In this week’s edition:

🇯🇵 Osaka’s Grand Opening! Learn more about the opening weekend perks and what they’re offering

🚧Construction Updates: Foster City schedules permanent repairs to long-broken water main

🎄 Foodie Updates: Restaurant openings, closures, and more!

Woodlands Market to replace former Draeger’s in Downtown San Mateo

Downtown San Mateo is getting a welcome neighborhood grocery again: Woodlands Market will occupy the old Draeger’s site at 222 E. 4th Avenue, anchoring a new five-story development. The new store promises about 19,000 sq ft of grocery space plus a bakery, café, and prepared foods and aims to give residents a full-service option after the grocery gap left earlier this year. Alongside the market, the building will include offices and 10 below-market housing units, a mix that developers hope will support both convenience and community-minded growth. For many locals, the arrival of Woodlands Market is a sign that downtown San Mateo is ready for a fresh chapter of everyday convenience and urban renewal. Read more here.

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Osaka Marketplace grand opening set for December 12 in Foster City

Osaka Marketplace is opening a 35,000-sq ft Japanese grocery store in Foster City’s Edgewater Place Shopping Center this December 12. The new shop will offer a wide range of Japanese groceries, fresh seafood, produce, ready-to-eat meals, and other imports, making it a great spot for anyone craving authentic Japanese ingredients or convenience meals. With grab-and-go sushi, bento boxes, and food-hall style offerings, Osaka promises to bring a little slice of Japan to the Peninsula. Their grand opening will feature a taiko performance, dassai sake ceremony, and exclusive in-store promotions all weekend. Read more here.

Vespucci’s in San Mateo to Close

After 11 years in business, Vespucci’s will close on December 31st. The restaurant focused on providing authentic Italian food from their family recipes. Since 2017, they have won the Open Table Diner’s Choice award every year. You still have until the end of December to have a last meal with them. They will be missed!

Sharona’s Chocolate Shop Returns to Downtown

Sharona’s Chocolate Shop has returned to downtown San Mateo, bringing back handcrafted chocolates, truffles, cake-pops, and a creative selection of chocolate-dipped confections to the neighborhood. Their offerings include classics like salted-caramel truffles, which are rich and creamy with a perfect sweet-salty balance, as well as bolder choices like cayenne-infused chocolates for those craving a little heat with their sweet. It’s a treat-lover’s spot perfect for gifts, indulgent evenings, or a chocolate fix after dinner. Staff are friendly and usually happy to suggest something special if you tell them what flavors you like. Check them out at 305 S San Mateo Drive in San Mateo.

Bellini Bistro

Bellini Bistro serves up classic Italian-style dishes with a commitment to freshness, from house-made pastas and hearty entrées to comforting brunch and dinner fare. Their menu includes everything from eggs and omelettes for breakfast, to grilled entrées and pasta dishes for lunch or dinner, so it works well whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full sit-down meal. With reasonably priced dishes and a relaxed vibe, Bellini Bistro is a solid spot for casual meals with friends or family, and a dependable option if you want good food without fuss.

Nick the Greek

Nick the Greek offers fast-casual, authentic Greek street-food, like gyro meats roasted on a vertical spit, charbroiled souvlaki skewers, fresh salads with feta and olives, and classic treats like baklava and loukoumades. Their menu is built around bold Mediterranean flavors with quality ingredients and generous portions, making it a good choice whether you're grabbing lunch on the go or sitting down for dinner. Friendly service, simple setup, and consistently flavorful dishes help Nick the Greek stand out among fast-casual spots, great for a quick, satisfying meal that still feels a little special.