231 Ellsworth

231 Ellsworth has officially replaced Parcel 104 on my top 5 special occasion dining list (Peninsula & South Bay edition). I was requested by higher power to show some very important friends of my family a good time in the bay area. I was ready to splurge and I want nothing but the best. Alexander's steakhouse had been dined to death. Plumed Horse, Parcel 104 and Le Papillon are all a bit far for my guests coming from the city. After some careful research I have decided to bring them to 231 Ellsworth. I made my reservation one week in advance. I budgeted 1.5 hours to drive from San Jose to San Mateo just to make sure I could get there before my guests. I was 15 minutes early and no one else had checked in yet. Everything seemed to be going according to plan. I waited patiently by the bar area. 20 minutes later my guests finally arrived. It was then I realized I messed up the reservation. There were 5 people in my party and I only made reservation for 4! I did not know how I let that that slip. Must be the sleep deprivation. I turned to the maitre'd and she noticed my mistake without me even saying a word. She immediately tried to arrange a larger table and made it seemed like they were just getting things ready. We were seated in 10 minutes and I was relieved. Me and my guests decided to go with the 3 course chef tasting menu. The chef took food allergies and dietary restrictions into consideration which is a really nice touch because one of my guest is on a diabetic diet. The food was phenomenal. We had cod filet, rack of lamb and numerous small bites between the main courses including oyster, tuna tartar and sorbet. At the end of the dinner one of my guest pronounced the Rack of Lamb as the best he had. (I would say that was probably on the 3rd-4th position for me.) I could not believe an excellent meal like this came with such a modest price tag. I thought I could never hear myself calling an upscale restaurant good value. The 3 course tasting menu is just 60 dollar per person! (Trust me you really won't be hungry at the end of your dinner. I can't even imagine finishing a 5 course meal.) I have forked out more than double that amount at some fancy restaurants where both the food and service shy by comparison. The ambiance of 231 Ellsworth is elegant, classy but relaxed. The dining room is romantic but not too formal. Tables are placed quite far apart so you can enjoy some privacy for your dinner conversation. Take your s/o, date, business associate, clients, customers to this restaurant and you won't be disappointed. Unfortunately I forgot to compliment Chef Isaac Miller when he was making his rounds to greet our table. One of these days I will go back to 231 Ellsworth again. Pros: Great Service, Top Notch Food more

My husband and I finally had a chance to dine here last week. Everything was incredible! We got there early, but had a chance to look at the menu in the window. They were not 100% ready at 5:30, but invited us in and got started on our drinks while they lit the candles on the tables. Inside it's a romantic setting with cozy booths lining the walls and tables arranged where you didn't feel cramped at all. They promtly brought out fresh, hot bread and room temp butter (thank you!). As we started on the break and cocktails, they checked on if our drinks were ok and the waiter soon took our oder. Although warned that the tuna was served pretty rare, I ordered it anyway, and was very embarrassed to ask them to cook it more. The waitress totally knew what I was going to ask as she came to our table. When my plate did return, it was the most incredible tuna that I have had...period. The fish was so tender yet cooked al the way through (tough with tuna), stacked on top of delicious mustard greens (although I don't eat veggies, not one leaf was left on my plate), and lay in a coconut sauce that was like liquid heaven! Before our main entrees were ready, the chef sent out samples of thinly slices fish drizzled with oil, a strawberry soup of some type, and a sample of yet another cold soup. My husband's pork dish was great too: moist slices of pork over a great sauce. The service was great too. At least 5 people served us at one point or another during our visit. Although we did just pop in during the middle of the week, I would highly recommend reservations. I can see how a place like this can easily and quickly establish regulars no matter what day of the week. The price was a bit more than a casual dinner, but worth every single dollar especially if you go there for an occassion. We will most definitely return (and this time I will consider the waiter's suggestion about the fish...still feel terrible!) Enjoy! Pros: service, food, and atmosphere Cons: $$, no mixed drinks more

We, a large party, had a variety of dishes. Some had the 3-course tasting menu, which included an ahi starter, flat iron steak main course, and the chocolate cake for dessert. The ahi was average; the steak was tough, but at least had some seasoning; and the dessert was too sweet. Others had the fois gras 3 ways and salads for starters. The seared fois gras was at best average, the tureen and the custard fois gras were average. The salads were fine. Some ordered the American Kobe beef. This course looks like the flat steak of the 3-course menu, but the price was much higher, but it was not seasoned at all, and the beef was as tough as the flat steak.... they should be calling the meat Kobe at all, as it was tough and lean. The Texas bass was probably the best course of the entire dinner... the skin was crispy and the seasoning was good. more

231 Ellsworth is sometimes considered San Mateo's best restaurant (its main competition probably being... more

231 Ellsworth is sometimes considered San Mateo's best restaurant (its main competition probably being Lure, which is awesome), and we thought it w... more

My wife and I just celebrated our anniversary at 231 Ellsworth, I must say that it was the nicest meal that we have had in a long time. We will certainly be back and more often. Pros: Food and Service more

Yes, there are many establishments that can serve a fine meal, but none, in my opinion, can compare with 231 Ellsworth. What sets them apart from the others? Attention to detail. The food is a tapestry of flavors woven with surprising and innovative flair. The service is impeccable: attentive but not invasive. The atmosphere is warm, contemporary without being flashy, and elegant yet relaxing. This is truly an experience worth repeating, and sharing with others! Pros: valet parking, service, ambience more

I've eaten at 231 Ellsworth many times, and have always had an amazing dining experience there. The wonderful combinations that the Executive Chef, Tim Hilt puts together are just fabulous..I especially liked the Ahi with the Sushi Rice Sorbet..I thought it was a very cool presentation and the food just melted in my mouth! The foie gras was pretty amazing as well..Definitely worth every penny, and a nice upscale dining option in downtown San Mateo. Pros: wonderful menu and selections more

Over the years, we've eaten at 231 Ellsworth on numerous occasions, sometimes for special events, but just as many times, if not more, simply because it's good. Having dined there over the last couple of decades, we are especially happy with the offerings of the current chef, Tim Hilt. He and his kitchen bring fresh, seasonally updated versions of classics with inventive twists and the presentation is at once elegant and whimsical. Pros: Delicious food, superb wine list Cons: Hmmmm...I'm still thinking... more

Why drive into the city when you can have a dining experience like this right in San Mateo? 231 Ellsworth sets the standard for fine dining on the Peninsula. With a wine list to die for, gracious and efficient service, and a tasting menu thats out of this world, this restaurant is the perfect choice for a special occasion or dinner with a client you wish to impress. On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the five-course tasting menu with winethe wine pairings were excellent and the food so good my companions and I wished we had ordered the seven courses instead, if for no other reason than to prolong the bliss. The Ahi tuna was as fresh as can be, and the white rice sorbet accompaniment so inspired I hauled out my ice cream maker when I got home to see if I could replicate it. The poussin with bread pudding had us glancing around the restaurant to gauge whether fellow diners would notice if we licked our plates. Having enjoyed the same menu as the negative poster below, all I can say is that apparently he cant tell the difference between lamb and pork loin, and his review should be read accordingly. Dont think twice about making a reservation here you absolutely will not be disappointed. more

This is one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've ever had. After reading many good reviews, my wife and I decided to go to 231 Ellsworth for our anniversary dinner. I had the five course tasting menu and my wife had a crab ravioli starter, the filet mignon and the valrhona chocolate fondant. The tasting menu was mediocre: the ahi tuna and pork loin (as well as my wife's crab ravioli) had no flavor and could only be described as ""fresh"" three days ago. The lobster and poussin were average. My wife's filet was good, but not at $38 for a 4 oz serving. Without qualification, the fondant and tasting menu dessert were good. more

The 3-course and 5-course were excellent. Wide variety of food - ahi sashimi was very tasty and fresh. Followed by Lobster with fava beans. Poussin on pudding offered a nice mix of textures. Lamb with very tasty corn. Good desert - toasted meringue with ice cream and strawberries. Pros: Taste, texture Cons: Ambiance does not stand out more

Tasting menus are good both 3course and 5course. but the thing that bothered me was that the salmon on the 3 course i had smelled very very fishy. i had a bad idea about finishing it, but the rest of the courses are good. Prices are good Pros: Wines Cons: salmon smells, really fishy/ Parking more

i went Friday night, the food is excellent except for the salad. by the time i recieved my spinach salad, it was a bit soggy. it was a mid course salad and i guess they put it up early since it had to come with my friend's scallops. my recomendation would be to order just an entree and dessert instead of salads. Pros: wines Cons: salads bit warm/soggy more

231 Ellsworth is an excellent choice whether you are dining with just one other, or hosting a large party of 25. I have taken numerous friends, associates, and clients to 231 Ellsworth and never been dissapointed. The food is always creatively and preferectly prepared. The menu changes with the season and there is always something new and interesting to try. A great place to dine. more

I love steak. 231's steak is flawless, I can literally cut it with my fork. The medium rare is cooked perfectly and served hot. Sdd a glass of merlot and we're in business. I come to 231 Ellsworth famished, order the appetizer, main course, and dessert, and I leave completely satisfied. (P.S. Between me and the chocolate fondant dessert, my girlfriend will choose the fondant everytime.) Pros: superb food, huge wine list, dessert Cons: huge wine list more

Striaght forward great menu and wine. Richard does an excellent job with the staff and wines. Plenty of room at each table and a private room as well! I can't say enough good things about one of my favorite restaurants, so I'll stop here. You should stop by and check it all out Pros: Great wines, Portions, Environment Cons: parking, tight bar more

You simply can't go wrong. The wine list is amazing, the service is incredible, and the food is simply fantastic! Absolutely perfect for a romantic evening or closing a big business deal. more

My husband & I ordered an appetizer plus one order of the 5-course tasting menu (we skipped the wine) and *loved* it. There was plenty of food for the two of us, we're glad we didn't order a main course. I don't think I've ever tasted those dishes anywhere else before - it's great fusion food. My only complaint is that it's pricey - so I recommend it for special occasions. Pros: Food, Ambience more

I have been to 231 Ellsworth many times, and I have to say that it is my favorite restaurant for fine dinning. Do yourself a treat and order the five course tasting menu with the wine paring. You will not find a better experience anywhere! If one of the items is not really what you want, just ask and they will gladly change it. (My wife wont eat wild) I have not tried the Vegetarian option, but I just might next time. The wine paring are perfect too. Take a few hours to really enjoy it and treat it as an adventure. You will thank me.. Michael Pros: food, wine, service more