The Petite Cut
Our smallest slice, perfect for a lighter appetite.
Downtown San Mateo · Since 2007
Dry-aged prime rib, carved at your table.
Every rack is rubbed in rock salt, slow-roasted to perfection, and sliced to order from our silver trolley — served au jus with a freshly baked popover.
2007Serving prime beef on 3rd Avenue for nearly two decades
Welcome
A classic prime rib house, the Peninsula way.
Our staff at San Mateo Prime has passionately delivered a prime choice of beef to our guests since late 2007. Our signature is dry-aged prime rib — each succulent rack cooked in rock salt and slowly roasted to perfection, then carved on our trolley and served au jus.
Not in the mood for prime rib? Choose from dry-aged New York steak, filet mignon, Colorado rack of lamb and fresh seafood. There’s a dish to satisfy every appetite — and a warm welcome waiting at the door.
- White-tablecloth service with tableside carving
- Full bar, handcrafted cocktails & a deep California wine list
- Private dining room and full-restaurant buyouts
The Main Event
Choose your cut.
Dry-aged prime rib of beef au jus, cut to order from the trolley. Prefer it English style? Ask for it thinly sliced.
The Avenue Cut
Our medium slice — not too big and not too small.
The San Mateo Prime Cut
Our thickest, most savory slice, served on the bone for the heartiest appetite.
The Junior Cut
A perfectly portioned slice for guests under 12.
Every entrée is a complete dinner.
All entrées include a house or mixed baby greens salad, two dinner sides — from creamed spinach to roasted garlic mashed potatoes — and a freshly baked popover.
Beyond Prime Rib
Steakhouse classics, done right.
From the broiler, the sauté pan and the pastry station — a few of the dishes our regulars come back for.
Colorado Rack of Lamb
Seared, roasted and glazed with a fresh mint butter jus.
Dry-Aged New York
Charred with crushed black peppercorn, red wine and butter.
Filet of Salmon
Broiled with roasted garlic, lemon and butter.
Crab Dip
Real crab, artichoke and parmesan with toasted sourdough.
Crème Brûlée
Rich Catalan-style crème with a caramelized brown sugar crust.
2007Carving prime rib on 3rd Avenue
4.2★Average from 240+ Google reviews
80+Wines by the bottle
120Guests for a full-restaurant event
The Bar
A proper Manhattan. A serious wine list.
Our full bar pours fine wines, whiskey, cognac, scotch, gin and tequila — plus house favorites like the San Mateo Manhattan, the Prime Martini and the 3rd Avenue Cosmo.
The cellar leans California, from Napa cabernet and Russian River pinot to rare Bordeaux. Bringing a special bottle? Corkage is $20 per bottle, two-bottle limit.
From Our Table
Come hungry.
Private Dining & Catering
Celebrations, carved to order.
Birthdays, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings and holiday parties — a private room for up to 25, or the entire restaurant for up to 120.
Visit Us
On 3rd Avenue, in the heart of downtown.
Hours
- Wednesday – Sunday5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Monday & TuesdayClosed
- Private lunch partiesBy request
174 E 3rd Ave (between Ellsworth & San Mateo Dr)
San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 558-8918 — reservations by phone
Reservations & Info
San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 558-8918 — reservations by phone