Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Mateo

We had the loveliest experience celebrating a surprise birthday here. From the very beginning, Mike, Sanna, and the entire waitstaff were warm, attentive, and gracious—they truly went above and beyond to make the evening feel special. We arranged a casual celebration and shared the private room with another small party, yet everything felt comfortable, festive, and beautifully managed. Everyone had such a wonderful time. What made their hospitality even more meaningful was that our gathering took place immediately after a wine-tasting event, when the restaurant was at its busiest and also short 2 staff. Even so, the team did everything possible to create a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience for us. Their kindness, flexibility, and genuine effort did not go unnoticed. We are so grateful to the entire team for helping make the birthday celebration feel so joyful and special.

Very friendly and welcoming staff. Food portions generous. Looking forward to a return visit to sample their Dungeness crab dishes.

Food and service were excellent! thin crust pizza cook to perfection and very tasty! Here's what we ordered: x2: Sausage and honey, Onion mushroom, Carbonara for dessert: Affogato. Thank you will be back soon.

Amazing service and delicious food every time we visit

I always enjoy my visits to Velvet48. The staff is absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable. Great selection of bites - pesto burrata is one of my favorites. Of course the wine selection is absolutely stellar. The best in the Peninsula in my opinion. Highly recommended!