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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Mateo

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Avenida restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(289)
Price: Expensive
• Filipino • San Mateo
Booked 22 times today
Avenida Modern Filipino Restaurant and Bar is a treat for Filipino cuisine lovers. With its cozy ambiance and excellent service, it's a place that feels like home. Reviewers rave about the authentic, delicious Filipino dishes, with some even recommending it as a great place to introduce non-Filipinos to the cuisine. Avenida is also praised for its beautiful presentation and diverse menu, making it a top choice for Filipino food lovers.
A photo of Twelvemonth restaurant
4.5
Awesome(630)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Burlingame
Booked 39 times today
Twelvemonth is the place to be if you're in search of a Californian restaurant with a twist. With a passion for sustainability, the menu boasts 100% plant-based dishes that have been raved about by many. The ambience is also worth mentioning, with its high ceilings, comfortable seating, and a beautiful outdoor bar/lounge area. The reviews are filled with praises about the 'exceptional food', 'attentive service', and 'beautiful interior'. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or a meat eater, you're bound to find something that suits your taste buds at Twelvemonth.
A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3015)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Mateo
Booked 14 times today
Whether you’re chatting over a flavorful roasted chicken salad or sipping a merlot as your hand-cut blackened ribeye is mesquite grilled over a live fire, Paul Martin’s American Grill is the ideal place to impress or decompress. Located in the Hillsdale Shopping Center, our restaurant offers classic American cuisine set to a higher standard. Sink into plush seating in our polished yet welcoming dining room and experience the remarkable hospitality that makes dining with us an event.
A photo of Pulpo Tapas & Wine Bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(118)
Price: Moderate
• Latin / Spanish • Burlingame
Booked 5 times today
A new wine bar and restaurant located on Broadway in Burlingame just steps from Caltrain and a short drive from Airport Area Hotels.Pulpo features a variety of Spanish Tapas, Charcuterie along with a variety of Pasta dishes.
A photo of Rocca Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1774)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 10 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 The Refuge - San Mateo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(120)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • San Mateo
Booked 7 times today
As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, The REFUGE specializes in hand-carved, ultra tender, boldly flavored navel pastrami which is sending shockwaves throughout the gastronomic consciousness of patrons who call it “the greatest this planet will see in some time.” The REFUGE boasts the world’s best Belgian and Craft Beer on draught (24 in San Mateo) in the Bay Area, with many more by bottle.Since 2008, the REFUGE has been providing protection for many East Coast street food classics especially the hand-carved navel pastrami. But wait, just for good measure, we grind our own blend of hamburger on a daily basis as well as procure our own Ribeye Blend for our Authentic CheeseSteaks. We also offer honest Old World wine, dazzling salads and eclectic appetizers. Casual connoisseurs unite! This place is the real deal. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a raging evening, a private event, take-out or delivery, the REFUGE experience is unlike any other place at any one time.
A photo of Cafe Florian restaurant
3.5
Very Good(356)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foster City
Booked 6 times today
Cafe Florian is well worth the drive, as attested by its high ratings in reviews. Customers rave about the excellent service, delicious food, and beautiful ambiance, especially during holidays. Many recommend it as a priority for special gatherings. The seafood, sushi, and desserts are especially noted as standouts.
A photo of All Spice – San Mateo restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1102)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • San Mateo
Booked 3 times today
Enjoy our oft-changing 3, 4 or 5-course Chef's menu for dinner inside our charming cottage. Outdoor seating is currently unavailable.Come take a special journey when you dine at our charming restaurant.Husband-and-wife team Sachin Chopra and Shoshana Wolff have turned a 1906 Victorian house into a pioneering dining destination that showcases Modern Californian Cuisine. It's local and seasonal whenever possible, but is also so much more. Sachin stretches beyond his classical training to create elegantly composed dishes that subtly hint at Indian, Japanese, Norwegian, Mediterranean and other worldly influences. The result is a unique cuisine with its own distinctive point of view. Warm, professional service and a thoughtful wine list enhance the experience.We can't wait to see you!
A photo of Rasoi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(332)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Burlingame
Booked 7 times today
Rasoi is the next generation in the Aslam family’s vision to delight the Bay Area with their unique, award-winning Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Sprung from master chef Mohammed Aslam’s widely celebrated flagship restaurant Aslam’s Rasoi in San Francisco’s Mission District, this creative collaboration by Mr. Aslam’s sons integrates the much beloved family-friendly Rasoi (Kitchen) concept into a contemporary restaurant and chill lounge setting on the peninsula. Executive Chef Asif Aslam performs magic in the kitchen by putting his own signature on a well-curated staple of mouth-watering family recipes. Drawing from his diverse experiences at his dad’s restaurant and as personal chef for a host of distinguished Bay Area personalities, one of the region’s most talented young restaurateurs enjoys nothing more than to enhance his culinary genes with the kinds of subtle accents known to elicit spontaneous “oohs.”
A photo of Rasa restaurant
4.5
Awesome(396)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Indian • Burlingame
Booked 1 time today
ONE MICHELIN STAR 2016 - 2021At RASA our philosophy is simple. Our goal is to convey our enthusiasm and passion for southern Indian coastal cuisine in a way which gives you a perspective on our hunt for perfect ingredients, techniques and deep rooted desire to present this unique cuisine which is a perfect weaving of traditional Indian techniques and modern flavors. Progressive “Southern Indian Cuisine” inspired by recipes from home cooks to royal chefs of Indian Maharajas using freshest, finest and healthiest locally grown produce, sustainable seafood and free range poultry & meat. RASA’s menu embodies an unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes from southern coastal states. A unique marriage of organic, local ingredients with southern Indian spices and artisanal techniques.Here you will find an exquisite range of traditional, contemporary and wellness inspired dishes that are created with flair and respect for ingredients.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JosephVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We were immediately seated in a very quiet spot. Staff was very polite and friendly. The meals were served quickly, hot and ready to eat. Food was delicious. We would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. We will be going back soon.
    More info
    Paul Martin's American Grill - San MateoPrice: Moderate• American• San Mateo
    4.2
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Mar 2025
    The food and ambiance was superb! We enjoyed our delicious food w/ great service. Will definitely becoming back!
    More info
    AvenidaPrice: Expensive• Filipino• San Mateo
    4.6
  • Mike
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Mar 2025
    Great food, great customer service as always! We're been going there for years.
    More info
    Rocca RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Burlingame
    4.9
  • MarkVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Mar 2025
    An extraordinary restaurant that serves up imaginative and delicious Indian cuisine in a beautiful space.
    More info
    RasaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Indian• Burlingame
    4.5
  • CathyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •84 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 27 Feb 2025
    We were a party of three, sharing all the entrees. We chose samosa's to start while enjoying cocktails. The waiter clued us in to the Happy Hour prices, which was nice of him. For dinner, we chose Murgh Masala and Chicken Tikka Marsala and the lamb chops. The lamb chops are great for sharing because there were about 4 chops. The chops are very small, but delicious. But because they are small, order them rare - ours were medium and were a bit overcooked (our problem). We added Keema Naan and an order of Pulao rice. There was enough food to share with no leftovers. We all enjoyed the spices and flavors. The service was attentive. The room is quite big, with nothing to tamp down the room noise, so it was a little loud. We were still able to visit, but with a little difficulty. We agreed we would return and would recommend to others.
    More info
    RasoiPrice: Moderate• Indian• Burlingame
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in San Mateo

Embark on a culinary journey in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the Peninsula and San Mateo regions, where restaurants that are "worth the drive" promise unforgettable dining experiences. These establishments are celebrated for their exceptional food quality, unique ambiance, and superior service, making each visit a memorable endeavor. The dining scene here is diverse, offering an array of cuisines that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring every meal is an opportunity to explore new flavors. Patrons can expect not only top-notch culinary craftsmanship but also warm, inviting atmospheres that make every meal special. These restaurants are perfect for those looking to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a family meal, or simply indulge in a leisurely dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these eateries provide compelling reasons to venture out and savor the rich, culinary delights of the Peninsula and San Mateo. With each carefully crafted dish, these restaurants stand out as true gems in the dining landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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