50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in San Mateo

“Good food (we had the green papaya salad and the pad kee mao, both excellent). Had we known that the pad kee mao didn't come with tofu we would have asked for it, so next time we will, but that's nitpicking. Very fast service, noticeably so. Location great for those in San Mateo or Foster City (and this restaurant is much better in my mind than Sweet Basil, I'm sorry). The pad kee mao dish was huge and we had to take home half of each plate (we got two, next time one will be enough, but we took it home and plan to enjoy later)“

“10/10 no notes, jk. It can feel small and cramped for a bit once you enter, but once u settle in, it’s comforting and an enjoyable place to dine.

Got the pad see ew, yellow curry, and crispy pork fried rice. Pad see ew 10/10 no notes, yellow curry an 8, the fried rice is a 9.5.

100/10 would come again. Reasonably priced, monies worth and bellies full. 🤭😋😋“

“First time here. Long line to get in but it moved fairly quickly. Had the Roast beef Aburasoba. Mind-Boggling GOOD! The flavor was out of this world! The service was fantastic!! I can’t wait to go back again!“

“This is actually my third or fourth visit here. I have recently enjoyed the fiesta bowl with Bistec(Steak) and a fiesta bowl with Milanesa de Pollo (Breaded chicken). Both were very good. They have a good amount of sauces available to add on to your meals and the staff are always happy to help.“

“Fast friendly service. But you’ll be taking a to-go bag home for sure!! I was stuffed!!“

“Dosa Express was amazing! The owner was friendly and the service was great. We came in for breakfast, and the food was so tasty and reminded us of Kurnool-style flavors that we ended up ordering takeout too. The ghee podi idli was the best I’ve had (even better than Mylapore in Sunnyvale). We also took Gongura rice and Coconut rice to go, and both were delicious. Highly recommend!“

“Managed to get a last-minute reservation and felt quite lucky! The restaurant even followed up to confirm our arrival. The service was excellent—they even poured the sake for us. I loved the heated tray on the table that kept our skewers warm; it’s such a thoughtful touch. The menu has plenty of options, and though the place is small, it feels very cozy and atmospheric. The upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling are a unique touch. One thing to note: it’s quite dim inside, so it’s a bit hard to take photos. If you're taking a group shot, watch out for blurriness!“

“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!“

“Halal beef burgers, made to order, soft brioche buns, veggie options, yummy milkshakes! Definitely with be a place we frequent! Face friendly business, family owned and operated 👏🏼🇺🇸“

“Cocktails and Wagyu - soooo good!“

“Enjoyed omakase 8pcs with some age dashi tofu, nigori sake and the white peach panna cotta!“

“Best pizza in the Bay Area!“

“I was blown away by the balance of flavors. The Dan Dan Noodles were spicy yet nutty, while the General Tso’s Chicken was perfectly crispy with a touch of sweetness. The Mapo Tofu was creamy with a spicy finish that made the meal unforgettable.“

“Excellent meal here. The miso sea bass was delicious, and the nigiri in the seasonal omakase was great. Wagyu nigiri was a standout. Our waitress/server was fantastic also! one of the best sushi/omakases in san mateo in my opinion! pricing is absolutely reasonable too.“

“Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere.“

“Sushi was delicious and service was great! Not a romantic spot though because it’s loud but fun if your going with family and friends. Music is good!!“

“Amazing service. Great food. Awesome staff! Can’t recommend it more highly.“

“Get there early. This places fills up.
We tried tokatusu ramen, curry ramen, black pepper ramen, spicy karage and regular karage.

All delicious.
Careful of getting it spicy. It has a lot of kick.
Spicy karage is more sweet than spicy, but very delicious sauce.

5/5 earned.“

“Best Chinese restaurant. If you have not been there, please go! My family and I love their food. Everything is soo delicious and it is good value for money. My favorite dishes are the sweet and sour pork/chicken, Westlake soup, and the fillet of rock cod with pepper salt. It's my go-to comfort food, and I want everyone to know about it! It's so good I also want to keep it my little secret, ha, so selfish of me. :) - no pictures, I would just drool all over them.“

“A hidden gem of a family-run Italian restaurant—don’t be misled by the humble exterior. Inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and unforgettable food. My husband and I ordered the filet of sole and the white Provini veal scallopini—both were bursting with flavor and perfectly portioned. This isn’t a place for flashy plating—it’s all about honest, delicious Italian cooking made with care. The host greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel instantly at home. The retro, moody lighting adds a cozy, nostalgic touch. We’ll definitely be back! Tip: Make a reservation—this spot stays busy, and for good reason.“

“Still the best kept secret in San Mateo. I’m moving tomorrow and this food is what I’m going to miss the most. The portions are generous, the price is affordable, the service can’t be beat. Cash only. Small parking lot. Family owned and operated. The carne asada is delicious! Actually I haven’t had a bad meal here. Take away is available. You won't be disappointed . Skip the la cumbre and pancho villa. Come get the best!“

“First of all the owners are absolutely delightful. We got take out and it blew our socks off! Hands down the best egg I have ever had in my life....Seriously, I had waited a long while to come here and when I got a reservation for my husband's birthday it was a magical, moment. We were delighted. We traveled through taste and it suspended time. Satiated and joyous. Wakuriya is the best Japanese I have had in my life. I cannot wait to dine inside, but until then I will treat myself to their fare every month. Truly, a delight of sight, smell, texture and taste. I feel lucky to live in the neighborhood, to be so close to this 魔法の場所. Much Love Everyone, may you eat well, be well and visit Wakyuriya.“

“The Home Run sourdough breakfast sandwich was excellent and I would order that again x100. The hash brown serving that came with the sandwich was ginormous and I ended up needing a to-go box for that! The latte however was not to my liking, tasted bitter to me.“

“All their yakitoris were seasoned well and I loved both the salted and soy options. You order through a QR code using your phone so you won't have any issues with flagging down a waitress whether you're seated on the first or second floors.“

“First time trying golden boy pizza and I gotta say; it was one of the best pizzas I ever had. The edges were crispy, the pizza itself was fluffy like a cloud, and the toppings delicious. Definitely coming back again.

Ordered build my own pizza :
Sausage,pepperoni, pesto sauce on top, mushroom, and raw garlic.“

“Great atmosphere and brews.“

“Went to lunch there today Food very tasty and this looks like it would be a fantastic Happy Hour Meet Up!!!!“

“Do you love going to Flavortown? How about dreaming with your eyes open? Then try these birria tacos. The first time I had it was from leftovers that my daughter brought home for lunch. Then I drove from Oakley to San Mateo to have them fresh. It was AMAZING! They provide extra stuff to add to the tacos, but it honestly didn’t need them. The meat was so tender & flavorful that I had to close my eyes so I could fully appreciate the taste. Then I added the extras one by one & it tasted like a new taco each time. I know it seems like I’m exaggerating, but it’s really that good! My only wish is that they had seating nearby & a second location closer to Oakley.“

“Delicious authentic Brazilian food with amazing service . Fun experience too!“

“good food and love the mimosa“

“Great service, delicious food and beautiful decorations.“

“Me encanto les pedí un pastelito para mi niño y ellos le cantaron las mañanitas .no lo esperaba me gustó mucho!!!“

“Great hole in the wall! Noodles, dumplings, cold apps. All hand made. Pix on wall to help order. They sell frozen dumplings too- great deal and cash only. Credit card ok for the meal. The gentleman there is kind and helpful. You can see them making it right there. Donut place right next to it! Easy parking- big lot.“

“Love the pizza! We live in the East Bay but we stop by whenever we pass by San Mateo. We always get a Meat Lovers & the Chicken Pesto!“

“Wonderful vegan sushi & friendly owner. I tried the shiitake avocado & spicy vegan rolls, both were delicious. Looking forward to visiting and trying other menu items soon!!“

“太棒了，肉品沒吃多少，倒是吃了好幾磅的櫻桃🍒“

“The Super Shrimp Burrito is the best thing on the menu, idk what the chef does back there but he’s amazing. I literally come here maybe once every 2-3 weeks just because it’s so good. best thing to do is get chips and put it in the burrito. Fire!!!“

“Having enjoyed their dishes many times for months, It’s beyond “Very Satisfying”! Excellent, delicious food! Quality well maintained although it is a hard time under C-19. Hygiene suggestions n requests well followed! Thanks 🙏 Customer Service outstanding! Highly recommended 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍“

“Saigon Butter Tofu Wine sauce Ox Tail Noodle Soup Crab & Pork Meatball & Tomato Vermicelli And to drink: Taro w/Coconut Slush“

“It looks like a small place from the outside, but the inside is big and the food is delicious. Very strongly suggested.“

“Good food. Definitely recommended.“

“Ramen Parlor has been one of my longtime go-to spots in San Mateo — especially for their lobster miso ramen, which I’ve been ordering for years. The flavors are still solid and the broth has that rich seafood depth that makes it stand out from other ramen shops.

That said, I do feel like the dish was better a few years ago — the broth had more complexity and the overall presentation felt a bit more refined back then. It’s still good, just not quite the same standout it once was.

Service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit if you’re craving something different from the usual tonkotsu or shoyu ramen — especially if you haven’t tried their lobster miso bowl before.“

“Love the food n the people who works there. ❤️papaya salad, pad thai. Fried pompano and ground chicken with basil Aroy mak mak 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️“

“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.“

“I am usually not a brunch person, but I made an exception for Taste & Glory and was not disappointed. I tried their vegan breakfast and it was surprisingly flavorful and satisfying. the pancakes are a must. The homemade fruit spread with the pancakes is yumm ! My family ordered the huevos rancheros, fried chicken with eggs Benedict, and steak, and everything was delicious. The flavors really stand out.

It gets busy on weekends and they don’t take reservations, so plan accordingly. Their drinks are also worth trying, very unique and well crafted. Service is friendly, though it’s more of an efficient, lively spot than a place to linger for long conversations.“

“Your cookies are extraordinary delicious! excellent! Love all your cookies!!!!“

“Tokie’s Sushi in San Mateo is an absolute gem. The food is consistently fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor...from the sushi to the cooked dishes, everything is done with care and attention to detail. You can truly taste the quality in every bite.
And don’t skip the craft cocktails—they’re just as impressive as the food. Creative, well-balanced, and perfectly made, they pair incredibly well with the menu and really elevate the whole dining experience.
What truly sets Tokie’s apart, though, is the people. The owners are incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The staff is just as amazing, friendly, attentive, and always making you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, which makes the experience even better.
If you’re looking for outstanding sushi, excellent craft cocktails, and top-notch service, Tokie’s Sushi is a must. Highly recommend and can’t wait to keep coming back.“

“Was greeted & seated promptly. Welcomed by Manager Hung. Brittany was our waitress & we received the 20th Anniversary Sacks. Happy Anniversary.“

“We love it! This is party tray. Fresh, tasty, thick fish.
Love it every time we order to go, or eat in the restaurant.
There's plenty of parking next street, so that's not a problem at all.
Love their friendly and fast service!“

“Cozy little Japanese restaurant with super friendly servers. The owner works at the counter. I come for Ishiyaki Hitsumamushi (Stone Bowl Seafood Rice) which I don’t think is served anywhere else. I also had tuna bone marrow for appetitzer and black sesame cheesecake for dessert. So many other dishes I want to try so will be back.“