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Millbrae

  • Millbrae Pancake House: Located in a building that is reminiscent of a school house, the Millbrae Pancake House has been in operation since 1959. Still family owned and making dishes in accordance to original family recipes, this is a temple to the humble pancake in all its international, varied and numerous verities. Portions are generous and the coffee is hot and constant. All you can want from a satisfying breakfast to start your day with (a a lunch to induce a noon time nap with). No dress code, no reservations, the wait is never too long.

  • New England Lobster Market and Eatery: Market shop and restaurant all in one with picnic benches outdoors, tables inside, and a parking lot behind the building. Come if you would like fresh lobsters, crabs, shellfish or oyster for preparation and enjoyment at home. Come if you would like to enjoy the same but prepared by folks who would bring you the aforementioned seafood and take away your mess. Try the Lobster Rolls, truly a call back to Boston, full of lobster claw and knuckle meat and not overdressed. The split top bun which cradles the lobsters adds the authenticity of the roll. The Lobster Corn Chowder is also a favorite! No dress codes, eat-in or take-away, no reservations taken or needed.

  • Shanghai Dumpling Shop: Shanghai is well known for several things — site the first meeting of the Chinese Communist Party (ironically across the street from 新天地, Xin Tian Di, the very high end shopping area for the affluent of China), the residence of Sun Yat-Sen, and dumplings, delicious dumplings. So it is not a surprise that Shanghai Dumpling Shop in Millbrae would have delicious dumplings. Their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) is packed full of soup so be careful to not burn your mouth. Other dumplings and baos on their menu are all juicy and packed full of flavor. Also, try the traditional Shanghai dishes, such as the Cold Smoked Fish, the Lion’s Head Meatballs, the Shanghai noodles and the Clay Pot dishes. No dress code, they may take reservations for large (>6 persons) parties, otherwise, put your name on the list and the wait is worth it but never too arduous.

  • Tai Wu Restaurant: Looking for Dim Sum? Tai Wu is a great choice. Popular with Asian dim sum lovers in the area, Tai Wu runs a busy kitchen which ensures that the dim sums are hot and freshly. Tai Wu serves a wide variety of dim sum, from the classics to more regional dishes, and also serves up excellent Chinese fare during non-dim sum hours. No dress code, unless you have a large party, no reservations.

Burlingame

  • Blue Line Pizza: The Burlingame outpost of this fine deep dish (and thin crust) pizza restaurant is a sure fix for your carb and cheese cravings if you don’t want to venture too much further south into the Peninsula. Reservations are not required but helpful for larger parties. No dress code, indoor and outdoor seating is available.

  • Curry Hyuga: Found on Broadway, Curry Hyuga serves up delicious Japanese curry rice plates with efficiency! Choose from either classic proteins like Tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), or Menchi Katsu (breaded and fried minced pork and veggie cutlet) to complement your curried rice and you will have a hearty and enjoyable meal indeed! No dress code.

  • Delfina (Pizzeria): With Peninsula locations in Burlingame and Palo Alto, Delfina is a sure bet for a convivial rustic Italian meal with both large and small groups! No dress code, walk-ins are seated quickly. Reservations never hurts!

  • Hanabi: Located at 723 California Dr in Burlingame, Hanabi is the hidden ramen/izakaya gem in Burlingame. Blink and you will miss it location on the part of California Dr populated by non-descript offices/autoshops, Hanabi Ramen is a magical bowl of rich deep flavors. The Japanese Curry that they serve at Hanabi (with rice or as a ramen) is truly beautiful, before the first spoonful has been consumed, you will find yourself reaching for the next spoonful! Unfortunately, Hanabi only has a Facebook entry and not an official website, however, if you crave ramen, Hanabi is the place to be! No dress code, not sure if they even take reservations, the wait is never too long and well worth it! TEL: (650) 342-8888

  • Mingalaba Restaurant: This popular Burmese restaurant on the busy Burlingame Ave. has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for many years. Choose from classic Burmese dishes and curries or sample well executed and well worn Chinese classics. All are efficiently and skillfully prepared. No dress code, reservations may be available for larger parties.

  • Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream: Quite a landmark in the City of Burlingame, this traditional candy shop and ice cream parlor brings the charm of a bygone age and relief on a hot afternoon or when the craving for sugar is difficult to overcome. Small batch ice creams and hand made chocolate, fudge and candies are all quite delicious and satisfying whether you are enjoying them while promenading about Burlingame or sitting in the glow of the screen in the privacy of your own abode! No reservations, no indoor seating but there is a comfy bench out front. Just please be dressed!

San Mateo/Belmont

  • Backhaus: Situated in San Mateo on 3rd Ave, Backhaus is the place to go for fresh croissants, pastries, and fresh baked breads. Seating is available behind the restaurant in a charming outdoor courtyard/garden. Order a coffee drink and a flaky Apple Turnover or Everything Croissant Bowl and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in a surprise suburban oasis. Seasonal Galettes are always delicious and the Ham and Cheese Croissant is hearty, satisfying, and delicately flaky indeed!

  • Divino Ristorante: If you are looking for a good Italian meal, Divino Ristorante will not lead you wrong. The pasta is made in house and Divino’s tomato sauce is elegant and delicious. The Sedanini, tube pasta with a tomato cream sauce, roast red peppers, sausages, and peas is a personal addiction. When they have it, the Italian style Trippa has been known to served double duty (as starter and main) for me. The Linguini Vongole is also a popular dish and acclaimed as some of the best by those who appreciates the dish. Italian is often heard in the dinning room from dinners and the staff is warm, friendly, and efficient. Full bar, compact but good wine list featuring excellent Italian wines completes the scene. Don’t forget dessert. No dress code, reservations recommended, bar seating is available and often populated by restaurant regulars.

  • Doghaus: On the corner of Ralston and El Camino Real, Doghaus dishes up sausages (grilled or made into a corn dog on laughably thin wooden skewer), tater tots, burgers, and craft beers. The sausages are both traditional and creative, the tater tots can become an addiction and nacho cheese and chili is freely available as a topping. No dress code, seating inside and on the outdoor patio, no reservations.

  • Jeffrey’s Hamburgers: Located at the corner of South B St and 1st in downtown San Mateo (second location in Menlo Park), Jeffrey’s burgers are thick, juicy, freshly ground and formed and grilled to order and to temperature. No frills, but all the traditional burger toppings are to be had and available to be customized. Though the burgers are the focus of Jeffrey’s, they have fantastic Onion Rings and their Fish and Chips should not be ignored. The fish is hand dipped and fried to order and is moist, flaky and encased in a light crisp batter. Their milk shakes, with our without malt — your choice — is a perfect companion to your meal! No dress code, no reservations.

  • Heidi’s Pies: Formerly the go to 24/7 diner and purveyor of delicious pies, it now runs on reduced, pandemic influenced, hours. Great spot for breakfast and a quick country/chicken fried steak fix, their burgers and sandwiches are also quite decent. However, as their name might suggest, their pies are quite something else. Flaky crusts and generous fillings, their apple, french apple (apple and cherry), cherry, and cream cheese pies are pies that i might have an addiction to, at least to the point of not venturing further to try their other tempting pie flavors to this day. However, i trust that one day i shall be strong enough to overcome my addiction and finally experience all of Heidi’s Pie’s bountiful pie offerings! No reservations, no dress code. If you want pie for the holidays, do be sure to call ahead and pre-order! They do sell out!

  • Katz Teriyaki Grill: Located at 71 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, the corner shop has no seating and is take out only. Delicious Teriyaki Chicken served on its own or in a rice bowl (with boiled broccoli) makes the perfect lunch. Other rice bowls are also brilliantly executed at Katz, their Bentos makes a satisfying meal and their Oyakodon (grilled chicken simmered with scallions and egg over rice) is something quite special indeed! Take out only, TEL: (650) 347-5777

  • Kobeya: Located at 140 W 25th Ave in San Mateo, Kobeya has one of the best Japanese Curry in the area! Small family ran restaurant with a few indoor tables, Kobeya’s Katsu Curry (chicken or pork cutlet, breaded and fried) are a thing of beauty. Simply served on a pillow of steaming white rice cooked to perfection, the chicken or pork katsu are a perfect compliment for the ocean of curry that laps the shore of the white rice island. Although the hearty Japanese curry rice dishes are enough to satisfy a hungry dinner, do treat yourself to some simple sushi rolls or perhaps a tempura or two to round out the meal! The linked site seems to be a sales only site, a great source to examine the menu, but here is the phone number if you wish to speak to a real person. TEL: (650) 578-0880

  • Kokko Yakitori: Located at 509 2nd Ave in San Mateo, Kokko is a popular yakitori spot that serves up exceedingly good skewers of meat and vegetables. Very tasty traditional Izakaya fare should not be overlooked is available on the menu. Their Skin skewers, seasoned with salt or with sauce, is something divine. The Tongue skewers are a flavorful chewy delight. Liberally use the Yuzu Sansho to kick the flavors up to 11, a pot of it can be found on every table. Small but very good list of soju, sake, and beer will liven up your evening. No dress code, reservations are very strongly recommended. TEL: (650) 401-7008

  • Nijiya Japanese Market: A compact and well stocked Japanese market with freshly made (daily) sushi and onigiris ready for pick up as a quick lunch or dinner. A great resource for Japanese snacks and instant foods, Nijiya also stocks fresh produce and fruit that is very seasonal indeed. A good sake selection could also be found at Nijiya, along with an abundant frozen food section to satisfy your Natto cravings and refill your Mochi needs! Nijiya also carries top quality beef, pork, chicken and seafood for your shabu-shabu or Japanese recipe needs! A wonderful resource!

  • Peking Alley: Located on 43nd Ave and El Camino Real in San Mateo, Peking Alley is so much more than a dumpling restaurant. Specializing in classic Peking/Beijing dishes, hand pulled noodles, and house made baos/stuffed buns, Peking Alley is a hidden gen of a Chinese restaurant in San Mateo. Try their Lion’s Head Meatballs, or Beef Noodle Soup and be impressed by the depth of flavor. The “Fluffy Pancake” or 手抓餅 is perfect on its own for a carb fiend or to sop up various sauces of the dishes you have ordered. The Jing Dong Meat Pies are filling and delicious, as are the Pan-fried Buns, the Green Onion Pancakes, and the Chinese “Hamburgers”. For those who loves eggplants, Beijing Style Eggplants are a treat indeed. No dress code, no reservation needed, the wait is never long.

  • The Refuge: The San Mateo/Hillsdale Shopping Center outpost of this temple to pastrami (original review below in the San Carlos section) provides a larger indoor and outdoor seating area but the same great pastrami focused menu, juicy burgers, large salads, and a galaxy of local and Belgian beers for your afternoon delectations! No dress code, reservation for larger parties could be made, come hungry!

  • Santa Ramen: Located at 1944 S El Camino Real in San Mateo, Santa Ramen is in the same shopping plaza as Nijiya Japanese Market, Santa Ramen’s Ramen are known far and wide. The flavors of the ramen at Santa Ramen is rich and thick, the Tonkatsu ramen tastes decadent and you can happily customize your ramen order with various traditional Japanese ramen toppings. Santa’s Chicken Karaage should not be missed, though during lunch service, the karaage is served room temp and not hot. Enjoy your ramen and then ask for a bowl of rice to put into the left over ramen soup for a lovely carb on carb finish to your meal! Don’t miss the non-ramen offerings at Santa! They are delicious and a great way to round out your meal! No reservations accepted except for maybe large (greater than 6) tables. TEL: (650) 344-5918

  • Shalizaar: Craving Persian food? Look no further than Shalizaar. A Peninsula Persian staple for longer than i can remember, Shalizaar dishes up delectable Persian rice dishes, stews, and beautiful kabobs. Order a Doogh for your digestive health and try the Lentil Soup to start your meal. Savor the delicious Koobideh (hand formed, seasoned ground beef kabobs) and specify that you would like half salad and half rice if you would like to avoid a to-go box filled with rice. Suitable for large parties and the parking lot is attached. No dress code, reservations never hurt.

  • Takahashi Market: Why, you may ask, is there a San Mateo market on this page? Well… Takahashi Market has been in operation since 1906, but, since 2006, when the Takahashi family added an on-site kitchen, Takahashi Market has been the go to for some of the best musubi around. Yes, they have your standard (and delicious) spam musubi, but they also have musubi made with linguica, with flank steak, with unagi… 14 different types of musubi can be found in rotation at the “grab and go” hot box in the market, each of the 4 inch plus long musubis lovingly foil wrapped and awaiting a forever home in its assigned tray. Musubi aside, Takahashi Market also offers delicious and very economical Japanese Hawaiian lunch plates. The menu varies, the deliciousness is constant! The family has a long history in the Bay Area, the current owner’s father, during WWII, served with the “Go For Broke” 442nd Regimental Combat Team while his family were interned in internment camps. Go and visit, enjoy the musubis and the plate lunches, browse the prepared foods in the back of the market and their shelves stocked with Hawaiian good and Japanese favourites! No dress code, no reservations needed, scattered few outdoor picnic tables for eating on site but their food is delicious to go!

  • Town of Dumplings: There are many dumpling restaurants these days, i like this one. One can order the dumplings cooked and consumed on site or take away or one can order frozen ones to take home for a future dumpling date. A large variety of fillings are available and all are delicious and well filled. Lovely hot sauce is served at the restaurant but careful, the heat does build and build and build. No dress code, no reservations needed.

  • Wurst Hall: This is the worst hall for a sausage and Germanic beer addict to be visiting, for both vices are served deliciously and in ample amounts. Opened by Chef J. Kenji Lopez in 2018, Wurst Hall serves traditional and “experimental” (Al Pastor, Chorizo Verde, Pastrami, amongst others) sausages grilled to perfection. The Korean Hot Chicken Bites has a slow, building heat that will start out mild and linger, dancing wildly on your tongue by the end of the last bite of the bites. No dress code, no reservations needed, the wait is never too long and the German Beerhall style dining room has a very large capacity indeed.

  • Yuzu Sushi & Grill: Yuzu Sushi and Grill is the meaning of hidden local gems. San Francisco Chronicle’s food reviewer Soliel Ho recently discovered this fact for herself and i couldn’t be happier for Yuzu. A small restaurant with a 8 person sushi counter and tables for a tight 18 in the small space, Yuzu serves up some of the freshest sushi and sashimi accompanied by diligent and exacting knife work. The magic isn’t just limited to the sushi and sashimi selections. Yuzu’s cooked Japanese fare is also equally fantastic. At lunch, try the Chicken Katsu Curry and revel in the juicy chicken katsu with a dark, spiced, delicious Japanese curry. When they have the Kisu Tempura, don’t pass it up! Kisu is Japanese whiting, this delicate smelt makes a delicately delicious tempura, dip it in the tempura sauce and top it with a pinch of the grated daikon and wonder where kisu tempura has been all your life. If you are a fan of KISS, be sure to chat up Chef Yoichi Arima, the owner and the man behind the sushi counter at Yuzu. Arima Sensai is an unabashed fan of KISS and proudly displays many of his KISS collectables next to him behind the sushi counter. No dress code, reservations are strongly recommended.

San Carlos

  • Blueline Pizza: Locations up and down the Peninsula (San Carlos, Mountain View, Danville, Daly City, Campbell, Burlingame, and Los Gatos… also known as Little Star in the 3 SF locations, Western Addition, Mission, and Albany), Blueline/Little Star dishes up lovely Chicago style deep dish pizzas that will fulfill your deep dish dreams (for those who are willing to travel, however, Zachary’s in the East Bay — Rockridge location was the first Zachary’s — is still the Northern California gold standard for me when it comes to a deep dish Chicago style pizza pie. No dress code, reservations recommended but walk-ins are usually seated with short waits.

  • Jersey Joe’s: Pat’s or Geno’s? Cheese or Cheese-Wiz? All good questions — if you are in Philly. However, since we are in San Carlos, there is Jersey Joe’s, n’uff said. The website states that they have the best cheesesteak in the Bay Area and i have not found reason to disagree. Btw, their cheddar cheese sauce? Cheese-Whiz!! Huzzah! If you like hot sauce, Jersey Joe’s serves a very good one that is wonderful with their bountiful cheesesteak sandwich. No dress code, no reservation, indoor and outdoor seating are available.

  • Johnston’s Saltbox: A San Carlos neighborhood favorite serving up solid American/Californian food. Indoor and outdoor seating allows one to tailor the experience to their liking. The Ribeye Burger is a consistent delight, served with crisp fries and cooked to your temperature of choice, a better burger is hard to find.

  • Refuge, The: A temple to pastrami that will sooth the worse pastrami craving in anyone. Now with locations in Menlo Park and San Mateo. The Pastrami Reuben is a slice of heaven, especially when eaten with a Delirium Tremens Belgian golden strong ale. If pastrami is not all you crave, try the Burgers, juicy, meaty, and delicious. They are, as are the sandwiches, a bit messy, but nothing a stack of napkins can’t take care of. No dress code, reservations available especially for large parties.

  • Sandwich Spot, The: A good sandwich shop with locations all over California. Looking for a quick take away? Hard to go wrong with the Sandwich Spot. No dress code, no reservations.

Redwood City

  • Gourmet Haus Staudt and Biergarten: Shop and groceries in front and bar, beer garden, and restaurant in the back. As its website proclaims, it is indeed a slice of Germany in Redwood City. The schnitzel is good but not a wiener schnitzel if that is what you crave. The sausages are always a great partner to the pints of German beers on tap. No dress code, no reservations, a great hang out for both beer lovers and those who appreciate but does not require beer in large quantities.

  • Speederia Pizza: A sad day it was when San Carlos lost its Speederia outpost. However, thankfully, Redwood City is not that far. New York style pizzas in whole pies or slices. Fantastic red sauce that is just enough to flavor the pizza but not over power the cheese and toppings. Crisp crust brushed with garlic flavored oil that perfumes the pizza and enhances the flavors. Go, get it, eat it hot, then enjoy it cold! If you are tempted by the Calzone, be warned, it is essentially a whole pizza folded in half with the edges joined and rolled into a crust. It is not a small calzone you’d expect. It is a meal for many and then some. No dress code, no reservations.

Mountain View

  • Rose Market (of Mountain View): It is a market, it is a take-away restaurant, it is an institution in Mountain View that has been serving delicious Halal meats and meals since 1988. They claim to serve the “best kabobs in the bay area” and that claim is not an exaggeration. Rose Market is now in their new modern location, but the ordering is still done at the check out line for the kabobs (the prepared foods can be ordered at the deli-case near the check out lines. My personal addition, both auditory and gastronomic, is the Koubideh. Nothing whets the appetite like hearing the order being called out over the intercom. They don’t say three koubideh for an order of 3 koubideh… what is announced is “koubideh, koubideh, koubideh”… and your hunger has just been tripled, cubed, exponentially increased. Rice is always wonderful with the kabobs but Rose is very generous with the flat bread and herbs to accompany pretty much every order, so, if you like flat bread, worry not! You will have your fill and then some! No dress code, just be dressed. Take-aways only. Pick up is outside the market at a pick up window to the left (as you head out of the market from the check out lines) of the sliding doors. Just follow the smell and crowd and keep in mind your order number.