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Top 15 Burlingame, CA Restaurants

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Burlingame is a well-known city in San Mateo County, California. Its popularity is driven by its stunning landscape, flourishing economy, and vibrant food scene, offering diverse and superb restaurant options.

Locals and visitors will appreciate the abundance of restaurants serving various cuisines with unique flavors worldwide.

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Italian pasta, tropical seafood, or international fare, the city’s restaurants never fail to satisfy! Burlingame’s attractive ambiance and delicious cuisine is a dream come true for every foodie.

To give you an idea of how vibrant this city’s restaurant scene is, let’s explore some of the best Burlingame, CA, restaurants that you must not miss when you are in the area!

An Adventure of International Flavors

An Adventure of International Flavors

Photo by sorin popa on Unsplash

1. Il Fornaio Burlingame

Il Fornaio Burlingame is the place to go if you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine. It is known for its elegant ambiance and mouth-watering cuisine, made with top-notch ingredients.

The freshness of the food is a priority at Il Fornaio Burlingame, which is one of the restaurant’s many strengths. Its interior design is characterized by its sophistication and warmth. The restaurant’s elegant decor makes for an intimate setting or a special occasion.

The pasta and bread are baked fresh daily in their in-house bakery, so you know you’re getting the real deal in this restaurant. Another major draw for customers is their kind and well-informed personnel, offering excellent service and hospitality.

A dining experience at Il Fornaio Burlingame will surely be remembered because of the restaurant’s delicious food, high-quality ingredients, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Must-Try:

  1. Pollo Ai Funghi – Grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes accompany a chicken breast gently pounded and cooked in a sauce made from mushrooms and marsala wine.
  2. Ravioli Di Magro Al Limone – Rainbow chard, kale, onions, and pecorino cheese are stuffed into ravioli and mixed in a creamy lemon vellutata sauce.
  3. Linguine Mare Chiaro – Seafood linguine with roasted cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper, garlic, Trebbiano wine, and seafood such as clams, mussels, prawns, and scallops.

Reviews:

“Great Italian food and very nice service! We had a team dinner at 6p Monday night. The restaurant is decorated for holiday season. Very festival looking and beautiful. We ordered appetizers for sharing and opened one wine bottle to share. Service was very attentive. No complaint. Sea food pasta is delicious. Even the bread basket is pretty delicious. The sea food linguine is about $31. Very delicious but a bit rich. Overall, good restaurant for family and team outing. Very casual but good quality food.” – Kelly Huang

Restaurant Information:

2. Mingalaba Restaurant

The distinctive flavors of Burma are the highlight of your dining experience at Mingalaba Restaurant.

Its popularity is primarily driven by its comprehensive menu, featuring exquisite Burmese dishes and an assortment of delectable Chinese cuisine. Combining these two cuisines makes the restaurant stand out from the competition and a must-visit for foodies.

Mingalaba Restaurant’s extensive and diverse meals have brought in a consistent stream of customers despite the restaurant’s modest facility.

Must-Try:

  1. Lap Pat Dok (Tea Leaf Salad) – Salad made with dried shrimp (or vegetarian alternatives), fried garlic, sesame seeds, peanuts, split yellow peas, and imported Burmese tea leaves.
  2. Burmese Style Noodle (Kaw Soi Dok) – Vegetarian or seafood dried shrimp, onion, cabbage, and green papaya are mixed with noodles in a spicy sauce.
  3. Ong Noh Kaw Soi (Coconut Chicken Soup) – Burmese-style coconut chicken soup served with onions, cilantro and lemons.

Reviews:

“This was a first time try, The food was decent. I like this food because the meal was very light. Even when I was full I don’t feel heavy and lethargic, I felt relaxed and content. The service was quick, and the price point was valid. I would come here again.” – Precious

Restaurant Information:

3. Saffron - Burlingame

Saffron is an authentic Indian restaurant that takes pride in its delectable menu, curated only from fresh, sustainable ingredients.

When you first enter Saffron, you’ll be greeted by a stunning two-story facility that oozes class and sophistication. A beautiful dining experience begins with the restaurant’s polished interior, decorated with chandeliers to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Saffron’s menu showcases the varied textures and flavors of Indian cooking. Each dish, from spicy curries to succulent tandoori fare, is made carefully to reflect India’s authentic culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s experienced chefs are masters at combining old favorites with cutting-edge methods to produce mouthwatering, innovative dishes. Saffron’s dedication to quality and care for detail makes it a top choice for those seeking genuine Indian cuisine.

Must-Try:

  1. Saffron Daal Makhani – Tomatoes, spices, and black lentils cooked for 24 hours, complete with butter and cream.
  2. Genovese Basil Dosa – Tossed potatoes in a spicy masala sauce with basil chutney, ginger, garlic, cilantro, and tamarind chutney.
  3. Kerala Chicken Curry – A meal made with coconut milk, curry leaves, poppy seeds, and roasted whole spices.

Reviews:

“Every dish is so delicious. Perfectly spiced food. Non veg and veg are equally flavorful. Good that food is not Americanized like most fine dinings. Best Indian restaurant in Bay area.” – Satya Srinivas Volla

Restaurant Information:

4. Mykonos

Mykonos is an exquisite diner serving various Greek dishes, such as moussaka, souvlaki, avgolemono, and refreshing drinks.

The restaurant has been professionally furnished to provide patrons with a cozy and relaxing environment. Its pleasant atmosphere will take you away to the magnificent Greek coastlines!

Mykonos has indoor and outdoor seats so diners can choose where to enjoy their meals.

Must-Try:

  1. Melitzanosalata – smoked eggplant with roasted red peppers, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
  2. Maroulosalata – Chopped lettuce, scallions, fresh dill, feta, and lemon olive oil.
  3. Bootakia Kotopoulo – Bulgur pilaf with dill yogurt and marinated chicken thighs.

Reviews:

“Without a reservation for dinner you may find it difficult to get a table. Our party of four had reservations and we got a great table. The service was smooth and friendly even though the restaurant was packed. The lamb shank was excellent. The veg moussaka was so so as it lacked flavor and it felt “limp” and old…. Let’s say that it did not speak to me.

The spinach flat bread was tasty as the spinach and cheese complimented each other nicely. I don’t think the Bakalva was made in-house but it did taste very good. Over all a nice evening in a vibrant atmosphere. Yup. Give this place a shot.” – Fulldistance Going

Restaurant Information:

5. Coconut Bay Thai Restaurant

Coconut Bay Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai food, including Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, noodles, rice, and soup made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just searching for something different to try, Coconut Bay Thai Restaurant should be on your restaurant list to visit!

Must-Try:

  1. Panang Curry – Peppers, jalapenos, carrots, baby corn, green beans, and green beans cooked in a panang curry sauce with coconut milk.
  2. Exotic Lamb Curry – Curried Australian lamb cubes cooked in coconut milk with potatoes and onions and served on roti.
  3. Kha Moo – Chinese broccoli and pig leg slow-cooked with Thai spices.

Reviews:

“The food was great. They accommodated all our modification requests, such as replacing side of Jasmin rice with coconut rice and making Panang curry less spicy. The server was helpful in answering all our questions about the menu.

Note for future self:
Even less spicy Panag curry is a bit spicy and don’t order silver noodle soup as it has got barely any flavor.” – Priya Raut

Restaurant Information:

Dine in Upscale Restaurants

Dine in Upscale Restaurants

Photo by Igor Rand on Unsplash

6. Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, go no further than Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse. Enjoy traditional American cuisine and fine wines in a sophisticated setting with breathtaking bay views!

The food at Kincaid’s is an ode to the finest in American cooking, including festive seafood to flavorful grilled chops and steaks.

The restaurant is proud to use only the highest quality ingredients and takes great care to ensure that every dish is perfectly cooked.

The stunning bay views are one of the highlights of Kincaid’s. The restaurant’s excellent service and meticulous preparation make it a must-visit for foodies searching for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Must-Try:

  1. Grilled Alaskan Halibut – A grilled fish served with a fantastic combination of heirloom tomatoes, corn succotash, saffron corn puree, and basil oil.
  2. Slow Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib – Prime rib served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, creamed kale, au jus, and spicy horseradish.
  3. Jm Nosen NY Style Cheesecake – A delectable cheesecake features a delightful combination of Graham cracker crunch, luscious caramel sauce, fresh strawberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.

Reviews:

“Went for dinner with family and food plus view was excellent! Ordered the seafood trio and salmon, scallops and shrimp were cooked perfectly! Had cheesecake for dessert and it was so good! Graham crust on bottom was delicious and cream cheese filling was just right.. not overly sweet!

Ambience was casual and comfortable. Dishes came out super fast.
Would definitely recommend ppl to try!” – M S

Restaurant Information:

7. Broadway Prime

Broadway Prime is a prominent storefront steakhouse and a full-service bar in Burlingame, CA. The restaurant is known for its dry-aged prime rib and premium steaks guaranteed to satisfy your meat cravings, from classic New York strip to tender prime rib!

The best pieces of meat are carefully selected and cooked, making every meal an experience to remember.

Must-Try:

  1. Prime Rib, The Peninsula Cut – A petite but savory portion of beef.
  2. Grilled Portobello Mushroom – Seasoned with olive oil and garlic herbs.
  3. Prime Rib, The Broadway Cut – Thickest cut for real beef lovers, complete with bone.

Reviews:

“The vibe was definitely classy. They was so hospitable. I am an HoPR fan for 10 years. This place was recommended by friends who couldn’t get the reservation time they wanted. The food was pretty much identical. The salad still my favorite salad in the world. The meat prepared just the way I liked. Just no frills. Just give me the food and go cave man!” – Michael Lee DS

Restaurant Information:

8. Stella Alpina Osteria

Stella is a sophisticated and elegant osteria in a picturesque Burlingame, CA area. This hidden treasure is well-known for its delicious rustic Northern Italian food, which is said to take customers on a journey through the heart of Italy.

Stella’s beautiful and visually-pleasing ambiance is apparent the moment you walk through the doors. Enjoy your meal in style, as the magnificent design, soft lighting, and comfortable chairs set the mood!

Must-Try:

  1. Rigatoni al Ragu di Maiale – an exquisite dish of tender smoked pork and sweet bell pepper ragu, perfectly complemented by the delicate flavors of shaved Ricotta Salata.
  2. Insalata “Stella” – A delightful combination of butter lettuce, fresh strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola cheese, topped with red onion and finished with a drizzle of tangy apricot citrus dressing.
  3. Orecchio di Elefante – Breaded Veal Chop Milanese Style.

Reviews:

“Wonderful location in downtown Burlingame with both inside and outside dining. Wonderfully crafted cocktails and a very complete wine list. If you bring your own wine the corkage fee is $30. Dinner menu has many options that are all cooked to perfection. Pictured here is the branzino fish, salmon and risotto with scallops. The bread pudding dessert is a must have! Very friendly and courteous staff.” Brian C

Restaurant Information:

9. New England Lobster Eatery

New England Lobster Eatery is the place for delicious lobster and shellfish meals.

You may order lobster by the pound or have it in rolls, tacos, or sandwiches! New England Lobster Eatery staff is committed to serving only the freshest seafood to its customers. You can expect a great dining experience whether you’re a seafood meal enthusiast or a casual foodie.

Must-Try:

  1. Twin Tails – 2 Maine lobster tails served with chips, coleslaw, bread and butter.
  2. Lobster Taco Platter – 3 lobster tacos served with housemade chips and coleslaw.
  3. Crobster – 1/2 Lobster and 1/2 Crab mixed with light mayo, salt and pepper.

Reviews:

“Great place and delicious food at a great price. I liked that we order at the table and its just brought out to you. The food was amazing. I ordered the 1 lb Lobster Plate and a Mexican Coke. The Coke was a bit flat. The Lobster was a very good size and delicious. It came with chips, coleslaw, bread, and butter. I also ordered the 1 lb of shrimp (on ice). It came in a bucket with a side of avocado. It was so much food. I will definitely be coming back.” – Mike Moya

Restaurant Information:

10. Maverick Jack's

Maverick Jack’s has you covered if you’re craving a burger cooked using premium ingredients. This upscale burger diner is well-liked by locals for its delicious food, healthy menu alternatives, and family-friendly service.

Every bite represents their dedication to excellence, from the juicy patty to the savory toppings.

Must-Try:

  1. Maverick’s Classic Hamburger – All-natural angus beef, sea salt & black pepper, iceberg lettuce, kosher dill pickle, red onions, tomatoes, Mavericks Burger Sauce.
  2. Outlaw – Pepper jack cheese, hickory smoked bacon, crispy onion strings, jalapeños, red onions, house-made BBQ & Chipotle Mayo.
  3. Impossible® Burger – made entirely from plants, sea salt & black pepper, iceberg lettuce, kosher dill pickle, red onions, tomatoes, and Maverick Burger Sauce.

Reviews:

“We ordered the Beermeister Burger, the Runaway Freight burger, and a mint chocolate chip milkshake. The burgers were really tasty and came out hot. The milkshake was tasty but a little on the more melted side.” – Suzy Fredrickson

Restaurant Information:

Relax in Quaint Cafes and Bistros

Relax in Quaint Cafes and Bistros

Photo by daan evers on Unsplash

11. Caffe Central

Caffe Central, a hip cafe in Burlingame, offers a delightful experience with its selection of artisan coffee and modern breakfast, brunch, and lunch choices.

Thanks to its hip furnishings and welcoming ambiance, the cafe has become a popular destination for people to start their day or relax with friends over a delicious meal. Its modern decor and warm atmosphere make it a cozy spot for various gatherings.

Caffe Central is the place to go for a quick takeaway food or a relaxed get-together with friends. Many mouth-watering dishes are available on their menu, from warm, buttery waffles to cool, refreshing fruit bowls.

Must-Try:

  1. Matcha Latte – Matcha tea leaves powder and steamed milk.
  2. Happy hibiscus – Herbal tea with stevia, rose petals, spearmint, lemongrass, orange peel, rose hips, and hibiscus flowers.
  3. Garden Bowl – A bowl of quinoa, boiled egg, avocado spread, alfalfa sprout, carrots, onions, Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, feta, steamed broccoli, pepper flakes, and glaze.

Reviews:

“Passed by thus place for a quick brunch on our road trip. The store is lovely with good atmosphere. The staff are friendly, but the dine-in service is a little slow. Probably too many orders.

We ordered 2 drinks and 1 breakfast dish. The coffee was already out, but our breakfast dish took such a long time to be served. The drinks and the food were good though, so I won’t leave any bad review.

Parking: There’s no parking lots, so you have to find a paid parking spot on the street. Since this is downtown Burlingame, the street parking is always full, so finding one parking spot can be difficult.” – Judy Margaret Chen

Restaurant Information:

12. Alana's Cafe

Indulge your cravings for American breakfast and lunch at Alana’s Cafe, where you’ll get hospitable service in an exquisite atmosphere. The case serves breakfast and lunch to start your day right or power through the afternoon.

Their extensive menu includes light and airy pancakes, crispy bacon, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads.

Head to Alana’s Cafe and spend your day in a relaxed place with great food to fill your stomach!

Must-Try:

  1. Alana’s Combo – Choice of bacon, ham steak, or Aidell’s chicken apple sausage with two eggs cooked to order and home fries served with your choice of toast.
  2. Ole’s Oatmeal – Warm cinnamon apples, bananas, walnuts, brown sugar, heated milk, steel cut and rolled oats with oat bran, raisins, and cinnamon.

Reviews:

“I had a very good breakfast experience at this restaurant! The menu has a great mix of Mexican and American dishes, and the meals we tried were delicious. The portions and prices were good. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. It was a cool morning and we still could sit outside and they turned the heater on. The only reason I usually would give 4,5 stars is that the portions are a bit small for my point of view.
Overall, I highly recommend this place for breakfast or brunch!” – Robert

Restaurant Information:

13. il Piccolo Caffe

Breakfast and lunch at Il Piccolo Caffe include a delicious fusion of Italian and American cuisine. The cafe is well-loved by residents and tourists because of its inviting ambiance and varied menu offering classic and contemporary dishes.

Il Piccolo Caffe has the perfect breakfast options to kick off your day. Choose from an extensive selection of delectable dishes, from traditional Italian sweets to classic American fare.

Only fresh ingredients are used to create the meals served in Il Piccolo Caffe, guaranteeing that each dish is brimming with genuine Italian-American flavors!

Must-Try:

  1. Breakfast Burrito – Complete with scrambled eggs, jalapeño cream cheese, pico de gallo, cheese mix, and fillings such as smoky bacon, sausage, or roasted veggies, with a side of your choosing.
  2. Avocado Toast – Open-faced scrambled eggs and avocado atop white truffle oil–seasoned Pan Rustica. Select a side dish of your liking.
  3. Yogurt Parfait – Seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt, granola, and molasses drizzle.

Reviews:

“This place truly has the best coffee in town! And the food is great, too! For breakfast, avocado toast with a salad is my go-to! And for lunch, definitely try their fish n chips! Thee best!” – Hector Rodriguez

Restaurant Information:

14. Farm & Vine American Bistro

Farm & Vine American Bistro is the place to go if you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere and a menu that features a delicious fusion of Mediterranean tastes with fresh, regional ingredients.

The refreshing drinks served at the bar greatly complement the flavorful meals offered by this restaurant.

Farm & Vine American Bistro is also proud of its commitment to sustainability, which is seen in its use of biodegradable packaging and composting of food scraps.

Must-Try:

  1. Vegetables Risotto – A delightful combination of saffron-infused spinach, heirloom cherry tomatoes, wild mushrooms, and green peas.
  2. Capellini – Delicious angel hair pasta tossed with roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a flavorful white wine marinara sauce.
  3. Italian Greyhound – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Aperol combined to create a refreshing and vibrant cocktail.

Reviews:

“5 months ago
Just off the hubbub of Burlingame Ave, this restaurant is a consistent win for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
Innovative cocktails, delicious specials, and reliable, outstanding regular menu items.
The atmosphere is elegant, and the service is friendly and attentive. Don’t miss this one!” – Jena M Gee

Restaurant Information:

15. Park & Howard Bistro

Park & Howard Bistro is your best bet for authentic, high-quality Californian cuisine. Their skilled chefs are committed to serving only the finest Californian cuisine.

It has a well-curated menu that celebrates the variety of cuisines found in California, and it does so by bringing together various ingredients in innovative ways.

Whether you’re a native Californian or just passing through, you’ll get an authentic taste of the Golden State when you dine at Park & Howard Bistro.

Must-Try:

  1. Spaghetti Meatballs – A delectable Mediterranean Spiced Meatballs, accompanied by a generous serving of fresh basil, tangy marinara sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese.
  2. Grilled Lamb Chops – A succulent Grilled Lamb Chops accompanied by Thyme-Rosemary Roasted Potato, French Green Beans, and a delightful Rosemary Veal Demi Glaze.
  3. PHB Manhattan – A delightful combination of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, dashes of Bitters, Antica Formula Vermouth, and Amarena Cherries.

Reviews:

“This is a cozy and welcoming establishment! Service was great and the food was fantastic! We mainly sampled their appetizers – grilled octopus, grilled artichokes and roasted lamb riblets; entrees were seafood linguine and wild mushroom risotto. Each dish was cooked to perfection and a delight to eat.

Parking: Easy to find parking on street during the weekend.” – Jem Le

Restaurant Information:

T0P 15 Burlingame, CA Restaurants

Wrap Up

Burlingame, CA, has a thriving restaurant scene with selections for every budget and taste. It is a food haven in the Golden State, where locals and tourists can explore various dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments.

Restaurants in Burlingame are well-known for using high-quality, locally-grown ingredients in their dishes to provide the best for each customer.

Do you know other Burlingame restaurants that deserve a spot on the list we made? Let us hear your thoughts! You can connect with our team by calling us at 650-218-3353 or sending us an email via dingesnonnie@gmail.com.

Alternatively, you can also message us through our social media platforms below:

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Frequently Asked Questions

upscale fine dining options in Burlingame

Burlingame has become famous for those looking for a sophisticated night out or intimate dinner. Numerous upscale fine dining options exist in and around the city, including Broadway Prime and the world-famous New England Lobster Eatery.

Burlingame, California, is home to a wide variety of restaurants guaranteed to please even the pickiest eater. This enticing city provides various dining options, from fast food joints to fine dining establishments.

Burlingame’s cosmopolitan population and tourists may choose from many delicious restaurants serving cuisines worldwide. The city has become a mecca for those who like trying new cuisines and are interested in sampling dishes from around the globe.

It’s essential to plan if you want to get the most out of your Burlingame dining experience. Read more about the establishment, check out the food they provide, and see what the locals think.

Doing so lets you focus your search and select the best restaurants for your trip. In addition, feel free to seek advice from the locals. They usually know the best places to eat that visitors need to learn about and other hidden treasures.

Not only will seeking advice from locals help you discover hidden gems, but it will also give you a chance to connect with the community and learn more about the city’s culture. Remember to keep an open mind and be willing to try new cuisines or dishes unique to Burlingame.

In addition, if there is a food or restaurant you have never tried, you shouldn’t be scared to try. Dining out in Burlingame, CA, restaurants will likely be a memorable experience because of the city’s eclectic restaurant culture.