Discover the Best San Mateo Restaurants
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, San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (650) 375-0818
Slow down and savor authentic Italian cuisine at Pausa. Named after the Italian word for “pause,” this downtown San Mateo restaurant uses Northern California ingredients to create memorable dishes that pair perfectly with their all-Italian wine list, craft cocktails and spritzes. It’s open daily for dinner and offers both indoor and outdoor dining.
Pacific Catch
243 B Street San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (650) 389-2482
For the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood, you’re going to want to head to Pacific Catch. This West Coast Fish House is dedicated to ocean sustainability and sources their seafood from Environmentally Responsible Sources. Their menu has everything from lobster rolls to sushi to poke and ceviche and more.
Sibby’s Cupcakery
716 S. Railroad Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (415) 613-4373
Looking for a sweet treat? Stop by Sibby’s Cupcakery in downtown San Mateo for custom cupcakes made from scratch and baked fresh daily.
Learn about downtown San Mateo
Top Spots for Chinese Food and Asian Restaurants in San Mateo
San Mateo is home to a great selection of Chinese food and Asian cuisine. Whether you’re craving dim sum at San Mateo Chinese restaurants, fresh sushi from a Japanese restaurant or pho from one of the area’s Vietnamese restaurants, you’ll have plenty of delicious options. San Mateo’s Asian restaurants are a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage and have everything from Thai to Korean to Indian and more.
Sushi Yoshizumi
325 E 4th Ave San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (650) 437-2282
Sushi Yoshizumi offers an authentic Edomae sushi experience. Their expertly crafted sushi is made from high-quality fish sourced directly from Japan and pairs perfectly with their very rare sake. Reservations are hard to come by, but are well worth it for this exceptional dining experience.
Hot Wok Bistro
1012 Howard Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (650) 548-1758
Hot Wok Bistro is a local favorite when it comes to traditional Chinese food in San Mateo. Enjoy everything from authentic pot stickers to chow mein to sweet & sour pork and more.
See all Asian Restaurants in San Mateo
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Mateo
Bringing your pup with you on your San Francisco Peninsula getaway? There are many dog-friendly restaurants in San Mateo that welcome pets on their outdoor patios. Some restaurants will even provide water bowls and treats for your four-legged companions. When dining with your dog, it’s important to adhere to local rules and regulations. Please keep your pet on a leash and check with the restaurant before you go for additional pet policies.
Looking for more San Mateo outdoor restaurants? Check out our article on 8 Must-Try Restaurants For Outdoor Dining In San Mateo County.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
2208 Bridgepointe Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94404 | Phone: (650) 514-6772
This casual dining restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and pet-friendly outdoor patio. Bring your dog and enjoy American classics like their bowls, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, handcrafted cocktails and craft beers.
The Swingin’ Door
106 E. 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 | Phone: (650) 522-9800
The Swingin’ Door is a favorite in San Mateo for pet-friendly dining. Originally built in the 1940s, this British pub was restored to its original name when it was bought by Warren Chapman in 2006. Come enjoy award-winning fish and chips, burgers and a great selection of beers on tap as you take in the lively entertainment.
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Fine Dining in San Mateo
Whether you’re looking for a nice restaurant in San Mateo to celebrate a special anniversary, host a business dinner or are simply looking to indulge in fine dining, you’ll find there are plenty of options to choose from. San Mateo is home to some of the best restaurants on The San Francisco Peninsula, including MICHELIN-star-rated establishments that offer signature dishes made with high-quality, local ingredients. Whatever the occasion, San Mateo’s fine dining scene is sure to offer you an unforgettable dining experience.
Porterhouse
164 S. B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401 | Phone: (650) 579-5911
Dine at Porterhouse for the finest dry-aged and grass-fed Midwest steaks. This family-owned steakhouse offers everything from premium steaks and chops to fresh seafood to seasonal produce. Their French-inspired menu is rooted in the philosophy that “house-made is the only way.”
1602 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402 | Phone: (650) 627-4303
Try All Spice for a modern twist on California cuisine. This MICHELIN-recommended restaurant is known for its creative fusion of Indian, Asian, European and contemporary American flavors that are expertly prepared by All Spice’s talented chef and owner, Sachin Chopra. Make a reservation to dine in the charming cottage in San Mateo.
MICHELIN-Recognized Restaurants
Explore More Dining Options Beyond San Mateo
From bayside to coastside, there are endless dining options to explore on The San Francisco Peninsula. Sip wine from California-grown grapes at the area’s wineries & wine bars. Raise a glass as you discover the area’s best craft breweries and distilleries. Grab your friends and savor brunch specials, bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys at the peninsula’s best brunch restaurants. Plus, be sure to check out our many year-round farmers’ markets for locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood and so much more. It’s all waiting for you on The San Francisco Peninsula.
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Common 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 in San Mateo for families with children?
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.
What are the best lunch spots in San Mateo?
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.
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?
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.
Plan Your Culinary Adventure in San Mateo
Come experience San Mateo’s vibrant culinary scene for yourself with a trip to The San Francisco Peninsula. Whether you’re here for business or are looking for a fun getaway, you’re not going to want to miss out on all of the great dining options. The city offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from for a comfortable stay during your adventure. And if you’re looking for trip-planning ideas, check out some of our tips for visiting the Central Peninsula. Ready to set off on your culinary adventure? Book your getaway now and bon appétit!