01
Best overall pick
Bellini Bistro
Beach Park Boulevard Waterfront • Classic Italian Bistro • Local Favorite For Relaxed Nights Out
A warmly lit Italian bistro where handmade pastas, crisp pizzas, and a solid wine list make it an easy go-to any night of the week.
Bellini Bistro feels like the neighborhood spot everyone wishes they had: welcoming, unfussy, and quietly serious about the food. Expect well-executed classics like silky carbonara, tender osso buco, and thin-crust pizzas that hold up to sharing. It’s a comfortable choice for everything from lingering date nights to relaxed family dinners after a walk along the lagoon.
02
Best for bold flavors
Sweet Basil
Foster City Boulevard Corridor • Thai Neighborhood Spot • Best For Spice Lovers And Shared Plates
A compact Thai restaurant that turns out vibrant curries, wok dishes, and noodle plates with plenty of fresh herbs and heat.
Sweet Basil is where locals head when a craving hits for fragrant basil, bright lime, and proper chili kick. The menu leans familiar—pad thai, green and red curries, spicy stir-fries—but the balance of flavors and fresh vegetables keeps regulars coming back. Go with a small group, order a mix of curries and noodle dishes for the table, and fine-tune the spice level to taste.
03
Casual waterfront choice
Waterfront Pizza
Edgewater Place Waterfront • Laid-Back Pizza And Pasta Spot • Go-To For Easy Family Dinners
A low-key pizzeria by the water serving hefty pies, pastas, and salads that are ideal for families and group takeout.
Waterfront Pizza trades polish for comfort, and that’s exactly its appeal. The pizzas come generously topped, the portions on pastas and salads are big enough to share, and service is straightforward and friendly. Grab a pie to go and eat by the lagoon, or settle into a booth for a no-drama dinner after kids’ activities or a long day at the office.
04
Best for groups and game days
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Bridgepointe Parkway Near The San Mateo–Foster City Border • Lively American Restaurant And Bar • Best For Big Menus And Casual Hangouts
A bustling, dog-friendly American spot with an oversized menu, plenty of TVs, and a comfortable lodge-like dining room.
Lazy Dog is the reliable meeting point when nobody can agree on what to eat: burgers, bowls, flatbreads, pastas, and shareable appetizers all show up on the menu. The space is roomy enough for larger groups, and the bar area is popular for catching a game over beers and wings. On warm days, the patio fills up with dog owners and families stretching out after errands at nearby shops.
05
Best coastal-inspired option
Pacific Catch
Bridgepointe Shopping Center Area • Modern Pacific Seafood Restaurant • Best For Sunny Lunches And Lighter Dinners
A bright, modern spot focused on seafood, poke, and West Coast comfort dishes with a coastal, beachy feel.
Pacific Catch is a short hop from Foster City and a strong choice when you want something lighter but still satisfying. Bowls built around fresh fish, poke, tacos, and grilled plates anchor the menu, with plenty of options that work for pescatarians and omnivores alike. It’s especially pleasant at lunch or early dinner, when the room is filled with natural light and the pace feels unhurried.