Well deserved Bib Gourmand status! It was a beautiful day, with sunlight filtering though the tree leaves as I was sat outside for my dinner. I ordered the house made focaccia and margherita pizza. Yes, I love carbs. The foccacia is delicious. The bread goes through a 72 hour dough maturation so it develops these really complex, mouthwatering, savory flavors even though it's made with simple ingredients: yeast, flour (Primitiva), salt, and brushed olive oil. That's it! The crumb is fine and as light as the puffy clouds in the sky. If you wanted to, you could probably ball up a piece of bread the size of my hand into the size of a ping pong ball, but why would you? Enjoy the bread as it is presented. The edges of the bread are charred a little, adding extra texture and flavor. I'm actually kind of confused how to eat the bread as it's cut into large hunks, but there's no butter or dipping oils, so I ended up gnawing into the bread like a rat. The margherita pizza came out pre cut, but the paper-thin crust in the middle of the pie was somehow still substantial enough to not get soggy that quickly. The huge leaves of basil were very fragrant, and the tomato sauce was bright, balanced, and captured the best essence of tomato. It played well with the cheese. The crust was made of a different dough, chewy, pliable, savory, and spotted beautifully. Service was wonderful. The waiter boxed up my leftover pizza (and even asked if I wanted to box up the slice of pizza crust I couldn't finish-yes of course!). Very thoughtful. It's a shame I was too full to order dessert. read more

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Went for a dinner date before a movie and found the restaurant particularly well suited for sharing several dishes over a bottle/glass of wine. For starters, we shared the meat & cheese board which our waitress recommended the off menu combo plate (2 meats & 2 cheeses for ~$40). Solid and straightforward rather than elaborate. The breads and especially the lard were the more interesting part. For entrees, we shared the diavola pizza: Good flavor with the crust being the standout. Worth mentioning that it's a softer, fork-and-knife style pizza rather than a crispy slice. Paired with the pizza was the Red wine mezzi rigatoni. Probably the most interesting savory dish. The pork sausage ragù and crispy sage made it different from a standard rigatoni. Pasta + Pizza was a great shareable combo. Lastly to round off the meal, desserts. The Chocolate trifle was the disappointment. The amount of foam overwhelmed everything else and made it underwhelming. The bomboloni were much better, particularly with the peaches. Tobias Take: Great option for people who want wine, charcuterie/cheese and several dishes for the table to share. Their meat/cheese selection and wine list are major strengths. This place shines when you order several things for the table rather than everyone ordering an individual entrée. read more

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I have been here three or four times in as many months. Its literally the best and absolutely recommend you visit. First, the service is always great. We've had Tim a couple of times and a man named after the Wind. (That's what he told us his name meant but I dont remember his actual name). They know the menu, they're prompt and well dressed. When we've come on a birthday, we get a cute little cut of something sweet with a candle. Second, the food! Man oh man, the food!! They have an insane in-house charcuterie program with incredible imports and lovely accoutrements you dont usually get like tallow and compotes. The main dishes are innovative and flavorful. Plus they plate them on these lovely, hefty ceramics. The drinks are also very very tasty and are truly specialty both in flavor profiles and preparation. They're balanced and punchy. I LOVE coming here. I love it. You can pay more for a way way worse experience near by. 12/10 recommend. read more

Sucha a great date spot. Went here for my birthday and they were kind enough to provide a menu which said happy birthday. The place does accomodate family size parties as well. Its a bit noisy . The ambiance is pretty . Service is usual, not too slow or too fast. They have fewer veg options but the veg options are great! The drinks are great! read more

Decided to come here because it was on the Bib Gourmand. Ambiance was very nice. Had the soccer FIFA game playing so we could watch. We had no reservations and sat at the communal table but with no wait. Excellent service, our waiter was so attentive. Always filling up our water. Food came out quite fast as well. The 2 best things were the pizza and the blue prawns. The rest of the food was good but nothing that blew my mind. read more

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Our dining experience was not necessarily negative, but it did not live up to the expectations that Pausa should have. All in all there were a couple main issues: reservations and special requests that were made for group dining several weeks before hand and confirmed were not honored and , several dishes were "just alright," and the kitchen had "lost" several tickets so items were not delivered and had to be reordered. As we sampled multiple of the Entrees, the only star of the evening was the Mezzi Rigatoni which did make the rounds of the table for everyone to try. This was juxtaposed to other dishes that should have been standout, such as the duck breast or pappardelle to be lackluster in comparison. Dessert was the same, with only the Bombolini a winner. The Tiramisu and Panna Cotta came in at the 5/10 and neither lived up to their name and would be better enjoyed if you were not predisposed to expecting a specific dessert. The Chocolate Trifle was a complete miss. I can see what the aim was but the foam did not work. With that all being said, the seating was aesthetic and the cocktails and wine that were offered were quite good- kudos to the bartender read more

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As someone who doesn't like pizza, I actually enjoyed pausa. The pizzas aren't your standard greasy cardboard pies, but actually have good texture and tastes fresh. We ordered the primavera ($34) to split and it came topped with mozzarella, pesto, ricotta, english peas, fava beans, and spring onions. They also offer chili flakes or this amazing chili oil if you want a splash of heat. It seemed like most tables ordered the margherita, so will have to come by to give it a try. read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

I had dinner here one weekday evening and had a pretty good experience overall. It seemed like most people were there for work dinners. My group shared a couple of charcuterie board appetizers and split a margherita pizza. I liked the charcuterie boards. But the pizza was a bit too soggy for my liking and was falling apart. For my main, I got the pappardelle. This was delicious! The pasta was perfectly al dente and chewy, and the dish was pretty flavorful. But the dish could've used some freshly grated cheese. I also tried a variety of dessert items, most of which were pretty good. The restaurant was packed when I was there, but service was still great and very attentive. read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

Michelin bib gourmand SM restaurant. Prices are comparable to San Francisco, where pastas are in the $30 some range. But if you don't feel like going into the city, the vibe is good. The food is tasty and the cocktails are equally good with a full bar and wine list We had the beet and burrata appetizer, the nonno pizza and the rigatoni along with some Manhattans. There is only one red sauce pizza for those who only like red sauce although they can add meat to the margherita. The pasta was fresh and flavorful, the bone marrow added an extra flavor to the pizza. Service was good overall. A solid option for a local restaurant that's on par with everything you'd expect at a nice modern restaurant read more

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I've been a long time patron at Pausa and it NEVER disappoints. Easily my favorite Italian restaurant. While I could rave about the entire menu, it changes seasonally, so expect to see the dishes in these reviews change. Try anything, you can't go wrong. They make a lot in-house, including the charcuterie, gelato, and breads. Pizza - the dough is special here. I cringe whenever I see customers tossing the crust - such a waste. I'm not a fan of pizza, but Pausa's are exceptional. Charcuterie and cheese boards are the best around. Try the charcuterie and cheese combo board (2 of each) - an off-menu item - and you'll get all the delicious accompaniments including the housemade pickled veggies, seasonal compote, and the hot tigella bread. Service is always knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and inviting. The restaurant feels trendy, but without the uptight snobbery and is certainly more warm. Parking is easy in the garage next door - unless it's peak times, in which case all parking in dt San Mateo is tough. read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Blue Prawn appetizer - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I came here with my friends for dinner, and we had an amazing time! I had a reservation, but unfortunately due to traffic came significantly later. We called the restaurant, and they kept the table for us during this busy night. Inside has lots of seating, a bar, with low lights and fancy decor. The service was amazing, our waitress checked in on us often and was so easy to converse with! The food was also great! Though it was expensive for the amount, they were good bites. The pasta was filling without being too heavy. The Autumn Pizza was also good and it was a nice touch with the yam. Though the dishes were not bursting with flavor, they were lighter which I do appreciate. I had a great time and would recommend! read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Made a reservation and our table was ready upon arrival. Pausa is featured in the Michelin guide. Parking is available in the parking garage above the restaurant or on nearby surface streets. Dining was available both indoors and outdoors. Service throughout the evening was phenomenal. Staff came by to check up on us as well as refill waters. Staff also did a phenomenal job in providing suggestions on the menu. Started off with the bone marrow and it was quite tasty. The couple of pizzas we ordered had the dough maturation for 72 hours making it for an easier digestions. The toppings were quite tasty! Ended off the meal with their panna cotta which was tasty too! ~$80/head after tax and gratuity for dinner with plenty of leftovers! read more

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Given how popular this place seems I was sorely disappointed with the quality of food. The service was great but the risotto left very little to be desired. We got most of the items that were recommended to us and just left with a heavy bill and disappointed stomachs. read more

I love the moody ambiance in here. Perfect for Valentine's Day dinner. It wasn't too packed, and they have outdoor tables if you're feeling that. We sat at the bar and ordered a spritz and ginger limeade to start. I loved our combo meat and cheese board. We left it up to the chef for the selections. It comes paired with 2 types of bread and assorted toppings like fig jam, truffle honey, and mustard to top. The warm focaccia bread for $5 was delicious, I just wish it came with a spread or even just olive oil and vinegar. For the main we chose the spinach tagliolini, which was handmade spinach pasta with a briny and rich butter shrimp sauce which was delightful. If you're looking for elevated Italian with a modern flare and ambient lighting this is the spot! read more

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This might be my 10th time coming back to this place. Every time there was something new. They keep leveling up. I always try their new cocktail and a new dessert. If anything I learned if you come after 6pm you beefed make a reservation it's ALWAYS packed here. The service is super attentive. read more

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Pausa is hands down my FAVORITE restaurant in San Mateo. They make their pizza crust in-house and you can truly taste the difference. The crust is chewy on the inside and has a perfect crunch on the outside. They also give you scissors to cut it up which is fun!! The menu changes with the seasons and I always try to get something new I'm here. Service is always really friendly. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and almost is too pretty for San Mateo. You feel like you're in a restaurant in LA (I mean that as a compliment)! This restaurant will wow anyone on a date night. This is my go-to spot to take guests whenever they're visiting me in the bay. [this review was written in connection with a Toast promotion] read more

I've been here a few times now and the service and food have been great every single visit. It's one of those places that feels consistent, which I really appreciate. We often start with the cheese and meats board along with some bread and it's always a solid choice. For my main, I usually order one of their pastas. The portions are generous and very satisfying. I've also tried their pizzas and really like the texture of the dough. The drinks are good across the board, even the mocktails. Service is attentive without being overbearing. They're always refilling our water and checking in to see if we want another drink. Dessert here is pretty good, but since there are several great dessert spots nearby in downtown San Mateo, I sometimes opt to grab something elsewhere instead. It's also great for large parties and celebrations, but I'd definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time since they're often booked. read more

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Came here on a Saturday evening for an 8:30 PM reservation but arrived a bit early. The hostess was friendly and asked us to wait briefly, and we were seated fairly quickly. Our server was friendly and attentive from the start. We were promptly offered water and given menus. We ordered the burrata, baby kale salad, and Autunnale pizza for food, along with the Nudo e Famoso (0 proof) to drink. Our server did a good job pacing the food and checked in on us throughout the meal. The burrata was delicious, with a unique flavor profile that worked well together. The baby kale salad was slightly citrus-forward but refreshing. The pizza, however, was just okay. The dough--especially the crust--was dense and heavy, and overall lacked sufficient salt. We also noticed multiple plates around us returning to the kitchen with leftover crusts, which reinforced that observation. Overall, the food was decent, but the service stood out as the stronger part of the experience. read more

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The ambiance and service is great. I did not enjoy the ravioli any more than Costco frozen ravioli. I was disappointed though other dishes are likely better. read more

Food was disappointing (pasta and pizza), but service and cocktails were exceptional. I enjoyed the Autunnale pizza. The flavors are subtle but come together well. I still think it was 4/5 We ordered the wagyu and vegetarian pasta. The wagyu pasta lacked flavor. It tasted like a plain tomato sauce. The vegetarian pasta was more tasty. In all case for the food flavors, I would honestly rather go to Olive Garden. The Cristallo milk punch cocktail and the 0 proof Nudo e Famoso were exceptional drinks though read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Cristallo - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

Excellent vibes and service. The restaurant was super busy on a Friday night but definitely a great spot for celebrations! Unfortunately, we weren't as impressed by the food. We tried a variety of dishes, including some from a special truffle menu (apologies for not snapping a photo). The veal was very soft and tender, but the truffle flavor in the dish was subtle and didn't come through as much as expected. Surprisingly, the truffle flavor really shined in the dessert, which was creamy, light, and perfectly balanced. The pizzas were the standout dishes of the night! The thin crust had a great chewiness and I even finished the entire crust, which doesn't usually happen! We tried the anatra (duck confit) and nonna (chanterelle mushrooms) and both were delicious. The pastas left a bit to be desired. Both dishes had very soft pasta that was not al dente, and the sauces were fairly standard. The risotto however was excellent with perfect texture. Octopus croquettes were not worth the price for two pieces. If I return, I would stick to the pizzas and maybe try their charcuterie selection. For the price, it's a bit hard to justify, but I wish them the best of success! read more

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I've frequented Pausa as a consistent dinner spot over the years and have always left content. My go to items on the menu are their Margherita pizza, homemade focaccia bread, and the bastardo spritz. Ambiance can sometimes feel a bit crowded, particularly in the bar area, as they get quite busy on the weekend evenings. Making a reservation is highly recommended. Pros: Delicious pizza, entrees and drinks. Cons: Gets quite busy and parking in this area can be challenging in the evenings. read more

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Wow, I really enjoyed this place. Not only for the quality of their food, but the quality of their service. It was impressive how attentive they were to us. Accidentally dropped a fork, and instantly someone as there was a fresh one on a napkin-covered plate. I was looking around to just check out the vibe, and someone was there to make sure I wasn't trying to wave anyone down. I really value that kind of service, and a lot of my rating goes towards that. We had: + Chef's selection board mix of salumi + formaggi (not an option on the menu, but the waiter's suggestion to get both if we preferred to try!) + the tigella... sooooo amazing. + homemade focaccia... just as great. + red wine mezzi rigatoni + our cocktails which were not pictured, but were still delish Great dinner overall, would come back for a special occasion. read more

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===TL;DR=== - Margherita pizza w/ house made loose pork sausage - Saffron spaghetti - 48 hour lamb shank - 2016 Cabernet blend vignalta "marrano." veneto ===TMI=== First time at Pausa for my anniversary dinner. We arrived a bit early but they were accommodating. Staffs were friendly and the service was superb. Beautiful and modern Italian restaurant with a dim lit ambiance - just how I like it. Brownie points: they printed "Happy Anniversary" on our menus -happy tears- Started off with the margherita and it was delightful. Don't let the simplicity fool you. Alongside with a glass of red wine, chefs kiss. This bottle was on the sweeter end so it was a very friendly bottle, highly recommended. Next we had the saffron spaghetti and imo, I thought it was ok. The noodle had a great texture but overall, nothing really stood out. Lastly, for someone who typically doesn't eat lamb, the lamb shank was lovely. Super tender, meat falls off the bone and not so gamy. At this point, we were full out of this world so maybe next time, we'll order less carbs haha. It was such a great atmosphere with great company and a great place to people watch. You have birthdays all around, people catching up, date night folks, and just folks that want to unwind after a long day with some wine or cocktail. I must say, feels nice to be present and surrounded by good vibes all around. Lastly, they have free matches so don't forget to grab one on the way out! (I love collecting matches). OHhhhh, of course, thank you to the staff that brought us a mini cake for our anniversary celebration~! read more

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Super friendly staff, great atmosphere! Love the risotto and rigatoni. Indoor seating is nice. read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Risotto - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

Italian restaurant with good variety of cuisines and long list of drinks and wines. Variety of pasta and pizza. Check the ingredients carefully as many unexpected strong rare spice, nuts, or meets come your way. Veggie options available. Service is quick responsive and welcoming. Reservation is recommended. Indoor and outdoor seating with full bar. Private party and section available. Good for couples, gathering, date night, meetups. Paid street parkings. Flat entry and wide routes inside or outdoor accessible. read more

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I was introduced to Pausa by my coworker, as she picked this spot for our team on site dinner. I fell in love with the cocktails and the food so I had to take my friends here as well. They have spritz hour ($14 off for spritzes), HH food, & $2 off all house cocktails! The service was quick & friendly, and I'm excited to take my friends here for more happy hours. :) read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

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We were looking for something new for dinner with friends, and they suggested Pausa. I saw that they were added to the 2025 Bib Gourmand list so I was really looking forward to checking it out. The service was OUTSTANDING! Their explanations and recommendations were spot on. I had the cristallo, which was a perfect start - refreshingly different. We shared the Salumi Butchers board, Fromaggi Chef's board, house made focaccia, endives salad, and poached halibut. Everything, except the halibut (lacked seasoning and parts were almost mealy) was fantastic. Bombolini for dessert was the perfect end to the evening - light ricotta doughnuts with berries, cream and crispies. I'd recommend Pausa to anyone looking a nice evening with great food and drinks. read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Cristallo - vodka, italicus rosolio di bergamotto, pasubio blueberry amaro, hojicha, lime, orange cordial, milk-washed - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

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My friends and I stumbled upon this place while walking in San Mateo, and I'm glad we did! We went on a Sunday night and were seated immediately. We opted for their outdoor seating which was really cozy and comfortable with their heaters. The bruschetta was sooooo good. The bread was perfectly toasted, and the tomato and cheese combo had the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Probably my favorite dish that night! The eggplant pizza was pretty good too esp the crust which was soft and had great texture. The risotto had really good flavor too, though the rice was a little undercooked for my taste. Overall, a great spot with solid food and amazing service! read more

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Went here with my bf to grab dinner before heading to SFO and had an amazing time. Giancarlo was our waiter and he was impeccable; he was very attentive to our needs. The risotto was so yummy and the cristallo cocktail was very good too! I would def come again if I'm craving Italian food and in the area again! read more

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My friend requested spritz happy hour. They personalized the menu for me with the bday girls name! Such a special touch We loved everything. I had the Lambrusco spritz. Fell in love this in Italy, and didn't try very heard to find it here. So that was a pleasant surprise. We had the meatballs, arancini, melon salad, burrata salad, and two pizzas. All were delicious. Would definitely come back! read more

Pausa Bar & Cookery - Lambrusco spritz - Pizza Near Me - San Mateo, California

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The owner did reach out after this incident and gave us a $50 gift card for drinks as an apology. We just didn't go back until last week. We did their happy hour "spritz hour" and had a wonderful time. Got two spritz, which we both enjoyed. The burrata was flavorful and light. Our favorite was the oxtail croquettes! The margarita pizza was good too, but a bit too slimy in texture. Really enjoyed the experience when it's not too busy, it's a beautiful restaurant. Staff were attentive, and checked in often. read more

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Came here for dinner for a friends birthday. I had high expectations being this restaurant having a 2025 Michelin award. Although, I did not have the best experience. The service was a little slow. The appetizers we got were amazing and tasted fresh and packed with flavor-- definitely recommend getting the ahi tuna crudo and the wagyu bresaola. For the entree I got pasta. I tried the spinach tagliolini and the radiatori. The radiatori was a basic red sauce pasta that did not have much flavor. The the spinach tagliolini had a strong fishy taste I was not expecting to overpower the pasta. Portions were a little on the smaller side as well and not worth the price. The ambiance was low lit and perfect for an intimate night out. read more

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Overall: A // 5 stars Bib Gourmand restaurant in Belmont featuring a very fresh take on Italian fare fusing elements beyond Italy into their food. While I think this place priced on the pricey side, I really enjoy their innovative flavors that don't just echo what's been done before; the menu also seems to rotate frequently to provide even more fresh perspectives. (Fico D'india: A) - Beautiful blend of a Mexican-forward Mezcal and tajin base, fused with international flavors such as tamarind help give it some unique character. (Porchetta: A+) - Impressively well-conceived pork belly; tender at its core and topped with its own crackling for added texture; the demi adds saline complexity, whereas the puree provides a comforting foundation. (Bone Marrow: B) - Decadent appetizer with all the correct fix ins to help relieve the richness of the bone marrow -- pickles for acidity and bread for absorption. Half a bone does come too steep at $19 though. (Spaghetti: A) - A heartier take on spaghetti incorporating the usage of beans which works. I like the acidic flavor bombs that help gave the heartiness some restraint. (Brussels Sprouts: C) - Intriguing spin on brussels sprouts with pancetta and salted egg yolk. Unfortunately, the burnt note overpowers the caramel. (Matcha Tiramisu: A) - Well balanced and sweetness-restrained dessert that hits a creamy comfort. Well done. Food: +1 Presentation: +1 Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: +1 Menu: +1 Overall: 5 stars Insta/Yelp/Beli/TikTok: @amei_eats read more

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8/15/26 dinner, starter board & cheeses Devine, everything tasty; main sirloin -cooked perfectly; scallops tender with crop outside, pizza good- dessert sublime . Everything including service was terrific ! We met owner/chef who took time out to say hi! Wonderful! read more

Came here for a big feast with our friends! Looked like a good Italian place to try. The food honestly was just mid - it's a pretty pricey place for the quality of food and service we received. For one, they brought out our drinks so late that we were pretty much done with the boards by the time the wine came around. They also forgot to cut our pizza, which wasn't a big deal but you just expect more with these prices. The pizza was a big soggy too, which wasn't fun to eat. Anyway, all in all it was fine and we had a good time but would I come back again? I don't know. It's really hard to find a good restaurant these days. read more

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Finally made it back to Pausa and had a really nice Father's Day dinner. Started with the pork belly: my piece was super fatty, my companion's was more meaty... also seems like the sauce kind of overpowered the basic taste of the $25 tiny piece of meat Finished with a really great seared cod: nice mix of sauces... maybe a tad too sweet and the cod was so hot that it burned my mouth... tough to do with a fish. But overall good and the charred baby corn was great. Focaccia was kind of incredible. Overall nice night and given the price ($250 for 2 ppl) still feel like this is a special occasion place. read more

Thi was a miracle stop. We had a five hour layover in SFO, so dashed out to wish our niece a good graduation. This place is right in downtown San Mateo. And has nice tables on the side walk and a huge indoors. The food is classic Italian with large servings of bread and pasta. It was what I would call classic California Italian. That is lots of pasta and flavors. It really isn't what you'd get in Italy (at least where we've been but given the ingredient choices in the US, it's not bad) The nice thing is that it's in downtown so a nice stroll around. And parking is easy in the back. A good spot for a quick meet up :-) read more

Pausa is the closest you can get to a city restaurant vibe while at the same time having easy parking of San Mateo :) We dined here recently for our wedding anniversary - we also had our young kid in tow. The wine list is excellent. The cocktails were hit or miss depending on what you order. They have limited vegetarian options and can make some things vegetarian. The chefs selection cheese plate was the highlight for us The apple dessert at the high price point was underwhelming. The restaurant is very loud which as a parent I like :D but i can see it be a problem for more sensitive folks. The crowd seemed more office dinner types on a weekday. read more

My friend and I made a reservation on OpenTable for Pausa, and we were impressed that it made it onto the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for 2022 and 2023. We ordered the margherita pizza to split! I got the il sobrio (grapefruit, raspberry shrub, lemon juice, spiced orange, soda) and she got the lavender lemonade. The il sobrio was so yummy and had the right level of citrusy flavor juxtaposed with the more straightforward sweetness of the raspberry shrub and bubbly carbonation of the drink. The lavender lemonade was also delicious too! The margherita pizza had an amazing crust- if we had olive oil to dip it into, we most definitely would have. It was so thick and fluffy, but the actual pie dough was very thin. The pizza itself had to be cut with a pair of scissors, but the cheese kept falling off the top! I would definitely come back here, the total came out to be around $50 with tax and tip for two people. read more

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