31 Best Japanese Restaurants in San Mateo

Wakuriya Japanese
115 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Hokkaido Hotate Scallop with Momo-Oroshi
Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef
Wagyu Beef Donburi
Sake Flight
Chawanmushi

“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.“

4.5 Superb36 Reviews
Kajiken Ramen • $$
112 S B St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Mushroom Aburasoba with Ajitama Seasoned Egg and Mentaiko Spicy Cod Roe
Oroshi Ponzu Karaage with Grated Daikon Green Onions and Ponzu
Pan Fried Gyoza with Ponzu Sauce
Spicy Minced Pork Aburasoba
Ajitama Soft Boiled Eggs
Karamen Spicy Aburasoba
Keema Curry Aburasoba
Roast Beef Aburasoba
Hiyayakko Cold Tofu
Original Aburasoba

“Gonna give it 4 stars because while the aburasoba is good I'd like them to make mazesoba too, which has more complex ingredients, preparation, and flavor. Mogomogu in Sawtelle, LA sets the benchmark for great mazesoba on the west coast.“

4.6 Superb246 Reviews
HiroNori Craft Ramen | San Mateo Japanese • $$
211 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Cucumber Crab Salad
Tonkotsu Ramen
Crispy Chicken
Pork Rice Bowl
Chicken Bowl
Pork Chashu
Shoyu Ramen
Vegan Ramen

“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.“

4.6 Superb276 Reviews
4

Kokko

Kokko Japanese • $$
509 2nd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Fried Calamari with Spicy Mayo
Spicy Black Sesame Ramen
Grilled Rice Ball 1p
Wagyu Croquette
Tori Soboro Don
Chicken Karaage
Yakitori Bento
Agedashi Tofu
Chicken Wings
Corn Butter

“Four stars for food (many dishes quite good, not quite as good as in Japan), two stars for sustainability (unpleasant disposable chopsticks, dessert in single-use plastic, no labeling of meat/seafood origins). Service friendly and helpful.“

4.6 Superb116 Reviews
Minako Organic-ish Japanese Cuisine Japanese • $
360 Peninsula Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Don and Chicken Karaage Curry with Inari
Chicken Teriyaki Bento
Karaage Chicken Curry
Vegan Shoyu Ramen
California Roll
Garlic Chicken
Chicken Katsu
Chicken Wings
Corn Tempura
Tofu Katsu

“Super happy to have found Minako and Yoko-san again! Yoko-san's cooking is still homie, comforting, and delicious as ever. Be sure to come visit, relax, be delighted by the carefully made dishes from Yoko-san, be awed by the handwritten menus, and enjoy the chats with Minako!“

4.7 Superb46 Reviews
Furagu Sushi Japanese • $$
116 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Mixed Tempura \u0026 Salmon Teriyak I
California Roll & Chicken Teriyaki
Salmon Teriyaki California Roll
Chicken Katsu
Furagu Roll
Miso Soup
Edamame
Sashimi
Bento
Gyoza

“good food great service and accomending.“

4.6 Superb61 Reviews
Dash Japanese Tapas and Sushi Japanese • $$
204A 2nd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Omakase Nigiri
Fresh Oysters
Agedashi Tofu
Sashimi Set
Tamagoyaki
Ankimo

“I found authentic sushiya in Bay area!
I went here for the first time and I enjoyed my dinner. They have great selections day by day with special fishes that I’ve never tried before.
Everything were very fresh and price were reasonable. I will definitely come back later to try different seasonal fishes.“

4.4 Superb129 Reviews
Noma Sushi Japanese • $$
152 South Blvd, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sexy Casanova and Combo Tempura
Beef Tongue 3 Skewers
Combination Sashimi
Bluefin Tuna Roll
California Roll
Lion King Roll
Mango Spider
Spider Roll
Sushi

“Came here with a buddy and made out for about $50 or less. We ordered 3 rolls and split them, which was enough food for the two of us. The portions were fairly well sized and reasonably priced(for current bay area sushi prices). The fish tasted fresh, and they had plenty of options. They were not very busy and the waitress was friendly. I enjoyed the mostly wooden decor, reminded me of the more old school sushi places i grew up with. Mini bonus for me is that they are in the same spot my childhood chinese restaurant was at!“

4.4 Superb127 Reviews
San Mateo Onigilly Japanese • $
670 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Rice Bowl with Spicy Miso Beef Miso Nasu Eggplant and Spicy Shrimp
Tempura Murasaki IMO Purple Yam
Chicken Katsu Curry Onigilly
Chicken Teriyaki Onigilly
Onigilly Family Meal
Miso Soup Set with
Tempura Purple Yam
Teriyaki Chicken
Bento Set with
Hijiki Seaweed

“Awesome place for a quick snack. Super easy to order on the app and have ready in minutes. Never disappoints. Its a little dreary when you walk inside but other than that the place is great. I'm sure it's more bustling during a weekday lunch time, just never been there around that time“

4.5 Superb65 Reviews
Tokie's Downtown Japanese • $$
34 E 4th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Glazed Chicken Wings
Miso Soup and Salad
Salmon Sashimi
Tempura Shrimp
Shannon Roll
Diane Roll
Rolls

“Amazing service, food and drinks are fantastic! We were helped by a server Logan, she’s been the best part of the experience at Tokie’s. Fish is super fresh, I highly recommend getting Tokie’s roll and seared scallops (aburi sushi). Yum! Can’t wait to come back.“

4.5 Superb39 Reviews
Shiki Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $
1332 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Lunch Special Poke Salmon Seaweed Salad Oshinko Tobiko
Snow Dragon Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll
Soup and Salad
Salmon Sashimi
Miso Soup
Gyoza Pork
Sushi

“Great little place. Been here twice. The chefs greet you as you are walking in. I didnt notice it because of a loud diesel passing by out of place but the chefs greet everyone as the come in, even the obvious deliveryman that was lost. I should know by now, this is just a standard in japanese culture and i should keep this knowledge with me when walking into Japanese establishments. The environment is nice. Feels a little cluttered but i definitely dont sense it when having a seat. I love looking at the booth side. I believe it is called "Izakaya" decor. It is a cozy feel, especially in booth. The Bathroom is western style, modern, and clean.The hostess is very sweet and endeering, always smiling. I ordered a sushi lunch combo and very well worth the price. Along with miso and salad you get to choose two fish items, which i went with salmon nigiri and spicy tuna roll. The rice portion was standard, the salmon was doubled and doubled again. Ill attach a photo but you know how other sushi places charge six bucks for two pieces? This place basically gives you 8 pieces of fish as it basically covers the rice entirely. Again, the rice was a normal portion. The spicy tuna looks like it was handled a little too heavily but the taste was there.Is this something I can always expect? Probably not, just extra salmon maybe paired with an aggressive sushi chef for the day, but I am coming back for sure!

Parking: Parking get a little cramped on school days lunch and dinner hours.“

4.5 Superb34 Reviews
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Japanese • $$
329 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Gyu-Sushi with Premium Roast Beef Japanese Shoyu BBQ Sauce and Kuki-Wasabi on the Side
Japanese Chicken Karaage Bistro Hanger Steal
Korean Barbecued Spare Ribs
Steamed Chili Dumplings
Green Tea Cheesecake
Spicy Tuna Volcano
Macaron Ice Cream
Garlic Noodles
Gyu-Kaku Salad
Skirt Steak

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

4.1 Good134 Reviews
13

Kobeya

Kobeya Japanese • $
140 W 25th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Katsu Curry Cutlet
California Roll
Tonkatsu Curry
Ramen

“On the cheaper side for food, and it's amazing. Haven't tried their ramen but tonkatsu curry is great.Takoyaki is more on the soft side, and karaage isn't crispy— but good. It's a different style— liking it would be preference.“

4 Good35 Reviews
Shabuway Japanese • $$
145 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

American Kobe & Kurobuta Pork
American Kobe Lean Beef
Spicy Miso Broth
Shabu-Shabu
Hot Pot

“The American wagyu cut of meat was great and the fact that it's included in the ayce was a great deal. $48 pretip for 1 person, I paid 60 because the guy waiting the bar and on the deli slicer was so nice. Goma and ponzu dipping sauces were great too.“

4 Good43 Reviews
Kaz Teriyaki Grill Japanese • $
71 E 4th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Korean Style BBQ Chicken Bento K
Karaage Chicken Bento Box
Ribeye Beef Teriyaki Bowl
A Chicken Teriyaki Bento
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Katsu Curry Chicken
Sukiyaki Beef Bowl
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Salmon
Chicken Katsu

“Best teriyaki spot on the Peninsula...they have other equally delicious things there, but I seem to ALWAYS get the #1 - Chicken Bowl with Xtra sauce on the rice...I've been eating at this little gem for at least 15 years - never got a bad meal there yet 😎“

4 Good56 Reviews
16

Rin-Tei

Rin-Tei Asian Fusion • $$
104 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Beef Pho Lunch Set Regular Vietnamese Rice Noodle with Beef Broth
Creamy Soy Milk Pho with Mushrooms and Chicken
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Chicken Rice with Miso-Ginger Sauce
Creamy Soy Milk Pho with Men Tai
Coconut Milk Soup with Chicken
Spicy Tofu Noodles Mabo-Men
Veggie Fresh Spring Rolls
House-Made Egg Rolls
Chicken Croquettes

“Wanted Pho kinda late, 9pm, and when looking around this place was open late. Stopped by, as expected seated right away as only a few people in the restaurant at that time. Waitress was great, right away brought a cup of water with extra bottle table side for refills. Already knew I wanted pho, but still looked at the menu, everything looked good, if i didn't have my heart set on Pho already would of been a hard decision to make. Ordered the Beef Pho, braised oxtail broth was delicious with shredded oxtail throughout the broth. Came with the typical, bean sprouts, lime wedge, jalapeno slices and fresh basil. Added some of everything. Didn't get a picture when my food first came out as I forgot and was hungry, but remembered when 2/3 through. Can't wait to be back in the area to try some of the other menu items. Would recommend if your looking for some food Asian fusion food.“

4.6 Superb227 Reviews
Sapporo Rock & Roll Sushi Sushi • $$
2456 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

49er Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: No Takeout: Yes
Crispy Japanese Tater Tot Croquettes
Fried Salt & Pepper Chicken Karaage
Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts
Black Truffle Edamames
Baked Crab Hand Roll
Toro Uni Hand Roll
Amaebi Sweet Shrimp
Crunchy Sapporo
Karaage Chicken

“Sushi was delicious and service was great! Not a romantic spot though because it’s loud but fun if your going with family and friends. Music is good!!“

4.6 Superb221 Reviews
18

Inshou

Inshou Japanese • $
2942 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Inshuo Izakaya

“Had lunch there with few friends that had not seen in few years. One of the few places that serve porridge. N bake beef tongue over rice. Taste is average but the price is reasonable. Serve was really good n friendly. Good place to get together n visit n eat. Will come back again.“

3.9 Good29 Reviews
Sushi Maruyama Sushi • $$$
279 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Salmon and Avocado Roll Spicy Scallop Roll
Wagyu-Beef Tataki with Homemade Soy Sauce
Black Cod Marinated Saikyo Style Miso
Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeno Yuzu Soy
Japanese Style Fried Chicken Karaage
Blue Fin Carpaccio with Truffles
Golden Eyes Snapper Nigiri
Yellowtail Scallion Roll
Homemade Creamy Tofu
Premium Nigiri Sushi

“This place has very authentic sushi. Imported Japanese fish are fresh and flavorful. The other appetizers and rolls are excellent too. The only negative is they are very busy so our dinner felt a bit rushed. But if you are looking for good food, this place is one of the best Japanese restaurants on the peninsula.“

4.7 Superb91 Reviews
Shiki Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $$
1040 Park Pl, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Vegetable Tempura
California Roll
Seaweed Salad
Mixed Tempura
Miso Soup
Chirashi
Gyoza

“Shiki in San Mateo has become my secret midday haven—my dependable, no-fuss escape from the grind of workdays. Whether it's a comforting bowl of udon or a beautifully simple sushi combo, there's a quiet satisfaction in knowing exactly what I’m walking into: clean flavors, fast service, and a calm atmosphere that gives me just enough of a breather to reset.“

3.6 Good25 Reviews
YAYOI Hillsdale Japanese • $$
389 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Kid’S Meal with Orange Juice
Teriyaki Salmon Shima Hokke
Yayoi Gozen a La Carte
Chicken Karaage
Hitsumabushi
Tonkatsu Set
Miso Katsu
Salmon Don
Miso Soup
Kids Meal

“Ambiance ✅️ Food ✅️ Service ✅️“

3.8 Good98 Reviews
Sushi Sam's Edomata Sushi • $$$
218 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Amaebi Sweet Shrimp
Combination Sashimi
Green Tea Tiramisu
Assorted Sushi B
Assorted Sushi A
California Rolls
Unagi Hand Roll
Chicken Karaage
Baby Lobster
Spider Roll

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

4.4 Superb123 Reviews
The Backhouse Sushi • $$$
66 21st Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Sushi

“The sushi presentation was excellent and made me excited to dig in! Very unique and delicious assortment of sushi and flavors. I felt that the takeout sushi was more economical than if you were do a sit-down omakase at another location in the bay. Pick-up was quick and smooth.

It would have been great if I had recieved confirmation email within a week, instead of following up with the business. However, I understand that this a small business and it can be hectic for the owner to manage communications, logistics and sushi prep for several customers.“

4.4 Superb41 Reviews
Fuji Sukiyaki Sushi • $$
428 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Lunch Combo with Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki
Nigiri Sushi and San Mateo Roll
Combination Tempura Dinner
Combination Sashimi
Combination Tempura
Spicy Salmon Roll
Miso Soup or Rice
Calamari Tempura
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll

“Thank you for the fresh Uni, and very awesome customer service. Highly recommend!!!“

4.3 Superb71 Reviews
Hotaru Restaurant Sushi • $$
33 E 3rd Ave #4010, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Nigiri Sushi Set Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: No Takeout: Yes Curbside pickup: No
Tempura & Salmon Teriyaki
Curry with Pork Cutlet
Negitoro Hand Roll
Udon Noodle Soup
Chirashi Deluxe
Seaweed Salad
Beef Sukiyaki
Avocado Roll
Spider Roll

“Great food and great people. I always have excellent service and great food when I eat there.“

4.3 Superb58 Reviews
26

Yuzu

Yuzu Sushi • $$
54 37th Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Chef's Choice Sashimi Regular
Omakase Sushi Rice
Agedashi Tofu
Hamachi Kama
Miso Soup
Toro
Tuna

“Cozy little Japanese restaurant with super friendly servers. The owner works at the counter. I come for Ishiyaki Hitsumamushi (Stone Bowl Seafood Rice) which I don’t think is served anywhere else. I also had tuna bone marrow for appetitzer and black sesame cheesecake for dessert. So many other dishes I want to try so will be back.“

4.4 Superb25 Reviews
Uncle Tetsu | Japanese Cheesecake Bakery • $
72 W Sailer Dr, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Japanese Cheesecake
Original Cheesecake
Classic Cheesecake
Ube Cheese Tart
Ube Cheesecake

“Oh, wow, YUM! The cheesecake might as well be from Tokyo. It has the standard light, fluffy consistency with a touch of sweetness that just melts in your mouth.

The tart…ohhhhoho! Loved it. The buttery crust crumbles and made me pick up every crumb with my sloppy fingertip. Don’t waste a crumb! It was just really, really good. Perfect with a coffee or one of their teas.

I had a tea with the cheese foam. At the last drip, I was licking the lid. No shame. Thank God for inconspicuous outdoor seating.

Save yourself a trip to Japan when you want some Japanese desserts. Uncle Tetsu can meet your craving! It is a steal compared to a flight on Zipair! 😂“

4.3 Superb39 Reviews
Izakaya Mai Izakaya • $$
212 2nd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Izakaya Original Champon Served Hot
Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancakes
Shishito Pepper Vegetarian
Deluxe Chirashi Bowl
Delux Chirashi Don
Spicy Scallop Roll
Katsu-Curry Rice
Caterpillar Roll
Salmon Sashimi
Sashimi Platter

“Excellent selection of sushi 🍣“

4.2 Good72 Reviews
Taki Nori Hand Roll Bar Sushi • $$
144 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Scallop Special Hand Roll
Shrimp Tempura Snow Roll
Oyster Half Shell 3 pcs
Yuzu Toro Handroll
Taki Toro Handroll
Hamachi Yellowtail
Salmon Belly Roll
Crab Handroll
Salmon Belly
Sushi Taco

“Great walkable neighborhood“

4.1 Good88 Reviews
Joy Sushi Sushi • $$
30 S B St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Miso Soup and Salad
Spider Roll
Poke Bowl
Avocado

“Not my usual sushi diner, but we wanted to try out a new place. This restaurant has 2 stories with a staircase.

The service was average. The serving staff couldn’t speak English. We didn’t know Spanish so we had to communicate with body language to ask for some water. The staff that actually took our orders knew English, but he was missing the first 10 minutes, counting from when we finished scanning the menu.

The food was very good. Fresh sashimi and sushi rolls. The only thing that could be improved was the plain udon. As far as I know, even Japanese plain udon contains seaweed, fish cakes and tempura crumbs. This one had none. Literally, just udon and broth, not even chopped green onions.

Vegetarian options: They have veggie dishes, look for the descriptions.

Parking: Free parking after 6pm

Kid-friendliness: Kid’s high chairs and plastic utensils

Wheelchair accessibility: I think first floor dining area is for disabilities and elders.“

4 Good29 Reviews
Daiki Sushi Sushi • $$
2075 S El Camino Real, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

All You Can Eat Sushi
Philadelphia Roll
Tempura Appetizer
Golden State Roll
Salmon Teriyaki
Tempura Shrimp
Lion King Roll
San Mateo Roll
Dragon Roll
California

“Their all-you-can-eat option is the best deal going! Try everything on the menu- very fresh, so yummy and discount for cash payment“

3.9 Good114 Reviews

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