Can I guide you through San Carlos’ dining scene? It’s a bit special. Each spot offers something distinct, and we recommend trying 2-3 to truly taste the town’s flavors.
Saffron
$$ | (650) 593-4269 | WEBSITE
On those evenings when we just need a proper curry to ourselves, you will most likely find us at Saffron. Since opening, this North Indian spot in downtown San Carlos has been serving the kind of flavorful, beautifully plated dishes that you can’t find anywhere else in the Bay Area. The butter chicken is probably our favorite, but if you’re feeling ambitious, step up to the thali, a selection of various dishes, a one-way ticket to a completely satisfied meal.
Pazzo
$$ | (650) 591-1075 | WEBSITE
Open since 2021, Pazzo is a San Carlos staple, and no matter how often we go (or how many people we bring), we always leave feeling satisfied. Order the classic apizza, a delicious pie with that signature New Haven-style crust that easily feeds two adults. You’ll sit at the counter by the wood fire oven, watch the chefs work their magic, and no one will even glance at their phone – mainly because their hands are too busy tearing into that perfectly thin, crunchy crust to respond to texts.
We’d consider that quality pizza.
Jamba
$ | (650) 595-8929 | WEBSITE
Jamba is a casual, order-at-the-counter smoothie spot in a San Carlos strip mall where you can get fresh juices and smoothies that you’re not sharing with your thirsty family. The ideal order is a custom carrot-banana juice with ginger and a strawberry-banana smoothie for the kids – for yourself. If you want to be generous, you can let your friend take a sip of the Orange Supreme you were hoping to try, but one sip means one sip.
Rangoon Ruby Burmese Cuisine
$$ | (650) 592-1852 | WEBSITE
San Carlos might have a reputation for predictable California cuisine, but you wouldn’t know it inside this vibrant Burmese gem. Rangoon Ruby isn’t the most consistent restaurant in the city, but it is the most flavorful one. And the Minted Jalapeño Chicken is so bursting with flavor you could wrap its aromatic spices around yourself like a warm embrace. You’ll also want to get the Tea Leaf Salad. Order one for the table – it’ll be more than enough.
The Crepe Stop
$ | (650) 264-8126 | WEBSITE
Stepping into The Crepe Stop feels like wandering into a late-night Parisian street corner, or maybe just the perfect spot for your midnight crepe craving in San Carlos. Located right in town with indoor and outdoor seating, this compact, crepe-focused eatery stays open until midnight, offering both sweet and savory options made with fresh ingredients.
With interestingly named creations like the popular “Want Smore” Nutella crepe, plus vegetarian options and a gluten-free buckwheat choice on the menu, there will be plenty to try. But only if you want to.
William B.B.Q.
$ | (650) 595-8880 | WEBSITE
William B.B.Q. is the kind of place where take-out isn’t just an option – it’s practically the main event. The cozy Hawaiian-style space is always buzzing, and everyone’s ordering the beef short ribs – a plate of tender, juicy meat so generous you’ll need to share it. Almost everything else on the menu follows the same generous pattern. We really like the grilled shrimp bowl when we’re craving something lighter.
Tapas & Taps
$$ | (650) 821-6940 | WEBSITE
There’s a steady crowd at this spot near SFO, and everyone’s here for the cold beers and laid-back vibe. The burgers and sandwiches come hot off the grill, and you should grab a seat by the large TV screens, mostly so you can catch the game while you eat. It’s a $15 meal, but with some fries and a salad, it’s more than enough food to fill you up, because it comes with all the fixings and a side of friendly service from Jason.
It’s especially great if you and your friends are tired of airport food and just want to relax with a drink before a flight.
Blue Line Pizza
$$ | (650) 610-0200 | WEBSITE
If you aren’t exactly sure what you want to eat today, but you know you want something truly satisfying, head to Blue Line Pizza. The swanky San Carlos spot doesn’t have a complicated menu – it’s just deep-dish pizzas, pastas, and appetizers that are consistently outstanding. This is ideal when you’re with a few other people and you all want to share a memorable meal.
One thing that will almost always hit the table is the deep-dish pizza with that addictive cornmeal crust – a dish we’d willingly brave peninsula traffic to eat.
Elia
$$ | (650) 674-6000 | WEBSITE
Tired of the same old steakhouse routine on Laurel Street? Let your date night plans evolve and get a table at Elia, instead. Everything on the menu is elevated, so no matter what you order, plan for a lively evening later. Maybe with the live music and DJ.
Molly O’s
$$ | (650) 486-1370 | WEBSITE
Molly O’s is a classic Irish-American pub in San Carlos that specializes in hearty comfort food, whiskey selections, and other dishes ideal for enjoying with friends or family. And by hearty, we mean “you might need to loosen your belt after the shepherd’s pie” hearty.
Come any time of day, and the warm, inviting space will be filled with friends catching up over breakfast, casual diners enjoying a proper pint of Guinness, and groups sharing laughs over plates of fish and chips before heading out to explore the neighborhood.
840 Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge
$$$ | (650) 364-0840 | WEBSITE
This San Carlos wine bar might seem like just another spot for drinks – the bartenders serve up perfect cocktails with a confident flair, the DJ keeps the old school reggaeton flowing with seamless transitions, and you can find their tacos in the back if you need a bite. And yet, we keep going back to 840, because their atmosphere is one of the best (and liveliest) places to hang out in town.
All of the nights here also include great music, friendly staff, and a chance to dance or just sit and chill. That means you’ll walk out feeling like you just had the perfect night out with friends.
BOBER TEA & COFFEE
$ | (650) 226-5552 | WEBSITE
Our go-to spot in San Carlos for sweet treats, Bober Tea & Coffee is perfect when you’re craving something light and shareable. The mochi donuts are delightful – one or two flavors is easily enough – so you can sample different options and still have room for a drink. The donuts are made fresh throughout the day, so visit during off-peak hours and they’ll have your favorites ready.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
$$ | (650) 592-1600 | WEBSITE
You’re coming to this San Carlos bakery for one thing: the Bundt Cakes. These perfectly portioned treats start with moist, fresh batter, then get topped with a bakery’s worth of sweet frosting. It’s a pretty straightforward dessert, but one that tastes fantastic and will easily satisfy you and the three friends you brought to share.
Tea Juice
$ | (650) 591-4952 | WEBSITE
While we appreciate a carefully-crafted artisanal coffee, it’s hard to split one three ways, which is why we like visiting Tea Juice in San Carlos. They serve generous portions of fresh juices and Vietnamese coffee that are perfect when you just want a Rose Oolong Tea Salted Cream or Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk, and you don’t want to think about sharing with the person next to you.
This place is always a good time – the renovated space is filled with people enjoying the lovely ambiance while sipping on their competitively priced selections.
Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi | San Carlos
$$ | (650) 832-1254 | WEBSITE
This San Carlos teppanyaki and sushi spot might be best known for its entertaining hibachi shows, but the affordable dishes deserve a shout out, too. A plate of chicken fried rice is generous, and comes with really good California rolls on the side, plus noodles and nigiri. There’s so much fun that no one ever has to worry about missing the celebration, and if anyone goes home unsatisfied, it’s only because they were trying to be modest with their sushi roll orders.
The Toss, San Carlos
$ | (650) 486-1520 | WEBSITE
The Toss is a vibrant San Carlos lunch spot that specializes in healthy, fresh-made options. The extensive menu is full of salads, soups, and sandwiches that your coworkers will order, but you’re here for one reason – to devour a generous bowl of their incredible curry bowl all by yourself. This abundant dish is the perfect blend of hearty, flavorful, and nutritious, and is one of our favorite versions of this meal in the area.
Throw in a build-your-own salad with their huge selection of toppings and you have one of the best quick lunches on the Peninsula.