Bay Area Roundup – Top 4 Restaurants in the Peninsula

The Best of the Bay Area in the Peninsula, from San Mateo to Los Altos

Eighteen years living in the San Francisco Bay Area meant a multitude of days and nights up in the city, an unknown number of blurry nights during my college years in the South Bay, and the majority of my years formative years in the Peninsula.

The Peninsula holds a special place in my heart, and I consider it my hometown. Because of that bond, I love venturing around the various cities revisiting old favorites and discovering new favorite restaurants. Here are my current Top 4 restaurants in the Peninsula:

#4: Pausa Bar & Cookery

Pausa Bar & Cookery in downtown San Mateo successfully brings the Italian lifestyle of leisurely eating and drinking to the faster-paced life of tech-centric California. This is the perfect restaurant to unwind with quality cocktails and wines while savoring on unpretentious Italian cuisine. Read more about Pausa here.

Il Doge Spritz. The restaurant’s signature drink, the Aperol Spritz. If you have been to Venice and tasted the city’s perfect spritzes under the Italian heat, this cocktail will immediately transport you back to Italy

Burata. Pausa’s strength is in their appetizers and small plates to share with your table. The plates are gorgeously crafted and the flavors are distinct, complex, and showcase the seasonal ingredients

#3: Pizzeria Delfina

From its massive success in the Mission District of San Francisco (where you would wait at least one hour for a table), Pizzeria Delfina has expanded down to the Peninsula in Burlingame and Palo Alto. The wait is worthwhile for the quality of their pizzas and cocktails. Read more about Pizzeria Delfina here.

Neapolitan meatballs in sugo. Pork, beef, and veal meatballs with tomato sauce and crostini. The meatballs have a roasted flavor on top of the delicious blend of meats. Satisfying and flavor-full to make any meat lover happy

Margherita pizza with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, and basil. Perfectly baked and charred in the oven with a beautiful chewy crust and the right amount of toppings that do not overwhelm the pizza

#2: Howie’s Artisan Pizza

Pizza is the ideal family meal. One or two pies can be shared with the whole table. At Howie’s Artisan Pizza in Palo Alto, and now also in Redwood City, families are encouraged to dine together. The large appetizers are perfect supplements to the pizzas and the soft serve dessert with homemade sauces will make everyone go home happy. Read more about Howie’s Artisan Pizza here.

Pizza margherita with fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and parmesan. Chef Howard Bulka studied the variations of pizzas in order to create his own artisan-style pizza. While Howie’s is a relaxed pizza joint, you will be treated to creations from this five-star chef

Vanilla soft serve with homemade caramel sauce and slivered almonds. If you love caramel, you must get this dessert. Intense caramel poured over this milky, vanilla soft serve will make you scrap the bowl until it’s clean

#1: Sumika Grill

Consistency is key, and Sumika Grill in downtown Los Altos consistency offers the best Japanese yakitori experience in the Bay Area. This cuisine and atmosphere transport guests to Japan with its authenticity. Read more about Sumika Grill here.

Karaage. Hands down, the best chicken karaage in the Bay Area, and even one of the best fried chickens in general. The succulence of the meat, the crispy well-seasoned batter – this has it all. The karaage is served during both lunch and dinner

Oyako-don. One of the most popular lunch items served with miso soup, salad, and pickles. The eggs are prepared runny to moisten the rice bowl. This oyako-don is also the perfect way to end a yakitori dinner, just like in Japan

Addresses & Hours

Pausa Bar & Cookery
223 E. 4th Ave., San Mateo, California
+1-650-375-0818
Monday to Wednesday, 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm
Thursday and Friday, 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm
Saturday, 5pm to 11pm
Sunday, 5pm to 10pm
Reservations recommended

Pizzeria Delfina
Burlingame
1444 Burlingame Avenue
+1-650-288-1041
Sunday and Monday, 11:30am to 9pm
Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30am to 10pm
Palo Alto
651 Emeron St
+1-650-353-2208
Sunday and Monday, 11:30am to 9pm
Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30am to 10pm
Reservations recommended

Howie’s Artisan Pizza
Palo Alto
Town & Country Village
855 El Camino Real #60
+1-650-327-4992
Sunday to Saturday, 11:30am to 9pm
Redwood City
837 Jefferson Avenue
+1-650-995-7780
Wednesday to Friday, 11:30am to 2pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Sumika Grill
236 Central Plaza, Los Altos, California
+1-650-917-1822
Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30am to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm
Friday and Saturday, 11:30am to 2pm and 5:30pm to 10pm
Sunday, 5pm to 8:15pm
Closed Mondays
Walk-in only at lunch
Reservations highly recommended at dinner

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!

Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!

Angela

Next Bay Area Roundup - Top 10 Restaurants in San Francisco »

Previous « Bay Area Bites in the South Bay

Published by

Angela

Tags Bay AreaCaliforniaFood Chronicles

7 years ago

Melbourne and Sydney Hotel Recommendations
Originally posted October 4, 2023 Where to Stay in Melbourne and Sydney Melbourne and Sydney…
Sydney Bar Recommendations
Where to Drink in Sydney With its metropolitan appeal, Sydney is undoubtedly great bar scene.…
Things to Do in Sydney
Sights, Museums, Tours, Shopping, & More Things to Do in Sydney Tours Museum of…