Central Park Bistro

4.8

1706 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 13 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for business meals
Good for special occasions

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Ricardo Garcia
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Location
181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Area
San Mateo
Cross Street
Ellsworth Street
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Popular dishes

Mix Green SaladUS$14.00
Brie Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Baguette & Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Made Soup of the DayUS$8.00
- CupUS$7.00
Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold BeetsUS$16.00
Organic Mix Green, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living Butter LettuceUS$16.00
Blood Orange, Pomegranate Seeds, Toasted Almonds & Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
CaesarUS$14.00
Petite Romaine Heart, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing

Starters

Duck Pâté–US$16.00
Fig Compote, Toasted Bread & Balsamic Reduction
Butternut Squash Gnocchi US$14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
Charcuterie
Breseola (Beef) - Coppa - Salame Finocchiona - Prosciutto Di Parma- Soprasetta - Served With Homemade Pickles, Mustard Grain & Broiche Bread
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- US$14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Crab CakesUS$20.00
Mango-Avocado Salsa, Lemon Aioli & Micro Greens
Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-US$16.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Steak TartareUS$21.00
Chopped Filet Mignon (Raw), Capers, Red Onion, Dijon, Parsley, White Truffle Oil &Crostini
Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUS$21.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo RollsUS$14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Wood Oven Roasted PrawnsUS$16.00
Creamy Garlic Sauce & Crostini
CalamariUS$18.00
Fried Calamari With Maui Onion Rings, Artichokes, Chili Lime Aioli & Cocktail Sauce
Butternut Squash Gnocchi US$14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
- FullUS$28.00
Artichoke BeignetsUS$14.00
Served With Green Garlic Aioli
Mediterranean Spiced Beef MeatballsUS$18.00
Fresh Basil, Tomato Concasse, Parmesan Cheese & Marinara Sauce

Sandwiches

All Sandwiches Come With One Side Dish Included. We Can Also Offer Open Face or No Bun. Sides: Soup - Apple Cabbage Slaw - Cucumber Herb Salad, Mixed Green Salad, Onion Rings, Gremolata French Fries

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale SoleUS$22.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Skirt SteakUS$24.00
Caramelized Onion, Mushrooms, Mozzarella Cheese & Green-Garlic Mayo
Portobello MushroomUS$18.00
Organic Greens, Tomato & Pesto Aioli
Grilled ChickenUS$20.00
Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula & Tomato Aioli
HamburgerUS$22.00
Painted Hills Naturel Beef Burger & Cheddar Cheese

Wood Oven Pizzas

Gluten Free Pizza Available Add $3

MushroomUS$24.00
Seasonal Mushrooms, Boschetto Tartufo Cheese, Arugula & Drizzle White Truffle Oil
Proscuitto di Parma & Salami FinocchionaUS$26.00
Marinara, Mozzarella Cheese& Fresh Basil Leaves
Three Cheese– Mozzarella - US$24.00
Gorgonzola- Gruyere Cheese, Garlic Comfit & Sun Dried Tomato
Smoked SalmonUS$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUS$24.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto
Grilled SalmonUS$28.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUS$30.00
Arugula, French Beans, Egg, Avocado, Tomato &Champagne Vinaigrette
PaellaUS$30.00
Chorizo, Chicken, Salmon, Prawns, Green Peas, Red Bell Pepper Served with Saffron Risotto
Grilled Australian Lamb ChopsUS$48.00
Potato Cake, Goat Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Arugula & Pomegranate Glaze
- 2 ChopsUS$30.00
- 3 ChopsUS$38.00
- 4 ChopsUS$44.00
Grilled Skirt SteakUS$34.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck RagoutUS$26.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Linguini PastaUS$34.00
Lobster Tail Meat, Bay Scallops, Green Peas, Zucchini Strings & Lobster Sauce
Spaghetti MeatballsUS$24.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco RavioliUS$26.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUS$28.00

What 1,706 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro is a San Mateo gem, "always delicious" with "excellent food and service." Known for its elegant atmosphere and diverse menu, diners rave about dishes like filet mignon and ahi tuna poke. The staff's attentiveness and a cozy private dining option enhance the experience. Highly recommended for special occasions!

1,707 Reviews

J
Jose
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great restaurant., never disappoints. From their appetizers to main dishes to desserts, they are on point. Crab cakes, fried calamari: delicious. skirt steak, salmon and other dishes., a must . GREAT SERVICE!!
Is this helpful?
V
Vicky
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Excellent food and service. I highly recommend Central Park Bistron
Is this helpful?
B
Brett
VIP
San Francisco
47 reviews
5.0
47 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great time at CPB. Veal ossobucco ravioli was outstanding.😋
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
San Francisco
51 reviews
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our book club enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch today at Central Park Bistro. We were fortunate to get a private room for the 6 of us. The ladies ordered crab cakes, the salmon entree, and 3 chicken sandwiches. All were delicious and we shared an order of beignets for dessert. Highly recommend this neighborhood gem!
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C
C.
VIP
San Francisco
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to return and enjoy the delicious selections and friendly staff
Is this helpful?
J
JOHN
VIP
Central Coast
70 reviews
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My party of 4 had a very enjoyable eveing at the Park Bistro. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. My request for a specific table was accommodated. All of the food was well recieved with the salads and the lobster ravioli getting the highest marks.
Is this helpful?
V
Vicky
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience! Staff is super attentive and friendly, love going there. Everything is delicious. Please continue to keep up the great work, cheers. :)
Is this helpful?
G
Gene
VIP
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time reserving the private dining room upstairs. We had a party of 12 that did not require a pre-set menu so all guests got to order whatever they wanted. I did pre-select the wine which was convenient. The flexibility and service was top drawer throughout the evening. Everyone commented on how good the food was and I was very pleased. Brought my own table decorations about 1.5 hours in advance so that was a nice surprise for my wife. We love this restaurant, have returned multiple times over many years and they never disappoint. The one minor thing I will say is that there are 2 private dining rooms using 1 staircase, so if you're in the wine room, be prepared for other people to walk through your room to enter/depart their event. Thanks for making my wife's birthday dinner so memorable!
Is this helpful?
F
Fleur
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were a party of 5 for lunch over Thanksgiving weekend. The food was most impressive and excellent. There was some dis-connect in the service as we had to ask several times for the same thing. Language seemed to be a barrier. For each course all the flatware was removed and not consistently replaced for the next course. I would also comment on the way in which hot tea was served. There was no pot of hot water to accompany it just what was in the initial cup. For a serious tea drinker (and there were two at our table) this was wholly inadequate. We had to ask several times for more hot water which was a nuisance. They could step up on this detail. The food presentation was amazing and most memorable. Overall it was a good pick for our holiday get together.
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FAQs

Central Park Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 558-8401.

Central Park Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 1706 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Additional information

Cross Street
Ellsworth Street
Area
San Mateo
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ricardo Garcia
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Central Park Bistro

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Key Lime Pie

Seared Scallops

Grilled Filet Mignon

Salads

Mix Green SaladUS$14.00

House Made Soup of the DayUS$8.00

Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold BeetsUS$16.00

Living Butter LettuceUS$16.00

CaesarUS$14.00

Starters

Duck Pâté–US$16.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi US$14.00

Charcuterie

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- US$14.00

Crab CakesUS$20.00

Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-US$16.00

Steak TartareUS$21.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUS$21.00

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo RollsUS$14.00

Wood Oven Roasted PrawnsUS$16.00

CalamariUS$18.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi US$14.00

Artichoke BeignetsUS$14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef MeatballsUS$18.00

Sandwiches

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale SoleUS$22.00

Skirt SteakUS$24.00

Portobello MushroomUS$18.00

Grilled ChickenUS$20.00

HamburgerUS$22.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

MushroomUS$24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami FinocchionaUS$26.00

Three Cheese– Mozzarella - US$24.00

Smoked SalmonUS$26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUS$24.00

Grilled SalmonUS$28.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUS$30.00

PaellaUS$30.00

Grilled Australian Lamb ChopsUS$48.00

Grilled Skirt SteakUS$34.00

Duck RagoutUS$26.00

Linguini PastaUS$34.00

Spaghetti MeatballsUS$24.00

Veal Ossobuco RavioliUS$26.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUS$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Central Park Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Central Park Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Central Park Bistro currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information