San Mateo is now home to Bahche, a new Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar serving up mezze, salads, souvlaki, burgers, and more.
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Behind the restaurant is Yusuf Karadogan, whose dad was a chef at Evvia in Palo Alto and Kokkari Estiatorio in San Francisco. The family went on to open Pita Gyros, a more casual concept with two locations in San Francisco and one in San Bruno. Karadogan was planning to become a dentist when his dad became sick, so he took over his family’s business, he says.
He spent his after-school hours as a kid in restaurants, and grew up living just two blocks from where Bahche is, he says.
“I wanted to create a place where people in San Jose and San Francisco come and meet in the middle in San Mateo,” he says.
Mains like chargrilled lamb chops with rosemary, garlic and butter ($42), branzino with lemmon butter and capers ($38), and seafood paella ($37) are complemented by a wine menu featuring more than 60 wines, including selections from France, Turkey, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, Oregon, and, of course, California. Meanwhile, mezzes like grilled octopus, dolmas, falafel, papas bravas, ceviche and hummus are on offer for lighter fare. And then there’s dessert, which includes items like coconut crème brûlée ($12) and baklava ($13).
The restaurant’s interior includes a TV at the bar showing sports, and a projection on the wall showcasing Mediterranean islands. Karadogan says he’s eager to craft an atmosphere where people can “enjoy themselves without thinking about everyday stuff,” he says.
“I’m Kurdish, and within our community, hospitality is such a big thing,” he says.
Details: Open 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and 4:30-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at 3081 S. Delaware St., Ste. C, San Mateo; bahchesf.com.