Restaurants in San Carlos
Best Restaurants
Indian • $$
“This is the best Indian food I've ever had!
First off, the plating and presentation of everything is stunning! We had four appetizers and each looked too beautiful to eat. They were ALL the most delicious and flavorful bites!
We also got the lamb, butter paneer, daal makhani, and the jafrani kofta. Each one was amazing! I couldn't pick a favorite. I've eaten at many Indian food places in the Bay Area and this one outdoes all others with flavors, presentation, and service.
Let's talk about the service!! Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly, checked in to see how we liked everything, and even brought out a dessert for my dad after hearing it was his birthday. We really loved everyone we met there, especially Romeo who was so attentive and kind!
Make sure to visit here, even if just to share appetizers, it's worth it!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Afghan • $$
“Such a wonderful welcome by Michelle! The menu selection did not disappoint. Staff was super attentive & the cuisine options were quite delicious. Highly recommend!”
Restaurants with Delivery
Pizza • $$
“I ate at Pazzo on Wednesday and had a great experience. The restaurant is take out only. I ordered at the restaurant instead of on the phone. The staff were super friendly and helpful with recommendations. The order took about 20 minutes and we had a drink outside while waiting. I HIGHLY recommend the shrimp and grits. Over anything else on the menu! And I was told the gnocchi was amazing too iAnd of course the pizza is awesome!”
Indian • $$
“This is the best Indian food I've ever had!
First off, the plating and presentation of everything is stunning! We had four appetizers and each looked too beautiful to eat. They were ALL the most delicious and flavorful bites!
We also got the lamb, butter paneer, daal makhani, and the jafrani kofta. Each one was amazing! I couldn't pick a favorite. I've eaten at many Indian food places in the Bay Area and this one outdoes all others with flavors, presentation, and service.
Let's talk about the service!! Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly, checked in to see how we liked everything, and even brought out a dessert for my dad after hearing it was his birthday. We really loved everyone we met there, especially Romeo who was so attentive and kind!
Make sure to visit here, even if just to share appetizers, it's worth it!”
Coffee Roasteries • $
“Try their Nitro Crema cold brew. So good! The owners are so kind and friendly.”
Mexican • $
“Love this place so much! Some of the best tacos I've had in quite a while. I got 3 tacos. 2 al pastor and 1 asada. The meat is fresh and the right amount of flavor and the salsa on the tacos are perfect. What's nice is they also have a salsa bar where you can get a bag of ships and different salsas. Definitely going back again”
Chinese • $
“Fried chicken wing - Don't underestimate fried chicken wing, you can taste a good one compared to bad ones and this is one of the best I've had. Good garlic flavor and crispy fried flavor.Baked Spaghetti Bolognese - I was surprised how good this is. They use the good cheese and you can smell it. Crispy cheese on top and the sauce flavor is very good as well.Baked pork chop over rice - The sauce is above average. However, the pork chop could use more marinate, garlic and sesame oil. I think the pork chop they use is pork loin. Using more fatty pork will make it more tender and juicy.Portuguese style baked chicken rice - The flavor of the sauce actually was pretty good but I thought it taste a little sourness.All in all, I'm pretty impressed because I didn't expect it's this good.”
Afghan • $$
“Such a wonderful welcome by Michelle! The menu selection did not disappoint. Staff was super attentive & the cuisine options were quite delicious. Highly recommend!”
Brewery • $
“Great people and great food. There’s events every night. So fun”
Pizza • $
“The Pizza Guys team in San Carlos are amazing. They supported our school's snack shack. Quick delivery with hot pizza multiple times during an event. Exceptional service.”
Greek • $$
“+ The lamb shank was satisfactory. Their tzatziki was great.
- The hummus & pita bread were okay. The half plate was not properly cleaned. I felt a bit hot. They could turn on the air conditioner.”
Wine Bar • $$
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
Outdoor Dining
Wine Bar • $$
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
Italian • $$
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
Brewery • $$
“Fun place to meet friends on Fridays. Plenty of food options with food trucks and desserts plus great beer. Staff is always friendly. Great place for polite dogs, lots of seating.”
Pizza • $
“Ordered for delivery to my hotel. Arrived in 30 minutes, exactly as ordered, super hot, and really great pizza. Like Domino's on steroids. Highly recommended.”
Hawaiian • $$
“Great place to get together with friends & family. We had about 30 people for a family get together. Service was great. The outdoor patio was the perfect setting! Most of the food was outstanding. We are actually from Hawaii so we’re very critical about the food.”
Pubs • $
“One of the two best taprooms on the SF peninsula. If you know this one, you don't need me to tell you the other one, which is about 2 miles away. Like that place, AA has been getting better and better for the last decade or so. No food here though, it's all about the craft beer knowledge and vibe. Can't recommend a place more highly. Staff, music, and TVs showing classic 70s-90s films when there's no relevant sports on. This is the best there is .”
Pizza • $$
“To begin our Christmas season, the entire experience at Impasto was delightful and delicious. Franco was wonderful to speak with as well the entire staff was excellent... Grazie ”
Food Trucks
“got a bean and cheese pupusa which came with cabbage slaw and it was so yummy and a great deal for the price ($6.30). would come again! also there’s a shaded seating area too”
Hawaiian • $
“Title: Amazing Beef Short Ribs!
The beef short ribs here are incredible—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The Hawaiian-style atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is super friendly. If you’re a fan of beef short ribs, this place is a must-try. Highly recommend!”
Mediterranean • $
“Mediterranean delight offers delightful Mediterranean fare at a good price. I especially enjoy their falafel, shawarma, and kebobs. Their mango/guava juice is also really good.”
Salad • $
“Fresh and tasty! Don’t forget it’s healthy, too! Highly recommend!”
Italian • $$
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
Steak House • $$$
“Great food but expensive. It was a great treat for me. I did enjoy it.”
Brewery • $$
“Fun place to meet friends on Fridays. Plenty of food options with food trucks and desserts plus great beer. Staff is always friendly. Great place for polite dogs, lots of seating.”
Online Reservation Available
Chinese • $$
“We got the house dinner special for two. The water didn't taste so great but we were started off with the fried shrimp with sweet and sour sauce which was pretty good. I enjoyed the sizzling rice soup. I added hot oil to mine. Next we had our dinner which consisted of Mongolian Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and pork fried rice. All of the above were very tasty. The walnuts in the honey walnut shrimp dish were candied, crispy, and fresh ❤️ The ambiance was very relaxing and mellow. The music was jazzy and there was a virtual aquarium which I really enjoyed. I loved the mellow vibe and our waiter, Felix, was very sweet and helpful.❤️”
Wine Bar • $$
“It was the soft opening, so I understand they were still setting things up. Nice staff, and good service. Had them recommended items, and was not upset. Got the baked cheese appetizer and 12 oysters. Beautiful bar, and Mediterranean feel when sitting inside or outside. Will go back again”
Chinese • $$
“A lovely white tablecloth setting. Great service and delicious food. A lot like Wings in San Jose which is out of business now😭. So yes I love that we found King Chuan Restaurant 😍”
Thai • $$
“Best Thai place i have been too! Great food and even better owners!!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Fantastic night! Enjoyed Sema and her hospitality tremendously!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Really fun place a lot of l great people will definitely go back”
Steak House • $$$
“Hadn't been to Izzy's in years. After the wonderful dinner we experienced last night, I feel that missed out on an incredible dining experience for way too many years! I'll be returning soon.”
Mexican • $
“A Hidden Gem: IGuey Taqueria Delivers Unforgettable Mexican Cuisine and Heartfelt Service!
I've found my culinary home at IGuey Taqueria. This spot is an absolute hidden gem and highly underrated. If you haven't experienced the magic here, you're truly missing out! The food is simply amazing. Every dish bursts with vibrant flavors, transporting you straight to Mexico. The carnitas tacos and enchiladas are exceptional – perfectly tender carnitas and masterfully balanced enchiladas.
What truly sets IGuey Taqueria apart is their exceptional service and the genuine warmth of the owners. They're incredibly hands-on, personally ensuring every customer has an outstanding experience. This attentiveness creates the most homely experience – you feel like a cherished guest.
For authentic, delicious Mexican food served with genuine hospitality, look no further than this place. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience. I can't recommend it enough!”
Mexican • $
“Tasty and authentic 🇲🇽 with reasonable prices. Family-run business 😍”
Hawaiian • $$
“Great place to get together with friends & family. We had about 30 people for a family get together. Service was great. The outdoor patio was the perfect setting! Most of the food was outstanding. We are actually from Hawaii so we’re very critical about the food.”
Pizza • $$
“To begin our Christmas season, the entire experience at Impasto was delightful and delicious. Franco was wonderful to speak with as well the entire staff was excellent... Grazie ”
Chinese • $$
“We got the house dinner special for two. The water didn't taste so great but we were started off with the fried shrimp with sweet and sour sauce which was pretty good. I enjoyed the sizzling rice soup. I added hot oil to mine. Next we had our dinner which consisted of Mongolian Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and pork fried rice. All of the above were very tasty. The walnuts in the honey walnut shrimp dish were candied, crispy, and fresh ❤️ The ambiance was very relaxing and mellow. The music was jazzy and there was a virtual aquarium which I really enjoyed. I loved the mellow vibe and our waiter, Felix, was very sweet and helpful.❤️”
Takeout Restaurants
Breakfast • $
“I've been going to Omelette House for years and I can say that the omelettes are really consistent. I like my omelette without any brown spots and they make it perfect every time I order them.”
Mexican • $
“Good counter service option on Laurel Street. We’ve eaten here a few times. It’s good in that I like a few specific menu items that we tend to reorder and they are consistently enjoyable. Ambiance/location is great and good for bringing friends or visitors for a casual bite before or after strolling Laurel Street”
Coffee Shops • $
“I came here to say that this hole in the wall exceeded my expectations.
I ordered the breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon. ? I had it with their homemade style biscuit and it held its shape; not too buttery.
Eating the eggs was like eating fluffy clouds. The texture of the breakfast sandwich dissolved into my mouth and it helped that the Pumpkin Pie oat latte wasn’t acidic or too bitter or lacked espresso so sip, don’t gulp because you want to take your time.
The ratio of coffee to Oatmilk was equally proportional. One can actually taste every sip, reminiscent of a fond fall memory in your mouth. ??
Sadly..there are no pictures but in many ways I felt like I was truly present enjoying the experience. I can tell the workers also cared about their work; all were friendly and kept the place nice and clean.
Thank youuuu!!! I’m coming back and I live in Berkeley where all their cafes are hard to beat. But this takes the prize in San Carlos.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Best coffee in San Carlos... by a considerable distance.”
Mexican • $
“Meat is flavorful, good serving, friendly service, price matches quality perfectly, Cant go wrong with anything here, excellent food, good prices, ill definitely be back for more delicious, I think it was cash only”
Sushi • $$
“Always great food & service! Clean, friendly & fresh food! Thank you again!🤗♥”
Deli • $$
“They make the best sandwiches here. I love getting either the Breakfast Burrito or the Breakfast sandwich on the way to work. The people who make my food are very nice. I love the turkey sandwich the most. My husband loves the Always Thanksgiving sandwich. They also have a great selection of fresh breads. My favorite is the Dutch Crunch.”
Bar • $
“Have been here a few times, and it's a cool spot.
The staff and patrons have always been polite with me. However, I crossed the line. Last night, I was a coward and blew a chance with a girl elsewhere, and chose to get wasted, harass a woman and try to grab her. I'm lucky I didn't get my butt kicked. I had it coming.
To everyone that had to deal with me, I'm sorry. I was way out of line. Take care.”
Creperies • $
“Fun people watching spot for casual meals/bites in the heart of Laurel! Can’t wait to try all of the gelato flavors.”
Vietnamese • $
“We went in before the end of the shift, so staff was kinda hurrying us and wouldn’t allow us to have desert even though we ate a full meal! It was wonderful food though!”
Japanese • $$
“Shiki has been working on their service and it shows was.Beautiful smiling wait person was very kind no andhelpful.The sushi andramenarealways good as istheveggieand shrimp tempura, light and airy.Yum.”
Peruvian • $$
“muy rica comida! y los ceviches son delicious 😋”
Wineries • $$
“Awesome venue. Pleasant, chill vibe. Great food for extremely reasonable prices. Very enjoyable wine. Amazing staff. Came as a stranger, left feeling like family. Will definitely be back again.”
Wine Bar • $$
“It was the soft opening, so I understand they were still setting things up. Nice staff, and good service. Had them recommended items, and was not upset. Got the baked cheese appetizer and 12 oysters. Beautiful bar, and Mediterranean feel when sitting inside or outside. Will go back again”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Sandwich Shop • $
“I like my sandwiches moist - there is nothing worse when you unwrap that paper around your deli sandwich and wonder if they forgot to put any sauce, condiments on there, and if your lunch experience is going to be drier than dirt. No worries about that at Lou's. By now, I've tried about 7 or 8 of their sandwiches and every single one has been a wonderfully messy delight (extra napkins!). Somehow, their signature jalapeno sauce seems to go with every thing - haven't found a mis-match between that sauce and any sandwich yet. The bread - where the hell are they getting this bread?!?? It is the best deli sandwich bread I've had since I fell in love with the dutch crunch at Sam's Deli as a teenager (oh, those were the days!!). The folks there are great - just cranking out one delicious meal after the next with quiet precision and skill. Awfully nice to have this place right here in town!”
Mexican • $
“Quite a delicious carne asada burrito. The meat was tender and well spiced. It was as if I was eating a plate of Mongolian beef but instead of those juices and spices, it was more of a adobo asada style but Mexican. I feel like this review might not appeal to most readers but trust this local business is serving a burrito con mucho sabor.”
Italian • $$
“I got my food to go, and it was ready promptly, and the food was absolutely outstanding! I would recommend this place to anybody!”
American • $$
“Everything was very good, food, service, atmosphere. I was surprised that a few of the prices charged were different than what the price was on the menu. Also charged a card fee. First time.”
Chinese • $
“Went with family here for lunch and got seated the minute we walked in, we ordered and the food came out in less than 10 minutes freshly cooked the service was also great our server made us feel welcome i would recommend this if you enjoy some really good chinese food.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Authentic and charming! The coffee, muffins and sandwiches are WAY wonderful!”
Chinese • $
“Great restaurant! I loved the food, especially the honey walnut imitation meat. Each dish had a great amount of food! We asked for boxes, so we will have a delicious dinner today.
We'll come back for sure!”
Ramen
“Small Place tucked away in the corner of the shopping plaza. Serves sushi and Ramen. Many options, reasonable prices, super friendly service. My only complaint is that the ramen noodles were a little soft. I will definitely come back.”
Fast Food • $
“Very clean here. Food was good, but took longer than expected for fast food. Not complaining since it was good, just saying to set expectations. It was expensive though. $20 for regular size chicken sandwich combo.”
Pizza • $
“Kids love the arcade games and toy machines.
Dietary restrictions: My hubby likes that they have a gluten free crust pizza
Kid-friendliness: Arcade and toy machines are a hit”
Greek • $
“Sarahi somehow manages to educate you on the menu, ensure a clean table, and communicates your wishes for the perfect meal to the cooking team all while giving you a welcoming smile. Something about a perfect swirl froyo afterward makes this experience beyond satisfactory. The City of Good Living is lucky to have this gem with such a kind staff.”
Chinese • $$
“A lovely white tablecloth setting. Great service and delicious food. A lot like Wings in San Jose which is out of business now😭. So yes I love that we found King Chuan Restaurant 😍”
Thai • $$
“Best Thai place i have been too! Great food and even better owners!!”
Cheap Eats
Barbeque • $
“Excellent food 10/10, everything very delicious
Dietary restrictions: Everything is cooked with smokers 0% vegetable fat
Parking: Enough
Kid-friendliness: It has special chairs for babies
Wheelchair accessibility: It has a ramp, apart from tables”
Coffee Shops • $
“Lots of bright, natural lighting. Big open space with lots of seating with access to power outlets. Clean. Three individual all-gender bathrooms. Friendly staff. Drinks come out perfect every time. Good place to work. Some people take personal and work calls though, so I recommend bringing noise canceling headphones if that bothers you.”
Korean • $
“Really family friendly place with high quality Korean noodles. Reminds me of Korea and oddly Southern California, where Korean food presence is strong. SO glad to be seeing more high quality foods in the Bay area, and in the Peninsula where there is an absolute paucity of selection. Service was only ok, but it was clear that they were understaffed during their opening months. Will be back!”
Bubble Tea • $
“It was great! Clean, cute, great service, and most importantly tasty boba! I was able to adjust the drink to my liking—including sugar level— and I feel like every detail was considered from presentation to menu. I think it’s cool that San Carlos got a swanky new addition to their food and dining scene with Bober. I’ll definitely be going back with friends.”
Mexican • $
“It was a straightforward online order for a carne asada burrito. The food itself was really good, not greasy at all. It is perfect when a restaurant does not put too much grease and the tortilla becomes saturated on the bottom. The green salsa had a nice kick to it to complement the burrito. I would come back here again.”
Coffee Shops • $
“I’ve had coffee at many different Starbucks locations, but the barista here really puts care into making each drink. My coffee was perfect — both in taste and presentation! ☕✨
The only downside is the limited seating area compared to other Starbucks stores. Still, the calm atmosphere and attention to detail more than make up for it.
I was able to work comfortably on my laptop and truly enjoyed my time here. Definitely coming back! 💻💚”
Coffee Shops • $
“The owners are awesome and I'd definitely come back again! :D”
Bubble Tea • $
“Amazing tea with great variety! Accidentally stumbled across this place, have returned since, and am never disappointed! The milk tea boba is great, but the Super Fruit green tea with passion fruit popping boba is next level. The fresh fruit slices mixed in with the tea are a refreshing surprise and the fruit is always ripe and delicious. I tried the grapefruit fruit tea today as well which hit the spot! Would definitely recommend checking out Tea Juice!”
Bakery • $
“I liked the place was surprised that there’s a PB in this area when I was visiting the next door ice cream shop. It was clean and has nice comfy atmosphere but as any other PB in the bay area the food is not fresh compared to PB in NJ or NYC. I think they bake the pastry once or twice a week for the whole week and for sure this downgrade the whole experience for sure. That’s why I gave the food 3 Stars”
Cocktail Bar • $
“The new management (Carlos Galvan) is great! We felt welcome from the moment we walked through the door! Looking forward to the Friday Night Blues Jams. Great music...great people. Thank you Rail Club!!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Fantastic night! Enjoyed Sema and her hospitality tremendously!”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Really fun place a lot of l great people will definitely go back”
Sushi • $$
“Always great food & service! Clean, friendly & fresh food! Thank you again!🤗♥”
Latest Reviews
Chinese • $
“First time here. What great food! Fresh, not greasy Will be back for sure. Service is great. They are so nice here”
Convenience Store • $$
“Bubble Yum, Pop Rocks and Chico sticks. KC & the Sunshine Band crackling from the AM radio of an El Camino parked out front. This is The Little Store as I experienced it circa 1974 in 4th grade. Groups of Arundel and TL kids in and out all afternoon . My friends and I sharing snacks (as much as our pooled change could afford that day) while sitting on the stairs before our brutal treks up the SC hills home. No cell phones. No rides. Lots of fun memories & great friends. Decades later I’m back in the neighborhood and while much has changed, the Little Store hasn’t (it even smells the same). Still friendly owners, and still a convenient stop when driving home or on neighborhood walks for sweet treats, a six pack, or essentials. And for many of us nostalgic touchstone.”
Most Popular Restaurants
Italian • $$
“I got my food to go, and it was ready promptly, and the food was absolutely outstanding! I would recommend this place to anybody!”
Coffee Shops • $
“I came here to say that this hole in the wall exceeded my expectations.
I ordered the breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon. ? I had it with their homemade style biscuit and it held its shape; not too buttery.
Eating the eggs was like eating fluffy clouds. The texture of the breakfast sandwich dissolved into my mouth and it helped that the Pumpkin Pie oat latte wasn’t acidic or too bitter or lacked espresso so sip, don’t gulp because you want to take your time.
The ratio of coffee to Oatmilk was equally proportional. One can actually taste every sip, reminiscent of a fond fall memory in your mouth. ??
Sadly..there are no pictures but in many ways I felt like I was truly present enjoying the experience. I can tell the workers also cared about their work; all were friendly and kept the place nice and clean.
Thank youuuu!!! I’m coming back and I live in Berkeley where all their cafes are hard to beat. But this takes the prize in San Carlos.”
Steak House • $$$
“Hadn't been to Izzy's in years. After the wonderful dinner we experienced last night, I feel that missed out on an incredible dining experience for way too many years! I'll be returning soon.”
American • $$
“Everything was very good, food, service, atmosphere. I was surprised that a few of the prices charged were different than what the price was on the menu. Also charged a card fee. First time.”
Bakery • $
“I liked the place was surprised that there’s a PB in this area when I was visiting the next door ice cream shop. It was clean and has nice comfy atmosphere but as any other PB in the bay area the food is not fresh compared to PB in NJ or NYC. I think they bake the pastry once or twice a week for the whole week and for sure this downgrade the whole experience for sure. That’s why I gave the food 3 Stars”
Burmese • $$
“We had such a lovely evening dining alfresco on a warm Thursday night with friends! The sidewalk seating in San Carlos is perfect for people-watching, and the cozy indoor space looked just as inviting. Our server was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. As always, we ordered our go-to favorites: the Tea Leaf Salad (so flavorful!), Ruby String Beans, and Coconut Rice. This time, we added the Mango Chicken and decided to try a new dish — the Minted Jalapeño Chicken — and wow, we're glad we did! It was bursting with flavor: minced chicken breast with fresh mint, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of jalapeño heat. It was a unanimous hit at the table, and we're already planning our return just for that dish alone! Delicious food, great company, and a fun setting — what more could you want?”
Breakfast • $
“I've been going to Omelette House for years and I can say that the omelettes are really consistent. I like my omelette without any brown spots and they make it perfect every time I order them.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Best coffee in San Carlos... by a considerable distance.”
Georgian • $$
“Absolutely wonderful food. Amazing atmosphere. Very dog friendly but you must sit outside to bring a dog. We had dinner and desert with a few glasses of amber qvevri, and enjoyed every drop! Shalva was incredibly friendly and told many jokes. I would highly recommend this place.”
Bubble Tea • $
“It was great! Clean, cute, great service, and most importantly tasty boba! I was able to adjust the drink to my liking—including sugar level— and I feel like every detail was considered from presentation to menu. I think it’s cool that San Carlos got a swanky new addition to their food and dining scene with Bober. I’ll definitely be going back with friends.”
“I ate at Pazzo on Wednesday and had a great experience. The restaurant is take out only. I ordered at the restaurant instead of on the phone. The staff were super friendly and helpful with recommendations. The order took about 20 minutes and we had a drink outside while waiting. I HIGHLY recommend the shrimp and grits. Over anything else on the menu! And I was told the gnocchi was amazing too iAnd of course the pizza is awesome!”