15 Best Restaurants in San Mateo, CA
On the San Francisco Peninsula, San Mateo is recognized as one of the coolest suburbs.
Visitors won’t run out of seafood dishes to try for any culinary adventures, thanks to its location.
Some restaurants also have a bustling position with a stunning view of the bay.
Are you looking forward to experiencing experiences like this on your trip?
We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry.
Here is a list of the top restaurants in San Mateo that you should visit.
- Taishoken
Taishoken has been providing unique meals showcasing Japanese cuisine since 1951.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Without question, Taishoken is among San Mateo’s top restaurants.
Given the trademark tsukemen and ramen to warm your gut, Japan doesn’t seem that far away.
Additionally, it offers sake, a traditional alcoholic beverage, so you can fully experience the foreign flavor.
Furthermore, the atmosphere is enhanced by the venue’s casual vibe.
What to Eat
Try the Japanese fried chicken dish karaage as a starter.
Get a bowl of Tokusei Tsukemen to dip with the egg and pork chashu noodles.
If you’d rather have a hot taste in your mouth, try spicy ramen as an option.
- Foreigner
Foreigner, which first opened in 2019, has quickly become one of the greatest dining options in the area.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Among the newest brunch spots in the San Mateo region, Foreigner stands out.
It celebrates inventive recipes that draw ideas from diverse cuisines to create something fresh.
This location makes a beautiful meal location for a nighttime date with your special someone.
Another feature that will probably win you over is the atmosphere, which is industrial and rustic.
What to Eat
Enjoy the Turkey BLT, which includes cheese, arugula, tomato, bacon, and avocado.
For a substantial breakfast, simply add bacon benedict, avocado, egg toast, and oats.
Drink a traditional mimosa to round out your dining experience at this establishment.
- Dough Zone
In San Mateo, Dough Zone began conducting business in 2021 after being established in Washington.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Dough Zone is one of the top restaurants around if you’re in Central Park.
Fresh buns, noodles, and other traditional Chinese dishes are served at this restaurant, which goes above and beyond.
Additionally, this restaurant uses a contemporary design that emanates a chic atmosphere that everyone would adore.
The prices are simply within a fair range, so there is no need to be concerned.
What to Eat
The Jian Bing Guo Zi, a crispy dish comprised of wheat, grain flour, eggs, and sauces, is a must-try for crepe enthusiasts.
The pan-fried vegetable dumplings with baby bok choy, mushrooms, noodles, and tofu might also be something you want to try.
Discover a local favorite with a distinctive flavor by tasting the Yi Bin Noodle.
- B Street & Vine G2
Since its debut in 2006, B Street & Vine G2 has drawn wine connoisseurs with its posh atmosphere.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
In this restaurant, every customer can hone their tasting skills thanks to the wide assortment of wines.
Its inventive cuisine makes it one of the most sought-after eateries to visit.
One of the popular dishes offered here is bruschetta, a toasted Italian bread.
Of course, its mouthwatering desserts are likewise unmatched in quality.
What to Eat
To sample their renowned handhelds, choose the turkey panini, vegetarian panini, or teriyaki chicken panini.
Eat some bruschetta topped with things like mozzarella, tomato sauce, salami, and other things.
Vanilla ice cream and chocolate ganache are the perfect way to end your dinner.
- Limon
Since 2002, the Bay Area has enjoyed Peruvian cuisine from the family-run restaurant Limon.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Still seeking inexpensive, casual dining options?
Going to Burlingame will allow you to extend your culinary discovery outside the San Mateo region.
Here, you can discover Limon, which can give you a flavor of traditional Peruvian meals.
Its cozy atmosphere creates the ideal atmosphere for a memorable get-together with the entire kin.
What to Eat
The Lomo Saltado is a typical favorite that you can enjoy.
It includes a beef tenderloin that has been wok stir-fried and is served with jasmine rice and French fries.
For a hearty meal, order the Chuleton Carlitos, which is a pan-roasted center-cut pork chop.
Panna cotta de mango will satisfy you even more.
- Sapporo Rock-N-Roll Sushi Restaurant
Sapporo, which takes its name from a Japanese city, presents unique sushi dishes to the San Mateo region.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have you ever considered learning more about Japanese cuisine?
Try some of the sushi items that this restaurant has to offer to make your fantasy a reality.
The hidden box with its daily highlights intrigues every foodie that visits this location.
The modern ambiance inside this restaurant is another aspect you’ll enjoy the most.
What to Eat
Take advantage of the mixed sashimi, which includes pieces of albacore, salmon, yellowtail, and tuna.
You can have old-school rolls with ingredients like hot tuna, sake avocado, and shrimp tempura.
One of the famous rolls, the OMG Sapporo, features tuna, avocado, and almonds.
- The Pantry
The Pantry built a solid reputation as a family-friendly restaurant in San Mateo by welcoming visitors for six decades.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You have a special opportunity to travel the world through food when you eat in San Mateo.
You may learn about Philippine culinary history at The Pantry.
You will undoubtedly leave this location with a full stomach due to its plentiful options.
Dine here with your family in one of the most welcoming restaurants in the area.
What to Eat
Your trip to this restaurant wouldn’t be complete without eating lumpia and adobo.
Adobo is a well-known Filipino dish that is made by marinating beef cooked in a sauce made of vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce.
Try the teriyaki steak and the honey-dipped fried chicken as well; many visitors praise them, too.
- Saltyard
Gourmets are interested in the New American food tradition of frequent Saltyard, one of the neighborhood restaurants.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Nobody would dispute that this restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy dinner in San Mateo and the Bay Area.
Saltyard, a restaurant in Burlingame, welcomes guests to a cozy space where they can unwind.
The restaurant’s renowned chef prepares the best dishes with European flair using techniques from around the world.
Beyond that, given its overall streamlined design, refinement abounds in this location.
What to Eat
Try the pasta, marinara sauce, and chili flakes paired with the chicken parmesan.
As an alternative, you can order the seafood linguini to sample shrimp, clams, and mussels.
- Yakitori Kokko
Through its food and beverages, Yakitori Kokko contributes to bringing Japanese culture closer to San Mateo.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Not sure where to eat in San Mateo yet looking for a stylish dining spot?
Once you find this restaurant, which is centrally positioned in the community, there is no need to search far.
It highlights several possibilities for small plates of food that are frequently served with cold drinks.
This restaurant rose to the top restaurants in San Mateo because of its comfortable setting.
What to Eat
Choose the yakitori bento and enjoy the grilled rice balls, potato salad, an omelet made with organic eggs, and skewers.
Others visit this restaurant for the beefsteak don and the chicken karaage.
The Kokko Ramen, which contains a chicken broth soup with pork chashu and vegetables, will warm your stomach.
- Pacific Catch
In 2003, Pacific Catch, a well-known franchise in California, was established.
This might be among the top dining establishments in San Mateo if you enjoy fish.
By offering the people a variety of cuisines with a Pacific influence, it goes above and beyond the conventional.
There is no need to be concerned because seafood products are not only ethically sourced but also fresh.
Additionally, this restaurant supports ocean conservation through a variety of environmentally responsible initiatives.
The traditional sea bass, spicy yellowtail, and Baja shrimp ceviches will please your palate.
The pupu platter, which includes ahi poke bombs, sticky ribs, coconut shrimp, sea bass, and tortilla chips, is also highly recommended.
Purchase an agave margarita to complement your meal with something incredibly refreshing.
- The Fish Market
The Fish Market, one of San Mateo’s top restaurants, is tucked away by Seal Slough.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
It might be true that San Mateo has a lot of excellent restaurants that provide tasty seafood.
However, there is undoubtedly something appealing about the Fish Market that draws visitors in.
Sea-to-table products are available here, guaranteeing the freshness of the meal.
Be sure to get a spot on the terrace so you can eat with lovely views of the water.
What to Eat
Calamari that is seasoned with salt and pepper and served with sweet chili sauce will tantalize your palate.
Try the fresh wild rockfish from the Pacific Northwest, king crab legs, and scallops.
The crab and shrimp roll sandwich might be more appealing to people who love portable food.
Don’t forget to finish off your fantastic meal with the raspberry sorbet.
- Jack’s Restaurant & Bar SM
All are welcome to enjoy the typical American cuisine prepared by Jack’s Restaurant, which is located near Hayward Park.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This restaurant won the respect of the locals with its cordial service.
From sunrise to night, its traditional cuisine is simply the best you can eat in San Mateo.
Every item on the menu here, whether it be beef, a burger, spaghetti, or pancakes, is simply amazing.
You’ll undoubtedly have a pleasant dining experience if you combine that with the warm and inviting atmosphere
What to Eat
Allow yourself to indulge in San Mateo’s best lunch by ordering the legendary Village Pasta.
To sate their desires, customers typically order this along with the grilled double breast of chicken.
It is also strongly advised.
- Pausa Bar & Cookery
San Mateo’s Pausa Bar and Cookery have earned a reputation as a chic restaurant with an Italian influence.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Want to experience exquisite dining in San Mateo but need to save money?
To get the ideal balance you’re seeking, visit the Pausa Bar & Cookery.
Take a seat and enjoy your preferred pizza, spaghetti, and other entrees at this upscale restaurant.
There is little doubt that this is one of the top birthday restaurants to celebrate in San Mateo
What to Eat
Pork belly is a good place to start to prime your palate for the major courses.
Pick the linguine with octopus ragu, chickpeas, and other flavors over the chestnut linguine.
For a cheese-topped pizza with tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and wild oregano, choose the salame calabrese.
For a complete meal, add a glass of spiced orange old-fashioned cocktail to your order.
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
In this restaurant that is part of a franchise, Japanese cuisine is the star attraction.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Plan a trip to Gyu-Kaku to make the most of your local eating tour.
Each visitor is surprised by the dish’s strong beef flavors and a warm bowl of soup.
This restaurant is regarded by many as one of the coolest ones around.
Who wouldn’t value this restaurant’s cozy decor and welcoming personnel, after all?
What to Eat
If you intend to join a buddy for lunch on a weekday, order the lunch course.
For starters, it has a salad, miso soup, rice, and chicken karaage.
Chuck rib, yaki-shabu beef, toro beef, pork belly, and chicken breast are among the BBQ fare.
S’mores are a component of a balanced supper as well.
- Central Park Bistro
In San Mateo, Central Park Bistro, established in 2002, became well-known for its lavish and inventive cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
One of San Mateo’s top dining establishments in Central Park Bistro.
It combines American regional cuisines to create a diverse menu.
Wine enthusiasts can also sample top-notch beverages here that will tempt their palates.
Not to mention, the sophisticated ambiance of this restaurant makes it ideal for any kind of function.
What to Eat
Start your dinner with some wood oven-roasted prawns for a thrilling start.
For meat, the grilled Australian lamb chops are a must-try for their flavorful taste.
Give spaghetti and meatballs some room so you can explore other fantastic selections.
To improve your entire experience, try the four-cheese pizza while you’re here.
