San Mateo

Thai Satay
173 E 4th Ave

173 e 4th avenue, 650 342-3617 decently priced, with an extensive menu, this thai restaurant serves authentic dishes that could fulfill any kind of mood you're in. they also allow you to choose your level of spiciness!

Sinbad
99 The Embarcadero

As of July 2010, Sinbad has closed; it's possible that they will re-open elsewhere.

Taquería Pancho Villa
599 Dutton Ave

365 south b street, 650 343-4123. the line out the door should give a clue to the quality inside. well-roasted meats, tacos and real mexican food made to order, and inexpensive. their horchata is good, but their smoothies are better and made with fresh fruit.

Shanghai East
105 W 25th Ave.

105 w. 25th ave, 650 522-9098. tasty chinese food at very affordable prices. great dumplings and noodles, and the best mongolian beef around.

Yumi Yogurt
3955 S El Camino Real

3955 s el camino real 650 341-0939. amazing flavors of soft serve frozen yogurt and a huge topping bar. also serve hand scooped ice cream.

Little Shanghai
17 E. 25th Ave
650-573-7161
$$

Cheap, authentic Shanghainese place. Always seems to be filled with local Chinese families getting their fill.

Hotaru
33 E 3rd Ave

"33 e 3rd avenue, 650-343-1152 (http://www.hotarurestaura...). authentic japanese with an excellent all-around menu including sushi and cooked favorites. very busy for weekday lunches, quieter at other times. good value for lunch; prices go up on the dinner menu.

Shabuway
145 E 3rd Ave

145 e 3rd ave, 650-548-2483 (http://www.shabuway.com). one of only a few shabu-shabu restaurants on the peninsula.