San Mateo has quietly become one of the Bay Area’s best dining hubs outside San Francisco, thanks to its dense downtown and diverse population.
Alongside established ramen shops and dim sum spots, newer restaurants are bringing refined technique, global flavors, and polished spaces.
These five places highlight what makes San Mateo such a fun city to eat in right now.
1. Pausa Bar & Cookery
Pausa feels like a modern Italian taverna filtered through a Bay Area lens—sleek but warm, with high ceilings, a prominent bar, and an open kitchen.
It’s equally suited to happy hour at the bar or a long, celebratory dinner.
The menu focuses on house‑made charcuterie, wood‑fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and mains that highlight high‑quality meats and seafood.
You might find silky burrata, seasonal vegetable antipasti, slow‑braised meats, and thin‑crust pizzas with inventive yet balanced toppings.
The bar program is strong, with Italian‑influenced cocktails, amari, and a wine list that delves deep into both Italy and California.
2. Sushi Yoshizumi
Sushi Yoshizumi offers an intimate, omakase‑focused experience that has drawn attention far beyond San Mateo.
The minimalist space centers on a small sushi counter, where the chef serves a carefully paced progression of nigiri and small dishes.
Fish quality and rice technique are the focus. Expect pristine cuts, precise seasoning, and a menu that changes with the market.
The experience is deliberately slow and ceremonial, designed for those who love sushi at its purest and most refined.
Reservations are typically essential, and the atmosphere is calm, focused, and quietly luxurious.
3. Ramen Dojo
Ramen Dojo has become a favorite for those seeking bold, richly flavored ramen in a casual, compact space.
The dining room is small and bustling, with a quick turnover and a constant slurp of noodles in the background.
The shop is known for its spicy, garlicky broths and customizable levels of heat.
Noodles are firm, toppings are generous, and bowls often feature roasted garlic chips, tender slices of pork, and vibrant condiments. Side dishes like gyoza and small salads round out the meal.
It’s a satisfying, no‑nonsense stop for ramen lovers who enjoy big flavor.
4. Little Shanghai Restaurant
Little Shanghai delivers comforting Shanghainese and broader Chinese dishes in a straightforward, family‑style setting.
While not flashy, it’s won a loyal following for its soup dumplings, noodles, and stir‑fried specialties.
Xiao long bao, pan‑fried buns, and scallion pancakes are popular starters, followed by classics like braised pork belly, spicy green beans, and various noodle or rice dishes.
Portions are sized for sharing, making it great for groups.
The atmosphere is relaxed and family‑friendly—more about the food on the table than the design of the room.
5. Ceviche & Co.
Ceviche & Co. brings bright, coastal Peruvian flavors to San Mateo in a casual, modern setting. The space is light and inviting, with a laid‑back vibe that works well for lunch or relaxed dinners.
True to its name, ceviche is the star: citrus‑marinated fish with onions, chilies, herbs, and sweet potato or corn accents.
Beyond ceviche, you’ll find dishes like lomo saltado, arroz con mariscos, and other Peruvian favorites that balance acidity, spice, and comfort.
Refreshing cocktails—often featuring pisco, tropical fruits, and herbs—make this a particularly fun spot to unwind.
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