29 Best Chinese Restaurants in San Mateo

人间烟火小酒馆(Dynasty BBQ) Chinese •
105 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Mixed Vegetables Sweet & Sour & Spicy 拌素什锦 酸甜辣
Chicken Gizzard 1 Skewer 鸡胗 1串
Chicken Skin 1 Skewers 鸡皮 1串
BBQ Smelly Tofu
Yakitori

“Authentic Chinese skewers just like what you get from a street food vendor in China. The services are friendly and attentive. The ambience is very traditional and beautiful. The restaurant is clean and has good vibes. The prices are very reasonable.“

4.7 Superb138 Reviews
Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles Noodles • $$
11 S B St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Beef Noodles with Chinese Pickle
Sichuan Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Stewed Lamb Noodle Soup
Handpulled Noodle Soup
Chicken Chow Mein
Noodles Medium
Spicy Wonton

“I had visited this place after having walked by it many times when I came to San Mateo for food. The wait was quite long as it was an estimated 40 minutes but I believe we ended up getting seated after around 25 minutes. The restaurant was definitely quite packed as it was around lunch time but the seating arrangement was still comfortable. We decided to get a chili oil pig ear for appetizer and then got the hand pulled noodles. There were so many options for the type of noodle but I landed on the thick noodles and the texture was perfect! The flavor of the soup was super savory and hearty but also very clear at the same time. The noodles had the perfect Al dente texture. Overall, one of my new favorite places to go to for beef noodle soup!“

4.3 Superb464 Reviews
Zhangliang Malatang Chinese • $$
139 S B St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Classical Bone Soup Malatang
Mushroom Soup Malatang
Classic Bone Broth
MA La Spicy Pot
Spicy Dry Wok

“Stopped for lunch with a family full of picky eaters, and everyone got something they liked. Excellent customer service, clean establishment, decent ambiance (they don’t blare pop music like so many places this day and are).Vegetarian options: Plenty of protein options, primarily tofu or soy-based noodles.“

4.4 Superb122 Reviews
Liuyishou Hotpot (San Mateo) Hot Pot • $$
98 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

liu's traditional hotpot dishes 刘派四绝
traditional hotpot dishes 老火锅四样
signature tofu skin 一刘鲜豆皮
deep fried buns 黄金小馒头
Liuyishou Hot Pot
crowndaisy 茼蒿
Spicy Soup
Soup Base
Seafood
Fish

“The hotpot we ordered at medium spicy level was really quite spicy and a bit too spicy for me and my friend, but oh boy, although it was too spicy for us, we thoroughly enjoyed it. All the hotpot ingredients we ordered was good and I liked the fact that they have free appetizers like spicy chicken and sour vegetables. I recommend that you don't have to order too much and leave your stomach to enjoy some of the free appetizers. There isn't much service but the ambiance was good.“

4.4 Superb103 Reviews
留湘小聚san mateo店 Ping‘s Bistro Together Chinese • $$
2946 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Steamed Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables
Stew Beef Combination in Copper Pot
Spicy Grilled Fish with Soft Tofu
Fried Small Crispy Pork
Small Pot Rice Noodles
Spicy Noodle Soup

“The portions are small and the prices are high. Yet the tables are full and the wait list is long. Don't be fooled by Ping's unassuming presence, they have multiple locations including 2 in Fremont. I have been to all of them and they all slap. We usually order their Spicy Frog Legs, beef, boiled fish, fried chicken or pork belly dishes. Their Mapo Dofu makes me sweat bullets in the best of ways. I can't think of anything more satisfying on a cold rainy night. Intensely spicy with superior flavor. Truly the gold standard of Hunan cooking in the Bay Area. I give this place 5 stars because I make a 30 minute drive every week just to get to go from here.“

4.5 Superb60 Reviews
The Noodle Shop Chinese • $$
164 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Combination Rice and Noodles
Twice Cooked Pork with Rice
Eggplant in Garlic Sauce
Pig's Ear with Chili Oil
Beef with String Beans
Sauteed Fish Fillet
Hot & Sour Soup
Shredded Pork
Chilli Wings
Rice Cakes

“Inexpensive restaurant with a great variety of dishes. Don't if the dishes were not as tasty, but they also were plentiful. We will go back to sample other dishes. I did not care for the seafood noodle soup. Fried rice and chow mein were tasty. The salt and pepper bean cake was missing the salt.“

4.6 Superb43 Reviews
Prime BBQ Barbeque •
33 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Super Lemon Jasmine Tea w Tea Jelly
Prime House Crispy Pork Belly 2pc
Wagyu Steak Serve with Wasabi
Yakitori Veggie Combo
Prime Grilled Rib Eye
King Oyster Mushroom
Scallop Butter Yaki
Chicken Skewers
Chicken Gizzards
Shishito Pepper

“Was looking for a new place to try with a friend today and stumbled upon Prime BBQ. Really nice joint in a quiet part of San Mateo, with some surprisingly tasty skewers at fair prices! Design of the restaurant is nice, and presentation of the food was great. My friend really liked the Chicken skewers, but I personally loved the lamb and beef skewers!! They also have proper bar inside for those who drink :) Would recommend checking out and having a fun night out“

4.3 Superb142 Reviews

8
Seapot

Seapot Hot Pot • $$
1952 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Seapot Angus Beef
House Specialty
Sauce Station
Style Hot Pot
Hot Pot Dishes
Live Seafood
Miso Broth
Toro Beef
Beef Toro
Soup Base

“Honestly the best Seapot in the area and it's not even close. They actually give you dessert as part of the buffet unlike Daly City and Sunnyvale. Their servers actually asked if I wanted more paste for my hot pot, instead of just giving me water.They don't have the cucumber kimchi but their fruits are so much more fresh to make up for that. The calamari is great. Their KBBQ shrimp is peeled for ease of eating. Their regular hot pot shrimp is not.They have a wider variety of noodles here and they're much better than the ones I've had at the other ones.“

4.3 Superb110 Reviews
Happy Lamb Hot Pot, San Mateo 快乐小羊 Hot Pot • $$
215 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Special Lamb Bone Hot Pot
Mongolian Lamb Skewers
House Shrimp Meatballs
Hot Pot Dumplins
Fresh Soft Tofu
Seafood Platter
Enoki Mushroom
Baby Bok Choi
Half and Half
Egg Noodles

“This place to always seem to be so busy, wether it may be a weekend or not, there are tons of guests waiting around dinner time whenever I go. This has been an original hot pot place since childhood and is my favorite hot pot location in the bay area, to the wonderful service, unique fresh products, and tasty soup bases. The quality is great, and the bar is one of my favorite with unlimited vanilla soft serve (may be icy), kimchi, oranges, sauces, and etc! Don't forget to order a refreshing drink along with your hotpot I recommend the lemon and plum drinks!“

4.3 Superb82 Reviews
Hot Wok Bistro Chinese • $
1012 Howard Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sweet and Sour Chicken
Broccoli Beef Chow Fun
Orange Chicken Lunch
Mongolian Beef Lunch
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Chow Mein
Orange Chicken
Mongolian Beef
Honey Walnut
Hot

“Enjoyed crab ragoons, honey walnut shrimp, Mongolian beef (not spicy), scallop chow mein, and hot tea.No alcohol selection seen, nor offered, but I didn't ask.Each dish was absolutely amazing. I can appreciate what other reviewers are saying about the particularly amazing chow mein, rich flavors in each dish while light on salt.Small cozy place with rich visual environment.Between fast friendly service, flexibility on dishes, simple menu, amazing taste, and price, I look forward to going back soon.Vegetarian options: Menu items are separate from protein selection, so you can pick any dish and ask for a vegetarian protein.Dietary restrictions: Anything spicy can be made not spicy upon request.Parking: Street parking, easily found a spot in this residential neighborhood.Kid-friendliness: Our waiter was kid and engaging with our 7 year old with a select pallette.Wheelchair accessibility: Appears to be ADA compliant. The place is cozy, but no access restriction for wheel chairs.“

4.3 Superb70 Reviews
Silver Lake Seafood Restaurant Chinese • $$
2291 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Filet Beef with Black Bean Sauce
Chicken Wings
Mapo Tofu
Seafood

“These people are ALWAYS friendly and professional. When they recognize a repeat customer in person or over the phone, they are polite, and they get your order RIGHT!The salt and pepper fish is excellent! Thank you for your professional attitude and for such wonderful service.“

4.3 Superb60 Reviews
Zen Noodle Bar Chinese • $
668 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Pan Fried Pork Buns
Dan Dan Noodles
Spicy Wonton
Shenjian Bao
Noodle Soup
Dumplings
Dry Noodle
Beef Wrap
Beef Soup

“Honestly unexpectedly good food. The dumplings are top notch. The restaurant feels really messy and a little unhygienichonestly, although the staff was friendly.I see a lot of people to take out which I guess makes sense. Worth trying the dumplings for sure although if the owners clean up the place there's a lot of potential.“

4.3 Superb44 Reviews
Toa Yuen Restaurant Chinese • $
3170 Campus Dr, San Mateo

“I've been coming here for almost twenty years and they never disappoint. The staff are super friendly and the food is delicious. It's a relatively unknown little place, but by far my favorite in San Mateo. I recommend anything on their menu, but I personally LOVE their chow mein and sizzling rice soup.“

4.2 Good79 Reviews
Town of dumpling Chinese • $$
29 Laurie Meadows Dr, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Pork Dumpling with String Bean 12 pcs
Pork and Spinach Dumplings
Green Chives Pancake
Green Onion Pancake
Garlic String Beans
Spicy Beef Noodles
Beef Pancake
Spring Roll
Pancakes
Pig Ears

“You know it's authentic with the Chinese broadcast on TV, pictures of the dishes printed out on the walls, and menu in Mandarin. I loved being able to see the dumplings being made in the back. Excellent 水饺 and 小笼包, tasted like China!“

4.2 Good76 Reviews
Little Hunan Restaurant Chinese • $$
120 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Eggplant in Garlic Sauce
Vegetable Tofu
Chow Fun

“Excellent lunch prices, very friendly and efficient staff, and the food is fantastic. I usually get the sweet and sour chicken lunch special with egg fried rice. The chicken is crisply fried and fluffy on the inside, perfect amount of sauce and fresh veggies. The fried rice is just right; the balance of salt brings out the flavor of the egg and onion, but isn’t overpowering and the rice isn’t too oily. Love this place!“

4.4 Superb21 Reviews
New Wing Fat Chinese Restaurant Chinese • $
640 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sweet and Sour Pork
Chicken Chow Mein
Pot Sticker

“We love the chicken chow mein. Kids love the bbq pork chow mein and fried rice!! It has that nice taste to it. Love it. We also enjoy the hot and sour soup. The Mongolian beef plate isn't that spicy and is great and flavor as well. It's more or a quick take out place. I usually place my order there and usually my order is done with 15 min.“

4.3 Superb30 Reviews
Chef Zhao Bistro Chinese • $$
2450 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sichuan Style Stir Fried Shredded Pork
Chongqing Chili Chicken

“At noon, I ordered a piece of boiled fish and stir-fried kidneys. Because I was in a hurry, I called my boss to help him fry it first. When we arrived, the dishes were all neatly placed on the table. Moreover, it tastes delicious and the beef is very tender! Good review!“

4.2 Good47 Reviews
Chef Sha Chinese • $$
231 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Spicy Frog Dry Pot
Dry Got Beef Stew
Hot Pot Fish

“Food is sichuan style and perfect for people who love spicy food. I recommend the bean spouts, the goats in spicy sauce and other famous dishes. Service can be hit or miss. The owner who is a kind and generous lady gives great advices, but one server dude is not too friendly. Well maybe he had a bad say. Anyway I really like Chef Sha and I will go back again.“

4.1 Good89 Reviews
Dessert Republic Dessert • $
138 Main St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Black Sesame Paste and Sweet Tofu
Spicy Popcorn Chicken
Tai-Chi Sesame Paste
Egg Pudding
Egg Puff

“I love this cafe it's open late and the dessert is just amazing!!! The Super Mango is my absolute favorite. Their crepes are amazing and the Tai-chi almond and sesame paste is sooo yummy and different just what you need on a cold day! The owner is so nice and welcoming. I forgot my bag and he came out to the parking looking for me! Awesome place and a must try!“

4.1 Good78 Reviews
Silver House Chinese • $$
2224 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sauteed Chinese Broccoli
Sweet and Sour Pork
Garlic Pea Sprouts
Fried Chicken
Peking Duck
Fish

“Been coming here for over 20 years.No soup today and they no longer have the dessert but we always enjoy the food.We love all the salt and pepper items, chicken wings, tofu, and fish. All of these are super good and had to get multiple orders of each for 11 people.Steamed tofu we had to order by showing a picture, we get 2 orders of this too.Was here on a weeknight so it wasn’t too busy and we were able to sit and talk for awhile.“

4.1 Good42 Reviews
Golden Wok bistro Chinese • $$
570 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

“3.5 stars but rounding up to 4! This is a yummy Cantonese restaurant in San Mateo. We came here by chance and I was pleasantly surprised! I'll definitely be returning here in the future. We had a group of 6 and had no issues getting a table right away on a late Saturday morning. We ordered the chicken and sweet corn soup, honey walnut prawns, pork belly with pickled vegetables, chicken and eggplant with salted fish clay pot, and garlic pea sprouts. As a Cantonese person, I had high expectations. Everything was tasty and reminded me of food that my family would cook, especially the pork belly with preserved veg. The pork belly was so tender and juicy, and I love the taste of Cantonese pickled vegetables. The soup, clay pot and pea sprouts were all good and standard. The honey walnut prawns were big and had a delightful crunch that I was not expecting! I would definitely come here again and try more dishes. Happy to know there's a good Cantonese spot in SM so close to me!“

4.1 Good36 Reviews
Peking Alley Dumplings • $$
4300 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sauteed String Beans
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Pan Fried Beef Cake
Cumin Lamb
Dumplings
Meat Pie
Noodles

“This is the BEST Chinese food restaurant that I have ever had in my life. You can tell that the cook has a passion for cooking! The food is delicious and made with LOVE! My party felt so satiated after eating here! Sorry the food was soooo good we got engrossed in eating and forgot to take pics before eating; just know it was unbelievably good!“

4 Good197 Reviews
Sweet Moment Dessert • $
137 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Mochi Waffle

“I've popped by this place for a quick takeout dessert whenever I'm in the area. My go-to dessert here is the sesame mochi balls in black sesame paste. It's not too sweet with the perfect balance of savory and sweet and comforting warmth to eat. I've only tried two other items- Oreo Cocoa Smoothie: If you're a fan of Oreos, you definitely want to order this. Caffeine-free for anyone who might be worried about drinking this in the evening. - Snowflake Cup with ice cream: I had this with boba and mango toppings. Service is always friendly, even during busy shifts. Use the Snackpass app to order in advance to save yourself the wait in line.“

4 Good273 Reviews
Fen Classic Guilin Rice Noodles 合味桂林米粉 Chinese • $
121 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Five Blessings Guilin Rice Noodle
Fried Chicken Cutlet
Guilin Rice Noodles
Laoyou Noodle Soup
Crispy Pork

“Toppings: crispy pork is the most impressive topping by a mile. Then pork feet is also great with generous portion. Brisket is too chewy, not my favorite . Other toppings are good but does not stand outSoup can be improved from my opinion. That’s the reason of the missing star.It is worth a try!“

3.9 Good48 Reviews
Oceanic Restaurant Chinese • $$
2507 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Garlic Eggplant
Orange Chicken
Mongolian Beef
Walnut Prawns
Crab Rangoon
Chinese Food
Fried Rice

“Usually they are fairly on top of things, but this restaurant has always had something good. It seemed rushed packaging of our food & yep, 1 of the top lids wasn't snapped down properly. & sauce was pooling at bottom of bag.Parking: Restaurant is on El Camino. But it's a really sharp right. & an immediate sharp Rt to free parking Behind building. Or of u luck out & get parking!Dietary restrictions: Just let them know. So far they've been very accommodating. They'll do it; just ask!“

3.8 Good27 Reviews
noodleosophy Noodles • $$
41 E 4th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Beef Stew Noodle

“Slightly above average noodles shop specializes in Chinese style red braised beef noodles.Order: Beef & Tendon w/ Wide Noodles + added broccoli, Cucumber salad, Herbal Tea.+ Stunning art on the wall.+ Nice chewy wide noodles. Tendon was cooked well, tender but not falling apart.+ Cucumber was crunchy and refreshing; chili oil was good too.* Mostly self serving: you sit yourself by a table, order and checkout on your phone and fill yourself water from the jug. They did bring my food to me.* It was empty at 11am on a Saturday.- The red braised beef stew has the *exact* flavor of the classic Kang Shi Fu (Master Kang) brand instant noodles. Really threw me off guard.“

3.8 Good70 Reviews
Dough Zone Dumpling House San Mateo Chinese • $$
111 E 4th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Pork Xiao Long Bao鮮肉小
Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Green Onion Pancake
Steamed Dumplings
Beef Stew Noodle
Dan Dan Noodles
Dumpling House
Chili Sauce
Potstickers
Pork Buns

“My friends and I ordered a few items and everything that we ordered was really good. We ordered the beef noodle soup, the noodles with onion soy sauce, green onion pancake, pork wonton and chicken broth and a few other items. Everything was really good. I love the space because it is modern and really big and can accommodate big groups“

3.8 Good101 Reviews
Hot Wok Cafe Chinese • $
2960 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Beef Soup
Chow Mein
Noodles

“Great food!! Lots of options for vegetarians. Staff is so friendly and helpful. Favorite Chinese restaurant in foster city. They even have a section for take out. The food is served in take out containers which is a win for me as they fill it up and it’s easy for leftovers. You must try if you are in the mood for good Chinese food!!“

3.5 Good47 Reviews
Inshou Cafe 茶記 (Street Food Cafe) Chinese • $$
2942 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Hainan Chicken over Rice
Garlic Chicken Wings
Wonton Noodle Soup
Pork Cutlets
BBQ Pork
Noodles
Dim Sum
Toast

“Inshou cafe took over the old inshou Japanese restaurant.Maybe it's not fair to rate a Hong Kong cafe over a Hainan chicken rice but they have it on the menu so it's fair game.Hainan chicken rice: 3/5. Chicken was tender but tasted more like a Cantonese blanched chicken with the ginger scallion oil. The rice was lacking all the flavors that usually comes from rice cooked with schmaltz and spices.Baked pork chop rice: 4/5. Not a familiar taste compared to other hk cafes and this sauce was significantly less sweet compared to its usual counterpart. The sauce almost seemed like a demiglace with a darker color. Quite tasty but a lot blander (not necessarily a bad thing in a hk cafe)Will try their milk teas and congees in the future.“

3.5 Good49 Reviews
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