Hillsborough is an idyllic town in California’s beautiful San Mateo County, in the distinctively beautiful Bay Area. With no commercial zoning, this primarily residential town is a haven for sprawling properties and rustic getaways. It is an area that will remain pristine and attract generations of new property owners seeking a refined way of life.
While Hillsborough is tranquil and lacks its own restaurants, the area around Hillsborough is replete with the many amenities that residents need, including shops and fine dining spots. Given the area’s rich history, international cuisine flourishes here, and you can also find a variety of uniquely Californian culinary styles. Here are some of our favorite restaurants near Hillsborough that you simply need to check out.
1. Sapore
1447 Burlingame Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
There is nothing quite like fresh, handmade pasta and that is the specialty at Sapore Italiano. This authentic Italian restaurant in downtown Burlingame has two levels, offering three rooms upstairs for private dining and special events, and outdoor seating facing Burlingame Ave. They make all of their fresh pasta, bread, and desserts in house and have many meat and seafood items along with specialty salad and pizza. Wanting to take the magic of Sapore with you? They also offer full catering services for all types of events and locations.
Pro Tip: They are a great spot for wedding showers, bridal showers, and private events. Our favorite pasta is the Carbonara. You are also able to order Gluten Free Pasta
2. Tuna Kahuna
1117 Burlingame Ave,
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
California is one of the best places to experience international cuisines, and the coast is one of the most alluring spots to enjoy fresh seafood. Do both, and try something new at Tuna Kahuna. This top dining spot features poké, sashimi, rolls, and other Pacific favorites. There is plenty of great poké out there, but Tuna Kahuna really takes it to the next level with sublime presentation and the freshest of ingredients.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant invites you to try their “chef’s table” experience, with unusual ingredients and creatively divine menu items for dine-in guests. You can also order the “chef’s box” to go, complete with nori so that you can craft your own rolls at home. Check out something unique or order your tried-and-true favorites at Tuna Kahuna.
Pro-Tip: Reserve the chef’s table for a custom experience!
3. Mazra
504 San Bruno Ave West
San Bruno, CA 94066
San Bruno, CA 94066
Mazra features a menu of hearty, filling, and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine with excellent presentation. Dig into wood-fired kebabs, savory shawarma wraps, flavorful salads, and much more. Mazra’s fantastically seasoned chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips for a thoroughly enjoyable culinary experience. The simple, colorful compositions and array of flavors at Mazra are sure to leave an impression. They have patio seating, or you can take your order to go. Mazra is a fantastic option for catering as well.
Pro-Tip: We love ordering on DoorDash. They have amazing family meals that keep us sane as working Mom’s. Definitely order the cauliflower!
4. Twelvemonth
330 Lorton Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
Just off Burlingame Avenue is the plant-based eatery, Twelvemonth. Open weekly, Tuesday through Saturday, their menu has culinary creations that showcase the spirit of their plant-based mission. If you’re looking to indulge in their favorite seasonal dishes, you must check out their Chef’s Tasting multi-course experience. Regardless of what you’re in the mood for make sure to save room for their delectable desserts like Brownie Batter and Fried Cookie Dough.
Pro-Tip: The bar is amazing! We treasure the outdoor cocktail area for a cocktail after work.
5. Stella
1448 Burlingame Ave
Brulingame, CA 94010
Brulingame, CA 94010
This cozy and rustic staple has moved into their new, larger space with incredible features and updated menus. This new location features a large horseshoe shaped bar, a wine bridge overlooking the west dining room, six different private dining areas to host events from two to 200 guests, a private dining and meeting room with A/V that seats up to 50 and an expansive heated and covered outdoor dining area. Chef Matteo Ferrari brings his passion for cooking into every dish and you’ll be delighted with his braised meats and risottos.
Pro-Tip: You must order the special gnocchi appetizer. They also make a killer French 75 cocktail.
6. Limon
1101 Burlingame Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
Less than a 10-minute drive from Hillsborough is Burlingame, where you’ll find one of Limon’s several great locations. With steaks, seafood, fish, chicken, stir-fry, salads, empanadas, and many more, Limon is a seriously appetizing Peruvian cuisine restaurant. They have brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, complemented by wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks to your heart’s content. If you’ve never tried Peruvian food before, it’s easy to enjoy.
Fun Fact: Limon started in the Mission district in San Francisco, and we feel so lucky to have the restaurant in our community. Delicious & nutritious!
7. Yangon
1136 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
Enjoy the best Burmese and Mandarin cuisine at Yangon. Their delightful menu features hearty soups and curries, as well as a variety of other dishes crafted from beef, chicken, fish, seafood, fresh vegetables, rice, and all of the fantastic flavors that take on a unique twist to Burmese food. You can order online and learn about this refined culinary style or stop in the restaurant for an excellent sit-down lunch or dinner.
Fun Fact: The chef is happy to accommodate gluten allergies!
8. Blue Line Pizza
1108 Burlingmae Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame, CA 94010
Blue Line Pizza features their award winning cornmeal crust deep dish and NY style thin crust pizzas. Their menu uses a variety or organic ingredients with a wide range of dietary alternatives so everyone can enjoy. This is the second location of Blue Line Pizza features a large bar with TVs and covered back patio with heaters. This fun and lively eatery is great for the whole family, large gatherings and they even cater.
Pro-Tip: They have many options for pizza crust. Our favorites are the cauliflower crust or the gluten free crusts.
Come home to Hillsborough
If you’re ready to call Hillsborough home, now is a great time to take a closer look at the local real estate market. You are sure to fall in love, not only with the charming residential neighborhoods and fabulous restaurants in the Hillsborough area, but with the entire coastal area of San Mateo County.
If you’re seeking top-tier representation and advice, the Sternsmith Group is a trusted team that can get you where you want to be. Reach out today to learn more about living in one of the Bay Area’s most charming communities. Before you know it, you’ll find your perfect home with the Sternsmith Group by your side.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
