Discover the Best San Mateo Restaurants

The city’s vibrant culinary scene is just the beginning when it comes to Things to Do in San Mateo. Its charming downtown is home to great shopping at Hillsdale Shopping Center and other local boutiques. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, be sure to check out San Mateo’s science museum and zoo, CuriOdyssey. And for an outdoor adventure, head to Seal Point Park or Coyote Point Recreation Area. 

There are lots of great lunch spots in San Mateo. A few favorites include Pacific Catch San Mateo, Central Park Bistro, Jack’s Restaurant & Bar San Mateo, Pausa and Celia’s Mexican Restaurant.

If you’re looking for a place where your kids can eat and play, check out Gama Ride. They have interactive arcade games, immersive 3D motion simulators and bumper cars, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie is also a favorite for family dining. Located inside a historic train station in downtown San Mateo, kids love watching the trains go by as they enjoy wood-fired pizzas and more. Plus, Pinstripes in San Mateo offers made-from-scratch Italian-American cuisine along with bowling and bocce.

Yes. There’s plenty of on-street parking and parking garages in downtown San Mateo. Parking is free after 6 p.m., on Sundays and on city-designated holidays. There are nine city-owned parking garages in downtown, as well as additional private parking garages, many of which are just steps away from the area’s most popular restaurants.

When it comes to restaurants, San Mateo is full of culinary hidden gems. Slow down and savor some of the city’s freshest and most authentic Italian fare at Pausa Bar & Cookery. Enjoy high-quality, sustainable seafood at Pacific Catch San Mateo. And for a delightful modern twist on California cuisine, dine at All Spice. Be sure to check out our full list of San Mateo Restaurants. 

Staying in a San Mateo hotel puts you close to all of the city’s must-visit attractions. From wandering through the beautiful Central Park’s Japanese Garden to exploring miles of open space and trails at Coyote Point Recreation Area to going shopping at the Hillsdale Shopping Center, there are endless things to do and see. Check out our full list of Things to Do in San Mateo to help plan your trip. 

The City of San Mateo offers several great hiking options including the Sawyer Camp Trail, a paved 6-mile path perfect for walking and biking along Crystal Springs Reservoir, and trails at Coyote Point Recreation Area with bay views and easy waterfront paths. For a more natural experience, visitors can explore the trails at Laurelwood Park and Beresford Park, which offer pleasant walks through local green spaces.

San Mateo County offers diverse attractions including the scenic coastal towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, Filoli Historic House & Garden, Coyote Point Recreation Area, and easy access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Nature lovers can explore numerous hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoy beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches.