Gastronomy doesn’t end at the San Francisco city limits. Just south of the city by the bay, there are many cities and towns with creative menus and cutting-edge cuisine that you can sink your teeth into. The region is generally divided into two rough geographical areas: the Peninsula just south of SF and the South Bay, centered around San Jose. We’re including restaurants from both these areas as we take a walk through a handful of the Michelin-rated restaurants in the South Bay.
Michelin designations run the gamut from the famous “stars,” which denote outstanding cooking, to lesser known awards. There’s the “green star” for sustainability, the “Bib Gourmand” for a meal at a great value and the more general distinction of appearing in the Michelin guide book — a sign that a restaurant serves good, quality food.
As you plan your foodie adventure through the Bay Area, we also have guides to Michelin-rated restaurants in Berkeley, Oakland and Napa. Read on to get your eat on.
Featured photo courtesy of Protégé.
Woodside
With quality local ingredients, an impressive wine and spritz program and a wonderful patio for al fresco dining, the Village Pub is a sophisticated choice in the quiet town of Woodside. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star for the past 12 consecutive years. Its contemporary Californian menu is rooted in French and Mediterranean cuisines, and guests especially praise this restaurant for its beautifully presented food and warm, attentive staff.
San Mateo
This restaurant’s name is a reminder for guests to take a pause while dining to relax and fully enjoy their experience — which is easy to do when the food is this delicious. Pausa is a fresh and authentic Italian restaurant, with a selection of pasta, mouthwatering entrees and a formidable choice of cheeses and cured meats to start your meal. Did I mention pizza? Pausa leaves its pizza doughs to mature for a full 72 hours for that perfect pillowy effect. Each dish is also perfectly crafted to complement the list of Italian wines. Because of its delicious food at solid prices, Pausa was awarded the Bib Gourmand.
San Mateo
Another San Mateo pick, this cozy and adorable restaurant is a consistent favorite for locals and visitors. The menu hosts several contemporary Californian dishes, sporting Indian and French influences, with ample options for seafood, steaks and vegetarian-friendly options. Notably, the restaurant space is an old Victorian home, making for an elegant yet homey and intimate atmosphere that guests love. The menu also changes seasonally, offering visitors something new to try throughout the year. For years, All Spice held a Michelin star, and today it is rated in the Michelin Guide.
Redwood City
Sushi Shin offers new and fresh Japanese cuisine. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Jason Zhan explores new and exciting dishes with creative flair for guests. Guests praise the restaurant for its attention to detail, both in food and service. This intimate restaurant only has nine seats, so you’re in for a treat if you are lucky enough to get a reservation. Sushi Shin received a one-star rating by Michelin in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and today it is recommended in the Michelin guide.
Menlo Park
Flea Street is a quintessential spot for a Northern California farm-to-table experience. This restaurant values creativity and exploration in food, as well as freshness and sustainability with vegetable-forward dishes and pasture-raised meats. Its menu is updated nightly depending on seasons and availability. Along with the food, guests also enjoy the warm and inviting service at the Michelin-recommended Flea Street.
Palo Alto
This Italian spot in the techie college town of Palo Alto has earned a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. Ingredients are all fresh and local, and raw materials for pasta and pizza are imported to ensure the best and most authentic flavors. Guests consistently rave about the cacio e pepe that iTalico serves. The restaurant also has a long list of excellent Italian wines. If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or are just looking for date night inspiration, iTalico can be your jumping-off point.
Palo Alto
Protégé is an upscale yet casual restaurant offering New American cuisine in Palo Alto. Due to its unique menu, stellar service and expert wine pairings, this place has been awarded a Michelin Star. Guests particularly love the restaurant’s seafood dishes, which include oysters, crab, lobster and fish. Impeccable and attentive service staff and warm hospitality top off a great meal.
San Mateo
Sushi Yoshizumi offers high-quality, upscale edomae-style sushi. Overall, the food is sophisticated yet simple, with nothing just for show. Remarkably, every single fish in this restaurant is wild-caught and comes directly from Japan, making the food truly authentic. The restaurant held a one-star Michelin rating from 2016–2023, and today it’s recommended in the Michelin Guide, in addition to several other food awards and honors.
