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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

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25 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of It's Italia restaurant
1. It's Italia
4.9
Exceptional(2122)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 12 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 La Costanera restaurant
2. La Costanera
4.6
Exceptional(3973)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Half Moon Bay
Booked 26 times today
Experience the culinary richness of Peru at La Costanera, a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant. La Costanera opened its doors October 2, 2009, now residing on the scenic California coast in Half Moon Bay, overlooking Pillar Point Harbor. Just a short and beautiful drive from San Francisco. The space is grand, with 180 degree windows, two stories, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits and heaters.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 Stella Burlingame restaurant
3. Stella Burlingame
4.6
Exceptional(52)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 29 times today
Stella Burlingame is a culinary gem in the heart of Burlingame, bringing the flavors of the Alps to California. Under Chef Matteo Ferrari's guidance, the menu offers a rich gastronomic journey featuring braised meats, velvety risottos, tantalizing pastas, and comforting ragus. Highlights include Chef Matteo's signature Veal Osso Buco over Mascarpone Polenta and Nonna's Housemade Potato Gnocchi. Stella Burlingame is committed to authenticity, honoring the pasta traditions of Northern Italy while incorporating rustic flavors from mountainous regions. Each dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation. To enhance your dining experience, Stella offers an extensive Full Bar with expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of Italian and California wines. The attentive staff is ready to guide you through this unforgettable culinary adventure.
A photo of Twelvemonth restaurant
4. Twelvemonth
4.5
Awesome(689)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Burlingame
Booked 10 times today
Twelvemonth is a gem in Burlingame's neighborhood, serving up delicious, 100% plant-based Californian cuisine. The eatery is praised for its unique and creative menu, gorgeous interior design, and excellent service. Customers have described the restaurant as a 'beautiful jewel box', 'vibrant and beautiful new space' and 'gorgeous, delicious local restaurant'. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and its aim to foster genuine connections further cement its status as a neighborhood gem.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Burlingame restaurant
5. Il Fornaio - Burlingame
4.6
Exceptional(4535)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 23 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 Luceti's on 25th Avenue restaurant
6. Luceti's on 25th Avenue
4.7
Exceptional(958)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Mateo
Booked 2 times today
A taste of Tuscany and local treasure that is simply delicious. For over three decades, Luceti's has served Italian cuisine created by world class chef and awarded San Franciscan, Roger Bertola. Founder of the legendary Doro's, Ruggero's and master chef of Fior and the Iron Horse. Mr. Bertola was also the personal chef to generals Eisenhower and Paton. Today, Luceti's owners carry on the same tradition and cuisine that was started by Dr. Ron Luceti in 1984. Luceti's is a great place for private parties and business meetings.
A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant
7. Park & Howard Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(1388)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Burlingame
Booked 17 times today
Park & Howard Bistro located on the corner of Park and Howard Ave in Burlingame CA and featuring fresh seasonal American cuisine. We offer a carefully chosen eclectic world wide wine list. Park & Howard Bistro has a decidedly understated rustic motif, linen tables clothes, hardwood floors, intimate leather booths , & rich mahogany wood accents and is an affordable sophisticated, fun dining experience. Park & Howard Bistro also has intimate private dining rooms perfect for that corporate presentation, business meeting, wedding rehearsal dinner, retirement celebrations ,anniversary dinner, or any special function you may have in mind. Check out our private wine cellar room which seats up to 12 people for that extra special dining experience. The lunch menu is full of wonderful seasonal pairings salads, sandwiches and entrees. Service is approachable, knowledgeable, attentive and friendly, in a comfortable atmosphere
A photo of Porterhouse restaurant
8. Porterhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1772)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • San Mateo
Booked 10 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
A photo of Amara restaurant
9. Amara
4.5
Awesome(27)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Belmont
Booked 5 times today
Step into Amara, where Mediterranean artistry meets timeless elegance. Led by Chef Brett and a Michelin-distinguished team, Amara offers a sun-kissed escape in the Peninsula. Inspired by Greece, Morocco, and Spain, our menu blends tradition with innovation.Indulge in dishes like smoked lamb tajine, black hummus with crispy smelt, and our signature caviar service, paired with a globally curated wine list. The 32 oz Tomahawk steak with za’atar butter is a masterpiece, while whole branzino and braised octopus evoke coastal Mediterranean flavors.Under Executive Sous Chef Linda, desserts shine—Labneh cheesecake, molten harissa chocolate cake, and baklava sundae with rose and pistachio.Nestled in the hills of Belmont along the 280 and 101 corridor, Amara is easily accessible yet beautifully secluded. A lush, candlelit courtyard invites you to linger under twinkling lights.Take a trip to island shores without leaving California.Amara is Paradise found, not for one day but every day.
A photo of Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame restaurant
10. Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame
4.7
Exceptional(1203)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Burlingame
Booked 3 times today
Welcome back Chef Rodriguez!As Chef Jose Rodriguez puts it aptly: ''When I am not in the kitchen cooking, I am experimenting and reinventing myself continually. I don't know any other way to feel alive.'' After a long hiatus, Chef Rodriguez returns to Trapeze where he always felt at home. Under a new management, Jose is granted the opportunity to express his creativity in his work freely. With years of experience and much amassed recognition in some of the most well known Michelin Star awarded restaurants in the Bay Area, we are all excited to see what wonders he will bring. ''In addition to my regular menu, I'm trying what I call approachable foods - simpler in some cases and more sophisticated creations in other'' said Mr. Rodriguez, who has been working as a private chef and caterer for over 20 years.For reservations larger than 10 or for private functions please contact the restaurant directly.

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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.

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