50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in San Mateo

“Gonna give it 4 stars because while the aburasoba is good I'd like them to make mazesoba too, which has more complex ingredients, preparation, and flavor. Mogomogu in Sawtelle, LA sets the benchmark for great mazesoba on the west coast.“

“Cocktails and Wagyu - soooo good!“

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

“Went on a friend's recommendation for the clam and garlic pizza. Also got their combination with it.

Overall it isn't amazing but it was novel. Pizza was solid, above average for sure though. Nothing about it was bad just isn't a top 5 pizza for me.

Pricing is fair as it comes in 4 or 8 pieces so worth a try if local.“

“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!“

“Great atmosphere and brews.“

“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 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.“

“Delicious food, i ordered chef special vegan duck, so crispy and yummy, loved their bbq fried rice too, the service is awesome and they are very informative on the ingredients if it is vegan or not. 5 star for the food flavor and customer service as well.“

“This Thai restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both cozy and exotic. The decor is beautifully done, with traditional touches that transport you to Thailand. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, providing thoughtful recommendations with a genuine smile. Every dish is a delight, bursting with authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced spices. The Pad Thai and Green Curry are standouts, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Highly recommended for anyone craving a true taste of Thailand!“

“My girlfriend and I visited this restaurant on Thursday night, and it was a fantastic experience. During dinner, there were only about five tables occupied, making for a relaxed atmosphere. The decor is authentically Japanese, while the playlist had a chill vibe with American pop hits.

We ordered one sake and a few skewers, and I highly recommend trying the Beef Tongue—it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. The other BBQ skewers were also delicious.

Another highlight is the happy hour from 9:30pm to 11:30pm, where you can get buy-one-get-one-free beer.

Overall, I’d rate the food 5/5, drinks 4/5 (the sake was a bit strong for us), and the restaurant itself 5/5 for the ambiance and experience.“

“Fun place for a meal. I enjoy the chicken Milanese sandwich with the garlic aioli. Staff is friendly and helpful. Next time I'm going to try something different just to get better acquainted with Cuban cuisine. Thank you, Miss Martinez!“

“Solid tonkatsu with spinach added. The soft-boiled egg was a bit disappointing as it was a bit cold, but the rest was good. Interestingly, this was the first time I've had chasu that was grilled. Gotta say, it's an excellent innovation.

The service was friendly and fast, while the atmosphere was a bit sterile.“

“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!!“

“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!“

“Sushi Maruyama provides an exceptional dining experience, showcasing both traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary twists. From the moment you step inside, the minimalist décor and soft lighting create a serene ambiance, perfect for savoring each meticulously prepared dish. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu, recommending a variety of delicacies, such as melt-in-your-mouth toro, perfectly balanced nigiri, and vibrant sashimi platters. For those seeking the ultimate culinary adventure, opt for the omakase experience, where the chef curates a seasonal progression of flavors highlighting fresh seafood and artful presentation. Every bite reflects a careful dedication to quality, from the expertly seasoned sushi rice to the delicate garnishes that accentuate each fish’s essence. Beyond the exquisite fare, Sushi Maruyama also boasts a curated sake list and Japanese beer options, allowing diners to discover new pairings. The intimate seating fosters a comfortable setting for both special occasions and casual gatherings. In short, Sushi Maruyama is a must-visit for anyone yearning to explore the refined elegance of Japanese cuisine. Its commitment to tradition seamlessly merges with modern flair, promising a memorable meal that delights the senses and exemplifies culinary artistry at its finest and ensures a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all. Staff great, vibes impeccable, music was awesome and 10/10“

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

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

“This place hits different, everything was so good. Couldn’t even name anything that wasn’t good. Loved the ribeye, pork belly and vermicelli with scallop. Had to order it again, just that good. Nice service and atmosphere, very nice music taste too!“

“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 👏🏼🇺🇸“

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

“Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere.“

“Seema is amazing! I cannot recommend her enough. This isn’t the best picture because the food smelled so good and we dove right in and forgot to take a picture! We loved her chapati and chickpea curry. So tasty and flavorful! Prompt and friendly. Price is reasonable. Thank you Seema!“

“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 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍“

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

“Seated right away without reservation. Outside and inside options. Sat outside. It's covered. Heat lamps if necessary, which is great. Ordered a bunch of yakitori options. All were delicious. I'm definitely gonna try more!

Parking: I parking at the main garage and walking over. It's free after 6pm.“

“Yvette, the owner of Swing Shift, has cooked, owned and managed restaurants, AND has traveled extensively. She has brought those experiences to Swing Swift and created a “Greatest Hits” menu. My favorite? The tacos from Mexico City are to die for! Chicharrones give them texture and the tortillas are sublime. Not your usual CalMex tacos. My wife could live on rice. She fell in love with the 5 Spice Fried Rice. The pork belly is tasty, not fatty. And a fried egg finishes the dish. Yvette’s burger isn’t from her travels, it’s from her chef’s brain. She marries spices and cheese and high quality beef to create a new burger experience. Ya gotta try it! While we were there, a regular customer walked in, the staff greeted him and said, “Gumbo?” “Yes.” “Anything else?” “No.” He’s in there all the time, JUST for the gumbo. It will remind you of New Orleans. On a personal note, my mother and grandmother used to challenge each other to chili cook-offs and both their chilis were superb. Mom, Grandma, don’t let Yvette join the contest. Her chili is that good! My wife liked the wine list and I was surprised to find mock-tails (try the Sour!) that were actually good, and not just a mishmash of ingredients like so many places. And they take reservations….yay!“

“Vegetable fried dumplings, soy sauce noodles, and green onion pancakes were all incredibly good. Staff was supremely helpful, kind, and personable. Highly recommend!“

“Best pizza in the Bay Area!“

“Tonight was my first time at Luceti’s! My friend has always talked about it and tonight I went there with them. The food, service, atmosphere was great! I will definitely be going back! There are several things on the menu that I have to try! Great job to Luceti’s on food quality and service!“

“Yummy food. Highly recommend“

“Food is delicious. There's nothing too exciting about the atmosphere. Their restaurants clean and well kept, but it's just a run-of-the-mill, nothing unique about it space. But the food was great. Had the bananas foster and it was so good.“

“Super happy to have found Minako and Yoko-san again! Yoko-san's cooking is still homie, comforting, and delicious as ever. Be sure to come visit, relax, be delighted by the carefully made dishes from Yoko-san, be awed by the handwritten menus, and enjoy the chats with Minako!“

“Excellent ramen restaurant! Probably one of the best in the Bay Area in my opinion. Food and service are fantastic! Yuri and Ryota were both kind, considerate, quick, and caring to make our dinner a wonderful experience. Food is delicious and quick.

Highly recommend!

I wish it were closer to San Jose!

Parking can be a bit tight sometimes, but not terrible.

Tip: if eating with kids, keep them away from the ordering screen so they don't accidentally order items ?

Kid-friendliness: Servers are wonderful with kids. Kind and helpful. Appropriate utensils and serving dishes for kids“

“Came here with a buddy and made out for about $50 or less. We ordered 3 rolls and split them, which was enough food for the two of us. The portions were fairly well sized and reasonably priced(for current bay area sushi prices). The fish tasted fresh, and they had plenty of options. They were not very busy and the waitress was friendly. I enjoyed the mostly wooden decor, reminded me of the more old school sushi places i grew up with. Mini bonus for me is that they are in the same spot my childhood chinese restaurant was at!“

“Good food. Definitely recommended.“

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

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

“The staff was so so helpful and accommodating with my baby and stroller. It's a tight space inside but they seated us in a very comfortable spot where I could park my stroller and they were all very kind (and adorable and silly with the baby). I'm very grateful!!“

“太棒了，肉品沒吃多少，倒是吃了好幾磅的櫻桃🍒“

“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!“

“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.“

“Have you ever had Fujian cuisine before? Now you can at Taste of Shaxian in San Mateo! All of the dishes were very simple, but surprised us with a lot of flavor! Whether you're a fan of dumplings or not, this place has good ones and a bunch of other must-try dishes all priced very reasonably. For 2 people, we ordered just enough to be comfortably full.

* Shaxian Wonton Soup
* Soup Dumplings Combo
* Spicy Cold Noodles (highly recommend!)
* Braised Chicken (bone in) Clay Pot w/ Rice (highly recommend!)“

“I had the shrimp, cod and chicken fried rice. First time I had shrimp w heads on, and it was very good. My favorite was the cod with tofu. The chicken fried rice was a little burnt so after tasting it I was sad I wasn’t able to enjoy this one. Over all I was happy with the service and fresh food.

Vegetarian options: Tried the green beans. They were fresh.“

“Gao Viet has been bookmarked for awhile now and today was the opportune time to try it. I was in the area, needed to pick up dinner and traffic on 101 was backed up. 5pm was not busy, so I order a few things to try and placed an order for take out. Sugarcane drink, Banh Hoi with 4 items, 2 Giants prawns, and Banh Canh.

Sugar cane drink was fresh, maybe a little too much ice, but it was fine.

Giant prawns: they charge per prawn, which I was curious how big these prawns are. The seasoning and sauce was ok, I wished the sauce was packed separately, as it made the Banh hoa and veggies soggy by the time I got home. The prawn themselves were cooked right, but I wonder if the shell could be more crispy. As it was, I couldn't eat the shell. Overall, I do think these are overpriced in my opinion.

The Banh hoi was an appetizer with 4 varieties: eggroll, pork, shrimp paste on sugarcane and some other type of meat. Out of my order, this was my favorite. I love wrapping it in the lettuce and cilantro and mint herbs. One feedback is that it only came with one fish sauce container, which is skimpy for an appetizer order. My mom had to make more dipping sauce for us.

The Banh Canh was generous portion of pork and bones and quail eggs and shrimp. As it was a take out order, I reheated the broth when I got home so it would be hot. Noodles were good, broth was perfect.

So, maybe next time I would try dining in with friends for the full experience. I wonder if the wait will be long for dinner hours. I'd like to try more dishes and their special drinks.“

“The choices of vegan ingredients for the dish are great and you will definitely find something you like - veggies, mushrooms, tofu or dumplings! You pay for the weight and therefore are able to create your own dish as you wish, considering the ingredients as well as the volume. There are three vegan soups available and a great variety of toppings that can be refilled as wished. Really nice concept and definitely a recommendation!“

“Hot pot is pretty good, this place specializes in lamb but has beef, pork, chicken and seafood options (limited), high quality ingredients and the broth is delicious. Lots of Chinese/cantonese people who eat here. Icecream tastes very cheap, but overall, a great hot pot place“

“food place for family and hang out“

“good food and love the mimosa“

“This family owned restaurant is a gem. Food is delicious, I highly recommend their handmade pork with Napa cabbage dumplings. They are so good that I buy the frozen ones to enjoy at home. While dining, I can always hear others coming in to purchase them too. Also try the soup dumplings! Authentic Chinese food with great service. The restaurant owner Allen makes you feel right at home.“