Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie — Restaurant in San Mateo

I was really looking forward to treating my family to some pizzas, as I had shared how much I enjoy this restaurant. Because there’s no option to write in a note when ordering on Postmates, I chose to call for my pick-up order to ensure my dietary restrictions would be accommodated. Unfortunately, I had a really disappointing experience with my phone order. I placed the order for the pizzas and asked if there was chocolate cake that was available. When I had been there last, there was a large chocolate layer cake that I’ve been wanting to try for months. The staff member on the phone said that there was chocolate cake available and added a slice to my order. When I arrived to pick up, I got so excited by the layered chocolate cake in the dessert display and stated how excited I was to try it. The staff member stated that that was not the chocolate cake I had ordered and pointed to the homely-looking sibling of the cake that I was requesting when I placed my order. I asked if there was a cost difference between this cake slices, explaining that I wanted the layer cake not the cake that the staff member had “prepared” (placed powdered sugar on). The staff said that that was not what I had ordered and there was a cost difference. I stated that I was willing to pay the cost difference for the cake that I actually wanted because I did not at all want the cake that he “prepared” to send me home with. The response I was given was “there’s already powdered sugar on top, so you could can get two cakes,” he said, with a slight chuckle. I did not find any of it funny, since I would have to pay money for something that I did not want. If there are two options for chocolate cake, it should be on the staff to clarify which a customer is requesting. The staff member said that the layered cake is not called a chocolate cake so that it won’t get confused with the other one. He said that the cake that I wanted was called a “celebration cake.“ I’m not sure how I would’ve known that since I do not work there and the cake that I was requesting is the iconic schema of a Chocolate Cake™️. I’m so serious; if you look up “schema of chocolate cake” and it will look EXACTLY like the one I was trying to order. I am beyond disappointed in the poor service. If I didn’t hate food waste so much, I would’ve left the unwanted cake slice at the restaurant. And to top it all off my craving has not...

Nestled right at the San Mateo Caltrain Station, Rise Woodfire is a hidden gem that has quickly become a favorite of mine. This charming eatery combines the love for great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and fantastic value for your money.

First and foremost, the star of the show at Rise Woodfire is undoubtedly their pizzas. The wood-fired oven imparts a distinct, smoky flavor to the pies that sets them apart from your typical pizza joint. The crust is thin and perfectly crispy, while the toppings are fresh and generously applied. Whether you're a fan of classic Margherita or you prefer something more adventurous, their diverse menu has something to satisfy every pizza craving.

But it's not just the pizzas that keep me coming back; it's the combination of delectable drinks and the casual ambiance. The drink menu is diverse, offering a variety of options to pair with your pizza. From craft beers to fine wines and artisanal cocktails, there's a libation for every palate. I appreciate the attention to detail they put into their drinks just as much as their food.

What sets Rise Woodfire apart is the value they offer. The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable considering the quality of the food. It's a rare find to enjoy such well-crafted pizzas and drinks without breaking the bank.

The atmosphere at Rise Woodfire is casual and inviting. Whether you're dining solo, with friends, or with family, it's the kind of place where you can relax and unwind. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the overall experience. It's clear that they take pride in delivering exceptional service to their customers.

For those who commute through the San Mateo Caltrain Station, Rise Woodfire is a convenient and satisfying dining option. However, it's not just for commuters; it's a destination in itself for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. If you appreciate delicious wood-fired pizzas, well-crafted drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend giving Rise Woodfire a try. It's a place where your taste buds and wallet can both leave satisfied, making it a true standout in San Mateo's...

This is a review for a private event we hosted at Rise Woodfire

We hosted a post elopement wedding dinner at Rise with our closest friends and family and it was an extremely fun evening! We were hosting about 25 people for dinner. I reached out to Elham through the Rise Woodfire website. Elham was extremely prompt with her responses. She sent us a brochure for private events that gave us all the information we needed. We picked the train car room for our event, it’s a private space perfect for 20-25 people group. Most of guests were vegetarian and Elham was very accommodating. We were able to customize the menu like we wish. We added some appetizers, desserts and drinks at an additional cost. The food was phenomenal. For appetizers we had Hummus and Pita, fries, chicken wings. I didn’t get a chance to eat the pita and hummus(was busy doing host stuff), but I was told by multiple guests that it was the best hummus they’ve ever had. This was followed by salad which was also really really good. We had 4 types of pizzas and Rise arranged for us to have enough quantity for all the guests. The pizzas were amazing and came right out of the oven. We had 4 types of pizzas - Margherita, veggie, funghi and BBQ chicken. We were surprised by how much people ate haha. For dessert we had their flourless chocolate cake. Again, delicious. Their serving size for this cake huge though. The only thing that could be improved is that I wish they had more drink options. Cocktails were ok and they were out of a couple of wine options on the menu. But they do allow you to BYOB for private events with an added corkage fees.

The service was great. David was our server and he was just everywhere, keeping track of everyone like a superhuman. There was a last minute request made by my cousin for a champagne and some flutes for a toast and David was very accommodating of that.

I should also mention that we were able to host this party for a very very reasonable price.

Elham, david and the whole team at Rise made our special evening very memorable. I just cannot recommend them enough. Thank you...