Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Half Moon Bay

My go-to sit down Mexican spot in the city. So consistent and delicious every time.

Those who complain on the thread about spicy food perplex me—why did they go to a Sichuan restaurant? I have a lower craving/tolerance for spice than a typical Chinese person with Sichuan roots—I like the flavor but don’t seek the heat necessarily. To me, the food at Z&Y was the appropriate level of spicy and flavorful. Actually, there’s a variety of regional specialties, and our party just ordered what we felt like without regard to trying to get a typical Sichuan meal. I had meant to book a table at Z&Y Peking Duck across the street, but I didn’t mind the mistake! I don’t live in SF, and am willing to shell it out for a Michelin fine dining experience. I found Z&Y was relatively expensive and in slightly more modest proportion to what one might expect for a typical Chinatown restaurant, but worth it due to the extremely high quality and authentic food. Decor and service style are also typical Chinatown vibe. We had to get egg rolls for the youngest adult with us, and they were crisp and tasty. Tan tan noodles had spice and subtle flavor at the same time. We ordered Peking duck and I wondered if we got the tea smoked duck, but we didn’t even complain because there was a LOT of duck and the smoky flavor was unique and delicious—and there were enough thin pancakes, sauce, cucumber, and spring onions. Pea shoots and cumin beef were very tasty. We added on Dong Po Ro (Pork Shoulder) as our last dish came to the table because we needed more food. It came to the table quickly and was melt in your mouth tender. Yes, it is very fatty, but that’s the point of this cut—if you don’t like fat, don’t get Dong Po Ro! Lots of happy accidents with this meal, wouldn’t change a thing.

Our go to place. Everything is so good. Owners are very friendly.

Food was fresh and delicious. I also liked the location and the floor sitting arrangement. Good place to eat, drink and relax.

As always, the location had plenty of parking and wasn't too crowded. We made Priority reservations, in advance, through OpenTable. We were seated within 2-3 minutes upon arrival for dinner. Our meal consisted of the stuffed mushrooms appetizer, 1lb snow crab, salmon dinner, and I had the Lobster Punch for my cocktail. Everything came out hot and appealing to eat. Our server was a little more attentive with others than to my Mother and I, but other staff stepped in when necessary.