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Central Park Bistro Reviews List
Central Park Bistro
Central Park Bistro is a 100 seat contemporary restaurant in downtown San Mateo featuring fresh seasonal American cuisine, in the $15-$26 range. We offer a carefully chosen eclectic Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Central Park Bistro is an affordable sophisticated, fun dining experience. Relax and unwind with a house specialty cocktail at our wonderful Martini Bar. We also have several intimate private dining rooms perfect for that corporate presentation business meeting, wedding rehearsal dinner,
retirement/anniversary dinner, or any special function you may have in mind. Check out our private wine cellar room which seats up to 8 people for that extra special dining experience.
See more Central Park Bistro details
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(31)
- neighborhood gem(28)
- special occasion(22)
- good for groups(16)
- romantic(13)
- notable wine list(11)
Central Park Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great time all around!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic experience: quality food with a flair, but at a reasonable cost. Chic atmosphere and our waiter was freindly and top-notch. Will definitely return! Thanks."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
IF YOUR IN A RUSH!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is your place. The moment you sit down a waiter
Is asking are you ready to order I nearly put mt coat on the back of the chair.
When I said to give us a few, there he was again. It was annoying. Its suppose to be a dining experience not a timed event.
I ordered a salmon pizza which came absolutely right out of the refrigerator. My Mom had lobster pasta which I took a taste of and the sauce tasted canned not to mention the lobster pieces looked mangled.
My husband had eggs and bacon which I thought would be an easy dish for them. The bacon was so over cooked that it almost looked unreal. The whole experience was disappointing.
My husband and I dine at least three times s week.
This place will not be on our list."
Is asking are you ready to order I nearly put mt coat on the back of the chair.
When I said to give us a few, there he was again. It was annoying. Its suppose to be a dining experience not a timed event.
I ordered a salmon pizza which came absolutely right out of the refrigerator. My Mom had lobster pasta which I took a taste of and the sauce tasted canned not to mention the lobster pieces looked mangled.
My husband had eggs and bacon which I thought would be an easy dish for them. The bacon was so over cooked that it almost looked unreal. The whole experience was disappointing.
My husband and I dine at least three times s week.
This place will not be on our list."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Central Park Bistro, great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, attentive waitstaff and close-by parking."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've dined at Central Park Bistro several times for different occassions; meeting with friends for dinner, Valentine's Dinner, Mother's Day Brunch, and each dining experience was excellent. The service, the food, and the atmosphere is great and really glad the restaurant accepts opentable reservations - so convenient. It's a great place for brunch or dinner without having to drive in to the city to dine for a special moment. My family and I will definitely return."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We enjoyed a perfect family dinner.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was friendly and patient. Food was outstanding. The swordfish was the best ever, ever, ever. Nice wine selection. Atmosphere was warm and welcoming."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 6 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of my favorite neighbor restaurants - always good and service is so professional."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Friendly staff, outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Friendly staff, outstanding food. Our new favorite restaurant."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 8 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very attentive and excellent
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very attentive and excellent service. Food is very solid."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 9 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we brought new friends to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"we brought new friends to our favorite neighborhood restaurant, so it's always fun to order new things. while the proscutto/brie appetizer was just okay, the calamari and maui onions were delicious. we had stuffed pork tenderloin which was very tasty. i loved my pork chop with brandy apples. the goat cheese and pear ravioli was wonderful with the crushed walnuts. our beet salads and butter lettuce salads were just right. we ended with splitting 3 desserts - all great: choco lava cake; toffee bread pudding; key lime pie...just the right size so we could all have a great taste of each without feeling guilty. service was attentive as always and so accommodating to split items, have extra wine glasses for our pairings and pleasant throughout."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent First time experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our first time to Central Park Bistro and we will definitely be back. The staff was wonderful and food was excellent. Skirt Steak was perfect and Lobster Pasta was out of this world. This place is a hidden gem."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
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Review 11 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Frown Turned Upside-down
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A farewell dinner, a sad occasion as I move away from my beloved Bay Area, became a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We had great service, a comfortable, quiet location for our table for 5, delicious food and lots of laughs. The only downside is not finding this gem of a restaurant until a week before I leave. I'll feel a bit better if I know that my San Mateo neighbors will read this and treat themselves to a wonderful dining experience."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
May be my favorite San Mateo
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"May be my favorite San Mateo restaurant. Food is dependably excellent -- always have some nice specials. But nine times out of ten I order the lobster salad. It is perfect. And the french fries with gremolata. The people are so nice but so professional."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
CENTRAL PARK BISTRO IS ONE
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"CENTRAL PARK BISTRO IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES. FOOS & SERVICE EXCELLENT!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service -- management
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service -- management is personable and aims to make the dining experience pleasurable. The roasted beet salad was perfect with the mache lettuce, goat cheese and lovely beets! The 3 of us were in a beefy mood and had the prime rib and the skirt steak. We would've had the short ribs except that we were solving for a gluten-free diner but we were delighted that the alternate dish could be prepared without gluten...most accommodating staff and chef! Meals were great and we ended the night with sorbet, gelato and panna cotta. The ambiance is very pleasant, unfussy but attractive. I love bringing friends and family here as well as business contacts."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food - Terrible service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We did not have a waiter per se - It seemed like whomever could find a moment was the one who waited on our table. We had to ask for bread, the dessert menu, coffee, our sorbet, our check. It was as if no one was paying attention to us. Good food but terrible service."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Managemt was wonderful in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Managemt was wonderful in setting up our party of 10 next to the windows in a semi-private space while another group of 50 dined in the other room. Food and service was great as always even though it was a busy night. The duck breast special was delicious as was the skirt steak. We started with the calamari and a mushroom-arugula pizza for appetizers, ended with the apple crumb and panna cotta desserts. YUM! Others had the ribs and lobster seafood pasta as well as the halibut and petrale sole. Everyone had a good time and it was thumbs up all around for the food and service! big or small, our groups always enjoy the Central Park Bistro."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The lunch menu offered many
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The lunch menu offered many options for our group. The hamburger was a favorite and the toffee bread pudding is a "can't miss" dessert. Service was excellent."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Boring food comes at a price
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was great. The waitstaff were friendly and very attentive. The atomosphere was nice (though it was just a little too dark for my tastes). I had the skirt steak, and my sister had the stuffed pork loin. Presentation was beautiful, but the taste was just...unremarkable. It wasn't bad, mind you, just boring. And considering entrees were $26 and up, for that kind of money, I was expecting something special. Also, worth noting is that the restaurant was virtually empty in a Friday night, which I suppose should have been a warning sign. Bottomline: I did not feel like I got my money's worth here :( and I doubt my experience was particularly unique. Try Astaria on 3rd instead."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
ecclectic menu, something
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"ecclectic menu, something for everyone!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
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Review 20 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Pricy disappointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a very disappointing experience. Drinks were the highlight. Food was mediocre. The service was friendly, but not knowledgeable. Very pricy as well. Obviously, we will not return."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
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Review 21 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great orange -pomegranate salad. My sole was delicious. Not overlooked with healthy vegetables. We will definitely return."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Lobster Salad and Skirt Steak
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The lobster salad was artfully prepared and delicious; and skirt steak was cooked just right and the portions plentiful. The restaurant was clean; and the decor was tasteful. Would recommend this restaurant to friends."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 23 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent meal. Food, service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent meal. Food, service, ambience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I keep meaning to go here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I keep meaning to go here and made a reservation and although I meant to cancel I didn't, but they gave me my dining points anyway. Appreciate that! Will dine here soon and leave a better review."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2011
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Review 25 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very accomodating and always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very accomodating and always excellent service!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2002
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Review 26 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great place for a quiet
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great place for a quiet dinner w friends...easy to have an intelligent conversation...and excellent food and service"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pros: Place is cute, it has
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pros: Place is cute, it has a good menu (including wine) and friendly staff. Food was pretty good - subject to cons.
Cons: It was a busy Thursday night, but... the service was very slow. The food arrived in phases, with a lot of time inbetween and, when served, was maybe luke warm. It took so long, we opted just to eat it. The taste itself was surprisingly good and probably would have gotten a thumbs-up if it had been served hot. At dessert, we ordered the bread pudding with vanilla ice cream only to find out they'd run out of that flavor. Hem, run out of vanilla? They offered alternatives, but delivered it with the wrong one. It was still pretty tasty.
Just a few too many errors that night to say I truly enjoyed the dining experi"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2007
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Review 28 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was excellent. Can't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent. Can't wait to go back and try other menu items! Recommend highly!"
Dined on 02/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 29 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
4 out of 4 meals were perfect.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"4 out of 4 meals were perfect. Wiater could have been more attentive.
Bus staff was very good."
Bus staff was very good."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 30 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The service between courses
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service between courses was very slow this time. Usually, we have a very attentive waiter. The steak tartar was so full of garlic that you could not taste the beef.
The hamburger was cooked until it was gray when a rare hamburger was requested.
The hamburger was cooked until it was gray when a rare hamburger was requested.
We have been to this restaurant many times and felt that it was lacking this time."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very good meal and a noise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very good meal and a noise level conducive to reasoned discussion..."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
My dining partner and I enjoyed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My dining partner and I enjoyed the salads very much as well as both of our entrees but felt the server was acting like he was in a hurry always even though he had few other tables and no one was causing many problems for him."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
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Review 33 for Central Park Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Six of us all enjoyed our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Six of us all enjoyed our lunches. Great bread and butter."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Central Park Bistro
Based on the average of (38) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate