Top Reviews

Cleo C. | Redwood City, CA

Everything is so good!! The food and the service. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had German food.. I ordered the Wiener schnitzel with lemon. Even the Jäger Schnitzel is delicious with the mushroom sauce.

Ours came with salad but we ordered a side of red cabbage. That’s delicious!!!

The only oddity was the music!! It was country, Amy Winehouse, more country. I hoped for German music. Or none…it’s really not necessary for dinner!!

We shared the German chocolate cake for dessert. It was SO moist.

Karen R. | Silicon Valley, CA

We were so excited to try this restaurant because it’s German, and until now we’ve had to track to Palo Alto for German food. I’m so glad we went here! It can get packed, especially in weekends. So definitely make reservation.

The food was wonderful! Everything was lovely, but I think our favorite was the Schnitzel. Can’t wait to come here again. We are already talking about coming back! Very sad that we didn’t leave room for dessert. Prices are so reasonable considering how wonderful the food is!

Karne N. | Palo Alto, CA

We stopped here for lunch today because it was convenient and we’ve been wanting to try this restaurant now for a while. We asked the waiter if it was possible to get service in time to be out an hour later for a kid’s soccer game and he assured us we would be. He was right. The service was terrific. Our waiter was funny, personable, and very attentive.

Because it was lunch, I did not choose one of the heavier dishes that I thought I would enjoy like rouladen, but instead picked the Thuringer bratwurst, which was accompanied by red cabbage, as well as white and potatoes. The dish was excellent, although given that Ditmer sausages always are excellent, I’m not surprised.

What convinced me of the authenticity and quality of the cooking was the potato salad. If you don’t find dill pickle and a very clear vinaigrette on a potato salad, it is not German. This most definitely was, and we loved it. The pork weiner schnitzel was also excellent as was the frankfurter sausage, although the thuringer had more flavor. The beer (Dunkle) we had was the perfect drink with the food.

We all agreed to return soon for a full dinner. Great addition to Laurel Street!!

Elaine Y. | Cupertino, CA

Went here after an afternoon of walking around Fioli Gardens so we were pretty hungry! Had reservations for 8 and got seated pretty quickly. The service was friendly and pretty fast.

We got the Spaetzle and Bavarian pretzel (2) as appetizers! OMG they were amazing! The pretzel came with a cheese sauce and a honey dijon mustard. I would suggest – eating it with the cheese sauce first so you can get the flavor because once you dip in the honey dijon – you want that full on flavor!

The pretzel was pretty spot on – we had gone to Germany and tried all kinds and this one was pretty good. The spaetzle was a little different than what I was used to? It was thin and long – like chopped up spaghetti noodles – where the ones I’m used to are more curled? BUT regardless the flavors were so good and texture was perfect. That caramelized onion in the sauce really makes the flavors POP!! Could have gotten another order but luckily we didn’t.

Most of us got either the schnitzels (Jager) or the German Beef Rouladen. Nephew just got the hamburger but he seemed to really enjoy it! 🙂 First off the schnitzels were so tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside – and the Jager sauce (Mushroom) – honestly you can’t go wrong. My dad LOVED the potatoes – the way they cut it had flavor all around. Needed a bit of salt but I love that they let you decide how salty you want it.

The salad was “eh” with very little dressing but it provided me less guilt cause I did eat my veggies! 🙂

We actually tried the pork and the veal. Veal was delicious – a bit thin but the pork was AMAZING. Very juicy and next time I’m going for the pork…

Hubby and middle got the German Beef Rouladen – it’s beef that has been pounded and rolled with their mustard, bacon, onions and pickles and came with a wine gravy/sauce on top of mashed potatoes – they also got veggies and pickled cabbage. I wish our schnitzel had picked cabbage – it was delicious – cuts the heaviness of the food and more effective that a a salad of spring greens.

Overall we definitely will go back – in fact this will be my choice for girls get together when it’s my turn to choose!! LOL

Anita L. | San Bruno, CA

A newish restaurant in San Carlos that offers a different cuisine on Laurel – some delicious, authentic German food. We came here for a weekday lunch during the holiday break, and there was plenty of seating, both inside and outdoors.

They have a kid’s menu, which I wasn’t aware of, which made things even better. I was able to order a cheese spaetzle and chicken schnitzel with fries for the little ones, while my husband got the paprika schnitzel and I got the jager schnitzel. Pork is the default protein although you can also choose to upgrade to chicken or veal.

Be warned – the schnitzel serving size is big! My husband and I should have just shared. He wasn’t really a fan of his paprika sauce – it was very similar to a red salsa and didn’t pair as well with his schnitzel. I, on the other hand, loved the jager sauce – it’s a creamy, mushroom gravy and is so savory and delicious. I only wish there was more of it that came on the plate. Both meals came with a fresh, side salad. The schnitzel itself is nicely pounded so it’s a thin meat with a light coating of breadcrumbs and fried so it’s nice and crispy, but not greasy.

Their spaetzle here is like a German version of mac and cheese – so rich and cheesy, it’s sure to be a kid (and adult) favorite.

Christine C. | San Mateo, CA

Delighted to have a new German spot in San Carlos. Bistro Mitte is solid – with radler and other German beers on tap, a really good pork schnitzel (that mushroom sauce was soooo good!), and different home-made sausages too.

The environment, like its service is casual and chill – as if you’ve been transported to a neighborhood restaurant in Germany. We especially appreciated the chef coming out to say hello to us. Seeing how much we loved the mushroom sauce, he asked if we wanted extra sauce, and personally brought out some for us. Awesome. Thanks again, chef!

Megan A. | Daly City, CA

Finally a German place right on Laurel!

Took my German coworker and he agreed the look and taste is fairly traditional, in case anybody was wondering =)

While we wanted to order one of everything, for our first time we got the Rouladen and Pork Schnitzel, both were delicious and totally hit the spot! Rouladen I can’t even explain… kinda like a flat beef piece stuffed with mustard onions bacon and pickles, and rolled and baked. Super good but if you don’t like pickles skip it (or try to ask for without?) Because that’s what makes this so extra good.

Between the beef mustard bacon and pickles kind of sounds like a rolled burger but that wouldn’t be doing it justice! I am honestly considering right now if I want to let my husband try my leftovers, or if I should hide them and let Future Megan enjoy a secret lil treat. I’m not normally like that with food I’m more of a sharer, so the fact I’m even mentally having this battle is a testament to how yummy it was.

The pork schnitzel was also exactly what I had pictured – HUGE flat and breaded pork piece, great flavor in every layer, and wasnt dry at all even before the glorious gravy was added!! Can choose type of potatoes and it comes with salad too. The food was so satisfying I wasn’t even looking around at other peoples plates because the one in my face had my undivided attention! And I always have a wandering food eye 😉

Came for lunch but don’t think I didn’t spy the beer wall at the back! Will def return for more food and beer =)
Incredibly pleased to have a German place in San Carlos, can’t wait to try the other dishes. Esp my precious spaetzle!

Ken W. | San Mateo County, CA

Had a great experience at Bistro Mitte! The food was very good and reminded me of our trip to Germany many years ago.

• Friendly service
• Great Selection of beers
• Tasty Food

The spaetzel was super yummy and the kids loved it. Lots of cheesy creaminess and tasty noodles.

The pork schnitzel was very well executed and most importantly tender. The mushroom sauce on the side was excellent and would definitely come back to try the other meat choices.

Thuringer plate was super flavorful and am excited to try the other sausage dishes.

Wish I left room for dessert, but the beer took up all the leftover space I might have had. Oops!

Clint M. | San Jose, CA

Best German restaurant I’ve been too in the bay area. Everything was top notch. Food was amazing. Service was outstanding. My only suggestion would be more german beers on tap. The dunkels (dark beers) were great. But the food makes up for it all, it is amazing.

Basil H. | Redwood City, CA

Had a wonderful meal at Bisto Mitte. I’m such a fan of veal schnitzel as it was a staple food while growing up so it brings back great memories. Chef was working in Germany for many years and the owner, awesome, friendly guy, encouraged him to come and open up this new place.

All of our meals were wonderful: pretzel, schnitzel and rumpsteak. Top it off with the must-have lava cake dessert – soooo good. So glad to have Mitte in San Carlos.

T D. | Hollister, CA

OMG, let’s just say I’m a schnitzel snob and Bistro Mitte does not disappoint. I chose the veal and it was outstanding. The were open on Christmas and I drove up from San Jose. The space is warm and inviting, as is the staff. I WILL be back ! Thank you Bistro Mitte

Ranjan P. | Millbrae, CA

What a dynamite addition to downtown SC! Loved everything about this place, reminds me of our trip to Munich and some of the little German places that used to be in SF years aback. This has the vibe of a cozy upscale gastropub plus a dark sophisticated restaurant plus a rustic lodge plus a sports bar plus n art gallery … you name it and want it, that’s what it’ll magically be.

Their bar is insanely beautiful with a cross sectional slab of polished tree bark, so gorgeous. Their walls full of vibrant artwork, and chandeliers with exposed bulbs that are forgiving and not harsh. Beautiful ambience, this is what all restaurants should aspire to.

Their bratwurst has a mild rich nutty flavor that any eater will love plus their red cabbage has the requisite sweetness, and their sauerkraut the tangy bordering on sour but with complexity. Their salad with a dill yogurt dressing and mixed vegetables of grilled green and yellow zucchini and yellow and red bell peppers, char marks exterior with shaved Bermuda onion–OMG the freshness off the chain, every bite heavenly, looked that plate. Stunning flavors and an ode to what nature gets right.

Their potato salad is not ordinary. It’s a revelation of textures with pickles and potatoes with egg boiled and Bermuda and more chives. The pretzel with soft cheese and sweet honey mustard sauce is absolute bomb. Their complementary bread with an herbaceous butter, perfectly spreadable and loads of flavor.

By the time we ate our starters, we were already stuffed and couldn’t do justice to the main. But we couldn’t resist their carry chocolate Chantilly cream cake. That thing slaps. The perfect combination of fresh cream and deep rich chocolate with a kick of cherry layered and nestled in between.

The customer service is sweet and attentive, super solicitous , just fantastic and the prices are more than reasonable. For the freshness and quality of ingredients, so great.

They have a German non alcoholic beer, which my husband couldn’t resist but have more than one.

Nadia K. | San Carlos, CA

Food was excellent as were the portions – Radler and Beer portions are huge! – German style
Waitress was excellent and super friendly and efficient
Will return often I’m sure
Only the Rick music could be lower or why not add German music

Giovanie R. | St. Francis, Daly City, CA

So impressed, the restaurant is beautiful, the staff is very kind. The chef is German!
All the food was very filling and yummy! The jager schnitzel was BOMB.com. If you want some comfort heavy food then for sure check this place out.

Amanda P. | San Carlos, CA

I can’t wait to go back. The jager schnitzel was incredible. Perfectly cooked with amazing sauce and a delicious side salad and potatoes. Service was great!

Linda V. | San Carlos, CA

Best Schnitzel in the San Francisco Bay Area!!! Friendly staff, reasonable prices. Great for big groups.

Carol M. | San Carlos, CA

Loved our fantastic meal!! Jager schnitzel was divine! The potatoes and side salad were perfect. Awesome beer and wine selection. Warm apple streusel was perfection and wanted to get one to go for my morning coffee! Will definitely be back

Robert B. | San Francisco, CA

I just came from Bistro Mitte. I was sitting with a friend of mine and talking with the owner. I had a great IPA and ordered the chicken cordon bleu which was fantastic. All The food here is served with generous portions and looked amazing. I also had the lava chocolate cake which is incredible. Extremely professionally run, friendly staff and a great place to hang out. Definitely going back and bringing all my friends.

Brian S. | San Mateo, CA

After hearing about this place opening, we eagerly went here today for lunch. JJ is wonderful with a very friendly demeanor & sense of humor with some small talk thrown in. The shnitzle with veal & green pepper cream sauce is to die for with tender meat, lite badder, & wonderful sauce that is peppery & subtle.

The potato hash is done perfectly as is the salad with mixed greens, onion & lite dressing. The red cabbage is some of the best I have had; not overly done with a little vinigre; sweet & savery at its best.

For dessert, we ordered a couple black forest cakes; while my mother shared hers with our friend, I ordered my own; so lite yet decadant with kersh, fresh cherries, & chocolate shavings.

My mother & our friend also enjoyed their food; peprica shnitzle & yager shnitzle. I love the pop & country playing in the background. Round it off with some mineral water & a German pilsner & you will not be disappointed. It is casual yet upscale.

I will definitely be back. So, for wonderful German food in a casual yet upscale atmosphere with wonderful service at reasonable prices, Bistro Mitte cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.

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