19 Best American Restaurants in San Mateo

“Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere.“

“We had an absolutely lovely experience here! Came for my boyfriend’s birthday, everyone was friendly and attentive. Fantastic high end ambience. The food was almost too beautiful to eat and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed our entrees. One of our guests said it was the best spaghetti he had ever had! The mushroom risotto was perfection. I had the Chilean sea bass and WOW! The salmon was also amazing. The other two guests had roasted chicken and hangar steak… I didn’t get to try them but they looked amazing and everyone cleaned their plate even though we were full lol! We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend!! 5 stars ⭐️“

“Great food an Service. Friendly staff and generous portions.“

“BJ's is consistently good and the service today with Aja T. was outstanding. Our only complaint was that our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, so we brought home a LOT of food. And that's really NOT a problem! Good food, good atmosphere, reasonable prices, a great place for a group, and great service. Love having BJ's in the neighborhood.“

“Anchored in Downtown San Mateo at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Ellsworth, Restaurant Bay Watch has stood as a beloved local breakfast institution for years. Stepping inside delivers classic, unpretentious diner nostalgia, complete with a background soundtrack of 1950s and '60s oldies. It provides a comfortable, welcoming backdrop whether you are settling in for a relaxed weekend brunch or fuel-up weekday breakfast.

The restaurant relies on its sprawling selection of morning staples and genuinely friendly, attentive floor service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and kept everything moving efficiently with coffee refills and accommodating with special requests, despite the restaurant's extensive menu. While long-time patrons might notice subtle operational shifts hinting at a possible management change over the years, the hospitality team remains hard-working and resourceful.

Between the extensive main menu and daily specials board, deciding what to order can trigger serious choice paralysis if you arrive with a big appetite. I opted for the Hungry Jack, their signature lumberjack-style spread that pairs customizable protein choices with French toast or pancakes.

On previous visits, their herb-roasted house potatoes were a major highlight. Unfortunately, this time around they lacked the deep seasoning and crisp finish I remembered. However, the pancakes completely eclipsed that minor setback. I customized the restaurant's Tropical Pancakes by ordering them without bananas, leaving the coconut and macadamia nuts to shine. They were absolutely enormous—easily some of the biggest pancakes I've been served—and among the best I've had in 2026. The coconut added subtle sweetness while the macadamia nuts contributed a buttery richness and satisfying texture that made every bite memorable. The generous portion certainly made me feel like I got excellent value for the price.

Even with a few nostalgic details shifting over time, it is refreshing to find new favorites at a classic neighborhood staple. Whenever a craving for top-tier pancakes strikes in San Mateo, Restaurant Bay Watch remains a solid, dependable choice. 4.5 out of 5 stars.“

“Always love all their pies and we go there whenever we are visiting the area.“

“The outdoor patio was perfect for our Sunday brunch and our 18th Anniversary. We’ve celebrated many occasions at All Spice and have always had a stellar experience with the staff and the food. Our table felt intimate — we were sharing a large space with four other tables, appropriately distanced. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Again, all Covid-19 compliant. The food, oh the food! The Dutch baby was perfectly cooked and the fruit fillings were gorgeous. The chicken sandwich was out of this world. The Mimosa and hard apple cider beverages were on point. We always love our meals at All Spice and this time was no exception. It’s a total gem!“

“Delicious Asian fusion breakfast and lunch“

“My favorite restaurant in Burlingame food is always fresh and not salty I love it 🥰 service is super nice“

“Energetic place to eat healthy burgers. I ordered Veggie Burger and Garlic Fries and total order was 25$ (pictures attached). Ordered on Kiosk and as soon as you enter there is outdoor and indoor seating both available.

Elder friendly, Hangout with Parents, BFFs or Couples. Some tables were clean, some were not. Seemed as if there weren’t many people to take care all at once. Kids seating and heighten chairs available.

The guy on the counter seemed nice and he asked if I would like additional mustard or not. The main colors of this restaurant are organge, yellow and woods with warm lights. Icecream is also recommended.“

“The do called "inclusive" atmosphere is really just an owner who hates everyone who has different views. If your social or political views are woke, you aren't welcome. Spend your money elsewhere. This guy is an idiot.“

“We had such a great meal at Marketplace Café! After the long shopping the arugula and prosciutto pizza was amazing—the crust was perfectly baked, very interesting combination of flavors. For the kids we ordered the mac and cheese, and it came out creamy, cheesy (they loved it!). We finished with the strawberry shortcake, and honestly it’s the best I’ve ever had— fresh strawberries and a buttery biscuit that was just perfect. Great food, friendly service, and a cozy spot inside Nordstrom“

“I deliver custom cabinets in Silicon Valley from Bend Oregon and when I’m in North Bay I always eat here. Always fabulous food for me and my German Shorthair Pointer. Room to park for my huge delivery van. I have never got anything bad for last 6 yrs it’s always been great“

“I had the Chicken Mix Bowl with the smokey chipotle sauce and it was AMAZING. I am allergic to dairy, gluten, and soy so being able to not worry about that with my meal was so nice. I also have ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) and have a really hard with certain textures, usually chicken is really hard for me to eat but I had no issues with this chicken!! The texture was consistent all the way through, pulled apart really easily, and was just overall amazing. The portions are really good and the food is very flavorful. I'm really happy with my meal. Thank you guys for the amazing food. I highly recommend this place!!“

“Great place to dine out with friends and family 😄“

“What an amazing Mexican delight. I didn’t know what to expect but wow did the food deliver. I got the super beef taco and the ceviche salad. Both were incredible and fresh with amazing seasonings and flavour. Thanks for the wonderful experience. Def underrated on the reviews. This place is a gem.“

“The last remaining location. They have good brisket sandwiches, burgers etc.

Also the young man at the register, Jesus N, is very welcoming and professional. He asks questions, makes sure you get the right order and helps you understand the menu etc.
He remembered me from a previous visit and is very polite. Good customer service.“

“Good food but service was poor“

“Honestly, this place deserves more than 5 stars, I’d give it 10 if I could. I had their burger and it’s hands down the best in the area. The truff it out sauce is next level 🔥 and everything was just so good. Plus it’s fully halal. Definitely my new go-to spot.“