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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Mateo's best

Fish spots

A meal centered on fresh fish is the only thing that sounds right for dinner.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Colander Kitchens image 1
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Space blends chic and homey design with a cool coffee bar in an old pick-up truck, creating a warm lounge vibe. Fish dishes shine with freshness and generous portions, like Black cod with Miso and whole branzino. Seating suits all groups, with plants adding calm and noise kept low for relaxed chats.

Freshness stands out with fish served both seared and raw. Plates offer generous portions at reasonable prices, featuring items like Black cod with Miso and tender whole branzino.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

"The Black cod with Miso for lunch was brilliantly seasoned and delicious."

"This fish is soft, tender, and brilliantly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cashless and uses QR code ordering.

2

The bar is not yet open due to pending permits.

3

Portion sizes are generous and prices are reasonable.

02
Ultimate Aquarium Inc image 1

Shop offers huge selection of healthy freshwater and saltwater fish with schooling deals like 3 for 15 dollars. Tanks are clean and well-maintained, showcasing crystal clear water. Staff share knowledge freely, creating a welcoming community atmosphere.

Both fresh and saltwater fish fill the tanks, with many schooling fish available at deals like 3 for 15 dollars. Staff enjoy sharing knowledge and guide on setup, while the clean, well-maintained environment keeps fish and plants healthy.

People are saying

"The staff here is so knowledgeable and helpful with fish."

"The staff at this aquarium are so knowledgeable and always willing to help."

"The staff here are always so helpful and kind."

Good to know

1

Ultimate Aquarium Inc offers a wide selection of both freshwater and saltwater fish.

2

The store is known for its clean and well-maintained tanks.

3

Staff provide detailed care instructions for fish and tank maintenance.

03
Fish With You 鱼你在一起下饭酸菜鱼 image 1

Small, clean space with a cozy vibe and fresh fish creates an authentic atmosphere. Signature dishes like spicy pickled mustard soups and Suancai fish offer bold, tangy flavors. Limited seating allows relaxed dining with large portions of tasty, affordable meals.

Fish comes fresh, tender, and cooked perfectly with bold flavors like spicy, sour, and tangy pickled cabbage. Large portions of signature dishes like Suancai fish and Sichuan boiled fish offer tasty, authentic, and affordable options.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

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

"This place is really kid friendly."

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.

04
Suruki Supermarket image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small space with narrow aisles feels busy but shelves stay spotless and stocked with fresh sashimi and sushi-grade fish. Offers a wide selection of Junmai Daiginjo sake alongside Japanese groceries and prepared foods. Sashimi melts in your mouth, showing exceptional quality.

Sushi grade fish gets cut fresh daily and offers exceptional quality. The selection includes fresh fish and shrimp with sashimi that melts in your mouth.

People are saying

"This grocery store's sushi and bento bar is a go-to lunch stop."

"The ready-to-go food here is fresh, delicious, and affordable."

"The fish here is impeccably fresh and high-quality."

Good to know

1

Sashimi discount starts at 4PM; arrive early to avoid long lines.

2

Cooked food and sashimi available from 4PM in the deli area.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider visiting on weekends for easier access.

05
Yuzu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining room feels cramped yet intimate, perfect for quiet privacy or lively chats. Fish is super fresh with generous portions, especially in the 11-piece nigiri platter. Sake selection is notable, drawing regulars who value consistent quality.

Fish comes super fresh with generous portions and a variety of types in the 11-piece nigiri platter. The fish bone marrow offers a unique texture like biting into a marinated cloud from the ocean.

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.

06
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) image 1

Enjoy authentic Sichuan dishes in a lively, modern setting with a clean, stylish interior. Sauerkraut fish offers super tender texture and bold sour-spicy flavors, served in generous portions. Open kitchen adds to the bustling, energetic vibe.

Sauerkraut fish stands out with its super tender texture and generous portions. The dish balances sour and spicy flavors well and is cooked fresh in an open kitchen.

People are saying

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

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

"The sauerkraut fish is fresh, sour, and spicy."

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.

07
Kodawari Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space feels like mini Kyoto with a zen atmosphere but gets noisy due to large tables. Fish is very fresh in Chirashi Don Deluxe, though some sushi is partially frozen and cooked dishes lack flavor. Busy evenings need planning with a partitioned area for groups.

Fish comes very fresh with good-quality slices layered thinly over rice in the Chirashi Don Deluxe. Some sushi pieces arrive partially frozen, and cooked dishes do not match the flavor of the raw fish.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is outstanding and everything I tried tasted amazing."

"The seafood here is super fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"JJ's attentive service made the whole Fish meal feel relaxed and seamless."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, due to high demand.

2

The restaurant is very busy; expect wait times during peak hours.

3

Limited seating is available for walk-ins, so arrive early.

08
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright, clean space offers authentic Yunnan-style noodles with light broths and chewy textures. Fish shines in the spicy fish noodle soup and the original crossing bridge soup blends fish with beef and pork. Locals enjoy the simple, welcoming vibe and self-service ordering.

Dishes feature a good amount of fish, especially in the spicy fish noodle soup. The original crossing bridge noodle soup also includes fish alongside beef and pork.

People are saying

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

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

"The fish soup here stays boiling hot for ages."

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.

09
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme sets a cozy vibe. Authentic Chinese dishes shine with spicy boiled fish fillet offering refreshing heat. Kid friendly space with natural light and soft music creates a peaceful, homey feel.

Boiled fish fillet with lemon offers a refreshing and spicy flavor. The fish dishes here are consistently delicious and come with a notable heat level.

People are saying

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

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

"The lemon fish here is spicy and delicious."

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
Nijiya Market San Mateo Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi and authentic snacks with a clean, efficient vibe. Fish quality varies, some packs are high quality, others less so. Prices are higher, reflecting the specialty nature of items.

Freshness varies widely. Some fish and sushi packs show incredible freshness and high quality, while others have a metallic taste or smell like an old refrigerator.

People are saying

"I found the grab-and-go Japanese food options to be excellent and varied."

"I found a great selection of Japanese groceries and fresh fish here."

"The fish here is always so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially when the restaurant next door is busy.

2

Sashimi often sells out by noon, so arrive early for the best selection.

3

Gyudon packets are priced at $6, cheaper than many other places.

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San Mateo, California

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