Redwood City, California, often overshadowed by its Silicon Valley neighbors, is rapidly emerging as a vibrant culinary destination. Forget the lines of code and the billion-dollar valuations for a moment, and focus instead on the incredible flavors emanating from this Peninsula gem. Redwood City’s food scene is a delightful mix of established favorites and exciting newcomers, offering something to satisfy every palate and budget. From elegant fine dining experiences to casual family-friendly spots and authentic international eateries, Redwood City promises a delicious adventure. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey as we explore the very best food Redwood City has to offer, from award winning steakhouses to humble taco shops.
A Touch of Elegance: Fine Dining in Redwood City
When the occasion calls for a touch of sophistication, Redwood City delivers with a selection of exceptional fine dining establishments. These restaurants offer meticulously crafted menus, impeccable service, and an ambiance perfect for special celebrations or a memorable night out. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion or a romantic anniversary, redwood city provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.
Vesta: Wood-Fired Innovation
Vesta is a standout, known for its wood-fired oven and innovative approach to contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its focus on seasonal ingredients, creates a truly special dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes cooked to perfection in the wood-fired oven, from pizzas and pastas to grilled meats and seafood. A popular choice is the wood-fired octopus, renowned for its tender texture and smoky flavor. Vesta is a mid-range to upscale dining experience.
Delfina Pizzeria: A Taste of Italy
Another favorite is Delfina Pizzeria, a Redwood City location of the popular San Francisco restaurant. They are known for their high-quality ingredients and dedication to authentic Italian flavors. This isn’t your average pizza joint; Delfina Pizzeria uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and a slow-rise dough to create pizzas that are light, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Beyond pizza, their menu features a selection of antipasti, salads, and desserts, all made with the same commitment to quality. Consider the classic Margherita pizza or the ever-changing seasonal specials. This pizzeria fits the mid-range price point.
Sundance the Steakhouse: Classic American Fare
Sundance The Steakhouse is a restaurant that is known for perfectly cooked steaks, an extensive wine list, and a classic, upscale ambiance. It’s the ideal setting for a business dinner or a special occasion. Their carefully selected cuts of meat, expertly grilled to your liking, are the main draw, but the restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes and classic sides. Start with the shrimp cocktail, and be sure to save room for dessert – the chocolate lava cake is a must. Sundance The Steakhouse falls into the higher price range, but the quality of the food and service make it a worthwhile splurge.
Casual Comfort: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Redwood City
Redwood City understands the importance of family, and its dining scene reflects this with a plethora of casual, welcoming restaurants perfect for enjoying a meal with loved ones. These establishments offer relaxed atmospheres, kid-friendly menus, and reasonable prices, making them a popular choice for families of all sizes. Getting the entire family out to enjoy some great food in Redwood City is a wonderful experience.
Angelicas: Vibrant Atmosphere and Diverse Menu
Angelicas is a bustling restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From burgers and pizzas to salads and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone. Angelicas is especially popular with families thanks to its spacious seating, friendly service, and a dedicated kids’ menu. The lively atmosphere keeps kids entertained, while the adults can relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
The Old Spaghetti Factory: A Nostalgic Favorite
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a nostalgic favorite that continues to delight families with its affordable prices, generous portions, and charming atmosphere. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant features a unique decor with antique furnishings and vintage lighting. The menu focuses on classic Italian-American dishes, such as spaghetti with meat sauce, lasagna, and fettuccine Alfredo. It’s a reliable choice for a casual family dinner. Kids especially love the restaurant’s novelty and the option to order from a special children’s menu.
Round Table Pizza: A Pizza Night Staple
Round Table Pizza provides a pizza experience that is great for groups of friends and families. They are famous for quality pizzas and a casual, inviting atmosphere. This local pizza chain, offers a wide range of pizza toppings and crust options, making it easy to customize your pizza to your liking. Round Table is the perfect spot for a fun and affordable family pizza night. It can also be a venue for youth sports teams to gather together.
Global Flavors: Exploring International Cuisine in Redwood City
Redwood City’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of international flavors, reflecting the city’s diverse population. From authentic Mexican tacos to aromatic Indian curries and flavorful Asian dishes, Redwood City offers a culinary journey around the world. You can satisfy your craving for authentic food in Redwood City.
La Costeña: Authentic Mexican Delights
La Costeña is a beloved local gem serving up authentic Mexican cuisine. From their flavorful tacos to their savory enchiladas, every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. Be sure to try their carne asada tacos – they’re a local favorite! Their menu also includes seafood dishes.
Curry Up Now: Indian Street Food with a Twist
Curry Up Now offers a modern take on Indian street food. Their menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the flavors of India, including Deconstructed Samosas, Tikka Masala Burritos, and Sexy Fries. The restaurant’s playful atmosphere and creative menu make it a fun and unique dining experience. This is great if you’re looking for something different and exciting. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something different and exciting, this Indian street food is a must.
Gombei Japanese Restaurant: Authentic Japanese Flavors
Gombei Japanese Restaurant serves up authentic Japanese cuisine. Their menu features a wide variety of sushi, tempura, noodle dishes, and teriyaki. Each dish is carefully prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a quiet dinner or a celebratory meal with family.
Quick & Tasty: Lunch Spots and Casual Bites
Sometimes, all you need is a quick and satisfying meal without the fuss. Redwood City offers a variety of excellent lunch spots and casual eateries perfect for grabbing a bite on the go or enjoying a relaxed meal. You can find a great variety of foods in redwood city, no matter the pace of life you are living.
Arya Steakhouse: Mediterranean Delights
Arya Steakhouse is known for its delicious Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, salads, and plates. Their fresh ingredients and bold flavors make them a popular choice for lunch. Arya Steakhouse also makes for a nice quick bite. Their service is fast and friendly, and you can find something for a great price.
Hobees: A Breakfast and Lunch Staple
Hobees is a local favorite with a solid reputation for quality food and a friendly environment. Hobees’ warm and inviting environment, as well as its dedication to offering high-quality meals that satisfy guests’ needs for a quick bite to eat, contribute to its allure. The menu is extensive, offering a wide range of options to fulfill any palate or preference.
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill: Spicy Caribbean Cuisine
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is a casual spot serving up flavorful Jamaican cuisine, including jerk chicken, curried goat, and oxtail. Back A Yard Caribbean Grill brings the flavor of Jamaica to Redwood City. Their food is freshly prepared. This eatery provides a welcome and unique dining experience that transports guests’ taste buds to the Caribbean with its spicy and savory dishes.
Local Treasures: Redwood City’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known restaurants, Redwood City is home to a number of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These local favorites offer unique experiences, authentic flavors, and a glimpse into the heart of Redwood City’s culinary community. Finding these hidden culinary gems in Redwood City is a great experience.
LV Mar Tapas & Cocktails: Spanish Flavor
LV Mar Tapas & Cocktails is a standout for its authentic Spanish tapas and carefully crafted cocktails. The restaurant is tucked away but is worth finding. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a fun evening with friends. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a memorable dining experience.
Tootsie’s: American Diner
Tootsie’s is a classic American diner that has been serving up hearty breakfasts and comforting lunches for decades. The diner’s vintage decor and friendly service create a nostalgic atmosphere that will transport you back in time. Tootsie’s has a certain charm about it. It feels like you’re eating right next to your grandma. This diner is a local favorite.
Sweet Endings: Desserts in Redwood City
No meal is truly complete without a sweet ending, and Redwood City offers a variety of delectable dessert destinations to satisfy your sweet tooth. From decadent bakeries to creamy ice cream shops, there’s a treat for every craving. Finding some dessert in Redwood City is a great cap off to your meal.
SusieCakes: Classic American Baked Goods
SusieCakes is a charming bakery known for its classic American baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and pies. All of their desserts are made from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The bakery’s vintage decor and cheerful atmosphere make it a delightful place to indulge in a sweet treat.
Gelataio: Authentic Italian Gelato
Gelataio is a popular spot for authentic Italian gelato. They use fresh ingredients and traditional techniques to create a wide variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic options like pistachio and blood orange. Their gelato is incredibly creamy and flavorful, making it the perfect way to cool off on a warm day. You can enjoy their gelato outside, making for a very pleasant experience.
Your Redwood City Culinary Adventure Awaits
Redwood City’s food scene is a delicious and diverse tapestry, offering something to satisfy every palate and budget. From upscale dining experiences to casual family-friendly restaurants and authentic international eateries, this vibrant city has it all. Take the time to explore these culinary gems and discover your own favorites. Redwood City is a great place to explore. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there is plenty to discover in Redwood City. So, next time you’re in Redwood City, be sure to treat yourself to a culinary adventure!
What are your favorite spots in Redwood City? Share your Redwood City food recommendations in the comments below and let us know where you would like to try next! This Redwood City Food Guide is a collaborative project, and we want to know where YOU love to eat!
