San Mateo dining rooted in tradition.
Brazilian Pizzeria and Grill in San Mateo
Welcome to Nelci’s Kitchen—where we’re preserving the best of Mr. Pizza Man and bringing a whole new world of homemade comfort to your table right here in San Mateo, CA. Whether you’re catching a bite after a long day at the Hillsdale Shopping Center or picking up dinner on your way back from the 92, we’ve got you covered. Honestly, there’s nothing better than walking into a place that smells like garlic and fresh dough—and that’s exactly what we do every day.
You might remember Mr. Pizza Man, that classic local spot on E 4th Avenue that served up slices for years. We kept the pizza soul but gave it a serious upgrade. The truth is, San Mateo has been craving something different—something that blends the Italian-American traditions you love with the bold, smoky flavors of Brazil. That’s Nelci’s Kitchen. We’re talking wood-fired crusts, slow-fermented dough that takes 48 hours to rise, and toppings that’ll make your taste buds do a double take. Think linguiça sausage, catupiry cheese, and hand-pulled mozzarella. Yeah, it’s that good.
Tradition in the kitchen, family at the table. Pull up a San Mateo chair, you’re home.
In the fast-paced downtown San Mateo, near the intersection of B Street and 3rd Avenue, we are committed to creating dining experiences that are shared, spirited, and always feel like home. You know that feeling—when you’re rushing between meetings or picking the kids up from the new Bay Meadows development, and you just want a meal that doesn’t taste like it came out of a box. That’s us.
That’s exactly why Nelci’s Kitchen exists.
Nelci’s Kitchen is the realization of a lifelong dream for Chef Nelci Vieira. Her journey began in the kitchens of Minas Gerais, a region celebrated as the soulful heart of Brazilian home cooking. But it’s the flavors of San Mateo that made her want to open the doors here—a community that appreciates both the fast pace of the Peninsula and the slow, patient art of a good meal. From the Central Park playground to the biotech offices along 101, everyone in San Mateo deserves a pizza that’s made with love, not a conveyor belt.
Our purpose is to bring the vibrant, welcoming spirit
of Brazil to California by sharing authentic homemade
food, grilling, artisanal pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts.
—Nelci Vieira, Chef de Cuisine
Tradition, Carved and Shared in San Mateo.
At Nelci’s Kitchen, we honor the slow-cooked traditions of our grandmothers. From the fire of the grill to our hand-stretched, slow-fermented dough, everything is made to be passed around and enjoyed together. We hear this a lot from San Mateo locals: “I’ve never had pizza like this before.” And that’s the point. We’re not just another pizza joint in San Mateo County—we’re a place where your Friday night dinner becomes a little celebration. Whether you’re ordering delivery for your apartment near the San Mateo Caltrain station or grabbing a table with friends from the College of San Mateo, every dish is crafted with the same care.
Here’s what that means for you: when you bite into our Margherita pizza, you taste the basil that’s picked fresh that morning. When you order the picanha steak, it’s been marinated for 24 hours and kissed by an open flame. We don’t cut corners—period. And if you’re craving something besides pizza, don’t worry. We’ve got pastas, wings, calzones, burgers, salads, bowls, and yes, catering too. Planning a party near the San Mateo Performing Arts Center? We’ll bring the feast. Just give us a call at +1(650) 342-7088.
San Mateo Pizzeria
Menu
- SALADS
- BOWLS
- PIZZAS — Made fresh daily for San Mateo, from hand-tossed classics to bold combos you won't find anywhere else.
- PASTAS — Our chef's Italian favorites, slow-simmered and served with garlic bread. Perfect after a long day on the 101.
- DESSERTS — Sweet endings that taste like home. Tiramisu, cannoli, and more — all made in our San Mateo kitchen.
Food & Grill
Menu in San Mateo
- AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE FOOD — From our family to your table in San Mateo, just off the El Camino Real strip.
- DESSERTS — Our pastry team starts before dawn so you get fresh-baked goodness every evening in San Mateo.
The Soul of Minas, The Heart of San Mateo, CA
From our family kitchen to the table, every dish is a celebration of the traditions that turn guests into family. Here in San Mateo, we know how busy life gets — between the commute on 92 and the school run to Aragon High, finding time for a real home-cooked meal isn’t easy. That’s where we come in. We’re right here, serving the San Mateo area with pizzas that taste like they came from your grandma’s oven. Honestly, we pour our hearts into every pie. Whether you’re ordering for a quiet weeknight or feeding the whole crew after a soccer game at Central Park, you’re always welcome at our table.
Authentic Brazilian Grilled Meats in San Mateo
Are you up for a smoky, salty masterpiece that tastes like a Sunday afternoon in Brazil? Our churrasco-style meats are grilled slow over an open flame — just like the churrascarias in São Paulo. It’s a taste of South America right here in San Mateo. We source our cuts locally, season them with a family spice blend, and serve them hot. Perfect for when you’re craving something bold after a day exploring the shops at Bridgepointe or a hike at Coyote Point. No reservations needed. Just come hungry.
San Mateo Artisanal Pizzas
Hand-stretched, long-fermented dough paired with organic sauces and premium local ingredients. That’s our promise to San Mateo. We let the dough rest for 48 hours — it sounds simple, but it makes all the difference. The crust gets that perfect chew, the bubbles char just right. We hear this a lot: ‘Best pizza I’ve had since moving to the Bay.’ And we love that. Whether you’re ordering delivery near the San Mateo Caltrain station or picking up after work by the Downtown library, every pizza leaves our oven with a crisp bottom and a golden top. Made for San Mateo, by people who live here too.
Premium Pastas in San Mateo
Our chef-curated selection of traditional Italian all-time favorites. Served with a side of buttery toasted garlic bread. Think spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo, and lasagna layered with love. We don’t cut corners. Our sauces simmer for hours, our chefs taste every batch. In San Mateo, where the fog rolls in quick and the evenings get chilly, there’s nothing better than a bowl of warm pasta. If you’re living near the Bay Meadows neighborhood or just got off the 101 at Third Avenue, we’ve got your comfort food waiting. Mangia!
San Mateo Greens and Grains
Seasonal ingredients and crisp textures, prepared fresh daily to celebrate the lighter side of our kitchen. Even in a pizza joint, we believe in balance. That’s why our salad bar changes with what’s growing nearby — think heirloom tomatoes in summer, crunchy persimmons in fall. It’s all sourced from farms within a short drive of San Mateo. Great for the health-conscious crowd hitting the gym at Bay Club or grabbing a quick lunch near the San Mateo County History Museum. You don’t have to skip the pizza. But when you do go green, we make it worth it.
What San Mateo Guests Are Saying
A San Mateo Seat For Everyone
Whether you crave the sizzle of the grill, the craft of an artisan pizza, or the comfort of premium pasta and fresh salads, there is a place for everyone at our table. In a city like San Mateo — where you’ve got techies from the East Coast, families from the Peninsula, and foodies from every corner of the world — we wanted to build a menu that felt like home for everyone. That’s why you’ll find Brazilian flair next to Italian tradition, all under one roof. We’re located near the corner of 25th Avenue and South Delaware, just minutes from downtown. Come for the food. Stay because it feels like family.
- Tender, flavorful cuts flame-grilled — just the way San Mateo locals love them after a long day on the 101
- Slow-fermented artisan pizzas that make a Friday night in San Mateo's Central Park feel like a mini vacation
- Kitchen-crafted premium pastas, perfect for a cozy dinner near San Mateo's Hillsdale Shopping Center
Catering & Corporate Events in San Mateo
Whether you’re planning a team lunch in San Mateo’s Bay Meadows, hosting a birthday party near Beresford Park, or just craving something truly special after a day exploring downtown San Mateo — we’ve got you covered.
- Corporate & Office Dining — delivered straight to offices along San Mateo's 101 corridor or downtown
- Preferred Partner Programs — we work with local San Mateo businesses to keep their teams happy and fed
- The Full Brazilian Grill Experience — bring a taste of South America right to your San Mateo backyard party
- Artisanal Pizza Packages — hand-tossed and wood-fired, just like the ones we serve at our San Mateo storefront
- Heritage Pastas & Salads — made from recipes that have fed San Mateo families for generations
- Artisanal Desserts & Beverages — the sweet end to any meal in San Mateo, from Shoreview to Laurel Heights
- Chef Nelci’s Heritage Menus — a personal collection of dishes inspired by San Mateo's rich cultural mix
- Administrative Diligence — we handle all the paperwork so your San Mateo event runs smooth as silk
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party at Central Park in San Mateo, planning a team lunch near the Hillsdale Shopping Center, or just craving a cozy night in with the family, we’ve got you covered. Call us at +1(650) 342-7088 to chat about custom catering for your next San Mateo event. We’ll bring the pizza, pastas, wings, and more right to your door—or your table. Honestly, we love being part of what makes San Mateo feel like home.
Our Promise to the San Mateo Table
50+ Years of Culinary Mastery in San Mateo
From Minas Gerais with Love. Rooted in Tradition, Crafted for You in San Mateo.
Authentic Grandma-Style Brazilian Homemade Food in San Mateo
A collection of family recipes preserved through generations, served for the way we eat today in San Mateo, CA.
San Mateo Handcraft Approach
Honest flavors from the heart of Minas Gerais, prepared with high-quality, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, love, patience and a grandmother’s steady hand. Right here in San Mateo.
A San Mateo Place That Feels Like Home
Our food is made by hand, and served with the same heart you’d find at our own family table. That’s the spirit we bring to every delivery and dine-in order across San Mateo.
Whether you’re joining us for a quick slice or a long family feast in San Mateo, we’re ready to welcome you home.
- PIZZAS for San Mateo
- PASTAS for San Mateo
- GRILL for San Mateo
- DESSERTS for San Mateo