Things to Do in San Mateo (2025)

A tiny, reservation-scarce kaiseki counter where Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki’s seasonal tasting menu feels like a personal culinary journey. Awarded one Michelin star and still one of the Peninsula’s most singular dining experiences. Featured in the Michelin Guide. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-mateo/restaurant/wakuriya?utm_source=openai))

Late-night by San Mateo standards, with house-made salumi, wood‑fired pizzas, and pastas crafted from prized Italian flours. A Michelin Bib Gourmand mainstay and a Peninsula favorite often praised by Eater SF. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-mateo/restaurant/pausa?utm_source=openai), [sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-peninsula-palo-alto-mountain-view-san-mateo?utm_source=openai))

German‑influenced artisan bakery turned community staple: naturally leavened loaves, stellar pastries like the pistachio‑raspberry croissant, and a savory Speck & Egg. Spotlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle and anchored by its own bustling flagship. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-mateo-food-best-day-ever/?utm_source=openai), [backhausbread.com](https://www.backhausbread.com/locations/?utm_source=openai))

Lines still form for spicy garlic pork ramen topped with chashu and the shop’s signature quail egg. A downtown original repeatedly cited in Japanese‑food roundups; current hours remain limited, so plan accordingly. Praised by Eater SF; hours verified by recent listings. ([sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/2019/9/5/20847635/san-mateo-japanese-food-guide-history-restaurants-markets?utm_source=openai), [restaurantji.com](https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/san-mateo/ramen-dojo-/?utm_source=openai))

Hands‑on science exhibits and native wildlife encounters right on the Bay—an intergenerational favorite that’s actively expanding its campus. Open daily with timed entry; check current hours before you go. Verified by the museum’s official information. ([curiodyssey.org](https://curiodyssey.org/visit/?utm_source=openai))

Year‑round Saturday market with sweeping views and a deep roster of regional growers, bakers, and cheesemakers. Operated by PCFMA and supported by county info; it’s a Peninsula ritual for peak‑season produce. ([pcfma.org](https://www.pcfma.org/sanmateo?utm_source=openai), [smcgov.org](https://www.smcgov.org/agwm/location/college-san-mateo-farmers-market?utm_source=openai))

A locally run 24‑lane alley where leagues share lanes with families, plus a lively bar, sports TVs, and Friday‑night karaoke. Longtime neighborhood fixture with online reservations and posted hours. ([belmateobowl.com](https://belmateobowl.com/?utm_source=openai), [belmateobowl.com](https://www.belmateobowl.com/Features/Bar-Lounge?utm_source=openai))

Harness the Bay’s steady winds with beginner‑friendly lessons and rentals for windsurfing, wing, and SUP—right inside Coyote Point Recreation Area. Hours and location verified by multiple listings; check park gate times, too. ([chamberofcommerce.com](https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/business-directory/california/san-mateo/windsurfing-store/42100350-boardsports-california?utm_source=openai), [smcgov.org](https://www.smcgov.org/parks/coyote-point-recreation-area-hours?utm_source=openai))

Downtown’s longtime Japanese grocer known for pristine sashimi, bentos, and hard‑to‑find pantry staples—an everyday portal into the city’s Japanese roots. Hours and services confirmed by the market. ([surukisupermarket.com](https://www.surukisupermarket.com/faq?utm_source=openai))

A fourth‑generation market founded in 1906 that now draws lunch lines for musubi, plate lunches, and Hawaiian staples. Featured by SFGATE and cherished locally for its living history. ([takahashimarket.com](https://takahashimarket.com/?utm_source=openai), [sfgate.com](https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-takahashi-market-musubis-17837701.php?utm_source=openai))

A homegrown escape‑room outfit running multiple game formats downtown—great for teams or families before a B‑Street dinner. Locations and operating hours verified by the company and recent listings. ([onsite.ryptic.com](https://onsite.ryptic.com/escape-room-locations?utm_source=openai), [yelp.com](https://www.yelp.com/biz/ryptic-room-escape-b-street-san-mateo?utm_source=openai))

An eight‑seat omakase temple for classic Edomae technique—now Michelin‑recommended and still one of the toughest reservations in town. Local coverage notes it lost its star in 2024; demand remains high. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-mateo/restaurant/sushi-yoshizumi/?utm_source=openai), [paloaltoonline.com](https://www.paloaltoonline.com/express-newsletter-content/2024/08/06/peninsula-loses-2-michelin-stars-and-gains-none-at-mondays-california-michelin-guide-ceremony/?utm_source=openai))