Chef Zhao Bistro

Szechuan & Hunan in San Mateo, California

4.1 (334)

CategorySzechuan & Hunan · Restaurant
Address2450 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403
AreaSan Mateo, California
Phone(650) 345-6288
Google rating 4.1 (334)

Hours

Monday11 am–2 pm
Tuesday11 am–2 pm
Wednesday11 am–2 pm
Thursday11 am–2 pm
Friday11 am–2 pm
Saturday11 am–2 pm
Sunday11 am–2 pm

About Chef Zhao Bistro

Chef Zhao Bistro, located at 2450 S El Camino Real in San Mateo, CA, is a distinguished Sichuan restaurant that brings the authentic flavors of Sichuan cuisine to the Bay Area. Renowned for its bold and vibrant dishes, the bistro specializes in traditional Sichuan cooking techniques that highlight the region’s signature spicy and numbing málà flavors. The menu features a wide array of classic and homestyle favorites, including well-loved dishes such as Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Chongqing Chili Chicken, and Twice Cooked Pork, all crafted with fresh ingredients and carefully balanced spices to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience.

At Chef Zhao Bistro, every dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, honoring the rich culinary heritage of Sichuan while catering to the diverse palates of its customers. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity is evident in its use of imported spices and house-made chili oil, which contribute to the depth and complexity of flavors that define its offerings. Whether you are a spice enthusiast seeking the electrifying heat of Sichuan peppercorns or a curious foodie eager to explore new tastes, Chef Zhao Bistro provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere that complements its flavorful menu.

The bistro’s location in the heart of San Mateo makes it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy genuine Sichuan cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, Chef Zhao Bistro offers a welcoming dining environment where guests can savor dishes that range from intensely spicy to more mild, ensuring there is something for everyone. The restaurant also provides options for takeout and delivery, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Sichuan meals at home.

Customer reviews consistently praise Chef Zhao Bistro for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Diners frequently highlight the perfectly balanced spiciness and the freshness of the ingredients, with particular acclaim for dishes like the stir-fried chicken with heavy peppercorns, spicy lotus root, and spicy wontons. The friendly service and comfortable setting further enhance the overall dining experience, making Chef Zhao Bistro a standout choice among Chinese restaurants in the San Mateo area.

In addition to its culinary excellence, Chef Zhao Bistro is dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. The restaurant’s team strives to create a memorable experience for every guest, whether dining in or ordering online. With a phone number readily available at +1 650-345-6288, customers can easily make reservations or place orders, ensuring convenience and accessibility.

Chef Zhao Bistro is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Sichuan’s rich culinary traditions brought to life in the vibrant and diverse food scene of San Mateo. For those seeking an authentic taste of Sichuan with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and expertly crafted dishes, Chef Zhao Bistro stands as a premier destination that promises to satisfy and delight.

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Latest Google reviews

The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.

Wei-Ai Tai 2 months ago

Been wanting to try this Sichuan restaurant off of El Camino Real in San Mateo. Tried the beef noodle soup and some stir-fried dishes, and the flavors were authentic and tasty. Only complaint is there was too much noodles in the beef noodle soup. Good place for a quiet lunch. Fast and efficient service. Might be difficult to find parking on the busy El Camino Real, so look for spots on the nearby side roads.

Jack L 10 months ago

We have been looking for a Chinese restaurant that is good enough for us to often go to. We may have found it at Chef Zhao sichuan cuisine. The food came very quickly and every dish was excellent. The atmosphere was nicer than most Chinese restaurants.

Ruofei Du a year ago

Chef Zhao stands out for serving one of the most delicious and truly traditional Kung Pao chicken dishes around—perfectly balanced with spice, sweetness, and that signature wok aroma that many other places miss. 🐔🌶️ The soft tofu and crab meat is also a highlight, with a smooth, delicate texture and rich seafood flavor that’s both unique and satisfying. 🦀🍳 A must-try for fans of authentic Chinese flavors! 😋🥢 Plenty of free street parking behind the restaurant.

Tom L Edited a year ago

One of the best Chinese restaurants in the area. Not sure what Schezuan cuisine should be, but the dishes I ordered were good. Standout was cumin beef and pork fried rice, both came out piping hot within minutes. Soft tofu with crab tasted too eggy, and might have been better as a soup. Looking forward to returning.

Yuan LIU Edited 10 months ago

Chef Zhao Bistro is authentic Sichuan cuisine. Period. We liked their Mountain View shop a lot, but that one was closed during COVID-19. Our first visit to the San Mateo shop didn't disappoint, followed by more. To my disbelief, this store serves 鱼腥草 (fish mint, Houttuynia cordata), my childhood favourite summer time salad. I immediately ordered it. Due to supply, their dish is mainly leaves when my hometown dish would come with lots of juicy stems. Their leaves are also on the dry side. Still, this was the first time I saw this outside Sichuan. (Other than dried plant in Chinese herb stores.) Because this plant has a very strong smell and after taste that people associate with fish, not many people order it. In fact, not many people from China even know that Sichuan people eat it in meals. My connaisseur order obviously struck a cord with the chef, who came out twice to chat with us. (We came before the dinner crowds.) Another lowbrow salad, 伤心凉粉 ("heartbroken" bean-starch noodles), was also very flavourful. (This is more of an Eastern Sichuan flavour.) When such household, lesser known dishes are on the menu, I always use them as an assay for authenticity. Chef Zhao

All reviews on Google ↗

Frequently asked questions

Where is Chef Zhao Bistro located?

Chef Zhao Bistro is at 2450 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, in San Mateo, California. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.

What kind of business is Chef Zhao Bistro?

Chef Zhao Bistro is listed as a szechuan and is also tagged on Google as restaurant.

What are the hours of Chef Zhao Bistro?

Published hours are Monday: 11 am–2 pm; Tuesday: 11 am–2 pm; Wednesday: 11 am–2 pm; Thursday: 11 am–2 pm; Friday: 11 am–2 pm; Saturday: 11 am–2 pm; Sunday: 11 am–2 pm. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.

Is Chef Zhao Bistro open on Sunday?

Yes, on Sunday it is open 11 am–2 pm.

What is the phone number of Chef Zhao Bistro?

You can call Chef Zhao Bistro at (650) 345-6288.

How is Chef Zhao Bistro rated on Google?

Chef Zhao Bistro has a Google rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 334 reviews.

Does Chef Zhao Bistro have a website?

Yes, the website of Chef Zhao Bistro is chefzhaobistroca.com (linked on this page).

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