By Administrator Just landed at SFO? Famished after a long flight? Or perhaps you’re a local resident seeking a delightful culinary experience beyond your usual haunts? Burlingame, California, and its surrounding areas offer a vibrant and diverse food scene that caters to every palate and craving. While Burlingame Avenue, with its charming boutiques and bustling atmosphere, is a well-known dining destination, the culinary landscape extends far beyond its borders. From authentic Italian trattorias to innovative Asian fusion and everything in between, there’s a restaurant near Burlingame just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, a family-friendly meal, or an unforgettable fine dining experience, this guide will navigate you through the best restaurants near Burlingame, providing insider tips and recommendations to satisfy your every culinary desire. So, buckle up your taste buds, and let’s embark on a delicious journey!
Exploring the Flavors of Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame Avenue, often affectionately called “Broadway” by locals, serves as the heart of Burlingame’s culinary scene. This charming thoroughfare is lined with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, offering a taste of everything from classic Italian fare to contemporary California cuisine. While exploring Burlingame’s restaurants, you’ll find that each establishment has its own unique charm and character, making it a delightful experience for both residents and visitors alike.
Stella Alpina Osteria
One establishment that embodies the warmth and authenticity of Italian cuisine is Stella Alpina Osteria. This cozy and inviting restaurant transports you to the heart of Northern Italy with its rustic decor and traditional dishes. The menu features an array of homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty meat dishes, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their tagliatelle al ragu, a classic Bolognese sauce simmered to perfection, or indulge in their osso buco, a tender braised veal shank served with creamy polenta. Stella Alpina Osteria is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply a casual evening of delicious Italian food near Burlingame.
Piacere
For a more upscale Italian dining experience, Piacere offers an elegant ambiance and an extensive wine list. This sophisticated restaurant features a menu of refined Italian dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Indulge in their linguine alle vongole, a delicate pasta dish with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine, or savor their perfectly grilled branzino, a Mediterranean sea bass served with seasonal vegetables. Piacere’s impeccable service and sophisticated atmosphere make it an ideal destination for special occasions, business dinners, or any time you want to elevate your dining experience. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list, with selections from both Italy and California, to perfectly complement your meal. If you’re looking for fantastic food near Burlingame, consider stopping by.
Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe
No visit to Burlingame Avenue is complete without a stop at Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe. This beloved local institution has been serving up delectable Danish pastries, sandwiches, and coffee for decades. From their flaky kringles to their rich chocolate croissants, Copenhagen Bakery offers a tempting array of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings. They also serve a variety of savory sandwiches, salads, and soups, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch or a casual coffee break. Don’t miss their smørrebrød, traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches, topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients. Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Pizzeria Delfina
Pizza lovers should head straight to Pizzeria Delfina, a Bay Area institution renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-inspired pizzas. Their pizzas are made with a thin, crispy crust, topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and baked in a wood-fired oven. The menu features a selection of classic pizzas, such as the margherita with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, as well as more creative options like the salsiccia with sausage, onions, and fennel. Pizzeria Delfina also offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and delicious pizzas make it a popular choice for families, friends, and anyone seeking a taste of authentic Italian pizza near Burlingame.
Beyond Broadway: Culinary Adventures in Neighboring Towns
While Burlingame Avenue offers a plethora of dining options, exploring the surrounding towns and neighborhoods reveals an even wider array of culinary delights. Just a short drive from Burlingame, you’ll find a variety of restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Millbrae
Millbrae, known for its vibrant Asian community, offers a treasure trove of authentic Asian cuisine. From Cantonese seafood to dim sum, Millbrae’s restaurants are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Tai Wu Restaurant is a popular destination for Cantonese seafood, serving up fresh catches of the day prepared with traditional Cantonese techniques. Indulge in their steamed whole fish, their crispy roast duck, or their succulent crab with ginger and scallions. Hong Kong Flower Lounge is another Millbrae staple, renowned for its extensive dim sum menu. Sample a variety of steamed dumplings, savory buns, and crispy spring rolls, all served fresh and hot from the kitchen. The bustling atmosphere and delicious food make Hong Kong Flower Lounge a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This is truly wonderful food near Burlingame.
San Mateo
San Mateo, another neighboring city, offers a more diverse culinary landscape, with options ranging from Michelin-starred Indian cuisine to upscale Italian restaurants. All Spice is a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases the innovative and refined flavors of modern Indian cuisine. Their tasting menu features a selection of carefully crafted dishes that blend traditional Indian spices with contemporary culinary techniques. Pausa Bar & Cookery is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers a modern take on classic Italian dishes. Their menu features handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of seasonal entrees. The restaurant’s sleek and modern decor, combined with its delicious food and extensive wine list, make it a perfect spot for a special occasion.
Other Areas
Other noteworthy areas to consider include San Carlos and Hillsborough, each offering their own unique culinary experiences. San Carlos boasts a burgeoning brewery scene, with several local breweries offering a variety of craft beers and pub fare. Hillsborough, known for its affluent residents, offers a selection of upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments. While exploring these areas, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover some of the hidden gems that these towns have to offer.
Quick Bites & Casual Eats: Satisfying Your Cravings on the Go
Sometimes, you just need a quick and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Burlingame and its surrounding areas offer a variety of affordable and convenient options for quick bites and casual eats.
Coffee and Pastries
For coffee lovers, Red Giant Coffee is a must-visit. This local coffee shop roasts its own beans and serves up a variety of expertly crafted coffee drinks. From their smooth and creamy lattes to their bold and flavorful espressos, Red Giant Coffee is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings. They also offer a selection of pastries and light snacks, making it a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Cafe Borrone, another popular coffee shop, offers a wider selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a charming outdoor patio.
Sandwich Shops and Delis
When it comes to sandwiches, Burlingame Sandwich Company is a local favorite. This family-owned deli serves up a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. Their sandwiches are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served on freshly baked bread. Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria is another great option for a quick and casual meal. They serve up a variety of delicious pizzas, pastas, and salads, all made with fresh ingredients and served in a casual atmosphere. The pizzas are perfectly crafted and make for excellent food near Burlingame.
Fast Casual Options
For those seeking something a little different, there are several fast-casual options in the area. Mediterranean Kitchen offers a variety of flavorful Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, hummus, and gyros. Poke House serves up fresh and customizable poke bowls, with a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. The Habit Burger Grill is a popular spot for burgers, fries, and milkshakes. These fast-casual restaurants offer a convenient and affordable way to satisfy your cravings without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Fine Dining & Special Occasions: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
For those seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, Burlingame and its surrounding areas offer a selection of fine dining restaurants that are perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out.
The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse
The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse, located in nearby Palo Alto, is an upscale seafood restaurant that offers a sophisticated ambiance and a menu of exquisite seafood dishes. The restaurant’s sleek and modern decor, combined with its impeccable service and extensive wine list, create a truly memorable dining experience. Indulge in their fresh oysters, their seared scallops, or their grilled swordfish, all prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Cetrella
Cetrella, located in Half Moon Bay, offers stunning ocean views and a menu of refined Mediterranean cuisine. This elegant restaurant features a menu of fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal entrees, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Their outdoor patio offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The food here is exquisite and may be the best food near Burlingame.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Discovering the Undiscovered
Beyond the well-known restaurants and popular destinations, Burlingame and its surrounding areas are home to a number of hidden gems and local favorites that are worth seeking out.
One such hidden gem is a small, family-owned Thai restaurant tucked away on a side street in San Mateo. This unassuming restaurant serves up authentic Thai dishes that are bursting with flavor. The restaurant’s friendly service and affordable prices make it a favorite among locals. Another local favorite is a hole-in-the-wall taqueria located in Redwood City. This no-frills taqueria serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican recipes. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and affordable prices make it a popular spot for a quick and satisfying meal. These places may not be in guide books but offer some of the best food near Burlingame.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Awaits
From the bustling streets of Burlingame Avenue to the hidden gems in neighboring towns, the culinary scene near Burlingame, California, offers a diverse and delicious adventure waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re craving authentic Italian fare, innovative Asian cuisine, or a quick and satisfying bite, there’s a restaurant near Burlingame to satisfy your every culinary desire. So, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor passing through, take the time to explore the local dining scene and discover the hidden culinary treasures that this region has to offer. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, try new things, and embrace the unexpected. After all, the best culinary experiences are often found in the most unexpected places. Bon appétit! What are your favorite restaurants near Burlingame? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
