Whether you’re a purist craving traditional flavors or an adventurous eater seeking bold new combinations, Asian fusion in San Mateo delivers. Maybe you’re after the perfect bao with unexpected fillings after work, or perhaps you’d prefer to navigate a multi-course tasting menu (good luck choosing just one dish) with friends over craft cocktails. From intimate spots with modern aesthetics to bustling eateries where culinary boundaries blur, these restaurants redefine California dining.
Chai Yo Thai Cuisine
$ | (650) 315-2545 | WEBSITE
Finding a Thai restaurant that delivers expertly layered flavors, plenty of vegetarian options, and attentive service without breaking the bank can feel like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle, while blindfolded, using only your feet. But it’s not an impossible task—at least as long as San Mateo’s Chai Yo Thai Cuisine is around. With their reasonable prices, you can enjoy a full meal for around $15-$20 per person, which feels like a steal for food this fresh and flavorful.
Their family-owned atmosphere is warm and inviting, with simple but tasteful décor that makes you feel right at home. Plus, the helpful staff will guide you through their wide variety of dishes, so you can order delicious options like vegan penang curry and soy chicken skewers with peanut sauce directly to your table to fuel your culinary adventure.
Truffle Poké Bar
$ | (650) 573-6425 | WEBSITE
Truffle Poké Bar in San Mateo used to be too basic and functional for a proper lunch spot—it was strictly for people too rushed on a weekday to care. But now the small outdoor patio doesn’t have awkwardly placed tables, both key ingredients to making this poke destination a favorite in its own right.
Someone will still request extra truffle aioli a little too early into the meal’s progression, but Truffle Poké Bar’s current setup is more satisfying than any number of previous visits would suggest. They even have laminated menus now, if you can believe it.
Rin-Tei
$$ | (650) 558-8239 | WEBSITE
Rin-Tei’s Japanese cafe vibe has appealing aesthetics and background music, which means you can enjoy a meal while feeling transported to a cozy Tokyo neighborhood. But the true highlight is the great Asian fusion food—this San Mateo spot is more of a restaurant that happens to have excellent Thai-Japanese combinations.
Which means that even if you’re not in the mood for adventurous flavors, you can still have a satisfying time eating delicious Beef Pho with braised oxtail broth or comforting kra pao with beef, nursing a Japanese craft beer, and appreciating the springy noodles in the Cold Sesame TanTan Pho. And though the chef’s expertise comes from extensive experience in Japan, there’s prompt and friendly service to guide you through the eclectic drink menu.
Izakaya fusion grill Keitan
$$ | (650) 242-1432 | WEBSITE
When it comes to late-night Asian fusion spots in San Mateo, Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan stands out as a cozy favorite. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you can sample a variety of perfectly grilled skewers—from chicken and beef to seafood—all kept warm on a mini tabletop grill for just $3-5 each. Aside from its delicious skewers, we also appreciate Keitan for its friendly and attentive service.
There’s seating on both the first and second floors, but luckily you can enjoy complimentary kim chee and peanuts while savoring fresh side dishes like seaweed salad and tako wasabi, all in a welcoming atmosphere where the smell of grilled food enhances the authentic Japanese experience.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
$$ | (650) 343-3255 | WEBSITE
You do not know all of the secrets to perfect barbecue—let’s face it, no one does. But no Japanese BBQ spot is perhaps better prepared for grilling through 75% of your meal than Gyu-Kaku, a San Mateo spot with premium beef cuts, a selection of drinks including Sapporo beer, and plenty of interactive fun to consider. So get your best tongs ready, because Gyu-Kaku is the type of lively gathering that loves a good time more than culinary perfection.
Taste and Glory
$$ | (650) 393-4951 | WEBSITE
Taste and Glory’s brunch offerings can make you feel like a full-fledged, weekend-indulging foodie. You can toggle between sweet and savory to match the mood of everything from morning recovery to celebratory feasting. Beverage pairings let you find your ideal meal-to-drink ratio. In addition to their menu’s built-in classics, it also has creative twists to ensure that virtually any brunch craving is accessible. And some tables even have prime people-watching views.
The service and atmosphere here are decent enough to inspire a third refill of yuzu lemonade, but the Chicken Croffle is what makes this a standout experience.
Avenida Restaurant
$$ | (650) 781-3637 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot where the portions are generous enough to satisfy a hungry crowd and the vibe feels like a family reunion, head to Avenida Restaurant. This Asian fusion favorite in San Mateo has plenty of options for different tastes and a kitchen that delivers consistently flavorful fuel.
Bring your appetite and make sure you’ve got your phone handy before visiting—Avenida’s tends to get packed on weekends, and you’ll want to snap photos of those beautifully plated short ribs and vibrant fried veggies.
Urban Momo
$$ | (650) 458-3053 | WEBSITE
Urban Momo might look like a small storefront that was repurposed as a restaurant, but this authentic spot is a gem. They don’t have the fancy décor, extensive seating, or high-tech ordering systems, but the bold flavors and solid prices make this San Mateo eatery a delicious and reliable option.
You can order dishes like just-fine chowmein and naan from the menu if you’re in dire need of a quick bite, but we prefer coming here for a full meal and savoring the experience with some momos and a few rounds of biryani.
Bonchon San Mateo
$ | (650) 458-3110 | WEBSITE
Bonchon San Mateo has more love for Korean fried chicken than your usual Asian fusion spot. We’re certain you’ll taste the soy garlic flavor on their wings, even as the downtown location gets more full on weekend evenings, often causing a wait for a table. Once you do get seated, choose from the popular Korean BBQ wings before diving into the sides. There are clean tables and a friendly atmosphere throughout, and plenty of crispy chicken for you to enjoy as you dig into the Bulgogi Fried Rice.
