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.“

4.6 Superb43 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

“There's always a line for this restaurant so be prepared to wait. Once seated service is relatively quick. Love the flavor of the noodle dishes. They're ramen noodles (not gluten-free) without the broth and you can mix different spices into your dish. I ordered the vegan and added a poached egg. However once the fried tofu gets cold, it becomes rubbery. Next time I'd like to try their rice dishes.“

4.6 Superb227 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

“I had a life changing dessert here. If you enjoy sweet potato, you must get the beniimo ice cream. The crust of the sweet potato is indescribably light and crispy, and the inside is hot and pillowy with the familiar taste of sweet potato. The vanilla ice cream compliments the hot sweet potato so well. It wasn’t oily at all even though the description says it was fried.

The skewers are also good, notably the chicken thigh and enoki mushroom wrapped in bacon. So juicy and tender and hot. Daikon salad was pretty refreshing as a palate cleanser.

We came on a Friday evening with no reservation and surprisingly got seated very quickly although there was a long waitlist. The skewers smell so good from a block away.“

4.5 Superb106 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.“

4.5 Superb81 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
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!“

4.6 Superb44 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 Superb54 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

“This location is in a small neighborhood strip mall. There are a few outdoor tables, good for those with pups, but yellow jackets might be present. Food is good for the price. They have beer on tap, plus bottles. I do a couple of the tacos & an IPA for a quick lunch.“

4.6 Superb34 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
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!“

4.2 Good142 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
14

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
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
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
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

“I totally recommend YAYOI Restaurant SM Cebu City branch! For their great & delicious food and great staff, especially to our server Ms. Ygerne 🫶“

3.9 Good86 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.“

3.5 Good25 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!!“

4.4 Superb168 Reviews
Sushi Sam's Edomata Sushi • $$$
218 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Combination Sashimi
Amaebi Sweet Shrimp
Green Tea Tiramisu
Assorted Sushi B
Assorted Sushi A
Caterpillar Roll
California Rolls
Chicken Karaage
Unagi Hakosushi
Unagi Hand Roll

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

4.4 Superb133 Reviews
22

Inshou

Inshou Japanese • $
2942 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

Customers` Favorites

Inshuo Izakaya

“Authentic Hong Kong style Chinese food with high quality food.
The quality of the food here is a highlight. All that is familiar with Hong Kong style Chinese will agree.
Everything we have ever ordered had always been up to our standard and we have had Chinese food all our lives.
The food is not too oily, not too sweet, not too salty. All the flavors are very balanced.
The HK milk tea is was made in a traditional and authentic way. The bitterness and sweetness is well balanced.
I highly recommend this place!“

3.3 Good45 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
25

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

Customers` Favorites

Sushi

“I’m happy to support The Backhouse. I’ve ordered from them twice now, the $450 deluxe platter, and both times were excellent. You can tell the owner takes pride in her preparation, selects high quality fish, and the rice is cooked and proportioned perfectly. Most importantly, you get to enjoy delicious meal in the comforts of your own home.

Ordering through their website may seem daunting, but it’s actually pretty straight forward. They are also accommodating as I selected the wrong date and corrected with a link they provided. I didn’t have to call or speak to anyone. Their ordering website is intuitive and well designed.“

4.3 Superb32 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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