Dive into 6 New Dining Spots in San Mateo

Whether it’s a fluffy soufflé-like Japanese cheesecake, falafel, meaty fries, chicken shawarma or hot and sour chicken soup, San Mateo diners will have a slate of new lunch and dinner options to choose from after the latest explosion of openings at adjacent Hillsdale Shopping Center and several new spots have already opened downtown!

Gather some friends for a shop and lunch date!

Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake, Hillsdale Shopping Center / 1 mile from Bay Meadows

This bakery offers traditional Japanese cheesecake, cheesecake biscotti, madeleine’s and cookies baked with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Must try: the Original Japanese Cheesecake. The richness of American cheesecakes combined with the lightness of French soufflés is a delicious combination.

Tacos El Grullense C&D, Hillsdale Shopping Center / 1 mile from Bay Meadows

This Mexican spot has landed in the Hillsdale food court and also has several different locations in the state. Must try: the super tacos and meaty fries topped with melted cheese, nacho cheese, choice of meat, onions, cilantro, hot sauce and sour cream.

SAJJ Mediterranean, 251 E 3rd Avenue / 2.2 miles from Bay Meadows

This farm to table fresh find features falafel, chicken or steak shawarma, shawafel, pomegranate chicken as well as pita breads, wraps and bowls. Must try: the Falafel from scratch using only the freshest ingredients.

Thonglor Thai Bistro, 173 E. Fourth Avenue / 2.2 miles from Bay Meadows
Good friends, good food, good times. This authentic spot serves up your favorite Thai faire in San Mateo. Must try: the Satay chicken skewers, the Tom Kha hot and sour chicken soup and the Pad Thai.

Halal Guys, 213 E. Third Avenue / 2.2 miles from Bay Meadows

From humble beginnings as a New York City hot dog cart to a world-renowned international restaurant chain, The Halal Guys story is the quintessential American Dream. The simple menu includes sandwiches and platters with chicken, beef gyro and falafels with hummus and vegetables. Must try: Halal chicken and gyro dishes.

MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza Company, Hillsdale Shopping Center / 1 mile from Bay Meadows

MidiCi wood-fired pizza brings Italy’s original Neapolitan pizza recipe to Hillsdale Shopping Mall where you can taste the freshness of quality ingredients – pizza made with Italian flour in authentic wood-fired ovens. Must try: the Devil’s made with Italian tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, housemade spicy sausage, spicy Italian salami, and red chilies – don’t forget the Signature Nutella Calzone.

 

Featuring best-in-class retailers such as Tin Pot Creamery and Blue Bottle Coffee, Bay Meadows’ Town Square is the ideal gathering place with more ground-floor retail, outdoor dining and pop-ups to come. Home to a stunning sculpture from internationally-renowned artist Jeppe Hein, the Town Square is the dynamic core of our Midurban village. The Town Square is the perfect place to relax outside for a beer or wine at Fieldwork Brewing Company’s beer garden after a day of shopping and entertainment at Hillsdale Center. Take a turn on the porch swings or challenge a friend to table-tennis in the outdoor ping-pong court. Join the Bay Meadows email list to stay on top of the latest.