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Restaurant Reviews for Astaria

Astaria

50 East 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401

WIne Tasting Monday March 22nd 5-7 and Monday May 17th. $20/person includes wine tasting, appetizers and live music. Astaria Restaurant & Bar offers an Uptown look and feel in the heart of Downtown San Mateo. Astaria’s Robust California Fare begins with the freshest seasonal local ingredients from sustainable farms & ranches directly to the kitchen. The result is some of the most delicious and dynamic food on the peninsula. Astaria Restaurant & Bar also host a happy hour that offers unsurpassed value on handcrafted specialty cocktails, classic Martinis and draft beers. The bar menu is half price and the TVs are always on the game. Special nights abound as every Monday happy hour never ends. Each Tuesday, every bottle on our Wine Spectator Award winning wine list is half price, and every Thursday evening offers some the best live music on the Peninsula.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: El Camino Real

See more Astaria details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		3.8 out of 5 (180 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem (91)
fit for foodies (64)
special occasion (58)
good for groups (45)
great for lunch (38)
romantic (26)
notable wine list (21)
kid-friendly (19)
great for brunch (18)
vibrant bar scene (12)
hot spot (10)

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Astaria Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was a great experience. Took my parents out for their anniversary and Astaria made little touches to make the celebration nice. The wait staff made it a point to greet my parents a happy anniversary."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/18/2010

(review submitted 03/21/2010)

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Review 2 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"great place for groups and special occasions."

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/16/2010)

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Review 3 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This was a great experience! Drinks were good, service from walking in til leaving was supberb and food was DELISH! Nice atmosphere, could for casual meal or nice, romantic time. Booths are great for couples and great girls night out place to. LOVED it and will go back soon!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/14/2010

(review submitted 03/16/2010)

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Review 4 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"What can we say about Astaria - fabulous ! We walked in the door & were greeted by the most delightful hostess, Sarah. I was concerned that our table by the front door might be too windy, so Sarah did a little demonstration of opening & closing the door to show us that we were blocked. We were seated at our table where we found our menus had a printed cover that said "Happy Birthday Lisa". We were blown away by this very personal touch. When Lisa saw her birthday honored like this, she was thrilled. We were greeted promptly by our waiter, Chris. Drink orders were taken. Chris was such an easy to like waiter. By the time we got our entree, he was more like a friend. Such a comfortable staff - they fit us like our own slippers ! We"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/15/2010)

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Review 5 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"good variety. spicy tuna was great beet salad very good"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/15/2010)

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Review 6 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Took advantage of the early bar specials and the food and drinks were outstanding"

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/12/2010

(review submitted 03/14/2010)

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Review 7 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I always enjoy dining at Astaria...lunch and dinner. Their menu is varied enough to suit anyone's taste, so I never mind suggesting it as a place to go with friends."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/10/2010

(review submitted 03/12/2010)

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Review 8 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"The waiter we had was so rude. He seemed to be bothered that we wanted to order drinks before deciding on appetizers. Then he would come to the table every few minutes and asked if we had decided on an entree. As we were enjoying a post dinner cocktail, he basically told us to beat it by making a huge gesture about putting the bill right in front of us. This guy made the whole experience horrid."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/10/2010)

0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 9 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We go to Astaria for special occasions and have never been disappointed. Great food and great service."

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/08/2010

(review submitted 03/10/2010)

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Review 10 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Still one of our favorite Peninsula restauramts and one of the few restaurants that know how to cook (or not overcook) their fish. All four meals were excellent. The wine prices were very reasonable especally the Bourdeaux which included Margaux, Pomerol and St Emilion varieties."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 11 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Excellent lunch menu; service could improved with just a little more attention from the staff (e.g. replenish water, etc.); overall the atmosphere is very nice and the variety of lunch entrees is wonderful - have not eaten there for dinner. Nice ambience"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/04/2010

(review submitted 03/07/2010)

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Review 12 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We've been to Astaria 3 times since discovering it last month. Love the warm friendly ambiance, high-quality menu while still providing a kids' menu to make it fun for our 2nd-grader. On this visit I had the shepherd's pie (total comfort food) and we shared the Monterey Bay fry appetizer which has excellent calamari. This would be a great spot for a birthday dinner or office party."

Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/05/2010

(review submitted 03/07/2010)

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Review 13 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Around the corner from my office, Astaria is a once a week lunch for sure. Food is consistently good-fresh and sandwich's on the lunch menu are a good value. If you are not in the mood for a 1-hour lunch (and who is these days) be sure to let your waiter know ASAP, otherwise, things can drag out a bit. Quiet enough that you can hold a conversation with co-workers and/or clients.

Also, good place for dinners with kids - staff is patient with the children and menu is definately kid friendly."

Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/24/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 14 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Really good food. The paella was great, as was the cioppino. The only thing that could have been better was to have a warm, wet towel after dining on all the shellfish in both meals."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/28/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 15 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"the most affordable, delicious brunch on the pennisula!"

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/28/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 16 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Food is good. Wine selection decent. Service used to be pretty good, but has really gone down hill recently, with entrees arriving before appetizers/salads were finished. The whole process was rushed."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/19/2010

(review submitted 02/24/2010)

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Review 17 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We were on time for our reservation, but weren't seated for 15 minutes. Staff seemed disorganized in seating customers and saw to other patrons who arrived after us or who didn't have reservations. Aside from that, everything else was great."

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/24/2010)

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Review 18 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"When making my opentable.com reservation for lunch for two at Astaria, I mentioned that we were celebrating a birthday. A lovely booth table was reserved for us, and we were presented with menus with a Happy Birthday cover. The waiter was friendly and accommodating to special requests, and our sandwiches were perfect. At the end of our meal, the waiter brought out a complimentary ice cream/star brownie dessert with a lit candle in the center. Very considerate and not over the top--making our lunch memorable and special."

Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/19/2010

(review submitted 02/23/2010)

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Review 19 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"I eat here once a month for lunch on a Saturday and if you pick wisely, you will enjoy your dining experience. The salads are good and I liked the corned beef sliders and sweet potato fries. Free parking in the bank lot down the street."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 20 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The service was efficient, tasty food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/16/2010

(review submitted 02/19/2010)

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Review 21 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great onion strings, balsamic skirt steak and beet salad. Everyone enjoyed the entrees ordered."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/16/2010)

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Review 22 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Another great dinner at Astaria - the beef burgignon and fried chicken were both amazing! The service was really good and the place always looks so attractive and clean. Thank you!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 23 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Astaria is a very pleasant restaurant in the heart of downtown San Mateo. The food was excellant and the wait staff was at the top of their game. This was the 1st time we've eaten here, but we will be back to enjoy ourselves again and again."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 24 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"One of the members of our group said they really liked Astaria and mentioned how it was classy."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/11/2010

(review submitted 02/13/2010)

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Review 25 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This was my first dining experience at Astaria, but I will dine there again. I had the beet salad and a (large!) cup of the red pepper soup -- both were delicious! My dining companion had a (real -- not processed) turkey sandwich with cranberry mayonnaise. She needed a little extra cran-mayo on the side, but overall she liked her sandwich very much.

The ambiance (at lunch, anyway) was peaceful and though it was a busy lunch scene, the acoustics muted it so we didn't have to converse loudly to be heard."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/11/2010

(review submitted 02/13/2010)

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Review 26 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The variety of the lunch menu will pleasse anyone. The halibut was delicious. Great service - really appreciated that my table was waiting with menus already in place. My friends loved the brownie dessert. Highly recomended for lunch and dinner."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/11/2010

(review submitted 02/13/2010)

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Review 27 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Food was excellent. However, they need to consider providing hand wipes. Several of our orders required handling of food items. This left hands and napkins soiled. It was necessary to have the waitress get wet towels from the bar to clean our hands."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/06/2010

(review submitted 02/08/2010)

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Review 28 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Aside from our forgotten salad course and some gaps in time waiting (apparently the watier was ambushed by a big group of people), we thought the food was excellent. Appetizers were very good, and entrees were also tasty and presented well. We were given a gift certificate for our troubles, but I'd go back again in spite of what I hope was just an anomaly."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/31/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 29 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Menu had plenty of inviting choices, so much so that it was hard to decide. Service was a little hinky, starting out very poor but sort of recovering by dessert. And speaking of dessert....you got to try their Homemade 'HO HO'. Terrific"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/01/2010)

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Review 30 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always great!
great service
great food!"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/27/2010

(review submitted 01/29/2010)

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Review 31 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"I very much enjoyed the ambiance of Astaria and liked the fact that they had music for those sitting in the bar. Our prawn appetizer was excellent and the salad was delicious. I was a little disappointed with the Shepard's Pie that I ordered for my entree. It was quite bland and I had to keep adding salt. I purchase frozen Shepard's Pie from Trader Joe's and this tasted pretty much the same. My dining partner had the halibut and I believe he very much enjoyed it, however. The service was quite qood. And, while I wouldn't make a special trip to go to the restaurant again, I would stop by there if I were in the neighborhood."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/14/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 32 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I had forgotten how good this restaurant was...delighted we went."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/20/2010

(review submitted 01/22/2010)

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Review 33 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Was there for brunch. Menu selection was excellent. Enjoyed the meal"

Special Features: great for brunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/17/2010

(review submitted 01/19/2010)

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Review 34 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The fried chicken is the dish to try at this restaurant. With that said, the rest of the menu items we had - including the appetizers (the stogies, and the ahi tuna)- were very very good. I'm surprised this restaurant isn't even MORE popular because if its location was in SF, it would do extremely well. Too bad the people in San Mateo haven't realized what a gem this restaurant is. On a Saturday night, it wasn't that busy but that was great for us. :)"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/09/2010

(review submitted 01/19/2010)

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Review 35 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food was very, very good ...."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/13/2010

(review submitted 01/15/2010)

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Review 36 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Loved it! I went there for my birthday dinner and will definitely be back. Great wine, delicious food with beautiful presentation, a romantic ambiance -- couldn't have been better!"

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/11/2010

(review submitted 01/13/2010)

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Review 37 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"good food as usual. bit noisy because of a party going on. entree came a bit slow."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/11/2010

(review submitted 01/13/2010)

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Review 38 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Great food and the wait staff was excellent. I'll be going back for sure."

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/09/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

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Review 39 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The mushroom "stogies" were outstanding. All the food was better than we expected, and although the restaurant is a complete mishmash of areas and styles, it all seems to work. The waiter was very friendly, possibly a bit over-eager, but we had a very good time."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/09/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

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Review 40 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Had a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner and cannot wait to return to try the food on a non-holiday. Appetizers contained a lot of flavor. The portions were very large and the meat was extremely tender. Definitely a restaurant we will be returning to!"

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/07/2010)

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Review 41 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We love this restaurant and have been there many times. The food is always good, they have 1/2 price bottles of wine on Tuesday evenings, and it just has a very nice ambience with romantic lighting. Good for lunch and dinner."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/05/2010

(review submitted 01/07/2010)

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Review 42 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"It was a great dining experience. We both loved the menu choices and the service was great."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 43 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"All in all, my dining experience was great. This may have been a bi-product of dining on New Years Eve, but the service was not in sync. The appetizer had arrived before our drinks had come from the bar. The main entrees had arrived before we had finished the appetizer. The crab cracker and steak knife's were delivered after the main course instead of either delivered with the food or before it. I hope that this was a holiday fluke because everything else with the restaurant was very favorable."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/02/2010)

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Review 44 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Nothing special. Food was OK but not memorable. Not fit for foodies. I would not go back."

Special Features: kid-friendly

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/24/2009

(review submitted 12/28/2009)

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Review 45 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great experience for a busy night--Christmas Eve. Loved our waiter and food was delicious."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/24/2009

(review submitted 12/26/2009)

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Review 46 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Astaria has VERY GOOD food, wine, service, and on Wednesdays they have ALL their wine list wines at 1/2 price. A GO BACK location."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 12/24/2009)

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Review 47 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Excellent "comfort food"-oriented menu. Slow, but friendly service."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 12/24/2009)

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Review 48 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The salad ingredients were fresh and flavorful, the ratatouille was tasty with slightly undercooked eggplant, the halibut was excellent, and the spaghetti with prawns was delicious. After we reserved online we were first shown a table almost in the kitchen, but the hostess was quite willing to move us to an attractive table near the window."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 49 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"OK food. Not great. Kind of big food. The place no longer exudes the Lark Creek Cafe like ambience either."

Special Features: kid-friendly

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 50 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"It was noisy in the dining room even though it was only 1/3 full. The tin-paneled ceiling doesn't absorb noise."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/14/2009

(review submitted 12/16/2009)

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Review 51 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Selected Astaria from the Open Table recommendations. Four of us were meeting in San Mateo before a concert and all of us were impressed. If we lived nearby we would all return! Excellent choice!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/13/2009

(review submitted 12/15/2009)

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Review 52 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Great restaurant. I appreciate the range of items on the menu. Something for everyone and for every mood, appetite, and price point."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/11/2009

(review submitted 12/14/2009)

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Review 53 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"What a surprise! Great lunch, and we loved the $19 threee course lunch menu."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/10/2009)

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Review 54 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The waiter's English language skills were too limited for him to understand us. The menu could use some adjustment. I couldn't find something that I really wanted on the menu."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/10/2009)

0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 55 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Our experience was a disappointment: If we were dining at a less expensive restaurant, the service would have been appropriate; however, for almost $100 for 2 (with no desert & only 1 glass of wine), the service was poor. Our waiter, Stephan, rarely checked on us & was quite rushed when he did show up at our table. When I had a fair amt of my beet salad left, I thought to take it home to my husband who was unable to join us for dinner. When Stephan came by & I asked if I could get it boxed w/ a few more pieces of beets added (only had 1 piece left), he grumpily said "they won't do that" - this surprised me, given the price points on this menu! Go to Acqua Pazza down the street instead - warm, friendly service w/ great food."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/10/2009)

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Review 56 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Was very disappointed. Booked two months in advance and was seated at the table the farthest in the back near the kitchen and the back door. We were ignored. The waiter tried but it was a very busy night so he did his best. We booked to see the entertainment and we no where near being able to see the entertainment nor hear it."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/19/2009

(review submitted 12/07/2009)

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Review 57 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had the Best Thanksgiving Dinner here that any of us had ever had...And that's saying alot as two of the four of us dining at Astaria on Thanksgiving Day are 56 and 63 years old!
It was an absolutely delicious buffet... The help were attentive and silent about their jobs...There was lots of friendliness in the air. We have now found a restaurant that we would like to make our own."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 58 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I've eaten here multiple times now and all I can say is brilliant. The food is excellent. I highly recommend the fried chicken. Great setting, ambiance and superb service too. I even loved the walnut bread they served which they apparently bake themselves.
Undoubtedly one amongst the best places to eat at in San Mateo downtown. Absolute gem."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/04/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 59 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Had a group for Thansgiving Brunch. It was good food & friendly service. A nice experence. We will go back again to check it out for lunch or dinner."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 60 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food was very good although for the Thanksgiving buffet it was slightly overpriced. However all in all it was a fun, family oriented dinner menu for groups of all sizes."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/06/2009)

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Review 61 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"A bit overpriced, but the food was still very good - no real "kids" menu choices (e.g. plain pasta, fruit) but just charged less for the same full buffet - but not enough less since my daughter, who is 4 1/2, ate only rice, bread and a dessert."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 62 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food is fresh and hot with lovely presentation, what more could you want? We were lucky to have some nice acoustic guitar and vocals that night too (live). Can't complain. In a nutshell, feels like an above average neighborhood restaurant in Manhattan."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/03/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Review 63 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"First off, to start, I had a nice OG Punch: whiskey, ginger liquer, ginger ale, lime. My partner in crime had a bloody mary. And then...let the games begin...

Turkey, ok.
Prime rib was fantastic. I had two.
Fixins were alright. Waldorf and harvest salad reigned high on my list. Had multiple plates of those. Had multiple plates of the oysters, too.
The top three desserts on my list: pot au creme, sugar cookie, and the brownie squares.
The worst foods: julienned carrots--too soft and too warm, the cranberry citrus sauce was short the cranberry taste, Eggnog bread pudding. Especially after taking a bite of the apple crisp. After eating 6 plates, I can't complain overall."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 64 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My daughter and I spent a lovely Thanksgiving at Astaria. This was the first time in almost 40 years that I did not cook for a large family group. I loved all the choices and sampled everything. I even came back for seconds. The only thing that needs improvement would be the desserts. The cake desserts were a little on the stale side but I tried them anyway. Our waitress was wonderful and her helper was on the ball when it came to refreshing our water and clearing our table. I especially congratulate you for having the most delicious and moist turkey I have had in a long time. I would say that the star of the show would be the roast beef. It was rare and tender. Just the way I like it. Thanks for a wonderful Thanksgiving."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 65 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Great food. Stogies- flaky filo around mushrooms and melted cheese. Cioppino- I like spicy foods and this was perfect. Maybe too much for some, and not enough for the raw habenero crowd, but for the 90% in the middle, very nice. Big pieces of fresh crab. Halibut- Beautiful piece of fish cooked perfectly, and the risotto is close to sublime. The reccomended wine was a real find and the service all around was polished."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/24/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

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Review 66 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Well, the Thanksgiving buffet was a little bit chez-midwest-community-hall (cheap chafing dishes, food in a room that clearly wasn't meant to be part of the restaurant) but the food was really good.

Still, sort of surprised at the price, given the ambiance. Would have expected it to be a little less expensive."

Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/26/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

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Review 67 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The staff were very attentive, helpful and friendly. Our party of 4 enjoyed our selections, especially the cioppino, which was very tasty and well prepared."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/27/2009

(review submitted 12/02/2009)

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Review 68 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"food was uneven. the halibut was great-good portion, well cooked and attractive on plate. good sides with it too.

pizza was good.

Vegetable "napoleon" had no seasoning except for the inedible mushroom soaked in way too much Balsamic Vinegar. The vegetables were served on mashed potatoes. Where was the pastry of a Napoleon?

Server was ok. we had to ask about specials.
there were things on the menu with too much going- too many sauces or flavors-that is easy to ask for less.

I liked that there were the same general items used in different dishes. Ratatouille presented a few ways is one example.

the ginger cake was excellent-after we scraped off whipped cream and raspberry sauce. The warm apple slices were perfect"

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/27/2009

(review submitted 12/02/2009)

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Review 69 for Astaria

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Not what it used to be. The paella was good but not outstanding. The "Sheppards (sic) pie" was disappointing. The waitstaff are far too casual, and the first hostess to greet us and ask if she could help us took our information but failed to pass it on to the next hostess, who had to start over again."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/27/2009

(review submitted 12/02/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Astaria

Based on the average of (111) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Astaria

Astaria Reviews List

Review 1 for Astaria

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