Guide to the Best Restaurants in Redwood City, CA

New & Noteworthy Restaurants in Redwood City

Redwood City’s dining scene is full of fresh flavors and new restaurants to explore. Whether you’re a local foodie looking for the hottest new spot or visiting for the weekend, the city’s newest restaurants offer plenty of reasons to dine out and discover something delicious. Grab a drink and a bite to eat at the new de Vine Wine & Beer. For Mexican food, stop by the new Taqueria La Gallina on Arguello Street or head to Margaritas for Sinaloa sushi, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and great happy hour deals. Grab a pint and Irish pub fare at The Wild Rover. For a special night out, enjoy fresh seafood or a perfectly cooked steak at Timber & Salt. Looking for a sweet treat? Head to Yumi Yogurt. This beloved family-owned business first opened in Redwood City in 1985 and has recently returned to a new location after closing in 2020.

Donato Enoteca

Angelica's

Broadway Masala

Fine Dining and MICHELIN-Recognized Restaurants in Redwood City

When it comes to fine dining, Redwood City delivers an impressive lineup of top-tier restaurants. Whether you’re looking for the perfect setting for a romantic date night, an executive dinner or celebrating a special occasion, these chef-driven restaurants feature carefully crafted menus built around premium, locally-sourced ingredients, fresh seafood and modern California cuisine.

Located in the heart of downtown Redwood City, the MICHELIN-recommended Sushi Shin offers a truly incredible Japanese sushi dining experience. The restaurant is led by Chef Jason Zhan, who earned the restaurant’s first MICHELIN star in 2021. Reservations are in high demand and should be made at least one month in advance. For creative tapas and artisanal cocktails, indulge at the MICHELIN-recommended LV Mar Tapas & Cocktails. Its sister restaurant, La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana, is also not to be missed. Named after the massive seafood market in Mexico City, La Viga serves fresh seafood with a Latin twist, offering a menu filled with fresh ceviches and shareable tapas such as fried calamari, stuffed empanadas, as well as entrées like Arroz con Mariscos and tacos with homemade corn tortillas. Both of these fine-dining restaurants offer private dining for those looking to host a memorable culinary event.

Hurrica Restaurant

Sushi Shin

La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana

Global Flavors in Redwood City

Redwood City offers a wide array of locally-loved restaurants featuring flavors from around the globe. Head to downtown Redwood City for authentic German fare at the three-generation family-owned and operated Gourmet Haus Staudt. This German market and biergarten offers rare chocolates, craft and German bottled beers, festive treats and be sure to try the highly recommended jumbo pretzel with salami and cheese. For Italian cuisine, stop by Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria - Redwood Shores. Started by two East Coast transplants, Peter Cooperstein and Mike Forter, Amici’s has been serving high-quality pizzas made in traditional, Italian brick ovens for more than 30 years. Plus, be sure to check out the many other Italian Restaurants on The SFP.

There’s also an impressive selection of Halal dining on The San Francisco Peninsula. Stop by Mazra for authentic Levantine flavors and Mediterranean food. This family-owned restaurant pours its cultural heritage and culinary passion into every dish with a menu of grilled kabobs and tender shawarma. Their menu also features a wide selection of vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options. Craving Pakistani-Indian cuisine? Head to Zareen’s for delicious samosas, flavorful curries and naan made fresh daily. This local favorite is run by a mother-son duo and was named the #1 place on Yelp’s 2024 Top Places to Eat in the Bay Area, according to Yelp Elites.

Gourmet Haus Staudt

Zareen’s

Mazra

Casual and Family-Friendly Restaurants in Redwood City

Looking for a casual dining experience the whole family will love? Redwood City is full of great dining options for families and groups looking for approachable menus at moderate price points. Here, you’ll find a diverse mix of casual restaurants that are sure to satisfy any craving, from pizza to international cuisine to California-inspired cuisine. These spots offer relaxed environments for anyone looking for a fun meal out.

A favorite for groups is The Hub RWC in downtown Redwood City. This shared workspace by day transforms into a lively night hangout featuring open mic nights, game nights and a New Zealand-inspired food menu. For a fun, family-friendly outing, head to State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria. Inspired by the Golden State, this is a great place to cheer on your favorite sports team, play 90s arcade and pinball machines and play board games with your kids. The pizza is made with slow-proofed dough, California cheese, and organic tomato; it’s so good it won “World Best Non-Traditional Pizza” at the 2017 International Pizza Expo. Another locally-loved, kid-friendly restaurant is Vesta. They pride themselves on using sustainably sourced, locally-grown ingredients and offer vegan options.

The Hub RWC

State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria - Redwood Shores

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria Pizza Spread

Wine, Cocktails, and Craft Brews in Redwood City

Redwood City offers some of the best Bay Area nightlife with plenty of craft cocktail lounges, wine bars, distilleries and craft breweries to explore. For great brews, signature drinks and premium liquor, head to Ghostwood Kitchen. Enjoy made-from-scratch pub fare and award-winning beers at the Freewheel Brewing Company. Looking for a great selection of wine? Pop into CRU Wine Bar, an European-style café, wine bar and retail shop which offers wine by the glass, bottle and case. And be sure to check out The San Francisco Peninsula’s Happy Hour specials and wineries.

Ghostwood Kitchen

Pouring a glass of beer at a brewery in San Mateo County

Freewheel Brewing Company

CRU Wine Bar

Frequently Asked Questions About Dining in Redwood City

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Redwood City?

Redwood City is full of hidden gems just waiting to be savored. Enjoy authentic Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine at Mazra . Enjoy Pakistani and Indian dishes at Zareen’s or head to Naranjos Taqueria for some of the best barbacoa tacos in the city.

What restaurants are near downtown/Caltrain in Redwood City?

Downtown Redwood City is full of great restaurants, including Angelica’s, Sushi Shin, Timber & Salt and Gourmet Haus Staudt, to name a few. Many of these restaurants are just a short walk away from the Caltrain station and there is plenty of parking available in downtown garages and nearby street parking.

Do any restaurants in Redwood City have outdoor seating?

With its bayside location, Redwood City has many restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Soak up the waterfront views at Hurrica, located in the Westpoint Marina, enjoy tapas-style Italian bites on the patio at Donato Enoteca or head to downtown Redwood City to dine on the covered outdoor patio at Angelica’s for Californian cuisine with a Latin flair.

Want more? Check out this list of the Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in the Bay Area.

Where can I find late-night food in Redwood City?

Craving a late-night snack in Redwood City? Many restaurants close around 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m., but there are a few spots where you can grab a drink or a late-night bite. Nighthawk is a craft cocktail lounge that is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Waterside Grill and Lounge is open until 10 p.m daily and Ghostwood Kitchen is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Are there any restaurants in Redwood City that specialize in organic or sustainable food?

Whether you’re looking for organic or sustainably sourced food, it’s easy to eat healthy on The SFP. Stop by Vesta in Redwood City for wood-fired pizza and small plates made with organic and sustainably sourced ingredients from local farms. The Hollo Café also serves up contemporary cuisine made with local produce and sustainably sourced ingredients. Check out more farm-to-table restaurants & markets on The SFP.

What is the best restaurant in Redwood City for a business lunch?

Redwood City offers plenty of great options for a business lunch. Dine at Hurrica for an upscale experience with stunning waterfront views. Enjoy bold flavors and unforgettable cuisine at La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana, conveniently located in downtown Redwood City. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed casual stop with a fun atmosphere to share with your colleagues, head over to Gourmet Haus Staudt.

What restaurants in Redwood City are best for large groups or private dining?

It’s kind of wild how memorable events and gatherings are on The San Francisco Peninsula. Hurrica offers private dining spaces that are great for corporate events and other special occasions. Angelica's also provides flexible event spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large events.

Want more options? Check out Private Dining Rooms & Patios on The SFP.

What are the most romantic restaurants in Redwood City?

For a romantic date night in Redwood City, you can’t go wrong with dining at Hurrica, La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana or Sushi Shin. Make sure to make your reservations for Sushi Shin well in advance, as they book up at least a month out.

Want help planning an unforgettable night out? Find inspiration on our Date Ideas in the Bay Area page.

Are restaurants in Redwood City dog-friendly?

Yes! There are many dog-friendly restaurants in Redwood City. Timber & Salt welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio and Freewheel Brewing Company is a great spot to grab a drink and a bite with your pup on their dog-friendly patio. Check out other dog-friendly breweries and wineries on The SFP.

Looking for more things to do with your pup? Check out these pet-friendly things to do on The SFP.

What Redwood City restaurants serve brunch?

There are so many great places for brunch on The San Francisco Peninsula. Angelica's, Vivi’s Cafe, Breakers Cafe and Homeskillet are go-to spots for weekend brunch in Redwood City. Margaritas also serves up Mexican omelets, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and more for breakfast and brunch.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure in Redwood City

Great culinary cuisine and one-of-a-kind dining experiences are just the beginning of what you’ll discover in Redwood City. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the city’s central location puts you in close proximity to top attractions, outdoor adventures, tech innovation and the rest of the Bay Area. Plus, there are so many great things to do in Redwood City. Take in a show at the historic Fox Theatre, learn about Redwood City’s history at the San Mateo County History Museum, visit the Pulgas Water Temple, stroll through one of the city’s beautiful parks or enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront. Looking for a place to stay on The San Francisco Peninsula? Redwood City hotels offer a great mix of luxury, affordable and business-friendly accommodations that keep you close to top attractions and incredible restaurants. Book your getaway to The SFP today.

Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Redwood City