Looking for the best places to eat in San Mateo? Browse all 235 San Mateo restaurants in the Outside Eats dining guide to the San Francisco Peninsula, from casual neighborhood favorites to award winning destinations. Select any restaurant for photos, hours, cuisine, directions, and the full profile.
- 3 Bees CoffeeLocally owned, Italian focused coffee shop with fresh baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Warm and relaxing atmosphere also with outdoor seating.
- A2Local wine bar, art gallery with live music.
- Al Carbon Pollos a la BrasaFree-range Peruvian chicken slowly roasted over mesquite charcoal open flame.
- Aldo's PizzaFamous crispy, flaky thin crust made from Aldo's original recipe.
- All SpiceChef's worldly cuisine served in a charming 1906 Victorian cottage. Fusion of Asian and modern Californian dishes.
- Amici's East Coast PizzeriaNew York-style thin-crust pizza made with freshest ingredients, baked perfectly.
- Amour AmourAmour Amour is a restaurant.
- Anatolian Cafe & MarketFamily owned Authentic Mediterranean desserts, traditional breakfast, and handcrafted cafe drinks.
- Antoine's Cookie ShopAntoine's Cookie Shop is a restaurant.
- Apple FritterThey serve donut burgers, fruity pebble shakes, and churro french toasts.
- Armadillo Willy's BBQTexas style wood-fired barbecue. 40 years in business. Locally Owned.
- Atlas Bakery & MoreA cozy San Mateo café and bakery serving handcrafted pastries, gourmet sandwiches, salads, hearty bowls, and specialty coffee, with catering available.
- Avenida RestaurantTraditional Filipino recipes elevated with contemporary techniques and local ingredients.
- Avocado ToastFamily-owned deli serving fresh meals with homemade aiolis and spreads.
- Ay Caray TaqueriaFamily-owned Mexican restaurant serving breakfast through dinner daily.
- B Street & VineFamous for signature bruschettas with unique sweet and savory combinations.
- BackhausGerman-rooted artisan bakery in San Mateo and Burlingame baking naturally leavened breads, buttery croissants, and handcrafted pastries fresh daily.
- BahcheModern Greek cuisine with curated wine list and inviting ambiance.
- Bay WatchFresh ingredients prepared from scratch daily with bottomless coffee service.
- BenihanaChefs perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki right at your table.
- BibimmateHandcrafted kimbap rolls made fresh with beet-pickled radish and umami-rich flavors.
- Big Daddy's Hawaiian BBQFresh Hawaiian-inspired cuisine that's clean, craveable, and feels great.
- BizzaMediterranean-inspired pizzas fusing bold flavors with classic Italian favorites.
- BJ's Restaurant & BrewhouseFamous Signature Deep Dish Pizza and Handcrafted Beers await you.
- Boba BlessCommunity-driven boba shop in downtown San Mateo founded by two former basketball coaches with a mission to serve and give back.
- Bonchon San MateoKnown for crunchy double-fried chicken with signature Korean sauces.
- Bonjour BakehouseAward-winning French bakery featuring seasonal treats from local farmers' market ingredients. Specialized in croissants, scones and cookies.
- Brothers CafeCasual San Mateo breakfast and brunch cafe serving scratch-made American classics with a twist, from buttermilk pancakes to NY steak and eggs, daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. Scratch-made buttermilk pancakes and brioche French toast with all-day service.
- Caffeinated CowboyWoman-owned San Mateo coffee shop serving customizable espresso drinks, matcha lattes, Red Bull refreshers, and grab-and-go breakfast items with a western flair.
- Cajun Bowl San MateoThey serve only caught-in-the-wild seafood with offerings changing daily.
- California Fish GrillServing 100% sustainable seafood certified by Monterey Bay Aquarium standards.
- Celia'sFresh daily salsa, guacamole, and handmade tamales with skinless chicken.
- Celia's Mexican RestaurantA Bay Area Mexican restaurant institution since 1960, serving enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, and house margaritas at the Laurelwood Shopping Center in San Mateo daily from 11 AM.
- Central Park BistroWell-executed menu ranges from wood-fired pizzas to sophisticated American entrees.
- Chai Yo Thai CuisineFamily-run Thai restaurant serving lunch and dinner in warm space.
- Charlie's TaqueriaPerfectly cooked tortillas with flavorful meats and self-serve chips station.
- Charm Thai EateryFamily-run restaurant serving authentic Thai specialties with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Cheesecake FactoryPopular American chain offering a wide variety of dishes, known for large portions, timely service and comfortable atmosphere. Good if you have a mixed group who like different cuisines.
- Chill Spot RendezvousSan Mateo ice cream café serving gourmet handcrafted scoops, global street food, and community events.
- ChinguCasual late night Korean food plus fusion dishes. Fun atmosphere.
- Chopstix & Taiwanese BentosAuthentic Taiwanese bentos with famous crispy popcorn chicken and sides.
- Cobani Gyro & KebabMichelin-recommended fresh halal Mediterranean with highest-quality ingredients and gourmet dishes.
- Cooking PapaMichelin recommended authentic Hong Kong cuisine delivered by meal boxes.
- Cruel Donuts & Ice CreamHomemade ice cream and donuts. Ice cream is made in house by highly experienced ice cream chef. Unique flavors.
- Crystal Springs TavernGourmet comfort fare features dry-aged burger and house-made pastas.
- Cuban KitchenFemale and family owned business serving authentically flavored Cuban cuisine.
- Curry & KababChef Mandy specializes in North Indian Curries and tandoori items.
- Curry Pizza HouseCraft pizza blending delicious curry flavors with wholesome fresh ingredients.
- Curry Up NowIndian street food born in India and raised in California. Vegetarian and Vegan options.
- Daeho kalbijjim & beef soupTraditional Korean royal recipes with modern twists for tender Kalbijjim.
- Dash Japanese Tapas and SushiDaily fish specials flown fresh from Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market.
- Dianda's BakeryA Bay Area institution since 1962, Dianda's is a family-founded Italian bakery serving fresh-baked pastries, custom cakes, tiramisu, and Italian cookies daily in San Mateo and San Francisco.
- Dosa BoxFeatures innovative dosas like Nutella dessert and five cheese varieties.
- Dosa ExpressChef curates every meal with emotional perception, food made with love.
- Dulzura CafeMiami-inspired café in San Mateo serving fresh-baked guava pastelitos, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, breakfast items, and Latin pastries made on site daily.
- Dynasty BBQDynasty BBQ is a restaurant.
- Edi's Quesabirrias and Tacos (Food Truck)Standout birria truck on Third Avenue with handmade corn tortillas, perfectly seasoned quesabirria, shrimp and cheese tacos, and birria ramen. Cash only and made to order.
- El Palenque TaqueriaAuthentic tacos with flaky tortillas and traditional recipes at unbeatable prices.
- El Sabor de Mi Pueblo (Food Truck)Weekday taco truck near the San Mateo DMV with generously loaded tacos, California burritos, and milanesa plates at some of the best value prices on the Peninsula.
- El Sanignacense (food truck)Mexican seafood food truck next to the Exxon station.
- El Sinaloense Mexican RestaurantCasual dining with personalized customer service from trained staff.
- Espetus Churrascaria Brazilian BBQBay Area's first Brazilian Steakhouse with fourteen flame-grilled cuts tableside.
- Fernando's Méxican RestaurantFamily-owned since 1985, known as home of the famous margarita.
- FieldworkRotating selection of over 20 fresh beers on tap.
- Fire WingsOver 20 wing flavors plus popular garlic noodles and beer
- Fish With YouFish With You is a restaurant.
- Fletch's TaqueriaFletch's Taqueria is a restaurant.
- Flores San MateoFamily recipes from Gulf to Pacific honoring Mexican tradition.
- FogbirdNamed Best Bar two years running with creative cocktails.
- Foreigner CafeDowntown San Mateo's voted best brunch spot since 2019, serving scratch-made breakfast, signature lattes, and globally inspired cafe fare daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. Stories are shared over craft coffee where culture meets community.
- Fuji SukiyakiFuji Sukiyaki is a restaurant.
- Furagu SushiNo delivery fee on your first order with live tracking.
- Gao Viet KitchenHome of the Phozilla with 24-hour simmered marrow broth.
- Golden 9th Deli & MarketFamily run neighborhood deli and market since 1991.
- Golden Bell DonutsA San Mateo neighborhood institution open daily at 4:30 AM, serving freshly made donuts, donut holes, apple fritters, cream puffs, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Golden Boy PizzaServing Sanfrancilian style focaccia-dough pizza by slice or sheet since 1978.
- Guadalajara GrillTasty food delivered to your office with corporate accounts available.
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQGrill premium meats over flaming charcoal at your own table.
- Happy Lamb Hot PotRenowned for six hour bone broth and no dipping sauce approach.
- Harry's Shoreview DeliHarry's Shoreview Deli is a restaurant.
- Heidi's Pies RestaurantBay Area's best pies made from scratch using fresh fruit.
- HimawariOffers gluten-free noodles and multiple ramen broth options including shoyu.
- HiroNori Craft RamenOriginal ramen noodles fresh-cut every morning with 24-hour simmered broth.
- Hot Wok BistroNeighborhood spot with a cozy and warm atmosphere offering Chinese food at a good price.
- Hotaru RestaurantAuthentic Japanese sushi and home-style Japanese food in San Mateo.
- Hummus Mediterranean KitchenFresh food made in-house with naturally-raised meats slow-roasted rotisserie style.
- Ike's PlaceSan Mateo outpost of the beloved Bay Area sandwich chain founded in 2007, known for gourmet Dutch crunch sandwiches, the famous Dirty Sauce, and extensive vegan and halal options.
- Izakaya Fusion Grill KeitanBinchotan-grilled yakitori with daily happy hour and karaoke room experience.
- Izakaya GinjiModern and globally inspired dishes with comfort in homestyle cooking.
- Izakaya MaiIzakaya Mai is a restaurant.
- Jack's Restaurant & BarExtensive menu reflecting Greek-American heritage with genuine old-school hospitality.
- Jeffrey's HamburgersHandmade burgers ground fresh daily from Certified Angus Beef.
- Jersey Mike's SubsHigh quality meats and cheese sliced fresh with store baked bread.
- Johnny’sThey bake every pie and give lifesavers to well behaved young diners.
- Joy SushiCelebrating 20 years serving good food and treating everyone like family.
- Kaizen & CoffeeVery popular coffee spot sourcing coffee from around the world and rotating their selections to bring high quality, crafted coffee experiences.
- KajikenFresh homemade noodles with secret sauces and customizable toppings.
- Kaz Teriyaki GrillVery affordable, window service Japanese cuisine. Grab and go: Bento Box, Curry, Bowls, Noodles. Known for great service and friendly staff.
- Kazu Sushi and SandoFamily-owned business serving omakase boxes and milk bread sandos.
- Kodawari Japanese CuisineSushi bar and yakitori with private tatami room dining.
- KokkoKokko is a restaurant.
- La Casa de Los HuevosAuthentic Sinaloa breakfast and dinner with café de olla daily.
- La Fonda de San MateoExperience happiness through their signature warm tortillas and authentic Mexican cuisine.
- La Lanterna RistoranteFamily-run restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes with nightly specials.
- La PiñataFresh Salvadorian and Latin American family recipes made with love.
- La Ronda Restaurant Peruvian CuisineThey serve fresh vegetables, seafood, and meats at reasonable prices.
- Lajawab Indian CuisineChef-owned North Indian and Himalayan restaurant in San Mateo, known for tandoor-charred kebabs, slow-simmered curries, hand-folded momos, and fresh clay oven breads.
- Las Palomas TaqueriaLas Palomas Taqueria is a restaurant.
- Lazy Dog Restaurant & BarHandcrafted American food with happy hour drinks starting at three dollars.
- Leo's Tacos Truck (Food Truck)LA-born al pastor taco truck with a permanent San Mateo spot on El Camino Real. Known for tender spit-roasted pork, housemade salsas, and some of the best tacos on the Peninsula.
- Li's Knife Cut NoodleHandmade noodles cut with rhythmic precision bring comforting home flavors.
- Little Late BirdFresh sandwiches, boba, coffee and Korean-inspired brunch dishes.
- Liuyishou HotpotAuthentic hot pot with 1,200+ global locations and fashionable quality.
- Lobster ChefLouisiana Cajun seafood boil with refreshing real fruit smoothies.
- Los Carnalitos (Food Truck)Beloved South San Mateo taco truck serving authentic Mexican street food six days a week. A neighborhood staple for tacos, burritos, and quesabirria at everyday prices.
- Lotus and LimeThai and Vietnamese-inspired purple rice bowls with Wagyu beef.
- LUCETI'S on 25thItalian cuisine created by world-class chef and awarded San Franciscan Roger Bertola.
- M sandwiches CafeAuthentic French-Vietnamese bánh mì with house-made pâté and grilled meats.
- MalaTown ExpressAuthentic malatang with customizable bowls at only $9.99 per pound.
- Maria's RestaurantFamily run Salvadoran and Mexican counter spot on Cary Avenue with handmade pupusas, tamales de pollo, yuca frita con chicharrón, caldo de res, tacos, burritos, and eggs with loroco at breakfast. Horchata and atol de elote round out the drinks.
- Mariscos El AjoyanoThey serve authentic ceviche and fresh Sinaloa style seafood dishes.
- Mateo Pizza RestaurantOne of San Mateo's high rated pizza. Mateo pizza combines New York-style crust with Turkish flavors and fresh ingredients to offer a unique experience unlike any other.
- Maverick Jack'sThey use the best ingredients in a lively atmosphere.
- MB's PlaceMobile food trailer serving award-winning BBQ and soul food.
- McGovern's BarIrish pub atmosphere with influences from all over the world.
- Mendocino FarmsFresh ingredients and fearless flavor combinations create unexpected culinary adventures.
- Mikiya Wagyu Shabu HousePremium Wagyu sourced from their own Masami Ranch with umami-rich broth.
- Miss Shang-San MateoAuthentic Guizhou-style dishes and signature sour soup rice noodles shine.
- MIXTSF-born salad institution celebrating its 20th anniversary with its first Peninsula location. Fresh chef-crafted salads and grain bowls made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
- Moonbowls (Healthy Korean Bowls)High quality, gluten-free ingredients with numerous plant-based options available.
- Mortar & Pestle BarHandcrafted cocktails with Indian spices like garam masala and in-house syrups.
- Mountain Mike's PizzaHome of legendary crispy curly pepperoni with fresh daily dough.
- Mr Pizza Man San MateoUses domestic whole milk for sauce and hand-kneaded dough daily.
- MY DumplingHand-crafted dumplings and traditional favorites like Kung Pao Chicken.
- Myung Dong Tofu CabinServing home-style Korean food since December 2007 with authentic dishes.
- Neal's Coffee ShopA classic old-fashioned diner in San Mateo serving scratch-made breakfasts and lunches with nothing frozen, open seven days a week. Nothing frozen, all pasta and chowder made from scratch.
- New Thai ElephantExperienced chefs prepare authentic Thai dishes cooked to perfection.
- New Wing Fat Chinese RestaurantNew Wing Fat Chinese Restaurant is a restaurant.
- New York PizzaFresh ingredients and New York-style pizza for over 31 years.
- Nick The GreekFresh Greek street food with classic gyros and flavorful meals.
- No.5 HouseAuthentic Chinese flavors with a modern twist for memorable dining.
- Noah's BagelsNew York-style bagels baked fresh daily, paired with signature cream cheese spreads, egg sandwiches, deli favorites, and coffee.
- Noma SushiFeatures creative sushi chefs who craft amazing custom dishes.
- North Beach PizzaHand-tossed thin crust and deep dish Chicago-style pizzas with house-made sauces.
- O2 ValleyTaiwanese fusion cuisine featuring bentos, grilled appetizers, and boba drinks.
- Oceanic RestaurantOceanic Restaurant is a restaurant.
- OLHSO Korean BBQ HouseDine immersed in ambient projection mapping inspired by Korea's spirit.
- Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled NoodlesOx 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles is a restaurant.
- Pacific CatchSustainable seafood with Pacific Rim flavors and Aloha-inspired hospitality.
- Palette Tea Garden & Dim SumModern dim sum featuring unique Iberico Cha Siu and Peking Duck.
- PalmitaEntire menu is gluten and dairy free with made-from-scratch sauces.
- Panther Brazilian AçaiCustomizable açai bowls made with 100% organic ingredients and vegan options.
- Pantry Family RestaurantPantry Family Restaurant is a restaurant.
- Pausa Bar & CookeryChef Andrea Giuliani creates authentic Italian cuisine from Northern California bounty.
- Peking AlleyFresh handmade noodles and dumplings served daily with authentic Beijing cuisine.
- Peninsula Italian American Social ClubFeatures authentic Italian restaurant and beautiful bocce court on-site.
- Pho ElementBroth cooked overnight brings out intense flavor you'll taste.
- PinstripesFrom-scratch Italian-American cuisine served with bowling and bocce entertainment.
- Pizza My Heart (San Mateo)Award-winning pizzas loaded with locally grown California farm ingredients.
- PJ's Pizza Co.They never use seed oils and only use extra virgin oil
- Poke House - San MateoHouse-made bowls blend modern creativity with classic Hawaiian flavors daily.
- PorterhouseOnly Peninsula steakhouse dry-aging beef in-house with visible meat locker.
- Prime BBQFirst Bay Area restaurant offering both Yakitori Izakaya and Chinese Skewer.
- Pupuseria El Salvador ( el rinconcito catracho)We offer fresh food including pupusas, ceviches, and authentic dishes.
- Pupusería La CasitaAuthentic Salvadoran restaurant specializing in handcrafted pupusas and traditional cuisine
- Pupuseria Valle de JiboaPupuseria Valle de Jiboa is a restaurant.
- Rainbow PizzaA San Mateo institution since 1983, Rainbow Pizza is a family-owned Greek and Italian restaurant serving hand-tossed pizzas, gyros, pasta, seafood, and generous portions in a lively Greek-themed setting.
- Ramen DojoWeekly rotation of slow-cooked dishes reflecting best seasonal ingredients.
- Ramen ParlorFeatures distinctive lobster garlic pork and crab specialty ramen bowls.
- Ravioli HouseHistorical San Mateo institution since 1940's. Ravioli made with a restored vintage machine from the 1930s paired with legendary handcrafted sandwiches.
- ReposadoHigher end, extremely well presented Mexican inspired cuisine. Excellent tequila selection.
- Rin-TeiThai and Japanese fusion with authentic flavors by Chef Tam.
- Rincon Del Cielo Taqueria (Food Truck)Weekday lunch taco truck on Delaware Street with quick fresh-made tacos and burritos. A reliable neighborhood spot for a fast affordable lunch Tuesday through Friday.
- Rise Woodfire Pizza & RotisserieRotisserie chicken and prime rib slow roasted over wood-burning spitfire.
- Romolo's CannoliA three-generation Sicilian family bakery in San Mateo since 1968, hand-crafting cannoli filled to order with fresh ricotta, plus gelato, tiramisu, spumoni, and traditional Italian pastries.
- S El Camino TaqueriaThey offer fresh ingredients in super tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Saigon City RestaurantSaigon City Restaurant is a restaurant.
- SAJJ MediterraneanFresh, locally-sourced Mediterranean food with bold flavors and unlimited customization.
- Sal's BurgersVoted as one of the best burgers in San Mateo, offering thoughtfully crafted halal burgers with quality. Sal himself recommends the Patty Melt.
- Sama Coffee ShopSama Coffee offers traditional plus Turkish coffee as well as mediterranean pastries
- SAMIKCHA MOMO Indian-Nepali CuisineChef blends authentic Szechuan with Himalayan spices and Nepalese momos.
- San Mateo PrimeDry aged prime rib slowly roasted to perfection since 2007.
- Santa RamenServing authentic Yokohama-style ramen with rich broth since 1994.
- Sapore ExpressHand-made pasta made fresh daily with highly-rated sauces downtown.
- Sapporo Rock & Roll SushiVIP dining area and ocean fresh sushi served daily.
- Seapot Hot Pot & Korean BBQFresh ingredients delivered by unique conveyor belt for interactive dining.
- Seniore's PizzaCommunity mainstay for 13 years serving pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
- Shah RestaurantAuthentic halal Pakistani cuisine with fresh tandoor-baked naan and biryani.
- Shang DumplingFreshly made dumplings with authentic classic Shanghai flavors.
- Sibby's CupcakerySibby's Cupcakery is a restaurant.
- Silver HouseSilver House is a restaurant.
- Silver Lake Seafood RestaurantSilver Lake Seafood Restaurant is a restaurant.
- Simple DelightsA Laurelwood Shopping Center staple in San Mateo serving Double Rainbow ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, sundaes, and custom cakes made by an in-house pastry chef.
- SimplyCakeAsian inspired bakery in downtown San Mateo handcrafting light, airy cakes, artisan breads, and pastries using traditional techniques and authentic ingredients.
- Sky CoffeeSmall mobile coffee car making Verve coffee lattes, cappuccino, espresso shots, matcha and more. Find them in the Trader Joes parking lot.
- Sole Ristorante ItalianoThey treat diners like family with homemade pastas and desserts.
- Sourdough & CoFreshly baked warm sourdough bread served with quality deli sandwiches.
- Suavecito Birria & TacosA collaboration between local chefs serving tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Specialize in Birria and fresh agua fresca.
- Sushi EdomataFresh high-quality fish imported from Japan with traditional sushi dishes.
- Sushi MaruyamaHighest grade seasonal fish from Tsukiji with traditional red vinegar.
- Sushi YoshizumiSan Mateo's acclaimed Michelin recommended omakase counter devoted to traditional Edomae sushi — fish, rice, and wasabi only, sourced directly from Japan, with rare imported sake.
- Sushilito BoySushilito Boy is a restaurant.
- Swaad sutra Indian restaurantAuthentic dishes crafted using traditional recipes and finest spices.
- SweetgreenFresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms for sustainable meals.
- Tabla Indian RestaurantFresh locally sourced ingredients create authentic Indian dishes with vibrant flavors.
- Tacos Al Vapor Nueva ItaliaAuthentic Mexican food from Michoacan with freshly handmade tortillas.
- TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINEExperience house-fermented sauerkraut fish from this global Sichuan sensation.
- Taishoken RamenTsukemen invented here is dipped in broth cooked two days.
- Taki Nori Hand Roll BarTaki Nori Hand Roll Bar is a restaurant.
- Tang Bar San MateoBuild your own Malatang with slowly perfected broth and fresh ingredients.
- Tannourine RestaurantAuthentic Lebanese cuisine focusing on herbs and fresh seasonal ingredients.
- Taqueria Las Pencas #2Great authentic taqueria nestled surrounded by culture and latin restaurants. Can't beat the prices and quality of food served by family style staff.
- Taquería Los MorenoClassic Mexican comfort dishes in a compact, colorful interior.
- Taqueria Los PrimosFamily-owned serving high quality authentic Mexican food for 26 years. Warm, friendly service.
- Taqueria Pancho VillaAward-winning salsa bar honored year after year at California State Fair.
- Taste and GloryAsian fusion brunch blending classic Western dishes with Thai flavors.
- Taste of ShaxianFamous Wonton Soup made with the freshest ingredients available.
- The BackhouseChef Ju-i experiments with dry-aging and nontraditional garnishes on sushi.
- The Barrel Bistro and Wine BarHundreds of wines paired with selective cheeses, charcuterie, and seafood.
- The Swingin' DoorAward-winning fish and chips plus karaoke four nights weekly.
- Thonglor Thai BistroTraditional Thai dishes with modern twist served with warmth and hospitality.
- TinyB Chocolate ShopTinyB Chocolate handcrafts authentic Brazilian brigadeiros in small batches using premium ingredients, creating rich, gluten-free chocolate treats inspired by tradition and made in San Mateo.
- Tokie's DowntownOver 40 years serving Japanese comfort food in family atmosphere.
- Tong SuiOrganic coconut pudding made with fresh coconut water and seasonal ingredients.
- Totoro RamenRich pork bone broth slow-cooked for over 18 hours daily.
- Town of dumplingKnown for its varieties of dumplings and traditional Chinese dishes.
- Truffle Poké BarFinest locally sourced ingredients with unique truffle fusion poke experience.
- Udon MugizoThick-cut homemade udon with kombu kelp stock and premium fish flakes.
- Urban MomoFamily run restaurant serving momo dumplings, chow mein, and curry.
- WakuriyaSan Mateo's Michelin-starred kaiseki counter run by chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki, offering a monthly changing multi-course menu rooted in Japanese tradition and California ingredients.
- WhisperChef Nick Yoon crafts fusion flavors with precision and originality.
- WunderbarUnderground speakeasy featuring classic cocktails and creative riffs on them.
- Yumi YogurtA San Mateo institution since 1985 serving daily-rotating soft serve frozen yogurt and ice cream with generous portions, creative flavors, and a full toppings bar.
- YuzuFresh fish from Japan and large selection of premium sake.
- Zen Noodle BarFamily-owned restaurant serving authentic Shanghai dim sum and noodles.
Best by cuisine in San Mateo
- The Best American Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Bars in San Mateo
- The Best BBQ Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Breakfast Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Breweries in San Mateo
- The Best Burgers Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Cafés & Bakeries in San Mateo
- The Best Chinese Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Dessert Spots in San Mateo
- The Best Fusion Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Indian Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Italian Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Japanese Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Korean Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Mediterranean Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Mexican Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Peruvian Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Pizza Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Seafood Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Steakhouses in San Mateo
- The Best Thai Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Mateo
- The Best Wine Bars in San Mateo
About San Mateo
San Mateo sits at the heart of the Peninsula, and its dining scene matches that central role. The downtown around B Street and 3rd and 4th Avenues is one of the busiest restaurant districts between San Francisco and San Jose, packed with sushi bars, taquerias, ramen counters, cafes, and full-service dining rooms within a few walkable blocks. It is the kind of place where you can circle the neighborhood twice and still find somewhere new.
The city's mix reflects the Peninsula as a whole. San Mateo has a deep and well-regarded Japanese scene, strong Mexican and Latin American options, Italian and Mediterranean rooms, and a steady supply of breakfast and brunch spots that fill up on weekends. Central Park and the Hillsdale area add more choices, from quick lunches to celebration dinners.
Because San Mateo draws diners from up and down the Peninsula, standards run high and the range is wide, from counter-service spots built for a fast midday meal to date-night restaurants worth a reservation. Parking can take a lap or two downtown on a busy evening, but the payoff is one of the region's most concentrated and varied places to eat.
Whether you are after a bowl of ramen, a plate of tacos, a long Italian dinner, or a weekend brunch, San Mateo is a reliable first stop. Browse the full list below to see every San Mateo restaurant in the Outside Eats guide, each with photos, hours, cuisine, and directions, and use it to plan a meal or simply discover a neighborhood favorite you have not tried yet.
