San-mateo
United-states
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in San-mateo, United-states. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in San-mateo
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsBeer Selection
The Refuge / San Mateo (United States)
View Beer SelectionWide variety of Belgian beers, including Trappist ales, lambics, and more.
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Belgian Fries
The Refuge / San Mateo (United States)
View Belgian FriesCrispy, double-fried Belgian-style fries.
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Corned Beef Sandwich
The Refuge / San Mateo (United States)
View Corned Beef SandwichThinly sliced corned beef piled high on rye bread, served with mustard.
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Salt and Pepper Calamari
Cheung Hing / San Mateo (United States)
View Salt and Pepper CalamariCrispy fried calamari seasoned with salt and pepper.
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Peking Duck
Cheung Hing / San Mateo (United States)
View Peking DuckClassic Peking Duck featuring crispy skin and tender meat, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
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Honey Walnut Prawns
Cheung Hing / San Mateo (United States)
View Honey Walnut PrawnsPrawns coated in a light batter, fried until crispy, and then tossed in a creamy honey sauce with candied walnuts.
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Maduros
Cuban Kitchen / San Mateo (United States)
View MadurosSweet plantains, fried until caramelized and soft.
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Cuban Sandwich
Cuban Kitchen / San Mateo (United States)
View Cuban SandwichA pressed sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
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Arroz con Pollo
Cuban Kitchen / San Mateo (United States)
View Arroz con PolloChicken and rice cooked together with various seasonings and vegetables.
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Lechon Asado
Cuban Kitchen / San Mateo (United States)
View Lechon AsadoRoasted pork, often marinated in citrus and garlic. Another staple of Cuban cuisine.
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Ropa Vieja
Cuban Kitchen / San Mateo (United States)
View Ropa ViejaShredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions. A classic Cuban dish.
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Pineapple Fried Rice
Charm Thai Eatery / San Mateo (United States)
View Pineapple Fried RiceFried rice with pineapple, egg, onions, peas, carrots, raisins, cashew nuts, and your choice of protein.
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Signature Dishes
The flavors of San Mateo are characterized by fresh, local ingredients, Asian influences, and a modern Californian sensibility. Seafood is abundant, and dishes often incorporate Asian techniques and flavors, reflecting the large Asian population.
Garlic Noodles
A simple yet flavorful dish often found in Vietnamese restaurants, featuring noodles tossed in a rich garlic sauce, often with butter, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. A San Francisco Bay Area staple.
Dim Sum
Cantonese cuisine featuring bite-sized portions served in steamer baskets or on small plates. San Mateo boasts many excellent dim sum restaurants, offering a wide variety of dumplings, buns, and other savory and sweet treats.
Poke Bowls
Originating in Hawaii, Poke bowls are a popular and healthy option. Typically include raw, marinated fish (usually tuna or salmon) served over rice or salad with various toppings like avocado, seaweed salad, edamame, and sesame seeds. Freshness is key.
Seafood Cioppino
A hearty seafood stew originating in San Francisco’s North Beach, featuring a variety of seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab in a tomato-based broth. A warm and comforting dish perfect for a cool evening.
Burmese Cuisine
San Mateo has a growing Burmese food scene. Signature dishes include Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) and Coconut Noodle Soup (Ohn No Khao Swe), offering complex and balanced flavors.
Local Tips
To fully experience the culinary delights of San Mateo, consider these tips.
Explore the Asian Markets
Visit the local Asian markets to discover unique ingredients, snacks, and prepared foods.
Check out the Food Trucks
Keep an eye out for food trucks, which offer a variety of cuisines and often feature innovative dishes.
Make Reservations
Popular restaurants can get busy, especially on weekends, so it's a good idea to make reservations in advance.
Embrace Regional Specialties
Look for dishes that highlight the area's fresh seafood and produce. Ask locals for recommendations on the best restaurants for these specialties.
About San Mateo
CA
Food History
San Mateo's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from its diverse cultural influences and proximity to the Pacific Ocean and fertile farmlands. Its history includes Native American sustenance, Spanish colonial ranching, waves of immigration from Asia and Europe, and the tech boom which brought global palates. This fusion has created a unique, modern American cuisine.
Food Culture
Food in San Mateo is more than just sustenance; it's a way of life, a celebration of diversity, and a reflection of the community's values. Farmers' markets, family-run restaurants, and innovative chefs contribute to a vibrant food culture.
Farmers' Markets
Weekly farmers' markets are a vital part of San Mateo's food culture, offering fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and a chance to connect with farmers and food artisans.
Family-Owned Restaurants
Many restaurants in San Mateo are family-owned and operated, offering authentic cuisines and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These establishments are integral to the community's cultural identity.
Diverse Culinary Influences
The diverse ethnic makeup of San Mateo is reflected in its culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, and European.
Emphasis on Fresh, Local Ingredients
Chefs in San Mateo prioritize using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, sourcing produce from nearby farms and seafood from the Pacific Ocean. This commitment to quality and sustainability is a hallmark of the region's food culture.