Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown

Authentic eats

A place that stays true to its roots instead of watering down the experience for a wider audience.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 1
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 2
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 3
View all

Small market and café blend authentic Turkish products with a cozy atmosphere and neighborhood charm. Shelves hold rare Mediterranean goods while fresh pastries and traditional breakfast create a relaxed vibe. Food tastes fresh and balanced, offering a true Turkish breakfast experience.

Shelves hold a great selection of authentic Turkish products rarely found elsewhere. Food tastes fresh, balanced, and authentic, offering a filling experience that feels like a true Turkish breakfast.

People are saying

"This market's Turkish breakfast is a delicious variety of fresh, authentic flavors."

"I thought the baklava was the freshest and most flavorful I've ever had."

"I had an authentic Turkish breakfast that made me feel right at home."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide variety of products, including spices, olives, fresh cheeses, teas, and sweets.

2

They will soon be offering breakfast and sandwiches.

3

The products are fresh, clean, and organized.

02
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1

Enjoy bold spicy flavors with an authentic numbing Sichuan kick in a clean, modern setting. Quick service and a self-serve sauce bar make dining fun and customizable. Large bowls and affordable prices complete the cozy, welcoming experience.

Bold, spicy flavors deliver an authentic numbing Sichuan sensation. The soup base and vegetarian broth both offer authentic spicy flavor and quick service.

People are saying

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

"The soup ingredients are super fresh."

"The flavors here are so authentic and spicy."

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
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 scene. Fresh fish and spicy pickled mustard soups offer a comforting, traditional taste. Limited seating allows relaxed dining without rush.

Warm, inviting atmosphere with an open kitchen sets an authentic dining scene. The pickled fish broth offers a flavorful, comforting taste true to traditional Chinese cuisine.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

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

"The pickled fish broth is flavorful and authentic, tasting like home."

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
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme creates a cozy vibe. Authentic Chinese dishes like wonton soup and nanchang rice noodles bring true flavors. Kid friendly with a peaceful atmosphere and natural lighting.

Food tastes just like back in China with authentic Chinese dishes like wonton soup and nanchang rice noodles. Snacks and desserts also keep the authentic Shaxian flavors alive.

People are saying

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

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

"It's a chill spot with a really nice vibe."

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.

05
OLHSO Korean BBQ House image 1

Modern Korean BBQ shines with authentic flavors and generous banchan that get refilled often. Cozy, lively vibe features live fire grilling and K-pop music, while knowledgeable hospitality ensures a welcoming experience.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors with well-prepared dishes and generous banchan side dishes that get refilled often. Service includes knowledgeable hospitality from the Korean American general manager.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the Korean BBQ here to be authentic and 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.

06
Rin-Tei image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion spot blends authentic flavors from Japan and Vietnam with a cozy atmosphere featuring minimalist wooden decor. Intimate seating offers a calming dining experience that feels like a mix of Tokyo and Southeast Asia. Food stays true to its roots with high quality ingredients.

Japanese and Vietnamese fusion dishes deliver authentic flavors with high quality ingredients. The food tastes genuinely traditional and true to its roots.

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."

"I found the Japanese fusion food to be authentic and of high quality."

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.

07
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with in-house dumpling making offers a chill vibe like a Taipei street market. Menu features authentic beef noodle soup and Northern Chinese flavors. Seating is limited, and ordering is easy via QR code at the table.

The menu offers authentic Taiwanese and Chinese flavors with dishes like Taiwanese beef noodle soup made with care. Every item delivers a genuine taste packed with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

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

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

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.

08
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1

Bright, clean space offers a welcoming vibe with authentic Yunnan-style rice noodle soup that locals love. Self-seating and QR code ordering keep things simple. Despite the name, meals come at a moderate pace, letting you savor every bite.

Food shows authentic flavors with the Yunnan Style Rice Noodle soup standing out. Dishes maintain a genuine taste throughout the menu.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the food to be authentic."

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
Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Japanese-style barbecue shines with authentic yakitori grilled over charcoal. Intimate izakaya vibe pairs well with live anime-themed music creating a lively, cozy spot. Open kitchen and second story seating add to the energetic atmosphere.

Authentic yakitori and Japanese dishes come grilled and flavorful. The place offers an Izakaya atmosphere with top-notch service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"I found the Japanese Izakaya food to be delicious and authentic."

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.

10
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) image 1

Enjoy bold spice and numbing heat in authentic Sichuan dishes served in a lively, modern vibe. Generous portions of signature fish shine amid a clean, stylish interior with bar seating. Menu stays focused on bold flavors and comfort food.

Bold spice and numbing heat define the authentic Sichuan flavors here. The menu focuses on Sichuan-style comfort food done with confidence and offered at a reasonable price.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the Sichuan food to be authentic, flavorful, and boldly spiced."

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.

Discover more

Downtown, San Mateo

Area guide
Loading Map...