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Loved by locals

Modern food spots in San Mateo

Dining that feels current and intentional rather than stuck in a dated aesthetic.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 1
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 2
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 3
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a sleek modern interior with bright, airy spaces and bonsai-accented bar lighting. Atmosphere shifts from chill and welcoming to crowded and lively during peak times. Outdoor seating accommodates dogs, adding to the family-friendly vibe.

Food features chicken karaage and tonkotsu udon deluxe with toddler-safe utensils and gacha tokens for kids. Service matches the delicious quality of the dishes.

Clean lines and high ceilings create a bright, modern space filled with natural light. The menu blends classic Japanese flavors with modern fusion elements.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are thick and soft."

"The udon here is so good, I'd recommend it."

"The Modern udon noodles have a nice chew."

Good to know

1

There is a large paid parking lot behind the restaurant.

2

Expect wait times of 40+ minutes during peak hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first serve.

02
Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport image 1

Hotel offers modern, sleek design with spacious, quiet rooms featuring soundproof windows that block freeway noise. Shared spaces remain immaculate and include a well-equipped gym and a cozy lobby area. Free parking and on-site Tesla Supercharger add convenience for travelers.

Food options include Asian and Latin cuisine within walking distance. Breakfast features delicious meals prepared daily. Nearby amenities offer a variety of restaurants and stores for diverse choices.

Rooms feature modern design with clean lines and good sound isolation. Facilities stay fresh and quiet, reflecting a newer build.

People are saying

"The hotel staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"The rooms felt modern and were really clean."

"The breakfast food had so much variety and was delicious."

Good to know

1

The hotel offers complimentary breakfast every morning.

2

There is plenty of parking available for guests.

3

Tesla chargers are available for electric vehicle charging.

03
OLHSO Korean BBQ House image 1

Modern Korean BBQ restaurant blends sleek, stylish design with authentic flavors and live fire grilling. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively, suitable for groups with no small tables and a welcoming vibe enhanced by K-pop music and art deco elements. Side-sucking fans keep air clear, and a bar area offers drinks like creative soju cocktails and craft beers.

Meat stands out with unique texture and flavor, prepared expertly right before you. Presentation is beautiful, matching the phenomenal quality of the food.

Modern grills deliver a perfect sear that highlights the meat's natural flavors. The interior mixes modern and traditional design creating a warm, welcoming vibe full of energy.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and the meat quality is superb."

"The Modern Korean BBQ here offers phenomenal, melt-in-your-mouth meat 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.

04
Super Duper Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Modern industrial space offers open seating with high-quality furniture and outdoor tables under market umbrellas. Atmosphere stays clean and comfortable with a buzzy vibe and a nostalgic music playlist. Environment supports casual dining with compostable materials and real plates for dine-in.

Food features fresh ingredients and high quality across all dishes. Options include vegetarian-friendly choices served with real plates and silverware when dining in.

A modern industrial vibe shapes the clean and comfortable atmosphere. Seating includes booths, counters, and outdoor tables with market umbrellas, creating a casual and buzzy setting.

People are saying

"The burgers here are so juicy and flavorful."

"I loved the Super Duper Burger; it's a double patty with quality ingredients."

"I thought the food was incredible, especially the juicy burgers."

Good to know

1

Ordering can be done at the kiosk or counter, with no reservations needed.

2

The menu is a la carte, allowing for personalized meal choices.

3

All food packaging is compostable, making it environmentally friendly.

05
Rin-Tei image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion restaurant offers intimate, cozy atmosphere with modern, minimalist wooden decor and strong Japanese style. Space includes table and counter seating, creating a calming dining experience. Vibe feels like a blend of Tokyo and Southeast Asia, with a relaxed, homey energy.

Fusion of Southeast Asian and Japanese cuisine offers well-made dishes with excellent presentation. Food consistently delivers great flavors alongside attentive service.

Space features a modern, clean design with an elegant setting. Ambiance feels relaxing and contemporary throughout.

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."

"The food here, especially the soy milk pho, is so unique and flavorful."

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.

06
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.

Space feels modern and refined with décor that channels Kyoto. Interior is cozy and warm, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

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.

Lively energy fills the space with a clean, stylish interior. The vibe blends new-modern Chinese-Sichuan elements with a modern atmosphere.

People are saying

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

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

"This modern Sichuan spot has flavorful, focused, and clean dishes."

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.

Food comes out hot and fresh with a focus on very spicy flavors. Quality is consistently high and the dishes stand out as the highlight of the meal.

Spacious and clean with bright decorations and greenery, the place feels modern and stylish throughout.

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.

09
Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo image 1

Hotel offers modern design with spacious, recently renovated rooms featuring microwaves and mini fridges. Atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable except for an active lobby bar and restaurant during evening hours. Amenities include an outdoor pool, small fitness center, and free parking.

Fresh and tasty food comes from a great little restaurant downstairs. The hotel serves excellent food and drink, and nearby dining options add variety.

Rooms feature modern design with clean lines and are well maintained. Bathrooms and interiors keep a fresh, contemporary feel with practical amenities like a microwave and refrigerator.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's warm hospitality made me feel very important."

"The breakfast here is modern, clean, and nicely decorated."

"The breakfast buffet offers a great selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hours take place in the lobby area.

2

Parking is free at the hotel.

3

The hotel charges $19 for breakfast, which is usually complimentary elsewhere.

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San Mateo, California

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