21 Best Sushi Bars in San Mateo

“Excellent food ! Fresh fish . Melts in your mouth . Small intimate atmosphere.“

“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!!“

“Sushi Maruyama provides an exceptional dining experience, showcasing both traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary twists. From the moment you step inside, the minimalist décor and soft lighting create a serene ambiance, perfect for savoring each meticulously prepared dish. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guide you through the menu, recommending a variety of delicacies, such as melt-in-your-mouth toro, perfectly balanced nigiri, and vibrant sashimi platters. For those seeking the ultimate culinary adventure, opt for the omakase experience, where the chef curates a seasonal progression of flavors highlighting fresh seafood and artful presentation. Every bite reflects a careful dedication to quality, from the expertly seasoned sushi rice to the delicate garnishes that accentuate each fish’s essence. Beyond the exquisite fare, Sushi Maruyama also boasts a curated sake list and Japanese beer options, allowing diners to discover new pairings. The intimate seating fosters a comfortable setting for both special occasions and casual gatherings. In short, Sushi Maruyama is a must-visit for anyone yearning to explore the refined elegance of Japanese cuisine. Its commitment to tradition seamlessly merges with modern flair, promising a memorable meal that delights the senses and exemplifies culinary artistry at its finest and ensures a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all. Staff great, vibes impeccable, music was awesome and 10/10“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Great walkable neighborhood“

“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“

“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!“

“good food great service and accomending.“

“Wow. Delicious, classic Japanese dishes and just topnotch hospitality. First time eating here last night with a huge group and everything we ordered was incredible. My favorites were the miso corn, chicken karaage, miso soup, and the diane roll! Can't wait to come back.“

“Omakase for $68 (10 pieces) and you can request them to decrease the amount of rice!
Agadashi tofu
Garlic edamame
Mushrooms
Scallop and Uni

Food was really good quality but the best thing about our experience was our server, Erica, who was knowledgeable about the menu and provided recommendations based on our preferences. 10 out of 10 would come back because of her.

We happened to stumble upon this place only because another establishment was fully booked. It was definitely a blessing in disguise.“

“Excellent selection of sushi 🍣“

“High quality food at fair prices. One baffling issue is that they charge for tea, but provides FREE saki and sida.“

“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.“

“Was greeted & seated promptly. Welcomed by Manager Hung. Brittany was our waitress & we received the 20th Anniversary Sacks. Happy Anniversary.“

“Speaking directly about the service - I placed an incorrect order at this location by mistake, and this wonderful woman on the phone called the correct location to place the order for me, no extra charge. Incredibly lovely service. Food is outstanding too, one of my favorite places for sushi. Definitely would recommend, and they have a very helpful staff.“

“The poke here is pretty good and consistent. I’ve had it a couple times and it always comes out good.

I enjoy the salmon poke and usually get that. The toppings and arrangement of the bowl is nice too. I feel like the truffle part is a bit gimmicky but it doesn’t take away from it being a solid bowl.“