Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best value restaurants in Peninsula? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Velvet 48 Wine Bar

5.0

5 (73)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Burlingame

About the restaurant

Velvet 48 is a premium wine bar in downtown Burlingame started by 20-year wine industry veteran, Jason Cooper. We offer over 40 wines by the glass, 1100 wines by the bottle, a cultivated beer selection, and a variety of delicious savory and sweet small plates.

We have wines across every price point so there is something for everyone, from the casual wine drinker to the wine aficionado, who will be impressed by a wine collection that houses some of the finest wines in the world. We aim to cultivate an experience for our guests that starts with a complimentary splash of our house label, Velvet 48 Sparkling wine, followed by outstanding service from our Wine Specialists to guide you through our expansive list. We offer a discount of 25% off bottles purchased TO GO.

Due to the nature of our alcoholic license, we are unable to allow anyone under 21 on the premises, including infants.

Thank your for your understanding.

Top review

StacyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

One of our favorite spots in Burlingame. The flights change frequently and are always innovated. The staff is fantastic- all are friendly and knowledgeable. We only have have small plates and everything we’ve eaten has been great. We can’t recommend Velvet 48 enough!

Amoura Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (468)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

South San Francisco

About the restaurant

Amoura is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the owners’ Palestinian heritage, and shaped by its location in Northern California. The cuisine incorporates dishes and ingredients from across the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey showcasing the many complementary flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques used throughout this vibrant culinary region. Everything is prepared fresh from scratch daily using the highest quality produce, meats, and seafood available, including local and organic products whenever possible. With the Shihadeh family’s warm hospitality, a visit to Amoura is like being welcomed into their home for a family feast centered around good food and company.

Top review

Arman

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Great atmosphere and great food. Arabian Nights show was entertaining and fun.

Sushi Shin - Redwood City

4.9

4.9 (29)

$50 and over

Sushi

Redwood City

About the restaurant

Sushi Shin is an Authentic Japanese Fine dining. Featuring an Omakase menu, which is chef's choice for the most fresh, top quality of fish and seafood. Mostly imported from Tokyo fish market. Other best ingredients from all around the world. Serving Japanese Sakes and bottle Japanese beers. You can experience authentic Edomae-style sushi.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 14, 2024

Best sushi in the city, hands down. Incredible service and experience.

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Experience

Sushi Shin Omakase

888 Ristorante Italiano

4.9

4.9 (613)

$30 and under

Italian

San Carlos

About the restaurant

If you’ve ever enjoyed the 888 dining experience, you know it’s not like your average Bay Area Italian restaurant. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Carlos, 888 Ristorante Italiano brings authentic flavors of Italy to Laurel Street. 888 was created from a passion for Italian cuisine that’s deep-rooted in the Maddalena family. Owner Vince Maddalena and Chef Raul learned their craft through growing up in the restaurant industry. Specifically, Maddalena’s, owned by Vince’s dad for over 30 years in Palo Alto. When Vince’s dad closed shop, Vince knew he wanted to continue sharing his passion for food with the public. And so 888 was born! When it comes to cooking, we never take shortcuts. Almost all of our menu is made in-house and we keep things fresh by changing our dishes as seasons come and go. Enjoy our intimate dining experience with a significant other, family and friends or just let us know if you have a large group and we would be happy to accommodate. Your host, Vincenzo Maddalena, would like to welcome you to his restaurant for a unique dining experience of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon Appetito!

Top review

KathleenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent delicious food. Impeccable service. Lovely restaurant.

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Popular dish

Calamari Fritti

808 Zone

4.8

4.8 (14)

$50 and over

Japanese

Foster City

About the restaurant

Getting tired of the same omakase experience? Too intimidated to even go to our first one? 808 Zone may be the perfect place for you!
With a contemporary kaiseki meets omakase fused with western inspiration and unexpected flavor combinations experience, your taste buds are surely to thank you for delighting them with something unique and different. Every dish aims to bring something innovative to the table while highlighting the freshness and beauty of the ingredients themselves.

Top review

Valerie

Dined 1 day ago

Delightful presentation, friendly chef and great service. A wonderful dining experience! Will definitely book again.

La Stanza Cucina Italiana

4.8

4.8 (565)

$30 and under

Italian

Menlo Park

About the restaurant

2020 We newly remodeled a warm and cozy Italian Sicilian restaurant we have two chefs owners in our kitchen preparing house made pasta and bread everyday please come and join us and taste our house made dishes. Angelo Cucco is from a small twon in Sicily and Miguel have ran a few kitchens in the peninsula come and let us make you feel a home

Top review

UnjiVIP

Dined 7 days ago

I had an absolutely wonderful dining experience here! The food was incredibly delicious—every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The service was equally impressive; the staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel truly welcomed. It’s clear they care about both the food they serve and their customers’ experience. This place has definitely earned a spot on my favorites list, and I can’t wait to come back!

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Popular dish

Arancini di Riso

Cafe Pro Bono

4.9

4.9 (1426)

$30 and under

Italian

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Cafe Pro Bono stands as Palo Alto's premier destination for exquisite Italian cuisine. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, we take pride in offering a diverse array of authentic and reasonably priced Italian and European dishes, each crafted with a dedication to freshness that is evident in every bite.

Whether you seek a romantic evening or a casual dinner, our menu features a wide selection of traditional dishes at accesible prices. From beautifully presented appetizers to homemade pastas, daily fresh seafood, quality meats, and indulgent desserts, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails we strive to ensure every visit is a memorable culinary experience.

Consider our Private Event Room for your next rehearsal dinner, birthday celebration, baby shower, family gathering or business meeting. Our full bar offers a variety of cocktails, including alongside domestic and international wines.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Cafe Pro Bono.

Buon Appetito!!!

Top review

JoyceVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Once again, we had an excellent experience at Cafe ProBono. Service was superb, food delicious and timely, and ambiance delightful. My favorite is the gorgonzola pear salad and horseradish salmon, but all our appetizers, entrees, and deserts were wonderful. Strongly recommend Cafe Pro Bono!!!

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Popular dish

Rigatoni

Divino Belmont

4.9

4.9 (1249)

$30 and under

Italian

Belmont

About the restaurant

Divino Ristorante serves delicious, authentic regional Italian cuisine, in a casually elegant and comfortable setting. Since first opening its doors on Ralston Avenue in Belmont, it has enjoyed rave reviews for its beautifully prepared and presented Italian fare and excellent service. Conveniently located on Ralston Avenue near El Camino Real, you can enjoy the freshest pasta, salads, seafood, veal, chicken and lamb dishes attractively presented with the experience of dining in Italy. Allow our professional staff to assist you in choosing the perfect wine from any region of Italy to perfectly complement your meal. For your next dinner with friends or family, or for a romantic dinner for two, you can count on Divino.

Top review

SylviaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

As always a wonderful experience. Good food, drinks and service. Divino is our neighborhood gem:).

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Mezza Luna Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3445)

$31 to $50

Italian

Half Moon Bay

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Princeton Inn building at Half Moon Bay Harbor, Mezza Luna offers an authentic Italian dining experience just minutes from Maverick's Beach. Celebrating over 30 years in business, we've been awarded Best Italian and Overall Restaurant by locals. Our specialties include homemade pastas, pizzas, and artisanal gelato, all crafted from authentic Italian family recipes. We use only the freshest local produce, seafood, and top-quality meats. Signature dishes include Insalata Mezza Luna, an organic green salad with fresh marinated seafood, and Ravioli Mezza Luna, homemade ravioli stuffed with mixed seafood. Enjoy our full bar by the cozy fireplace for a romantic evening, or book a window seat with harbor views. We also offer private venues for weddings, business gatherings, and special events. Located 20 miles south of San Francisco, Mezza Luna is a short drive from the Peninsula. Join us and discover why we're a beloved dining destination.

Top review

Louis

Dined 2 days ago

Mezza Luna has the best Italian food in San Mateo County. The setting is beautiful and the service is outstanding. This is go-to place for special events, ranging from tables for two to parties of 20 or more.

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Popular dish

Ravioli Mezza Luna

Rocca Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (1747)

$30 and under

Italian

Burlingame

About the restaurant

Inspired by classic Northern Italian cooking with California influences, Rocca Ristorante features delicious veal, chicken, seafood and house made pastas – the signature Osso Bucco is not to be missed! The breathtaking décor boasts a spectacular Florentine copper & bronze high ceiling, whimsical murals and an elaborate Venetian-style balcony, all set in an enchanting Tuscan inspired setting. Wine connoisseurs will be impressed with the extensive collection of Italian and domestic selections. With our winning combination of warm and impeccable service, simple yet creative dishes and a passion for detail, Rocca Ristorante is the perfect place for your next dining experience.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great dinner!!! We loved the food and waitress ~

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