From longtime Cantonese institutions to modern Sichuan newcomers, San Mateo’s Chinese dining scene reflects the Peninsula’s vibrant diversity. But with so many exceptional options—from hole-in-wall gems to elegant banquet halls—choosing where to feast can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve curated this definitive 2026 guide.
Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle
$$ | (650) 315-2316 | WEBSITE
True to its name, this spot specializes in Yunnan rice noodles—bowls of comforting noodles served in a light, flavorful broth. They come with all sorts of toppings like sliced beef or pork, but the best is their signature bowl (with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a clear, non-oily broth). Ten Seconds is small and casual with limited seating, but it’s still usually easy to grab a table. This QR-code-order spot works best for a quick lunch or dinner since they’re focused on efficient service.
But if you arrive just before closing they’re happy to accommodate you with their famously quick preparation.
Hot Wok Bistro
$ | (650) 548-1758 | WEBSITE
Hot Wok Bistro’s unassuming storefront might make you think it’s just another basic Chinese takeout joint. But inside this family-run restaurant you’ll find a cozy dining room, spacious tables perfect for sharing, and everything from perfectly cooked rice to unbelievable pot stickers depending on what you order. And though they do have simple lunch specials, the generous, flavorful dishes are why we keep returning here.
We especially like the honey walnut prawns with their light, non-greasy fry and the mandolin beef, which remind us why it’s perfectly acceptable to have takeout-quality food in a proper restaurant setting.
Liuyishou Hotpot (San Mateo)
$$ | (650) 242-1245 | WEBSITE
Liuyishou Hotpot checks all the boxes on our very official ‘Authentic Hotpot’ checklist: rich broth, fresh ingredients, and super friendly service. The lively space has plenty of tables plus lots of seats at the communal hotpot stations. We like their house special spicy soup with its intense flavor and marble beef that comes with dipping sauces like sesame paste, garlic oil, or chili crisp.
But they also have grilled lamb skewers with a great charred exterior and interesting combinations like braised pig trotter and fried rice with beef. This place can get pretty busy, especially on weekends, but a room full of chatty friends sharing hotpot is also on our checklist.
Fortune Star | Chinese Restaurant (#1 Mandarin Style)
$ | (650) 341-3432 | WEBSITE
Fortune Star, a Mandarin-style Chinese restaurant, has the best orange chicken in San Mateo, and probably in the county. The modest dining room tends to fill up quickly during the weekend dinner rush, with families angling for shrimp chow mein and other Mandarin dishes like well-seasoned classics. Skip the generic options and go for one of the signature dishes. Or grab a quiet table in the corner for some relaxed family dining, with friendly service that makes up for any rushed moments.
Silver House
$$ | (650) 571-1298 | WEBSITE
For longtime San Mateo residents craving authentic Chinese food or anyone seeking generous portions and classic flavors, Silver House is a solid local choice. This decades-old establishment is (naturally) all about Cantonese cuisine—Peking duck with crispy skin and tender meat. You can enjoy it alongside salt and pepper fried oysters or honey walnut prawns, or paired with nostalgic dishes like Singaporean Rice Noodle or bitter melon with beef.
Evenings and weekends can be hectic, but most regulars order ahead and arrive early, so finding parking is manageable if you’re not rushing to beat the dinner rush at 7pm.
Silver Lake Seafood Restaurant
$ | (650) 578-1678 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in an unassuming location, it’s easy to overlook this Chinese eatery. But don’t make that mistake because they serve fantastic Cantonese cuisine. Their seafood dishes like rock cod in clay pot are excellent, but for something hearty, definitely try the fried pork ribs. Our favorite is the lunch special which comes with three dishes, soup of the day, and rice for about $15.
It works as a quick lunch spot, but they also have plenty of tables and a comfortable, no-frills dining area that’s perfect for families and groups.
Chef Zhao Bistro
$$ | (650) 345-6288 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Chinese restaurants in San Mateo, and this is one of the best. It’s a casual bistro that focuses on one thing—authentic, spicy Chinese cuisine—and does it very well. And though we do like their Mapo Tofu or vegetarian-friendly options, you’ll most likely find our chopsticks diving into their Kung Pao chicken. It’s perfectly balanced with spice, sweetness, and wok aroma—which means that your taste buds will probably get a workout, but hey, that’s why some genius invented rice.
Make sure to also try their soft tofu with crab meat, which somehow manages to stay smooth and rich with seafood flavor the entire time you’re eating it.
Golden Wok bistro
$ | (650) 347-1228 | WEBSITE
We felt completely adrift when our favorite neighborhood Chinese spot closed years ago, leaving us to wander a culinary wasteland without their tender beef chow mein. Luckily, Golden Wok Bistro has been holding down the fort in San Mateo, and the chow mein is still excellent. Old favorites like generous mushu pork and crisp broccoli make regular appearances, alongside staples like a comforting wonton soup that hits just right.
Chinese cuisine gets its proper due here, as seen in the quiet, kid-friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for family gatherings. They do brisk takeout business, so call ahead before visiting and maybe bring your own containers if you’re taking food to go—the packaging could use an upgrade, but the friendly staff more than makes up for it.
Inshou Cafe (Street Food Cafe)
$ | (650) 341-1899 | WEBSITE
We really like Inshou Cafe because everything at this casual Hong Kong-style spot costs less than $12, which is even more impressive considering this fast-paced restaurant serves a diverse menu of authentic Asian flavors. Some of our favorites are their Portuguese fish baked rice, also known as Lisbon fish rice, or rich, spicy Thai chicken noodle soup paired with classic dim sum.
Plus, with its simple but clean decor and convenient location, the dining area is perfect when all you want to do is to dive head-first into a bowl of wonton noodle soup.
Chopstix & Taiwanese Bentos
$ | (650) 558-1988 | WEBSITE
Taiwanese street food videos play on the screens inside this always-bustling spot. And you definitely want to come here with a group, not just for the lively vibe, but because the portions are generous. Their unbeatable popcorn chicken or Taiwanese tempura make perfect snacks, but we also love sharing a loaded bento box packed with yummy sides like pickled vegetables, tea eggs, and braised pork over rice. It’s ideal for a family outing or quick comfort meal before heading to the shops nearby.
Toa Yuen Restaurant
$ | (650) 349-0414 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a straightforward, satisfying Chinese meal after a long day in San Mateo, head straight to Toa Yuen Restaurant. This family-run spot offers a calm and pleasant atmosphere in its cozy space, with standout dishes like Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Sweet & Sour Pork, and Fish Fillet with Mixed Vegetables. The BBQ pork is particularly fresh and flavorful, and the fried rice hits the spot.
We also like their daily buffet lunch with reasonable prices—expect to pay around $12-15 per person—and the friendly staff provides fast, personable service. There isn’t a lot of room in the small dining area with its simple, clean décor and warm lighting, but the wide range of menu options, including lunch specials and family-sized meals, makes it a go-to for a solid and tasty experience.
Panda Express
$ | (650) 286-1079 | WEBSITE
If you’re not someone who craves orange chicken so flavorful it makes you forget it’s fast food, a visit to Panda Express will change that. This reliable Chinese-American spot offers the best chicken string bean we’ve had in San Mateo, the freshest chicken breast around, and cheese wontons so perfectly crispy we’d like to order them by the dozen.
The rest of the menu focuses on quick, balanced meals, which is what you’ll see most people grabbing in the clean, bright dining area, filled with students and professionals on lunch breaks.
Dough Zone Dumpling House San Mateo
$$ | (650) 336-1888 | WEBSITE
Important events in 2026: AI assistants write restaurant reviews, self-driving cars navigate San Mateo streets, and Dough Zone Dumpling House continues serving authentic Chinese comfort food. Their Pork Xiao Long Bao is a delicate balance of savory broth and tender pork, and comes with ginger and vinegar that complements the richness of the filling.
We also like their Dan Dan Noodles (a tangle of springy noodles with spicy pork sauce) as well as their pan-fried pork buns with crispy bottoms and juicy interiors. The comfortable space is decorated with modern Chinese accents and has efficient QR code ordering, but it’s a great casual spot for a quick lunch where you can enjoy your meal in about twenty minutes.
Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles
$$ | (650) 242-1790 | WEBSITE
Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles’ constant line out the door is a San Mateo landmark that signals locals craving authentic northwestern Chinese cuisine. But even more compelling than the queue is their hand-pulled noodles. The bowls at this bustling neighborhood spot feature incredibly thick and chewy noodles, with a texture that somehow remains perfectly consistent from end to end. Come for a quick, satisfying meal or maybe when you need generous portions that won’t disappoint.
Seapot
$$ | (650) 315-2827 | WEBSITE
With the combination of hot pot options, great service, and high-quality meats, this Chinese restaurant is a must-visit. Seapot’s friendly staff is constantly making sure that you’re enjoying everything properly, and not only are the recommended dishes like garlic shrimp and steak delicious, but the unique broths like the Thai pot and healthy herb variety are just as great.
Be sure to also visit their sauce bar—the wide selection and additional snacks like fruit and dim sum are the perfect complement to the meal.
人间烟火小酒馆（Dynasty BBQ)
$$ | (650) 393-4819 | WEBSITE
San Mateo has plenty of Chinese restaurants, like this BBQ spot that’s become a local favorite for its skewers and noodles. This warmly lit, sit-down restaurant is cozy, with traditional decor and music, so it’s a great spot for gatherings—perfect for sharing their generous portions. The tender, slow-smoked brisket with homemade BBQ sauce is a fantastic main but then make sure to order some of their grilled skewers.
Some of our favorites are the well-seasoned lamb skewers, the flavorful lamb chop skewers, and their noodles with flavorful broth which has a rich, savory base and incredibly satisfying meat selection.
Taste of Shaxian
$$ | (650) 393-4715 | WEBSITE
Sometimes grabbing a quick, affordable meal with friends is the best way to enjoy good food, and one of our favorite spots for that is Taste of Shaxian, a casual Chinese restaurant. Each visit lets you sample a variety of beloved street foods from Sha Xian, with fresh, handmade dumplings made daily and flavorful dishes that are easy to share.
Their menu includes tasty options like Shaxian Noodles in Peanut Sauce and comforting Wonton Soup, but some of our favorites are the popular Lemon Boiled Fish, which pairs perfectly with mini wontons, and the hearty Beef Noodle Soup. The combo options make it simple to try a mix of favorites, whether you’re dining alone or with a group, in a kid-friendly, casual setting that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
New Wing Fat Chinese Restaurant
$ | (650) 458-3248 | WEBSITE
We’re not exactly sure who Mr. Wing Fat is, but regardless, his casual cash-only spot has some of the best Chinese food in the neighborhood. Order either the classic beef curry, a generous plate of Mongolian beef, or the combination chow mein with BBQ pork and chicken. After your first visit, you’ll find yourself quickly becoming a regular here.
Little Hunan Restaurant
$ | (650) 571-1575 | WEBSITE
Though bundling up helps, one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy San Mateo’s dining scene is by ordering the Mongolian beef from Little Hunan. The beef at this Chinese spot is tender and coated in a savory, garlicky sauce, which pairs perfectly with steaming garlic chow mein. We also like Little Hunan’s crispy sweet and sour chicken or Singapore noodles, flavorful, generous portions of fried noodles.
The clean space has plenty of tables and stays kid-friendly, so if you’re looking for a place for a relaxed lunch with family, this is a great option. Plus it’s available on DoorDash.
Oceanic Restaurant
$ | (650) 570-4234 | WEBSITE
This spot in San Mateo has been one of our favorite Chinese takeout places for a while. We really like their perfectly balanced crab cream cheese rangoons, the yellow chicken curry is delectable with melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, and their chicken dishes are consistently fantastic. Oceanic’s service is fast and friendly, with orders arriving sooner than expected and complimentary veggie eggrolls adding nice value.
The neighborhood takeout setup makes for easy online ordering, with plentiful portions that deliver great flavor every time.
