China Bistro Restaurant Review, San Mateo

This restaurant changed hands in January 2013 and is now serving Shanghainese Chinese Food.

Why did we dine here? – China Bistro is a new Chinese restaurant in downtown San Mateo. It is located where HK Causeway Bay was located. This location is no doubt jinxed as restaurants have come and gone here for decades.
The place was fairly empty, and had a familiar menu, so we decided to be brave and try this new spot. The chef and the owner have changed although some dishes taste similar to the previous restaurant. These folks also run Shanghai Bistro in Millbrae.

Insider Tip – Order simply, less expensive items.

Cuisine – Chinese Shanghainese
Location – Downtown San Mateo
Opened – January 2013

Service – China Bistro had pretty average service with a waitress.
Verdict -  We hope they last longer than the previous restaurant, but would not bet on it. Kittie corner to this restaurant is the fancier Champagne Seafood restaurant that also serves Cantonese Chinese food.

Signature Dishes – Shanghai Food

Be sure to read our tutorial: How to Order an Authentic Chinese Dinner

Yes, this place changed hands and decor and cuisine again. The owner runs Shanghai Bistro in Millbrae, so we expected the food to be similar. The food is a touch below their other restaurant.

Picks:
Shanghai pan fried pork buns ($6.95) were above average. Not much soup, but good flavors.

Shanghai Spring rolls ($4.50) came hot out of the fryer and are an excellent starter.

Green onion pancake ($5.50) was also well done. Could use a little more green onion flavor though.

JiCai and Pork Rice Cakes ($8.50), a standard Shanghai dish was done well. Chewy rice cakes and not too much soy sauce.

Salted pork vegetable rice clay pot ($8.50) had a burnt odor from the pot, but still hit the spot. Later visit was just fine.

Curry Beef Fried Rice ($8.50) was surprisingly decent.

Dry sauteed green beans ($9.50) were cooked just right.

Sauteed pea shoots ($9.50) were also cooked just right.

OK:

Steamed pork dumplings ($7.95) were just ok. The flavors were lacking and the wrapper a bit thick.

$25 Dining Certificate for $5

China Bistro Overall Rating: (Good 2)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Good)
Service Rating:	(Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Very Good)
Value Rating:	(Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Beer, Wine
Attire:	Casual
Hours:	Mon-Fri 11:00am-2:30pm 5:00pm-9:30pm Sat-Sun 10:30am-2:30pm 5:00pm-9:30pm
Parking:	Street
Reservations:	Yes