Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Peninsula

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Peninsula? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Velvet 48 Wine Bar

5.0

5 (85)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Burlingame

About the restaurant

Velvet 48 is a premium wine bar in downtown Burlingame started by 20-year wine industry veteran, Jason Cooper. We offer over 40 wines by the glass, 1100 wines by the bottle, a cultivated beer selection, and a variety of delicious savory and sweet small plates.

We have wines across every price point so there is something for everyone, from the casual wine drinker to the wine aficionado, who will be impressed by a wine collection that houses some of the finest wines in the world. We aim to cultivate an experience for our guests that starts with a complimentary splash of our house label, Velvet 48 Sparkling wine, followed by outstanding service from our Wine Specialists to guide you through our expansive list. We offer a discount of 25% off bottles purchased TO GO.

Due to the nature of our alcoholic license, we are unable to allow anyone under 21 on the premises, including infants.

Thank your for your understanding.

Top review

Michael

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Hundreds of wines to choose, from local to worldwide. Knowledgable and friendly staff, chic tasting room, always great vibes and good tunes spinning when we visit Velvet 48!

Vaso Azzurro

4.9

4.9 (669)

$31 to $50

Italian

Mountain View

About the restaurant

We are known for our authentic and fresh Northern Italian fare made daily with only the finest ingredients. With a variety of satisfying and unique dishes, we have something for every type of taste preferences. Our "feel at home" staff and intimate atmosphere filled with upscale Mediterranean decor makes us a great place to take a date or the whole family.

Top review

Sudha

Dined on May 11, 2025

Very friendly and awesome Food - both vegan, vegetarians and omnivores were all equally happy

INDO Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

4.8 (1156)

$31 to $50

Asian

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

INDO Restaurant & Lounge is conveniently located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our culinary vision is of two goals to introduce authentic Indonesian dishes lead by Indonesian native Chef DeCuisine Diana Anwar and offer interpretations of California/French cooking methods via a collaboration between Executive Chef Tommy & Chef Deanna. Our lounge offers craft cocktails made with fresh juices and premium spirits while also showcasing a unique international wine list.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined on May 21, 2025

Delicious food and great service! Attention to GF items was great

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (2153)

$50 and over

Seafood

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

NEW POLICY
In order to enhance the overall guest experience, we will no longer be admitting children under the age of 7, with the exception of Mother's Day Brunch, when guests of all ages are welcome. (This policy does not apply to private events.)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and our team will be delighted to assist you.

About The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse
The Sea is the Bay Area’s premier seafood destination, where exquisite flavors from the sea are elevated through modern techniques and artistry. Chef Pratik Mungre blends contemporary cuisine with Japanese sensibility to transform each dish into something truly extraordinary. Experience the finest seafood in a setting designed to deliver the ultimate dining experience.

Top review

DanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The $$$$# is no joke. Food was delicious, service excellent. Take out a second mortgage before going.

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4.8

4.8 (188)

$50 and over

Sushi

Mountain View

About the restaurant

Here at Sushi Jin, we honor the continued tradition of the Edomae-style and incorporate new elements and the highest-quality ingredients into our menu today as we combine old traditions with new ideas. Our unique style inherits the taste that has been passed down from multiple generations and embraces the unique flavors to elevate the modern palette. Sushi is truly the connection between the heart and soul of Japanese food.. “eating the memory of each season”.

Top review

JEROME

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing dinner out. We did a chef's choice and it did not disappoint. Teas were perfect. Sake menu was vibrant. The food was very high quality.

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Experience

Dining Room Omakase Tasting Menu - $155 per person

Experience

Sushi Bar Omakase Tasting - $155 per person

Spasso

4.7

4.7 (1391)

$30 and under

Italian

San Carlos

About the restaurant

Spasso features Italian, Mediterranean cuisine and Tapas. Spasso has been a new favorite neighborhood destination located in San Carlos on Laurel Street. Spasso features an extensive Napa Valley and Italian wine selection, and a full bar with specialized cocktails are available. Our waitstaff are consistently friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. And, the atmosphere is lively and exciting.

Top review

PatriciaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our go-to restaurant. Have never been disappointed. Very busy evening with in-house diners and takeout, which did not effect our food, drink or service in a negative fashion. Staff worked very well together. Minestrone Soup, Walnut Crusted Pork Chop and Chicken Wrapped in Pancetta were absolutely wonderful. Have been dining at Spasso's for a number of years now with pure delight!

Rasa

4.7

4.7 (393)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Indian

Burlingame

About the restaurant

ONE MICHELIN STAR 2016 - 2021
At RASA our philosophy is simple. Our goal is to convey our enthusiasm and passion for southern Indian coastal cuisine in a way which gives you a perspective on our hunt for perfect ingredients, techniques and deep rooted desire to present this unique cuisine which is a perfect weaving of traditional Indian techniques and modern flavors.

Progressive “Southern Indian Cuisine” inspired by recipes from home cooks to royal chefs of Indian Maharajas using freshest, finest and healthiest locally grown produce, sustainable seafood and free range poultry & meat. RASA’s menu embodies an unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes from southern coastal states. A unique marriage of organic, local ingredients with southern Indian spices and artisanal techniques.

Here you will find an exquisite range of traditional, contemporary and wellness inspired dishes that are created with flair and respect for ingredients.

Top review

Ayan

Dined on May 18, 2025

Their chicken butter masala was really bad. Just lumps of chicken. The other items were ok. The duck biriyani really good.

Caffe Riace

4.5

4.5 (283)

$30 and under

Italian

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Established in 1997, Caffe Riace, a robust Palo Alto trattoria, offers conviviality, homemade specialties and family-style warmth. Caffe Riace, one of many fine restaurants in the California Avenue area, is family owned and operated and features outdoor dining on it's spacious private piazza. Every dish is made with honest expertise. Caffe Riace is also a popular venue for wedding receptions, business meetings, graduations and other special events. If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, we offer private dining rooms accommodating up to 40 guests. Our patio can host up to 200 guests and is a wonderful venue for dining experience.

Top review

Chris

Dined 1 day ago

The food is very good. We had the halibut special and the chicken Marsala - both delicious! All staff are very efficient & friendly. Our server (Nicholas) is just amazing! :-)

Sapore Italiano

4.3

4.3 (986)

$30 and under

Italian

Burlingame

About the restaurant

Sapore Italiano is a relaxed Italian eatery known for its tasty bread and hearty cuisine. The restaurant serves everything, from pizzas and salads, to veal scaloppine Marsala and tiger prawns with a basil and white wine sauce. Try Sapore Italiano's homemade meat lasagna or signature insalata Sapore with greens, chicken breast, raisins and sliced apples in a balsamic vinaigrette for lunch. Sapore Italiano's dinner menu includes irresistible antipasti like carpaccio Veneto with raw beef, shaved Parmesan, arugula, Dijon mustard, olive oil and lemon. The restaurant's rigatoni with ground sausage and vegetarian pizza are both standout dishes. A large wine list includes a nice variety of Italian and Californian wines. Sapore Italiano also serves gluten-free and whole wheat pastas.

Top review

James

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and cocktails. Excellent customer service. Elio is the best

ROOH Palo Alto

4.1

4.1 (295)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Indian

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

ROOH Palo Alto explores open fire cooking in combination with regional flavors. A style of cooking that lends incredible complexity to the simplest of flavors.Wood fired cooking is a cornerstone of Indian food preparations and Chef Sujan Sarkar delves into the exploration of what is already well known, familiar but bringing it into the contemporary world. Offering a taste and appreciation for India, all of India, capturing the beautiful intricacies of its diversity for a unique communal dining experience.
ROOH’s mixology team has created 9 brand new seasonal cocktails based on Ayurveda and its six tastes, or rasas The conceptual cocktails infuse the signature smokiness of the wood fired grill and the story telling culture of India. Californian ingredients shine through, as the cocktails evoke the spirit of different Indian cities with their regional inspired names

Top review

Gaurav

Dined 6 days ago

Great ambience and food. Made necessary accommodation when requested.

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