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Chinese Seafood in San Mateo

Chinese seafood that focuses on the freshness of the catch rather than drowning it in heavy sauces.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Prime BBQ image 1
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Barbecue restaurant

Interior blends subtle Japanese decor with upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, creating a cozy and refined atmosphere. Music complements the vibe without overpowering, supporting a chill dining experience. Tables feature heated trays to keep skewers warm, enhancing the relaxed pace of meals.

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.

Grilled oysters, abalone, and scallops stand out with a $2 lunch special from Friday to Sunday. The seafood includes scallop skewers, fish tofu, garlic shrimp, and tempura with shrimp and vegetables.

People are saying

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

"The grilled oysters with garlic were perfectly seasoned."

"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.

02
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1

Chinese restaurant offers a clean, bright, and modern environment with a self-serve sauce bar that adds a fun, customizable element. The atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, less crowded and chaotic than similar spots. Large bowls and an affordable price point distinguish the experience.

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.

Shrimp paste balls stand out with a fresh, shrimpy flavor that seems made in house. Fish fillets, fish balls with roe, and fried mochi add variety to a selection rich in fresh seafood and customizable options.

People are saying

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

"The soup ingredients are super fresh."

"The seafood broth here is rich, flavorful, and delicious."

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.

03
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with in-house dumpling making and clean, tasteful décor creates a chill, relaxing vibe reminiscent of a Taipei street market. The menu leans toward Northern Chinese flavors despite Taiwanese labeling, featuring standout dishes like pan-fried bao and authentic beef noodle soup. Seating is limited, and ordering happens via QR code at the table.

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.

Shrimp dishes include shrimp dumplings and spicy shrimp wonton. Broth in the shrimp wonton and rice noodle soup tastes very plain and flavorless.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

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

"The shrimp dumplings were excellent."

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.

04
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 atmosphere. Seating is limited but allows for relaxed dining without rush. Known for fresh fish and spicy pickled mustard soups, it offers a distinctive, comforting Chinese meal experience.

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.

Fish comes fresh, tender, and cooked perfectly in large portions. Signature dishes include spicy pickled fish, sauerkraut fish soup, and Sichuan boiled fish with tangy pickled cabbage and mustard, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"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.

05
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme and cozy vibe creates a peaceful atmosphere. The place offers authentic Chinese cuisine with a fast casual energy and is kid friendly. Background music and natural lighting add to the homey feel.

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.

Boiled fish fillet with lemon offers a refreshing and delicious taste. The marinated seafood mix stands out and the spicy fish dish adds a bold kick.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood wonton soup here is the best I've had."

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.

06
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright and clean interior creates a simple, welcoming atmosphere. Locals frequent the place, drawn by authentic Yunnan-style rice noodle soups with light, flavorful broths and chewy noodles. Service involves self-seating and QR code ordering, with meals served at a moderate pace despite the name suggesting quickness.

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.

Seafood features prominently with a good amount of fish in dishes like the spicy fish noodle soup and the pescatarian-friendly mushroom broth option. Fish stands out alongside beef and pork in the menu offerings.

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

Restaurant offers authentic Sichuan dishes with a lively, modern vibe and clean, stylish interior. It features generous portions of signature fish dishes amid a bustling atmosphere that can be loud. Seating includes bar options, and the menu is limited but focused on bold flavors.

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.

Sauerkraut fish stands out with its tender texture, generous portions, and a flavor that balances sour and spicy perfectly. Fresh fish cooks openly in the kitchen, and dishes like shrimp with vermicelli arrive sizzling hot with large shrimp.

People are saying

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

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

"The sauerkraut fish seafood is exceptionally fresh and well-balanced."

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.

08
Tang Bar San Mateo image 1

Spacious, modern restaurant with stylish interior design and abundant greenery creates a bright, inviting atmosphere. The vibe stays relaxed and lively, accommodating groups of all sizes without crowding. Self-service sauce and dessert bars add convenience and variety to the dining experience.

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.

Selection includes fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables with options like fish balls and beef tendons. Cooking keeps seafood tender and vegetables crisp, with payment by weight allowing a custom mix.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved crafting my own bowl with fresh seafood and noodles."

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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San Mateo, California

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