Central Park Bistro

Name: Central Park Bistro
Address: 181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, United States, 94401
Telephone: (650) 558-8401
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1732 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Make a reservation

2 people

May 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for groups

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.

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

Private dining

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

Wood Owen Roasted Bell Pepper – $16.00
Served with Goat Cheese, Basil Oil & Crostini
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-$18.00
Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Red Chili Sauce & Wasabi
Duck Spring Rolls – $16.00
Served with Sweet Chili Sauce
Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$22.00
Grilled Lemon, Celery, Red Onion & Oregano-Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato – $18.00
Burrata Cheese, Pesto, Basil, Crostini & Balsamic Reduction
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$16.00
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

Grilled Chicken Sandwich$24.00
Bell Pepper, Goat Cheese, Arugula & Tomato Aioli
Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole Sandwich$26.00
Caper Berry Aioli, Slice Tomato & Lettuce
Skirt Steak – $28.00
Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Mozzarella Cheese & Green Garlic Mayo
Hamburger$26.00
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
Heirloom Tomato Pizza-$24.00
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil Leaves, Garlic & Balsamic
Smoked Salmon$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$26.00
Trumpet Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pesto GF
Grilled Salmon$32.00
Organic Green Salad, Red Onion, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Fingerling Potatoes & Basil Oil
Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$36.00
Mango, Cucumber, Avocado, Arugula Salad & Teriyaki Glaze
Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - $30.00
Shaved Asparagus, Chives, Vodka Cream Sauce
Grilled Skirt Steak$38.00
French Fries, Arugula Salad & Red Wine Demi Glaze
Duck Ragout$30.00
Shell Pasta, Gremolata, Mire-Poix & Veal Red Wine Sauce
Spaghetti Meatballs$26.00
All Beef Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, Fresh Basil, Marinara Sauce & Parmesan
Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$30.00
Truffle Cream Sauce, Crispy Mushroom & Saba Glaze
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00
Mushroom Risotto - $28.00
Hen of The Wood Mushrooms, Asparagus, Green Peas & Drizzle Truffle Oil
Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - $28.00
Roasted Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts & Marsala Wine Sauce

What 1,732 people are saying

Central Park Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro offers an inviting atmosphere with "excellent food" and "superb wine selection." Guests rave about "attentive service" and a diverse menu that satisfies all tastes. Highlights include flavorful mushroom risotto and perfectly cooked lamb chops. Ideal for special occasions, this San Mateo gem consistently provides "memorable" dining experiences.

1,732 Reviews

S
Shubham
San Francisco1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a pleasant experience. Appetizers and Entree were quite delicious. We didn’t like the wood oven pizza, and the drinks were average. The restaurant provided cozy atmosphere for our group without much noise or disturbances. Server and host both continuously attended to our table, re-filling our glasses and taking orders at frequent intervals. Overall recommended.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zandalee
Los Angeles3 reviews
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Overall poor experience. My mom and I walked in and despite clearly having many open tables tried to sit us at the worst table in the house. Right across from the kitchen in the back. Which would be bad enough but out comment that it was my mom's birthday that we were celebrating. Saw them do the same thing to some ladies that came in with a reservation. Our server had way too much cologne. The food was meg at best. The crabcakes were not fresh, octopus over cooked. Presentation of food was beautiful. Beyond that not much good to say about the restaurant. Will not be coming back.
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R
Rob VIP
San Francisco16 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always love going to CPB. Food is excellent. Wine selection is superb and the service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
San Francisco57 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A consistently good experience. Attentive service and a broad menu with something for everyone.
Is this helpful?
J
Jerry VIP
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I can’t say enough about how good the service was. It was our first time here and yet we were made to feel so welcome. It was like eating at a family members house. The waiters were attentive and got every detail right. It showed that they cared about the food, drinks, and presentation. They allowed time for us to eat and talk without interruptions but also were spot on when we needed something. Also there was a party going on in the back but never was it bothersome or pulling away from our experience. I look forward to coming back and trying more on the menu. Thank you guys for the great experience.
Is this helpful?
K
Khristine
San Francisco27 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The salmon entree was delicious! The servers are attentive without being overbearing. Very busy for a week night! Prices are high considering the location.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael VIP
San Francisco43 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great food, great service, big thumbs up. I would recommend Central Park for lunch or dinner.
Is this helpful?
B
Bianca
Phoenix1 review
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great experience at this restaurant! Making a reservation was super easy, but it didn’t seem too busy for a Saturday night, so I imagine walk-ins would be fine too. The service was impeccable — our server really impressed me by bringing a surprise drink (I have no idea what it was, but it was absolutely delicious!). Both dishes we ordered were also amazing. We’ll definitely be coming back!
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J
Jennifer VIP
Vancouver19 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 24, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot in San Mateo! The service was great, the food was good and the music wasn’t too loud.
Is this helpful?
H
Hua VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is excellent as always. The mushroom risotto is flavorful, clam chowder is more on the delicate side which we liked, and calamari is crispy and juicy.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Central Park Bistro is rated 4.7 stars by 1732 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

May 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

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

About this restaurant

Additional information

Dining Room

Custom inquiry

Key Lime Pie

Seared Scallops

Calamari

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

Wood Owen Roasted Bell Pepper – $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-$18.00

Duck Spring Rolls – $16.00

Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus$22.00

Heirloom Tomato – $18.00

Calamari$18.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi $14.00

Artichoke Beignets$14.00

Mediterranean Spiced Beef Meatballs$16.00

Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Sandwich$24.00

Herb Crusted Seared Petrale Sole Sandwich$26.00

Skirt Steak – $28.00

Hamburger$26.00

Wood Oven Pizzas

Mushroom$24.00

Proscuitto di Parma & Salami Finocchiona$26.00

Heirloom Tomato Pizza-$24.00

Smoked Salmon$26.00

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$26.00

Grilled Salmon$32.00

Fennel Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna$36.00

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Ravioli - $30.00

Grilled Skirt Steak$38.00

Duck Ragout$30.00

Spaghetti Meatballs$26.00

Veal Ossobuco Ravioli$30.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00

Mushroom Risotto - $28.00

Fulton Valley Chicken Breast - $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

Additional information