Restaurants in San Carlos
Best Restaurants
“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 -”
3
Pylos
“I was visiting for the weekend and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for dinner. We had an exceptional experience! The dolmas and soup were my favorite and our server Jay J was the best!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“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!”
“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”
“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.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“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.”
“We were craving Japanese food and discovered this restaurant in San Carlos. It's a family-owned business located at the corner, with 1-2 tables outdoors. There were no issues with the service, and you can watch as they prepare and slice the sashimi in front of you. We visited during lunchtime, so they offered a lunch special bento box. We ordered a Sake Don (Salmon) and a Bento Box with pork katsu and spicy tuna rolls. Both came with a bowl of miso soup. The salmon sashimi was fresh, served with about 10 slices over the sushi rice. The pork katsu was deep-fried to perfection, and the salad was fresh. The spicy rolls were okay. Overall, the food quality is excellent, and everything tastes fresh. I enjoyed our selections; however, the portion size is smaller than expected for the price. We found ourselves a bit hungry after the meal.”
“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 -”
“I was visiting for the weekend and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for dinner. We had an exceptional experience! The dolmas and soup were my favorite and our server Jay J was the best!”
“A nice spot for some drinks, music & rotating food carts. It gets busy so plan accordingly. There is a reasonable amount of parking but again… fills up. Numerous drink options — some tasty sours, hazy & IPAs. The food cart items can be hit or miss.”
“I can't believe it took me so long to try the pizza here! I thought it'd be just another pizza place, but I was so wrong. Weirdly enough, we ended up ordering here because we wanted boneless chicken wings and this place had some. So we ordered the boneless chicken wings and a pizza (half Tuscan Garlic, which has a white sauce base, and the other half was a custom request of a white sauce base with salami). And WOW. The white sauce is so deliciously creamy, and the toppings tasted so fresh and were just bursting with flavor. Even the crust is yummy. The chicken wings were delicious too (they're shaped more like balls, fyi). They have a thick crispy breadcrumb style coating. I like dipping them in the white garlic sauce that came with it.”
“Excellent quality of coffee, I remember drinking my first cup and literally travel back to Perú, if you are a coffee lover and have knowledge about it, this is the place. Thank you to the owner for ground my coffee beans and being so kind.”
“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.”
“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.”
“*** Update***I recently went here again and tried the corn beef hash. I highly recommend it.Also, tried the Belgian Waffle so fluffy and butteryI passed by this place a few times and always wanted to stop by and try it. Finally, I got to try it, and this place is amazing. Upon entering, it seemed super busy. It looks like the place has been here for a while, but the chairs and tables looked modern. Not worn out and faded looking like some places.I was warmly greeted, right away. She looked like someone who enjoys her job. She told me that he chicken fried steak was the special today. So naturally, I had to order it. The portion was just right. It was crispy and so flavorful with the gravy.The other item we ordered was a ham and cheese omelette with pancakes. It looked so basic, but the flavor was amazing. The pancakes were buttery and delicious.I highly recommend this hidden gem. It is definitely worth it. It was reasonably priced, and the portion was just right.”
“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!”
“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”
“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.”
“Good sandwiches (huge selection), clean, well-priced. Lou’s sauce is great.My one pick point is that the amount of meat / ingredients is small compared to the bread slice. There were at least 4 bites of the sandwich that were almost entirely bread. Either cut the bread smaller or add more filling.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Outdoor Dining
“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.”
“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.”
“We visited this place on a rainy Saturday evening and we were the only customers. We ordered Vegetarian Skewers with Pesto Sauce and Vegetarian Combo Plate.The skewers were small in portion size and it didn't come with the pesto sauce. Not the best skewers we have had but manageable.The Vegetarian Combo Plate had small portion too except the romaine lettuce. The food was fresh but we have had better falafels than these. The hummus and babagonush were tasty but had some sort of funny smell(probably from cooked meats in same kitchen).We wished portion size was bigger but may be it's because of inflation.We also had Baklava which was very sweet and all we could taste was sweet syrup.We would not order it again.This place is good for quick bites.”
“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.”
“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?!”
“Awesome takeover event on Saturday woth so cal beers. Beertenders were helpful and chill. Regulars were super friendly amd talkative. Chopped it up with Ruby because we were in close quarters and enjoyed her beer knowledge. Good times, would pop in frequently if I lived near but will settle on stopping for a cold one when traveling. Fire but expensive pastrami next door, too”
“I used to go to Peet's on Laurel St. all the time, but they have competition! Groovy Goose is a new coffee spot in San Carlos, and their lattes are wonderful! Really good. The staff is young and friendly too. They could use a few more tables, but I'm happy to go and pick up a latte any day. They could also expand their pastry selection, but - don't tell Peet's - as for coffee, probably the best in San Carlos! I recommend.”
“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.”
“This place is not the easiest to find and park at. I had plans to meet up here with a couple of friends, and each of us got lost on the way. This place is tucked away in a small lot, so we all ended up getting rerouted and circled the block before either parking in the small lot, which only fits a few cars, or on the street nearby. Despite the small size of the lot and restaurant, there was a bit of a wait, as this place was packed for dinner on the weekend.I order my usual at Thai restaurants: eggplant with crispy tofu. The fried tofu was nicely spongy, so it absorbed a lot of flavour and the eggplant was juicy and not overcooked. The dish didn't come with rice, which is typical at about half of the Thai restaurants I've been to, and I was okay without it since I wasn't super hungry. The portion was kind of small, and if I'd been hungrier, I would've needed to order more food to get full, but since I wasn't too hungry, it worked out.”
“Trying this place for the first time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. It's very busy. I'm a little surprised giving this place is like brand new. Hubby discovered this place and dragged me and our dogs over. It's dog friendly even indoors. So that's good news for dog ppl like us. Tons of space for them to really stretch out and relax here. It's a modern rustic style. Really nice. They do have a small outdoor patio with 3 high table barrel setting outside. On a sunny day it could be really nice and relaxing outdoors too. I'm not exactly a beer person but he got me a fruity drink it actually tastes good. So, sure next time I can tag along. They do have some real food so that's a bonus.”
“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!”
“My friend flaked on me so I decided to treat myself to breakfast. I was craving pancakes (something I rarely eat), bacon and a cup of coffee. I decided to go to San Carlos as I never really come here. I ordered the pancake meal that came with two eggs and 4 ? bacon! The pancakes were big and fluffy, Rhea eggs were fluffy as well and the bacon was crispy! Coffee was hot and just right with real cream. Prices were ok and the ladies were very friendly and welcoming. It’s a cute place and very clean! I’m glad I came here. Also, the food came out quick !”
“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!”
“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”
“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”
“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.”
“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?!”
“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.”
Online Reservation Available
“Quite literally the best mexican food I have ever had, and I eat A LOT of mexican food. I daydream about the green salsa. They need to bottle it and sell it in stores. Their carnitas is mind blowingly good.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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"”
“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.”
“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.”
“Been your several times never eaten, But the service the atmosphere and the drinks are always excellent. It's a bit pricey, but like anything, you get what you pay for, quality and service are top.”
“Nice little spot on El Camino, I enjoyed the decor of the booths. Netted Prawns were a good appetizer, Tom Yum was O.K., Pad See-Ew was very nice, Green Curry Halibut was my favorite, Tamarind Prawns were interesting, Panang Curry Chicken was spot on. I'd say 4.5, gotta round up... I did go back the very next day?.”
“Honestly the most fresh and well prepared sushi I have ever had and I eat sushi like it's my job. Get one of the special sushi dinners, you will not be disappointed! 10/10 would ”
“We visited this place during Christmas, and it was super crowded! We waited about 30 minutes for the food, which was hot and enjoyable. However, the food is a bit pricey for its taste and quality. On the positive side, the servers were friendly.”
“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.”
“The food was amazing. It was very tasty. The people who serve you are super kind. The general feel around this restaurant is relaxed. Overall a great experience. I highly recommend this place”
“Great birthday celebration dinner. Very good appetizer, calamri, grilled octopus, bruscetta and delicious main dishes, spagetti bolognese, seafood risotto. Creme Brule and napolean for dessert and all served with a smile and attentive service. We will return and highly recommend.”
“This place is not the easiest to find and park at. I had plans to meet up here with a couple of friends, and each of us got lost on the way. This place is tucked away in a small lot, so we all ended up getting rerouted and circled the block before either parking in the small lot, which only fits a few cars, or on the street nearby. Despite the small size of the lot and restaurant, there was a bit of a wait, as this place was packed for dinner on the weekend.I order my usual at Thai restaurants: eggplant with crispy tofu. The fried tofu was nicely spongy, so it absorbed a lot of flavour and the eggplant was juicy and not overcooked. The dish didn't come with rice, which is typical at about half of the Thai restaurants I've been to, and I was okay without it since I wasn't super hungry. The portion was kind of small, and if I'd been hungrier, I would've needed to order more food to get full, but since I wasn't too hungry, it worked out.”
17
Yan's Garden
“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!”
“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!”
Takeout Restaurants
“I had a fantastic experience at Starbucks! My coffee was prepared exactly as I like it, and the warm breakfast sandwiches were a delicious addition. Despite the bustling atmosphere, both in the drive-through and inside the store, Gabby's customer service was outstanding. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor made my visit truly enjoyable.”
“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”
“YUMMY! Located outside San Carlos 24 Hour Fitness. We tried carne asada tacos and lingua borritos. Both were excellent, tender, tasty, and juicy. Curtido was perfect too. Will try tripe and pupusas next time. Friendly service and great food.”
“Fast and friendly, my son loves the pancakes and the view of the local airport, which features small planes and jets coming and going.Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly and an amazing place to take your little one who likes planesWheelchair accessibility: There is a RAMP”
“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.”
“I love me some custard from Rita's. Now that my son is two years old, we took him to Rita's for a treat after dinner, and it was so cute watching his face light up as he got a Rita's sugar rush! I'm someone who sticks to her regular stuff, so I haven't ventured outside of custard. However, my husband has purchased and enjoyed the Italian ice and one of their shakes. He enjoyed both. The only thing Rita's needs is mor seating. It can get pretty cramped on summer nights. We love you and your custard, Rita girl!”
“I loved the place, not too big nor too small, the menu is super varied with many options, and the staff are very friendlyThe time it took to bring the food was very good, acceptable considering the amount of people that were there”
“I got the small chai tea gelato in a waffle cone, and it was amazing! The flavour was on point, and I enjoyed every bite.They don’t offer samples at this place, which could be a result of the pandemic, but in any case, most of the flavour options are pretty standard, so it’s really not necessary.There’s a decent amount of seating at this place, which is nice because when my friends and I visited here after getting dinner nearby, it was raining outside, so it was nice to be able to continue our catch-up.”
“I love this place!! Such delicious, fresh food and great service. I have dined in before - very clean and nice restaurant with outdoor seating - but now I've been ordering 3x times a week for lunch. I LOVE their new mobile app! Makes re-ordering all of my specific modifications super fast and easy. Highly recommend!”
“The pastrami sandwich was very tasty, the meat was nice and lean, and except for the fact that they were out of rye bread, was exactly what I wanted. The grilled cheese sandwich had enough cheese on it for three sandwiches. The sandwiches don't come with any sides.”
“If you’re looking for a place with authentic Vietnamese cuisine, you’ve found it. The people here are kind and genuine. I have nothing but positive things to say about the culture they bring to this area. Do not miss out on an opportunity to eat here. Especially if you’re from out of town!Kid-friendliness: They don’t mind kids. All types of families here.Wheelchair accessibility: It’s all tables you can remove the chair from and put a wheelchair”
“Our go to stop on our Saturday and Sunday walk. The coffee and bagels are good, and the service is excellent. Nice friendly atmosphere for locals, and pretty busy at times, which is good.”
“I come here all the time. This place always has the best service and usually it's always different people. But today Ben made my day. He was super polite and helpful. You guys have a overall great staff every time I come”
“This is our favorite sushi's restaurant, the service always Great! Even if we order to go they even offer tea, and y daughter's love it!! So yes do yourself a favor and try our local restaurant in san carlos great place for a great sushi!!”
“Charming, with nice selection of wines. We enjoyed the appetizers. They were all good anfmd the charcuterie was really nice. Looking forward to next time, catching live music.”
“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”
“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”
21
Jamba
“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”
Cheap Eats
“La Vic's who!? These are the only burritos I buy now. Some weekends I drive from San Jose just to get those tasty fellas.Do yourself a favor and check this place out.”
“Their green salsa shmackzzz you NEED to put it on everything make sure you get a burrito with Jitomate.Kid-friendliness: They were very kind hearted to everyone.”
“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.”
“I have been in customer service industry for over 30 years. And i always make a point to recognize good customer service when i see it. I have been to this Subway a few times for their catering service and have been very impressed and pleased with the service we received from Biplov. He is consistently very friendly, professional and great to work with. Thank you for the great service.”
“We ordered for takeaway. Everything we ordered was delicious! Chicken tortilla soup would have been better eaten there so the tortilla chips were crunchy but the flavor was delicious. The fish tacos were Delicious. Both grilled and fried. The iguey burrito had shrimp but I substituted it with fish and such a delicious burst of flavor! The shredded beef was not our favorite. Had a certain smoky flavor which some purple may like. But this is definitely going to be our btw favorite Mexican restaurant!Parking: Couple of spots available by the side of the restaurant that's theirs.Wheelchair accessibility: One wheel chair accessible parking.”
“If you live work or visit this area you need to go here more often. This place is Hands Down, the best value in the area. Their lunch specials are fantastic you get a main dish, with option of steamed or fried rice or chow mein with it and a soup and of course the fortune cookie for a bit over 10$!! I had veggie chicken stir fry and the hot n sour soup. The soup had strips of sliced carrot, bamboo, fungus tofu and egg. The stir fry had the most delicious sauce. It's called white sauce. Idk what is in it but it's very flavorful. Excellent umami! This is a five star place because of the value ingredients location and the kindness of the staff. Also, I ordered to go and it was ready in less than 10 minutes!! Try this place, you'll love it! I wish this place all the best, they deserve it! ❤️”
“Places like La Hacienda used to be all over the Bay Area, now this restaurant is the last of the few great family ran restaurants that serve up really good Mexican food. A true gem in the bay.”
“This has been my go to bar in San Carlos for a long time. Good drinks for a fair price pool and shuffle board. I wish I had bought this place years ago as it's a good reminder of what San Carlos was back in the day. Locals who like to talk about anything related to the town, real estate or technology. Friday and Saturday night becomes rookie night with people who don't know how to order drinks and pay, bar etiquette is a lost art as some of these reviews show. Dive bars are like someone's home, learn to peacefully co exist and follow the rules, do that simple task and you should have a good time. I was there last week, ordered a bunch of drinks from the bar, told the ignorant patron to bear with me and keep the space open so I could remove my drinks, but clueless Tecchie guy moved right in where my drinks were, I had to physically move the rookie, so I could get my drinks to my friends then he could chat with his co worker as much as possible. Painful. Bartender's and drinks were great!!! If I could get a job here I would jump at it.”
“This place was great. They could maybe use some more flavors but I can't hate when the service and taste meets far past what I'd vision. I wasn't expecting as great as it was. I had that cinnamon nitro cold brew and it was great. They have a cool seating area too.”
“(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”
“"Sounds fishy" tastes wayyy better than it sounds haha. The menu has interesting options and funny names. They've got a crepe for your sweet tooth or if you like savory. Fresh ingredients. Mine was stuffed with spinach - love it. Maybe would be better with some sauce? The "want smore" Nutella one is nice and creamy as well. The indoor seating is very limited and there were kids all over the place lol... outdoor seats are a bit better but chilly.Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian availableKid-friendliness: Kids menu”
“A San Carlos tradition. Regulars flock here to enjoy warm conversation over freshly brewed coffees from around the world and an assortment of fresh pastries. The owner is warm, hard-working and trusting as customers go behind the counter to refill their cups while pondering their next reply to the friendly debate amongst friends. I encourage you to gather friends and begin your own tradition. Or come alone, as I, and take in the warm and inviting atmosphere and top notch coffee and fare.”
“I only took out coffee, but the iced Americano was really delicious and the staff was friendly. And there are so many seats that you can come here to study (there are also many seats with charging cords inside).I only ordered coffee to take out. Iced Americano was so delicious and not pricey. This place was so huge. When I visited here, it was around 2-3pm and not many people were there. There are some seats outside as well. Also, the employees were friendly.”
“Good vegiterian option. Try the fried rice and pad kee mow. The tofu gonger was nice too.Vegetarian options: They have a large variety of vegan or vegetarian option.”
“This is a great “spot” for a delicious sandwich. Staff is friendly. Food is yummy. I highly recommend.Kid-friendliness: My son loved the PB&J. Said it was the best he has had!”
“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.”
23
Spasso
“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.”
“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.”
25
Town
“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.”
26
Pazzo
“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.”
27
Seiya
“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"”
“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.”
29
Aya Sushi
“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 $24 dollars. It was smooth... almost too smooth. The rice polish is 55%, same as one of my favorites, Kikusui junmai ginjo that has more distinct characteristics. While I have no complaints per se, I would look for something else next time.The nigiri was very good. Good taste, generous cuts/portion size, and the uni was great. Very fresh. Thank you Santa Barbara!I'd give the place a 4.5 to be more fair. I'll be happy to go back, but with more realistic expectations.”
“This is our favorite sushi's restaurant, the service always Great! Even if we order to go they even offer tea, and y daughter's love it!! So yes do yourself a favor and try our local restaurant in san carlos great place for a great sushi!!”
Latest Reviews
“If you live work or visit this area you need to go here more often. This place is Hands Down, the best value in the area. Their lunch specials are fantastic you get a main dish, with option of steamed or fried rice or chow mein with it and a soup and of course the fortune cookie for a bit over 10$!! I had veggie chicken stir fry and the hot n sour soup. The soup had strips of sliced carrot, bamboo, fungus tofu and egg. The stir fry had the most delicious sauce. It's called white sauce. Idk what is in it but it's very flavorful. Excellent umami! This is a five star place because of the value ingredients location and the kindness of the staff. Also, I ordered to go and it was ready in less than 10 minutes!! Try this place, you'll love it! I wish this place all the best, they deserve it! ❤️”
“A little TREASURE in the NEIGHBORHOODWent there today and enjoyed my visit. A courteous customer-friendly young man was there who told us he's been open since October 1, 2023 after purchasing the store from the prior owner.Hours: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm dailyLocation: literally in the San Carlos Devonshire residential neighborhood between and among houses and apartments. It's just off San Carlos Ave. but you can't see it from San Carlos Ave.Parking: curbside, free.Market/convenience store: a surprisingly large assortment of:-beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic-snacks: potato chips, candies, small baked goods, etc.-dry and canned foods-toiletries/sundriesThere's even bagged ice!Everything was neatly arranged on the shelves, no dusty expired items.The lighting is brighter than before and plenty of roomin the aisles.Sandwich shop: I ordered a #2 Tuna Salad and a #5 Italian sandwich, both on Soft Sweet rolls (like French bread) and they have other choices too. He made them in the back room and wore gloves, clean and sanitary. They're made to order, not premade, and each sandwich was $13.99Credit cards are accepted.Ice cream shop: in the back room, featuring Mitchell's ice cream of SF. Not just scoops but also shakes, banana splits, sundaes, etc. I'll be back to get some!”
“As far as subsidized food service for schools go, its good. Never like home food, but helps lighten the load at home when we need it. Easy to use ordering interface.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We were craving Japanese food and discovered this restaurant in San Carlos. It's a family-owned business located at the corner, with 1-2 tables outdoors. There were no issues with the service, and you can watch as they prepare and slice the sashimi in front of you. We visited during lunchtime, so they offered a lunch special bento box. We ordered a Sake Don (Salmon) and a Bento Box with pork katsu and spicy tuna rolls. Both came with a bowl of miso soup. The salmon sashimi was fresh, served with about 10 slices over the sushi rice. The pork katsu was deep-fried to perfection, and the salad was fresh. The spicy rolls were okay. Overall, the food quality is excellent, and everything tastes fresh. I enjoyed our selections; however, the portion size is smaller than expected for the price. We found ourselves a bit hungry after the meal.”
“Make sure to call and make a reservation for dinner or brunch!! We came in on a Wednesday and didn't realize they host a trivia night! We didn't participate but it seemed fun. Overall liked the extensive menu but unfortunately they were out of appetizers and wine I asked for. That being said the seasonal salad was fantastic!! the service was also prompt and very friendly. Would like to go back and check out brunch”
“Great birthday celebration dinner. Very good appetizer, calamri, grilled octopus, bruscetta and delicious main dishes, spagetti bolognese, seafood risotto. Creme Brule and napolean for dessert and all served with a smile and attentive service. We will return and highly recommend.”
“This was our second attempt at Doppio Zero in San Carlos. What a big difference since the first try. We decided to dine a bit earlier than usual (4pm). The place was quiet and the service was excellent. The food was SO deliciious and we requested to have the food brought out one at a time. Each plate was serve hot, so full of flavor. We will definitely come back for sure.”
“I come here all the time. This place always has the best service and usually it's always different people. But today Ben made my day. He was super polite and helpful. You guys have a overall great staff every time I come”
“I used to go to Peet's on Laurel St. all the time, but they have competition! Groovy Goose is a new coffee spot in San Carlos, and their lattes are wonderful! Really good. The staff is young and friendly too. They could use a few more tables, but I'm happy to go and pick up a latte any day. They could also expand their pastry selection, but - don't tell Peet's - as for coffee, probably the best in San Carlos! I recommend.”
“Finally got a chance to try this place for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny weekend. Strolling on Laurel in San Carlos passing by this place, their patio was just so inviting so we couldn't help sitting down in those cozy leather chairs, our dogs could also comfortably stretch out and relax. They have a huge overhang so it's all protected. They have a couple low table cozy leather sofa chair seating, also a few high tables with an industrial rustic style I would say, which is super nice and modern. This is a true pizza place. They have a very attractive menu with all the DIY pizza options. Our pizza came out super colorful and soooooo delicious! They made the thin crust truly very thin which I love. We also orders the classic Greek salad, it's a huge portion and pretty good too. He said he likes his beer. The service is quick and attentive. I asked for extra olive oil to drizzle on the pizza and salad she brought it out right away. It was such an enjoyable experience there. We'll definitely go back soon.”
“I can't believe it took me so long to try the pizza here! I thought it'd be just another pizza place, but I was so wrong. Weirdly enough, we ended up ordering here because we wanted boneless chicken wings and this place had some. So we ordered the boneless chicken wings and a pizza (half Tuscan Garlic, which has a white sauce base, and the other half was a custom request of a white sauce base with salami). And WOW. The white sauce is so deliciously creamy, and the toppings tasted so fresh and were just bursting with flavor. Even the crust is yummy. The chicken wings were delicious too (they're shaped more like balls, fyi). They have a thick crispy breadcrumb style coating. I like dipping them in the white garlic sauce that came with it.”
“I thoroughly enjoy their vegetable coins and chili garlic noodles; the flavors are truly delightful. However, I've noticed a decrease in portion size that doesn't quite match the prices. It would be great if they could reconsider this aspect for a more satisfying dining experience.”
“Scrumptious, yummy food, with balanced portions that made me full enough without feeling bloated. We order pork belly, steaks, and sides to share. I really enjoyed the carrots, and love how they sliced our cuts for us. Watching the wagyu being cooked was fun, too. We also had some cocktails, which had really fun cups for each type of drink, and were all pretty delicious, though sweet. I found it interesting that we had to ask for bread service, but I guess it’s not an olive garden or anything so ?. Also, if we got too full on bread I don’t think we’d appreciate the meal as much. Lastly, we shared some cake and I had an Affogato, which I appreciated they had decaf espresso; I didn’t know that was a thing. I reserved the table on open table, I think, and added that it was for a birthday and asked for desert for the birthday boy. I was surprised that they brought our table a round of Prosecco, and gave the birthday boy a crème brûlée with a candle. ? Oh, and they change the menu every couple months, so just check if you’re pining for something in particular if that’s a deal breaker or not to choosing this restaurant.It was quite empty on a Thursday evening, and the food is pricey, but we left feeling satisfied and happy we chose Taurus.”
“Food was very delicous and affordable. Cheesesteaks were loaded with lots of meat and cheese. One of the best I've ever tried. Burgers were also great, they say that its freshly made with their own blend and never frozen. Which I can taste the freshness. If you haven't tried them out yet. You are missing out!Vegetarian options: There is veggie cheesesteak option, fish and chips.Dietary restrictions: Lots of chicken options.Parking: Lots of parking spaces and free of charge.Kid-friendliness: Yes, high chair provided.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, designated table reserved.”
“My boyfriend took me there for dinner on Valentine's Day 2 weeks ago. Based on my pre-experience, they had a rich menu for a special night. The food came a little late (it is very common on special days) but the guy who took care of our table was very polite and friendly. He apologized for the delay and fixed it right away. I think he's called Robeen or Robyn (sorry if I spelled it wrong). Then I went for brunch and had a similar experience. Enjoyeee.”
“We loved the food. The prawn cocktail appetizer, both the filet mignon and skirt steak entrees, and the bourbon glazed carrots were great. However, the service needs a lot of improvement.”
“This is a fun spot to get together with friends after a day at the corporate office and hang out at the social office! They've got a good menu and large selection of beer. You can sit down and start a tab on trivia nights (Monday 7p). There's a heated by fire pit outdoor space or some tables inside or at the bar. Parking is street and the staff is friendly but don't expect too much chitchat. They're often busy!”
“I love this place! They are always so attentive and nice when we come in. The food is always delicious and comes out at a reasonable time. The deep dish is always a good choice! Beer is good and honestly prices are great! Definitive give it a try.”
“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.”