They say the gods feasted on ambrosia and nectar… but “they” clearly never had to find authentic Greek food in San Mateo. From souvlaki that tastes like cardboard to baklava that costs more than a plane ticket to Athens, trying to satisfy your Mediterranean cravings can be a mythological quest – unless you know where the real deal is hiding.
Rainbow Pizza
$$ | (650) 571-1848 | WEBSITE
We can’t quite explain it, but something about watching pizzas being made fresh through the front window while surrounded by Greek accents doesn’t immediately scream ‘casual family dinner.’ But that’s exactly what we love about Rainbow Pizza – it has all the makings of an impressive, special-occasion restaurant, but in reality, you can feed a family of four for just around $60.
The menu can be overwhelming, but if you’re there, make sure to order the #5 pizza, and save room for the Greek American Pizza with Garlic.
Sumac Mediterranean Grill
$ | (650) 592-2107 | WEBSITE
Whenever someone suggests ‘anything is fine’ for dinner, you waste half the evening debating instead of eating. Skip the indecision and just head to this San Mateo Mediterranean spot. There’s a whole menu of options, but just tell Richard what you’re craving and you’ll end up with something perfect. The falafel is something no one should miss, and on game days, the outdoor seating with sports on TV makes you think all casual dining should come with a breezeway and brick walls.
Cobani Gyro & Kebab
$ | (650) 389-6861 | WEBSITE
Cobani Gyro & Kebab works for an affordable meal because it perfectly straddles the line of being a restaurant and a cozy neighborhood spot. Whether you’re there for some unique Turkish Bomonti beer or just a very underrated lamb gyro situation, Cobani’s warm, inviting interior is ideal for when you want something familiar yet fulfilling. Also, you never need a reservation.
Capo Mediterranean Belmont
$ | (650) 508-1000 | WEBSITE
You’re basically broke at this point, but you really like this person and you both happen to have Mediterranean food listed as an interest. Head to Capo Mediterranean Belmont, the Greek spot right in Belmont with affordable (and delicious) pitas and plates – including a beef and lamb pita with fries for $18 that’s guaranteed to make this meal satisfying. Also, we promise this place isn’t as cramped as it sounds.
Mediterranean Kebab
$ | (650) 340-1232 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean Kebab is the kind of place where you walk in and immediately feel at ease. The San Mateo spot has a chill atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, and couldn’t be further away from one of those cold, exaggerated restaurants that make you become hyper-aware of the fact that, until last week, you thought a 401(k) literally meant saving $401,000.
The menu is filled with flavor-packed Mediterranean dishes that hover around the $15-$25 mark, like the Alexander plate with gyro meat, tomato sauce, and yogurt, the tender Lamb Shank, and the de facto best Mediterranean Combo we’ve ever had.
Elia
$$ | (650) 674-6000 | WEBSITE
San Mateo might not be the first place you think of for elevated Greek cuisine, but Laurel Street’s Elia is certainly changing that perception. The lively restaurant in the former Taurus steakhouse space has a happening vibe with live music and DJ sets that create a relaxed yet energetic setting. The food is both approachable and delicious (read: grilled octopus).
Also, the best thing at Elia isn’t necessarily on the menu – just ask about the cozy outdoor seating with heaters and blankets for those cooler California evenings.
Mykonos
$$ | (650) 274-0835 | WEBSITE
Mykonos is one of most overlooked casual dinner spots in San Mateo. The Greek place doesn’t look like much from the outside, but they serve some delicious food at reasonable prices in an environment that actually makes you want to sit and get to know someone. Plus, if your kids can’t help you finish the tzatziki and pita you just ordered, at least you can call it quits now – and not three messy meals later.
Hella Mediterranean
$ | (650) 362-4140 | WEBSITE
Downtown San Mateo gives you plenty to talk about. You can discuss that new movie you just saw at the theater down the street, or maybe compare favorite Mediterranean dishes. Hella Mediterranean isn’t quite on a bustling main road, but it’s close enough that your movie plans won’t feel out of left field. Find a spot along the pedestrian path, order the highly recommended Mezze Trio with beet hummus, and always get the outstanding beef kabob.
The generous portions of goat cheese on their salads make everything better, and the friendly staff ensures your gluten-free needs are met without fuss. At around $37 for a salad and bowl, you’re getting fresh ingredients and great flavors that won’t break the bank. The welcoming vibe makes it perfect whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just grabbing a meal with friends. Don’t skip the non-alcoholic ginger beer—it pairs perfectly with the Veggie bowl with Salmon A La Carte.
This cozy spot feels like a small family-owned place, and that’s exactly why you’ll keep coming back.
Nick The Greek | Redwood City
$ | (650) 260-0081 | WEBSITE
Nick The Greek is a straightforward, casual spot in Redwood City that’s ideal for a quick, satisfying meal. Everything on the menu hits the spot, but we’re especially fond of the chicken gyro bowl and the vegetarian falafel pita, and you’d be missing out if you skipped the standout Nick’s Fries with beef/lamb shawarma. The prices are seriously reasonable – we’re talking $7 sides and $6 salads, and the most expensive plate barely cracks $13.
It’s so budget-friendly, you could likely cover the whole tab with what’s left in your digital wallet – which basically makes it a steal, doesn’t it?
Nick the Greek
$ | (650) 212-6517 | WEBSITE
You can only eat at the same old spots for so long until it starts getting boring. But if you want the comfort of Mediterranean flavors without the fuss, head to Nick the Greek. Located in San Mateo, it’s a casual spot that serves Greek classics with a focus on freshness. Be smart here – there are some generous portions on the menu, like the gyro bowls (which are around $16 and the most substantial thing they offer), but that’s why we recommend trying a few things and sharing them.
Except the baklava. Never share that.
