Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

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!

St. Michael's Alley

4.8

4.8 (940)

$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

Michelle

Dined 5 days ago

Dining at St. Michael’s Alley is always a good choice and last night’s dinner did not disappoint. Matthew was our server and he provided a perfect balance between competent service and unobtrusiveness. The food was delicious, as always (we had the duck, lamb and Branzino).

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Popular dish

Scallops

Central Park Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1793)

$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

CathyGold

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic local restaurant with amazing food and wonderful service. Consistently great. Brought friends and family last night and they loved it

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Popular dish

Living Butter Lettuce

4.9

4.9 (568)

$50 and over

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

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

Mountain incredible. You walk into a cozy bar area with a fireplace and you immediately feel at home. It was our first time and we sat in the from room so we could have the option of both menus the bar and the 3 course meal. We ordered the special which was Madeira and sautéed onion glazed ribeye, duck friend potatoes, and their fried chicken sandwich with French fries. Both dishes were incredible. The ribeye was cooked perfectly and the sauce was such a great compliment to it. The potatoes were crispy and had such great flavor. The chicken was so moist in the chicken sandwich and those French fries were to die for. We loved both dishes. I was able to order the chocolate salted caramel tart from the 3 course menu and it was delicious and rich. This is a great restaurant and we will definitely be back and share with others this great find.

Hurrica Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (1120)

$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

Vivian

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food! Party of 4 adults - we ordered all appetizers and shared. Wonderful food and oysters were super fresh.

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Popular dish

Crisp Duck Leg Confit

Popular dish

Warm Milk Bread

Experience

Afternoon Bar Menu at Hurrica

The Village Bakery and Cafe

4.7

4.7 (2281)

$30 and under

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Woodside, The Village Bakery is a welcoming neighborhood bakery and cafe that offers warmth, comfort, and thoughtfully prepared food from lunch through dinner, with weekend brunch. From the moment you arrive, the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries sets the tone.

The space is cozy and easygoing, ideal for a leisurely lunch, casual dinner, or weekend brunch. Guests can enjoy sunny patio seating or settle into the inviting interior designed for comfort and ease.

The menu highlights classic American cafe fare prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From brunch favorites to salads, sandwiches, and hearty dinner plates, each dish is made with care and simplicity.

Adjacent to the cafe, the bakery offers an abundant selection of sweet and savory pastries, breads, cakes, and coffee drinks, made fresh throughout the day.

The Village Bakery is a true local gathering place where quality ingredients, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere come together.

Top review

Mike

Dined 3 days ago

Our favorite place to eat. All staff members are excellent! Food is top notch, too.

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4.6

4.6 (375)

$30 and under

American

Belmont

About the restaurant

Farm House is a charming restaurant in Belmont that combines New American cuisine with warm hospitality. This cozy spot has quickly become a local favorite, featuring a menu that changes seasonally to showcase the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Upon entering, you'll find exposed brick walls and tasteful artwork, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The dog-friendly patio, complete with a heated pergola, is perfect for enjoying meals outdoors. Farm House offers a diverse selection of dishes for every palate. Enjoy mouthwatering chilaquiles and omelets for brunch, or indulge in fried chicken and pasta for dinner. Each dish highlights farm-fresh ingredients, reflecting the chef's commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or simply love good food, there's something for everyone. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list with local and international selections. With exceptional service from a friendly staff, your dining experience at Farm House will be memorable.

Top review

Matthew

Dined on May 23, 2026

Went for our daughter’s 11th birthday. This place was amazing! Service was outstanding and the food is fantastic.

Moonraker

4.7

4.7 (1356)

$31 to $50

American

Pacifica

About the restaurant

Floor to ceiling windows that look down on the beach makes Moonraker restaurant a go to spot for food and an excellent view. Situated inside the Lighthouse Hotel in Pacifica, Moonraker serves lunch, dinner and happy hour!

A large selection of fresh seafood dots the Moonraker menu with items like Dungeness crab, Chef's selection of oysters and ahi poke. Other options from "the land" include pot roast, steak, chicken saltimbocca and a vegetarian tagine. The chef makes a lot of the offerings gluten free, like crispy calamari and coconut prawns. Be sure to save some room for bananas foster bread pudding or campfire s'mores with a table side hibachi.

Top review

MaryAnne

Dined 3 days ago

We love this restaurant! Service is always lovely, the food phenomenal, and the views are so romantic. My partner and I love to celebrate major dates here and it's always magical. 10/10

Cafe Wisteria

4.8

4.8 (647)

$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

Cindy

Dined 6 days ago

Cafe Wisteria is a hidden gem in Menlo Park! The secluded garden setting is lovely and the food was delicious. Treat yourself and eat outdoors to full enjoy the beautiful landscape.

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Popular dish

Salmon Nicoise

Popular dish

Crab Avocado Eggs Benedict

Bazille - Nordstrom Palo Alto

4.7

4.7 (193)

$30 and under

American

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (650) 688-2614 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.

Top review

PaulGold

Dined on Apr 24, 2026

Excellent place for a quiet and classy luncheon. The service was especially outstanding from our waiter, Nick.

Firehouse Bistro

4.5

4.5 (503)

$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

GregGold

Dined on May 21, 2026

We celebrated our anniversary and had a wonderful time. The food was amazing as usual as was the service and atmosphere. Highly recommend the Firehouse Bistro.

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