Pausa Brings More Late Night, Italian Dining to San Mateo

Though San Franciscans certainly feel like they live in the center of the universe, the South Bay is rapidly acquiring more high-quality dining destinations, from Nobu to a restaurant from Philly’s Mark Vetri (inside an Anthropologie, no less). Now comes Pausa, an Italian restaurant and bar from Steve Ugur, and chef Andrew Giuliani (Piazza D’Angelo, Spiedo).

Italian classics like pastas, breads, charcuterie, wood-fired pizza and rotisserie meats are all on the menu, which includes dishes like quail stuffed with wild mushrooms, beluga lentils, roasted butternut squash, and salsa verde. Craft cocktails, beer, and an Italian wine list accompanies the hearty fare; a daily “Spritz Hour” will take place from 5 p.m.-6 p.m., offering different versions of the popular Italian aperitivo. Check out the menus below.

Now open, Pausa serves lunch daily from 11:30 a..- 3 p.m.; dinner is Sunday through Tuesday from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m.- 11 p.m. (though the bar stays open an hour later).

Pausa