San Mateo residents debate their city’s true culinary identity: is it the quest for the perfect parking spot near Hillsdale Mall, the art of navigating Caltrain schedules, or perhaps the delicate balance of ordering just enough tapas? With our Mediterranean coastline climate, thriving downtown plazas, and a population that appreciates a good mezze spread, the answer emerges from the olive groves.
From sun-drenched patios to intimate family-run kitchens, these restaurants bring the Mediterranean to the Peninsula.
Cobani Gyro & Kebab
$ | (650) 389-6861 | WEBSITE
Cobani Gyro & Kebab is a perfect place to suggest when your group wants something satisfying that everyone can agree on. The surprisingly cozy space has a warm, energetic vibe with those cute wood boards making everything feel special. As for the menu, you’ll find one of our favorite lamb gyros in San Mateo—juicy and perfectly seasoned—and big plates of well-cooked chicken kabobs with garlic fries.
The hummus is well-flavored, the lentil soup hits the spot, and the baklava has just the right flakiness with a nice crunch of pistachios. They even serve a unique Turkish beer, Bomonti, that regulars appreciate. While prices have crept up a bit, the food remains the highlight—filling, familiar, and truly wow-worthy.
Gourmet Gyros & kebabs
$ | (650) 362-3305 | WEBSITE
Open for years now, Gourmet Gyros & Kebabs is one of San Mateo’s family-owned restaurants and also one of its best. With a clean, welcoming space, this Mediterranean spot boasts generous portions, excellent service, and hearty, flavorful meals perfect for families or solo diners. With the heart of San Mateo just outside, you have countless dining options, but we love the gyro platter, chicken souvlaki with rice and salad, and the best baklava in town from their own kitchen.
The free cup of tea offered by the friendly staff is a lovely touch, and street parking is always available, making it a reliable go-to.
Dahab Restaurant & Cafe
$$ | (650) 869-9534 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in the bag area of San Mateo, Dahab Restaurant & Cafe is a hidden gem that sits just off the main thoroughfare. There’s incredible Mediterranean food to satisfy any craving, a warm and welcoming atmosphere with unique colors blending with background music, and amazing service from the knowledgeable owners.
If you don’t feel like cooking all evening, we recommend trying the halal whole chicken with the hot sauce, the chef special that’s simply great, or the mixed group plate with delicious chicken skewers, rice, and salad. Don’t forget to enjoy the hookah mix and fresh pita bread while soaking in the perfect casual vibe.
Lotus Falafel and Shawarma – Burlingame
$ | (650) 781-3102 | WEBSITE
Even regular Mediterranean diners don’t realize just how generous Lotus Falafel and Shawarma is. With its affordable, tasty meals and plentiful portions, this cozy spot in Burlingame serves flavorful shawarma over rice, lamb and beef shawarma plates, and perfectly cooked chicken kabobs. When it comes to options, you have several choices, but our move is to order the veggie plate.
This combination comes with falafels, grape leaves, hummus, baba, tabouleh, Mediterranean salad, and pita, and depending on your preference, you might even get some crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-inside falafel on the side.
Tannourine Restaurant
$$ | (650) 638-1960 | WEBSITE
Between the chicken & garlic plate, lentil soup, vegetarian platter, hummus, garlic fries, Mjadra, Fattoush salad, tabouleh, pickles, lamb shank, and dolma, the question isn’t, “What is there to eat at Tannourine Restaurant?” It’s “Am I developing romantic feelings towards a Middle Eastern restaurant?” Probably.
With its beautiful interior, friendly staff, attentive service, and generous portions, this authentic San Mateo spot is an ideal place for a special dinner, a memorable meal, or introduce your friend to your latest hummus obsession.
Mediterranean Kitchen Burlingame
$$ | (650) 347-7687 | WEBSITE
This cozy, welcoming Mediterranean spot in Burlingame is probably most well-known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, which features standout dishes like the mixed grill plate, flavorful chicken and beef gyro, and fresh dolmas. It’s a comfortable setting, particularly considering you’re right in the heart of the city, and a great place for a casual meal with friends—and for savoring the complimentary baklava and hot tea that perfectly cap off the experience.
Mediterranean Kebab
$ | (650) 340-1232 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean Kebab is an ideal San Mateo lunch spot because you feel like you’re getting a proper meal without technically spending much time. And while you’re there, grabbing a table on their patio is a must. This chill restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for families with kids. It’s also conveniently located near the Caltrain station and has a meter-parking area.
The service is self-service for water, napkins, utensils, and leftover packing, and the owner is known for being super friendly. We recommend ordering the excellent Alexander plate with gyro meat, tomato sauce, and yogurt, as well as the creamy hummus and delightful baclava beforehand.
Falafel Tazah Foster City
$ | (650) 627-4169 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever fantasized about leaving this world for the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast depicted on a postcard, may we suggest planning a dinner at Falafel Tazah? The flavorful oasis in question is the restaurant of a very friendly owner himself. It lies in the Foster City area, and you’ll find mixed grill platters, baklava, and falafel, lots of falafel.
In addition to plopping at a table and pretending you are a cucumber salad stick, it’s nice to try the mildly sweet, buttery baklava, or point and stare at the spotless interior and say ‘spotless!’
Mediterranean Pizza and Gyros
$$ | (650) 525-2773 | WEBSITE
Despite being featured on several best-of lists over the years, this family-run spot in San Mateo remains something of a hidden gem. Cozy, inviting, and with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pide, by day, it’s the perfect place to grab a wrap and pretend to be productive, and at night, you’ll have a truly satisfying meal of authentic Turkish dishes. It’ll make you feel like you’re discovering a secret, or compel you to tell your friends, “This is my go-to spot!” with genuine enthusiasm.
ROCKN WRAPS
$ | (650) 299-9551 | WEBSITE
We love Rockn Wraps, because in an area dominated by chain restaurants and strip malls, this cozy Mediterranean spot in San Mateo feels like a true neighborhood gem. Located just off the main drag, Rockn Wraps never gets too crowded and has a warm, inviting atmosphere that offers perfect seasoning on every dish and plenty of space for a meal with friends. Don’t rule out the outdoor seating with heaters afterward.
Amoura
$$ | (650) 754-6891 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you want to travel to the Mediterranean without actually traveling to the Mediterranean. Maybe you don’t like long flights, crowded markets, or deciding between ancient ruins and modern city life. The next best thing is Amoura – the lively restaurant that sits in San Mateo, delivering authentic flavors from the region. Beautiful lighting sets the perfect mood, the comfortable atmosphere never gets old, parking is ample, and menu options are endless.
