Seemor
Park & Howard BistroA-Worth Trying
1300 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
· Bistro, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (270 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished neighborhood bistro with attentive service, strong seafood and starters, and premium pricing; great for dates and groups, but expect small portions and occasional service or reservation hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Park & Howard Bistro delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional seafood-forward starters and elevated contemporary cooking paired with attentive, thoughtful service. Occasional misses on pasta texture and steak execution prevent grade A territory, while the warm, rustic-polished setting offers pleasant ambiance without destination-level distinction. Premium pricing is justified by quality for most dishes, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, with rustic touches and white tablecloth polish. Service is often on point and thoughtful, like staff escorting elderly diners to rides. One guest put it simply: "The food looked interesting online and did not disappoint." The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with modern polish: seafood-forward starters like tuna tartare, crab cakes, and grilled octopus draw raves, while mains range from scallops and halibut to ribeye and short rib tagliatelle. Execution is largely tight, though a steak or pasta can read ordinary for the price. For families, the menu offers kid-accessible anchors—burger, spaghetti, fries, and simple salads—within an upscale-casual setting. Portions skew modest and the vibe is lively on weekends, so it suits patient, well-behaved kids more than toddlers seeking room to roam.
At a Glance
- Seafood starters and craft cocktails consistently impress
- Attentive, professional service with strong group event handling
- Premium prices and smaller portions may surprise
- Occasional misses on pasta texture and steak value
- Private room can feel tight; reservation hiccups reported rarely
What Sets It Apart
- seafood_star_starters
- polished_neighborhood_setting
- strong_group_handling
What People Love
- Refined starters that set the tone
- Staff that stays attentive without hovering
- Comfortably lively atmosphere on weekends
- Wine list and classic cocktails made well
Points of Concern
- Pricing trends high for the category; portions modest
- A few reports of pasta texture and ordinary ribeye for cost
- Rare reservation or event billing miscommunications
- Noise levels can spike indoors during peak hours
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$65-92 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with tuna tartare or crab cakes; share a vegetable side like grilled asparagus; for mains, choose scallops, halibut, or short rib tagliatelle; budget $65-92 per person before drinks.
Perfect For
- Date night with seafood appetizers and cocktails
- Business lunch or celebratory group dinner
- Travelers on Peninsula layovers avoiding SF trek
- Locals seeking a polished neighborhood spot
Location Insights
Area: Affluent suburban downtown with boutiques and salons; attracts business lunches, families, and date nights.
Safety: Well-lit, busy commercial corridor with steady foot traffic; generally feels safe into evenings.
Nearby: Near Burlingame Avenue retail strip, weekend farmers market, and Caltrain; street parking common.
Downtown BurlingameDowntown Burlingame offers a vibrant dining scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. The area is pedestrian-friendly and popular for casual dining, brunch spots, and upscale eateries, attracting both locals and visitors. It has a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere with a mix of modern and historic architecture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Sunday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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