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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Carlos

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Spasso restaurant
1. Spasso
4.5
Awesome(1377)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Carlos
Booked 6 times today
Sasso, located in San Carlos, is a crowd-pleaser for its excellent service and delicious Italian cuisine. It's known for its extensive wine selection and attentive staff. Reviewers often mention the great food and ambiance, with many praising it as one of their favorite local restaurants. With high ratings across the board, it's definitely worth the drive.
A photo of Rustic House - San Carlos restaurant
2. Rustic House - San Carlos
4.7
Exceptional(282)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • San Carlos
Booked 5 times today
Rustic House Oyster Bar and Grill specializes in seafood cuisine. Dishes may include freshwater fish. The concept may focus upon the preparation and service of fresh seafood. We also offer additional American non-seafood items such as chicken, beef, and pasta dishes.
A photo of Hurrica Restaurant & Bar restaurant
3. Hurrica Restaurant & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(535)
Price: Expensive
• American • Redwood City
Booked 22 times today
As the only waterfront dining experience, with front-row view of the Award-Winning Westpoint Harbor Marina, you will enjoy serene delightful and casual-elegant dining experience in the Redwood City.Named after the famous and majestic Hurrica V sailboat, the design inspiration of teak wooden walls evoke a sense of warmth and Executive Chef Justin Baade took his love of 'live-fire' cooking by building a custom hearth offering seafood, steak and vegetables either smoked, grilled or cooked in the embers. Housing the largest, privately owned jellyfish tank, it's a memorizing experience to see the baby jellyfish upclose and personal.Take a moment to enjoy the custom artwork from various artists and mediums such as wired fish artwork from the Wirelady, or commissioned mosaic artpiece by Angelina Duckett, even our restrooms are a work of art! We want our guests to have a unique and immersive experience, no only culinary but visually!
A photo of Waterside Grill + Lounge restaurant
4. Waterside Grill + Lounge
4.8
Exceptional(116)
Price: Moderate
• Global, International • Redwood City
Booked 3 times today
Join us for a relaxing and memorable experience at Waterside Grill + Lounge. Our locally inspired seasonal menu, creative cocktail offerings, global plates and unmatched hospitality on the San Francisco waterfront provide the recipe for a great meal. With an innovative culinary and mixology team ready to cater to your every need, you’ll easily see why we are the premier destination in Redwood Shores. Our large outdoor terrace provides for unmatched al fresco bar and restaurant experience. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, we welcome you to our table.
A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo restaurant
5. Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo
4.4
Awesome(2992)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Mateo
Booked 20 times today
Whether you’re chatting over a flavorful roasted chicken salad or sipping a merlot as your hand-cut blackened ribeye is mesquite grilled over a live fire, Paul Martin’s American Grill is the ideal place to impress or decompress. Located in the Hillsdale Shopping Center, our restaurant offers classic American cuisine set to a higher standard. Sink into plush seating in our polished yet welcoming dining room and experience the remarkable hospitality that makes dining with us an event.
A photo of La Viga Seafood restaurant
6. La Viga Seafood
4.5
Awesome(344)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Redwood City
Booked 6 times today
La Viga Seafood is a gem in Redwood City that's worth the drive. With rave reviews for its 'exceptional' food, 'good service', and 'fresh ingredients', it's a go-to spot for Mexican fusion cuisine. One reviewer mentioned, 'if you want to try Mexican fusion food this is the place', while another said 'we will be back'. The ambiance is described as 'artsy and casual', and the menu includes a variety of inventive dishes like coconut-crusted prawns, sauteed octopus and calamari, and Yucatan-style braised pork. So, whether you're in for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, La Viga Seafood is a must-visit.
A photo of The Refuge - San Mateo restaurant
7. The Refuge - San Mateo
4.8
Exceptional(106)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • San Mateo
Booked 5 times today
As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, The REFUGE specializes in hand-carved, ultra tender, boldly flavored navel pastrami which is sending shockwaves throughout the gastronomic consciousness of patrons who call it “the greatest this planet will see in some time.” The REFUGE boasts the world’s best Belgian and Craft Beer on draught (24 in San Mateo) in the Bay Area, with many more by bottle.Since 2008, the REFUGE has been providing protection for many East Coast street food classics especially the hand-carved navel pastrami. But wait, just for good measure, we grind our own blend of hamburger on a daily basis as well as procure our own Ribeye Blend for our Authentic CheeseSteaks. We also offer honest Old World wine, dazzling salads and eclectic appetizers. Casual connoisseurs unite! This place is the real deal. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a raging evening, a private event, take-out or delivery, the REFUGE experience is unlike any other place at any one time.
A photo of Angelicas restaurant
8. Angelicas
4.8
Exceptional(741)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Redwood City
Booked 9 times today
Angelicas is a family-operated business and is located in the historic district of downtown Redwood City, come visit us Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or weekend brunch. Our Executive Chef Angelica, offers a unique style of California cuisine with Latin Flair. Dishes are vibrant and full of flavor. Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm, Tuesday to Friday.
A photo of Mistral Restaurant & Bar - Redwood City restaurant
9. Mistral Restaurant & Bar - Redwood City
4.4
Awesome(1313)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Redwood City
Booked 3 times today
Mistral’s California cuisine focuses on serving the best local ingredients available. Mistral is a destination restaurant for anniversaries & birthdays, and has an off-the-beaten-path ambiance with year-‘round patio dining and water views, an outdoor fireplace, and plenty of outside heaters. Two private rooms and the covered patio are available for private dining, business dinners, banquets, cocktail parties, weddings, and special events.A note on waterfront tables:WE DO NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONSWe kindly ask that you and your party follow our dining limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes on our waterfront tables.Your time limit starts from your reservation time.
A photo of Cafe Florian restaurant
10. Cafe Florian
4.2
Awesome(337)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foster City
Booked 7 times today
Cafe Florian is well worth the drive, as attested by its high ratings in reviews. Customers rave about the excellent service, delicious food, and beautiful ambiance, especially during holidays. Many recommend it as a priority for special gatherings. The seafood, sushi, and desserts are especially noted as standouts.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Samantha
    St. Louis •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Amazing food. Amazing place. Overall 10/10 experience.
    More info
    Rustic House - San CarlosPrice: Expensive• Seafood• San Carlos
    •
    4.7
  • Bethvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Delicious house salad, and brick chicken
    More info
    Paul Martin's American Grill - San MateoPrice: Moderate• American• San Mateo
    •
    4.4
  • JanIce
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was raining. A manager meet us with umbrellas outside One friend was ushered in as she was using a walker and I used the other brought out to me to help the other 88 year old friend. We were ushered to the table chairs were pulled out for us to be seated!! Never have I felt so cared about. The hospitality was amazing! There is a tranquility and peace in the eloquent but casual environment overlooking the harbor and water On one wall separating the bar from the dining area is a huge aquarium where jellyfish float aimlessly The food served for lunch was excellent ! Thank you for a wonderful time We will be back!!!! Jan P
    More info
    Hurrica Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• American• Redwood City
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    California Central Coast •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We have been there 3 times now and every single time the food was exceptional. Every single item we have ordered salads, soup, appetizers, main courses and desserts were seasoned to perfection. I don't know how they do it, but it is always perfect. I fancy myself as quite a cook, but I am so impressed with their palates. The service is great, also, always there when you need them.
    More info
    Pasta MoonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Half Moon Bay
    •
    4.7
  • Vivekananda
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 16, 2024
    This restaurant was a great little find. Great food, great staff and ambience. Really cute little find.
    More info
    Pausa Bar & CookeryPrice: Expensive• Italian• San Mateo
    •
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in San Carlos

Discover the culinary gems of San Carlos, nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area's Peninsula, where dining options are worth the drive. The restaurants in this locale stand out for their exceptional quality, offering a variety of cuisines that cater to different palates. Each establishment reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, from exquisite plating to superb service, ensuring a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The local dining scene in San Carlos is vibrant and diverse, attracting food enthusiasts from across the Bay Area with its unique blend of flavors and remarkable culinary craftsmanship. These restaurants not only provide a feast for the taste buds but also offer a pleasant ambiance that complements the overall dining experience. Whether you're craving innovative dishes or comforting classics, San Carlos offers dining destinations that promise a memorable meal, truly making them 'worth the drive.' This summary aims to guide food lovers through the top picks of San Carlos, ensuring every visit is as delightful as the last.

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