Sapporo Rock & Roll Sushi

Disappointing First Visit – Service Needs Improvement
I was really looking forward to trying this restaurant, but unfortunately, my experience was unpleasant.
My friend and I arrived waited to be seated, a couple arrived after us and we all waited for a few minutes. The couple was helped first, which was a bit confusing, but then the waitress came back to seat us. About five minutes after we sat down, a waitress came to ask what we’d like to drink. I asked for water, and my friend ordered a Sapporo while I was still glancing over the menu, trying to decide on a beer. Without saying anything, the waitress just walked away and started helping other customers, which felt abrupt.
After about 10 more minutes, another waitress came by with water and asked if we were ready to order. I was ready and asked for five pieces of sashimi, something I order often at sushi restaurants. I said I’d like three pieces of hamachi and two of tuna. That’s when things got a bit frustrating.
The waitress seemed confused and said I could only order three and up. I asked for clarification—was I not allowed to order five pieces? She said yes, I could. Then I asked if mixing types was allowed, and again she said yes. But when I repeated my order—three hamachi, two tuna—she responded with an attitude that made the interaction feel tense.
I genuinely wasn’t trying to make things difficult, but I felt pressured to make a decision quick and felt like she was frustrated with us for not understanding.

It was hard to communicate, and I started to feel like we weren’t really welcome there.

In the end, we decided to leave. I didn’t feel comfortable eating there knowing we had a lot more to order and we couldn’t get past this order of how many prices of Sashimi is okay to get. I understand that misunderstandings happen, but how they’re handled makes all the difference. I hope the staff can work on clearer communication and creating a more inviting experience for guests in the future.

Small restaurant. Generous serving sizes in today's economy. Everything was fresh and yummy! We especially enjoyed the baked crab hand roll and the poke tostados. The mixed sashimi was super fresh and clean tasting. Honestly would come back to order a bunch of hand rolls, tostados and sashimi next time around.

Just an overall awesome spot! The food is great and the chefs and servers are very friendly!

We came here for Happy Hour (5-6pm) and it was definitely worth it. It does get busy so come on time. The HH menu is pretty big. We got sashimi plate, couple rolls, and hamachi kama. All were great. Loved the crunchy spicy tuna roll because of the tiny crispy potato bits. Service was excellent and our waitresses were so kind and attentive. Even got a complimentary sake shot! Will def be back.

The BEST experience at Sapporo!!! We drove over here from Hayward (30 minutes away) because they had phenomenal reviews, and wow. We are SO glad we came here instead of a different restaurant. Kristy (our server) took fantastic care of us. The food was a 10/10 and Chef Will also gave us a special treat at the end of our meal. Sitting at the sushi bar was great too so that we could chat with the chefs as they worked while also having a comfortable dining experience. Can’t wait to come back already!

The best sushi we've had. Also my wife left her purse there and they opened their doors after closing to get it for her. They also gave us free shots just for being nice which was cool.

Aaaamazing food and vibes

This place is an absolute staple in San Mateo and you have to try it.

We got here 15 minutes to opening and were met with an anticipating line waiting to get in at opening. We were lucky enough to snag the last seats at the bar( which I highly recommend because the chefs are not only friendly but experts in the food they’re serving).

Now for the food. We started off with the happy hour 20 piece assortment of sashimi which was so fresh and melt in your mouth. Personal favorite is the walu and escolar.

The shishito peppers. Last time we came in they were out of the peppers and we were ecstatic when we found out they were back in. This dish is the perfect amount of savory and spice to munch on in between pieces of nigiri.

We followed with the crispy salmon skin roll and the spicy salmon roll which was a true delicacy.

We thought we were done but saw some Chef selection omakase come out and we knew we had to try it.

I might be mistemebering but the selection included ( from left to right in the picture) Ō-toro, hotate, sake, kanpachi, chūtoro, maguro, salmon belly, and hamachi. a t was truly delicious and the PERFECT finishing taste.

If I could give more stars I would, but all in all I highly recommend.

Service was nonexistent. Did not acknowledge our reservation. Waited 30 minutes after being seated without being checked in on or even provided water. Server was too busy tending to the large party and taking sake bombs with them. Extremely loud environment and could not talk with my friends across our table. Had to leave the restaurant and find a new dinner option instead.

Super service, although the kitchen seemed to be overwhelmed. Emma is the best! Food was great but a bit pricey.

It was our first time at this restaurant and the couple who were next to us raved about how great the food is and even how awesome the service is. Yes, it was Valentine's Day and it was very busy luckily I was able to make reservations a week before. We were able to get a table within 5-10 minutes after our reserved time. Once seated our waitress was so kind and was able to get our order in quick and items we ordered slowly started to trickle in. All the items we ordered was delicious. Will definitely be coming back and highly recommend.

Anna is AMAZING! The best server ever! Friendly, fun and engaging. Helped us with our food order and sake! Thank you Anna!

Great food and great service considering the restaurant was full and they only had 3 servers. The Secret Box and Aburi style nigiri was outstanding as were the tuna tostadas.

what a fantastic experience ...... ALL AROUND! once the sake starts pouring the party gets started. they made us a nice dish of omakase that was out of this world. looking forward to our next visit...

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Omakase Nigiri, Karaage Chicken, Scallops

First time having sushi. Fantastic service! Great food and sake. Taking shots with the servers is very fun.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5