Sapporo Rock & Roll Sushi

The food was great - very fresh sushi and sashimi, delicious. And the service was great - accommodating and knowledgeable about allergies/gluten free needs. However, it was SO loud at 6pm on a Thursday night, with one large group celebrating/drinking and another table across the restaurant cheering them on, that we literally couldn't hear each other and it was painfully loud. We ate as fast as we could and left. Not sure how unusual this was, as I've not been before, but other reviews did say it was loud so perhaps typical? The server just shrugged when we mentioned how loud it was - she actually had to have me repeat it because she couldn't hear me! Said that's what happens when people are drinking...

Sapporo is one of the best dinner experiences on the peninsula! The fish is excellent quality, very fresh and tastefully presented. They have a great selection of sake and the staff is incredible. We are always looking for an excuse to bring friends, and our meals here have often been the highlight of our week

The fish is fresh but I'm not satisfied how they cut the fish and the presentation because it made feel it's not worth it for how much I was paying. I ordered 20 pieces sashimi mix and it cost $64 and each pieces is one bite size and the chef choice are nothing special. The oysters which were recommended by the server which was very good which was $9 each. I also ordered toro uni handroll which was okay too but not as good as the one I had at another restaurant in Fremont and it was $15 each. We had three people having the dinner and the total amount of the bill including tips was $300. According to the average per person on Yelp is $30-$40 and I understand why because most of the customers are just ordering one roll for each person. I am not going back to Sapporo Rock-N-Roll sushi restaurant again because I feel it's not worth it.

The aburi style nigiri is a must. My usual favorites - salmon skin roll and spider roll - were spot-on. There were other less common fish that we did not have a chance to try, so I plan to return to try them.

Me and my crew went out to dinner here back to back nights and we were only here for 2 nights. The food is THAT good. Service was a little slow but that's only because there were 2 waitresses trying to run the entire restaurant with a line pouring out the door. Really they just need one waitress to help things go a little bit smoother. HIGHLY recommend a reservation especially during peak dinner. Totally worth the wait. That Sake Toro Aburi is to die for. Can't wait to come to this hole in the wall next time I'm in town

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.