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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Mateo's best

Authentic spots

A meal that delivers an authentic experience rather than a watered-down version of the original.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 1
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 2
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Small market and café blend authentic Turkish products with a cozy atmosphere and neighborhood charm. Shelves hold rare Mediterranean goods while fresh pastries and traditional breakfast create a relaxed vibe. Food tastes fresh and balanced, offering a true Turkish breakfast experience.

Shelves hold a great selection of authentic Turkish products rarely found elsewhere. Food tastes fresh, balanced, and authentic, offering a filling experience that feels like a true Turkish breakfast.

People are saying

"This market's Turkish breakfast is a delicious variety of fresh, authentic flavors."

"I thought the baklava was the freshest and most flavorful I've ever had."

"I had an authentic Turkish breakfast that made me feel right at home."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide variety of products, including spices, olives, fresh cheeses, teas, and sweets.

2

They will soon be offering breakfast and sandwiches.

3

The products are fresh, clean, and organized.

02
Mateo Pizza Restaurant image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot shines with authentic Turkish lahmacun and New York style pizza. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating creates a warm atmosphere. Simple decor and traditional hospitality make it inviting for all.

Thin, crispy lahmacun offers perfectly spiced and authentic Turkish flavors. New York style pizza and pastries also deliver genuine tastes true to their origins.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this delicious before."

"I loved the amazing Halal pizza here."

"The lahmacun here is perfectly spiced and truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers only HALAL food with no pork.

2

The restaurant remains open late for dinner.

3

It is just a few steps from downtown, making it easily accessible.

03
人间烟火小酒馆(Dynasty BBQ) image 1

Enjoy authentic Chinese BBQ with smoky beef skewers grilled over charcoal. Elegant dynasty-style decor and live traditional music create an immersive vibe. Sip on house-made fruit alcohol while relaxing in cozy booth seating.

Charcoal grilling gives the beef skewers a smoky flavor that stands out. The menu focuses on authentic Chinese BBQ and skewers with hearty comfort food vibes.

People are saying

"This is the best Chinese BBQ I've had in the Bay."

"It's got such a cozy and traditional vibe."

"I found the Chinese BBQ skewers to be very authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

They do not accept reservations, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Five of us waited around 20 minutes to get seated on a Thursday night.

3

Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.

04
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1

Enjoy bold spicy flavors with an authentic numbing Sichuan kick in a clean, modern setting. Quick service and a self-serve sauce bar make dining fun and customizable. Large bowls and affordable prices complete the cozy, welcoming experience.

Bold, spicy flavors deliver an authentic numbing Sichuan sensation. The soup base and vegetarian broth both offer authentic spicy flavor and quick service.

People are saying

"I loved building my own hot pot with fresh ingredients."

"The soup ingredients are super fresh."

"The flavors here are so authentic and spicy."

Good to know

1

The price is $9.99 per pound, but it may be higher than advertised.

2

A 20% discount is available for two people and 30% for three or more.

3

They offer a 2-pound challenge where you can eat for free if you finish.

05
Fish With You 鱼你在一起下饭酸菜鱼 image 1

Small, clean space with a cozy vibe and open kitchen creates an authentic scene. Fresh fish and spicy pickled mustard soups offer a comforting, traditional taste. Limited seating allows relaxed dining without rush.

Warm, inviting atmosphere with an open kitchen sets an authentic dining scene. The pickled fish broth offers a flavorful, comforting taste true to traditional Chinese cuisine.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"This sour soup tastes just like what I had in China."

"The pickled fish broth is flavorful and authentic, tasting like home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

06
Little Late Bird image 1

Cozy cafe boasts lake views and soft jazz, perfect for relaxing or light work. Bulgogi offers authentic Korean flavors with juicy, tender meat. Loco moco blends Korean and fusion dishes for a unique taste. Drinks stay true to flavor without excess sweetness.

Tender, juicy Bulgogi delivers authentic Korean flavors. Drinks stay true to taste without being too sweet, and the loco moco offers a super authentic experience blending Korean and fusion dishes.

People are saying

"I found the Bulgogi here to be my new go-to."

"I loved the delicious bubble tea and great milk tea."

"I loved the authentic Korean flavors and delicious food here."

Good to know

1

There is ample free parking available near the cafe.

2

The cafe is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere suitable for light work and socializing.

07
Prime BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy spot with upside-down umbrellas and subtle Japanese decor sets a refined mood. Skewers and lamb BBQ offer authentic Asian night market flavors that truly capture Chinese streetside barbecue. Heated trays keep food warm, making dining relaxed and enjoyable.

Skewers and lamb BBQ deliver authentic Asian night market flavors. Wangzhongwang sausage tastes genuine, not starchy or fake. The food captures Chinese streetside barbecue well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

"It's a great late night spot that's open really late."

"I found the skewers to be delicious and authentic Chinese barbecue."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9:30 to 11:30pm, offering buy-one-get-one-free beer.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to all bills.

3

Parking is available, but it may require a short walk.

08
Yuzu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining room offers an intimate vibe with tables close together. Enjoy authentic Japanese sushi that stays true to tradition. The notable sake selection complements fresh flavors perfectly.

Tiny spot serves authentic Japanese sushi with genuine flavors. Dishes feel like the real deal and stay true to tradition.

People are saying

"The fish here is super fresh and really good."

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and the real deal."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best sushi I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay around $150 for two people, including tips and tax.

3

Seating is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.

09
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme creates a cozy vibe. Authentic Chinese dishes like wonton soup and nanchang rice noodles bring true flavors. Kid friendly with a peaceful atmosphere and natural lighting.

Food tastes just like back in China with authentic Chinese dishes like wonton soup and nanchang rice noodles. Snacks and desserts also keep the authentic Shaxian flavors alive.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be really authentic."

"The dumplings have tender skins and juicy, well-balanced filling."

"It's a chill spot with a really nice vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking is available west of El Camino Real, making it easy to find a spot.

2

A QR code ordering system is in place for customers to place their orders.

3

The restaurant offers vegetarian options on the menu.

10
OLHSO Korean BBQ House image 1

Modern Korean BBQ shines with authentic flavors and generous banchan that get refilled often. Cozy, lively vibe features live fire grilling and K-pop music, while knowledgeable hospitality ensures a welcoming experience.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors with well-prepared dishes and generous banchan side dishes that get refilled often. Service includes knowledgeable hospitality from the Korean American general manager.

People are saying

"The staff cooked the Korean Bbq right in front of us!"

"The service here is phenomenal, with constant refills."

"I found the Korean BBQ here to be authentic and quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to secure a table.

2

The restaurant requires ordering a set menu to get galbi.

3

Parking is available in a nearby garage with ample space.

11
李面请 大碗刀削面 Li's Knife Cut Noodle image 1

Small, brightly lit spot offers authentic beef noodle soup with chewy handmade noodles and free noodle refills. Tight seating and quick fills create a lively, genuine vibe. Expect waits over 30 minutes during busy hours.

Beef noodle soup features handmade noodles with a chewy texture and authentic flavors. Chili oil and pancakes carry traditional Chinese tastes that highlight the genuine noodle shop vibe.

People are saying

"The broth is rich, well-simmered, and flavorful."

"You have to try the freshly wrapped dumplings; they're phenomenal."

"The noodles here are handmade and taste so authentic."

Good to know

1

Wait times can exceed 30 minutes during peak hours, especially around 6pm.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, but there is plenty of free street parking available.

3

The restaurant offers free noodle refills, which is a great perk.

12
Rin-Tei image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion spot blends authentic flavors from Japan and Vietnam with a cozy atmosphere featuring minimalist wooden decor. Intimate seating offers a calming dining experience that feels like a mix of Tokyo and Southeast Asia. Food stays true to its roots with high quality ingredients.

Japanese and Vietnamese fusion dishes deliver authentic flavors with high quality ingredients. The food tastes genuinely traditional and true to its roots.

People are saying

"The soy milk pho at this Lunch Spot is uniquely flavorful and creamy."

"The modern Japanese-Thai fusion dishes are a carefully calibrated composition."

"I found the Japanese fusion food to be authentic and of high quality."

Good to know

1

You order at the front and pay first at Rin-Tei.

2

A parking garage is close by, making it easy to get to Rin-Tei.

3

Metered street parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

13
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with in-house dumpling making offers a chill vibe like a Taipei street market. Menu features authentic beef noodle soup and Northern Chinese flavors. Seating is limited, and ordering is easy via QR code at the table.

The menu offers authentic Taiwanese and Chinese flavors with dishes like Taiwanese beef noodle soup made with care. Every item delivers a genuine taste packed with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

"The Taiwanese beef noodle soup here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the Taiwanese food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking may be hard to find during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant is very small with limited seating.

3

They had to turn away customers because there was no seating.

14
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright, clean space offers a welcoming vibe with authentic Yunnan-style rice noodle soup that locals love. Self-seating and QR code ordering keep things simple. Despite the name, meals come at a moderate pace, letting you savor every bite.

Food shows authentic flavors with the Yunnan Style Rice Noodle soup standing out. Dishes maintain a genuine taste throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The pork bone soup here is amazing and so tasty."

"The seafood broth stays boiling hot for a long time."

"I found the food to be authentic."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is cheaper than the regular menu and includes a side.

2

Expect to seat yourself and order through the QR code on your table.

3

The total wait time can be about an hour during busy hours.

15
Little Shanghai Restaurant image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small space with a low ceiling creates a crowded atmosphere during busy times. Authentic Shanghainese dishes like West Lake Fish attract mainly Asian diners who value genuine flavors. Affordable prices and consistent quality keep it popular despite limited parking.

Authentic Shanghainese cuisine shines through with dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce capturing true Shanghai flavors. The food stays true to its roots and draws a crowd familiar with genuine Shanghai tastes.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Shanghainese food here took me back to China."

"I loved the sticky rice dumplings in rice wine sauce."

"The Chinese donuts were fresh and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of four or more.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Limited parking is available on the side of the restaurant.

16
Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Japanese-style barbecue shines with authentic yakitori grilled over charcoal. Intimate izakaya vibe pairs well with live anime-themed music creating a lively, cozy spot. Open kitchen and second story seating add to the energetic atmosphere.

Authentic yakitori and Japanese dishes come grilled and flavorful. The place offers an Izakaya atmosphere with top-notch service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The yakitori here is great, and the service is so attentive."

"I found the Japanese Izakaya food to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day after 9pm with half-off chicken skewers and buy one get one free beers.

2

After 10 PM, all chicken dishes are half off, making it a great deal.

3

The restaurant stays open until 12 am, perfect for late-night dining.

17
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) image 1

Enjoy bold spice and numbing heat in authentic Sichuan dishes served in a lively, modern vibe. Generous portions of signature fish shine amid a clean, stylish interior with bar seating. Menu stays focused on bold flavors and comfort food.

Bold spice and numbing heat define the authentic Sichuan flavors here. The menu focuses on Sichuan-style comfort food done with confidence and offered at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"This Chinese food is bold, vibrant, and deeply satisfying."

"The sauerkraut fish is phenomenal and a must-try."

"I found the Sichuan food to be authentic, flavorful, and boldly spiced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during dinner hours.

2

Expect a wait of 90+ minutes if you don't call ahead to put your name on the list.

3

Portion sizes are smaller, encouraging guests to try multiple dishes.

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San Mateo, California

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