Best of 25th Avenue
A short, storied block near the center of San Mateo, from a Michelin-legacy sushi counter to a 1972 barbershop.
25th Avenue is only a few blocks long, tucked where it crosses El Camino near the center of San Mateo, but it punches way above its size. Here's a walk down the street, from morning coffee to a late pint.
A guide to 13 local spots worth knowing in San Mateo, put together by a local who eats here. Nobody pays to be on it.
Eat & drink
Sushi Edomata
The team carrying on Sushi Sam's legendary omakase-style sushi in a new home on 25th Ave. The single biggest reason people seek out this block.
Luceti's on 25th
Old-school Italian dining with a lively bar, serving the same recipes for four decades. The street's institution.
The Swingin' Door
A classic British pub famous for fish and chips, karaoke, trivia, and dueling pianos. The corridor's after-dark hangout.
Kaizen & Coffee
Pour-overs and signature lattes in flavors like ube, black sesame, and miso caramel. The daytime anchor at the mouth of the street.
Cruel Donuts & Ice Cream
Asian-inspired donuts, weekend mochi donuts, and small-batch house-made ice cream. The sweet-tooth stop.
Tannourine
Family-run Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking known for mezza plates and grilled kabobs since 2008.
Cobani Gyro & Kebab
Halal Mediterranean gyros and kebabs, simple and reliable for a quick lunch.
PJ's Pizza
A neighborhood pizzeria (formerly Velo City Pizza) doing brick-oven pies at the west end of the block.
Shop & services
Mi Tienda Supermarket
A Mexican supermarket with a bakery, meat counter, and an in-store taqueria locals love for its dollar tacos and pupusas.
25th Avenue Farmers' Market
A seasonal certified farmers market that takes over the block on Tuesday afternoons, with fresh produce and food vendors from spring through fall.
Bob's Barber Stylist
A family barbershop cutting hair for men, women, and kids at the same 25th Ave spot for over fifty years.
V.I.P. Hair Salon
A longtime local salon for cuts, color, and styling on the west side of the corridor.
Frequently asked
What are the best spots in 25th Avenue?
Local favorites include Sushi Edomata, Luceti's on 25th, The Swingin' Door. Browse the full guide above. Nobody pays to be on it.
How many local spots worth knowing does San Mateo Local recommend?
13, all added by hand and refreshed regularly.
Is San Mateo Local a paid directory?
No. Nobody pays to be listed here, and nothing was scraped or bought. A business can sponsor a guide, and if one does, it is clearly marked as a sponsor.
That's the block. Know a 25th Ave spot we walked past? Tell us here.