New in San Mateo: Summer 2026
A downtown brunch boom, a matcha bar, Korean BBQ, and more — the freshest spots to open around town.
San Mateo's food scene has been on a tear this year, especially downtown. Here are the newest places worth checking out, all opened in roughly the last year.
Eat & Drink
Whisper
A former Sweet Maple chef turned the old Wursthall space into a 140-seat brunch spot with Korean-leaning plates like galbi eggs Benedict and gochujang cioppino.
Reposado
The Palo Alto favorite's second location brings regional Mexican cooking from Oaxaca and the Yucatan downtown, with a deep tequila list.
Johnny's
The Half Moon Bay brunch destination from the It's Italia team moved its full menu into the Brickline building with a bigger dining room.
MIXT
The San Francisco salad chain landed in the former B Street Books, building make-your-own bowls and signature salads daily until 9pm.
Izumi Matcha
A premium Japanese matcha bar pouring ceremonial-grade lattes and matcha drinks in the heart of downtown.
OLHSO House
A Korean master chef's first U.S. restaurant, doing tableside grilling of premium cuts plus Busan-inspired hot pots.
The Breakfast Club at Midtown
The San Jose brunch cult favorite opened its first Peninsula spot at Bay Meadows with a big patio and a full bar.
Bahche Mezzehouse & Wine Bar
A family-run mezze house in the old Roam Artisan Burgers space, pairing Turkish and Mediterranean small plates with a 60-plus bottle wine list.
Sama Coffee Shop
An Iraqi-Palestinian coffee house serving sand-brewed Turkish coffee, cardamom lattes, and Middle Eastern sweets in a backgammon-friendly space.
Shops
Honey & Hive
A downtown boutique selling ethically made baby and children's clothing crafted from premium Turkish cotton.
Akiba HQ
A collector's shop stocked with Gunpla model kits, direct-import anime figures, gashapon, and trading cards.
Know a spot we missed? Tell us at hello@sanmateolocal.com and we'll add it to the guide.