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Fish spots in San Mateo

Made for those who prioritize fresh catches and make fish the primary focus of every meal they plan.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Colander Kitchens image 1
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Space combines chic and homey design with cool coffee bar in an old pick-up truck and sea green tile bar, creating a warm and inviting lounge vibe. Seating arrangements suit solo diners, families, or groups, with beautiful plants adding calm and comfort. Noise levels stay low, fostering friendly, relaxed conversations.

Hawaiian cuisine shines with fresh, beautifully plated dishes and excellent cod. Great attention to detail shows in table settings and food presentation, offering outstanding value for the price.

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
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.

Food features a strong suancai flavor that stands out. The dishes arrive quickly in a clean, comfortable setting with an open kitchen that adds to the authentic vibe.

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."

"I found the food to be fresh and 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.

03
Suruki Supermarket image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small space with narrow aisles creates a busy, sometimes anxiety-inducing atmosphere. Shelves stay spotless and well stocked with a wide variety of fresh sashimi and sushi-grade fish. Offers a wide selection of Junmai Daiginjo sake alongside Japanese groceries and prepared foods.

Fresh hot food made daily includes Japanese food trays and a variety of ready-made meals. The store offers a wide range of Asian groceries and sashimi grade fish with high quality and freshness.

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.

04
Yuzu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining room with tables close together creates a cramped yet intimate atmosphere. Energy varies from quiet privacy to moments of lively conversation among nearby groups. Known for authentic, fresh sushi and a notable sake selection, it draws regulars who appreciate consistent quality despite the tight space.

Food arrives quickly and tastes fresh with consistently high quality and exquisite Japanese preparation. The small dining room creates a private feel at each table.

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 sushi here was the best in San Mateo."

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.

05
Kodawari Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space resembles mini Kyoto with modern, refined Japanese décor and a zen atmosphere marked by thoughtful design. Noise levels rise due to small space and large tables, making conversation challenging. Busy evenings require planning, with a partitioned area for groups and a lively, inviting vibe.

Food features excellent quality and fresh ingredients with generous portions. Presentation is top notch and sushi stands out as a highlight.

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 food here is super fresh and flavorful, especially the Kaisendon."

"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.

06
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.

Food comes out fresh and delicious with a focus on authentic Chinese cuisine. Service is quick and the dining environment stays clean and family-friendly.

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."

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

"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.

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.

Food offers bold, vibrant flavors with authentic Sichuan spices. Dishes deliver deeply satisfying and excellent quality at reasonable prices.

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 fresh, sour, and spicy."

"The food, especially the sauerkraut fish, is exceptionally fresh."

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
Nijiya Market San Mateo Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi and sashimi alongside a variety of niche soy sauces and authentic snacks. The atmosphere is clean and efficient, with products often selling out early. Prices tend to be higher than average, reflecting the specialty nature of the items.

Prepared foods include a variety of bento boxes, sushi sets, and onigiri rice balls. The deli offers fresh, well-stocked Japanese specialties and snacks at reasonable prices, perfect for a quick, filling lunch.

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 love grabbing their pre-made Japanese food for a quick lunch."

"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.

09
Marina Plaza Shopping Center image 1

Shopping center centers on an Asian supermarket with a wide variety of ethnic restaurants including Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese options. Atmosphere feels exotic with well-stocked fresh produce and seafood. Parking is generally available but can be messy during peak hours.

Varied Asian food options include Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines. The oriental food variety covers many tastes, with a strong presence of Vietnamese dishes.

A very nice fish market offers a great selection of fish and seafood alongside fresh vegetables and fruits. Some areas have a strong smell of rotting fish that can be off-putting.

People are saying

"I found a great Asian grocery store with lots of unusual items."

"This mall has so many ethnic restaurants and shops."

"I found a variety of Asian food options here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be messy at peak hours, but free parking is available.

2

The shopping center has a wide variety of shops, including salons and grocery stores.

3

Expect a good selection of Asian restaurants and markets in the area.

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San Mateo, California

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