From the moment I stepped into Rin-Tei, the restaurant exuded an inviting ambiance that set the stage for a unique culinary experience in the heart of San Mateo. This Asian fusion spot ingeniously marries Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, offering an innovative twist on traditional dishes that's truly a rarity in the Bay Area. Today, I had the pleasure of indulging in their "creamy soy milk pho with keema curry" - a dish that may very well have redefined my standards for what pho can be. The pho noodles were a standout, masterfully cooked to achieve a perfect balance of silkiness and bite, ensuring they maintained their integrity throughout the meal. The fusion of creamy soy milk with the robust flavors of keema curry created a symphony of taste that lingered delightfully with each spoonful. What surprises me the most is the quietness of the venue, considering the high caliber of food served at such reasonable prices. Rin-Tei deserves a bustling crowd, and it's a place I would heartily recommend for any meal, whether a casual lunch or a special dinner. For those adventurous enough to explore the innovative edges of cuisine, Rin-Tei is a must-visit. Their unique takes on pho are not just meals; they are culinary adventures that delight and surprise. Do yourself a favor and visit this hidden gem. And yes, the complimentary soda is a sweet touch to what is bound to be a memorable dining experience. read more

I recently dined at Rintei and had a solid experience overall, earning it a solid 4 stars from me. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a modern yet casual vibe that made it a great spot for a laid-back meal. I started with the Kra Pow with braised beef, served over steamed rice and topped with a perfectly fried egg. The beef was tender and flavorful, with a nice balance of spicy basil, onions, and bell peppers that gave it that classic Thai stir-fry kick. It wasn't the most mind-blowing version I've had--the flavors were a bit milder than expected--but it was still satisfying and well-executed. The runny yolk from the egg mixed in beautifully, adding a creamy richness. Next up was the keema curry soy milk soup, which sounded intriguing and delivered on its promise of comfort food with a twist. The soy milk base made it creamy and lighter than a traditional curry, with ground meat adding heartiness and subtle spices that warmed things up without overwhelming. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it had a smooth texture and a hint of nuttiness from the soy. Again, good but not exceptional--it could have used a touch more depth in the curry profile to really stand out. read more

We finally checked out Rin-Tei in San Mateo and it did not disappoint. The space has a modern, cozy vibe--perfect for a casual night out but elevated enough to feel special. We ordered the Pho Tantan, Lettuce Wrap, and Braised Beef Miso, and each dish brought something different to the table: * The Pho Tantan was the standout--rich, comforting broth with just the right kick of spice, and noodles cooked perfectly. Definitely a must-order if you like bold flavors. * The Lettuce Wrap was light, refreshing, and beautifully presented. It balanced out the heartier dishes and added a crisp, clean element to the meal. * The Braised Beef Miso was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with deep umami flavor that paired nicely with the rice. A little on the indulgent side, but worth it. Service was warm and attentive throughout, and the staff took time to explain the menu and offer suggestions. Prices are a bit on the higher side for portion size, but the quality and presentation make it feel justified. Overall, Rin-Tei feels like a gem in downtown San Mateo--creative fusion dishes, thoughtful service, and an inviting atmosphere. We'll definitely be back to try more of the menu read more

We visited this restaurant based on all the glowing reviews but left feeling that the food didn't quite live up to the hype. While we genuinely wanted to rate it higher than 3 stars due to the exceptional customer service and inviting atmosphere, the food itself was a bit of a letdown. The concept is creative, but it may not suit everyone's taste, especially considering the higher price point for a simple noodle bowl. We ordered the cold Caprese pho, spring rolls, and Tom Yum soup. Unfortunately, the noodles were thick and chewy, making the meal feel more like a workout than a pleasure. The spring rolls, though fresh-tasting, were clearly premade, and the Caprese pho was essentially a salad with thick noodles--light and refreshing, but nothing extraordinary. What really threw us off was the overwhelming amount of sugar in each dish, which made the meal less enjoyable. For two entrees and an appetizer, we ended up paying $100, including the service fee. This place would likely appeal to those curious about unique food concepts, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a more balanced or traditional dining experience. read more

Rin-Tei in San Mateo is such a cute little spot! We walked in around 8pm on a Monday and it was pretty quiet, but within 30 minutes the place was packed, clearly a popular late dinner spot. The menu is super interesting and definitely caught my attention. I decided to try the ASARI pho (creamy soy milk pho with clam) and was pleasantly surprised. The broth was light yet still creamy, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and they did not skimp on the clams, generous portions for sure. We also ordered the shrimp fresh spring rolls, which were good, nothing mind-blowing but still tasty. The standout for me was the octopus aglio e olio which was so flavorful! The octopus and potatoes were seasoned beautifully, and the bed of crispy noodles gave a fun texture contrast. Overall, a really good dining experience with some unique dishes you don't usually find elsewhere. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu read more

We celebrated our anniversary at this Asian restaurant with a modest interior. The serene atmosphere set the perfect tone for our special day. Our waiter was well-informed about the menu, expertly recommending drink pairings for each dish. Despite my numerous questions and indecision, he remained patient and attentive. Our appetizer, the fried chicken, was so delicious that I forgot to take a picture before indulging. My Beef Pho was hearty and rich, with just the right balance of flavors. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of Tom Yum, which lived up to its reputation. The overall experience exceeded our expectations, and we savored both the food and the ambiance. To cap off the delightful meal, I ordered the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake, and it was a perfect finale. Our first impression was flawless, and we truly relished the entire dining experience. Highly recommended! read more

Rin-Tei is a gem for Asian fusion lovers! I recently went for dinner on a Sunday night and was once again blown away. The ambiance is mellow with a jazzy vibe--perfect for connecting and unwinding. The food is outstanding! I had the Japanese-style hot pot with cod, served with a tangy, creamy sesame dipping sauce that was pure perfection. The octopus appetizer was a standout too--wok-tossed with chili and garlic over crispy fried noodles and tender boiled potatoes. Service is consistently top-notch. Alex always takes care of us with his sweet and genuine personality, remembering me and my husband from past visits. You can tell the staff works well together--food arrives promptly, and everything flows smoothly. Rin-Tei never disappoints! read more

Dining at Rin-Tei in San Mateo was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a memorable evening. The Asian fusion cuisine here is truly remarkable--the chef has clearly mastered the delicate balance between creativity and tradition. Every dish was a work of art, both in presentation and flavor. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and each bite revealed thoughtful layers of texture and taste. The chef's skill in blending flavors from across Asia is evident, elevating classic dishes into something extraordinary. The sauces were rich yet refined, and the seasoning was perfectly balanced--never overpowering, always enhancing. read more

In a land not too far, with flavors bizarre, Rin-Tei stands out, like a shining star. I ventured in, with a curious glee, To taste the wonders, just wait and see! Keema pho, oh what a delight, A Thai ramen twist, oh what a sight! Noodles and spices, dancing in broth, A symphony of flavors, taking me aloft. In Rin-Tei's realm, a fusion of cheer, Where Thai and ramen draw near. A culinary journey, oh so divine, A 5/5 rating, a prize to assign! With warmth in the air, and service so sweet, Rin-Tei's charm, a delightful feat. A Seussian adventure in every bite, Rin-Tei, my friends, it's a culinary delight! read more

The Vietnamese-Japanese fusion pho, especially the Creamy Soy Milk Tan Tan Pho andCreamy Soy Milk Mentaiko Pho, offers a refreshing twist on the classic dish. The creamy soy milk base adds a light richness, and the mentaiko introduces a delightful umami flavor. It's a unique and satisfying experience, perfect for those seeking something lighter than traditional pho. However, the price is higher, and the portions of meat are small, which might not satisfy those expecting more protein. Still, the innovative flavor combination makes it a great dish for adventurous food lovers. read more

The restaurant Rin-Tei provides an excellent dining experience through its friendly atmosphere and outstanding service. The restaurant features a comfortable modern setting with staff members who provide exceptional hospitality. The restaurant served the food promptly while presenting it in an attractive manner. The combination of flavors at Rin-Tei impressed me most through their tan tan pho dish. The flavors in some dishes needed better balance but the overall dining experience was excellent. I will return to this restaurant to explore additional menu options. read more

This place is lovely! Both the popular soy milk pho and the beef pho were so good. I had never seen soy milk pho before and was a little hesitant to try it, but it turned out to be incredibly flavorful and comforting. The broth was rich and deeply satisfying. The beef pho was actually better than what I've had at some of the more well-known Vietnamese spots. One of my favorite things was the open kitchen. It's spotless and adds to the overall good feeling of the place. The staff were also friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

Great, here's a short and polished food review for Rin Tei: This place offers a comforting escape with its unique take on Japanese noodles. I tried the creamy soy milk noodles with clams, and it was a standout. The broth was rich and velvety without being too heavy, and the clams added a briny depth that balanced the creaminess perfectly. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly--ideal for a casual lunch or laid back dinner. If you're looking for something soothing and flavorful, this spot's worth checking out. read more

Rin Tie is an incredible restaurant! Every dish I tried was absolutely delicious, full of rich and authentic flavors. The soup base was especially outstanding--deep, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into the cooking. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Whether you come for a casual meal or a special dinner, Rin Tie is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended! read more

Good location and great service, seems to be owned by Japanese folks. My three star review is only towards the food, it is very mediocre, you can still go ahead and try out, but you have been warned. What I ordered: 1. thai fried chicken 2. tom yum soup 3. beef pho None of them tasted good or authentic. Unless you are going for some weird fusion flavor, there are better alternatives around the area. I hope the owner would take a second look the current offering and improve. read more

We had a great experience at this Asian fusion spot. The highlight was the soy milk pho - rich, creamy, and unlike any pho we've had before. It had a unique twist that felt both comforting and innovative. We also tried the croquettes, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and flavorful inside. The presentation was lovely, and the service was attentive. A great choice if you're looking for something familiar with a creative, modern twist. Highly recommend! read more

I discovered a hidden gem, a delicious Asian fusion restaurant that truly stands out for its unique blend of flavors from various Asian cuisines. One dish you absolutely must try is the Sesame Tantan Pho. It's a creative and flavorful twist I had never experienced before. The rich sesame flavor is incredibly satisfying and adds a whole new depth to the traditional pho. I will definitely be coming back for this dish alone because it is that unforgettable!! read more

Tried the clam pho and was pleasantly surprised -- it's truly unique in the best way possible. The broth is creamy but still light, with a depth of flavor that stands out from traditional pho. The chicken rice was solid; while the chicken itself could have been a bit juicier, the sauce definitely made up for it. But the real star for me was the orange spring roll -- super refreshing and unlike anything I've had before. Definitely worth coming back for! read more

Rin Tei offers solid pho with a flavorful, well-balanced broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs. The portions are decent, and the service is generally attentive. The atmosphere is cozy, making it a pleasant spot for a Vietnamese meal. It's a reliable choice for pho fans, though not particularly standout. Worth a visit if you're in the area and looking for an authentic, satisfying bowl of pho without any major surprises. read more