50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Millbrae

“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“

“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.“

“Great sushi 😋😋🤤🤤. Feel like mom and pa places in Japan. Cozy feel!! Really like and enjoy.“

“Amazing sushi! Easily one of the best we’ve had in a while — everything was so fresh and flavorful. I love the idea of half rolls; it’s such a great way to try more kinds of sushi. The staff were super attentive and efficient. We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“You have to stop here before your 14 hours flight to Asia or anywhere else. Udon is good for airport food and they make it hot and fresh when you order. The chicken katsu is also delish. Sitting can be tight so give space to others and be mindful of your luggage taking up space.“

“Really good Chinese BBQ place. All of the bread items we tried were flaky and tasty, highly recommend the brown sugar one. The skewers were all solid, and I appreciated that the beef had a more teriyaki-style flavor, because too much cumin starts to get a bit sameish. In that regard, you should consider getting an order of the lettuce leaves to use as a wrap for the skewers, it's a great palette cleanser and adds some nice texture.

Would love to go again, but it's a bit far from my house and Chinese BBQ isn't something you can do too frequently.“

“Everything was incredible !
Was welcomed and helped by a very kind lady who spoke Spanish!
Food was off the charts from the beef noodle soup to the dumplings and chicken nuggets !
Ordering and payment was easy
And we can’t wait to come back ! We stayed a long time just relaxing and playing games
Thank you all for a great experience 😌😊“

“Best tuna roll ever.. Large side salad enough for 2. Ededname excellent. Large servings of any of the rolls with attractive black slate to k eep the roll cold, smart. Excellent miso soup in good size bowl. Water containers at each table. Take out available and no reservations taken. We went on a weeknight.“

“The sashimi here is so good! Really fresh, thick pieces. I tried the salmon, salmon toro, walu, yellowtail, toro, and ocean trout. My favorite as always is salmon but the ocean trout which was recommended by the server was super good. The walu was amazing too, they served it with some chili oil crisp which paired well! The toro which I got as nigiri was super fatty and melt in your mouth. I also got the hamachi kama appetizer which can be fishy tasting at some restaurants but the one here was not fishy at all and super fresh, very buttery and soft.

Overall definitely recommend this spot for their fish and I would 100% return.“

“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!“

“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.“

“The service was great and the food was fresh. I loved the shrimp tempura and the different sushi options - of which there were many.“

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

“👍👍🍜🍜 good Udon place in SFO 👍👍“

“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.“

“My favorite Japanese restaurant in San Francisco! A couple doors down from a killer Chinese bakery as well!!“

“The food here was definitely the highlight. Everything tasted pretty fresh and flavorful, and overall I would rate the food about 4/5. The ingredients seemed good quality and the dishes were enjoyable.

However, the service was a bit disappointing. The staff did their job, but they didn’t feel very welcoming or friendly. There wasn’t much interaction beyond the basics, and with the price point here, I expected a more warm and attentive experience.

The atmosphere was also just okay. It wasn’t fancy or fine dining, but it also didn’t really give a strong Japanese vibe either. The environment felt a bit mixed and not very memorable.

Overall, I’m giving 4 stars mainly because the food was good. If I rated the experience as a whole (food + service + atmosphere), it would probably be closer to 3/5. Still worth trying if you care mostly about the food.“

“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.“

“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!!“

“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...“

“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.“

“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!!“

“This was a great meal! The side salad/soup/apps/entrees came out of the kitchen fairly spaced out so it felt almost like a fine dining experience. Did take a while so know that it is a whole dining experience - not just a quick meal out to eat. I got the Saba no Shioyaki grilled and liked that better than the sushi my partner got. The tempura was amazing and so was the Age Dashi Tofu appetizer!“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“My girlfriend and I recently tried this sushi spot near us, and we’re honestly so glad we did. It was pretty quiet when we went, but don’t let that fool you—the food and service were both amazing.

We started with the hamachi carpaccio, pork belly skewers, and spicy tuna tacos. Everything was fresh and full of flavor, but the pork belly skewers were especially a standout—so good.

For our rolls, we got two spicy tuna rolls, a spicy salmon roll, and a dragon roll. All of them were delicious, well-made, and super satisfying.

To top it off, the staff surprised us with a complimentary dessert at the end (it looked like a rose and had a green tea/matcha flavor). Such a thoughtful touch and a perfect way to end the meal.

Service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The location is super convenient, and parking was easy, which is always a plus.

Overall, we had a great experience and will definitely be coming back regularly. Highly recommend giving this place a try!“

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

“HIGHLY recommend Tekka House! The quality of the fish they serve is top notch - great flavor, texture and presentation. Also the truffle wagyu nigiri was the best wagyu we’ve ever had! A very delicious meal!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“good food great service and accomending.“

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

“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! 🍣✨“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!!“

“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.“

“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!“

“ラーメンと言っているが、そばや焼き鳥など日本のメニューが複数ある。 日本で食べるような美味しさは無いが困った時やどうしても日本の味が恋しい時などは行ける。 まあ、悪くはないとおもいます。“

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

“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!“