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Dining
1
Wakuriya
Japanese, Californian · ★ Michelin
$$$$
Innovative, serious and well-established, Wakuriya successfully blends a deep respect for the kaiseki tradition with a contemporary touch. This is largely thanks to the lone chef behind the counter, Katsuhiro Yamasaki; his wife deftly manages the dining room.Each month brings a new, refined menu that combines the chef’s personal style with superlative Japanese and Californian ingredients. Courses are uniquely presented, as in a silver spoon cradling chunks of poached lobster with dashi gelée, soft-boiled Jidori egg and fried kombu. This may not be a sushiya, but the sashimi course is nonethele
11.4km
2
Breakwater Barbecue
Barbecue, American
$$
Just about ten minutes north of Half Moon Bay in the charming seaside town of El Granada, Breakwater Barbecue is an all-American spot tucked inside a historic railroad station. Inside, you'll find a "coastal cowboy" aesthetic, with a friendly, laid-back vibe to match. A signature burger has many admirers, but if you're here with a group, the family-style platters are the way to go, The Texas Trinity serves as the crowning culinary achievement here: an assortment of lovingly slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs and spicy sausage links (made with pork and beef), served with pickles, thick-cut bread an
2.0km
3
La Costanera
Peruvian, Latin American
$$$
Where else can you stroll in after a day at the beach and get a delicious Peruvian meal? La Costanera, nestled within the darling coastal town of Half Moon Bay, of course! Traditional and modern art abound, but it's the boldly flavored plates from Chef Carlos Altamirano and his team that garner attention. Palta rellena, which fills half an avocado with roasted chicken chicharrones and lime-infused mayonnaise, is a fun and light-hearted interpretation of the dish. Cebice pescado marinated in aji rocoto leche de tigre is both tangy and kicky, while lomo saltado is savory and hearty. Be sure to s
2.1km
4
Pasta Moon
Italian, Californian
$$$
One of Half Moon Bay’s most popular restaurants, Pasta Moon draws a steady crowd of locals and visitors eager for hearty Italian American fare made with quality ingredients. With vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen and multiple dining rooms, including one overlooking Pilarcitos Creek and a lush garden, the space feels lively yet comfortable. Recognized by Slow Food U.S.A., the kitchen highlights artisanal products and house-made pastas, alongside crisp thin-crust pizzas and generous classic dishes. A soppressata pizza shows off the kitchen’s particularly successful crust, while plates like eggpl
4.4km
5
Pausa
Italian, Regional Cuisine · Bib
$$
Thanks to its modern setting and late hours (by San Mateo standards, at least), a growing crowd of smart couples and tech types flock to this San Mateo sweetie. Everyone is here for the authentic Italian eats from Chef/co-owner Andrea Giuliani, who dishes up the cuisine of his native Veneto.The dining room has a view of the charcuterie-aging room and those artistically presented salumi boards of fennel-flecked finocchiona and exceptional salame al parmigiano. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are equally strong—try the porchetta variation, topped with gorgonzola and radicchio. Of course, the pa
14.6km
6
The Village Pub
Contemporary, American Contemporary · ★ Michelin
$$$
Don’t be fooled by the quaint name; this is a sophisticated operation, with posh décor and gracefully professional service. A three-course prix fixe menu offers guests a variety of options, with starters like Dungeness crab salad accented with celery root and apple, or a signature raviolo filled with molten egg yolk and buttery potato, and mains like seared dry-aged duck breast or caramelized black cod. Happily, every meal begins with wonderfully fluffy, golden brown Parker House rolls, served warm with Vermont butter. To finish, you might consider a chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier crème
20.0km
7
Navio
Contemporary
$$$$
Nestled inside the luxe Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Navio enjoys one of Northern California’s most dramatic dining settings, with sweeping ocean views that make sunset particularly magical. The real draw, however, is Chef Francisco Simón’s polished, contemporary cuisine rooted in excellent ingredients and classical technique. Dishes strike an easygoing note of luxury, from pristine Dungeness crab with apple and sourdough to Liberty Farm duck paired with radicchio and pear. Desserts lean more playful, like a sculptural chocolate composition with pistachio, almond and hazelnut. Altogether, it’s
7.1km
8
wonderful
Chinese, Hunanese and Sichuan
$$
Hunanese cuisine may have once taken a back seat to the Bay Area's roster of Chinese spots, so it’s no wonder that this snug gem has attracted many a local and curious palate. Try to snag one of the beautifully carved booths in the back — then you'll be privy to the goings-on in the kitchen. Settle in and begin to peruse the menu of specialties. Boldly flavored dishes incorporate oodles of smoked, cured and fermented ingredients — from the tender, juicy stir-fried cilantro beef, to the pungent pork, black bean and pickled chili mixture that tops a mound of spicy, hand-cut godfather’s noodles.
13.3km
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Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.