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- 🍽️ Restaurant Week is Here!
🍽️ Restaurant Week is Here!
Plus, check out HEADWEST Marketplace in San Mateo and more fun events this weekend!
Greg Kemper
April 16, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have information about the Peninsula Restaurant Week coming up, changes to city planning commissions, and a new way for San Mateo to boost revenue. Plus, we have music, food, and shopping events for you to check out!
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: San Mateo looks to restrict e-bike usage, and digital billboard pilot considered to boost revenue
Business Updates: A Half Moon Bay restaurant expanding to San Mateo
Events: HEAD WEST Marketplace, food trucks, concerts, pop up shops, informational talks, and family events!
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Flavors of the Peninsula Restaurant Week
Flavors of the Peninsula, the Peninsula’s regional restaurant week running April 23–May 3, is back with specially curated prix-fixe menus and dining deals at eateries up and down the coast and bayside. Participating restaurants will showcase their best dishes, and visitors can even win prizes like a World Cup experience or hotel stay by trying multiple spots. It’s a great opportunity for locals to explore new restaurants and enjoy special prices on meals from casual to upscale. Read more here.
San Mateo Eyes New Transportation Grants
San Mateo city leaders are exploring ways to secure more funding through transportation authority grant programs to support local transit projects and improvements. Though details are still developing, winning these grants could help fund transportation enhancements without adding to local taxes. For residents, this could mean better roads, safer transit options, or expanded services down the line, all while easing budget pressures on the city. Read more here.
San Mateo County Mulls E-Bike Rules for Younger Riders
Local lawmakers are considering a pilot program that would allow cities in San Mateo County to restrict children under 12 from riding certain low-speed e-bikes (Class 1 and 2) due to rising injury concerns. Under the proposal, cities could set age limits with an initial warning period and modest fines, with data collection required to guide future rules. If adopted locally, parents and families may see new safety requirements and should pay attention to town halls or council meetings on this issue. Read more here.
San Mateo Considers Digital Billboard Pilot to Boost Revenue
San Mateo city officials are weighing a pilot program to install a digital billboard on city-owned property, likely near a highway corridor. The move would be a big shift from long-standing local bans on billboards, and officials hope the advertising revenue could help offset a projected $7 million budget shortfall. If approved, residents might see a new digital sign, but city leaders also want to make sure it’s located where it won’t disturb neighbourhoods. Read more here.
Johnny’s Opens in San Mateo
7 N B St, San Mateo
Photo: Johnny’s
A beloved Half Moon Bay brunch favorite, Johnny’s, has opened its second location in downtown San Mateo at the Brickline development (7 N. B Street at Ellsworth), bringing its popular breakfast and brunch fare to the city. The Del Fierro family, experienced local restaurateurs, offers dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, avocado toast with chili crunch, and hearty smashburgers, with kid-friendly options too. The new spot adds to a growing brunch scene alongside places like Whisper and Foreigner Cafe. Its arrival downtown means more tasty weekend options for locals and visitors alike. Read more here.
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Godfather’s Burger Lounge in Belmont
This burger lounge blends classic American comfort food with a cinematic flair, drawing inspiration from film culture in its décor and name. The menu features fire-grilled artisan burgers like the Godfather’s Cheeseburger, Soprano’s Ultimate with mushrooms and bacon, and Goodfella’s Pepperoni Burger, plus appetizers like calamari and garlicky truffle fries. There are also sliders, salads, and house sauces, alongside milkshakes and beer selections. The setting nods to Hollywood while spotlighting hearty, craft burgers and sides.
Cloud & Crumb in San Mateo
Cloud & Crumb is a micro bakery crafting madeleines, cookies, and custom cakes with influences rooted in Asian and Hong Kong flavors. The bakery operates mainly via pre-order and pick-up, offering treats like matcha and black sesame madeleines and a variety of sweet cookies. Custom cakes and special-occasion orders are also part of its repertoire, with small-batch baking that focuses on delicate textures and balanced sweetness.
HEAD WEST Marketplace returns to downtown San Mateo this weekend!
South B Street in San Mateo
HEAD WEST Marketplace is back in Downtown San Mateo, once again transforming South B Street into a lively open-air marketplace filled with Local Makers, Crafters, Artists, Designers and Vintage Merchants. With the street closed to cars, it creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to shop small, support local creatives and enjoy live music!
HEAD WEST takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from March through December, making it a great weekend outing downtown. Learn more here!
🧘 Baby Yoga Class | Foster City | Foster City Community Centre | 4/17 | more
Bring your little one for a gentle baby yoga class focused on movement, bonding, and relaxation for caregivers and infants.
🛍️ Head West Market | San Mateo | South B Street | 4/18 | more
Shop local makers, artists, and small businesses at this open-air market event on South B Street in downtown San Mateo.
🏛️ Barrett Open House | Belmont | Barrett Community Center | 4/18 | more
Stop by the Barrett Community Center open house to explore programs, meet staff, and learn more about upcoming activities.
🌎 Earth Day | Belmont | Twin Pines Park | 4/18 | more
Celebrate Earth Day at Twin Pines Park with community activities and environmentally focused fun for all ages.
👗 Time Travelers Vintage Expo | San Mateo | Event Center | 4/18 | more
Browse vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles from a variety of vendors at this retro-inspired expo.
🕯️ Wicks and Wax | Belmont | The Local Spot | 4/18 | more
Get creative at this candle-themed event featuring wax crafting and a fun community atmosphere at The Local Spot.
🌸 Orchid Show & Sale | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 4/18 | more
Shop and explore a wide variety of orchids at this special show and sale hosted at the San Mateo Garden Center.
🎸 Rock the Dock: The Megatones | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 4/18 | more
Enjoy live music on the waterfront with a mix of pop, rock, and country hits at this outdoor concert event.
🌱 Master Gardener Spring Garden Market | San Mateo | San Mateo Event Center | 4/18 | more
Browse plants and gardening goods at this spring market hosted at the San Mateo Event Center, with resources for local gardeners.
🥋 Women's Self Defense Seminar | Burlingame | USSD | 4/18 | more
Learn practical self-defense techniques in a supportive environment during this women’s-focused training seminar.
🎶 Music at Kohl - Beo Street Quartet | Burlingame | Kohl Mansion | 4/19 | more
Enjoy a live classical performance by the Beo String Quartet in the elegant setting of Kohl Mansion.
🌍 San Carlos Earth Day | San Carlos | Wheeler Plaza Parking Lot on Laurel Street | 4/19 | more
Celebrate Earth Day in downtown San Carlos with eco-friendly activities, community booths, and family-focused events.
🐾 Paws for Tales | San Mateo | Hillsdale Library | 4/20 | more
Kids can practice reading aloud to a friendly therapy dog during this fun and confidence-building library program.
🚚 Off The Grid Food Trucks | Foster City | Leo J Ryan Park | 4/22 | more
Grab dinner from a rotating lineup of popular food trucks at this weekly outdoor gathering at Leo J Ryan Park.
🎶 Grupo Falso Baiano: Brazilian Choro Quartet | San Mateo | Public Library | 4/22 | more
Catch a live performance of Brazilian choro music by Grupo Falso Baiano at the San Mateo Public Library.
🛍️ Mom’s Day Sip & Shop | Rouge Lounge | San Carlos | 4/22
Sip your favorite wine and shop local vendors (beauty, skincare, handcrafted bags) while supporting our local seniors, 4–7 PM.
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