Central Park Bistro

4.8

1705 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for business meals
Good for special occasions

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ricardo Garcia
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Location
181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Cross street
Ellsworth Street
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Mix Green Salad$14.00
Brie Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Baguette & Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Made Soup of the Day$8.00
- Cup$7.00
Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00
Organic Mix Green, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living Butter Lettuce$16.00
Blood Orange, Pomegranate Seeds, Toasted Almonds & Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
Caesar$14.00
Petite Romaine Heart, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing

Starters

Duck Pâté–$16.00
Fig Compote, Toasted Bread & Balsamic Reduction
Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
Charcuterie
Breseola (Beef) - Coppa - Salame Finocchiona - Prosciutto Di Parma- Soprasetta - Served With Homemade Pickles, Mustard Grain & Broiche Bread
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- $14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Crab Cakes$20.00
Mango-Avocado Salsa, Lemon Aioli & Micro Greens
Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-$16.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Steak Tartare$21.00
Chopped Filet Mignon (Raw), Capers, Red Onion, Dijon, Parsley, White Truffle Oil &Crostini
Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$21.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls$14.00
Greek Yogurt-Mustard Honey Sauce
Wood Oven Roasted Prawns$16.00
Creamy Garlic Sauce & Crostini
Calamari$18.00
Fried Calamari With Maui Onion Rings, Artichokes, Chili Lime Aioli & Cocktail Sauce
Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00
Mascarpone-Cream Sauce, Toasted Almonds & Fried Sage
- Full$28.00
Artichoke Beignets$14.00
Served With Green Garlic Aioli
Mediterranean Spiced Beef Meatballs$18.00
Fresh Basil, Tomato Concasse, Parmesan Cheese & Marinara Sauce

Sandwiches

All Sandwiches Come With One Side Dish Included. We Can Also Offer Open Face or No Bun. Sides: Soup - Apple Cabbage Slaw - Cucumber Herb Salad, Mixed Green Salad, Onion Rings, Gremolata French Fries

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole$22.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Skirt Steak$24.00
Caramelized Onion, Mushrooms, Mozzarella Cheese & Green-Garlic Mayo
Portobello Mushroom$18.00
Organic Greens, Tomato & Pesto Aioli
Grilled Chicken$20.00
Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula & Tomato Aioli
Hamburger$22.00
Painted Hills Naturel Beef Burger & Cheddar Cheese

Wood Oven Pizzas

Gluten Free Pizza Available Add $3

Mushroom$24.00
Seasonal Mushrooms, Boschetto Tartufo Cheese, Arugula & Drizzle White Truffle Oil
Proscuitto di Parma & Salami Finocchiona$26.00
Marinara, Mozzarella Cheese& Fresh Basil Leaves
Three Cheese– Mozzarella - $24.00
Gorgonzola- Gruyere Cheese, Garlic Comfit & Sun Dried Tomato
Smoked Salmon$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$24.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto
Grilled Salmon$28.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$30.00
Arugula, French Beans, Egg, Avocado, Tomato &Champagne Vinaigrette
Paella$30.00
Chorizo, Chicken, Salmon, Prawns, Green Peas, Red Bell Pepper Served with Saffron Risotto
Grilled Australian Lamb Chops$48.00
Potato Cake, Goat Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Arugula & Pomegranate Glaze
- 2 Chops$30.00
- 3 Chops$38.00
- 4 Chops$44.00
Grilled Skirt Steak$34.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck Ragout$26.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Linguini Pasta$34.00
Lobster Tail Meat, Bay Scallops, Green Peas, Zucchini Strings & Lobster Sauce
Spaghetti Meatballs$24.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$26.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00

What 1,705 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro is a San Mateo gem, "always delicious" with "excellent food and service." Known for its elegant atmosphere and diverse menu, diners rave about dishes like filet mignon and ahi tuna poke. The staff's attentiveness and a cozy private dining option enhance the experience. Highly recommended for special occasions!

1,705 Reviews

V
Vicky
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Han is the best! We had a fantastic time — great food, service, and value. Make sure to look for him the next time you visit the restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
VIP
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Excellent food and service. I highly recommend Central Park Bistron
Is this helpful?
B
Brett
VIP
San Francisco
47 reviews
5.0
47 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great time at CPB. Veal ossobucco ravioli was outstanding.😋
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
San Francisco
51 reviews
5.0
51 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our book club enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch today at Central Park Bistro. We were fortunate to get a private room for the 6 of us. The ladies ordered crab cakes, the salmon entree, and 3 chicken sandwiches. All were delicious and we shared an order of beignets for dessert. Highly recommend this neighborhood gem!
Is this helpful?
C
C.
VIP
San Francisco
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to return and enjoy the delicious selections and friendly staff
Is this helpful?
J
JOHN
Central Coast
69 reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My party of 4 had a very enjoyable eveing at the Park Bistro. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. My request for a specific table was accommodated. All of the food was well recieved with the salads and the lobster ravioli getting the highest marks.
Is this helpful?
V
Vicky
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience! Staff is super attentive and friendly, love going there. Everything is delicious. Please continue to keep up the great work, cheers. :)
Is this helpful?
F
Fleur
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were a party of 5 for lunch over Thanksgiving weekend. The food was most impressive and excellent. There was some dis-connect in the service as we had to ask several times for the same thing. Language seemed to be a barrier. For each course all the flatware was removed and not consistently replaced for the next course. I would also comment on the way in which hot tea was served. There was no pot of hot water to accompany it just what was in the initial cup. For a serious tea drinker (and there were two at our table) this was wholly inadequate. We had to ask several times for more hot water which was a nuisance. They could step up on this detail. The food presentation was amazing and most memorable. Overall it was a good pick for our holiday get together.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
VIP
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Server Ozzie was quite attentive and we were very appreciative of his service
Is this helpful?
K
Keith
New York City
49 reviews
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Never had anything less than a wonderful meal here. Service is always attentive without being intrusive. And the noise level allows for conversation! Portions are good -- we both took some of our entrees home, although we did order apps and extra sides (highly recommend the Brussels sprouts chips).
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FAQs

Central Park Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 558-8401.

Central Park Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 1705 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Additional information

Cross street
Ellsworth Street
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Metered parking on street and large lot in back of restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ricardo Garcia
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.centralparkbistro.com/
Phone number
(650) 558-8401
Catering
We can recreate our menu or customize it to your needs. Please call for details.
Private party facilities
We are a family-owned restaurant that specializes in individual personalized service and simple home-style American cuisine, all in an intriguing and intimate environment. You'll be met by a seasoned staff, who are prepared to indulge your group with an extraordinary private dining experience.
Private party contact
Giorgio Yesilyurt: (650) 558-8401

Central Park Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Key Lime Pie

Seared Scallops

Grilled Filet Mignon

Salads

Mix Green Salad$14.00

House Made Soup of the Day$8.00

Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00

Living Butter Lettuce$16.00

Caesar$14.00

Starters

Duck Pâté–$16.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00

Charcuterie

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls- $14.00

Crab Cakes$20.00

Seaweed Wrapped Ahi Tuna-$16.00

Steak Tartare$21.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$21.00

Brie And Caramelized Pear in Filo Rolls$14.00

Wood Oven Roasted Prawns$16.00

Calamari$18.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00

Artichoke Beignets$14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef Meatballs$18.00

Sandwiches

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole$22.00

Skirt Steak$24.00

Portobello Mushroom$18.00

Grilled Chicken$20.00

Hamburger$22.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

Mushroom$24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami Finocchiona$26.00

Three Cheese– Mozzarella - $24.00

Smoked Salmon$26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$24.00

Grilled Salmon$28.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$30.00

Paella$30.00

Grilled Australian Lamb Chops$48.00

Grilled Skirt Steak$34.00

Duck Ragout$26.00

Linguini Pasta$34.00

Spaghetti Meatballs$24.00

Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$26.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Central Park Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Central Park Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Central Park Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information