Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas
$$ • Tapas, Asian Fusion, Japanese Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas
Customers' Favorites
Assorted Nigiri and Maki Sushi Platter
Nigiri Combo Chef's Choice
Hamachi Nigiri 2pcs
O Toro Nigiri 2pcs
Tuna Lover Roll
Beef Kushiyaki
Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas Reviews
54 ratings
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This is definitely a hidden gem in a small strip of San Carlos. My bestie took me here for a birthday dinner, so it was as my first time. The sushi is so fresh and everything we ate tasted delicious, melt in your mouth!!! The staff was fun and had great energy! My only caveat is they were not pacing the dishes and it felt a bit overwhelming. Especially since we were the only ones I. There for the longest time. We loved the attention, but yeah, the attention to timing needed to...read full review
We had a delicious meal at Hakkai Nigiri Bar and Tapas, with tasty sushi, miso soup, and udon noodles. The Crunchy California Roll and Crunchy Sushi Roll were especially good—the crispy layer on top of the spicy tuna and California roll fillings made them really special. The Ama Ebi nigiri was another standout: a delightful crab bite with a crispy topping that was still easy to bite into and enjoy.
We also tried pretty much all the desserts, and a special shout-out...read full review
We also tried pretty much all the desserts, and a special shout-out...read full review
Found this cozy Japanese spot after work and really enjoyed it! The Unagi Clay Pot Rice was my favorite—freshly grilled eel with crispy rice, and you can add tea for ochazuke. 😋
Also loved the refreshing Shishito Salad, Yakitori Combo, tender Sizzling Ribeye, and salmon ochazuke with bonito flakes. Great food even if you’re not into sashimi or sushi! Around $120 before drinks for everything, plus easy parking. Definitely worth a try!
Also loved the refreshing Shishito Salad, Yakitori Combo, tender Sizzling Ribeye, and salmon ochazuke with bonito flakes. Great food even if you’re not into sashimi or sushi! Around $120 before drinks for everything, plus easy parking. Definitely worth a try!
Hours
| Monday | 5 - 9PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Tuesday | 5 - 9PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Wednesday | 5 - 9PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Thursday | 11:30AM - 2:30PM 5 - 9PM |
| Friday | 5 - 9:30PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Saturday | 5 - 9:30PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Sunday | 5 - 9PM 11:30AM - 2:30PM |
Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas is a rare gem in the Bay Area, serving sushi that is done right. This restaurant has impressed many with its fresh and delicate sashimi and nigiri, where the fish is sliced to the perfect thickness to highlight the inherent flavors. The nigiri is also thoughtfully seasoned, using delicate toppings and seasonings that complement the fish.
Beyond the sushi, Hakkai offers an array of tapas dishes that showcase a fusion of flavors, ranging from French-inspired mussels to Western-style beef skewers. The steak skewers, for instance, are well-flavored with black pepper, though some guests have suggested using more tender meat to enhance the experience.
The restaurant also features a few surprises, such as a delectable duck breast dish that pairs well with sake and beer. Guests have been particularly impressed with the restaurant's beer selection, which includes rare Japanese brews.
While the overall experience has been positive, there have been a few minor issues, such as the Brussels sprouts being too oily and the conger eel tempura being overly bitter, which even led to one guest becoming ill. The restaurant may also get busy and loud on weekends, so it's recommended to make a reservation or get on the waitlist.
Despite these minor hiccups, Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas has quickly become a favorite among locals, with its fresh and thoughtfully prepared sushi, as well as its unique fusion tapas dishes. The attentive service and welcoming atmosphere have also contributed to the restaurant's growing popularity.