Mistral Restaurant and Bar is a waterfront steak-and-seafood restaurant at 370-6 Bridge Parkway, Redwood City, California 94065, in the Redwood Shores neighborhood. Established here more than 35 years ago, it combines Mediterranean-influenced New American cooking with a wood-fired oven, cocktails, and lagoon-facing patio dining. Travelers come for an unhurried Peninsula dinner beside the water, rather than the busier restaurant streets of downtown Redwood City.
What to Expect at Mistral Restaurant and Bar
The kitchen, associated with chef Tim Fabatz, balances steakhouse comfort with seafood and Mediterranean flavors. Named dishes include pan-seared branzino, crispy crab and shrimp spring rolls, French onion soup, and Margherita pizza. Mistral house bread makes a natural opening order, while the caramelized banana split offers a more playful finish. The wood-fired oven gives the menu another direction beyond fish and steak; check the current menu before choosing a dish, especially when planning around dietary restrictions.
The waterfront patio is the restaurant’s defining setting, with the lagoon providing an open outlook unusual among the office campuses of Redwood Shores. Inside, the restaurant and bar offer an alternative when evening breezes make outdoor seating less comfortable. The drinks program includes thoughtfully selected wines and beers alongside named cocktails such as the Pamatini, Bacon Old Fashioned, and Mistral Sangria. Private dining is also part of the operation, making this a practical choice for celebrations and business gatherings as well as dinner for two.
- Waterfront patio: Lagoon-facing outdoor seating is the main reason to request a particular table when reserving.
- Pan-seared branzino: A named seafood dish that reflects the kitchen’s Mediterranean direction.
- Crispy crab and shrimp spring rolls: A seafood starter suited to sharing before a larger main course.
- Wood-fired oven: An important kitchen feature, with Margherita pizza among the advertised dishes.
- House cocktails: The Pamatini, Bacon Old Fashioned, and Mistral Sangria give the bar a distinct identity.
Mistral Restaurant and Bar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 370-6 Bridge Parkway, Redwood City, CA 94065 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Redwood Shores; waterfront commercial complex |
| Operating Hours | Lunch Tuesday–Friday, 11am–2:30pm. Dinner Monday–Thursday, 4:30–8pm; Friday–Saturday, 4:30–9pm. Closed Sunday. Happy hour advertised 4:30–6pm. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; à la carte dining, with drinks and gratuity additional. See the official menu for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | San Carlos Caltrain is a practical rail gateway; continue by taxi or rideshare. Surface parking at the Bridge Parkway complex. |
| Official Website & Phone | Mistral Restaurant & Bar; +1 650-802-9222 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for Friday or Saturday dinner, celebrations, and patio preferences; a reservation request does not automatically secure an outdoor table. Arrive near the 4:30pm dinner opening for an earlier meal, or choose Tuesday–Friday lunch for a daytime waterfront setting. Sunset shifts substantially through the year, so match your booking to daylight rather than assuming a late dinner includes a view. Smart-casual clothing fits the setting; bring a layer for the patio.
From US 101, approach through Redwood Shores rather than downtown Redwood City. Drivers can use the complex’s surface parking, observing posted restrictions; rail travelers should allow a separate road transfer from San Carlos Caltrain. The restaurant occupies a ground-floor waterfront unit, but guests needing step-free access should request the appropriate entrance, patio route, and restroom arrangements when booking. Before dinner, combine the nearby lagoon-side paths with the Redwood Shores Branch Library on Marine Parkway, roughly a 10–15-minute walk depending on the route. These offer a quieter neighborhood outing than a downtown sightseeing circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mistral open, and when should I visit?
Dinner runs Monday–Saturday from 4:30pm, closing at 8pm Monday–Thursday and 9pm Friday–Saturday; lunch is Tuesday–Friday, 11am–2:30pm. Choose an early dinner for daylight over the lagoon, and check holiday announcements before traveling.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
Mistral falls in the $$ dining tier, with à la carte ordering rather than an admission charge. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings and patio requests, and consult the official menu for current dish prices and payment arrangements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for starters, mains, and drinks. Add another half hour if you want a waterfront walk before sitting down.
Is Mistral suitable for families and dietary requirements?
Pizza and familiar steak-and-seafood choices provide options for mixed-age groups, though a dedicated children’s menu should be requested directly. Margherita pizza is a meat-free starting point; discuss vegan, gluten-free, and allergy requirements with staff before ordering.
When planning your Madeira travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Madeira, pair this stop with standout local spots including Madeira Airport Spotting, Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, Jardim Monte Palace Madeira, and Ristorante Carpaccio (10.7 km away).
