50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in San Mateo

“Food was standard American Thai fare. The pad thai was average, although my party enjoyed the spicy eggplant stir fry dish. Everything is pretty okay, and decent enough if you're in the mood for Thai food. I will say it was nice that entrees were $14-15. Pretty affordable meal.

We came on a Sunday afternoon (2pm) on a holiday weekend. We had to sign up on the waitlist, and it was about a 20minute wait until we got a text saying our table was ready. Staff was nice, although never refilled our waters.

The interior gives a casual vibe. The space isn't very big, and all tables were completely filled at all times. Noise volume inside was moderate. Can still hear your tablemates without raising your voice too much, but it wasn't quiet in there by any mean.s There's tv screens, one of which was broadcasting the news channel.“

“Super good restaurants with healthy and tasty thai food. They do accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. They could make Jain food for me and also adhere to it strictly even when I order from Doordash and call and let them know about my allergies and Jain religious dietary restrictions. The front desk person is so friendly and helpful.“

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

“Superb Vacas Fritas! Crispy yet succulent and juicy. Build your own bowls, wraps, and platters is the theme. Loved every bite here. The mojito was very good. Room for improvement would be that they could use a few more beer options. I will be back for more.“

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

“Giving 5 stars for their free drink.

ordered the duck and mushroom soup, pan fried buns, and their combo D which included wonton soup and noodles with peanut sauce

duck and mushroom soup was the worst thing we ordered. $10 for a tiny pot the height of a toilet paper roll, but narrower and with thick walls. would recommend to those who like stringy and still half dried mushrooms.

the pan fried buns were good, though they were on the oilier side. very fragrant, and tasted delicious with their vinegar.

the wonton soup was the best out of everything ordered and tasted quite delicious, but the wontons themselves were low quality—they were small, which is fine, but the filling tasted like fish balls and not actual meat.

the noodles were a bit disappointing. they were soggy and the sauce was probably something you could make at home with peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil. their menu says that the pictures are for reference only, and that's very true. the noodles looked completely different from the picture on their menu, whether it was portion size, color, or even noodle shape.

they had complimentary side dishes and the spicy tofu skin was great. nobody told us they were available, though, and we found out when we were going to use the restroom.

true rating is overall 3 stars, not great or incredibly authentic, but also not the worst“

“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!“

“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 👏🏼🇺🇸“

“Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere.“

“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!“

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

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

“After my friend took me here, I came back the very next day and bring my other friends. It's a hidden authentic chinese restaurant. Food is very good. Price is very fair or even on the cheaper side. Dish portion is big.. The parking is a little bit not easy during busy hours. Only one lady serves the tables. She was quite busy.
Very happy knowing this place and will be back.“

“Absolutely loved this place! The food is outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The restaurant is spotless, and the ambiance is just perfect: calm, comfortable, and really inviting. It's the kind of spot where you can actually relax and enjoy a meal without the noise and chaos you find elsewhere.
What really sets it apart is the ordering experience — you order right from your phone, which is both seamless and genuinely fun. It feels modern without being gimmicky. Highly recommend to anyone looking for great food in a clean, peaceful setting. Will definitely be back!“

“Best pizza in the Bay Area!“

“Great atmosphere and brews.“

“good food and love the mimosa“

“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!!“

“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.“

“Cocktails and Wagyu - soooo 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!“

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

“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.“

“Delicious Asian fusion breakfast and lunch“

“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!“

“Came here one morning after passing it the other day. It was not busy as it was when I first passed by it. The service was quick and easy. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Honestly it was a huge portion of food. The chicken was nice and crispy. Seasoned well and the waffle was really good. The gravy was a nice touch and good but I Honestly did not finish it. Everything was so delicious and the coffee was also great. Great atmosphere bomb food and exceptional service. 👌“

“Great food. Fantastic value. Don’t tell people, it’s already too popular 😃“

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

“I am so impressed with the food and staff at this restaurant. We came in around 8 PM, 30 minutes prior to closing and was worried staff would be annoyed with having to serve such a large group. Instead, we were greeted with smiles and well cared for. Every single person in our group praised the food. There were lots of options for everyone in the group. I enjoyed a Shoyu Ramen. The broth was flavorful, not “fishy”. Portions were excellent. So glad we found this place. Looking forward to coming here again!“

“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!!“

“This pizza is not like a traditional woodfired style. It's a focaccia crust. Light and crispy, plenty of decent quality toppings. Super friendly staff. Can't believe I've never been here before. If your in the mood for a Focaccia pizza, this is the place!“

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

“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.“

“They have their operation down, pat. Good place for ramen. Prices are what you expect for San Mateo.

Update 2026: still the king in the area. They got this super ramen now that is huge! Think large bowl of Pho but with ramen. And it's filling. Delicious!“

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

“Has been the dumpling spot for us going on two years now. We come here about one a month-ish but LOVE this place. One time my boyfriend and I ate 50 soup dumplings between the two of us. It was amazing.
Another time, we were coming back from half Moon Bay and decided to give the frozen dumplings a try. The guy who’s always there (don’t know his name sorry!) gave us directions on how to do it and even gave us some paper to line the pan with so they wouldn’t stick. We super enjoyed them at home! On our visit to go pick up the frozen dumplings, we met a man there who says that he’s from Napa and stops by whenever he’s in the area. (Wow!)

Our faves are: Pork Soup dumplings, Pork chive, and Chicken Corn dumplings 🥟
Thank you for all the yummy dumplings!
-Nina & Camden“

“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 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍“

“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!!!“

“good food great service and accomending.“

“We’ve been here twice, but only downstairs, which can get very noisy. Their yakitori is very good. We also tried the mentaiko udon and grilled corn and both were good, too.

There’s a public parking garage behind the restaurant. Parking is free after 6 pm. You can enter the restaurant through the back door.“

“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.“

“Came on a Friday around 7:30 and it wasn't busy. Order at the counter, seat yourself, and they will bring your food to you. Self serve chips and salsa bar. Fresh chips. Well stocked. Wish they had pico de gallo though. We ordered an al pastor super burrito $15.29. Huge burrito. I eat a lot of burritos and this one surprised me with it's size lol. I asked for less rice and sour cream and they accommodated. Well balanced burrito. Al pastor was crispy and flavorful. Best al pastor I've had in years and best super burrito I've had so far in San Mateo and Burlingame area. Staff are really nice. Clean, medium sized restaurant. I would go back. Only wish they had lengua and cabeza meats“

“Great service, delicious food and beautiful decorations.“

“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.“

“San Mateos best kept secret. Best sushi I've had in years. Wonderful atmosphere, great service and at a reasonable price. My comment after dinner was , I guess I have had so much grocery store sushi, I forgot what real sushi should taste like.. Best Japanese food like this is rare these days until you try Tokies“

“Hadn’t been here in nearly 30 years, we moved to Seattle, but back for vacation. Had to have the Cancun platter. Just like I remembered!!“

“They're serving up some extremely solid & completely delicious Lunch Specials at this homey Chinese Bistro in No. San Mateo. They kick things with a superb Hot & Sour Soup that's chock of mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, etc. I had their Mongolian Beef w/ fried rice; a gigantic platter of extremely delicious and tender beef in a knock-out sauce with plenty of onions & scallions. Service is outstanding; welcoming, efficient and super friendly. This place is a keeper !! Bravo HWB !!“

“A most beautiful Black & White birthday cake, delicious and moist, gorgeously decorated with balloons and written script, and thoughtfully packaged on a sturdy gold foiled tray. Very friendly and patient on the phone with my questions and on time with the order. Can’t wait to come back and try the pastries. Thank you Dianda’s!“

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

“Kurodai - Black Seabream Nigiri 3 very strong wasabi, bitter, fishy
Ao Ebi - Blue Shrimp Nigiri 5 very chewy texture, slightly seared, slightly sweet
Hon Maguro Chu-toro - Medium Fatty Blue Fin Tuna Nigiri 5 fat evenly distributed, not stringy at all, melt in your mouth
Negitoro Hosomaki - Supreme Fatty Bluefin Tuna w/ Green Onion (Maki) 4 fatty, rich, fresh, flavorful
Oyster Shooter 2 juicy raw oyster, raw quail egg, tobiko, sake, ponzu, tabasco, very strong alcohol, bitter
Baked Baby Scallop 5 two baked Peru baby scallop, juicy, presented on shell, uni, mayo, unagi sauce, green onion, creamy, rich, flavorful
Iku-Uni-Himo 4 soy sauce marinated ikura / large fish eggs, way too salty, uni, mashed monkfish liver, white truffle oil, flavorful
Mentaiko Yaki Udon 4 pan fried thick wheat flour noodles, crunchy seasoned cod roe, crispy bacon, stir fried thin udon, flavorful
Yuzu Cheesecake 5 glazed crust, strong citrus flavor, creamy“