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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown

Food

A meal is necessary to keep the day moving forward.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 1
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 2
MalaTown Express 自选麻辣烫 image 3
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Chinese spot shines with fresh food and a self-serve sauce bar for custom flavors. Cozy, clean environment feels less chaotic than others. Large bowls and affordable prices make it a smart, tasty choice.

Food here is consistently fresh and served in a clean environment. The dishes offer good flavor without overwhelming spice, making it a solid choice for varied tastes.

People are saying

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

"The soup ingredients are super fresh."

"I thought the food was delicious and fresh."

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.

02
Colander Kitchens image 1

Space blends chic and homey design with a cool coffee bar in an old pick-up truck, creating a warm lounge vibe. Hawaiian dishes feature fresh, beautifully plated food with excellent cod, offering great value. Seating suits all groups, with plants adding calm and noise kept low for relaxed chats.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

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

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and welcoming."

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.

03
Curry Pizza House San Mateo image 1

Small pizza spot shines with creative curry-flavored pizzas and a vibrant purple mural. Food arrives fresh and hot, bursting with flavorful spices. Cozy, clean space keeps music low for easy conversation.

Food comes out fresh and hot with an amazing taste and flavorful spices. Dishes consistently deliver delicious and satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be really flavorful and delicious."

"The pizzas here offer a unique blend of Indian flavors and traditional pizza."

"The food here is really tasty and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking may be difficult to find, but several parking lots are within a 5-10 minute walk.

2

The restaurant opens late, which is convenient for late-night diners.

3

They offer a tremendous variety of toppings, including vegan cheese options.

04
Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Japanese-style barbecue shines with juicy marinated dishes grilled over charcoal. Intimate izakaya vibe blends with live anime-themed music for a lively feel. Open kitchen and cozy second story add to the authentic atmosphere.

Food features marinated, juicy dishes with a variety of options. The flavors are amazing and tasty, rivaling those found in Japan.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

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.

05
Anatolian Cafe & Market image 1

Cozy market blends authentic Turkish products with a warm, inviting vibe. Fresh pastries and traditional breakfast offer generous portions and simple, quality flavors. Shelves showcase rare Mediterranean goods, creating a true taste of home.

Authentic Turkish food offers generous portions with beautiful presentation and simple, quality flavors. The dishes feel filling and bring a true taste of home, especially in breakfast options.

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."

"The Turkish breakfast food here is so authentic, it feels like 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.

06
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 dining experience. Fresh fish and spicy pickled mustard soups highlight the menu with strong suancai flavor. Seating is limited but allows for relaxed, unrushed meals.

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.

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.

07
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese spot shines with chicken karaage and tonkotsu udon deluxe served with toddler-safe utensils. Sleek, bright space features bonsai-accented bar lighting and outdoor seating welcomes dogs. Atmosphere flows from chill to lively, perfect for families.

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.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are thick and soft."

"The shrimp tempura is so crispy and satisfying."

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

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.

08
Suruki Supermarket image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small space with narrow aisles creates a busy vibe but shelves stay spotless and stocked with fresh sashimi and sushi-grade fish. Offers Junmai Daiginjo sake and a wide range of Asian groceries. Fresh hot food and ready-made meals add to the variety.

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.

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 sashimi 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.

09
OLHSO Korean BBQ House image 1

Modern Korean BBQ shines with live fire grilling and unique meat textures. Cozy, lively vibe blends K-pop music and art deco design. Creative soju cocktails and craft beers complement the phenomenal food quality.

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

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

10
Taste of Shaxian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with an orange theme creates a cozy vibe. Food is fresh and authentic, served quickly in a family-friendly setting. Natural lighting and soft background music add to the peaceful atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

11
Rin-Tei image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion spot blends Southeast Asian and Japanese cuisine with excellent flavors and presentation. Cozy, minimalist wooden decor creates a calming dining experience. Attentive service adds to the homey energy that feels like a mix of Tokyo and Southeast Asia.

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

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.

12
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with in-house dumpling making offers authentic Taiwanese and Northern Chinese dishes like pan-fried bao and beef noodle soup. Clean, tasteful décor creates a chill vibe like a Taipei street market. Meals are affordable with great service and ordering via QR code.

Authentic Taiwanese and Chinese food offers delicious flavors that are not too salty or oily. Meals come at an affordable price with consistently great service.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

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

"The braised beef noodles here are perfectly braised with flavorful broth."

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.

13
Paris Baguette image 1

Spacious bakery offers a bright atmosphere perfect for chilling or reading. Food arrives right on time and tastes amazing, pairing well with coffee. Fast wifi supports casual coffee stops and relaxed visits.

Food arrives right on time and looks beautifully presented. The taste is consistently amazing and pairs well with coffee.

People are saying

"The pastries here are fresh and not too sweet."

"I loved the coffee here; it was pretty good."

"The food here is good and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

They close late, which is convenient for late-night cravings.

2

There are nearby parking lots and street parking available.

3

Prices are on the higher side for baked goods.

14
TAI ER SICHUAN CUISINE 太二川菜 (SAN MATEO) image 1

Enjoy authentic Sichuan spices in a lively, modern setting with a stylish interior. Generous portions of signature fish dishes offer bold flavors at great value. Seating includes bar options amid a bustling, sometimes loud atmosphere.

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

People are saying

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

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

"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.

15
North Beach Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Corner pizza shop offers cozy atmosphere and delicious food with great value. Families enjoy large pies in a welcoming space with Brazilian hospitality. Sitcom-style decor adds a fun, chill vibe.

Food here is consistently good quality and delicious. It offers great value for the price with a satisfying dining experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I'd had in a while."

"The Italian food's Alfredo sauce is one of the best I've tasted."

"The food here is really good, especially the cheesy, flavorful pizza."

Good to know

1

Expect a credit card fee of approximately 3.48% added to your bill.

2

The restaurant is known for its fast delivery service.

3

Menu items are decently priced, but recent price increases may affect value.

16
NI-MO Japanese Cuisine image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot shines with fresh California rolls and large bento portions. Outdoor patio offers a quiet lunch vibe perfect for people watching. Prices stay reasonable while food stays flavorful and tender.

Lunch bento boxes offer delicious home-style Japanese food with tender short ribs and non-greasy fried items. The California roll stands out as especially fresh and flavorful, all at an acceptable price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the rolls, is so fresh and tasty."

"The bento box food portions are huge for the price."

"I enjoyed the great outdoor seating and people watching."

Good to know

1

Portion sizes are generous, especially for bento boxes, providing good value.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option for sushi.

3

The restaurant is one of the few open around 1:30pm on holidays.

17
Shuyi Grass Jelly & Tea 书亦烧仙草 (San Mateo) image 1

Roomy interior and cozy vibe make it a quiet spot without wifi. Known for authentic grass jelly and generous toppings, drinks can be filling and staff are very supportive. Watch for a possible food safety issue with one drink.

Food comes with amazing staff support. Some drinks feel overly filling due to too much content, and there might be a food safety issue with one of the drinks.

People are saying

"The milk tea here has a strong tea flavor and tasty toppings."

"The grass jelly here is awesome, not too sweet."

"The peach mochi drink is unique, almost like pudding but more liquidy."

Good to know

1

The price for a milk tea with four toppings is $6, which is reasonable.

2

Parking can be challenging near the shop.

3

Ordering ahead on Snackpass can reduce wait time.

18
Tang Bar San Mateo image 1

Spacious, modern space with stylish interior and abundant greenery offers a bright, inviting vibe. Food is hot and fresh with bold, very spicy flavors that stand out. Self-service sauce and dessert bars add convenience and variety to the lively atmosphere.

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.

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.

19
Chingu image 1
Restaurant

Small spot with cozy atmosphere and a glowing soju bottle wall sets a lively mood. Food is authentic, served in family style portions perfect for sharing. Open late, it’s a great choice for late-night Korean food and casual hangouts.

Food arrives in good packaging with no spillage and tastes authentic. Many menu options come in family style portions, making it easy to try a variety of dishes.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is amazing."

"The Korean food and atmosphere here are great."

"It's a great late night spot, open until midnight."

Good to know

1

They are open until midnight, providing late-night options.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours.

3

A $2 service charge is added to the bill.

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Downtown, San Mateo

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