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))
Known among Bay Area ramen fans for its spicy garlic pork ramen, I found Ramen Dojo’s intense, garlicky broth to be a favorite that helped define San Mateo’s consistent noodle scene.
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))
