For last several months it's my favorite Ramen place. I am very picky, but they are great place!!! All my family members happy and each found their favorite dish. Kids love Fried Gyoza so much. I like convenience, you can order to-go, can have lunch with family or have date on dinner.
Novana G.
They need to fix their online ordering system for dine-in guests. As other reviews have pointed out, this place has an automatic 15% surcharge that is basically tip. There is a sign next to the entrance and on their menu. However, when using their online ordering system through the QR code at the table, there is no indication that the surcharge is included. The tip is automatically set to 15%. The breakdown of the bill and total does not show the surcharge (see screenshot). Looking at it closer now, it seems like it was included in the "tax". I ended up giving 15% tip and noticed on the receipt they email you afterwards that clearly showed the 15% surcharge. I talked to one of the staff at the payment counter and was told that they "...don't control how the online ordering page looks. The surcharge is clearly posted at the front and on the menu". This isn't good enough; Add a message to the ordering page, show the breakdown, default the tip to 0%, inform your guests about the online ordering issue when they sit down, or switch systems. I can't believe I had to push the issue to get a refund, you're ripping off your customers, especially the ones who WANT to tip you. It seems like this has happened many times before because the refund process was very smooth. About the dinner: - Donabe Spicy Miso Ramen: delicious and the portion was plenty (5/5) - Sumika Salad (Small Size): Actually quite large, but not the same as the Sumika Salad I had pre-pandemic at the Los Altos location. - Food came out quickly. - Online ordering system is convenient. - They were sitting customers until closing (8:30PM), which is a plus since some places actually "close" 30-60 minutes before their closing time.
Sandy G.
Bummer. Yelp needs to remove all the yakitori-related photos of the food and menu. Despite looking forward to yakitori and being let down, we stayed and tried their ramen anyway. It was underwhelming. Nothing shined flavor-wise. The unfinished interior made the experience worse. Depressing like a ghost town.
Steve F.
Fantastic! Love this place! Been here one time and will definitely come back. I highly recommend
Nicole Q.
The only star goes to takoyaki. The rest food is pretty mediocre. The service experience is the most terrible that I had in Bay Area, specific with a male waiter. I really want to tell the rest people in-line that the service and food don't worth the wait at all This is the location in Santa Clara.
Cathy P.
I visited the Sumika in Los Altos about two years back and had such an amazing experience there so I was really excited to visit the one in Santa Clara! I was SO bummed that they don't serve Yakitori at this location, since I felt like those were the best items at the Los Altos location. Their menu is limited without the skewers--pretty much just Donburis, Bento Boxes and Ramen. They have a few appetizers and specials that are noteworthy though. A group of us shared the Karaage and another Bonito Fish appetizer. For the entrees, the Okaya-don and the Gyu-don were both tasty but not particularly memorable. I would say it may not be worth the visit unless you are specifically here to get Ramen from Orenchi. If you can, definitely visit the Los Altos one because the skewers are what make the experience in my opinion!
Emmett Allen
Food was excellent. Service great.
Tushar S.
I am glad for the days when I crave a warm bowl of Oyakodon, because now I know Sumika is nearby. Located on Lawrence Expy X Homestead Rd (in the grocery outlet plaza), this eatery is currently open for takeouts and deliveries (I picked up my phone order in person) I ordered the Oyako don, Tonkatsu tray, and Chicken karaage tray. The oyakodon was fresh and cooked to perfection. It tasted even better with a dash of hot sauce. The trays were flavorful & filling. Meats were crunchy, the serving size was good, and the rice, pickled veggies and miso was great. In all, it was a great meal. A little pricey, but considering the dinner pricing + serving size, I am ok with it. Will I be back, yes.
Michael E.
Sumika resides in the spot where my favorite restaurant of all time was located. Iroriya. Let me tell you, I was so Flippin pissed when they shut down Iroriya. But like a Phenix, a new place rose through the ashes.... Sumika. Low and behold, Sumika is born of the same owners. And to my delight, the menu is very similar. So similar in fact, it still deserves my 5 star review for Iroriya. There are so many great dishes. This place is japanese. I should have put that up higher. They have sashimi, small but a really quality variety. They do yakitori over coals, and specially dishes. Go see my pix. They should be attached to this review. Everything made his is made with pride. Its hard to explain until you see it for yourself. I highly recommend Sumika Until next time...
Jane Ma
The Oyako Don really disappoints me. Not enough eggs to cover the surface. The chicken has a bitter taste.
Take out was great. Nicely packaged with instructions.
Arek S.
Sumika is a great option for extremely flavourful Japanese barbecue.
ECL
Sumika Grill shares a kitchen with Orenchi Ramen. In fact during the Covid 19 SIP, you can order take out from both restaurants and pick up your food at the entrance to Orenchi. We tried two Bento boxes which were priced nearly 20 bucks each. The food was good quality with an interest assortment of tasty appetizers, salad, soup, and entree. I had the pork loin and my wife had the pork cutlet. Tasty with crispy breading. The food was tasty with many interest flavors. We couldn’t resist and got a couple of Orenchi ramen bowls for a later meal. Others have commented that the food is a bit pricey and we’d have to agree but the choices for good Japanese in this part of the Bay Area are limited.
Bo N.
Orenchi Ramen: 6/10; average ramen Steak Don: 7/10; the steak is well cooked, soft and tender; the dish is not much more than 6 or slices of steak over rice; it could use more veggies or pickled veggies to balance out the dish.
Etern Sun
Only there for lunch. Sorry the Los Gatos is simply just better, food wise and service wise. Menu bit different and this one has fish. However the chicken and beef sometimes can be overcooked.
For last several months it's my favorite Ramen place. I am very picky, but they are great place!!! All my family members happy and each found their favorite dish. Kids love Fried Gyoza so much. I like convenience, you can order to-go, can have lunch with family or have date on dinner.
They need to fix their online ordering system for dine-in guests. As other reviews have pointed out, this place has an automatic 15% surcharge that is basically tip. There is a sign next to the entrance and on their menu. However, when using their online ordering system through the QR code at the table, there is no indication that the surcharge is included. The tip is automatically set to 15%. The breakdown of the bill and total does not show the surcharge (see screenshot). Looking at it closer now, it seems like it was included in the "tax". I ended up giving 15% tip and noticed on the receipt they email you afterwards that clearly showed the 15% surcharge. I talked to one of the staff at the payment counter and was told that they "...don't control how the online ordering page looks. The surcharge is clearly posted at the front and on the menu". This isn't good enough; Add a message to the ordering page, show the breakdown, default the tip to 0%, inform your guests about the online ordering issue when they sit down, or switch systems. I can't believe I had to push the issue to get a refund, you're ripping off your customers, especially the ones who WANT to tip you. It seems like this has happened many times before because the refund process was very smooth. About the dinner: - Donabe Spicy Miso Ramen: delicious and the portion was plenty (5/5) - Sumika Salad (Small Size): Actually quite large, but not the same as the Sumika Salad I had pre-pandemic at the Los Altos location. - Food came out quickly. - Online ordering system is convenient. - They were sitting customers until closing (8:30PM), which is a plus since some places actually "close" 30-60 minutes before their closing time.
Bummer. Yelp needs to remove all the yakitori-related photos of the food and menu. Despite looking forward to yakitori and being let down, we stayed and tried their ramen anyway. It was underwhelming. Nothing shined flavor-wise. The unfinished interior made the experience worse. Depressing like a ghost town.
Fantastic! Love this place! Been here one time and will definitely come back. I highly recommend
The only star goes to takoyaki. The rest food is pretty mediocre. The service experience is the most terrible that I had in Bay Area, specific with a male waiter. I really want to tell the rest people in-line that the service and food don't worth the wait at all This is the location in Santa Clara.
I visited the Sumika in Los Altos about two years back and had such an amazing experience there so I was really excited to visit the one in Santa Clara! I was SO bummed that they don't serve Yakitori at this location, since I felt like those were the best items at the Los Altos location. Their menu is limited without the skewers--pretty much just Donburis, Bento Boxes and Ramen. They have a few appetizers and specials that are noteworthy though. A group of us shared the Karaage and another Bonito Fish appetizer. For the entrees, the Okaya-don and the Gyu-don were both tasty but not particularly memorable. I would say it may not be worth the visit unless you are specifically here to get Ramen from Orenchi. If you can, definitely visit the Los Altos one because the skewers are what make the experience in my opinion!
Food was excellent. Service great.
I am glad for the days when I crave a warm bowl of Oyakodon, because now I know Sumika is nearby. Located on Lawrence Expy X Homestead Rd (in the grocery outlet plaza), this eatery is currently open for takeouts and deliveries (I picked up my phone order in person) I ordered the Oyako don, Tonkatsu tray, and Chicken karaage tray. The oyakodon was fresh and cooked to perfection. It tasted even better with a dash of hot sauce. The trays were flavorful & filling. Meats were crunchy, the serving size was good, and the rice, pickled veggies and miso was great. In all, it was a great meal. A little pricey, but considering the dinner pricing + serving size, I am ok with it. Will I be back, yes.
Sumika resides in the spot where my favorite restaurant of all time was located. Iroriya. Let me tell you, I was so Flippin pissed when they shut down Iroriya. But like a Phenix, a new place rose through the ashes.... Sumika. Low and behold, Sumika is born of the same owners. And to my delight, the menu is very similar. So similar in fact, it still deserves my 5 star review for Iroriya. There are so many great dishes. This place is japanese. I should have put that up higher. They have sashimi, small but a really quality variety. They do yakitori over coals, and specially dishes. Go see my pix. They should be attached to this review. Everything made his is made with pride. Its hard to explain until you see it for yourself. I highly recommend Sumika Until next time...
The Oyako Don really disappoints me. Not enough eggs to cover the surface. The chicken has a bitter taste.
Restaurantji Recommends
Take out was great. Nicely packaged with instructions.
Sumika is a great option for extremely flavourful Japanese barbecue.
Sumika Grill shares a kitchen with Orenchi Ramen. In fact during the Covid 19 SIP, you can order take out from both restaurants and pick up your food at the entrance to Orenchi. We tried two Bento boxes which were priced nearly 20 bucks each. The food was good quality with an interest assortment of tasty appetizers, salad, soup, and entree. I had the pork loin and my wife had the pork cutlet. Tasty with crispy breading. The food was tasty with many interest flavors. We couldn’t resist and got a couple of Orenchi ramen bowls for a later meal. Others have commented that the food is a bit pricey and we’d have to agree but the choices for good Japanese in this part of the Bay Area are limited.
Orenchi Ramen: 6/10; average ramen Steak Don: 7/10; the steak is well cooked, soft and tender; the dish is not much more than 6 or slices of steak over rice; it could use more veggies or pickled veggies to balance out the dish.
Only there for lunch. Sorry the Los Gatos is simply just better, food wise and service wise. Menu bit different and this one has fish. However the chicken and beef sometimes can be overcooked.