Avenida Restaurant

201 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo
(650) 781-3637

Recent Reviews

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Abby

This was our second visit to Avenida. We decided to return because our first experience was outstanding, but unfortunately, this visit fell short in both food and service. We ordered the beef bulalo, which had good flavor, though the beef shank was not as tender as expected. The pork sisig, which was the highlight of our first visit, was noticeably dry this time. The salmon inasal was enjoyable, especially the garlic kangkong that accompanied it, but the mashed potato on the side felt mismatched with the dish. Service began well but became disappointing as the meal went on. Staff asked if we needed boxes while I was still eating, then proceeded to clear dishes without checking if we were finished. Even the extra rice we planned to take home was removed without asking. The bill was brought promptly, giving the impression that we were being rushed, despite the restaurant not being full and with no guests waiting. A more attentive approach like asking if we were finished before clearing plates, confirming whether we wanted to pack leftovers, or checking if we were ready for the bill would have greatly improved the experience. Sadly, this visit was not as enjoyable as our first, and we may not be returning in the near future.

Elsie

The service was excellent. They were very attentive. We all enjoyed our food. Our biggest regret was feeling full so we couldn't order more dishes. We will be back to try other menu items.

Javey

Cool environment. Waitress brought wrong dish, but didn't come back until giving us the check so we couldn't ask about it. Food is okay, not particularly special but again I didn't get my original dish. Everyone was friendly.

Di He

Passing by this place many times and it’s always busy, seems like a great spot for family dinner. Finally got a chance to try it, but was a bit disappointed. The atmosphere and service were great, very welcoming and relaxing. The food on the other hand, was nothing surprising. We had the crispy pata, mango salad, and the soup. Nothing as bad but also we didn’t feel any “wow, this tastes great” moment. Not sure why it’s a hot spot considering there are so many options in the area but we glad we tried, and will probably not coming back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Kara G

This place was one that I have been wanting to try for awhile, we went in and the restaurant itself was beautiful, perfect for a date night or night out with friends. The food itself was really good, the highlights for me were the pancit bihon and the adobo (which had a thick and flavorful sauce). Crispy pata was okay but such a small portion for the price. The calamansi juice was enjoyable but lacked a necessary tartness for me. It felt slightly diluted and maybe too much added sugar. My lola approved of the lumpia as well.

My main take aways from this place were the very high price point(which isn’t too awful considering atmosphere and food quality but still), and the overall service. The service was okay enough to be acceptable but our waiter in short took our order and we never saw her again. The food was brought out by kitchen and our water was refilled by the bartender. The bartender also got our check and boxes. It was pretty slow but I don’t know if our waiter went on break or something but there was a period of time where we wanted to ask for things but we had no waiter and weren’t sure if we were supposed to ask the bartender.

Overall a good spot, would recommend for smaller parties but maybe not the best for accommodating big families with higher maintenance tables.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Patrick Chen

Like the octopus

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Kevin

The food was fresh and delicious, with generous portions. Service was prompt and friendly, and there is a close-knit family vibe among staff that made us feel welcome. I loved everything we tried. The bartenders prepared some tasty and refreshing mocktails too. It was a great experience and we look forward to returning soon.

Antonio

Room temp too cold My sinigang soup got cold before I could finish it Too noisy for conversation Food excellent Fair value Good service

Marco

Nicest Filipino restaurant I've been to in the Bay Area - and the food, drinks and service were excellent.

Bijan Shahriari

Awesome classic filipino dishes with a modern twist. The service is impeccable and the food is delicious. The calamares are a MUST TRY!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Inihaw Na Pusit Tender Jumbo Squid

Marylou

The restaurant was nice and modern. The staff were friendly, but they kept forgetting our requests (like lemon wedges). The food was good and well-presented, but could use more seasoning. It would've been nice if there were lunch specials on the menu, so we can taste multiple foods without paying so much. Thank you.

Maria

Food was just fair. The best thing we had was the Pancit Bijon and Lechon Kawali. All the other dishes we had were a little lacking in flavor. Noisy music. Service and ambiance was wonderful. Expensive. Thank you.

Zoey Chen

The pork joint is crispy. Great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

James

We brought our French neighbors with us to Avenida for their first try with Filipino cuisine . We ordered quite a variety of foods ... the triple ceviche , chicken inasal, kare-kare, pork sisig , liempo and garlic rice . Happy to announce that everything was enjoyed thoroughly . From our charming , cute server Raven to the promptness of the orders coming to the table , it was a successful dinner for all ! We look forward to returning and our neighbors are very willing to try other dishes next time too !! Be sure to make reservations as the place can get busy on the weekends !

Ressie Gilla

We had dinner like two nights ago, I ordered adobong pusit I wa frustrated because I was expecting a good pusit but they served mo a little bit of very little 3 pieces of pusit and a bit of heads and my son ordered bangus sisig but it’s raw (Hilaw) we decided not to come back anymore and May I add it’s too expensive

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