Silver House

Located conveniently on S El Camino Real in San Mateo, Silver House stands out as a beloved Chinese restaurant specializing in authentic Cantonese and broader Asian flavors. With a legacy spanning decades, this unassuming spot draws both longtime locals and newcomers seeking genuine, home-style Cantonese cuisine in a welcoming, calm environment.

Step inside Silver House and you’ll immediately sense the simplicity and warmth that the space exudes — a clean, no-frills dining room where the focus is clearly on the food. The atmosphere makes it an ideal gathering place for families and groups of friends looking to savor memorable meals together without distraction.

Silver House’s menu reads like a love letter to classic Chinese favorites, boasting a balance of expertly prepared seafood, savory meat dishes, and delectable vegetarian options. Standout plates include the expertly sautéed Spinach with Fresh Garlic, which bursts with bright, fragrant notes; the succulent Peking Duck, served with pillowy buns that complement its crispy skin and tender meat; and the richly flavorful Braised Supreme Seafood in Fish Maw Soup, a dish that showcases the kitchen’s mastery of subtle layering and texture.

Seafood lovers will appreciate specialties like the Salt and Pepper Crab and Dungeness Crab, each dish delivering a perfect harmony of seasoning and freshness that excites the palate. The Honey Walnut Shrimp, coated in a luscious mayonnaise glaze with candied walnuts, offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savory, while the Mongolian Beef and Sweet and Sour Chicken provide satisfying, robust flavors that evoke comforting childhood memories.

Vegetarians are also well-catered to here, with impressive options such as Steamed Bean Curd with Dried Scallops and the Hunan Style Eggplant with Minced Beef in Clay Pot, the latter a mouthwatering blend of textures and spicy undertones. Even simpler dishes like the Fukien Fried Rice and Fried Tofu are elevated by thoughtful preparation and the freshest ingredients.

Guests regularly praise Silver House for its consistent authenticity and value. One frequent visitor notes that this restaurant has been a go-to spot for nearly 20 years, highlighting its reliable quality and welcoming vibe. Another review highlights the attentive service and peaceful setting, making it a rare find where great food and calm ambiance go hand in hand. While a couple of customers mention minor areas for improvement, such as the rice texture or restroom facilities, these small drawbacks are far outweighed by the culinary delights and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re craving crispy roasted duck, a steaming bowl of Bean Curd in Clay Pot, or a plate of flavorful Deep Fried Chicken Wings dusted with salt and pepper, Silver House delivers satisfying comfort food that feels both authentic and thoughtfully crafted. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down and truly indulge in the diverse, rich flavors of genuine Cantonese cooking right in the heart of San Mateo.

If you’re in the area and seeking an unpretentious yet deeply flavorful Chinese dining experience, Silver House is a must-visit — where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a tribute to time-honored culinary tradition.