San Mateo‘s location in the middle of the Peninsula in California grants it easy access to both San Francisco and the South Bay. Hidden beside Highway 92 is a place filled with culture and history, which is best experienced in the great restaurants. Here’s ten must-visit places to eat in San Mateo.
Good things come in small packages, and Ramen Dojo is a prime example. With a maximum capacity of 24 people, there are usually long lines but the food here is worth the wait. The shoyu ramen is the star of the menu that helps you appreciate traditional ramen. If you’re not willing to wait queue, owner Kazunori Kobayashi has also opened seafood and modern ramen shop, Ramen Parlor, just around the corner
Ramen Dojo, 805 South B Street, San Mateo, CA, USA +1 650 401 6568
One of the hottest food trends popping up around the Bay Area are build-your-own pokē bowl spots and Pokeatery brings this special taste to San Mateo. Opened in October 2015, they offer pokē plates of varying protein choices (tuna, salmon, hamachi, shrimp, octopus, and tofu), bases, sauces, and toppings, but what separates them is the inclusion of sides and Dole Whip floats. The space is small so seating is limited, but Pokeatery is worth a visit for getting some quick and easy island flavor.
Pokeatery, 407 South B Street, San Mateo, CA, USA +1 650 389 2672
A staple for sandwiches along the Peninsula, Mr. Pickle’s San Mateo location feels very much a part of the community. Many of their specialty sandwiches are named after local high schools, and they feature photos of the locals, giving customers a feeling of the city’s identity. The sandwiches themselves are hearty, packed with meat and stuffing, so it is best to come hungry.
Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop, 1432 South El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA, USA +1 650 571 9170
There are many sushi restaurants that lay throughout San Mateo, but Sushi Sam’s Edomata stands out for its mix of traditional sushi and classic styles with modern twists. They are very popular, lines tend to get crazy long during meal hours with waits as long as a few hours, so patience is key to getting in. The seafood is always fresh and service always speedy, making Sushi Sam’s a necessary stop for high quality sushi.
Sushi Sam’s Edomata, 218 East 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA, USA +1 650 344 0888