25 Essential San Mateo Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of San Mateo.
All Spice
California
Inventive Indian fusion cuisine served in a charming converted house with vivid teal walls.
Anatolian Cafe & Market
California
an everyday essential table known for disciplined breakfast restaurant cooking, strong local gravity, and Beam Score momentum at 84.0.
Wakuriya
California
Compact, upscale Japanese eatery serving multicourse kaiseki menus at fixed seating times.
Heidi's Pies Restaurant
San Mateo, California
Comfortable 24-hour diner serving American fare including all-day breakfast & popular pies.
Ike's Place
San Mateo, California
Casual, bustling chain serving a menu of creative sandwiches, including vegan options.
Sole Ristorante Italiano
San Mateo, California
Compact eatery making Sicilian-style pizza by the slice, handmade pasta, sandwiches & salads.
Cobani Gyro & Kebab
San Mateo, California
Relaxed counter-serve venue for Turkish & Mediterranean eats, including kebabs, falafel & salads.
PJ's Pizza Co.
San Mateo, California
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights.
Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
San Mateo, California
Casual local chain with brick-oven, NYC-style pizzas & pastas, plus gluten-free options.
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | San Mateo
San Mateo, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Sushi Edomata
San Mateo, California
Minimalist spot specializing in an omakase (chef's choice) sushi option served at the bustling bar.
Sal's Burgers
San Mateo, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
The Noodle Shop
San Mateo, California
Chinese noodle specialist offering soups & stir-fries in a snug, cheery setting.
Chai Yo Thai Cuisine
San Mateo, California
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
El Sinaloense Mexican Restaurant
San Mateo, California
Lively, laid-back locale offering Mexican standards plus a focus on seafood dishes.
Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie
San Mateo, California
Light-filled, industrial-style eatery with a patio offering wood-fired pizzas & rotisserie chicken.
El Palenque Taqueria
San Mateo, California
Straightforward, chill spot selling counter-serve nachos, tacos & other quick Mexican standards.
Prime BBQ
San Mateo, California
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
M sandwiches Cafe San Mateo
San Mateo, California
Identifies as veteran-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout.
Toa Yuen Restaurant
San Mateo, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
La Fonda de San Mateo
San Mateo, California
Mexican eatery featuring rustic decor & classic burritos, enchiladas & tostadas, plus a full bar.
Tannourine Restaurant
San Mateo, California
Kebabs, falafel & other classic dishes served in a refined setting with dark-wood accents.
Colander Kitchens
San Mateo, California
Identifies as Asian-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch.
Hot Wok Bistro
San Mateo, California
Trendy go-to eatery with contemporary styling offering a focused menu of traditional Chinese fare.
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫
San Mateo, California
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.