Daigo seems to have appeared out of no where in the California Ave scene straddling between a high-end omakase shop and your sushi date night joint. It's entrance is hidden in a small backstreet with a traditional Japanese lantern making it genuinely feel like a sushi-ya in Japan. As we approached Daigo, I got genuinely excited.Food was quite good to near phenomenal. It was clear that the sushi chef was a bit timid that day with his/her expression on the omakase course. Everything was there - the fresh ingredients and the effort and passion. I would've preferred a bit more boldness with the soy sauce and wasabi, and other enhancers. But again, won't complain about the food. One of the best in the Bay Area. In addition, the black cod was well done, as well as the chicken karaage.Now here are my issues which make me really struggle even to give a 4 star. First of all, we were seated outdoors, which is absolutely fine but not on a winter rainy day. Even with the heaters on, the wind was chilly. This is not something that you want to experience while eating sushi.But what really brings down Daigo is the price and its portions. The price is appropriate for a high-end sushi restaurant in Palo Alto. Fine, I accept that. But the portions were tiny. Seaweed salad that can be cleaned out in less than 4 chopstick picks, $8. A single handroll - $13+. Again, the food is great. It's just so "stingy" on the portions, especially at expensive prices.Despite the great food, I didn't feel good walking out. I paid Michelin star prices to sit in a wind-chilled tent and left hungry. Thank god for hot tea refills.Daigo needs to understand that the post-pandemic abundance in dollars is over. Yes, the restaurant was full but I don't think many would return.Parking: Two huge parking lots for California Avenue right off the backstreet.Kid-friendliness: Don't take your kids. This is not a place for kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Nigiri
Edison Huang
Don't forget to make a reservation otherwise you'd be turned away! We made that mistake the first visit so we ended up dining at Zareen's instead. Anyway, we tried a few different items, BUT it wasn't worth it for the price. It ended up around $120pp, but we felt the overall quality and quantity was a big miss. The food wasn't bad by any means; however, we found it really hard to justify the prices they charge. We pretty much ordered their omakase, rainbow roll, their shooters, and uni (we love uni).Parking: Parking available across the street
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Uni Nigiri, Omakase Nigiri
Matthew Gilbert
Dietary restrictions: Can accommodate gluten intolerance/Celiac!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)
Great quality products and very tasty fish!Parking: Parking lot is in front of the restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Uni Sashimi
Sida
Sashimi is really good. I also recommend their chawanmushi.Pricewise, it’s a bit expensive for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophia Shen
Omakase only so so
Parth Patel
Best sushi in south
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jorge garcia rey
Really good quality fish with some unexpected and tasty options like the hamachi shot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Henry Jones
Favorite peninsula
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miao Wang
What should I do in Japanese restaurant while some americans are talking too loud?In a situation where fellow diners are being too loud in a restaurant, it's generally best to handle it with tact and politeness. Here are a few steps you could consider:1. **Self-assessment**: First, check if their volume is indeed excessively loud or if it's a normal conversation level for a public place.[I put the earplug on to protect my hearing.]2. **Move Away**: If possible, ask the restaurant staff if you can move to a quieter table.[This is a small place.]3. **Communicate with the Staff**: If moving isn't an option, you might consider speaking to the restaurant staff or management. They are usually trained to handle such situations diplomatically.[Staff is busy and understaffed even for bringing dishes to the side of our desk.]4. **Direct but Polite Approach**: If you feel comfortable, you could approach the individuals directly. Do so politely and calmly, expressing that their conversation volume is a bit high and is disturbing your dining experience.[Some of them speaks Chinese but they just pretend to ignore our complaints. ]Remember, every situation is different and requires a judgement call. It's important to stay respectful and considerate in your approach.[I am wondering what else I can do to deal with this situation?]
Have been here twice and was impressed both times. It is pricey, but everything was tasty and high-quality. Particularly enjoyed the oyster mushroom tempura, the hand rolls, and the green tea cheesecake. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katie B.
Best hidden gem authentic sushi in the Bay Area--hands down. Eric is a phenomenal chef whose craft and dedication to creating the highest quality sushi is off the charts. I was so lucky to be introduced to Daigo by my now husband, when we were dating and living in the City; he took me to their original location in the Richmond District and I've never looked back. When we moved to Halfmoon Bay and Eric opened up his own shop in Palo Alto, we were elated that we'd still have our fav sushi spot nearby. My husband has been bringing his daughter to Daigo since she was a little baby, and she is also obsessed with this restaurant; when we got engaged, his (and now my Bonus daughter) surprised him with his wedding ring here one night over our favorite omaske. A little under a year later-this is where we had our rehearsal dinner and it was everything we could have dreamed of. Obviously, I can't say enough about how incredible this spot is. If you are lucky enough to eat here-be sure to try to grab a spot at the bar with Eric or Kenny and enjoy sushi decadence at its purest
Tracy T.
I love this place for good local sushi! Fresh fish, great service! It tends to book out quickly so call ahead for reservations. If it's the same day, I would call and try to get in at 5pm when they open which tends to be easier. I pretty much tried everything on the menu. I love the Chawanmushi with Hokkaido uni supplement and tasting the sake selections!
Sophie Shen
Great food, a little bit pricy given the food options and small dining room.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rabendy Inc
This nondescript place is such a gem! Always a favorite for sushi and omakase.Friendly staff.Food never disappoints.
Daigo seems to have appeared out of no where in the California Ave scene straddling between a high-end omakase shop and your sushi date night joint. It's entrance is hidden in a small backstreet with a traditional Japanese lantern making it genuinely feel like a sushi-ya in Japan. As we approached Daigo, I got genuinely excited.Food was quite good to near phenomenal. It was clear that the sushi chef was a bit timid that day with his/her expression on the omakase course. Everything was there - the fresh ingredients and the effort and passion. I would've preferred a bit more boldness with the soy sauce and wasabi, and other enhancers. But again, won't complain about the food. One of the best in the Bay Area. In addition, the black cod was well done, as well as the chicken karaage.Now here are my issues which make me really struggle even to give a 4 star. First of all, we were seated outdoors, which is absolutely fine but not on a winter rainy day. Even with the heaters on, the wind was chilly. This is not something that you want to experience while eating sushi.But what really brings down Daigo is the price and its portions. The price is appropriate for a high-end sushi restaurant in Palo Alto. Fine, I accept that. But the portions were tiny. Seaweed salad that can be cleaned out in less than 4 chopstick picks, $8. A single handroll - $13+. Again, the food is great. It's just so "stingy" on the portions, especially at expensive prices.Despite the great food, I didn't feel good walking out. I paid Michelin star prices to sit in a wind-chilled tent and left hungry. Thank god for hot tea refills.Daigo needs to understand that the post-pandemic abundance in dollars is over. Yes, the restaurant was full but I don't think many would return.Parking: Two huge parking lots for California Avenue right off the backstreet.Kid-friendliness: Don't take your kids. This is not a place for kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Nigiri
Don't forget to make a reservation otherwise you'd be turned away! We made that mistake the first visit so we ended up dining at Zareen's instead. Anyway, we tried a few different items, BUT it wasn't worth it for the price. It ended up around $120pp, but we felt the overall quality and quantity was a big miss. The food wasn't bad by any means; however, we found it really hard to justify the prices they charge. We pretty much ordered their omakase, rainbow roll, their shooters, and uni (we love uni).Parking: Parking available across the street
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Uni Nigiri, Omakase Nigiri
Dietary restrictions: Can accommodate gluten intolerance/Celiac!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great quality products and very tasty fish!Parking: Parking lot is in front of the restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Uni Sashimi
Sashimi is really good. I also recommend their chawanmushi.Pricewise, it’s a bit expensive for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omakase only so so
Best sushi in south
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really good quality fish with some unexpected and tasty options like the hamachi shot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Favorite peninsula
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What should I do in Japanese restaurant while some americans are talking too loud?In a situation where fellow diners are being too loud in a restaurant, it's generally best to handle it with tact and politeness. Here are a few steps you could consider:1. **Self-assessment**: First, check if their volume is indeed excessively loud or if it's a normal conversation level for a public place.[I put the earplug on to protect my hearing.]2. **Move Away**: If possible, ask the restaurant staff if you can move to a quieter table.[This is a small place.]3. **Communicate with the Staff**: If moving isn't an option, you might consider speaking to the restaurant staff or management. They are usually trained to handle such situations diplomatically.[Staff is busy and understaffed even for bringing dishes to the side of our desk.]4. **Direct but Polite Approach**: If you feel comfortable, you could approach the individuals directly. Do so politely and calmly, expressing that their conversation volume is a bit high and is disturbing your dining experience.[Some of them speaks Chinese but they just pretend to ignore our complaints. ]Remember, every situation is different and requires a judgement call. It's important to stay respectful and considerate in your approach.[I am wondering what else I can do to deal with this situation?]
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Have been here twice and was impressed both times. It is pricey, but everything was tasty and high-quality. Particularly enjoyed the oyster mushroom tempura, the hand rolls, and the green tea cheesecake. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best hidden gem authentic sushi in the Bay Area--hands down. Eric is a phenomenal chef whose craft and dedication to creating the highest quality sushi is off the charts. I was so lucky to be introduced to Daigo by my now husband, when we were dating and living in the City; he took me to their original location in the Richmond District and I've never looked back. When we moved to Halfmoon Bay and Eric opened up his own shop in Palo Alto, we were elated that we'd still have our fav sushi spot nearby. My husband has been bringing his daughter to Daigo since she was a little baby, and she is also obsessed with this restaurant; when we got engaged, his (and now my Bonus daughter) surprised him with his wedding ring here one night over our favorite omaske. A little under a year later-this is where we had our rehearsal dinner and it was everything we could have dreamed of. Obviously, I can't say enough about how incredible this spot is. If you are lucky enough to eat here-be sure to try to grab a spot at the bar with Eric or Kenny and enjoy sushi decadence at its purest
I love this place for good local sushi! Fresh fish, great service! It tends to book out quickly so call ahead for reservations. If it's the same day, I would call and try to get in at 5pm when they open which tends to be easier. I pretty much tried everything on the menu. I love the Chawanmushi with Hokkaido uni supplement and tasting the sake selections!
Great food, a little bit pricy given the food options and small dining room.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
This nondescript place is such a gem! Always a favorite for sushi and omakase.Friendly staff.Food never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5