Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pasta Moon restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5266)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 26 times today
A popular destination in Half Moon Bay for 30 years, Pasta Moon Restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine using the freshest local produce available- in fact, easily the finest dining on the coast; (and not the most expensive!). You'll find a cozy setting for lunch or dinner, surrounded by old arched casement windows which once brought light into the Burlingame Public Library, and you'll be served by an attentive and knowledgeable staff.
A photo of It's Italia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2050)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 23 times today
It’s Italia opened in 1997 as a San Francisco style trattoria and pizzeria serving gourmet pizzas, house pastas, and creative salads, always with a California Italian flavor.Thirteen years later, having moved into the beautiful Half Moon Bay Inn on Main Street Half Moon Bay, our menu has expanded to include seafood and meat selections from our rotisserie and mesquite grill, artful pastas and award winning pizza, creative salads and antipasti, and an array of house desserts. A Tuscan style courtyard patio with fireplaces and a fountain is ideal for large parties and receptions. Our full bar and locally famous bartenders create a lively social ambience nightly. Over one hundred fifty bottles line up on our wine list from Italy, California, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
A photo of Mezza Luna Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3426)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 20 times today
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.
A photo of La Costanera restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3907)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 19 times today
Experience the culinary richness of Peru at La Costanera, a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant opened its doors October 2, 2009. The scenic California coast in Half Moon Bay, overlooks the Pillar Point Harbor with sweeping views of the beach and ocean. Just a short, beautiful drive from San Francisco (25 miles). The space is grand, with 180 degree windows, two stories, and a large outdoor terrace. We offer a full bar, domestic and imported Peruvian beers and a hand selected wine list. Come try our Pisco Sour – a classic Peruvian cocktail – and experience all that La Costanera has to offer...
A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1836)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 41 times today
Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo is a neighborhood gem. Known for its modern Italian cuisine, guests rave about the 'super high quality' and 'exceptional' food. The 'fabulous' service and 'beautiful' ambiance are also frequently mentioned in reviews. As one reviewer put it, 'This place is a GEM! Foods are amazing!' Another stated, 'Always amazing. High quality food and the best service!'
A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1693)
Price: Expensive
• American • San Mateo
Booked 14 times today
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.
A photo of Mykonos Meze restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(989)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Burlingame
Booked 49 times today
Meze is a traditional culture. From small gatherings for lunch or dinner having different mezes small sample like plates on the table to enjoy with a glass of wine or a cocktail.Mykonos Meze is established in 2020 and set within one of the beautiful and trendy restaurants of downtown Burlingame , in Lorton Ave. The restaurant offers a beautiful and friendly ambience for all occasions. The outdoor patio is perfect for long, relaxed lunches or dinners with friends surrounded by beautiful bougainvillea flowers over our white and blue walls which gives you a feel of sitting in a greek island.
A photo of Vivace - Belmont restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2384)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Belmont
Booked 31 times today
Translated from the Italian language, Vivace means "lively", which is exactly the ambiance at Vivace - Belmont where culinary creations join with excellent wines to celebrate the cuisine of Northern Italy. Highly regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Peninsula, Vivace Ristorante is located in the charming city of Belmont. The warm interior is designed as to permit the viewing of the talented chefs as they prepare an array of Italian dishes with emphasis in the regions of Piemonte and Toscana. With its exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, high level of service, and extensive wine list (2003-2019 Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence), Vivace creates a wonderful dining experience in which the gastronomia of Northern Italy is celebrated everyday!
A photo of Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4427)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 51 times today
Il Fornaio is renowned for its authentic award winning Italian cuisine. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Annual winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
A photo of Porterhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1673)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 25 times today
The renowned art of dry aging finally arrives in San Mateo, as our new dry aging window is now completed. We are proud to be the only restaurant on the Peninsula (In between San Francisco & San Jose) to have an in-house dry aging facility. Our new menu featuring these marvelous cuts of beef is now available.To accompany your steak, our Wine List celebrates the acclaimed wines of Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, France and Italy. In addition to our steak and chop offerings, our Chef provides for a daily selection of fresh fish and seafood.Whether you are having a romantic dinner, entertaining some friends and family, having a business meeting, or hosting a private party, we will provide you with the ideal setting for your next outing.*Please note that we have re-located 2 blocks away to 164 S B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We have been there 3 times now and every single time the food was exceptional. Every single item we have ordered salads, soup, appetizers, main courses and desserts were seasoned to perfection. I don't know how they do it, but it is always perfect. I fancy myself as quite a cook, but I am so impressed with their palates. The service is great, also, always there when you need them.
    More info
    Pasta MoonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Half Moon Bay
    4.7
  • Christian
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went for my boyfriends birthday, as a first timer it most definitely won’t be our last! The service from Ian was AMAZING of itself but the food was perfect! Such an awesome experience and we cannot wait to come back with friends and family.
    More info
    House of Prime RibPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • JoAnne
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were seated promptly from friendly and professional staff . The food was exceptional and your staff was exceptional as well. Perfect place to eat when we are staying in town. Always are recommended to our friends.
    More info
    Mezza Luna RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Half Moon Bay
    4.7
  • Paigevip
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fabulous experience. Wonderful decor and unique art depicting idyllic scenes of Peruvian village, the food exceeded our expectations, flavorful with fresh ingredients perfectly handled
    More info
    La CostaneraPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• Half Moon Bay
    4.5
  • Annevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    Such a delightful place! A group of 8 ladies met there today for lunch. It was a warm and cozy spot on a drizzly day. Our server was a delight: friendly and welcoming, professional yet completely charming. She provided great insight on the dishes. The food and service were spot on. We will definitely be back. Don’t miss this restaurant!
    More info
    It's ItaliaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Half Moon Bay
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Half Moon Bay

Discover the hidden treasures of Half Moon Bay's dining scene with our curated list of "neighborhood gem" restaurants, perfectly nestled in the scenic Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area. These establishments are celebrated for their unique charm, exceptional service, and commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience. Each restaurant captures the essence of local culture, offering menus enriched with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a flair that reflects the coastal beauty of their surroundings. The dining atmosphere in Half Moon Bay is distinctly laid-back yet sophisticated, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and culinary delight. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering with friends, these neighborhood gems provide the perfect backdrop with their inviting ambiance and innovative cuisine. Explore our selections to experience the best of local dining where every meal is served with a view and a touch of local history. This guide ensures that every recommendation not only meets but exceeds the expectations of gastronomes looking for authentic, high-quality dining experiences in Half Moon Bay.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo