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Guide to San Mateo

Chinese food

The specific comfort of a familiar Chinese meal is the only thing that will satisfy the appetite today.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
人间烟火小酒馆(Dynasty BBQ) image 1
人间烟火小酒馆(Dynasty BBQ) image 2
人间烟火小酒馆(Dynasty BBQ) image 3
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Experience authentic Chinese BBQ with bold flavors like lamb kidneys and beef aorta in an elegant dynasty-style setting. Enjoy live traditional music that enhances the immersive atmosphere. Complement meals with house-made fruit alcohol and rare Chinese beers for a complete taste.

Authentic Chinese BBQ shines with traditional skewers and a variety of meats like lamb kidneys and beef aorta. The menu also features a flavorful Sichuan hot pot called maocai.

People are saying

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

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

"This Chinese BBQ is 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.

02
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme and cozy vibe creates a peaceful atmosphere. Authentic Chinese dishes like spicy Dan Dan Noodles and creamy Mapo Tofu offer bold flavors. Kid friendly setting with natural lighting and homey background music makes it welcoming for families.

Spicy and nutty Dan Dan Noodles deliver a fiery kick. Creamy Mapo Tofu balances heat with comfort. Authentic wonton soup and flavorful soup dumplings round out the menu.

People are saying

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

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

"The Chinese food here is so crispy and sweet."

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.

03
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1

Enjoy bold spicy mala broth in a clean, modern setting with a self-serve sauce bar for custom flavors. Cozy atmosphere feels welcoming and less chaotic. Large bowls and affordable prices make it a great spot for tasty Chinese hot pot.

Bold, spicy Sichuan mala broth offers a numbing heat balanced with flavor. The make-your-own hot pot concept features a tasty selection at reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"The soup ingredients are super fresh."

"I found the hotpot to be yummy and affordable."

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.

04
Prime BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy spot blends subtle Japanese decor with Chinese BBQ skewers seasoned to excite. Heated trays keep food warm while chill music sets a relaxed mood. Unique mix of yakitori and Chinese flavors makes dining here a refined experience.

Chinese BBQ here features a typical seasoning profile that is very stimulating and well cooked. The spot offers a chill ambiance unlike many other places with loud music and bright lights, plus a unique mix of yakitori and Chinese BBQ skewers.

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 Chinese BBQ here to be one of the best I've ever had."

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.

05
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 Northern Chinese flavors with standout pan-fried bao and beef noodle soup. Ordering via QR code suits the clean, tasteful décor.

Dumplings stand out with juicy pork and leek fillings and chewy, homemade-style wrappers. Spicy Xiao Long Bao offers a fragrant, slightly spicy twist on the classic soup dumpling. Handmade noodles like the Dan Dan noodles add to the authentic feel.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

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

"The Chinese Food here has perfectly braised beef brisket and fresh noodles."

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.

06
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright, clean space welcomes locals with authentic Yunnan-style rice noodle soups featuring light, flavorful broths and chewy noodles. Golden hot and sour soup with beef brisket offers rich taste, while scallion pancakes make a tasty side. Self-seating and QR code ordering keep service smooth.

Golden hot and sour soup with beef brisket stands out for its rich flavor. The scallion pancakes serve as a tasty appetizer or side dish.

People are saying

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

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

"The hot and sour soup here is so good, it hit the spot."

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.

07
李面请 大碗刀削面 Li's Knife Cut Noodle image 1

Small, brightly lit spot offers authentic Chinese noodles with free refills and fresh dumplings. Expect waits over 30 minutes during busy times. Tight seating and cleanliness add to the experience.

Beef noodle soup and freshly wrapped dumplings stand out with rich flavors. Appetizers like the Marinated Beef Pancake Roll and Spicy Pork and Shrimp Wonton pair well with the noodles.

People are saying

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

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

"The Chinese food here, especially the knife-cut noodles, is wonderfully chewy."

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.

08
Little Shanghai Restaurant image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small space fills with noise during peak hours but offers authentic Shanghainese cuisine loved by Asian diners. Signature dishes like Xiaolongbao and Mapo Tofu shine alongside unique desserts like Mini Sesame Dumplings. Affordable prices and consistent quality keep it popular despite tight parking.

Xiaolongbao and Mapo Tofu stand out here, along with sticky rice and rice wine dumplings. Mini Sesame Dumplings in Rice Wine Sauce make a notable dessert, and the eel and dumplings hit the mark.

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."

"I loved the Chinese food here; the eel and dumplings were on point."

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.

09
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) image 1

Enjoy bold flavors in authentic Sichuan dishes like mapo tofu and spicy chicken. Vibrant, lively atmosphere fills the stylish, clean space with a bustling crowd. Generous portions of signature fish dishes make it a standout spot for Chinese food lovers.

Bold flavors define the Sichuan dishes here, especially the mapo tofu and Sichuan-style spicy chicken. The food balances spice well and offers a refined take on traditional Sichuan cuisine.

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.

10
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 invites relaxed dining. Fresh fish dishes burst with Sichuan peppercorns for a spicy, sour kick. Signature soups like spicy pickled mustard offer a comforting, authentic Chinese meal.

Dishes highlight Sichuan peppercorns with a spicy and sour kick. Signature items include the green Szechuan pepper suancai fish and old pot sauerkraut fish. The soup features more peppercorns than other spots.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

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

"The Sichuan fish here is spicy, sour, and incredibly flavorful."

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.

11
Tang Bar San Mateo image 1

Spacious, modern spot offers Szechuan spicy hot pot with bold flavors and a self-service sauce bar for variety. Stylish design and abundant greenery create a bright, inviting atmosphere. Relaxed vibe suits groups, making it perfect for lively gatherings.

Spicy hot pot stands out with its Szechuan spicy soup that hits a solid heat level without causing discomfort. Options include chicken broth or Sichuan spicy sauce for quick, flavorful hot pot meals.

People are saying

"The food here offers many fresh variations and choices."

"I loved the customizable Chinese hot pot with so many ingredient options."

"It's spacious, modern, and clean."

Good to know

1

Finding a table can be hard during peak hours.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during busy hours.

3

They offer wagyu beef with no extra charge for meat.

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