Best Southern American Restaurants in Foster City

51 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Florian

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Foster City

Booked 7 times today

Cafe Florian in Foster City epitomizes the vibrant spirit of Californian cuisine with its dynamic and weekly changing Sunday brunch menu. Diners are treated to an exquisite array of fresh, local ingredients that celebrate the rich agricultural bounty of California. Guests rave about the "fabulous service and variety of food," making every meal a delightful experience. Highlights include an "amazing selection of fresh crab and shrimp" and a dessert area that is "filled with lovely and delicious desserts." Whether it's the fresh seafood or the variety of stations from waffles to prime rib, Cafe Florian offers an authentic taste of California that keeps patrons coming back for more.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Mateo restaurant

2. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Mateo

4.7

Exceptional(47)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 5 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo restaurant

3. Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo

4.4

Awesome(3004)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 28 times today

Paul Martin's American Grill in San Mateo is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, setting the standard for quality and authenticity. Located in the vibrant Hillsdale Shopping Center, diners rave about the "perfectly grilled" hand-cut ribeye and the "amazing" seasonal specials. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as both "polished" and "welcoming," ideal for any occasion from happy hours to heartfelt celebrations. Reviewers consistently highlight the "excellent service" and the diverse, flavor-packed menu, including standout dishes like the steak Cobb salad and the mesquite grilled elote corn. Paul Martin's commitment to elevating classic American dishes with a modern twist ensures a memorable dining experience every time.

4. Porterhouse

4.7

Exceptional(1673)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 25 times today

Porterhouse in San Mateo is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine, particularly renowned for its expertly dry-aged steaks, a rare find on the Peninsula. Nestled between San Francisco and San Jose, this restaurant offers a menu that beautifully marries classic American steakhouse fare with fresh seafood, creating dishes that are both refined and satisfying. The ambiance, described as having "old school charm with amazing steaks," sets the stage for memorable dining experiences. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" meats and "attentive service," with one diner exclaiming it’s the "best steak ever!" Whether it's a casual dinner or a celebratory gathering, Porterhouse promises a standout meal every time, making it a must-visit for those seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Mateo.

A photo of Pinstripes - San Mateo restaurant

5. Pinstripes - San Mateo

4.4

Awesome(29)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 9 times today

Pinstripes in San Mateo is the epitome of stellar American cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of Italian-American flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. With its scratch-made dishes, the restaurant shines with menu favorites like meatballs and polenta, described by one guest as "the star of the night." The ambiance, complemented by engaging activities like bowling and bocce, ensures a dining experience that’s both fun and fulfilling. Guests rave about the "fabulous" food and "superb" service, making it a must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable American dining experience. Whether it's the praised Sunday brunch or the vibrant happy hour, Pinstripes stands out as a local culinary gem in San Mateo.

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant

6. Central Park Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1693)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 14 times today

Central Park Bistro in downtown San Mateo offers a truly delightful comfort food experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Chef Ricardo Garcia masterfully prepares American classics with a fresh, seasonal twist, ensuring every dish not only comforts but also excites the palate. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb chops and the "soft and richly sauced" gnocchi, highlighting the quality and heartiness of the meals. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the dining experience, with cozy private rooms and a vibrant martini bar, enhancing the warmth and welcoming vibe essential to great comfort food. Visitors often mention the "attentive service" and "delicious food," making Central Park Bistro a standout gem for those seeking a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion, this bistro consistently impresses with its superb culinary delights and charming atmosphere.

A photo of The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

7. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

4.7

Exceptional(369)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 17 times today

For an unforgettable Spanish culinary experience, The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar in San Mateo is a must-visit! Diners are captivated by the authentic Spanish offerings, like the "traditional seafood paella valencene" and the "Spanish octopus," both celebrated for their exquisite flavors. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality shines through, with reviewers raving about the "best salmon I have ever had" and a wine list that is "extensive," enhancing meals with perfect pairings. The ambiance, complemented by live music, creates a vibrant Spanish dining atmosphere right in the heart of San Mateo. As one satisfied diner put it, "The food is always spot on," making The Barrel Bistro the go-to destination for Spanish cuisine aficionados.

A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant

8. Park & Howard Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1285)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Burlingame

Booked 25 times today

At the heart of Burlingame, Park & Howard Bistro emerges as a sterling example of authentic Bistro cuisine, delighting patrons with its "beautifully presented" dishes and "fabulous unexpected" dining experiences. This gem, located at the bustling corner of Park and Howard Ave, offers a comforting yet sophisticated atmosphere with its rustic motif and intimate settings, perfect for any special occasion. Reviews consistently praise its "perfectly prepared" meals, ranging from the succulent butternut gnocchi to the tender filet mignon, all enriched by a "knowledgeable and friendly" service. Whether it's a sunny lunch or a cozy dinner, Park & Howard Bistro stands out for its dedication to quality, flavor, and a genuinely welcoming ambiance, making every visit a memorable one.

A photo of Pacific Catch San Mateo restaurant

9. Pacific Catch San Mateo

4.6

Exceptional(1437)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 14 times today

At Pacific Catch San Mateo, the essence of Hawaiian cuisine is brought to life with a commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood that captures the vibrant flavors of the Pacific. Diners consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one patron noting, "the fish tacos were the most amazing we have tasted" and another celebrating the "standout dishes" like the sushi bowl and poke & ceviche trio for their "exceptional freshness and quality." Located in the scenic area of San Mateo, the restaurant not only promises an enjoyable dining experience but also a dedication to environmental stewardship, partnering with notable foundations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Pacific Catch offers a taste of Hawaii that is both delightful and conscientiously sourced, making every visit a testament to the best of Hawaiian cuisine.

A photo of Rise Woodfire - San Mateo restaurant

10. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

4.5

Awesome(628)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • San Mateo

Booked 21 times today

Rise Woodfire in Downtown San Mateo offers an authentic Pizzeria experience that locals and visitors alike rave about. Nestled inside a charming historical train station, this family-owned gem serves up mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas that are a cut above the rest. Guests frequently praise the unique and flavorful combinations, like the Beef back + arugula and Medjool date + chevre pizzas, describing them as "mouth-watering" and a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The robust, homemade crust and fresh ingredients ensure each pizza is a delightful culinary journey. Along with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent service, Rise Woodfire promises an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch pizza in San Mateo.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Prelude is such a gem that we are lucky to have in the Bay Area. In an era where tasting menus can often leave you underwhelmed and needing a slice of pizza at the end, Prelude did the exact opposite. While I did opt for the caviar supplement and added on the sweetbreads dish from the ala carte menu, even without the extras I still would have left full to the brim. Some can’t miss dishes are the stuffed chicken wing, the catfish dumplings, the aforementioned sweetbreads, and the pork chop. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I found the by the glass wine options superb- I was particularly fond of a pour of a very special 1996 Chenin Blanc with dessert. I look forward to returning to Prelude again and again.
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
J
John
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
Nice blues club (really a night club) that serves southern styled food. Go for the music
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
C
Chadvip
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Nov 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Foster City

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51 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Florian

2. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - San Mateo

3. Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo

4. Porterhouse

5. Pinstripes - San Mateo

6. Central Park Bistro

7. The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar

8. Park & Howard Bistro

9. Pacific Catch San Mateo

10. Rise Woodfire - San Mateo

See what locals rave about

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