San MateoBest dessert shops
Pin
The 24 best desserts and snacks in San Mateo
When is your trip?
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedSep 14, 2025
Updated • updatedSep 14, 2025
Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like Jack's Restaurant & Bar, Pausa Bar & Cookery, and Central Park Bistro and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around San Mateo.
Visiting San Mateo? See our San Mateo Trip Planner.Why trust us
We scoured through the internet and read through 3 reputable sites and blogs like The Culture Trip and dsma.org. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these: 
Curious about the sites we referenced?
Your itinerary and your map in one view
No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.
What users say about the app
Other best of categories in San Mateo
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Family restaurants
Chinese restaurants
Italian restaurants
Desserts
affordable
American restaurant
Greek restaurant
Jack's Restaurant & Bar is a bustling eatery that offers a warm and comfortable setting for enjoying breakfast, bar food, pastas, and American dishes. Despite being busy, the restaurant has ample seating available. The friendly servers provide prompt service with a hospitable attitude. While some menu items like the hash browns may not be extraordinary, Jack's is known for its phenomenal brunch dishes such as the corned beef hash and country fried steak.
Our first time dining in. Before we used to get taken outs. And we loved the friendly service. Shout out to our server Barry!
We ordered the Happy hour nachos, Early Bird dinner: steak, blackened catfish and salmon and kid's burger, and creme brulee. Everything was delicious although I would recommend the vegetable medley to have more flavors with herbs.
For the price, it's a great place to have dinner with the family.
Munsia A — Google review
One of my favorite comfort food places to eat. I frequent both this location in San Mateo and the one in San Bruno. I prefer the interior and ambience of the latter restaurant but parking there is challenging. The San Mateo restaurant is always busy as it's in a great location between S El Camino Real and Hwy 92 - easy to get to. The service has always been friendly and attentive. The servers chat you up and make you feel at home. Also, love that breakfast is served until 2pm!
Our office came here to celebrate our coworker's birthday for lunch. We started with the Mediterranean Sampler - my favorite is the tzatziki. I had a cup of the avgolemono which is a lemony chicken and rice soup that takes me back to my days in Santorini. The birthday guy had the lamb burger which he said was flavorful and juicy. The other two each had entree salads, one of which was the Asian Chicken Salad (see picture). Another had the gluten-free cheese macaroni which I've had before but would recommend it as a side dish with something more savory to complement the cheesey pasta. I enjoyed my usual dish, the polenta and summer veggies. The garlic red sauce and cheese just oozes in between the polenta and vegetables. The portion size will never disappoint as you'll always have enough extra to take home.
The food is absolutely delicious. It was my first time trying anything with lamb. My burger was cooked as ordered and tasted great! It’s a really nice atmosphere and the lighting is good. It was just a little too noisy for me.
I love this place! Their lemon/chicken soup is my favorite. I also got the fried chicken, so crispy!!! Our server was the friendliest and made sure all of us were well taken care
Off!
Italian Pasta : 6 out of 10
The pasta was okay but the sausage combined with the pasta was good. Overall it was a good dish.
Lamp Chops : 4 out of 10
Presentation was terrible. Potatos were decent but the sauce was super sour. The lamb chops themselves were good but expected more for the price.
Visiting Jack's Restaurant & Bar was a pleasant experience. The interior has a relaxed vibe that makes you feel at ease from the moment you walk in. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that our orders were taken promptly and delivered hot. The menu has a wide range of options—from classic bar fare to more refined dishes—so there’s something for everyone. I found the food to be consistently tasty and well-cooked. Prices are fair for the quality offered, though during busy hours it can be challenging to get quick service. Despite that minor inconvenience, I left satisfied and would definitely return.
See provided picture of nasty buffalo salad. They gave me spoiled avocado. Lettuce not crisp, several soggy oily fat pieces of chicken and not much toppings.
Beautiful diner/ restaurant with a wide variety on their menu. They have a happy hour at the bar M-F as well. The portions are huge!!! Arrived for dinner on a weekday and We had the calamari to start and added fried jalapeño, it was crispy and delicious and so good. We ordered the burger with onion rings and the gyro with fries. The food was all good, but very oily so we can’t have it often. We had plenty of leftovers to bring home. Our server was extremely nice and helpful!! The interior of the restraunt is so beautiful and spacious. Plenty of parking.
1750 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA•
expensive
Italian restaurant
Restaurant
Pausa Bar & Cookery is a stylish trattoria that offers wood-fired pizzas, Italian mains, and cocktails. The restaurant provides an authentic Italian dining experience with dishes made from scratch using ingredients inspired by Northern California. The chef-owner, Andrea Giuliani, curates a menu featuring fresh and authentic Italian fare paired with an all-Italian wine list and craft cocktails. Guests can also opt for the chef's table option for a unique dining experience.
My friend and I reserved bar seats during happy hour and ordered margarita pizza, squid ink linguine & truffle gnocchi. Not only the food was delicious but also the waiters were extremely friendly. They noticed my birthday is coming this week when checking the ID, and served a small cake surprisingly at the end of the meal. I’d like to recommend the overall great experience to future visitors.
Agnes L — Google review
Italian restaurant with good variety of cuisines and long list of drinks and wines.
Variety of pasta and pizza. Check the ingredients carefully as many unexpected strong rare spice, nuts, or meets come your way. Veggie options available.
Service is quick responsive and welcoming. Reservation is recommended.
Indoor and outdoor seating with full bar. Private party and section available.
Good for couples, gathering, date night, meetups.
Paid street parkings. Flat entry and wide routes inside or outdoor accessible.
The salami and the cheese plate was stunningly good. Made a mistake with the choice of pizza. The Pizza dough is superb, and their ingredients are really good, so if it was any other pizza other than the Pistachio(!!) pizza we had it would probably have been really good. The texture of the pasta was a bit off. I would stick with appetizers and Pizza.....just not the Pistachio pizza.
This is one of the best restaurants in the area. The vibe is amazing and the staff were very knowledgable with the menu items and drinks. They’re very helpful and were able to pair food with drinks.
Spot on appetites and drinks. I will encourage families and friends to visit and spend a lovely evening there.
Their pizzas dough with 72 hours maturation is good as they described, hard to choose so I had to make do with one, Pomodoro, with smoked stracciatella and pork pancetta. The scallop crudos was sweet and the prawn bisque added the umami that completed the dish. Absolutely loved the ricotta cheesecake, wasn’t too sweet so I can taste the cheese, peach compote. Warm service by Nick at the bar made it 10/10
Had such an exhilarating experience at this contemporary Italian restaurant. Their iberico pork tenderloin had such a decadent flavor profile with their rich arugula-pepita pesto and pork demi. Their lamb sirloin was also incredible with a chickpea puree that complemented the dish so well. Cocktails were very strong and paired the meals very well too. Affogato is a must to end the meal. Highly recommend this place!
Made a reservation during the happy hour on a weekend. The aperol spritzes were really good. Got the arancini from the happy hour menu and also a pizza from the regular dinner menu. We got the fig pizza. It's probably the most expensive pizza I've had, but also the best pizza crust I've ever had. Very warm and friendly staff - this made the whole experience even better.
We had a lot of fun sitting at the bar watching the delicious drinks get made (try the fico d’India or for NA il sobrio). The margarita pizza was very very good though I didn’t think the sausage added much flavor. The gnocchi was light on sauce so a bit dry but the flavors (truffle? English peas, sunchoke) were excellent.
223 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
affordable
American restaurant
Bistro
Central Park Bistro is a contemporary restaurant located in downtown San Mateo, offering fresh seasonal American cuisine by Chef George Garcia. The restaurant features a sophisticated ambiance with stainless-steel bar, cherry-wood tables, and an eclectic Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. The decor includes tasteful portraits of flowers and white tablecloths for an old-school fine-dining experience. With a seating capacity of 100, the restaurant provides an affordable yet upscale dining experience.
Everything was better than good. The hostess gave us an enthusiastic welcome and sat us earlier than our reservation time which was great. Our server was hilarious, the rest of the staff was on so top of things. The food was so good I was kinda sad when I finished it all bc there was no more left.
Adam K — Google review
An intimate venue for dates nights. We were here for Valentine's Day and their prix fixe 3-course special. Definitely better seafood plates than red meat here. You're in it for the ambiance and not the portion sizes here, haha.
Appetizers were a bit underwhelming - tuna poke was fresh, big chunks, well marinated. Golden/purple beet tower was more leafy greens than actual beets. Dressing could've been served on the side. A bit too vinegary.
Entrees took a while; it was understandable as it was a special day and pretty packed. Chilean sea bass was great - super fresh, nively coated, and seared. Lamb chops were not the move. Burnt crust on the outside, and it came out medium rare despite asking for medium well. The dessert was very cutely plated. Bread pudding was not memorable, but the heart-shaped cake was light and a good note to end on.
I had an unexpected layover in San Francisco area due to a canceled flight, and I took the opportunity to visit Centrale Park Bistro, a recommendation from a friend.
The restaurant boasts a lovely environment with an appealing design, including private rooms and outdoor seating. The service was top-notch, making my experience even more enjoyable. I chose to sit at the bar, where bartender Kristina took care of me. She was friendly and attentive, and mixed an amazing cocktails.
The manager, Oz, checked on my dining experience multiple times. He provided excellent dish recommendations, and I opted for the Ahi Tuna and a Mushroom pizza, both of which were delicious.
Overall, my experience at Centrale Park Bistro was fantastic. The combination of great food, excellent service, and a lovely ambiance makes it a spot I highly recommend visiting.
Wanted to treat myself to a nice dinner and ordered the scallops. It was a bit overcooked, the charred flavor was strong on 1 of 3, and I found the risotto was lacking in flavor.
The first time I came here, I ordered the duck ragu which was surprisingly tart and tasted strongly of an herb (parsley?), not in line with the description.
The overwhelmingly positive reviews here make me question my own taste. I've really wanted to like this restaurant but I've been disappointed twice.
Good food, good service in person but made a reservation via Open table and we were there on time but they marked us no show. They confirmed my name at the entrance.. why
I passed by here on a date and we decided on a whim to have dinner. I’m glad we did! We sat outside facing the street, perfect for people watching. We ordered cocktails and an assortment of appetizers and everything was delicious! The only thing I didn’t like was the Hibiscus Paloma, it was very watery and tasted more like an herbal tea than a cocktail. They have fabulous wines on the menu that I’ll order next time.
A recent dining experience at Central Park Bistro left me utterly enchanted! We kicked off with the Living Butter Lettuce Salad, a delectable shareable delight. The Bosc pear added a sweet touch, perfectly complemented by the Champagne Vinaigrette.
For a communal feast, we delved into the Charcuterie for 3, and it did not disappoint. The generous portions made it an ideal choice for sharing among friends. Moving on to the main course, the Seafood Linguine pasta was a burst of flavors. A must-try! In consideration of dietary restrictions, the restaurant graciously substituted lobster with Salmon in the dish, showcasing their flexibility and commitment to customer satisfaction. The Paella was equally praiseworthy, a symphony of tastes that left a lasting impression.
Central Park Bistro is a must-visit in the area, offering a culinary experience that transcends expectations. From the thoughtful presentation of salads to the flavorful main courses, each dish is a testament to the culinary excellence found in San Mateo.
Very professional service. Food is made with very fresh ingredients and they taste like they've been prepared by real chefs. Very nice presentation. Portions are fairly small, allowing room for appetizer and dessert. Waiting time is a bit longer than average between courses, so its perfect for having a chill time or talk over a meal, not if one is starving for immediate food. Definitely returning.
181 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
affordable
Indian restaurant
Delivery service
Restaurant
Curry Up Now is a small fast-food group that offers a fusion of Indian flavors in their burritos, burgers, and quesadillas. They provide Indian street food in a fast-casual setting with restaurants, food trucks, catering services, and a Mortar & Pestle bar. The establishment is well-decorated and exudes a cheerful vibe with good music to enhance the atmosphere.
Good quick bites and friendly staff, I’ve come here often enough to be considered a regular and I’m always greeted by the wonderful people who work here! The deconstructed samosa is wonderful, and there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options for us non meat-eaters.
I definitely recommend this place for lunch or dinner, but get ready to ask for a to-go box because the portions are very generous!
There is plenty of seating for all group sizes, and there is even a connected bar area through the back if you’re looking for a craft cocktail.
Harriet H — Google review
They have small but nice bar at the back side. Good vibe and cocktails. The food was okay. Service was little slow may be due to weekend but overall good experience. Curry up now at San Jose is better comparatively.
Went here on a weekend with a couple of friends. The downtown was hustling and bustling but the curry up now was totally empty. Barely one table was occupied.
I think I had a much better experience in the san jose's one than here
I took the chicken tikka masala combo. Which was written to be the most popular here.
After having it I was not at all excited.
It came with chana masala and rice and salad.
The salad that is the pico de galo was way too little. Had to ask for some extra.
The food tested okay.
The dessert that is the gulab jamun felt like it was taken out of a tin. It was not at all fresh and enjoyable.
It was a warm afternoon and when we asked for beer the choice was very limited. May be I'll avoid this spot next time I'm here.
The packaging caught my attention right away. Last week, I ordered takeout for my trip to the airport. I opted for pav bhaji, paneer biryani, and kachori chat.
The biryani surprised me with its generous topping of ginger shreds. Although hesitant at first, the combination proved delightful with each hearty bite.
The pav bhaji, while slightly lacking in both quantity and flavor, still boasted the freshness of its ingredients, leaving me satisfied overall.
As for the kachori chat, its harmonious blend of mint and tamarind chutney truly stood out, showcasing expert flavor curation.
Next time I’m in SFO, I’ll definitely make a point to dine in at this restaurant. It offers affordability without compromising on the rich flavors I crave in Indian cuisine.
If I could eat here every day I would. This is my new favorite place. To say I inhaled the Makhni Butter Burrito is true. The incredible flavor, my favorite things puts together burrito/Indian food, this was just amazing and I can’t express how much I am looking forward to coming here more often as the entire menu looked mouthwatering.
I ordered online which is super easy. I love Indian food. The food was okay overall 4 what it is. Samosas filling was more like mashed potatoes, sauce was not what it’s supposed to be the tamarind was sour instead of sweet and the green sauce didn’t have much flavor. Chicken: the batter was falling off of it! I might try it again maybe earlier instead of night time.
Portion wise good. I gave this another try this time I had the masala burrito again not a fan… my daughter had the vegan Samosa burrito and that was delicious.. so I guess if you’re hungry and just want fast Indian food this is your spot
Service and food were amazing! Large portions, we shared the chicken tikka masala bowl plus the fried raviolis which are my favorite. Hoping business picks up for them so we don’t lose another great restaurant in downtown San Mateo.
Quirky fun Indian street fusion food.
Love the variations to Indian classics.
Surprisingly the fusion works well and tastes delicious.
Love the atmosphere and the cool vibes.
Funky decor and great service.
What better way to enjoy a delicious treat.
Thank you Curry up Now for innovative and good food as decent prices.
129 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
affordable
Italian restaurant
La Lanterna Ristorante is a delightful Italian gem that exudes charm with its elegant white-tablecloth setting and cozy curved booths. Guests can enjoy classic Italian dishes, all while being treated to attentive service from friendly staff members like Kathy, who ensure every dining experience is memorable. The outdoor seating offers a lovely ambiance, perfect for enjoying the evening air. Patrons rave about the flavorful offerings, including standout items like the risotto and cannelloni, which have become favorites among regulars.
Good food, especially the appetizers (all of them), great service and great value.
Gerald S — Google review
Food was good, one of the servers was super friendly, the others literally forgot to bring us menu for the first 10 minutes and we had to ask twice for our bill
We only got appetizers and two pasta, and the dinner took us over 2 hours. Another couple who came in at the same time as us even got dessert and finished before us. I’m not sure if they’re just forgetful or if it’s something else but I’m quite disappointed
Absolutely loved this restaurant! Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and served piping hot, just the way I like it. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming back.
The service is impeccable. The food tastes great to me. Very authentic Italian as I was told by friends. But I wouldn't know. The desert selection is pretty great. We work next door and pretty much eat here a few days a week. Still not tired of it.
Highly recommended. I have dined there dozens of times. It is always a great experience.
High grades for both food (try the cannelloni) and the very friendly service.
The cannelloni and Caesar salad are so good, I have a hard time ordering anything else!
This is our favorite local Italian restaurant mainly because of the caprese and because the waiters are super friendly. They have a big cocktail selection. The Ganster martini was good but was a bit too sweet after sipping it for a while. The Italian sunset was better but it had so much ice it was gone in a couple sips. I got the seafood linguini was which pretty standard. My wife got the risotto which was really unique. I wish they didn't take so long to break the check at the end of the meal. It's also kind of expensive.
I ordered Tortolloni, it tasted so sweet which I didn’t like at all. I felt eating honey!!!
The food taste is well below average, it is not pricey though as google map shows.
The customer service was great, very polite and kind employees. There was a guy, his name was Ali, made me feel home,. If I go back there it is just for customer service, my three stars are for service too not for products.
Thank you Kathy!
Our party of four had dinner here a couple of days ago. We were graciously seated outside - nice spot. The entire evening, our server Kathy, looked after us with much attention. Even though serving "outside seating" must be difficult during this tough virus times, Kathy made it look easy. Her charm and care added a special dimension to our evening. The entire meal - all dishes were tasty and delightful. The jewel in the crown was the bread pudding. Most Excellent. The risotto was perfect! The sauce with the polenta really added a whole new dimension of taste. We'll be back and hope that Kathy looks after us again.
180 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
affordable
Ice cream shop
Cake shop
Dessert restaurant
Frozen yogurt shop
Cold Stone Creamery is a popular ice cream chain known for its customizable creations mixed on a granite slab. In addition to their signature ice cream, they also offer shakes and more. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and toppings, making it a perfect spot for families or anyone with a sweet tooth. The friendly staff and fast service make the experience even more enjoyable. Plus, visitors can sign up for a free membership to receive special offers like buy-one-get-one-free coupons.
This place is under new management since May 2024. Took my family here over the weekend.
Owner is super nice and was handing out generous samples of freshly baked brownies. Lots of options to taste ice cream.
10/10 would come again.
Bonus tip: sign up for their free membership with your phone number and score a BOGO coupon
Jay W — Google review
Super disappointed in the portion sizes for the price. Also they didn't even mix the toppings on the "cold stone" 😑 Not coming back again...
This place is under new management and it's most definitely showing, ordered a pick up for me and my boys and they were all the same size despite upgrading a couple upon ordering. The manager Queenie gave me a call and made things right without hesitation, she's great. Best cold stone on the peninsula without a doubt. Thank you again for your integrity Queenie, Very cool!
Ice cream was delicious, they had a variety of flavor to choose from, and she was happy providing samples not like other places. I really enjoy the ice cream and the conversation and I will stop by again when i'm in San Mateo.
Outstanding service! Everyone was very helpful and polite, particularly Nikka, she was very helpful and made my coldstone experience a fantastic one! Thank you!!!
I was served by the worker wearing glasses (nicaraguan). He had a poor attitude and it was very off-putting. If someone is struggling to stay courteous while performing a basic task like scooping ice cream, it may be worth reconsidering whether customer service is the right fit for them.
Ice cream good i was trying to find a cheap ice cream place and i did and it's also really good ice cream
Shout out to Chris A. EXCELLENT customer service! Always helpful and informative! He deserves a BIG RAISE!
375 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
cheap
Vietnamese restaurant
Pho restaurant
Pho Element is a tranquil establishment that specializes in Northern Vietnamese cuisine, offering a variety of pho, rice, and noodle dishes. They also provide vegetarian options for those seeking plant-based meals. Their northern style pho is highly commendable, although some patrons may prefer the vermicelli noodles instead. The broth is rich in flavors without being overly salty. Additionally, their spring rolls are delectably fresh and flavorful.
It's a solid, modern Vietnamese restaurant that we've done takeout and dine in at over the years. We always dine in when ordering pho. They don't have all your Vietnamese classics and just focus on what they do best. Love the flavors and the restaurant is decently clean and well staffed. We got our food pretty quickly and the final price was fair. Service was good and we never waited long. Parking can be rough since it's often busy, so don't be surprised if you have to walk. You have to try their tofu!
Andrew J — Google review
The noodle soup was good, though it wasn’t the traditional version with bean sprouts and basil. I really loved the flavor of the soup! However, the shrimp rolls were a bit dry, almost like they had been sitting out for a while. Overall, it was a decent experience, but there’s room for improvement.
The food was delicious we visited this place because we are soups 🍜 fans so it worth the money for sure, besides the server was so nice and helpful in suggestions he recommends to try seafood soup with coconut milk for myself and he was right I love it from the first taste for my son regular seafood wich my son describes as a delicious as well and beef brisket for my husband. Obviously I’ll come back for new dishes and more flavor taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
I stopped by here after landing at SFO and on my way to the valley. I saw the 900 something reviews and in nearly five star rating. I don't get the ratings. Overall, a solid Vietnamese restaurant but not exceptional. The pho broth was authentic, but they didn't provide your typical bean sprouts and lettuce. The fun noodle was way overcooked, but I assume that's just an unusual mistake. The shrimp summer roll was excellent. The place was clean but I found myself having to wipe the plate because it had a little something on it?.
Ordered the rare beef, beef brisket, beef meatball combo pho and it was ok. Didn't have Thai basil and bean sprouts on the side like I was expecting. Large bowl was filling but the beef didn't have a lot of flavor and the noodles were overcooked and mushy.
Wow the service was good and the curry pho was surprisingly great! Delicious!!
Shaking beef garlic noodles is part of the “secret”menu.
Small but very busy restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine. We ordered garlic noodles with grilled shrimp and the portion of the noodles was OK but with lots of shrimps. The grilled chicken was pretty tasty. Good, friendly and fast service.
Simply the best chicken pho along the peninsula. I had mine with extra green onion and cilantro and it was sooo good. My other favorites are their oxtail and chicken rice. And for desert their tofu drink is excellent!
2216 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
affordable
Asian fusion restaurant
Asian restaurant
Chicken restaurant
Bonchon San Mateo is a casual eatery that specializes in made-to-order Korean fried chicken and offers a variety of traditional dishes. The menu includes options like the half & half, which allows customers to enjoy both spicy and non-spicy flavors. However, some patrons felt that the spicy chicken was excessively hot for their taste, while others found certain pieces to be old and tough. Additionally, some noted that the coating on the chicken was thicker than desired.
Hands down the best Korean fried barbecued chicken in the Bay Area! Banchan in San Mateo blew me away — perfectly crispy, juicy chicken with a rich glaze that hits all the right notes. The flavors are bold but balanced, and the sides (especially the pickled radish and kimchi) complement the meal beautifully. Service was fast and friendly, and the place was spotless. I’ve been craving it ever since. Highly recommend for anyone who loves Korean BBQ or just amazing fried chicken.
Kimberly G — Google review
The portion of the food was very small. Bibimbap was cold and had very tiny pieces of scrambled eggs. The food wasn’t bad. It’s just disappointingly under expectations.
Great find! The bao buns were fantastic as was the Korean Tacos. The tacos were small, but delicious. Korean fried chicken was tasty as well! Will definitely return to try other items on the menu.
I've been going to this chain for over half a decade now and I've slowly seen them slip away in quality, shrinking portion sizes, and jacking up the prices. I paid 33$ for a 20 piece strips in 2022 and its now 55$. I'm not even joking with you that the first time I ordered the strips years ago it was a massive mound of food. Like more than an entire chickens worth of meat. Each strip was like a dinosaur sized slab of meat and fried really well. Then of course they had to reduce the portion sizes which was understandable but still sad. I still liked the flavor and the quality was still decent so I kept coming back. This time i ordered was different. The chicken was pretty poorly fried and tons of uncoated spots on almost every strip. They also stopped using their own branded boxes which were designed to let out extra steam so that if you travel with them at all they don't get a soggy. Now they use the same horrible brown paper boxes that you see at every other place. There was also a horrible black mutation on the inside of one of the strips. Go back to your roots guys, yall are missing the mark. Put some love and care back into this place. I hope you do because I used to be a huge fan.
This wasn't even close to normal Bon Chon Double fried chicken. We go the chicken strips, it didn't have any breading on it, naked chicken with Korean BBQ sauce, really disappointing. I have been to other Bon Chon and they all double fried thier chicken stripe. They didn't even get our order right. We didn't get our French fries. Terrible representation of Bon Chon. I will never eat at this one ever again.
Food was tasty and affordable. However a particular worker made the entire experience appealing and distasteful. Me and my friends came yesterday and were politely helped by a totally different worker. She let us know that we could take a seat anywhere and we paid after we finished eating. Today, a different worker took a look at my friends and asked us to order and pay first before getting our food even though we’re eating there. That wasn’t even the worse part. When we had finished eating, I went to use the restroom with my little brother bc he needed to wash his hands while I used the toilet. All of a sudden I hear someone knocking on the door vigorously and had forcefully opened the door while I was mid peeing. That made me feel so uncomfortable and livid. This behavior was Completely inappropriate and unprofessional. My friend who had been waiting outside, said she had used a fork to open the door despite it being locked. Glad to say that I will never visit this location again.
I usually don’t give bad reviews but I was so disappointed by the food here.
I paid $20 for house fried rice and waited 20 min for my food. Which is completely fine. But when I got home to open my meal there was barely any food in the box. It was more than half empty!
I would never go back here again.
Got the half & half. The spicy half was a little too spicy for me. The chicken overall was tasty but some pieces tasted old and stringy. The coating was a bit thick too. It did satisfy my fried chicken craving but it is not even close to the Korean fried chicken I had in Seoul. The people who work there are super friendly though.
220 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
4.8
(258)
4.5
(12)
Mentioned on
cheap
Dessert shop
Bakery
Ice cream shop
Romolo's Cannoli is an old-school Italian dessert cafe in San Mateo, offering a unique and authentic cannoli experience. The shop provides a variety of flavors and toppings for their cannolis, which can also be enjoyed in ice cream form. Customers praise the handmade and delicious desserts, as well as the friendly service from the staff. Unlike other places, Romolo's prepares cannolis to order, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite due to their super fresh shells.
10/10 REAL CANNOLIS THAT SATISFIED MY CRAVINGS!
I’ve been craving for real cannolis for some time but there aren’t any available in my area. I drove an hour just to get these and they were so worth it! I got a dozen cannolis, half filled with original and half with tiramisu.
Andrea L — Google review
Having grown up in NJ, so close to NYC I am a snob when it comes to Italian desserts. Could not believe finding this cannoli treasure on the West Coast tucked away on 37th St, off El Camino Real. I remember a few years ago passing it a few times but it was never open when I wanted to go in. So on Good Friday, when my co-workers and I had a Mexican lunch next door, we walked in to find it open and ready for our taking! I was in heaven. The aroma of freshly baked shells just tickled my nose. There was a crowd ahead of us which gave me time to check things out. I picked up an ice-cream cannoli (coffee ice-cream with toffee toppings - tasted so divine). I tasted their berry and vanilla ice-cream which if I wasn't so full from lunch, would've picked up a cup. Then when it was my turn, the lady behind the counter talked me into getting the DIY cannoli of 6 for $36. I had 3 chocolate filled shells, 3 regular, a small bag of mini chocolate chip toppings, and a HUGE baker's bag of cannoli cream. She said to keep the bag of cream refrigerated and leave the shells in the box (which I placed the whole box in a big ziploc bag to keep fresh). I wanted to serve the cannolis to my family 2 days later. Fast forward to 2 days later, I bit into my DIY cannoli and just about died with delight! The shells were still crispy and the ricotta cheese filling was creamy, not too sweet with a slight hint of vanilla. My family loved their treat; my family loves me! Haha
When I use to live in the Palo Alto I used to come here for cannolis. And now when I visit the Bay Area I still stop here as I find the cannolis to be great. Nothing compares to this where I now live in Florida. So whether a local to the Bay Area or tourist I recommend stopping here if you want a good cannoli. 😋😋😋
Craving an Italian dessert, we were led to this place. Cute small shop, friendly people. Ice cream and desserts in the fridge section, cannolis on the counter. You get choices for each cannoli. Plain or chocolate inside cone. Original, pistachio or chocolate filling. Sides of chocolate chip, pistachio, cherries. It is crispy and flavorful. It would have been great with an espresso or tea but so yummy.
My boss always bought Romolo's for office parties, and the cannolis are always so good. So when my husband and I were planning an Italian feast for our wedding, Romolo's came to mind immediately. Over the course of a few months we came in to try different cookies and cannolis. The place is super cute and the staff is so nice.
Erin, one of the owners, was so helpful and we ended up doing a mix of cannolis and cookies. We ordered 50 cannolis and a few dozen cookies for 35 guests. There were maybe 5 cannolis left which one guest took home for their family.
Our families are Italian from NY and most of them said it was the best cannoli they've had outside of NY. (They can't say it's better than a NY cannoli - that would be treason.)
Thank you Erin and team. You really helped our day feel that much more special.
A nice little authentic Italian dessert shop with a long history of family ownership. This is my first time here, and I met another very kind customer that give us so many great suggestions.
I ended up having a regular shell + pistachio filling + pistachio & toffee garnish. To be honest, I didn't find it to be my cup of tea. However, I still decided to give this place a 4 star because what I saw in the shop is filled with love and 2 generations of hard work.
Beyond the cannoli and friendly staff, their classic ice cream flavors are unexpectedly delicious. I recommend chocolate, coffee, and strawberry. The coffee is strong and sweet an ice cream flavors so much that it tastes like you’d get a cup of coffee’s worth of caffeine from a scoop. Their milkshakes are underrated too.
A very popular place, we met a regular customer who brought a dozen, and he recommended the original.
I got the chocolate covered shell with half original and half pistachio filling, and dipped with toffee and pistachio.
The shell is krispy, the fillings taste similar to me, and a little heavy, the pistachio topping is fresh. (2 for $10)
I can see why people like it, but just not y cup of tea.
81 37th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
cheap
Bakery
Restaurant
Beard Papa's is a delightful bakery chain that hails from Japan, renowned for its exquisite cream puffs available in an array of flavors. Each puff features a light and crispy shell that cradles a rich, creamy filling, making every bite an indulgent treat. The charming little shop exudes warmth and friendliness, with staff who are always eager to make your visit enjoyable.
Beard Papa's: A Must-Try!
Beard Papa's is an absolute gem! Their cream puffs are simply divine. The delicate, crispy shell is the perfect vessel for the luscious, creamy filling. Every bite is a moment of pure indulgence. To top it off, the service is exceptional. The staff is friendly, efficient, and makes you feel welcome. I can't recommend Beard Papa's enough - it's a truly unforgettable experience.
Reginald P — Google review
I ordered 6 original cream puffs but received all chocolate. Not a fan of chocolate.
Other than that creamy inside and soft on the outside.
We knew about Beard Papa’s since we lived in Singapore before. So glad to find it here.
Best cream puffs I’ve had. They keep the recipe of their original puffs. Still as tasty as ever.
Even though it’s a small shop, I can smell the cream and fresh baked pastries from a far.
If you are craving for some cream puffs try here. So creamy and delightful
UPDATE: Change to four stars after noticing the AC finally works.
One of my favorite place.
Whenever i go to San Mateo, i visit this store and get two original with vanilla flavors.
The reason i give one star is due to the broken AC. The store is extremely hot at sunny day. And, for me it is painful to see employees in the hot isolated place.
Yo owner. Plz fix the AC.
SUCH a cute store, adorable little shop with cute chairs and tables for seating. They also have such fancy but affordable desserts: cream puffs (chocolate or vanilla) and lava cakes (ube, matcha, chocolate, etc.). So adorable and really nice lady working there!!
I purchased cream puffs on August 8th of this year—Beard Papa’s Day, according to their promos on social media. I was given a card to redeem in the future for a free cream puff with purchase. When I walked in to redeem the card tonight (9/5/25), the employee immediately and rudely brushed me off, saying that the card was no good.
The card I was given says that it expires on 9/30/25. The card also says that it’s “valid at any Beard Papa’s location.”
Makes me wonder how other locations in the US operate. I wonder if corporate in Japan knows about this. Shame that the brand has allowed their locations to have such lousy customer service and attitudes. They’ve fallen a long way since I first went to their test run in the US at Shirokiya in Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu.
Don’t patronize this business.
Puffs are delicious. Go for it.
Note that i think the ube puff topping is made of white chocolate and the white chocolate flavor is too strong to find ube flavor in it. Other than that, everything was delightful.
365 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
4.4
(707)
4.2
(11)
Mentioned on
cheap
Frozen yogurt shop
Ice cream shop
Yumi Yogurt offers a generous serving of creamy frozen yogurt with flavorful swirls that add just the right amount of sweetness. In addition to their yogurt, they also serve smoothies and ice cream. Customers appreciate the variety of flavors available, such as mint cookie, Reese's peanut butter, and butterfingers. The portion sizes are large and perfect for sharing. The establishment provides a cute covered seating area for customers to enjoy their treats.
A delightful spot for frozen yogurt enthusiasts located conveniently on El Camino Real. The shop has a retro charm with its bright signage and welcoming atmosphere. I stopped by for a birthday treat after a massage nearby back in February.
Of the 7 frozen yogurt flavors, I ordered the chocolate topped with peach rings and sprinkles, and it was a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The chocolate yogurt was rich and creamy, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and cocoa flavor. The peach rings added a fun, tangy twist that complemented the chocolate beautifully, while the sprinkles provided a satisfying crunch and a pop of color. The portion size was generous, making it great value for the price-and it lasted me 2 more sittings.
One standout feature of Yumi Yogurt is its variety of flavors and toppings, catering to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or adventurous, there's something for everyone. The shop also offers options like low-carb and sugar-free yogurts, which is a thoughtful touch for those with dietary restrictions.
The attendant was friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience despite the shop being moderately busy. The service was quick, and the toppings were fresh and plentiful. The shop itself was clean and well-maintained, with ample seating for customers to enjoy their treats. I was also pleased to see that they now accept card payments, which is a notable improvement from earlier reviews that mentioned a cash-only policy.
Overall, Yumi Yogurt is a fantastic spot for a casual dessert outing. The combination of high-quality frozen yogurt, friendly service, and a welcoming environment makes it a must-visit in San Mateo. I’ll definitely be returning to try their cookies and cream froyo and other unique combinations!
Size M, $8
Natalie — Google review
This was an institution when I was younger, but the quality of ice cream and soft serve is not like it used to be. The mint ice cream tasted very artificial. The kids complained that it was too spicy. The flavors all tasted artificial. I tried the peanut butter soft serve and it was not good at all. I hope it improves, but at its current state it is not the same. Service is great and atmosphere is good. There is outdoor seating, but I wished there was an outdoor hand washing station. No restroom access that I could see.
I visited this ice cream store with my child right when they were supposed to open at 10 a.m., but nothing was ready.
We were told to wait another 10 minutes, and even then, the place wasn’t prepared.
The store looked untidy with uncovered ice cream sitting out overnight and trash bins filled in from the previous day.
After waiting for 10 minutes the staff was visibly annoyed and told us that we can wait or have a scoop of the ice cream as yoghurt still isn't ready.
I agreed in that opinion and asked for toppings, and the man replied that the toppings weren’t ready. I saw the cookies on the display, he replied that the cookies were old and not for sale.
The entire experience felt unwelcoming, and the $6.50 scoop we got tasted not fresh, so we ended up throwing half of it away.
If I wasn't with my child to whom I promised ice cream on that day I wouldn't wait, as staff members were visibly annoyed by our presence and questions about the ice cream and toppings the whole time.
If you plan to visit, definitely give them more time after opening to get things in order. Also, maybe, don't go there with your kids. Otherwise, you might have a similarly disappointing experience.
We went to this place on Friday evening and there were a few people. The service was quick. We ordered Vanilla Custard and Blackberry Guava Swirl..The blackberry guava soft serve was very good. Guava flavour was subtle and refreshing. The vanilla Custard had kinda slimy texture but was not disappointing. We will surely go back to taste some of their other flavors.
The soft serves are kinda pricey and portion size are huge..I wish they also had options for a smaller size soft serve.
Cute, small towny froyo/ice cream spot that many locals were visiting on a Thursday evening. Parking lot and outdoor tables available. Somewhat pricey but big portions, wide flavor selection, and lots of toppings to choose from. Although, I got crushed Oreos and they were stale. Customer service could be a bit better.
Jose is a great employee and offered lots of honest recommendations when my party asked him for some. The establishment has a nice aesthetic and nice outdoor seating area.
delicious ice cream and (typically) great sizes for their pricing however they recently sized down but to my knowledge it’s the same price. $16 without tip for two smalls is quite up there in my opinion. i’ve been going for my whole life it’s a little disappointing to see the change after this long.
take that as you will, but they have a huge variety and i really enjoy their flavor bursts. a bit tough to get to as it’s on el camino. they also have great service and good seating parking is a bit tough during rush hour.
$8-10 for ice cream scoop. Yogurt flavors are interesting…they do samples. Outside patio is a bit dirty. Parking lot is necessary. Draw is the toppings! So many candies for kids to get….
3955 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
cheap
Cookie shop
Antoine's Cookie Shop is a small, inviting place tucked along 2nd Ave. The delicious smell of cookies immediately draws you in. The friendly cashier makes the experience even better, especially if you have little ones with you. The menu offers a variety of cookies, including chocolate chip, honeycomb, peanut buttercup, white chocolate macadamia, and cookies 'n cream. Customers particularly enjoyed the flavorful family recipes and affordable prices at $2 per cookie.
My kids love coming here for cookies. Everything they have tried are delicious (chocolate chip, cookies & cream, peanut buttercup, and oatmeal chip). We have also gotten take out as a treat for their soccer teammates. So glad to have this local place in downtown San Mateo!
Wei-Ai T — Google review
Hands down always the best cookies. You can always tell a good cookie by the basics, chocolate chip is always a crowd favorite!
First time trying this place and it was a pleasant surprise!
The chocolate chip cookie was delicious, not too sweet, perfect amount of chocolate
I will definitely come back again and try new flavors
This place is dangerous... it's close to my home and will be the culprit of ruining my diet but oh so worth it!!!! Since COVID-19 I have being buying couple boxes of cookies in a weekly basis, my son felt in love with these cockies. Online ordering is super convenient so I highly recommend for you do a mobile order before going if you're definitely getting more than a few! I ordered the cookies and creme, white chocolate macadamia, dark choco chip, walnut choco, toffee and snickerdoodle and they were all so yummy! The cookies were very soft and not overly sweet. They also have prepackaged boxes of 1 day old cookies with specific flavors in them for a cheaper price which is smart way not to waste and get rid of them! Service was very friendly and quick. Definitely a must try place if you're a sweet lover and in the area!
Don’t order for delivery.
Apparently delivery means leaving the box at the door with no notification to anyone.
Even though it should be standard, I especially noted that the delivery person should call and notify the given number for delivery.
Great job leaving it outside the building.
Delicious and great service. You can only take it to go. We tried the cookie crumble and 65% chocolate chip flavors, which were both excellent.
This place is a hidden gem in downtown San Mateo. Antoine, the owner, is super friendly and easy to strike up a conversation. The fresh daily cookies are moist and soft that it easily falls apart in your mouth. Price is reasonable for well-baked cookie.
My go to cookies are cookie ‘n cream, toffee, snickerdoodle, and oatmeal chip. (Too bad he killed off the inception cookie (cookie within a cookie), since he felt the standard was sub-par to his other flavored cookies)
They also have “day old” cookies as well. They’re 5-assorted cookies boxed up. They’re just as good and usually to score those you’ll have to come in early. The “day old” usually sells out pretty quick.
I’ve been a long time customer. Every time I’m in the area I must pick up a few cookies.
Excellent cookies! Some of the best in the whole bay area including the city. My only issue was the Oatmeal cookie has pecans! It's not in the name surprisingly. Be careful! Still good cookies, just please label pecans in that cookie more prominently.
220 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
affordable
Indian restaurant
Asian restaurant
Chicken restaurant
Clay Oven Cuisine of India is a delightful branch of a contemporary Indian restaurant chain that specializes in tandoori dishes and offers an enticing lunch buffet. Nestled in the heart of San Mateo, this eatery captivates visitors with its aromatic spices wafting through the air, promising an authentic culinary experience. Diners rave about the deliciousness of various menu items, making it a must-visit for anyone craving quality Indian food.
Love this place for years. Love Indian food. Chicken is so juicy and the flavors are awesome. I don’t eat spicy food and if you tell them mild it’s perfect. San Mateo Location has the best hours, San Francisco hours suck.
Karli P — Google review
Buffet - traditional cuisine, very delicious, good service and good music. If you like Indian food, this is a good choice. you will like it.
Great food great people. The owner is humble and kind, and they are very generous with their portions of food and everything on the menu taste delicious.
Exceptional cuisine. My family all greatly enjoyed the lunch buffet. Lovely ambiance with Real Roses and wine glasses for water. I tasted almost every dish and each one was spectacular. They brought complementary naan to the table; service was delightful. I don't know where they get their grapefruits, they were insanely rich, I'm pretty sure it was the best I've ever had.
Malai Kofta(2/5): the koftas are extremely dense and hard to eat.
Paneer Makhni(4/5): Ok flavor. Large portion.
The gravy is the same across the different entrees but the portion sizes are good
The lunchtime buffet was good. There was a nice variety of offerings, which would satisfy meat eaters as well as vegetarians. Someone brought to our table freshly prepared naan. We will definitely come back to this restaurant.
Clay Oven Cuisine of India in San Mateo is a fantastic restaurant that offers excellent service, delicious and savory food, and a cozy ambiance that is perfect for both date nights and business meetings. The owner is incredibly attentive and the cook is able to accommodate a wide range of spice levels, from very mild to extremely spicy. The quality of the meat, chicken, and all ingredients is top-notch and the restaurant is always kept clean. Located in a shopping area, the restaurant also plays great Indian music, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for delicious Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on the preparation, ambiance, quality of service, flavor and serving size, all of which are the best and perfect.
My wife has eaten here often after her shift ends. Its quality food that is hot and good!!!
The price is a bit too competitive for the food but given the area and quality of food it is worth it i think. This is the only place open until 11 PM and I think that alone deserves 5.0 star !!!
Thanks for the quality dining and watching the warriors game!!
78 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
affordable
Chinese restaurant
Chinese noodle restaurant
Chinese takeaway
Dough Zone Dumpling House in San Mateo is an excellent dining option with a convenient ordering system using QR codes. Customers can place their own orders, and the staff keeps track of what has been served on a receipt at each table. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes such as soup dumplings, bao, noodles, and bao sandwiches. The food arrives quickly and is of high quality.
We had the XLB, pot stickers, onion pancakes, and sweet and sour cucumbers. All tasted good!
Rita C — Google review
Walked in just before closing on a Saturday night. Welcomed and greeted. Ordered cucumbers, XLB, wontons in chicken soup, and pan fried chive dumplings.
FOOD 3
Just ordinary. All of the dumpling items seemed manufactured and frozen. The cucumbers were fresher and better than the dumplings. The pan fried chive was not to my liking. Diced too finely and a strange garlic taste. Prices are reasonable.
SERVICE 4
Staff were warm and accommodating.
ATMOSPHERE 4
Airy open space, but lots of ambient noise from the loud clanging of, and collecting dishes.
Was always curious by how packed this place was on the weekends so we decided to try it out for early dinner. The XLB came looking deflated and the top had dried flour. Almost every single one had soup already leaked out. The flavor is decent but I suspect these are machine made. The knot at the top of each XLB is undercooked and way too uniformed - it looks like it was stamped. The dan dan noodles was unimpressive - really small portion (think shitty instant noodle portion). The Q Bao (sheng jian bao) looked undercooked - not enough crisp at the bottom and right upon first bite, you can tell this was machine made. The dough is dense and had zero bounce. At least it was juicier than the XLB. Will not be back.
Their dumplings are soooo good!! Noodles are great, dumplings are great, gyoza is great, it's all delicious. I'm a big fan of the pork xiao long bao, and the spicy cucumbers. The service is super fast, and the prices are so reasonable. It also has a super cute interior, and great location in downtown San Mateo!
The place is nice! The portion for each dish is kinda small so I would recommend 4 dish per person. But the small portion (reasonably priced) give you the option to try out more flavors!
The beef noodle (牛肉面）is the best and I will order again! The spicy and sour noodle (酸辣粉) is average and I wouldn’t order again!
The fried dumplings 🥟 （锅贴）are great! I would 100% recommend.
We came here by chance, was initially thinking to go elsewhere but decided to stop by at DoughZone. Got seated right away despite being pretty crowded. Seat was nice and comfortable, enough distance that you don't disturb others and still up to code.
We ordered panfried bao, xiao long bao, mala noodles, chive dumplings, and panfried dumplings. I can tell you everything is very crispy, flavorful, and most importantly, juicy!! The panfried bao especially, it was not only crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, but it has very thin dough and tastes on point. 10/10 recommended!
XLB wasn't bad but not hot enough. Dan Dan noodles were good but too spicy and rich for my taste. The boiled pork dumplings were probably the best of what I tasted today dipped in the table sauces. The street pancake thing was a little crispy but way too dry I had to stuff it with a dumpling and noodles to make it edible. Service was mechanical.
Great flavor. Discover this place because our target place is full and we were hungry for a small lunch before dinner. Glad we came here to eat. Everything that we ordered were great. Highly recommended the Q-Bao and Dan Dan noodles. Service was very fast and great.
Next time I would like to try other noodle dishes and pot stickers.
111 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
affordable
Pizza restaurant
Italian restaurant
Wine bar
The local community eagerly lines up at Pizzeria Delfina - Burlingame to indulge in their delectable Neapolitan-style pizzas. This farm-to-table establishment not only serves mouthwatering pies but also offers an impressive selection of wines and beers. Patrons appreciate the carefully selected ingredients used in their Margarita and four cheese pizzas, which contribute to a truly remarkable dining experience.
Was looking for a place to eat with friends who were in town for one night. We walked downtown Burlingame and walked into Pizzeria Delfina. We were able to get a seat quickly, it was Monday around 6pm. We sat outside which was a beautiful sunny day a little windy but they put the heat lamp on and it was beautiful. There were 6 of us and they accommodated which was amazing. We had drinks and ordered the pepperoni pizza, the margarita pizza and a sausage pizza. I also got the gem salad which was incredible. So light and fresh. I would go back for that alone. My hubby had the same plant Parmesan and he raved about it. All the pizzas were delicious too. Great service and quick turnaround. Highly recommend and will be going back!
Jennifer R — Google review
The pizza at Delfina Pizzeria was great, and the arugula salad was equally amazing—super fresh and flavorful! However, the service left much to be desired. Our waitress only checked on us once, and that was when she brought the check. At that point, we asked for butter, but we were told they didn’t have any, which was hard to believe. While the food is definitely worth it, the service could use some improvement.
This place is a mixed bag.
First, the good: Their pasta is great. They have proper, authentic carbonara, with eggs (not cream) and guanciale (not panchetta or bacon) which isn't too common in the USA.
Since they have "pizzeria" in the name, you'd expect them to have good pizza. They say it's Napoletana pizza, but it's not really. I tried a Margherita. The base is too thin meaning the pizza basically falls apart, while the crust is way too thick and is bland, tasteless, and too dry. Compare the pizza here to somewhere like Doppio Zero, Terun, or Napoletana Pizzeria, which have actual (AVPN-approved) Napoletana pizzas and you'll immediately notice the difference.
Finally, they add a 5% junk fee. This is a sneaky way to increase prices in a hidden way, without adjusting menu prices to reflect the actual price of items. This is anti-consumer and I'm taking off one star as a result.
Great place for a pizza. Nice restaurant with a good vibe. Staff is very friendly and the pizzas are excellent. The menu is not very big which helps make a quick choice and ensures the products are fresh. Napolitain pizzas with thin crust and great taste.
We ordered the spaghetti and panna pizza. Flavors for both were decent. The presentation of the spaghetti could be better, too little amount of basil and portion was too small! My favorite part of the meal was the sauce on the pizza. And the pizza base was extremely thin, almost like chips-thin. Not very filling though. Crust is thicc and a bit dry and flavorless. It could have been better if they served a side of sauce with it. We ended up with crusts at the end even though we didn’t want to waste anything. Service was extremely slow. Our waitress was not very attentive. She didn’t bother to check on us and we had to ask the hostess to find her. We were seated outside at the window and it was very cold while we waited 15+mins for our food.
The fungi pizza was overly salty, though the crust was good. The eggplant parmesan also suffered from excessive saltiness and hard bread.
My friends and I went to Pizzeria Delfina for dinner. For our main entree, we tried their eggplant parmigiana, housemade gnnochi pasta, and formaggi pizza. The eggplant parmigiana was the best. The portion size of each entree was very generous. The parmigiana sauce was good. The pizza was decent. It had a thin crust. The gnnochi was very dense and greasy, and it didn't come with enough sauce, so part of it felt very bland.
For dessert, we tried their panna cotta and tiramisu. Tiramisu was light, and it had a strong espresso/coffee flavor. The panna cotta was tart, and it came with pomegranates.
Our server was very nice and friendly. He checked in on us from time to time to make sure we were doing okay.
Our party of four was seated right away, which was a nice start. The restaurant has a great atmosphere. I ordered the pepperoni pizza and the Pomodoro pasta. Both dishes were decent, but I was a little disappointed with the pizza—the pepperoni had more of a salami-like texture rather than the classic, slightly greasy style I was expecting. The pasta itself tasted fresh, like it was made in-house, but it really needed more cheese to balance it out. When I asked, they only brought about a teaspoon of cheese, which wasn’t nearly enough for me, let alone the whole table. Service was friendly but on the slower side, especially when it came to checking in on us and bringing the bill.
1444 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
affordable
Coffee shop
Cafe
Blue Bottle Coffee is a trendy cafe chain known for its upscale coffee drinks, pastries, and high-quality beans and brewing equipment. Despite its expansion, the quality of their espressos and coffees remains consistently excellent. The cafe offers great customer service and follows strict safety protocols. Visitors can enjoy a neighborly atmosphere with the inviting aroma of freshly poured coffee beans. The Nola coffee is highly recommended, as are their pour overs like the Ethiopia blend.
Was looking for coffee options and saw this location. First time for me so wasn’t sure what to get. I talked to the person at the counter for a bit and we settled on a Single Origin Pour Over which just happened to be Ethiopian on this day. I thoroughly enjoyed the coffee and appreciated their coffee knowledge in guiding my choice. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
The wife got the winter latte and she really enjoyed it too.
Highly recommend stopping by as I will definitely be back.
Hash M — Google review
This is my go to coffee place.
I enjoy the outdoor area with plenty of seating l, fairly easy parking, and honestly, my favorite place to pickup an oat milk latte.
However, besides the coffee, the staff is wonderful. Always friendly and helpful with a special shout out to Alyssa who is my favorite barista. She’s always got a great smile with a cheerful attitude!
I’m sure I’ll be back soon with my personal cup.
Love this location. Quiet atmosphere, usually not busy, and quick service. Their latte lines ate very good. My personal favorite would be match latte with oat milk. My husband’s long time love is their latte. However, their coffee is quite pricey.
Buy the beans here. They are roasted recently and have high turnover. Baristas are super skilled and awesome, they seem happy here which counts a lot. The liege waffle is a worthwhile indulgence every now and then! But the sugar pearl is either not used anymore or less obvious so the waffle seems less special nowadays. Shrinkflation.
I ordered their Yuzu Lavender Latte with almond milk and had another disappointment with Blue Bottle. It’s not highlighting the flavors for any of them and definitely not worth $9. Maybe the almond milk is throwing off the flavors? If that’s the case, would love for the staff to call it out.
My first disappointment was when I ordered their cold brew, only to realize they pulled out the same product you can buy at Costco - but they charged double since they opened it and gave you cups and ice.
The place is also not the cleanest. Overall, doesn’t seem like it offers anything special anymore.
Modern, clean, recent location serving the smoothest iced almond milk latte. Deliciously refreshing!
Serving size is a little small for an iced drink. Somewhat pricey. It is what it is.
Noticed they didn’t have liege waffles today. First world problems.
Couple workers, service was very prompt. Excellent. Will be back.
Blue Bottle Coffee makes really good espressos and coffees. I'm happy that they have expanded so much outside of the small alley in SF. Sometimes with expansions, quality may change in coffee and how other coffee drinks are made. This is not the case here! Excellent espresso and consistently good Latte! Great customer service and safety protocols w/ masks and hand sanitizers. Easy parking. Too cold this Sunday morning to sit outside by the cool sculpture!
I have visited this Blue Bottle a few times over the course of past couple of years, their coffee has been always on point and service is very friendly. During my last visit, my latte was definitely too hot and the sandwich we got was just mediocre.
This location feels pretty much a standard blue bottle without much own charm. Sadly the pandemic has made it worse. Now you can't even enter the store or see your coffee being made, the whole expereince becomes even less personal.
3081 S Delaware St, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
Permanently Closed
affordable
Ice cream shop
Dessert restaurant
Nestled within Mochinut, Uji Time Express is a delightful dessert spot that promises to satisfy your sweet cravings. This cozy venue features a vibrant Aloha mural and offers an inviting atmosphere with a few tables for guests to enjoy their treats. The menu showcases a selection of soft serve ice cream in flavors like matcha, black sesame, and tofu, served in cups, cones, or even taiyaki cones—crispy delights made from perfectly balanced batter.
The Matcha soft serve with taiyaki was absolutely delicious! You can choose a filling inside for the taiyaki such as Nutella or red bean, and you can also choose two toppings. We chose chemical and Matcha powder. It was a very good deal and the best Matcha flavored ice cream we’ve had in the Bay Area. I also had the tofu soft serve with Ube, and they were really interesting flavors, but I don’t know if I would order it again.
Julie T — Google review
Line was to the door, but moved pretty fast. A bit crowded in the small waiting area. Both Matcha and Sesame ice cream were good - creamy, tasty, and not too sweet. Also noticed that they have Seasonal Flavors - Lavender and Tofu.
I like their tofu and black sesame ice cream! There IS a swirl option or you can do two flavors; and there are two flavors for the taiyaki - red bean and nutella. What's great is they let you try the ice cream. Ice cream is a bit on the icier side. Plus is - they have stamp cards now!
I've heard of this place and how long the wait can be. Totally understandable given the baking time for fresh taiyaki cones and the ridiculously photogenic nature of their creation.
Thankfully we came at a non busy time. The soft serve was decent to good, with a lot of flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet. The warm, chewy taiyaki definitely complemented the melting coolness of the ice cream. One big negative is that the taiyaki didn't hold on to the soft serve well and we ended up dripping everywhere.
Messy but enjoyable!
Having had ice cream earlier, I shamelessly herded my dining buddies for a second round of dessert. Inside is a small space with a couple of tables set against an Aloha mural. At the entrance, a sign said 'Line Here,' so I assumed they usually have a line, but there wasn't much of a wait on that Sunday evening.
They offer a simple selection of soft serve, which comes in a cup, cone, or taiyaki cone, as well as some mochi. The flavors are matcha, black sesame, and tofu. I tried the tofu, which tastes like soy milk in soft serve form, or even sweet bean curd / douhua.
I decided on the black sesame, in a taiyaki cone, of course. It was sweet and refreshing, and has almost a peanut buttery taste. After a few minutes, it started melting fast. That's when I remembered why I usually get my frozen treats in cups instead of cones. The cone was a soft batter, but slightly soggy from holding the soft serve in it.
If I were to return, I'd go for the tofu flavor if I am in the mood for a treat. I would not make this part of my normal diet. $6-$7 for dessert is more of a once in a while kind of treat.
Tl;dr get the mochi
Soft serve: both black sesame and matcha flavors were OK. The ice cream was very rich but not silk-smooth with a jarring presence of ice particles, presumably due to the extremely popular demand.
Taiyaki: the taiyaki cones were fresh and crispy, made from a well balanced batter.
Mochi: these were actually much much better exemplars of the quality of their ice cream. The outer layer was nice and chewy. My favorites were the matcha, red bean, and chocolate ones. Chocolate was more on the pricey side, but definitely worth the money.
I got the matcha with the taiyaki cone and red beans on the bottom. It was icy, and not that tasty. Maybe it was just an off day but I have tried it again. I’d rather go to the flagship store in Japantown.
They had a 50% sale for Veteran's Day! The matcha ice cream is really good and I recommend it over the black sesame and tofu flavors. You can get samples of each flavor to see which you like best. Good spot!
250S S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
4.0
(2457)
3.4
(163)
affordable
Restaurant
American restaurant
Bakery
The Cheesecake Factory is an American chain restaurant known for its extensive menu and signature cheesecakes. On weekends, they offer a brunch menu with options like giant Belgian waffles, caramel apple pancakes, bruleed French toast, and savory dishes like green chilaquiles with carnitas and eggs or fried chicken & waffles benedict. Customers can book tables online for a smooth experience and enjoy great service along with delicious dishes.
our group of 8 came by for an early celebration today. the menu was rather extensive, we took some time before finally placing our orders. the warm brown bread they served while waiting was really good! & we loved every single one of the starters we ordered. the crab wantons, fried cheese, korean fried cauliflower.. yums! especially the cauliflower - a must order!
kids adored the meatball pasta, while the jamaican shrimp was surprisingly flavourful. we saved some space in our tummies for their cheesecakes, & settled on 3 flavours for sharing. everyone of them was so so so rich & yummy.. we left with our bellies stuffed.. 😋
Miss M — Google review
It has been years since we last visited The Cheesecake Factory, so we decided to have lunch at the San Mateo branch when we visited San Francisco.
We were so satisfied with our order of Fried Calamari, Chinese Chicken Salad, Ahi Poke Nachos, and Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta that we didn't have room for dessert. It was that good!
My family loves the Cheesecake Factory cause the food is good, the menu is huge, and the service is friendly. But through the years the prices have gone up so much and the portion sizes have decreased significantly. Sadly, we will come here for special occasions only.
Came on a Sunday lunchtime as a walk in, waited around 20 minutes for a table. Cheesecake Factory hits the spot everytime. Huge portions which I boxed up the other half to take home with me. Speedy service, friendly server. The spicy chipotle chicken pasta is my favourite thing on the menu, SO good. Tried crab rangoons, they were okay not my favourite!
Got the Korean fried chicken and it was sufficiently spicy and had a nice slight sweet flavor (not over powering at all). And shared a slice of the coconut cheesecake. Omg, the cheesecake with the coconut crunch crust was superb!
Very fun and delicious food, large portions but a tad bit expensive if you with a group. The korean fried chicken plate was a 10/10 you can also ask for brown rice if white isn't for you.
Just sitting here enjoying the moment and staring at mouse poop on the window ledge at the booth inside restaurant by Hillsdale ST let waitress and manager know about it but they didn't seem to worried about it nor did they apologize. I didn't enjoy the lunch or food with the thoughts of mice running around on my table and silverware and plate all night since I know they leave all that out and exposed on the tables 🤢🤮 and my only view was this poop on the window ledge.
What can I say about The Cheesecake Factory? It's a beautiful thing.. unfortunately I don't have one close to me.. so when I am able to I will definitely dine in!
I am blown away by their very extensive menu. If you're hungry you'll find something on it!! Choose from burgers, sandwich s, pasta, steak, gorgeous salads, even breakfast items.. they do have something called "Skinnylicious" for the those with a smaller appetite. There's an appetizer you must try!! It's called an avocado egg roll.. it comes with the most delicious dipping sauce. It's tamarind/cashew sauce. Super tasty! I haven't even touched on the cheesecake menu. There's at least 50 different kinds. I have tried (at least bites) quite a few but always seem to go with the white chocolate raspberry. It is rich and creamy, oh so good! You can always take home a whole one. They're pretty much frozen so it'll require a few hours to warm up a bit. I highly, highly recommend trying it! I have never left disappointed.
It's a very busy place so expect to wait awhile. You'll be happy you waited!
398 Hillsdale Shopping Ctr, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA•
4.7
(133)
4.6
(12)
Cupcake shop
Bakery
Cake decorating equipment shop
Cake shop
Sibby's Cupcakery, established in 2004 by Sibby Ross Thomsen, is a charming bake-to-order bakery nestled in downtown San Mateo. This delightful spot specializes in crafting custom-designed cupcakes from scratch each morning, ensuring that every bite brings joy to its customers. With an impressive array of flavors and a commitment to personalized service, patrons rave about the experience. One visitor discovered Sibby's while searching for the perfect cupcakes for their son's third birthday celebration at preschool.
I haven't got a chance to visit the shop by myself but my friends bought a bunch and I got to try the chocolate and the carrot ones. I love the variety of the cupcakes. Their cupcakes are moist with not overwhelming amount of frosting. I wish they could be bigger, but bigger doesn't always mean better anyway. I would love to try more flavors next time!
Tee P — Google review
This tiny little bakery is our go to anytime we are in town for nut free treats. The flavor options are wonderful and there are always seasonal options. Come early for or order online for pick up for the best chance to get all flavors. They tend to sell out of some flavors in the afternoon.
Cute little bakery in downtown San Mateo that specializes in custom-made cupcakes. Decadent toppings, inventive coloring and designs, along with a well-trained friendly staff all contribute to a phenomenal experience. Definitely call them if you ever need to buy large amounts of cupcakes to impress your neighbors or colleagues!!
Love their cupcakes. They are exquisite and very delicious. The customer service is A Plus. Even though it’s next to the railroad, they do a great job decorating and making it a cute little store.
cute little shop with great staff and so many yummy flavors to choose from! i really cannot overstate how delicious these are. you can tell everything was made with love, both the cupcakes and the business itself
I knew this place via Google search. I was finding a bakery to buy some cupcakes for my son’s 3rd birthday which would be celebrated in his preschool, and I needed 20 cupcakes. I saw some bakeries in the area and this place had the most positive reviews, but most of all, it is a NUT-FREE cupcakery and I liked the cupcakes in their photos, both from the store and the customers.
I was surprised we couldn’t go inside the store after arriving. Nevertheless, I exchanged conversation with one staff at the store and told her what I needed. 20 cupcakes for kids in regular size since they also have mini and jumbo size. Then, I waited for 5 minutes and my order was ready. They sealed the boxes so I couldn’t take a peek inside (I was afraid I would spoil the cupcakes), but I got positive feedbacks from the teachers and the kids. They all liked it.
Next time, I would come back for some cupcakes for myself!
Thank you guys, always brighten my day. My brother would absolutely love his birthday cupcake if he were here. Can't thank you ladies enough for always coming through for me
They had multiple gf flavors,including carrot cake and red velvet. The staff was kind and knowledgeable regarding gf.
I got the mini vanilla and mini red velvet-they were delicious. They
stored the cupcakes in a different area- did not ask about dedicated baking space. I did not get sick and im very sensitive with cross contamination, so my guess is they are very careful. If I lived closer, id go often!!
716 S Railroad Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
4.3
(237)
4.7
(7)
affordable
Juice shop
Açaí shop
Frozen yogurt shop
Pressed Juicery is a health-centric destination that specializes in cold-pressed juices, refreshing freezes, and vibrant acai bowls. If you're on the hunt for detoxifying options or immune-boosting beverages, this spot has an impressive array of choices. One standout flavor is the blue lemonade, which many find delightful, while others may find the ginger apple a bit intense. The unique flavors extend to their ice cream offerings as well—each one crafted with health-conscious ingredients.
I go to pressed very often it’s my go to place after work, and today Rosmarie was there, she was extremely sweet and generous, it was such an awesome experience that Rosemarie gave me, I’ll be back sook and hope to see you again!
Yehuda D — Google review
The portion size and taste were excellent! I really appreciated how generous they were with the serving, and even added some extra protein. While that didn’t affect my overall review, it was a thoughtful touch that didn’t go unnoticed; thanks for the extra love!
Everything was vegan which was a surprise and a delight. The toppings were fresh and everything is made using healthy ingredients. Delicious!
I'm really into fresh juices for detox and immunity improvement. Pressed Juicery has a nice selection of juices and ice cream.
I found the new flavor of blue lemonade to be my favorite and the ginger apple to be a bit too overpowering. The ice cream also has an interesting flavor and I expect to be very healthy.
Staff was very friendly.
The staff are friendly and everyone in my group with a million restrictions was able to get ice cream.
Good place for chilled treats
Juices and frozen bowls with toppings
Best part is that they have vegan frozen bowls which is amazing.
This place was very small inside, with little to no room to stand indoors and place an order. The juices are very easy to see clearly displayed behind the counter. Menus easy to read. I highly recommend ordering ahead to resolve the space issue by just running in grabbing your stuff and going👍
Friendly staff! Had the açaí bowl and it was good! Decent size with yummy granola. I just wish the strawberries weren’t frozen.
660 Stanford Shopping Center Ste 230, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
4.3
(125)
2.3
(6)
cheap
Creperie
Cafe
Takeout Restaurant
Nestled in the Crystal Springs Shopping Center, Lily's Crêperie is a delightful gem that promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you're stopping by while charging your car or looking for a cozy brunch spot, this charming eatery has something for everyone. The menu features an array of savory crepes like the Bay Bridge and Wake Up Call, perfect for satisfying your brunch cravings.
The creperíe is in the Crystal Springs Shopping Center. The crepes are well prepared and properly balance in flavor and texture…
H M — Google review
I really wanted to like Lily's. It's a family-run business and I root for them frm my heart in every single day. Their crepes however... is really not that great.
To begin, the crepe itself is off. The texture is too rigid and does not have a thin cushion feel. Try cut it and you'll know. And keep in mind, all good creperies must start with a great crepe.
Then comes the concoctions. There's a wide variety and for a minute or two you feel like everything is going to be amazing. But whoever is coming up withese receipes probably has studied them online and really not figured out the balance you need to strike. Lemon, honey and butter but work but only as a zest.... not drenched in lemon juice. Thousand island dressing soaked pancakes with canned pineapple pieces? And you just do not put fresh hard strawberries and kiwis in a crepe and mush them with overwhelming amounts of cream. The receipes are right. But the owner really does not understand French baking and crepe creation.
On top of this, pile on more things to serve - smoothies, boba, etc. - and you have a very diverse menu with nothing being great.
I would highly recommend the owner to take some basic crepe courses or venture into other local creperies and taste their competition.
I want to cheer for this shop. But I just can't.
Stopped in while charging my car. Ordered the classic crepe with lemon and it was GREAT! $9.00 out the door and it was worth every dime. The woman who helped was very nice and even offered water. I ate there and the restaurant was small but clean. Next time you charge your next to Safeway try it out you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
Really nice place with lots of sunlight and a clean, comfortable space. I had a savory crepe and a bubble tea—both were delicious! The crepe was crispy and fresh, and the milk tea had just the right sweetness. The staff were friendly and helpful. Would love to come back again！！！
Great crepe place near highway 280! The savory crepes are the perfect brunch option (we like the Bay Bridge and the Wake Up Call) and the Fruity Nutella crepe is the perfect blend of fruits and chocolate Nutella. They even serve boba tea! Great brunch place with outdoor seating.
Had their combination sandwich (banh mi). It was great! Bread had great crunch, and loved the savoriness of the meats paired with a slightly sweet pickled veggies with cilantro. Highly recommend
I had a really disappointing experience at Lily’s Creperie. When I walked in, there was no greeting or acknowledgment from the staff, which already felt unwelcoming. The menu was limited and, to my surprise, they didn’t have boba—What concerned me most was the lack of hygiene: the woman making the crepes was not wearing gloves, and I saw her touching door handles and dirty dishes, then going right back to cooking without washing her hands. It wasn’t even busy—only two other people were waiting—so there was no excuse for that kind of negligence. I won’t be returning.
Small shop with indoor and outdoor seating, you can bring your dog to the patio. Great selection of crepes, sandwiches and novelty items like shrimp and pork spring rolls with peanut sauce.
108 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA•
3.8
(108)
4.2
(6)
cheap
Ice cream shop
Cake shop
Dessert shop
Baskin-Robbins is a vibrant ice cream parlor chain celebrated for its extensive variety of flavors that cater to every sweet tooth. Recently, I had an interesting experience ordering a Mario Kart birthday cake online. The owner went above and beyond when he discovered the figurines were unavailable at his location or two others nearby. Undeterred, he reached out across the Bay and successfully tracked down the missing pieces, ensuring my cake was perfect!
I placed an order online for the Mario Cart birthday ice cream cake and the following morning the location owner called and notified me that they don’t have the little Mario Cart figurines and before calling me, he called 2 other BR franchises and they didn’t have the figurines either. But we didn’t give up and he had other ideas about who he can call to ask if they have them. He called all the way across the Bay. Ultimately he was able to find us the figurines and made everything so perfect! Thank you for your efforts! I really appreciate it and it made the birthday boy very very happy!
Anat B — Google review
For what you're paying I feel it is not very worth it. I got a layered Sunday, most of it was a warm chocolate syrup and whip cream. I had to force myself to finish the syrup just so it wasn't a huge waste of my money. Could be a lot better.customet service was somewhat robotic, or better said kid just wanted to go home already. Definitely don't recommend nor will I come back.
Last night went to get some ice cream, the lemon sorbet had a small fly😳. Luckily I didn’t want that flavor but settled on lemon custard instead. Still… eww
This place doesn’t take anything over $20 bill for payment. So when you’re buying ice cream that is so much money for a family of 5 and spending $40, make sure you don’t try to pay with a $50 bill. This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Will never come back to this place.
I recently visited this ice cream shop and found the quality of the ice cream to be decent. However, I was disappointed with the level of customer service that I received. One of the cashiers who served me appeared to be disinterested in her job and lacked enthusiasm when taking my order. Her negative attitude was quite noticeable and it made me feel unwelcome as a customer. In addition, she made several mistakes with my order, which led to delays and inconvenience.
While I understand that everyone can have a bad day, the poor customer service that I received detracted from the overall experience of visiting the shop. It's important for customer-facing staff to be friendly, engaging, and attentive to their customers, which was not the case in this instance. I believe that the cashier in question could benefit from additional training or support to improve her performance and attitude towards customers. Despite the quality of the ice cream, I'm hesitant to visit this shop again due to the disappointing customer service.
The walking space for customer is tiny. It's like a narrow alley only fit 1 person at a time. If someone needs to walk ahead of you, you gotta breathe in and suck in your body to let someone pass. Anyways, ice creams is awesome.
Visited here for the first time in years. It's interesting how they now have a range of more "sophisticated" flavors (black walnut, for example), but everything is still crazy sweet. It's the taste of nostalgia though, so it's cool. The people who work at this location are.very nice and friendly.
I get Cappuccino Blasts frequently but first time at this location. Older dude took my order and made it. I'm guessing he's the owner. Instead of realizing the importance of selling a quality product, he changed the formula to have WAY more ice and less other ingredients to save expenses.
133 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
4.0
(106)
3.5
(2)
Permanently Closed
Dessert restaurant
Bubble tea store
Ice cream shop
Small, simple cafe with modern decor, turning out popular desserts from Hong Kong & Taiwan.
Five stars for their egg puff dessert! Really light and perfect sweetness.
The brother dish wasn’t as good. It was watery and doesn’t look like the pic.
Why am I still given 5 stars? I don’t want to ruining their rating as I am grateful to have a nice little Chinese dessert place here.
Will go again and try more dishes
Travelbug — Google review
I was excited for a new dessert place in San Mateo, but that excitement slowly died when I took a bite of my dessert. My sis and I got the egg puff with fruit and vanilla ice cream to share. When it came, I was impressed by how huge the dessert was, but bigger is not always better. The egg puff was dry and not sweet, the ice cream was the biggest scoop of ice cream I've ever gotten, but it had frost bite on it and tasted like something you would get out of a freezer aisle from Safeway, but the fruit was surprisingly sweet.
Overall, it wasn't a horrible dessert, but I couldn't justify paying $8 again when i know I can get something a lot better.
The desserts are yummy, if a little too sweet
But.. We got the 5 colored taro ball but only got 1 color. When we asked they admitted they ran out, but didn't tell us beforehand. They offered a 20% refund but we wish they told us beforehand.
The sweet potato taro ball is super chewy and addictive to eat
Desserts are decent. The problem is wait time. We waited about 45 minutes for two simple things and there were at most 4 people in front of us.
Kitchen is painfully slow. The waiter is very nice thought.
I really really want to love this place. Their menu looks delicious, and my husband and I love Taiwanese desserts. The dessert quality itself is pretty good too, but operationally it is mind-boggling how slow they are. The first time we went there were 5-6 groups, so it was slightly more understandable that it took 30+ minutes to get our dessert. But the next time when there was only one other group, and it still took about 20 minutes... I just don't understand! I wish they would work their kinks out since we love shaved ice.
came here only for the egg puffs and it really was the best egg puff in town. other items are just aight
The house milk tea has a really strong floral aftertaste. The initial taste is alright but was not amazing.The green tea egg puffs were soft but not crispy for the exterior. The place has a good number of seats but the place was dead quiet on a Friday Night. There isn't even music playing making it weird to hangout at. The price of the drinks are not bad. They give a 5% discount when you pay with cash.
We ordered 2 desserts to go (mango delight) and we waited for 20 mins and the portion are extremely small. They don't even fill half of the to go bowl for $6. I think the price is expensive for that small portion and the taste is not good as well.
I think the place is good for friends to hang out or students to study but if you are looking for high quality desserts, this is not the place.
30 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA•
5.0
(1)
5.0
(1)
Permanently Closed
Frozen yogurt shop
Cafe
Ice cream shop
Storefront outpost of a cash-only chain offering frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors.
The best yogurt ever
Leila S — Google review
Other best-of categories in San Mateo
Popular road trips from San Mateo
What's the weather like in San Mateo?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in San Mateo for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in San Mateo in January
- Weather in San Mateo in February
- Weather in San Mateo in March
- Weather in San Mateo in April
- Weather in San Mateo in May
- Weather in San Mateo in June
- Weather in San Mateo in July
- Weather in San Mateo in August
- Weather in San Mateo in September
- Weather in San Mateo in October
- Weather in San Mateo in November
- Weather in San Mateo in December
All road trips from San Mateo
- San Mateo to Las Vegas drive
- San Mateo to Los Angeles drive
- San Mateo to San Diego drive
- San Mateo to Monterey drive
- San Mateo to Sacramento drive
- San Mateo to Napa drive
- San Mateo to Santa Barbara drive
- San Mateo to Portland drive
- San Mateo to Reno drive
- San Mateo to Palm Springs drive
- San Mateo to Paso Robles drive
- San Mateo to Anaheim drive
- San Mateo to South Lake Tahoe drive
- San Mateo to Carmel drive
- San Mateo to Sonoma drive
- San Mateo to Fresno drive
- San Mateo to Bakersfield drive
- San Mateo to Modesto drive
- San Mateo to San Luis Obispo drive
- San Mateo to Stockton drive
- San Mateo to Pasadena drive
- San Mateo to Big Sur drive
- San Mateo to Santa Rosa drive
- San Mateo to Davis drive
- San Mateo to Irvine drive
- San Mateo to Salinas drive
- San Mateo to Vacaville drive
- San Mateo to Pebble Beach drive
Explore nearby places
All related maps of San Mateo
- Map of San Mateo
- Map of Half Moon Bay
- Map of Woodside
- Map of Palo Alto
- Map of Alameda
- Map of Mountain View
- Map of San Francisco
- Map of Oakland
- Map of Fremont
- Map of Pescadero
- Map of Cupertino
- Map of Berkeley
- Map of Sausalito
- Map of Santa Clara
- Map of Milpitas
- Map of Danville
- Map of Richmond
- Map of San Jose
- Map of the Mill Valley
- Map of Walnut Creek
- Map of Los Gatos
- Map of Boulder Creek
- Map of Livermore
- Map of San Rafael
- Map of Felton
- Map of Mount Hermon
- Map of Vallejo
- Map of Santa Cruz
- Map of Capitola
- Map of Point Reyes Station
- Map of Aptos
San Mateo throughout the year
Looking for day-by-day itineraries in San Mateo?
Get inspired for your trip to San Mateo with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:
Best desserts in nearby cities
- The best desserts and snacks in San Francisco
- The best desserts and snacks in Napa
- The best desserts and snacks in Sacramento
- The best desserts and snacks in San Jose
- The best desserts and snacks in Healdsburg
- The best desserts and snacks in Carmel
- The best desserts and snacks in Oakland
- The best desserts and snacks in Monterey
- The best desserts and snacks in Santa Cruz
- The best desserts and snacks in Berkeley
- The best desserts and snacks in Calistoga
- The best desserts and snacks in Palo Alto
- The best desserts and snacks in Alameda
- The best desserts and snacks in Santa Clara
- The best desserts and snacks in Fremont
- The best desserts and snacks in Walnut Creek
- The best desserts and snacks in Cupertino
- The best desserts and snacks in Milpitas
Best attractions in nearby cities
- Top things to do and attractions in San Francisco
- Top things to do and attractions in Napa
- Top things to do and attractions in Sacramento
- Top things to do and attractions in San Jose
- Top things to do and attractions in Healdsburg
- Top things to do and attractions in Carmel
- Top things to do and attractions in Oakland
- Top things to do and attractions in Monterey
- Top things to do and attractions in Sonoma
- Top things to do and attractions in Santa Cruz
- Top things to do and attractions in St. Helena
- Top things to do and attractions in Sausalito
- Top things to do and attractions in Berkeley
- Top things to do and attractions in Yosemite National Park
- Top things to do and attractions in Calistoga
- Top things to do and attractions in Livermore
- Top things to do and attractions in Half Moon Bay
- Top things to do and attractions in Palo Alto
- Top things to do and attractions in Alameda
- Top things to do and attractions in Santa Clara
- Top things to do and attractions in Fremont
- Top things to do and attractions in the Mill Valley
- Top things to do and attractions in Walnut Creek
- Top things to do and attractions in Mountain View
- Top things to do and attractions in Cupertino
- Top things to do and attractions in Milpitas
- Top things to do and attractions in Richmond
- Top things to do and attractions in Danville
- Top things to do and attractions in Pescadero
Best restaurants in nearby cities
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in San Francisco
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Napa
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Sacramento
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in San Jose
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Healdsburg
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Carmel
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Oakland
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Monterey
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Sonoma
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Santa Cruz
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in St. Helena
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Sausalito
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Berkeley
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Yosemite National Park
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Calistoga
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Livermore
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Half Moon Bay
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Palo Alto
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Alameda
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Santa Clara
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Fremont
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in the Mill Valley
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Walnut Creek
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mountain View
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Cupertino
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Milpitas
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Richmond
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Danville
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Woodside
Planning a trip to San Mateo?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
- Itinerary + map in one view
- Live collaboration
- Auto-import hotels and reservations
- Optimize your route
- Offline access on mobile
- Optimize your route
- See time and distance between all your places
