7 Best Restaurants in Burlingame

Sternsmith Group


Welcome to the vibrant culinary scene of Burlingame! Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, this charming city is a haven for diners seeking delectable experiences. From upscale bistros to cozy cafes, the top restaurants in Burlingame have it all. Read on to explore the crème de la crème, the hidden gems, and the must-try eateries that define the culinary landscape of this quaint Californian city.

1. Park & Howard

1300 Howard Ave

Burlingame, CA 94010

Park & Howard Bistro is a charming neighborhood eatery that offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a sophisticated touch. Known for its farm-to-table approach, this bistro prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful, seasonal dishes. Their menu features a delightful fusion of French and Californian cuisine, from artisanal salads and expertly crafted seafood to rich, savory meats. With an intimate dining setting and friendly service, Park & Howard Bistro is a go-to spot for both casual lunches and elegant dinners, making it a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Pro-Tip: They have a few different private dining room options!

2. Twelvemonth

330 Lorton Ave

Burlingame, CA 94010

For a dining experience you won’t soon forget, look no further than Twelvemonth. This innovative plant-based restaurant embraces the concept of seasonal dishes, crafting vegan meals that highlight the freshest and finest ingredients each month. From spring-inspired salads bursting with vibrant greens to hearty stews that warm the soul, each dish is a celebration of nature's bounty.

Pro-Tip: Bakehouse has the most spectacular Sourdough bread!

3. Mingalaba Restaurant

1213 Burlingame Ave

Burlingame, CA 94010

Embark on a dining journey at Mingalaba Restaurant. This hidden gem brings the flavors of Burmese and Mandarin dishes to the Bay Area. Begin your feast with vegetarian egg rolls, crispy pancakes with coconut curry sauce, or a plate of crab and cheese dumplings before moving on to a meal of wonton soup, basil spicy beef, rainbow chicken, or mango fish.

Pro-Tip: With its warm ambiance and a menu that pays homage to Burma's culinary traditions, Mingalaba Restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking a taste of the exotic.

4. Caffe Central

1380 Burlingame Ave

Burlingame, CA 94010

For those who believe that good food is best accompanied by a perfect cup of coffee, Caffe Central is a haven waiting to be discovered. This charming coffee shop goes beyond the ordinary, offering a curated selection of specialty coffees. The baristas at Caffe Central are artisans, skillfully crafting espressos, lattes, and pour-overs that elevate your coffee experience. The cozy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly ground beans make Caffe Central the ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon or a quick caffeine fix on the go.

Pro-Tip: Pair your brew with a freshly baked pastry or a savory sandwich for the ultimate indulgence.

5. SAKAE Sushi and Grill

243 California Dr

Burlingame, CA 94010

SAKAE Sushi and Grill is a paradise for sushi enthusiasts seeking the freshest and most inventive creations. This Japanese eatery combines traditional techniques with a modern twist, resulting in a menu that is sure to delight.

Start your SAKAE experience with the sashimi platter, showcasing the pristine flavors of raw fish. For those who prefer cooked delights, the grilled mackerel or seared beef filet are flavorful options that highlight the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. With its sleek interior and a menu that caters to all sushi preferences, SAKAE Sushi and Grill is a must-visit for a sushi journey that transcends the ordinary.

Pro-Tip: Don’t miss menu standouts like the Jidori Yaki, lobster tempura, sauteed Chilean sea bass, and shishito peppers.

6. Sapore Italiano Ristorante

1447 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010

Transport yourself to the heart of Italy at Sapore Italiano Ristorante in downtown Burlingame. This authentic Italian eatery captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its flavorful dishes and warm ambiance. Begin your Italian sojourn with the ravioli di ricotta, Margherita pizza, or chicken marsala. Don't forget to pair your meal with a fine Italian wine from their curated selection, and try a dessert of torta al limone, tiramisu, or cannolis.

Pro-Tip: Sapore caters to special events with a pre-fixed menu in their gorgeous private dining room. Pick up catering is also delicious and easy!

7. Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe

1216 Burlingame Ave

Burlingame, CA 94010

No culinary journey is complete without a sweet ending, and Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe is the perfect spot for your dessert cravings. This family-owned dining spot has been a local favorite since 1977, and it's not hard to see why. From flaky pastries and fresh bread to decadent cakes and croissants, Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe boasts a tempting array of treats. Beyond the sweets, Copenhagen Bakery also offers savory options like quiches and sandwiches, making it a one-stop destination for a delightful meal or a grab-and-go snack.

For breakfast, don’t miss the pancake combo, Danish crepes with Ligonberry jam, blueberry pancake platter, or a blended smoothie. The cafe also features hot sandwiches, burgers, and more, along with a selection of daily soups, tossed salads, pasta, and seafood. Try the Copenhagen specialties like chicken piccata, grilled ribeye steak, and breaded chicken marsala for an excellent dinner.

Pro-Tip: The Princess Cake, with its layers of sponge cake, raspberry jam, and whipped cream, is a regal indulgence fit for any celebration. The almond-flavored Danish pastries are a breakfast delight, and the marzipan-covered petit fours are a visual feast.

If you’d like to live closer to these top restaurants in Burlingame, the Sternsmith Group is ready to guide you. With top-tier market knowledge and industry expertise, this outstanding team can help you find the Burlingame home of your dreams. Connect today!



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Meet Casey Sternsmith, founding partner of the Sternsmith Group. In business, exceptional service is what matters most to Casey Sternsmith.

With Casey at the helm of the Sternsmith Group, this level of commitment is shared by all members of the group who pride themselves on being excellent listeners with unwavering integrity, and for providing the best advocacy and negotiation skills for their buyers and sellers.

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As a result, she often achieves unprecedented outcomes for her sellers with quick sales and prices exceeding the list prices. To her buyers, Casey is known for excelling in competitive multiple-offer situations.
 
With more than 10 years of results that speak for themselves, Casey never looks at the process as a transaction, but rather as a personal decision and life choice that impact each and every day of their life. Because of this, a great deal of Casey’s personal business, and the Sternsmith Group’s as a whole, comes from repeat businesses and referrals.
 
Prior to her career in real estate, Casey owned and operated a personal training/Pilates studio in San Mateo where she honed her customer service, management, organization, and marketing skills. Combined with a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, all of this proved to be the ideal foundation for her future success in real estate. Casey and her husband have two small children and reside in Hillsborough.
 
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Tess Salter

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Tess Salter is a top-ranked real estate agent in San Mateo County and a key leader of the Sternsmith Group, known for her exceptional negotiation skills, client-first approach, and record of delivering outstanding results. Tess has helped clients buy and sell homes across San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, Millbrae, South San Francisco, Bay Meadows, Menlo Park, and Foster City. She specializes in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, luxury estates, and investment properties.

With over 10 years of experience, Tess has sold 71 homes in San Mateo County in 2025 and helped 61 buyers and sellers achieve over $125M in sales in 2024, according to RealTrends. Since 2015, Tess and her partner Casey Sternsmith have closed $1.3B+ in total sales, ranking them among the top 5 agents in San Mateo County and the #1 agents in San Mateo for seven consecutive years.

Tess was recognized by Gentry Magazine as one of the Top 10 Agents Under 40 in 2020, and the Sternsmith Group has been nationally recognized on The Leading 100 for the past seven years, celebrating the top-performing real estate teams in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Tess is known for her expertise in off-market listings, pre-market preparation, luxury marketing strategies, and customized property-specific marketing. She leverages Compass’ advanced technology, social media, and Facebook/Instagram Live tours to maximize exposure and deliver top results. With a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics, Tess provides data-driven insights that help clients make strategic real estate decisions.

Outside of real estate, Tess is deeply committed to her community. She served as PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025), continues on the PARCA Board (2019–2025), volunteers in Hillsborough schools, served on the West Elementary School Site Council, and chairs the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

With 150+ five-star reviews and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and personalized service, Tess Salter and the Sternsmith Group provide exceptional guidance, strategic marketing, and unparalleled support for anyone buying or selling in San Mateo County, Burlingame, Hillsborough, and surrounding Peninsula neighborhoods.

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