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Central Park Bistro

181 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401-4003
650-558-8401
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Ranked #5 of 202 restaurants in San Mateo
Price range: RM90 - RM90
Cuisines: Seafood
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Restaurant details
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: Ellsworth Street
Description: Central Park Bistro is a 100 seat contemporary restaurant in downtown San Mateo featuring fresh seasonal American cuisine, in the $15-$26 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.
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17 reviews from our community

94% Recommend
    13
    3
    1
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
San Mateo, California
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 December 2012

The food here is always delicious. Can be a little pricey, but often well worth it. Service is very nice and the atmosphere is very nice! Lovely spot for a special dinner.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by Kathleen B for San Mateo
California
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2012

We've been to this restaurant several times in the past few years, whenever we're in the area and its always good. Frankly, we've never had a bad meal. Best of the best is the lamb chops, the shirt steak, the scallops and any of the pasta dishes, And there is always someone in our group that will order dessert, and... More

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Top Contributor
128 reviews 128 reviews
121 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 December 2012

In a town with a lot of peruvian, chinese, japanese there are only a few places doing "standard" californian fare (cal/ital/french). Central Park Bistro is one of them, and it's pretty good. You won't be blown away with the most awesome meal you've ever had, but you'll get very tasty, filling, interesting dishes. Full bar, often a little crowded, and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 11 more reviews by bbulkow for San Mateo
San Francisco, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 September 2012

We were looking for a romantic restaurant that wasn't in San Francisco. Upon doing a search for "romantic restaurants in San Mateo County," Central Park Bistro came up more than once. We made a reservation for that evening and headed down. We were greeted warmly by the host and given a choice of tables as we were dining earlier in... More

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Bay Area
Top Contributor
447 reviews 447 reviews
366 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 123 cities Reviews in 123 cities
155 helpful votes 155 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 August 2012

New American Nice ambience Great wine list and very good house wines Tasty salads and house bread Great paella and pasta dishes Good food service by Giorgio

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See 27 more reviews by Rosquete for San Mateo
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 July 2012 via mobile

Great food and atmosphere. Prices not too bad either. Some seating outside but limited. Will definitely eat there again.

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Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
59 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 June 2012 via mobile

If you are looking for a place to take your love interest, best friend, favorite relatives, or hold a private party the Central Park Bistro is an intelligent choice. It is an elegant restaurant that lends itself to casual dining with its quaint outdoor seating and tastefully appointed interior is perfectly complemented by their eclectic menu selection that reflects the... More

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Sam Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012

The food was great. We had a duck pasta and scallops and mushroom soup and it was all perfect. The mushroom soup seemed to have maybe bacon and we were not told (and did not ask) so it would not suit everyone.

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See 2 more reviews by MadatAA for San Mateo
San Mateo, CA
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 March 2012

We made or first visit to Central Park Bistro after passing by it for several years. We had a party of six and all the dinners were excellent. We had the skirt steak, lamb chops and scallops and all were well prepared and delicious. The service was great and the wine list was well planned. The total bill for six... More

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cleveland
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
24 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 September 2011

Excellent California-style fine dining using the freshest of ingredients. I had the prawns and fresh Halibut; both were exceptional. Great atmosphere and moderately priced, quality wines

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See 2 more reviews by rm84fm for San Mateo

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