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Best Romantic Restaurants in San Mateo

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75 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant
1. Central Park Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1793)
$$$$
• American • San Mateo
Booked 15 times today
Central Park Bistro is the perfect romantic spot, as reviewers highlight its 'lovely ambience', 'quiet enough for great conversation', and 'beautiful ambience'. Its 'fantastic food' and 'personalized service' make it a top choice for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. The 'homey atmosphere' and 'fantastic Valentine's dinner' are also mentioned, making it clear that this is the place to go for a romantic evening.
A photo of The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
2. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar
4.6
Exceptional(495)
$$$$
• French American • San Mateo
Booked 36 times today
The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar welcomes everyone with selective wines selection and many pairings superbly with a wide variety of cuisine. With selective cheeses and charcutiers, hundreds of different wines, seafood,and meats.The Barrel Bistro&Wine Bar attracts colleagues for a drink after work, business dinners, a quick bite or drink before a show, late night revelers, families for Sunday brunch and more.
A photo of Amara restaurant
3. Amara
4.7
Exceptional(101)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Belmont
Booked 9 times today
Amara is Belmont’s Mediterranean escape.A lush, lantern-lit garden with live trees, a stream, and twinkling lights sets the tone for dinners that linger and brunch that feels like a small vacation. From the team behind Michelin-recognized Rasa and Saffron, Amara pairs Peninsula ease with serious craft.THE FOODHouse-made pita and laffa lead the way. Meze includes green hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara, and mirza ghasemi. Share plates feature braised octopus, oyster mushroom kebab, and Silk Road eggplant. Mains span whole branzino, Moroccan-spiced half chicken, a 40-oz tomahawk, and roasted lamb rack.THE DRINKSCocktails explore saffron, fig, fennel, ouzo, and cumin smoke, with a deep zero-proof list and wines from California and the Mediterranean.THE FEELSoft light, garden air, a citrus-cedar scent, intuitive service, weekend DJs, Social Hour 4–5 PM, and brunch Wednesday–Sunday.DETAILSEasy access from 280/101, free parking, and private rooms plus a garden for events up to 240.
A photo of Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame restaurant
4. Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame
4.6
Exceptional(354)
$$$$
• French • Burlingame
Booked 12 times today
Embark on a Parisian culinary journey at our cherished 20-year-old French Bistro, nestled in the heart of Burlingame at 401 Primrose Rd, CA. Experience an intimate ambiance and relish signature dishes like Cassoulet, Duck, Escargot, Bone Marrow, French Onion Soup, and Beef Bourguignon and more! Our extensive wine selection perfectly complements this authentic French cuisine. Join us to create lasting memories and savor the essence of France on your plate. Bon appétit!
A photo of Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas restaurant
5. Amour Amour Wine Bar & Tapas
4.7
Exceptional(147)
$$$$
• Tapas / Small Plates • San Mateo
Booked 6 times today
We will be open for Father’s Day’s celebration Celebrate with us !!Reservations are highly recommended Amour Amour celebrates 12 years anniversary with the relaxed lifestyle, where small plates, good drinks and a cozy and tranquil atmosphere are all part of the experience. Guests can start with the sachet de prosciutto wrapped with goat cheese, fig jam, almonds and herbes de Provence for an introduction to Amour Amour’s culinary French and Spanish style. Popular hot tapas options include the Spanish seafood paella and Spanish meatballs in a sauce consisting of tomato, nutmeg and paprika, The roasted patatas bravas with spicy tomato aioli is another favorite. Amour Amour’s Taste of Barcelona , are flavorful and refreshing Sangria ,squid ink paella . For a sweet bite, enjoy the tropical coconut panna cotta with mango puree. Be sure to wash your meal down with a house-made sangria. Family owned and operated !
A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant
6. Park & Howard Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1515)
$$$$
• Bistro • Burlingame
Booked 19 times today
Park & Howard Bistro is a romantic spot with a cozy, intimate ambience, as noted in multiple reviews. Its understated rustic motif, linen tablecloths, and rich mahogany wood accents create a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. Many reviewers highlighted the restaurant's romantic ambience, perfect for special occasions, date nights, and even wedding rehearsal dinners. The attentive and friendly service also adds to the restaurant's romantic appeal.
A photo of Bistro Central Parc restaurant
7. Bistro Central Parc
4.7
Exceptional(1120)
$$$$
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 17 times today
Our executive chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. With the utmost romantic atmosphere, our caring and committed staff make sure you have a fantastic experience with us!
A photo of Hurrica Restaurant & Bar restaurant
8. Hurrica Restaurant & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(1120)
$$$$
• American • Redwood City
Booked 78 times today
As the only waterfront dining experience, with front-row view of the Award-Winning Westpoint Harbor Marina, you will enjoy serene delightful and casual-elegant dining experience in the Redwood City.Named after the famous and majestic Hurrica V sailboat, the design inspiration of teak wooden walls evoke a sense of warmth and Executive Chef Justin Baade took his love of 'live-fire' cooking by building a custom hearth offering seafood, steak and vegetables either smoked, grilled or cooked in the embers. Housing the largest, privately owned jellyfish tank, it's a memorizing experience to see the baby jellyfish upclose and personal.Take a moment to enjoy the custom artwork from various artists and mediums such as wired fish artwork from the Wirelady, or commissioned mosaic artpiece by Angelina Duckett, even our restrooms are a work of art! We want our guests to have a unique and immersive experience, no only culinary but visually!
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
9. The Post Room
4.2
Awesome(326)
$$$$
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
San Francisco is a global dining capital – and Union Square is at its heart. The Post Room is a café, bar, and brasserie shaped by history and designed for the way the city gathers today. Set beneath soaring vaulted ceilings and surrounded by eclectic artwork, the room carries the quiet grandeur of its past while feeling unmistakably alive in the present. The vibrant social venue serves breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends.
A photo of Zola + BarZola restaurant
10. Zola + BarZola
4.7
Exceptional(1387)
$$$$
• French • Palo Alto
Booked 30 times today
BarZola offers an elevated cocktail experience complemented by a dinner menu from the Zola kitchen. We feature an array of French and California wines, as well as the best and closest sourced meat and produce of the season.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KeithGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •143 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always superb! We enjoyed another fine dinner last night at central Park bistro. Warmly welcomed by the owner manager gorgio and escorted to a wonderful table. First courses included an esculent octopus salad and a beet salad. Main entrees included pasta by cauliflower with a special suggestion of shaved asparagus, seared scallops and slow cooked short rib pasta. All were expertly prepared. We ended with a complimentary bread pudding dessert. All in all a great meal.
    More info
    Central Park Bistro$$$$• American• San Mateo
    •
    4.7
  • TravisGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great experience. Brunch menu was more gourmet than we wanted but they were very accommodating and the service was incredible.
    More info
    The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar$$$$• French American• San Mateo
    •
    4.6
  • Tom and VickiGold
    Greater Boston •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is an excellent restaurant in all aspects. The way the owners redesigned the indoor part from how it was for the previous restaurants there is so much more light and attractive. The service was flawless, from the friendly professional staff to the little things like having our water glasses refilled before they were ever empty. Every part of our meals was delicious and well presented, from the green humus and pita bread appetizer to my branzino fish (one of the best I've ever had) and my wife's Moroccan spiced chicken to the baclava-and-honey-comb-ice-cream dessert. There is a great Albino wine by the glass. This is a little more expensive than some other local restaurants but the prices are well worth it.
    More info
    Amara$$$$• Mediterranean• Belmont
    •
    4.7
  • Yezid
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great food, excellent service by staff, and a memorable dinner to celebrate my daughter’s graduation from USF. Shout out to Yunis (our server) for taking care of our group. Thank you for the fun evening. We’ll see you again.
    More info
    Bistro Central Parc$$$$• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
    •
    4.7
  • Leanne
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 19, 2026
    Food and service was fantastic. Most likely will go again!
    More info
    Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame$$$$• French• Burlingame
    •
    4.6

Discover best romantic restaurants in San Mateo

Discover the perfect romantic dining experience in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the Peninsula region of San Mateo. Renowned for its diverse and vibrant dining scene, this area offers a variety of restaurants that cater to those special, intimate moments. Each establishment boasts unique features such as cozy ambiances, sophisticated decor, and exceptional service, ideal for making any evening memorable. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a date night, or just looking for a place to enjoy a beautiful meal with your loved one, San Mateo has something to offer. The restaurants here are known for their meticulous attention to detail, from beautifully prepared dishes to personalized touches that enhance the romantic atmosphere. Enjoy authentic, beautifully presented cuisine in settings that range from modern elegance to charming and quaint. Embark on a culinary journey that promises not just a meal, but a truly enchantive experience.

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