50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Burlingame

“Went out to celebrate a special day and decided to try ramen for the first time. I absolutely loved the depth of flavor in the broth—it was a great introduction to the dish. The fried chicken we ordered didn’t quite live up to expectations, but the yakitori skewers were outstanding and definitely the highlight of the meal. Overall, it was a memorable experience, and I’m excited to come back and explore more ramen options.“

“Family operated business establishments are always the best!! Food is superb!! Price is competitive!“

“Just a short & pleasant walk from the SFO Westin, Aloft, Marriott, et al., this modest hidden gem (founded 1979!) serves up both fresh & generously cut sushi & delicious old school burgers, all very reasonably priced. Tucked toward the back left of a nondescript office complex parking lot, it's worth the hunt :-) Dine in or take out for an enjoyable picnic on the waterfront where you can watch the planes take off & land at SFO. My only suggestion to them would be to offer cold sake in addition to the warmed sake on the menu...“

“Absolutely love Tomokazu! Every dish is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The sashimi is top quality, and the rolls are always creative and delicious. The beef short rib and shioyaki saba were also amazing, even though I didn’t get a photo! The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, and this place never disappoints. One of the best Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area! 🍣✨“

“Food and service was incredible. The sushi and ramen was delicious. We went for a birthday party and brought a cake. Without us asking, the waitress offered to store the cake in their own fridge and even gave us new clean plates to eat the cake with after we ate our food. Now I have 2 reasons to go back. The food and the service.“

“Quality food everyone should give them a try ���“

“Amazing poke’ ! Incredible service! Awesome owners! Cool Asian sparkling water flavors! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“We love going here - it's sort of tucked away giving it a hidden gem feeling. The staff is warm, friendly and attentive. Sashimi is delicious and wonderfully presented. It was pricier than we expected but one wonderful thing they did for us was deep fry some of the decorations on the premium sashimi plate (the shrimp heads and the mackerel bones) - it was delicious and a nice, fun finish to the meal.“

“La comida es buena solo que hoy que fuimos apesar que tenía la reservación a la 1:45 pm el chef empezó 3 pm a cocinar“

“This might me my favorite sushi spot on the Peninsula! Everything we had was top-tier in taste. The service was fantastic as well. They gave me complimentary miso and gave us both some yummy salmon to try. This place is small so I anticipate a wait during peak meal times.“

“The Sushi was delicious and fresh.
The presentation was beautiful.
The service was excellent.
A little pricey but worth the fish selection.
Sake was paired with each course.
This was a great option“

“We love Hangetsu for our family sushi dinners! The sushi is excellent, and my kids adore Chef Charles who always whips up something special for them. The ambience is lovely for date nights as well!“

“Unexpectedly good. Excellent nigiri. Hand rolls just right. Balance of fish and flavor. They have the basics and I’d love to see them venture to other kinds of fish like mackerel and sardine. If I lived locally I’d come here again and again. Nice Japanese music. Easy atmosphere. Enjoyable for a long meal.“

“First of all the owners are absolutely delightful. We got take out and it blew our socks off! Hands down the best egg I have ever had in my life....Seriously, I had waited a long while to come here and when I got a reservation for my husband's birthday it was a magical, moment. We were delighted. We traveled through taste and it suspended time. Satiated and joyous. Wakuriya is the best Japanese I have had in my life. I cannot wait to dine inside, but until then I will treat myself to their fare every month. Truly, a delight of sight, smell, texture and taste. I feel lucky to live in the neighborhood, to be so close to this 魔法の場所. Much Love Everyone, may you eat well, be well and visit Wakyuriya.“

“Great service, food was delish. Chef made special sushi dish ( not on the menu) that was FIRE! My new to go place.❤️❤️❤️“

“All their yakitoris were seasoned well and I loved both the salted and soy options. You order through a QR code using your phone so you won't have any issues with flagging down a waitress whether you're seated on the first or second floors.“

“I have been to Kiroro a few times. Each time either during peak or off peak hours I have received wonderful service. The staff is attentive and the chefs are masters in the art of sushi. The sushi and rolls are just absolutely delicious. I usually go for sushi tuna, eel, and salmon. It's all very fresh and cut to perfection. I would highly suggest this establishment to anyone looking for delicious food for a reasonable price (quality sushi isn't cheap).

Thank you for bringing joy to my palate Kiroro. I will definitely be back for more.“

“Woah, the greatness of the sushi was unexpected as I was caught off-guard!! My hubby took me here for a regular Frid eat out night. Omg, every bite of my sushi tasted heavenly!! I felt so special like it was my bday as I slowly savored each morsel of divine deliciousness!! Phew! So amazing!! Love the intimate, cute atmosphere, &the service was warm & attentive. Id surely be back here soon with the rest of the fam, & later with friends! Stay great Ryoshin!!“

“Ranzan Redwood City is one of the best omakase experiences I’ve had in a while. I went with the Hana Kaiseki set ($98) and it felt very worth it for the quality and variety. The pacing was just right, nothing felt rushed, and each course was thoughtfully decorated! I enjoyed every moment during the experience.

We started with warm house sake to warm up, and luckily it paired really nicely with the meal and made everything feel extra cozy.

Then for the courses, I had:
- Starter: Kumiage Yuba with light house sauce and wasabi, I'm so impressed!!! At first I thought I was eating some fish liver because the texture was similar, but turn out it's tofu and they makes it excellent! A very nice starter
- Appetizer: Squid tempura, pickled radish, mushroom & veggies, and tamago. I really like the tempura, crispy but not greasy, nice mix of textures
- Sashimi plate: 3 pieces of bluefin tuna otoro, very fresh and buttery, just melts in my mouth! Love it
- Oden bowl: I'm so in love with the broth, sweet, umami and comforting. It had braised pork belly, radish and konjac jelly, and all taste amazing, could not find any words to complain
- Grilled fish: a very simple dish with not much seasoning. Fish was paired with some salty pickled plum and sweet potato.
- Steamed tofu with abalone: I really like abalone texture, they made it very tender and easy to chew. Also not much seasoning so that you can feel the natural taste of the seafood, love that!
- Hotate scallop with persimmon sauce: I don't like persimmon that much, but the scallops taste fresh and sweet
- Rice bowl with pickles and miso soup: this is the 2nd final course, they have 2 options to upgrade from the white rice, uni ikura (+$16) & A5 wagyu (+$26) - we have 2 people so we order both to try a little bit of everything. Both worth the upgrade, but I prefer a5 wagyu
- Matcha yokan with red beans and hot tea: the dessert was a bit too sweet for me, even though they served with hot tea to balance. But still, a great dish!

Overall, really solid omakase spot on the Peninsula. I’d definitely come back if I had the chance!“

“Wonderful vegan sushi & friendly owner. I tried the shiitake avocado & spicy vegan rolls, both were delicious. Looking forward to visiting and trying other menu items soon!!“

“Kurodai - Black Seabream Nigiri 3 very strong wasabi, bitter, fishy
Ao Ebi - Blue Shrimp Nigiri 5 very chewy texture, slightly seared, slightly sweet
Hon Maguro Chu-toro - Medium Fatty Blue Fin Tuna Nigiri 5 fat evenly distributed, not stringy at all, melt in your mouth
Negitoro Hosomaki - Supreme Fatty Bluefin Tuna w/ Green Onion (Maki) 4 fatty, rich, fresh, flavorful
Oyster Shooter 2 juicy raw oyster, raw quail egg, tobiko, sake, ponzu, tabasco, very strong alcohol, bitter
Baked Baby Scallop 5 two baked Peru baby scallop, juicy, presented on shell, uni, mayo, unagi sauce, green onion, creamy, rich, flavorful
Iku-Uni-Himo 4 soy sauce marinated ikura / large fish eggs, way too salty, uni, mashed monkfish liver, white truffle oil, flavorful
Mentaiko Yaki Udon 4 pan fried thick wheat flour noodles, crunchy seasoned cod roe, crispy bacon, stir fried thin udon, flavorful
Yuzu Cheesecake 5 glazed crust, strong citrus flavor, creamy“

“Very Japanese, very authentic, has Cafe in the name and they actually serve coffee unlike the Mexican joint across the street. I had a cold brew and Ton Katsu Bento, wish I took a picture before I itadakimasu'd that food right into my tummy. Very tasty, very sweet staff, oishi desu. Please check it out.“

“Very friendly staff and delicious food. The variety is great! Definitely a go to place if you like Sushi 🍣 🤙🥇“

“I love Onigilly!!! This location was wonderful. I came from a 30min drive away with my husband and baby and had a nice time. My Zosui soup was a bit delayed but a staff member gave us little ice cream puffs as an apology and it was very sweet. They were also kind and laughed when my husband and baby were playing games. Food was top tier and delicious, as usual. Above and Beyond.“

“For starters, being a new resident within their second year in San Mateo & now attending CSM for some courses I must say how pleased I am to find a gem of a restaurant such as Shiki. For it's convenience and location being an approximate 12 minute walk from campus I intend on visiting again on special occasion.

The service from staff was direct and accomadating as they allowed my cousin and I to enjoy our dinner over the course of our visit which spanned for almost more than an hour. This alone sets the tone of the atmosphere as the restaurant is moderately quaint with enough space to host a party of 4-6 comfortably according to the layout and tableing I could vaguely go over again in my mind.

Now, for the food commentary. The chirashi was a great choice for the night!A well displayed array of fresh fish placed on top of a balance of light seasoning topped sushi rice & garnish of thin clear noodles that could've been substituted from tamago kinshi. The hamachi was the highlight due to the robust sweetness that was propelled through the natural texture of the fish. The maguro being a typical favorite of mine did not disappoint at all!

Overall, the service was great as well as the atmosphere being perfect for intimate and relaxed occasions with loved ones. Not only was the chirasu fresh but the pork tonkatsu paired with a beautifully chopped sweet citrus fruit on the side among a fresh romaine leaflet embedded underneath was simple and clean. Thinly sliced and fried to a crunch with ease.

Thank you to the wonderful staff employed at Shiki! I most definitely want to thank the chef & kitchen crew for the delicious meals made tonight. Blessings!“

“Tokie’s Sushi in San Mateo is an absolute gem. The food is consistently fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor...from the sushi to the cooked dishes, everything is done with care and attention to detail. You can truly taste the quality in every bite.
And don’t skip the craft cocktails—they’re just as impressive as the food. Creative, well-balanced, and perfectly made, they pair incredibly well with the menu and really elevate the whole dining experience.
What truly sets Tokie’s apart, though, is the people. The owners are incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The staff is just as amazing, friendly, attentive, and always making you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, which makes the experience even better.
If you’re looking for outstanding sushi, excellent craft cocktails, and top-notch service, Tokie’s Sushi is a must. Highly recommend and can’t wait to keep coming back.“

“It’s always cozy and the food is good. Everyone is friendly.“

“good food great service and accomending.“

“The best Shabu in San Jose and located in the perfect part of San Jose in Japantown, we love coming here to eat Shabu, it is so delicious. I highly recommend it *****five stars the owner Richard treat’s us great with so much hospitality, we just feel so welcomed and will continue to frequent his establishment.“

“Great little Japanese restaurant in the Carlmont shopping center. The inside has 7 tables plus two counters for dining. The table staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant is open later than other restaurants in the area. The go tos here are the chicken teriyaki, the gal bi ribs, Japanese fried rice and the four seasons roll“

“The hostess was so awesome and just a ball of happiness and great energy.
The food was delicious and presentation was good; as many have said the Chicken Teriyaki was fantastic.

Portions were pretty good.
I’m a big eater so we ordered a lot. Chicken teriyaki, 5 Maki Rolls and a pop. Total plus tip was $100+

Give it a shot! We will definitely be back.“

“We got the mango salmon roll, rainbow roll, oysters, and a few nigiri. The mango salmon roll was fine. The rainbow roll used imitation crab. For the price, they should have used real crab meat. The usual sushi place we go to uses real crab meat and is cheaper. The oysters tasted pretty neutral although I wasn’t too fond of the citrus jam they paired it with. The nigiri were all fresh but the price is only for one piece and they are small pieces. I think we will give other places a try before coming back here.“

“Cozy and casual Japanese spot. Great vibes with the Japanese posters and anime theme music playing.

The food is outstanding for such an unassuming spot. Everything is super fresh. We ordered the edamame, a spider roll, chicken karaage, and a tempura bento box.

The Tempura in particular has the perfect light batter and I appreciated all the small side dishes that came with the bento.

We'll definitely be back to try the Japanese curry and ramen.“

“Came here for the first time and I’m impressed! The food was absolutely delicious. I ordered the beef teriyaki and it was cooked perfectly — tender, flavorful, and the sauce was spot on. The presentation was beautiful as well. My wife had the Sushi Salmon Paradise and loved every bite, and my father devoured the Megabite roll. We also had the tempura string beans with onions — crispy, light, and just downright delicious. This place is a welcome addition to the neighborhood — you’ve got to try it!“

“This spot has been a local favorite of mine for years. I come at least once a week. The food is great, they've got some super creative rolls. The service is fast unless they're swamped, but that's not their fault and I don't mind waiting. The prices are incredibly affordable by sushi standards and the owner works hard to keep them low. Best of all are the staff; they are SO kind and welcoming. I really recommend the place.“

“Udon Mugizo is still a trustworthy place for udon. The tonkotsu one is still the best with perfectly cooked eggs and all the assortments on top. Somehow the appetizers like chicken karaage is not as good as before/ other branches. What I like about this branch compared to others is more relaxing vibe around the bar area. It would be really cool to serve the food across the bar rather than on the side though lol. Despite comments here and there, it is still a good place that I would come for udon over other chains.“

“My friend brought me to this restaurant. I was amazed at the amount of food you get in their lunch specials. A good portioned ball of rice that is a good portion. It is serviced with salad and terriyaki beef, chicken, or salmon. Along with that in a bento box you get 6 sushi rolls. I had the CA roll, fresh salmon, and smallish gyoza. All that for $17.95. What a deal!!

The service is excellent. Daniel is a very nice man who works the register and takes orders. He was so kind and understanding because we couldn't go inside because of my friend's condition she cannot walk. He offered to bring the food out to us. Who does that anymore.

The atmosphere felt comforting. The customers all looked pleased and happy.

I WILL make this restaurant one of my go to's now. Come see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. They ROCK!!“

“If you want good authentic Japanese food, this is the place to go. It's no frills so don't go if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Food is plentiful, service is good and they have an outside / tent seating area that is good for larger groups and kids.“

“We love it! This is party tray. Fresh, tasty, thick fish.
Love it every time we order to go, or eat in the restaurant.
There's plenty of parking next street, so that's not a problem at all.
Love their friendly and fast service!“

“Enjoyed omakase 8pcs with some age dashi tofu, nigori sake and the white peach panna cotta!“

“Waited approximately one hour to be seated. Spoiker: it was well worth that wait. I ordered the tonkatsu ramen and pork buns. I can't decide which part was better, the noodles or the broth! The pork buns were priced just right at $8 for 2. Some of the best I've had. You are all so lucky to have such a wonderful ramen bar in your community. I am from Maine and will be sure to stop by this establishment every chance I get once I am in town.“

“Great ramen!!! Fast and friendly service!“

“Great Japanese food and sushi💯🙋🏻‍♀️. The service is excellent. Very kind and friendly.“

“The wagyu garlic rice was so so flavorful, and the wagyu was super juicy. The tonkatsu was good but I wished it came with a sauce for the katsu. Overall this place has nice atmosphere and I liked the jazz music that they were playing in the back.“

“First time here. Long line to get in but it moved fairly quickly. Had the Roast beef Aburasoba. Mind-Boggling GOOD! The flavor was out of this world! The service was fantastic!! I can’t wait to go back again!“

“I’ve been going there for over 30 years. It’s the best tasting most reasonably priced Japanese food I have ever found.“

“Loved this place for being what it is. If you want a hearty Japanese meal without breaking the bank, this is the place. Not a lot of fancy, ornate dishes, but the price also reflects that. Parking is easy which is a big plus. I really enjoyed the food, the service and the convenience.“

“Excellent service Team thanks 🙏. Very fresh sushi at generous portions that’s satisfying. Neighborhood shop that’s busy with high turnover. Pricing was great 🤩 Excellent for me for takeout on business trip and very close to hotel 👍“

“Ah, we are unfortunately disapponted. Came here early enough that we didn't need to wait in line. We ordered all the expensive items to try it out. We really wanted to like it but was left disappointed. The Otsumami bix is essentially presented in a way that makes it look unique but it's essentially sashimi in decorative cups. Too many white fish options like snapper, sea bass and amberjack which were all mediocre. One of the slots were used on picked wasabi. The tamago was way too sweet (too much sugar on top). At thes prices they should at least explained what each item was. Overpriced for what it's worth and in retrospect, the Otsumami box looked more beautiful than it tasted. The premium beef katsu was really tough. This will definitely not melt in your mouth. The cuts are too thick and tough, 1 out of 5. Your really need to gnarl it with your teeth. Kasien Don was probably the best item we ordered. Huge bed of rice but the uni, toro, crab, scallops, etc in top were good. It's best to share this. Lastly both the Salmon crunchy and Ginza roll were both okay. I liked the salmon crunchy more. Service was good; water and tea cups were always filled. Parking is ample. Overall, we had high hopes but spending $360+ for 4 people was an honest try. They made our money but not our hearts. Try for yourself, I hope it works out but for us, we were left disappointed.“

“We came to celebrate my husband’s birthday and had a wonderful experience. The service Mouhammad provided and the meal Brian prepared were both outstanding.

My daughter has a gluten allergy and they took extra precautions to ensure her meal was safe. Her miso soup was specially prepared to meet her needs and delivered on a separate tray. When preparing the chicken fried rice, Brian used gluten-free soy sauce and seasoned it first to avoid cross contamination. He also used plain butter instead of garlic butter to be extra cautious.

It meant so much to use to be able to celebrate my husband while enjoying a completely stress-free meal for our daughter.

We are incredibly grateful for the extra care and attention and it gives us great confidence to return to your restaurant again.

The Shaffer’s ❤️“