Seemor
All SpiceB+Worth Trying
1602 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
· Fine dining restaurant, Californian restaurant, New American restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (362 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative Californian-Asian fusion tasting menu in a cozy house setting; excellent starters and attentive service, mains can be mixed, pricing sits at the high end.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
All Spice delivers competitive quality through attentive, knowledgeable service and creative Californian-Asian fusion with standout starters, positioning it among San Mateo's better neighborhood restaurants. However, uneven main course execution and occasional oversalting prevent grade A territory, while the intimate house setting and adventurous tasting-menu format appeal to specific diners rather than broad audiences. Worth visiting for those seeking refined, playful cuisine in a quiet, welcoming space.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a converted house off El Camino, All Spice feels warm and intimate rather than grand. Service is attentive without fuss, and plates arrive like little artworks. One diner put it simply: "the room was quiet and the staff looked after us well." The culinary approach leans creative Californian with Asian touches: playful fusion elements like miso, yuzu, zhoug, and tikka find their way into refined courses. Starters often steal the show, while a few mains draw mixed notes on doneness or salt. Ideal for adventurous palates who enjoy discovery over strict tradition. Families should note the tasting-menu format and bolder flavors. While there is a strong vegetarian pathway and some gluten-free flexibility, there is no simple kids menu and few straightforward dishes. Expect refined portions and grown-up flavors more than comfort staples.
At a Glance
- Creative Californian-Asian fusion with standout starters
- Quiet, cozy house setting ideal for conversation
- Attentive, friendly service with flexible prix fixe
- Some mains can be inconsistent or oversalted
- High-end pricing with occasional supplements
What Sets It Apart
- cozy_house_setting
- flexible_prix_fixe
- californian_asian_fusion
What People Love
- Artful plating that feels special
- Flexible course count and choices
- Vegetarian menu that feels complete
- Quirky, intimate house ambiance
Points of Concern
- A few reports of overly similar curry notes across multiple dishes in one meal
- Occasional overcooked or tough mains reported
- Pricing is high, with supplements that add up
- Creative fusion may not suit conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$85-115 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into seafood starters (crudos, octopus) which draw strong praise
- If sensitive to heat or salt, ask the server to guide toward gentler flavor profiles
- Vegetarians should consider the paneer-focused mains and multi-course pathway
Perfect For
- Anniversary dinners with inventive cuisine
- Food lovers seeking creative tasting menus
- Small-group celebrations
- Date nights in a quiet setting
Location Insights
Area: Suburban corridor along El Camino Real; quiet, tucked-away house setting popular for special occasions.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked suburban artery; low late-night foot traffic but no notable safety issues in reviews.
Nearby: Near highway access, small parking lot plus street parking; surrounded by mixed retail and residential pockets.
Central San MateoCentral San Mateo is a vibrant neighborhood with a blend of residential and commercial spaces. The dining scene includes casual eateries, family-friendly restaurants, and some trendy spots catering to a diverse community. The area is accessible and generally safe, attracting locals and visitors looking for convenient dining options.
South San MateoSouth San Mateo along El Camino Real features a commercial strip with a variety of restaurants, shops, and services. It has a neighborhood feel with a focus on everyday dining and community-oriented businesses.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–20:00
Wednesday17:30–20:00
Thursday17:30–20:00
Friday17:30–20:00
Saturday17:00–20:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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