Restaurants in San Carlos

Best Restaurants

Saffron 1143 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos Indian • $$
1143 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos

“Title: "Rainbow After Rain: Saffron's Culinary Odyssey"Three Words: Exquisite, Enchanting, MemorableAt Saffron, amidst the gentle patter of rain in San Carlos, every dish is a masterpiece. The Traditional Lamb Curry and Old Deli Style Butter Chicken are not merely served; they are presented with an elegance that mirrors the artistry behind their creation. Each bite is a revelation of flavors, deeply rooted in Indian culinary tradition, yet elevated by a contemporary touch. The Basmati Rice, fluffy and aromatic, serves as the perfect canvas for these vibrant dishes. Crisp Papad and a bold Spicy Chili Chutney complement the entrees, adding layers of texture and heat that tantalize the palate.The ambiance, enriched by the subtle accent of a rainbow framing the early spring evening, envelops diners in a cocoon of warmth and sophistication. The meticulous attention to detail in the presentation of the food—each plate a tableau of color and creativity—echoes the restaurant's commitment to excellence.Service at Saffron is nothing short of impeccable. The staff, attired in outfits that pay homage to their rich cultural heritage, move with a grace and efficiency that enhances the dining experience. Their knowledge and passion for the cuisine shine through in every interaction, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.As the meal unfolds, the rainy backdrop and the promise of a rainbow add a poetic dimension to the evening, reminding us that food is not just sustenance; it is an experience, a journey that can transport us to distant lands and times. Saffron, with its exquisite blend of food, service, and ambiance, invites us on this journey, offering a taste of India that is as memorable as it is delicious. In this haven, where culinary excellence meets heartfelt hospitality, every visit is an occasion, every dish a celebration of the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.”

4.1 Good75 Reviews
Sushi Kazoku 1201 Laurel St, San Carlos Japanese • $$
1201 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Always delicious sushi. The fish just melts in your mouth. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. My favorite sushi place. Great atmosphere, family friendly.”

4.6 Superb201 Reviews
888 Ristorante Italiano 888 Laurel St #3951, San Carlos Italian • $$
888 Laurel St #3951, San Carlos

“Food was good, but the biggest downer was the lasagna. Tasted great, but came out cold. I get that it's not made to order, but this was room temperature or lower. A bit unappetizing, and disappointing since it was a cold day and I was looking forward to a nice hot meal. Place was quite, but it was a Tuesday, so easy to have a conversation. Next time I would send the lasagna back to be reheated -”

4.7 Superb93 Reviews

4
Pylos

Pylos 621 Laurel St, San Carlos Greek • $$
621 Laurel St, San Carlos

“How have I not tried this place yet??? Went there for lunch with a friend on Monday. I love Greek food and always up to try a new spot. Pylos was wonderful! For lunch I had the seafood souvlaki which was delicious. Nice big shrimp and pieces of salmon in a warm, fresh pita with just the right amount of tzatziki sauce. Comes with a salad and they were kind enough to out the dressing on the side. My friend had one of the gyro wraps and she loved it. They also have Greek French fries which I have heard are amazing. Unfortunately, my current eating plan does not include them but there is always a next time! Service was very friendly and prompt. They have a nice inside restaurant and a great outside setup with heat lamps. Yay! Hubby loves Greek too so we will definitely be back (I'm going to steal his fries ).”

4.6 Superb119 Reviews
Molly O's 1163 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos Irish • $$
1163 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos

“We've been going to Fiddler's in Millbrae for many years so this is a nice secondary place to visit a little closer. Always fresh food and a good pint. A favorite of ours for sure.”

4.6 Superb88 Reviews
William B.B.Q. 1109 Laurel St, San Carlos Hawaiian • $$
1109 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Wow this place is AMAZING. Loved their food. I’ve never had spam musubi with pork sung in the rice. I got the wagyu beef and galbi combo and they were delicious as well! Too bad I live far from here.”

4.5 Superb122 Reviews

Restaurants by Cuisine

Johnston's Saltbox 1696 Laurel St, San Carlos New American • $$
1696 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Delicious. I don't like that they don't take reservations (annoying, get over yourself JS) but their food is freaking amazing. Will someone please give me like 10 of their scones to eat RIGHT NOW?Hakuna Frittata is wonderful; everything is wonderful. Get here EARLY on the weekends (like, before they open), they get very crowded.”

4.6 Superb67 Reviews
Stamp Bar & Grill 773 Laurel St, San Carlos Bar & Grill • $$
773 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Great vegetarian options on the menu. I had the vegetarian paella w/ a side of sauteed spinach. Scrumptious! Good wines available, too. Fair prices, and great service!”

4.6 Superb59 Reviews
The Refuge (San Carlos) 963 Laurel St, San Carlos Bar & Grill • $$
963 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Life changingly good Reuben (pastrami) sandwich, it pretty much melts in your mouth.I got the chopped liver addition also but wouldn't say it adds much so I'll skip the liver next time”

4.5 Superb84 Reviews

Restaurants with Delivery

number5kitchen 663 Laurel St, San Carlos American • $$
663 Laurel St, San Carlos

“We tried the 8-hour bolognese, the local black cod, and the citrus burrata. They were absolutely perfect, no seasoning was needed. Everything was locally fresh, impressive, and yet so familiar; great setting for perfect comfort food in a family-owned restaurant. We regret we didn’t try their signature Dungeness crab pasta and that will be something for another visit. This experience was an excellent surprise on our work trip.”

4.7 Superb40 Reviews
Delizie Cucina & Vino 1107 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos Italian • $$
1107 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos

“My second visit - this time with my husband. Staff was warm and welcoming and seemed pleased to see me again (didn't realize I had made an impression). The restaurant space is what they call "intimate" and "cozy." But it doesn't feel like it. It's airy and lovely. It's the best place to go with friends, family or romantic partners. Again the staff is so welcoming and warm that you feel like you're visiting a friend's house for dinner. But you're not reading this for anything but the food. We started with the airy and lovely calamari - fried with a side of a balsamic dipping sauce. A lovely focaccia with a delightful olive rich dipping sauce came out also. Just when my husband and I thought we couldn't be happier, our mains came out. I had the cinghiale and my husband went for the seafood risotto. Both were delicious. The risotto is very airy and beautiful. You want hardy - the cinghiale (boar sausage) with thick homemade ribbons of pasta will warm your soul. Desserts were wonderful. I had tiramisu while my husband had the pistachio cake. Both were terrific. Tiramisu is one of those things that can be done meh or great. This was great. Ladyfingers soaked in actual coffee had a nice bite (espresso?) with good dusting of cocoa powder to give it some balance with the tender sweetness of the cream. Plan to come back with a couple of my girl friends in the next couple of weeks. Great place to eat.”

4.5 Superb81 Reviews
Domenico Winery 1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos Wine Bar • $$
1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos

“A friend and I had a lovely, lengthy lunch. The service was very good (they were very patient with us as we were busy getting caught up and they didn't rush us to order or to leave), and the food was very good.”

4.4 Superb154 Reviews

Outdoor Dining

The Cask Wine Bar 782 Laurel St, San Carlos Wine Bar • $$
782 Laurel St, San Carlos

“The atmosphere, service and wines were amazing I wish I were able to say my Mediterranean pasta was good but wasn’t; I believe they use cooked shrimp in the dish and if not mistaken it said “prawns” which is why I had ordered it in the first place, the shrimp was absolutely overcooked and trust me I know my shrimp since my sis uses cooked shrimp I know the awful texture and would never expect it to be served in this amazing restaurant.I absolutely will go back and hopefully they will use fresh shrimp and try the dish again.”

4.5 Superb74 Reviews
Kabul Afghan Cuisine 135 El Camino Real, San Carlos Afghan • $$
135 El Camino Real, San Carlos

“The portions are generous enough that I always know I have leftovers for my next meal. The hostess is the daughter of the proprietor and she is bubbly and very helpful, especially if you want recommendations.Update (2024): The food and service are still fantastic. The portions are still large and if you are in a large group and let them know that you're doing family-style, they plate the rice and roht separately -- very helpful.Sidenote: Kids love roht! And the kid-size sherbet.”

4.5 Superb72 Reviews
Devil's Canyon Brewing Company 935 Washington St, San Carlos Brewery • $$
935 Washington St, San Carlos

“Devil's Canyon is absolutely fantastic. The staff is friendly and professional, there is plenty of parking, it is open to dogs and children, and the beer selection is wide and unique. What more could you ask for in a local brewery?!”

4.6 Superb48 Reviews

Online Reservation Available

Isarn Garden Thai Cuisine 1050 El Camino Real, San Carlos Thai • $$
1050 El Camino Real, San Carlos

“This was the best Thai food I ever had. It was sort of like Chinese style on the portion size of each dish it's sharing dish. Fried fish was my favorite it was very delicious, it's must have! It has sweetness to it, it balance out. The spicy fish soup was very spicy but it's spicily good! I asked medium spicy but it still pretty spicy so if you cannot handle the spiciness don't get medium level, get lower level for your comfort. The chicken was also pretty good, with their in house peanut dressing, paring very well together. I got the Chai Tea. Their food overall is great very delicious. The server is good, but little bit of English barrier but that's no issue at all that is also mean the food is good. And it was!”

4.4 Superb117 Reviews
Nursel Central Asian & Russian Cuisine 601 Old County Rd, San Carlos Asian Fusion • $$
601 Old County Rd, San Carlos

“Had lamb skewers and it was tasty. Service was pretty fast too. The rice was ordinary. I wish I tried their samsas. Felt the portions were smaller for the price.”

4.4 Superb100 Reviews
Yan's Garden 885 Laurel St, San Carlos Chinese • $$
885 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Food was very good. Was with a vegetarian friend and they had a lot of options. Service was fast and friendly. Loved the classic flavors and their drink menu was really fun!”

4.4 Superb85 Reviews

Takeout Restaurants

Osteria at Domenico 1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos Italian • $$
1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos

“LOVE! The food and wine are great. They have a lovely, dog friendly outdoor patio. The service is always good. The Sommelier is knowledgeable and friendly. Best gluten free pizza I've ever had. The pastas and pizzas are incredible. They also have a fun brunch menu!”

4.3 Superb179 Reviews
Noelani's Island Grill 1037 Laurel St, San Carlos Hawaiian • $$
1037 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Great place to have colorful drinks and great Hawaiian food. I tried the ahí poke bowl, plantation iced tea, spam musubi and kalua pork. All delicious!Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly! Plenty of seating”

4.3 Superb161 Reviews
CreoLa Bistro 344 El Camino Real, San Carlos Cajun/Creole • $$
344 El Camino Real, San Carlos

“My Dad grew up in the South, so this food (down to the bottle of Crystal hot sauce) is what I grew up with. Now that he's passed, I turn to this place when I'm in need of a little comfort food. It's traditional Creole cuisine, but elevated with top quality ingredients and precision preparation.Vegetarian options: Wild Mushroom Jambalaya, cornbread muffins, hush puppiesDietary restrictions: Lots of GF options”

4.4 Superb65 Reviews

Cheap Eats

Emelinas Peruvian Restaurant 1065 Holly St D, San Carlos Peruvian • $$
1065 Holly St D, San Carlos

“This place has delicious Peruvian food. I got the fish ceviche and was not disappointed. It was spicy and fresh. The maracuya juice is also very refreshing and delicious.Vegetarian options: The vegetarian saltado is delicious.”

4.4 Superb64 Reviews

23
Spasso

Spasso 769 Laurel St, San Carlos Italian • $$
769 Laurel St, San Carlos

“I had lunch at this Italian restaurant on a Thursday afternoon with a former business colleague and it was a wonderful experience. We ordered the Grilled Prawns Wrapped with Pancetta appetizer, with the Veal Piccata and the Salmon Nicoise salad as entrees. All of the dishes served were very generous portions. The Grilled Prawns had three very large fresh prawns and was served with a lot of delicious sauteed beans with arugula on top. The dish tasted fantastic. The Veal Piccata was also to die for- served in a rich lemon butter sauce with capers over mashed potatoes and a lot of fresh spinach. Enough to take home for the next day! The Salmon Nicoise salad had an abundance of fresh ingredients and was very tasty. Bread and an olive oil bread dip are served at no charge when seated. We finished off our meal with two traditionally made Cappuccinos that were perfect. Service was also impeccable with exactly the right timing between courses. This restaurant is now on my "return again and again" list! Thank you so much for a great and satisfying meal.”

4.3 Superb137 Reviews
Blind Tasting Restaurant and Wine Bar 749 Laurel St, San Carlos American • $$
749 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Walking with a friend on Laurel Street we stopped in for a glass of Champagne and a Cheese Plate. Seating at the bar was comfortable, friendly bartender, an entire wall of wine you will surely find the perfect accompaniment to anything on the menu. Atmosphere was relaxed, casual and service en pointe. Parking can be difficult especially on weekends.”

4.4 Superb58 Reviews

25
Jamba

Jamba 1135 Industrial Rd F, San Carlos Juice • $$
1135 Industrial Rd F, San Carlos

“This location is super clean and well laid out with a few seats, well designed and laid out, tons of free parking, given it's located in a strip mall, across from TJ Maxx and next to a Starbucks. I went in today and was super motivated to get one of their smoothies, parched with thirst and despite it being freezing cold and windy, it really would've hit the spot. I don't know or understand what the latest thing is with so many restaurants and food/drink places where they have menu with boards on top of your head, or the scanning with your phones where you can only read the menu on the phone. I must be old fashioned and showing my 61 years of age because I want and need a real menu, either peper or laminated or something where I can hold, touch and feel it, because it enables me to properly take my time and read it. If I have to squint and strain my already myopic astigmatic eyes with my coke bottle eyeglasses, I'm straining to reas the fine print, and frankly, by the time, I'm done with the heavy lifting of straining just to read th damn thing, I'm done. I'm just freaking done. I don't want the food or the drink anymore, I'm irritated and frustrated with the simple process of ordering which has now become an ordeal and harder than if I'd made the damn thing myself. To be fair, the customer service here was really friendly and helpful but it was just one of those days where I needed a real menu. Geez what a codger I've become.”

4.6 Superb27 Reviews

26
Town

Town 716 Laurel St, San Carlos Steak House • $$$
716 Laurel St, San Carlos

“It was my first time, and i loved it. Very friendly, happy customers and bartenders ... I'm was very happy there people smile for each other talk friendly very polited and beautiful people . Of course, the food and drinks are delicious. I ll back again soon.”

4.3 Superb101 Reviews

27
Pazzo

Pazzo 1179 Laurel St, San Carlos Pizza • $$
1179 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Fantastic family friendly spot with amazing food. The shrimp and grits app was delicious and the grits were like a polenta cake and had great flavor. The pizza was thin with a little char and good crust. Cesar salad had a really good dressing and was very fresh. The Chicken Parmesan had great flavor, nice lightly breaded chicken with spaghetti. Can't wait to go back and try some more.Kid-friendliness: Lots of families enjoying dinner.”

4.4 Superb47 Reviews

28
Seiya

Seiya 741 Laurel St, San Carlos Sushi • $$$
741 Laurel St, San Carlos

“Really a great and cozy place for delicious sushi and dinner. Very romantic and I would recommend it as a sensual dinner experience for that 3rd or 4th date! ?Food is priced around $10-20 a plate. I went with 3 others and we all got whatever we wanted and paid around $45-60 each with tip.Parking: Parking located behind the sushi restaurant! Area is blocked off and labeled "For customers only"”

4.3 Superb47 Reviews
Rustic House Oyster Bar and Grill/San Carlos 920 El Camino Real, San Carlos Bar & Grill • $$
920 El Camino Real, San Carlos

“It's been almost 8 months since we returned to Rustic House. We started off with the clam chowder and we weren't disappointed. The seafood pasta and mahi mahi taco was SO delicious and fresh. Mauricio was our host and he did a superb job. With so many restaurant to choose from in San Carlos, we hope to come back soon.”

4.2 Good118 Reviews
Aya Sushi 1070 Holly St, San Carlos Japanese • $$
1070 Holly St, San Carlos

“I have been wanting to try this place for years and keep forgetting about it as it is located in a small strip mall on the other side of the tracks (literally) so I tend not to think of that side of town for dining.I was greeted immediately and sat at the bar. I have favorites I like to order in order to gauge the quality of the place and chef.First, the disappointment: the futomaki was plain, uninspiring, and plain dull. Not worth the $14. And a futomaki is a traditional roll that allows for a lot of creativity. I have had some stellar futomakis. Not so here.I had a bottle of junmai ginjo at $24 dollars. It was smooth... almost too smooth. The rice polish is 55%, same as one of my favorites, Kikusui junmai ginjo that has more distinct characteristics. While I have no complaints per se, I would look for something else next time.The nigiri was very good. Good taste, generous cuts/portion size, and the uni was great. Very fresh. Thank you Santa Barbara!I'd give the place a 4.5 to be more fair. I'll be happy to go back, but with more realistic expectations.”

4.4 Superb21 Reviews

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