Central Park Bistro

4.8

1724 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 6 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

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

Baked Burrata – US$14.00
Oven Baked Burrata, Green Onion, Sea Salt & Crostini
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$18.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Duck Spring Rolls – US$16.00
Served with Sweet Chili Sauce
Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUS$20.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato – US$14.00
Burrata Cheese, Pesto, Basil, Crostini & Balsamic Reduction
CalamariUS$16.00
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$16.00
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$26.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Salmon Cake – US$24.00
Remoulade Sauce, Avocado, Sliced Tomato & Greens + Your Side
Grilled Chicken – US$24.00
Aioli, Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula, Sliced Tomato + Your Side
HamburgerUS$26.00
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
Heirloom Tomato -US$24.00
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil Leaves, Garlic & Balsamic
Smoked SalmonUS$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUS$26.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto GF
Grilled SalmonUS$30.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUS$34.00
Mango, Cucumber, Avocado, Arugula Salad & Teriyaki Glaze
Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - US$30.00
Shaved Asparagus, Chives, Vodka Cream Sauce
Grilled Skirt SteakUS$38.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck RagoutUS$30.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Spaghetti MeatballsUS$24.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco RavioliUS$28.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUS$28.00
Mushroom Risotto - US$28.00
Hen of The Wood Mushrooms, Asparagus, Green Peas & Drizzle Truffle Oil
Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - US$28.00
Roasted Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts & Marsala Wine Sauce

What 1,724 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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

San Francisco Bay Area
American
Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro delights diners with "delicious food," "wonderful ambiance," and "attentive service." The menu offers a broad range of dishes, from elegant appetizers to hearty mains, all praised for their "beautiful presentation." It's a "neighborhood gem" perfect for both intimate dinners and large gatherings, making every visit memorable.

1,724 Reviews

R
Roger
San Francisco
63 reviews
2.0
63 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Very strange experience. Explicitly told the maitre d'hotel and waiter that one of us (two people) had a corn allergy--both assured us they could work around it. Menu choice of the scallops on risotto doesn't mention corn. When the non-allergy diner popped up with corn kernels, we called the waiter over--and they were horrified. But--that's still quite the moment. Then, at dessert, we ordered two desserts--discussed that the crust of the key lime pie-and asked if the crust had any corn meal in it, or used corn syrup sweeteners--and they said no. And then--two deserts appeared on the table--but no key lime pie; instead--beignets and bread pudding. So: food is good! Service is chaotic. And they are NOT listening to you. Careful if you have food allergies. Be really careful.
Is this helpful?
J
Janis
Connecticut
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our dining experience at Central Park Bistro was very lovely. The food and it presentation were great. We really enjoyed the ambiance, and our waiters name was Oz, and he recommended my wine which was very nice, and helped me choose between 2 entrees, and I loved his choice. Can not wait to go back. Janis Hennessy
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I
Irene
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had two exceptionally original entrees which were beautifully presented. The vegetable accompaniment was perfect as was the key lime pie dessert.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
VIP
New York City
33 reviews
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Very disappointing experience. The wait staff are attentive but the food quality has deteriorated so much.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
San Francisco
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our food was extraordinary and the service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
P
Pablo
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our birthday was acknowledged which is not as common as you would think. Presumably the manager and the bartender both took their rounds at the bar taking care of us. It is not very often multiple people are involved in making sure service goes well. No complaints!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandi or Richard
San Francisco
49 reviews
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed our repeat visit to Central Park Bistro. Will definitely visit again!
Is this helpful?
J
Judith
VIP
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to eat here. The food is delicious and the staff is very friendly and welcoming
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 12 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time there .exceeded all our expectations . The menu was extensive and interesting .the food was presented in the manner of a top nyc restaurant and the taste was fabulous . The cocktails before the meal were delicious and interesting some new to us . The lamb chops were perfect and juicy the ossobucco raviolis were sinful and amazing . Our friends had halibut and scallops that they could not stop talking about . Great service lovely staff and very good value not over priced at all. We have a new favorite place to take friends to dinner and this is it.
Is this helpful?
A
Antonio
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 11 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed 2 bottles of an Italian Prosecco, reasonably priced. My wife enjoyed the duck pate and salmon entree. I chose the gnocchi and veal ossobucco ravioli. Simply put outstanding!
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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 1724 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 6 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

Warm Toffee Bread Pudding

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

Baked Burrata – US$14.00

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$18.00

Duck Spring Rolls – US$16.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled OctopusUS$20.00

Heirloom Tomato – US$14.00

CalamariUS$16.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi US$14.00

Artichoke BeignetsUS$14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef MeatballsUS$16.00

Sandwiches

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale SoleUS$26.00

Salmon Cake – US$24.00

Grilled Chicken – US$24.00

HamburgerUS$26.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

MushroomUS$24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami FinocchionaUS$26.00

Heirloom Tomato -US$24.00

Smoked SalmonUS$26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by CauliflowerUS$26.00

Grilled SalmonUS$30.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi TunaUS$34.00

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - US$30.00

Grilled Skirt SteakUS$38.00

Duck RagoutUS$30.00

Spaghetti MeatballsUS$24.00

Veal Ossobuco RavioliUS$28.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable PlateUS$28.00

Mushroom Risotto - US$28.00

Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - US$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