Restaurants in San Carlos
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Best Restaurants
“Molly O's is a great spot for every meal, drinks, watching sports, live music and DJs. My favorite dishes are the Shepherd's Pie, Steak & Eggs, Fish & Chips and the NY Steak, and they regularly have various specials. The salads are also great! I have yet to have a meal that disappointed.
Fridays & Saturday nights get lit with the DJs, bands, and great crowds. 10/10 recommend!”
“Food should be 6 stars - their Lentil soup is off the charts as is there eggplant dip. And their wild fish Some might give Atmosphere a 4 because it is not a "party" place but outdoor dining super nice”
“Los invito a todos a disfrutar de un buenísimo sushi!! 100% recomendable!! sabrosos y accesibles ;)”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Great food but expensive. It was a great treat for me. I did enjoy it.”
“Such a wonderful welcome by Michelle! The menu selection did not disappoint. Staff was super attentive & the cuisine options were quite delicious. Highly recommend!”
“We dropped in for dinner, and had a wonderful time! The staff were polite and attentive, and the restaurant itself was comfortable and welcoming.
The amount of gluten free options was WELL above what you'd expect from an Italian restaurant, with all pastas and some of the other main dishes being available. My husband and I both got the day's special, an oxtail ragu pasta. Mine was gluten free, his was not, and we both loved it! Dessert was just as well made - the creme brulee and cheesecake were both flavorful without being overly sugary. That can be a tough order for a dish that has a caramelized sugar crust!
We've both agreed that we'll be coming back as soon as we want some Italian food. I'm already looking forward to trying more of the menu.
Dietary restrictions: The staff are well aware of gluten issues, and all pasta as well as some other main dishes can be provided gluten free.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Saffron is an Indian restaurant in San Carlos with a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, and dishes that truly stand out for their flavor. I arrived shortly after they opened and was greeted by a server who, while polite, offered service that felt somewhat limited and lacked warmth. He handed me the menu and walked away, so I had to call him over to place my order—a detail that could definitely be improved.
I started with the cauliflower, perfectly cooked and paired with a well-executed sauce. The samosas, drizzled with yogurt sauce and a touch of tangy tamarind, were a true hit. Next, I had the classic chicken masala, served with an exquisite garlic naan. The food was excellent: authentic and well-balanced flavors that did not disappoint.
However, the service remained detached, with no drink recommendations or attentive follow-up at the table. The chai was delicious, and the dessert—a cheesecake in a cup—was good but not impressive enough to end the meal memorably. The server was quick to bring the check, but I would have appreciated more attention to detail.
Overall, the dishes are excellent and stand out for their quality. However, the service and dessert could be improved to make the experience perfect. I would give it 5 stars, hoping they refine those aspects to make this place one of my favorites for this type of cuisine.”
“We dropped in for dinner, and had a wonderful time! The staff were polite and attentive, and the restaurant itself was comfortable and welcoming.
The amount of gluten free options was WELL above what you'd expect from an Italian restaurant, with all pastas and some of the other main dishes being available. My husband and I both got the day's special, an oxtail ragu pasta. Mine was gluten free, his was not, and we both loved it! Dessert was just as well made - the creme brulee and cheesecake were both flavorful without being overly sugary. That can be a tough order for a dish that has a caramelized sugar crust!
We've both agreed that we'll be coming back as soon as we want some Italian food. I'm already looking forward to trying more of the menu.
Dietary restrictions: The staff are well aware of gluten issues, and all pasta as well as some other main dishes can be provided gluten free.”
“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!”
“I have passed this place many times on pre planned dinners, but this time we stopped. We are from out of the area and I have to say, this food was amazing and authentic. I had el pastor and asada tacos and was amazed. So happy we went back the next morning for breakfast burritos and I was not disappointed. A must visit if you are in the area”
“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!”
Outdoor Dining
“Nice long bar so theres a lot of space to chat, and a good selection of beers from various locations in California and nearby states including Moksa from Rocklin, Slice in Lincoln and other awesome breweries. They offer ales, sours, IPAs, stouts, wines and even got some in-house bottle options. When you leave you can pick up a 4 pack for your home. Service is good, and they offer some small bar snacks like pretzels and trail mix.”
“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.”
“First time here we loved it! We tried the Pastrami Burger, Pastrami Salad and Cheesesteak De Arbol (sauce on the side it was like ?). The Pastrami burger is on my top list of burgers I've tried. If you love Pastrami you will love the salad, The cheese steak was delicious too. The bread pudding was worth the calories . We will definitely be back.”
“I came here with a friend since they loved the chef, Henry!
Good:
- Henry was so fun to chat with! He gave us recommendations and also was just a personable person
- The food came out quickly
- The caprese squash salad was so good! I loved how the burrata was flavored with olive oil and squash had texture and crunch
- The breakfast pizza dish was amazing, huge portion sizes and also had so much on them
- The dessert tart was so good too - small but was just what hit the spot for me
- Cute outdoor vibe, we had a nice view of the street and it was a great sunny day
Bad:
- I thought that the bolognese dish was the least unique since it tasted good, but it tasted like what I could get at a high end Italian restaurant
Overall the experience was so fun! I like supporting local restaurants too”
“No extra fees or surcharges. Thank you Yan’s Garden for the honest, inclusive menu pricing and please stay fee-free.
We enjoyed the food. Lunch special is a decent deal with a filling portion size. We ordered the Tofu and Black Mushroom a la carte and it was huge, enough for two and a half meals. Salt and Pepper Eggplant appetizer size was also substantial, tasty but somewhat on the salty side.
Outdoor seating: There are a handful of four-top tables outside the storefront, shaded by an awning.”
“Hosted an event in the Rustic Room adjacent to the main restaurant. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, with passed appetizers and flatbreads. Guests remarked on the good quality of the drinks and food, and the service was friendly, professional, and excellent. Particular kudos to the lead event contact, Barbara, who was patient and thoughtful about organizing everything for a great evening. Would strongly recommend for your event, unless I want to book a repeat event, in which case I have dibs.”
“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.”
“First time here we loved it! We tried the Pastrami Burger, Pastrami Salad and Cheesesteak De Arbol (sauce on the side it was like ?). The Pastrami burger is on my top list of burgers I've tried. If you love Pastrami you will love the salad, The cheese steak was delicious too. The bread pudding was worth the calories . We will definitely be back.”
“I came here with a friend since they loved the chef, Henry!
Good:
- Henry was so fun to chat with! He gave us recommendations and also was just a personable person
- The food came out quickly
- The caprese squash salad was so good! I loved how the burrata was flavored with olive oil and squash had texture and crunch
- The breakfast pizza dish was amazing, huge portion sizes and also had so much on them
- The dessert tart was so good too - small but was just what hit the spot for me
- Cute outdoor vibe, we had a nice view of the street and it was a great sunny day
Bad:
- I thought that the bolognese dish was the least unique since it tasted good, but it tasted like what I could get at a high end Italian restaurant
Overall the experience was so fun! I like supporting local restaurants too”
Online Reservation Available
“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”
“I have tried many Chinese restaurants and this by far is one of my favorites. Not only do they give you huge portions unlike other Chinese restaurants. Their dishes are delicious they have so much flavor and I've never been let down once. For their spicy dishes I'd order extra spicy because they're regular spicy dishes aren't that spicy to me but I also love spicy food and I'm very tolerant to it. If you've never tried this place you have to try it literally it's one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Bay areanow next on my list is the Mongolian beef chowmane which I'm sure I won't be disappointed.”
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
“Excellent place to share Cheers with your friends and family. Salute!”
Takeout Restaurants
“This is the best, bar none, diner for comfort food priced right on the SF Peninsula. And, dont tell anyone, but ther servers and food is also the Peninsula's best. 5 stars & then some! P.S. Favs are Turkey melt for lunch & Biscuits & Gravy for breakfast - Get it with a one egg side... Also, the pancake combo will fill you up & is delicious!
Dietary restrictions: Just ask - they're great people working there.
Wheelchair accessibility: Yep”
“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.”
“William BBQ had the Aloha spirit. Talked with Lon and shared my thoughts about his restaurant. I was disappointed that he did not have the most common dish -- teriyaki beef plate, however, maybe next time.
The kid's bowl was perfect . We enjoyed chicken katsu and the grilled shrimp
bowl. Substituted rice for the mac salad...that was nice of him to do so. Went away filling full after a hearty lunch.
We'll be back, Lon. Aloha & Mahalo”
“I typically order food here through doordash. The food is always on point.
A few items I recommend:
1. Chimichangas - Very crunchy and flavorful. Not greasy
2. Taco-dilla with birria - cheesy meaty goodness with the consome. It's perfection.
3. Super burrito - perfect balance in every bite
4. Taco salad - I love the crunchy taco shell with the fresh salad and steak.
5. Chips and guac - Made in house and the chips are thick and crunchy. The guac is fresh with a little bit of crunch from the onions.
One of these days, I need to check it out to get the full experience.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“No extra fees or surcharges. Thank you Yan’s Garden for the honest, inclusive menu pricing and please stay fee-free.
We enjoyed the food. Lunch special is a decent deal with a filling portion size. We ordered the Tofu and Black Mushroom a la carte and it was huge, enough for two and a half meals. Salt and Pepper Eggplant appetizer size was also substantial, tasty but somewhat on the salty side.
Outdoor seating: There are a handful of four-top tables outside the storefront, shaded by an awning.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“The coffee is good, as usual, but service was not up-to-par. I paid with a credit card, because who touches cash during Covid? When I didn't put any thing in the tip jar the cashier stared at me, glanced at the jar, and then stared at me again. I said to her, "I wish there was a tip option on your credit card machine." She replied with an emphatic, "Me, too." Then, rather than pouring my coffee as they usually do, the cashier proceeded to sweep the floor and make busy. After a few minutes of this she got around to pouring my coffee. Excellent coffee, as usual...”
“I wanted to order the Orange Supreme juice but was informed that this location unfortunately doesn't do fresh apple juice onsite, so anything on the national Jamba Juice menu that contains apples is unavailable here. I then asked if they could make it without the apple juice. Sadly another ingredient for that item is carrots and they had run out of carrots today. So I ended up ordering carrot-banana juice with a dash of ginger. The employee was nice enough to let me taste it before he poured it all out of the blender. I also ordered a standard strawberry-banana smoothie for my kid. Both tasted great.
Parking: It's a strip mall”
“As always, excellent food, service, and atmosphere. We’ve always been able to be seated in the wine room which definitely adds to the experience. This is our favourite restaurant in San Carlos. We have always come as a group of 5 and everyone has always left happy. Thanks to our server Engin tonight. He was excellent!”
“Had a wonderful meal with my nephew here last night. Food was fresh,very well presented and delicious. Definitely a great change of pace from the usual! I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a nice, satisfying meal with a different twist. Added note, the Borscht was to die for.”
“I was visiting the area and found this place on Maps near my hotel. WOW what a find! It was hard making a decision, because everything on the menu sounded great. I got a kefta kebab plate: 3 big pieces of kefta on yellow rice with roasted veggies. It came with a nice salad with lots of finely chopped Persian cucumbers, and a very generous dollop of hummus. And, of course, a lovely big pita. This made dinner last night and lunch today. So yummy. If you like spice, say YES to the hot sauce! Tangy and delicious.
Vegetarian options: Falafel, hummus, baba ganouj
Dietary restrictions: Halal meat”
“If you go to MAMA COCO you have to order the Margarita Serrano Margarita. It’s the best out of all the options. Burrito’s presentation isn’t the best but Fajitas plating was really good and the server was cool enough to tell me to try out the Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas. Would come back.”
“Hosted an event in the Rustic Room adjacent to the main restaurant. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, with passed appetizers and flatbreads. Guests remarked on the good quality of the drinks and food, and the service was friendly, professional, and excellent. Particular kudos to the lead event contact, Barbara, who was patient and thoughtful about organizing everything for a great evening. Would strongly recommend for your event, unless I want to book a repeat event, in which case I have dibs.”
“Best Thai place i have been too! Great food and even better owners!!”
Cheap Eats
“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.”
“For those like me who care about the quality of ingredients and avoid unhealthy foods this place is great! No artificial additives, real milk and zero sugar options. And the large cup is actually large . I got jasmine tea with zero sugar and zero ice, 3 portions of red beans and 1 portion of boba”
“(Translated by Google) Good food, the sandwiches are delicious, the place has good food, only I have a complaint and it is not for the place but for the owner, today, Saturday, January 29, at 2 or 2:30 p.m. I went to the homedepot, I went to his place and he had two employees working, a young woman and a lady between 35 and 40 years old, the young lady cooks and works very fast. What I don't like is that the older lady, while I was waiting for my food, was about 20 minutes. This lady spends talking and complaining about the owner and his Unfortunately, other employees took a lot of time for the young woman and instead of getting to work during the course I was there, she did not pay attention to the cashier's window and 4 potential clients left, the fifth person who arrived was waiting and I had to yell at him to pass the You to attend and it is not worth that the business loses money more in these times due to bad employees, instead of paying attention and paying attention to the clients, attending them, let them go, take care of your business, sir, and hire someone people who really want to work and take care of their place not people who only go for their salary thank you(Original)Buena comida los sándwiches estan deliciosos el lugar tiene buena comida solo que tengo un complain y no es para el lugar sino para el dueño hoy sabado 29 de enero alas 2 o 2:30pm fui a homedepot pase asu lugar y tenia dos empleadas trabajando una joven y una señora entre sus 35 y 40 años la jovencita cosina y trabaja muy rapido lo que no me gusta es que la señora mayor en lo que estuve esperando mi comida fueron como unos 20 minutos esta señora sela pasa ablando y quejandose del dueño y de sus otras empledas lastimosamente le kita mucho en tiempo ala joven e ves de ponerse a trabajar en el trascurso que estuve ahi no ponia atencion ala ventanilla de la caja y se fueron 4 potenciales clientes la quinta persona que llego estaba esperando y tuve que gritarle para pasarle la vos para que atendiera y no se vale que por malas empleadas el negocio pierda dinero mas en estos tiempos en ves de poner atencion y restetar alos clientes atendiendoles los deja ir cuide su negocio señor y contrate personas que realmente quieran trabajar y le cuiden su lugar no gente que solo vaya por su salario gracias”
“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!”
“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.”
“We ordered chili Relleno and also a mixed grill platter. Super tasty and generous portion. Staff was super friendly and accommodated me substituting more sea food and no steak for the mixed grill. I’ve been here a few times and is always good. Outdoor seating was very comfortable. Entire place is clean and bright.”
“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”
Latest Reviews
“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.”
“Amazing, delicious, flavorful, I love it, I want more; those are the words that my little child used to describe the food he ate. He is not wrong, everything we had to eat was delicious and well prepared. We all know children are the hardest to please when it comes to food.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“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.”
“Had a wonderful meal with my nephew here last night. Food was fresh,very well presented and delicious. Definitely a great change of pace from the usual! I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a nice, satisfying meal with a different twist. Added note, the Borscht was to die for.”
“Lovely atmosphere & service was good. Recommend the bread, but know there's a charge for it (typically complimentary in TX steakhouses). They were out of prime rib, so we had the skirt steak with creamed spinach. Both were good, but the skirt steak had a teriyaki flavor, which I wasn't expecting. We also had the chicken picatta, & while it was good, it didn't have much of a typical lemon flavor, & it is only chicken & sauce on a plate. It has no pasta accompaniment, which is how we're accustomed to it being served. Overall, we were glad to try it, even though the food fell a little flat for us.”
“Food is good; but the big surprise is the ripoff I got when I ordered a small steam rice with my dish because it doesn’t come included with the dish; that small steam rice plate was $6 … the rice was plain cooked in water basically and the amount of rice I got in that plate probably didn’t cost them more than 10 cents !!! The Thai restaurant on Laurel has steamed rice side for $2, so why this restaurant charged 3x for a simple steamed rice side ?! Lunch 1 person with tip and no drink $38 … come on!!!”
“William BBQ had the Aloha spirit. Talked with Lon and shared my thoughts about his restaurant. I was disappointed that he did not have the most common dish -- teriyaki beef plate, however, maybe next time.
The kid's bowl was perfect . We enjoyed chicken katsu and the grilled shrimp
bowl. Substituted rice for the mac salad...that was nice of him to do so. Went away filling full after a hearty lunch.
We'll be back, Lon. Aloha & Mahalo”
“As always, excellent food, service, and atmosphere. We’ve always been able to be seated in the wine room which definitely adds to the experience. This is our favourite restaurant in San Carlos. We have always come as a group of 5 and everyone has always left happy. Thanks to our server Engin tonight. He was excellent!”
“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”
“I have passed this place many times on pre planned dinners, but this time we stopped. We are from out of the area and I have to say, this food was amazing and authentic. I had el pastor and asada tacos and was amazed. So happy we went back the next morning for breakfast burritos and I was not disappointed. A must visit if you are in the area”
“Saffron is an Indian restaurant in San Carlos with a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, and dishes that truly stand out for their flavor. I arrived shortly after they opened and was greeted by a server who, while polite, offered service that felt somewhat limited and lacked warmth. He handed me the menu and walked away, so I had to call him over to place my order—a detail that could definitely be improved.
I started with the cauliflower, perfectly cooked and paired with a well-executed sauce. The samosas, drizzled with yogurt sauce and a touch of tangy tamarind, were a true hit. Next, I had the classic chicken masala, served with an exquisite garlic naan. The food was excellent: authentic and well-balanced flavors that did not disappoint.
However, the service remained detached, with no drink recommendations or attentive follow-up at the table. The chai was delicious, and the dessert—a cheesecake in a cup—was good but not impressive enough to end the meal memorably. The server was quick to bring the check, but I would have appreciated more attention to detail.
Overall, the dishes are excellent and stand out for their quality. However, the service and dessert could be improved to make the experience perfect. I would give it 5 stars, hoping they refine those aspects to make this place one of my favorites for this type of cuisine.”