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San Mateo

Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo, California, offers a modern Italian dining experience with a focus on fresh, authentic dishes made from scratch using Northern California ingredients. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and an extensive selection of Italian wines. Guests appreciate the lively bar area, outdoor patio, and private dining options, including the Chef's Table experience. The establishment has received numerous accolades, including recognition in the MICHELIN Guide and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

Pausa Bar & Cookery: Modern Italian Dining in San Mateo Downtown District.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown San Mateo, Pausa Bar & Cookery offers a chic yet approachable Italian dining experience. This stylish trattoria is celebrated for its wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, all crafted with Northern California’s freshest ingredients. Whether you’re a foodie craving authentic Italian flavors or a digital nomad seeking a lively spot to unwind, Pausa delivers a memorable meal in a modern, warm atmosphere.

Pausa's menu features standout items that delight the senses — the perfectly executed duck with crispy skin is a crowd favorite, tender and bursting with flavor. The wood-fired pizzas impress with their thin, chewy crusts and inventive toppings. Don’t miss the rich burrata paired with roasted beets, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios, or the fried raviolini that delivers the ideal crispy bite. Complement your meal with expertly mixed cocktails or an extensive selection of Italian wines for a complete culinary journey.

The design balances upscale sophistication with a welcoming vibe that suits both casual dinners and special occasions. Guests relish the lively bar area and the outdoor patio, perfect for warm California evenings. Service is a highlight here, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who ensure every visit exceeds expectations. Whether you’re celebrating with a group or enjoying a quiet meal, Pausa’s team makes you feel right at home.

 for its authentic Italian dishes, attentive service, and inviting ambiance. Diners frequently praise the fresh ingredients, the perfectly balanced flavors, and the professionalism of the staff, cementing Pausa’s reputation as a must-visit destination in San Mateo.

 Enjoy your meal at the restaurant or from the comfort of your home.

 Relax and dine al fresco on the charming patio.

 Book your table easily via OpenTable or phone.

 Paid garage and street parking available nearby.

 Accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments.

What are the operating hours of Pausa Bar & Cookery?

 Pausa operates Monday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30 PM, and Sundays until 8:30 PM.

 Yes, the restaurant offers a lovely patio area for outdoor dining.

 Yes, reservations can be made via OpenTable or by phone.

Is there a dress code at Pausa Bar & Cookery?

Does the restaurant offer takeout or delivery services?

 Yes, both takeout and delivery are available for your convenience.

North America

United States

Situata nel cuore di San Mateo, Pausa Bar & Cookery è un'oasi culinaria che invita i visitatori a immergersi in un'esperienza gastronomica unica. Questo ristorante, noto per la sua atmosfera accogliente e il menu innovativo, rappresenta il luogo ideale per chi desidera scoprire sapori autentici e creativi in un ambiente raffinato e rilassato.

Pausa Bar & Cookery si distingue per il suo menu che combina sapientemente piatti tradizionali con tocchi moderni. Gli ospiti possono gustare una selezione di antipasti, piatti principali e dessert che stimolano i sensi, preparati con ingredienti freschi e di alta qualità.

pasta fatta in casa con sughi ricchi e aromatici, e i piatti di pesce freschissimo, preparati con tecniche che esaltano ogni sfumatura di sapore.

Tra le specialità più apprezzate, spiccano le 

Risotto ai frutti di mare, cremoso e ricco di sapore, perfetto per una serata speciale.

Tartare di tonno con agrumi e un tocco di wasabi, un piatto che unisce freschezza e un pizzico di piccantezza.

Per accompagnare queste delizie, una selezione di vini locali e cocktail artigianali che esaltano ogni boccone.

Pausa Bar & Cookery ha una storia affascinante, nata dall'idea di creare un luogo dove la cucina e l'arte di condividere un pasto si incontrano. Con un team di chef appassionati e un ambiente che combina modernità e tradizione, il ristorante si è rapidamente affermato come uno dei punti di riferimento gastronomici di San Mateo.

Un aneddoto interessante riguarda la creazione del suo nome, che deriva da un momento di pausa tra le attività quotidiane, simbolo di convivialità e relax. Questa filosofia si riflette in ogni piatto e in ogni dettaglio dell'ambiente, rendendo ogni visita un'esperienza memorabile.

Qual è il piatto più famoso di Pausa Bar & Cookery?

 Il ristorante è rinomato per il suo risotto ai frutti di mare, un piatto cremoso e ricco di sapore, perfetto per una serata speciale.

Stylish trattoria for wood-fired pizzas, Italian mains & cocktails, with a chef’s table option.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcG8tWnBnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJjcw0nnqej4ARvrndVxyQY60/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcG8tWnBnRRAB

Pausa offers a lovely Italian dining experience in downtown San Mateo. The standout dish is their perfectly executed duck - tender and succulent with crispy skin. Cocktails were also delicious. The space is modern and strikes a balance between upscale and welcoming, making it suitable for both casual dining and special events. Excellent and attentive service by Giancarlo from start to finish!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIMmVLODFnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJjcw0nnqej4ARvrndVxyQY60/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIMmVLODFnRRAB

Came here with a party of 3 for dinner to celebrate a birthday.

Lets start with the highlights:
The Butchers board had a good selection, and the pickles and meats were excellent.
The hen of the woods side was perfectly cooked, and properly seasoned - would recommend.
The affogato was probably the best I've ever had, definitely get this if you're a fan of coffee ice cream - just skip the almond cookies, they stick to your teeth and cling for dear life.

However, the rest of the dishes were a major letdown - most were overly salty, and flavor profiles were imbalanced.

The bone marrow was small. The pizza crust was burnt yet entirely too wet from the toppings. The risotto was far too salty.

The bad dishes were more than enough to offset the pluses on the good ones and make the overall food experience exceedingly mid, especially given the price point of the dishes.

Lastly, the service was great (except when the server forgot the dessert spoons), and the decor and vibes were good.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQdWF6VnZnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJjcw0nnqej4ARvrndVxyQY60/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQdWF6VnZnRRAB

An explosion of flavors and fantastic service is what we got at Thea gem of a restaurant! We chose this restaurant for the closeness to SFO, a Michelin mention and the reviews. It lived up to the expectations. We tried three dishes from their snack/happy hour, the sardine bruschetta (a rich but incredibly balanced fist - I could have ordered another one!), the burrata with roasted beet, pomegranate seeds, pistachios (wow!), and the fried raviolini. After this we had to try an entree, even though we were completely satisfied. The John Dory dish took us to the coast of Italy where the saltiness of the fish met the soothing feel of olive oil and the softness of tiny Italian beans.  Colton, Stanley, Edison and Andras were superb in their attentiveness and service. Thank you to an amazing team for making our culinary dreams come true!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6dk9qMGRBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJjcw0nnqej4ARvrndVxyQY60/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6dk9qMGRBEAE

We recently visited Pausa in San Mateo for dinner with a group of six adults. From the moment we arrived, the staff welcomed us warmly and offered us a comfortable spot at the bar while we waited for everyone to arrive. Once seated, we were led to a great table in this upscale yet approachable restaurant, which sits somewhere between a Michelin-starred venue and a casual dining spot.
Pausa specializes in fresh Italian cuisine, and it truly delivered. The drinks were excellent, and the wine we ordered was outstanding. The food was fresh and flavorful, with average portions that satisfied everyone at the table. Every dish was a testament to good Italian cooking.
The restaurant was bustling and packed, which only added to the lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Overall, Pausa is a great place for a high-quality Italian meal

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR0Mi1EanNnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJjcw0nnqej4ARvrndVxyQY60/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR0Mi1EanNnRRAB

The chef board was a great way to start the dinner. If you're looking for an app, wine and chit-chat before dinner, it's perfect. We enjoyed the pizza's thin chewy crust and interesting toppings. This is definitely a modern Italian fusion cuisine, not traditional. The pasta was very savory although portion was on the smaller side. I didn't love the risotto but I'm super picky with risottos in general. Staff was awesome. Our server was on point with her knowledge of the menu as well as the drinks offerings. She was ready with recommendations and were able to steer us to order enough for the table without over doing it.

Pausa Bar & Cookery: Ristorante di San Mateo, Cucina Italiana e Atmosfera Unica

Pausa Bar & Cookery, located in downtown San Mateo, was co-founded by Chef Andrea Giuliani and Steve Ugur. Chef Giuliani, a Veneto native with over 30 years of experience, brings authentic Italian cuisine to the Bay Area. The restaurant has been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide and has received the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence since 2018.

Pausa Bar & Cookery: A Journey of Authentic Italian Excellence in San Mateo California.

Nestled in the heart of downtown San Mateo, Pausa Bar & Cookery stands as a vibrant beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. Since opening its doors in 2018, this stylish trattoria has been delighting food lovers with wood-fired pizzas, Italian mains, and expertly crafted cocktails. The restaurant's co-founder and executive chef, Andrea Giuliani, hailing from the Veneto region of Italy, brings over three decades of culinary mastery to the Bay Area, infusing every dish with genuine Italian flavors and techniques.

Establishing a Renowned Culinary Presence

The year 2018 marked a significant milestone as Pausa Bar & Cookery opened its doors to eager diners seeking a fresh take on Italian dining in San Mateo. Almost immediately, its commitment to quality and authenticity earned it the prestigious Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, highlighting its exceptional wine program that perfectly complements its cuisine.

Recognitions That Cemented Its Reputation

Pausa's dedication to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience did not go unnoticed. In 2022, the restaurant earned a coveted mention in the MICHELIN Guide, a testament to its quality and service. Building on this momentum, Pausa proudly received the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award in 2023, recognizing it as an outstanding establishment offering excellent food at moderate prices.

Pausa Bar & Cookery offers a lively and upscale yet approachable atmosphere perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or enjoying fresh Italian fare with friends and family. Diners rave about standout dishes like the perfectly roasted duck with crispy skin and innovative items such as the wood-fired pizzas with thin, chewy crusts and inventive toppings. The restaurant’s expertly curated cocktail menu and wine selection enhance every meal, providing a well-rounded culinary adventure.

 Pausa Bar & Cookery opens in San Mateo, launching its journey of culinary excellence.

 Receives Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, highlighting its superior wine collection.

 Earns recognition in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, affirming its culinary quality.

 Awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, celebrating its excellent food at great value.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Parking Options

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Cocktails

Good for Groups

A hidden gem along East 4th Avenue, Pausa Bar & Cookery draws food lovers into its vibrant embrace within the charming Downtown San Mateo. This dining haven pulses with a unique blend of culinary artistry and local flair that celebrates both the familiar and the adventurous. The menu features seasonal ingredients meticulously sourced from nearby farms, with artisanal pizzas and imaginative small plates. The cocktails serve as the perfect accompaniment to your meal, reflecting the spirit of California.

Pausa Bar & Cookery

Explore our selection of authentic Italian dishes made from scratch with the finest Northern California ingredients.

Margherita Pizza

Porchetta Pizza

Carnaroli Risotto

Saffron Casarecce

House Made Focaccia

Roasted Bone Marrow

Burrata

Panna Cotta

Bomboloni

Pausa Bar & Cookery Menu

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Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown San Mateo, Pausa Bar & Cookery offers a truly exceptional Italian dining experience. Known for its balance between an upscale and welcoming atmosphere, this stylish trattoria showcases a menu rich with authentic Italian flavors and Northern California’s finest ingredients. Whether you're craving wood-fired pizzas, savory pastas, or inventive starters, Pausa brings a modern twist to traditional Italian cuisine, making it a favored spot for food lovers and trend-conscious travelers alike.

Begin your meal with a selection of artisanal starters that highlight the kitchen’s dedication to fresh, bold flavors. The House Made Focaccia, infused with fragrant rosemary and drizzled with rich olive oil, is a perfect introduction. For those seeking something more indulgent, the Roasted Bone Marrow offers a decadent blend of garlic and parsley served alongside crusty bread. A standout choice is the Burrata, paired with butternut squash puree, cranberry marmellata, porcini bread crumbs, pine nuts, chives, and Sausalito watercress, delivering a harmonious blend of creamy texture and vibrant accents.

Pausa's main dishes celebrate the essence of Italian cooking with a contemporary edge. The Margherita Pizza offers a classic combination of tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil atop a thin, chewy crust fired to perfection. For a richer experience, the Porchetta Pizza combines succulent porchetta with tangy gorgonzola and slightly bitter radicchio, creating a complex flavor profile. Lovers of risotto will appreciate the Carnaroli Risotto, crafted with seasonal vegetables and parmesan for a comforting yet sophisticated dish. Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in the Saffron Casarecce, featuring saffron-infused pasta paired with fresh seafood, echoing the coastal flavors of Italy.

Complete your culinary journey with delectable desserts that provide a sweet finish to your meal. The Panna Cotta is silky smooth, made with cream, sugar, vanilla, and gelatin for a classic Italian treat. Alternatively, the Bomboloni offers a delightful twist with its fluffy dough, ricotta filling, and bright lemon zest, capturing the essence of Italian pastries.

Pausa Bar & Cookery also boasts an impressive drinks selection, including expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the menu's flavors. Guests can enjoy a curated list of wines and beers, enhancing the overall dining experience in a lively yet elegant setting. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Pausa caters to a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, all within the vibrant downtown San Mateo neighborhood.

 - robust flavors from gorgonzola and radicchio.

 - a delightful seafood pasta with saffron notes.

 - creamy, classic and smooth vanilla flavor.

Scopri Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo: un'esperienza culinaria unica con piatti deliziosi e un'atmosfera accogliente. Vivi il gusto, prenota ora!»

Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo: Delizie Culinarie in centro

San Mateo County

Enjoy discounted spritz cocktails in the bar and on our patio daily until 5:30pm.

Spritz Hour

A seasonal five-course tasting menu with wine pairing, offering a front-row view of our open kitchen and dough room.

Chef's Table Experience

Host special events with options ranging from tasting dinners to cocktail receptions, accommodating up to 130 guests.

Group Dining

Benvenuti a Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo

Scopri un'oasi di gusto e convivialità nel cuore della California

Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo: un equilibrio tra autenticità e raffinatezza

Situato nel cuore di San Mateo, Pausa Bar & Cookery offre un'esperienza culinaria autentica con un tocco contemporaneo. Nota per la sua cucina italiana fatta a mano e una vasta selezione di vini italiani, questo ristorante si distingue per la sua atmosfera invitante e il servizio attento. Tuttavia, è importante considerare alcuni aspetti prima di prenotare una visita.

Cucina italiana autentica preparata da zero

Ampia selezione di vini italiani di alta qualità

Prezzo superiore rispetto ad altri ristoranti locali

Parcheggio durante le ore di punta può essere difficile

California

Scopri Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo, un ristorante italiano autentico con pizze deliziose, vini pregiati e un'atmosfera accogliente. Prenota ora!

Pausa Bar & Cookery: Autentica Cucina Italiana a San Mateo

Goditi un'esperienza culinaria esclusiva con il Chef's Table a Pausa San Mateo. Menu di stagione, vini abbinati e atmosfera elegante ti aspettano!

Esplora la Cucina Italiana a Pausa San Mateo - Chef's Table

Orari di apertura di Pausa Bar & Cookery a San Mateo. Trova gli orari e pianifica la tua visita per un'autentica esperienza culinaria italiana.

Kajiken

Sushi Yoshizumi

New York Pizza