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Top picks in San Mateo

Seafood spots

Seafood that prioritizes the quality of the harvest over elaborate, heavy sauces.

Based on 628 Opinions
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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. Fresh seafood shines with grilled oysters and flavorful Black cod dishes priced around $15 to $18. Seating suits all groups, with plants adding calm and comfort.

Plates feature fresh, tender fish with generous portions around $15 to $18. Grilled oysters bring umami and mild heat, while dishes like Black cod with Miso and Hamachi kama stand out for flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

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

"The seafood here is brilliantly seasoned and tender."

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 offers an authentic feel. Fresh, tender fish shines in spicy pickled fish and sauerkraut soups. Limited seating invites relaxed dining with comforting Chinese meals at fair prices.

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."

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

"The seafood here is so 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
Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Japanese-style barbecue offers an intimate izakaya vibe with tabletop grills and live anime music. Grilled seafood like oysters and shrimp skewers stands out, while the open kitchen adds an authentic atmosphere. Cozy second-story seating keeps the energy lively.

Grilled seafood shines here with grilled oysters, shrimp skewers, and scallops topped with uni. Fish jerky offers a chewy, sweet flavor, while garlic shrimp stands out for its seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The yakitori here is great, and the service is so attentive."

"The grilled shrimp and scallops were well cooked and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day after 9pm with half-off chicken skewers and buy one get one free beers.

2

After 10 PM, all chicken dishes are half off, making it a great deal.

3

The restaurant stays open until 12 am, perfect for late-night dining.

04
Bahche image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with Greek charm offers a cozy vibe with natural light and close tables. Juicy seafood paella shines alongside falafel and spanakopita. Long bar serves wine and beer, perfect for families or nights out.

Juicy seafood paella features a generous amount of seafood and pairs well with other dishes like falafel, spanakopita, and grilled fish. The quality of the seafood stands out in the menu.

People are saying

"The Greek Food, especially the grilled octopus and lamb chops, was amazing."

"The calamari here is prepared to perfection."

"The seafood paella was flavorful, but could have had more seafood."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Expect a minimum 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more.

3

Parking is plentiful in the surrounding neighborhood.

05
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 and Japanese groceries. Seafood is fresh, reasonably priced, and cut daily for quality.

Sushi grade fish gets cut fresh daily with a wide selection of imported Japanese seafood. The seafood is consistently fresh and reasonably priced, including sashimi quality fish and shrimp.

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 seafood here is impeccably fresh and beautifully prepared."

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.

06
Yuzu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining room feels cramped yet intimate, perfect for quiet privacy or lively chats. Seafood shines with super fresh fish and generous portions, including crispy shrimp heads. Sake selection is notable, drawing regulars who value consistent quality.

Fish comes super fresh with generous portions that include slabs three times the size of the rice. The 11-piece nigiri platter offers many varieties, all really good, and the shrimp heads are crispy and meaty. Fish bone marrow tastes like a marinated ocean cloud.

People are saying

"The fish here is super fresh and really good."

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and the real deal."

"The seafood here is super fresh and really good."

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.

07
Prime BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy spot with upside-down umbrellas and subtle Japanese decor sets a refined mood. Enjoy grilled oysters and scallops with a $2 lunch special on weekends. Heated trays keep skewers warm, matching the chill vibe and smooth background music.

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."

"It's a great late night spot that's open really late."

"The grilled oysters with garlic were perfectly seasoned."

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.

08
Kodawari Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space feels like mini Kyoto with modern Japanese décor and a zen atmosphere. Seafood shines with fresh bluefin tuna and sweet Hokkaido uni in the seafood bowl. Fried oysters are a tasty starter, lightly fried and topped with bonito flakes. Noise can rise due to large tables and busy evenings.

High-quality seafood comes at reasonable prices here. The seafood bowl features bluefin tuna and Hokkaido uni that taste incredibly fresh and sweet. Fried oysters arrive lightly fried and topped with bonito flakes, making a tasty starter.

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 interior felt modern, bright, and clean."

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.

09
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small spot with in-house dumpling making offers a chill vibe like Taipei markets. Northern Chinese flavors shine in pan-fried bao and beef noodle soup. Shrimp dishes like spicy shrimp wonton lack broth flavor. Seating is tight, ordering via QR code.

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

"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.

10
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1

Bright, modern spot offers shrimp paste balls with fresh flavor and a fun self-serve sauce bar. Cozy, clean space serves large bowls at an affordable price. Variety of seafood like fish fillets and roe-filled balls make it a great choice for seafood lovers.

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.

11
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. Signature sauerkraut fish offers tender texture and bold sour-spicy flavor. Seating includes bar options amid a bustling, sometimes loud atmosphere.

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.

12
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese spot shines with shrimp tempura and nabeyaki udon rich in seafood flavors. Sleek, modern interior feels bright and airy, shifting from chill to lively crowds. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, boosting its family-friendly vibe.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy, light batter and comes with grated daikon. Nabeyaki udon features fried tofu, shrimp tempura, and shoyu broth, while dishes often include salty red mentaiko fish eggs that balance creamy sauces.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are thick and soft."

"The shrimp tempura is so crispy and satisfying."

"The udon noodles are perfectly chewy with a rich, flavorful broth."

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.

13
OLHSO Korean BBQ House image 1

Modern Korean BBQ shines with live fire grilling and a cozy lively atmosphere filled with K-pop and art deco vibes. Seafood lovers enjoy the fresh seafood boil and tasty fish cakes. Creative soju cocktails and craft beers at the bar complete the experience.

Seafood boil offers a fresh and tasty option. Fish cakes and seafood pancake stand out as flavorful dishes among the menu.

People are saying

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

"The service here is phenomenal, with constant refills."

"The seafood pancake is genuinely excellent and generously portioned."

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.

14
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright, clean space welcomes locals with authentic Yunnan noodles. Seafood shines in spicy fish soup and mushroom broth. Self-seating and QR ordering keep service smooth despite the name.

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 lunch spot special is a good deal and includes a free side."

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.

15
Piazza's Fine Foods image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Offers fresh seafood alongside a wide bakery and cheese selection. Known for an excellent butcher counter and high-quality produce. Space feels bright, clean, and cozy despite higher prices.

Seafood here shows excellent quality and freshness. The selection includes a variety of fish alongside other high-quality meats and produce.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be high quality and well-priced."

"This grocery store has incredible quality meat, fish, and produce."

"I found the seafood here to be of excellent quality."

Good to know

1

Piazza's Fine Foods offers a senior discount on Tuesdays.

2

Expect high prices, especially for produce and specialty items.

3

The store features a wide selection of gourmet foods and local products.

16
Marina Plaza Shopping Center image 1

Asian supermarket anchors the center with wide ethnic variety including Korean and Japanese foods. Fresh produce and quality seafood stand out despite some smells. Parking is usually available but can get crowded at peak times.

A very nice fish market offers a wide selection of fish and other seafood. Some seafood smells can be unpleasant, but the variety and quality stand out.

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 the seafood selection here to be the best I have encountered."

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.

17
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious space with an orange theme feels cozy and peaceful. Authentic Chinese dishes shine with marinated seafood mix and a spicy fish dish that packs a bold kick. Kid friendly vibe and natural lighting make it welcoming for families.

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

"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.

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San Mateo, California

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