a deep list of spirits, fine wines and specialty beer. Both the kitchen and bar utilize fresh ingredients from our farm in Woodside California. Timber & Salt has intimate indoor seating for over 50 guests and an enclosed, heated outdoor patio for up to 30 guests. We are open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Top review

J

Jim

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Service was excellent from hostess to our server. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. The tomahawk was so good. Will go back soon.

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A photo of Add Grilled Chicken of a restaurant

Add Grilled Chicken

A photo of Korean Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Korean Fried Chicken

A photo of Buffalo Cauliflower of a restaurant

Buffalo Cauliflower

A photo of Rise Woodfire - San Mateo restaurant

Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

4.4

4.4 (636)

$30 and under

American

San Mateo

About the restaurant

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

Top review

S

Sandy

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Several of us ordered Prime Rib and were impressed with the variety of sides to choose from. Prime rib is only cooked rare but you can ask them to heat it closer to med rare. Another ordered the beef ribs and was happy with it as the meat was so tender. We just happened to have reservations on the night the Holiday Train showed up so traffic was everywhere and we had to park close to El Camino but it made for a festive evening. The doors in the restaurant opens up to the platform so expect some blaring train horns during your dinner.

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A photo of Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie of a restaurant

Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie

A photo of Margherita of a restaurant

A photo of Cafe Wisteria restaurant

4.7

4.7 (555)

$31 to $50

American

Menlo Park

About the restaurant

Classic Ambiance. Savory Fares. Locally Sourced Produce.

Cafe Wisteria is a woman owned & operated restaurant & catering company located on the 3.5 acre blossom-filled grounds of the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Our ethos include using organic and local produce, supporting our community vendors, and always executing exceptional epicurean experiences—for a table of one to a banquet for all.

We invite you to dine with us in the serene setting of our restaurant, host your special event in our elegant and historic space, or simply use our catering service to bring a customized feast to your next celebration.

Top review

J

June

Dined 2 days ago

My friends and I had the most wonderful Christmas luncheon at Wisteria Cafe, the decorations and food are so awesome, such a lovely place.

A photo of Firehouse Bistro restaurant

Firehouse Bistro

4.8

4.8 (467)

$31 to $50

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Firehouse Bistro serves Californian cuisine in Woodside, California.

We do private events, please call (650) 851-4988 for more information.

Top review

T

TomVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great dinner in a quaint and chic environment. Will definitely be back!

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A photo of Italian Seafood Stew of a restaurant

Italian Seafood Stew

A photo of The Village Bakery and Cafe restaurant

The Village Bakery and Cafe

4.7

4.7 (1943)

$30 and under

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Village Bakery & Cafe! We offer indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery daily. Our bakery is also open daily, offering a selection of coffee drinks, freshly baked pastries and breads, sandwiches, and other sweet treats! We hope to see you soon.

Top review

D

DanelleVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We have come to really enjoy our dining experiences at the Village Bakery and Cafe. The food is varied and delicious. The soup last night, cauliflower cream soup, was extraordinary! So many wines to choose from. Our server was very accommodating.

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A photo of Bakery Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Avocado and Sweet Corn Toast of a restaurant

Avocado and Sweet Corn Toast

A photo of Three-Piece Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Three-Piece Fried Chicken

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