Discover the Best San Mateo Restaurants

Looking for the best places to eat in San Mateo while you’re visiting The San Francisco Peninsula? San Mateo has a vibrant culinary scene filled with a diverse array of approachable, locally-loved restaurants as well as MICHELIN-recognized restaurants that can make any special occasion a truly memorable experience. Come enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many downtown San Mateo restaurants, try an authentic nine-course Asian meal at Wakuriya or savor a modern twist on California cuisine at All Spice. There are also many dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios for visitors who are traveling with furry friends. No matter what type of cuisine you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here. Take a look at some of our favorite restaurants in San Mateo.

Savor the Flavors of Downtown San Mateo Restaurants

It’s kind of wild how you’ll find over 100 restaurants in downtown San Mateo. Here, you can savor everything from Asian cuisine to Indian food to authentic Italian dishes, top-tier steakhouses, freshly caught seafood and more. The city of San Mateo has plenty of indoor and outdoor dining options, many of which are within walking distance to downtown attractions and hotels. Worried about parking downtown? San Mateo offers many accessible parking options, including city-owned and private parking garages, to make getting around town a breeze. And parking is free on Sundays.

Check out these popular downtown San Mateo restaurants.

Pausa Bar & Cookery

223 E. 4th Avenue

Pausa, Italian for “pause,” offers fresh and authentic Italian fare made from scratch with the bounty of Northern California ingredients, paired with an all-Italian wine list, craft cocktails and spritzes. Chef /co-owner Andrea Giuliani and co-owner Steve Ugur’s restaurant is a place where guests can take a short recess from their…

Flores San Mateo

4 Hillsdale Mall

Flores serves up traditional Mexican recipes and creative cocktails in a relaxed and vibrant setting. Experience the flavors of traditional Mexican dishes sourced from family recipes across Mexico, sip on handcrafted margaritas and creative cocktails, and sample one of our more than 50 small-batch tequilas and mezcals. Flores is open…

Porterhouse

164 S. B Street

Porterhouse introduced the art of dry aging in 2013 and the restaurant's meat locker is visibly located upon entry. Porterhouse features an inclusive menu with dry-aged and grass-fed Midwest beef, fresh seafood, vegetarian options, and seasonal produce and ingredients, all laced with the philosophy that house-made is the only way…

Top Spots for Chinese Food and Asian Restaurants in San Mateo

Sushi Yoshizumi

Wakuriya

Kajiken

Fine Dining in San Mateo

All Spice

Porterhouse

Wakuriya

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Mateo

The Swingin' Door

Pinstripes - San Mateo

Fieldwork Brewing Co.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo Restaurants

Is there parking in Downtown San Mateo?

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.

What are the best restaurants for large groups in San Mateo?

Many restaurants in San Mateo can accommodate large groups for special events and private parties. All Spice offers private dining spaces and you can even rent out the whole cottage for a larger event. Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria can accommodate large parties, as can Pausa Bar & Cookery and Pacific Catch. Porterhouse also has several private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 45 people for a sit-down dinner.

What are some things to do in the area?

San Mateo's 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.

Things to Do in San Mateo

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Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport