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 (1749)

$31 to $50

American

181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

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

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Popular dishes

Mix Green Salad$14.00
Brie Cheese, Cherry Tomato, Grilled Baguette & Balsamic Vinaigrette
House Made Soup of the Day$0.00
- Cup$7.00
Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00
Organic Mix Green, Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living Butter Lettuce$16.00
Bosc Pears, Gorgonzola Cheese, Golden Raisins & Champagne Vinaigrette
Caesar$14.00
Petite Romaine Heart, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing
Wood Owen Roasted Prawns – $20.00
Creamy Garlic Sauce & Crostini

Starters

Steak Tartare – $22.00
Chopped Filet Mignon (Raw), Capers, Red Onion, Dijon, Parsley, White Truffle 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 Sandwich– $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
Mozzarella, Basil Leaves, Garlic & Balsamic Glaze
Smoked Salmon$26.00
Thin Slices of Potatoes, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Capers & Chives

Entrées

Pasta made by Cauliflower$26.00
– Slow Cook Tomatoes, basil, Shallots, Pesto Garlic wine sauce & Brussels Sprouts Chips
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
Linguini Pasta – $40.00
Lobster Meat, Bay Scallops, Green Peas, Zucchini Strings & Lobster Sauce
Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00
Mushroom Risotto - $28.00
Hen of The Wood Mushrooms, Asparagus, Green Peas & Drizzle Truffle Oil

What 1,749 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
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Central Park Bistro delights with its "wonderful staff and service," consistently offering "excellent food" across a diverse menu. The "intimate ambiance" and "attentive service" enhance the dining experience, making it a reliable favorite. Guests rave about the standout dishes like the "Brussels sprouts appetizer" and unique specials, ensuring memorable visits.

1,749 Reviews

F
Francie VIP
San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always enjoy our meals here and are happy it’s in our neighborhood! Food and drinks are delicious and we often eat outside since we have a dog. Indoors is also very pleasant and you can choose to sit at the bar or at a table.
Is this helpful?
J
Jean-Marie VIP
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Central Park Bistro is a favorite. The staff and service is wonderful. The menu, although relatively static, is excellent. We will continue to go often.
Is this helpful?
A
Anmol
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very attentive staff, I had an amazing dining experience!
Is this helpful?
f
fred
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Quiet and Intimate venue…very attentive service. Mature clientele
Is this helpful?
C
Celeste
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely restaurant. Food was good. Service was excellent. We enjoyed the evening. Definitely will be back!
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara VIP
San Francisco Bay Area196 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food here is excellent and there are many unique dishes you don't see on all the other menus in town. The tagliatelle special (with short ribs and smoked tomatoes) was wonderful. The Brie and pear filo rolls are also great. Halibut entree very good. Tartare could have have a bit more seasoning but was fine.
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R
Roxanne
San Francisco Bay Area17 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always good food and service, best part is I can walk there! If you haven’t been there before you should probably give them a try!
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O
Oscar VIP
San Francisco Bay Area48 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is an outstanding restaurant you can rely to always get good food and good service !
Is this helpful?
R
Robert VIP
San Francisco Bay Area31 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pleasant interior, with attentive waiters. They had a (special) of Angel hair pasta, olive oil lemon sauce with crab and cherry tomatoes that was exquisitely done and delicious. The house mixed green salad was OK but had a large amount of salt. Who needs to add salt to a salad? If salt were needed it could easily be added by the diner! Overall a nice place, but you might need to bring a diuretic; depending on the dish.
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h
helen
San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent ambiance, food and service and a diverse menu to meet the needs of guests with varied appetites and special "dietary "needs! Accommodated our request for a quiet table, though we ate early on a weeknight at 6:30. Will return to this restaurant without hesitation!
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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 4.7 stars by 1749 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 12 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

Skirt Steak Sandwich

Calamari

Salads

Mix Green Salad$14.00

House Made Soup of the Day$0.00

Wood Oven Roasted Red and Gold Beets$16.00

Living Butter Lettuce$16.00

Caesar$14.00

Wood Owen Roasted Prawns – $20.00

Starters

Steak Tartare – $22.00

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 Sandwich– $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

Linguini Pasta – $40.00

Chef's Choice Of Seasonal Vegetable Plate$28.00

Mushroom Risotto - $28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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