Chairs are extremely nasty, I get its hard to clean but theres left over food scraps on the ground from the previous party. Spicy beef noodle came without any spice. Also the oysters may have gone bad. Overall a horrendous dining experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
John Zhu
An awesome place to go to with friends or coworkers. We went here on a Saturday night for a work party and it was a great experience. The food is well priced and the wagyu was delicious as hell. The sakes as well were very well priced and were STRONG. Will definitely be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Colby Cox
Very unique experience with delicious food. Great place to have a group meal. Service is very kind but sometimes forgetful. 100% will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jade Bongalonta
What a vibe. You take off your shoes and settle into these sunken booths separated by glass partitions—it feels intimate and cozy, almost like a speakeasy. Dark, moody lighting, great music playing. Honestly felt more like a date spot in Tokyo than a restaurant 10 minutes from SFO.
The binchotan charcoal really shines here. Everything had that perfect smoky char. Highlights were the Wagyu beef with just salt and pepper—simple, buttery, perfect. The bacon mochi was a fun one, chewy and savory. And the fries topped with bonito flakes and Kewpie mayo? Dangerous. Could’ve eaten three orders.
Ordered way more than I planned to: Spicy Black Ramen, beef skewers, oyster, beef tongue, chicken heart, and lobster. Everything was fantastic. The ramen broth was smoky, spicy, and deeply flavorful. The tongue was buttery, the chicken heart had perfect texture, and the lobster? Didn’t expect that at an izakaya near an airport, but it was cooked beautifully.
Yes, it’s pricey ($60–100/pp) and the skewers are small—1–2 bites each—but the quality is undeniable. Don’t skip dessert: the raspberry mascarpone cake was incredible. Light, creamy, not too sweet.
If you have a long layover or just want an excuse to leave the terminal, make the trip. This place is special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
wei zhang
we enjoy visiting Mokutanya restaurant whenever we are in Burlingame. Mokutanya has truly become our go-to spot in the area. The skewers are always incredibly juicy and delicious. We also want to commend your staff for being so friendly and providing such great service. The manager or owner May has made us feel very welcome every time we visit. Thank you for the wonderful experiences. We look forward to our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cindy Lu
Edamame 4 warm, salted Corn 4 sweet Abalone 4 chewy Sea Snail 4 chewy Unagi 4 juicy Salmon 2 dry Bacon Salmon 2 dry Bacon Lobster 5 juicy Lobster Skewer 4 salty Grilled Lobster Tail 5 shell on Black Cod 5 tender, juicy Black Cod Belly 5 tender, juicy Chicken Heart 3 slightly chewy Chicken Liver 2 slightly bitter Chicken Gizzards 3 chewy Grilled Chicken Skin 3 chewy, not too fatty, slightly bitter Fried Chicken Skin w/ Ponzu & Scallions 3 chewy, not too fatty Beef Tongue 3 too chewy Sweet Wagyu Beef 3 medium juicy, not flavorful Japanese Wagyu Beef Tataki 5 raw, lightly seared, refreshing Lychee Calpico 3 light juice, not too sweet
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
John
Been to this places many times and always enjoyed the food and services. From walked in until you left , everything was perfect. Very friendly staffs. Great job and keep it up.
F C
Came to try the ramen. Not bad, but I guess this must be a pattern in the US - Instead of focusing on bringing out subtle flavors, like, in this case, the umami of the beef in the soup, there's a tendency to overpower with either garlic or pepper, rendering the taste buds paralyzed.
But the akagyu was definitely tasty!
Great service too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rachel Pham
This is my first ever review l've left for a restaurant. I was recommended this place by a friend. My first visit was great - 5 stars. The food was delicious, service was quick, and the interior was nice. My second time back will be the last. I was with my Fiancé and we were put all the way in the back. We didn't have a problem with that. The issue was they had forgotten about us. It took 45 minutes for someone to come take our order then we waited an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours for any food to come out. They had given us edamame after waiting about an hour on the house due to the long wait. Eventually, someone came to look at our sheet and asked if we had gotten any food. We hadn't.
All the tables around us who were seated at the same time got all their food. They had left before we had gotten anything. They gave us fries on the house, but after 2 hours of no food, we just wanted our order and to leave. We eventually got the meat skewers we had ordered. We canceled the ramen because who knows how much longer it would've taken. Last thing we were waiting on was corn... which never came. After waiting for 30 minutes for just corn, we asked to cancel that as well and to just get the check. It's a bummer that this seems to happen often based on other reviews l've seen, but hasn't been addressed.
We watched as another table who got seated at the same time as us get all their food, paid, and left before we had gotten anything we ordered. The whole night, we maybe received one apology if any.
This is my first ever review I've left for a restaurant. I was recommended this place by a friend. My first visit was great - 5 stars. The food was delicious, service was quick, and the interior was nice. My second time back will be the last. I was with my Fiancé and we were put all the way in the back. We didn't have a problem with that. The issue was they had forgotten about us. It took 45 minutes for someone to come take our order then we waited an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours for any food to come out. They had given us edamame after waiting about an hour on the house due to the long wait. Eventually, someone came to look at our sheet and asked if we had gotten any food. We hadn't. All the tables around us who were seated at the same time got all their food. They had left before we had gotten anything. They gave us fries on the house, but after 2 hours of no food, we just wanted our order and to leave. We eventually got the meat skewers we had ordered. We canceled the ramen because who knows how much longer it would've taken. Last thing we were waiting on was corn... which never came. After waiting for 30 minutes for just corn, we asked to cancel that as well and to just get the check. It's a bummer that this seems to happen often based on other reviews I've seen, but hasn't been addressed. The whole night, we maybe received one apology if any.
APRIL Z
Good vibe and good food here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessie
While the service received was friendly and responsive, the taste of the food was mostly just okay. The skewers were mainly a similar flavour of sweet soy glaze, quite salty, and the portion is small for price per skewer. The ramen is fine for a place that doesn't specialize in it. The skewers are saltier than the ramen (!) For something interesting I would recommend the smelt (if you're okay with eating a whole small fish — the bones and head all soft and edible) which is also one of the cheaper skewers at $3 (for one fish though). It is only salt seasoned (no soy glaze) and not too salty It is very dark inside so may not be for you if you have vision issues. You also take off your shoes if you are sitting at the in-ground tables (which are most of the tables).
T
First we got a salmon and a zucchini skewers. They tasted great. However, the rest of the food was not good. The takoyaki was undercooked. The fried squid and fried chicken was overcooked. We also ordered the spicy ramen, the broth and steak was nasty. The price was not the quality of food. The server was very nice and respectful. The ambience was peaceful and quiet. I really wanted to enjoy this restaurant but the food ruined it.
Paula
The food was good. The service was sub par. Nobody smiled. When we 3 walked into the front lobby, we were not greeted. The woman just talked on the phone and didn't acknowledge us. Another woman came by the desk, and also didn't smile or acknowledge. We had a reservation and it took 10 minutes for someone to look at us, and we were the only people there! I can't stand rude service. The food was served without a smile. It felt like we were bothering them. No thanks.
closes late
Good service
good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chairs are extremely nasty, I get its hard to clean but theres left over food scraps on the ground from the previous party. Spicy beef noodle came without any spice. Also the oysters may have gone bad. Overall a horrendous dining experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
An awesome place to go to with friends or coworkers. We went here on a Saturday night for a work party and it was a great experience. The food is well priced and the wagyu was delicious as hell. The sakes as well were very well priced and were STRONG. Will definitely be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very unique experience with delicious food. Great place to have a group meal. Service is very kind but sometimes forgetful. 100% will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
What a vibe. You take off your shoes and settle into these sunken booths separated by glass partitions—it feels intimate and cozy, almost like a speakeasy. Dark, moody lighting, great music playing. Honestly felt more like a date spot in Tokyo than a restaurant 10 minutes from SFO.
The binchotan charcoal really shines here. Everything had that perfect smoky char. Highlights were the Wagyu beef with just salt and pepper—simple, buttery, perfect. The bacon mochi was a fun one, chewy and savory. And the fries topped with bonito flakes and Kewpie mayo? Dangerous. Could’ve eaten three orders.
Ordered way more than I planned to: Spicy Black Ramen, beef skewers, oyster, beef tongue, chicken heart, and lobster. Everything was fantastic. The ramen broth was smoky, spicy, and deeply flavorful. The tongue was buttery, the chicken heart had perfect texture, and the lobster? Didn’t expect that at an izakaya near an airport, but it was cooked beautifully.
Yes, it’s pricey ($60–100/pp) and the skewers are small—1–2 bites each—but the quality is undeniable. Don’t skip dessert: the raspberry mascarpone cake was incredible. Light, creamy, not too sweet.
If you have a long layover or just want an excuse to leave the terminal, make the trip. This place is special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
we enjoy visiting Mokutanya restaurant whenever we are in Burlingame. Mokutanya has truly become our go-to spot in the area. The skewers are always incredibly juicy and delicious. We also want to commend your staff for being so friendly and providing such great service. The manager or owner May has made us feel very welcome every time we visit. Thank you for the wonderful experiences. We look forward to our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edamame 4 warm, salted
Corn 4 sweet
Abalone 4 chewy
Sea Snail 4 chewy
Unagi 4 juicy
Salmon 2 dry
Bacon Salmon 2 dry
Bacon Lobster 5 juicy
Lobster Skewer 4 salty
Grilled Lobster Tail 5 shell on
Black Cod 5 tender, juicy
Black Cod Belly 5 tender, juicy
Chicken Heart 3 slightly chewy
Chicken Liver 2 slightly bitter
Chicken Gizzards 3 chewy
Grilled Chicken Skin 3 chewy, not too fatty, slightly bitter
Fried Chicken Skin w/ Ponzu & Scallions 3 chewy, not too fatty
Beef Tongue 3 too chewy
Sweet Wagyu Beef 3 medium juicy, not flavorful
Japanese Wagyu Beef Tataki 5 raw, lightly seared, refreshing
Lychee Calpico 3 light juice, not too sweet
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Been to this places many times and always enjoyed the food and services. From walked in until you left , everything was perfect. Very friendly staffs. Great job and keep it up.
Came to try the ramen. Not bad, but I guess this must be a pattern in the US - Instead of focusing on bringing out subtle flavors, like, in this case, the umami of the beef in the soup, there's a tendency to overpower with either garlic or pepper, rendering the taste buds paralyzed.
But the akagyu was definitely tasty!
Great service too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
This is my first ever review l've left for a restaurant. I was recommended this place by a friend. My first visit was great - 5 stars. The food was delicious, service was quick, and the interior was nice. My second time back will be the last. I was with my Fiancé and we were put all the way in the back. We didn't have a problem with that. The issue was they had forgotten about us. It took 45 minutes for someone to come take our order then we waited an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours for any food to come out. They had given us edamame after waiting about an hour on the house due to the long wait. Eventually, someone came to look at our sheet and asked if we had gotten any food. We hadn't.
All the tables around us who were seated at the same time got all their food. They had left before we had gotten anything. They gave us fries on the house, but after 2 hours of no food, we just wanted our order and to leave. We eventually got the meat skewers we had ordered. We canceled the ramen because who knows how much longer it would've taken. Last thing we were waiting on was corn... which never came. After waiting for 30 minutes for just corn, we asked to cancel that as well and to just get the check. It's a bummer that this seems to happen often based on other reviews l've seen, but hasn't been addressed.
We watched as another table who got seated at the same time as us get all their food, paid, and left before we had gotten anything we ordered. The whole night, we maybe received one apology if any.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
This is my first ever review I've left for a restaurant. I was recommended this place by a friend. My first visit was great - 5 stars. The food was delicious, service was quick, and the interior was nice. My second time back will be the last. I was with my Fiancé and we were put all the way in the back. We didn't have a problem with that. The issue was they had forgotten about us. It took 45 minutes for someone to come take our order then we waited an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours for any food to come out. They had given us edamame after waiting about an hour on the house due to the long wait. Eventually, someone came to look at our sheet and asked if we had gotten any food. We hadn't. All the tables around us who were seated at the same time got all their food. They had left before we had gotten anything. They gave us fries on the house, but after 2 hours of no food, we just wanted our order and to leave. We eventually got the meat skewers we had ordered. We canceled the ramen because who knows how much longer it would've taken. Last thing we were waiting on was corn... which never came. After waiting for 30 minutes for just corn, we asked to cancel that as well and to just get the check. It's a bummer that this seems to happen often based on other reviews I've seen, but hasn't been addressed. The whole night, we maybe received one apology if any.
Good vibe and good food here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While the service received was friendly and responsive, the taste of the food was mostly just okay. The skewers were mainly a similar flavour of sweet soy glaze, quite salty, and the portion is small for price per skewer. The ramen is fine for a place that doesn't specialize in it. The skewers are saltier than the ramen (!) For something interesting I would recommend the smelt (if you're okay with eating a whole small fish — the bones and head all soft and edible) which is also one of the cheaper skewers at $3 (for one fish though). It is only salt seasoned (no soy glaze) and not too salty It is very dark inside so may not be for you if you have vision issues. You also take off your shoes if you are sitting at the in-ground tables (which are most of the tables).
First we got a salmon and a zucchini skewers. They tasted great. However, the rest of the food was not good. The takoyaki was undercooked. The fried squid and fried chicken was overcooked. We also ordered the spicy ramen, the broth and steak was nasty. The price was not the quality of food. The server was very nice and respectful. The ambience was peaceful and quiet. I really wanted to enjoy this restaurant but the food ruined it.
The food was good. The service was sub par. Nobody smiled. When we 3 walked into the front lobby, we were not greeted. The woman just talked on the phone and didn't acknowledge us. Another woman came by the desk, and also didn't smile or acknowledge. We had a reservation and it took 10 minutes for someone to look at us, and we were the only people there! I can't stand rude service. The food was served without a smile. It felt like we were bothering them. No thanks.
Loading...