Location: San Mateo
Top Restaurants in San Mateo
Most Popular Japanese food in San Mateo, California, United States
Find out what Japanese restaurants to try in San Mateo. San Mateo (/ˌsæn məˈteɪ.oʊ/ SAN mə-TAY-oh; Spanish for "Saint Matthew") is a city in San Mateo County, California, located in the high-tech enclave of Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a population of 97,207 as of the 2010 census, it is one of the larger suburbs on the San Francisco Peninsula, located between Burlingame to the north, Foster City and San Francisco Bay to the east, Belmont to the south, and Highlands-Baywood Park and Hillsborough to the west. The 2015 population was estimated to be 103,536. San Mateo was incorporated in 1894.
Things to do in San Mateo
10. Hotaru Japanese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By David803
Very busy dinner place on a Friday night. Ordered a bento set No. 2: very satisfying, a bit of everything you want from Japanese cuisine; fragrances soft sticky rice, sashimi, hot miso soup, teriyaki chicken, itâs just the right reward after a weekâs long hard work. Serving was fast. Very friendly and helpful staff, came around regularly to top up hot green tea. Highly recommended.
9. Wakuriya
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 908Laura
This place has one Michelin star, and it definitely deserves it. Located in a strip mall, its appearance is very low key and unassuming. From the outside, you would not have guessed it's a place that serves up such excellent food. The Decor is very minimalistic. Not a big place - a capacity of 18 people, two staggered seatings. The menu is set ($98/person), changing once every month. It's a miracle we got a reservation. I called exactly 30 calendar days ahead trying to make a reservation as instructed by its website. Not knowing better, I called early in the morning and of course did not get in. Apparently people stay up until mid-night to place calls for reservation! Luckily, a couple of days to the original date I wanted a reservation for, someone cancelled and we were in! By the way, this place would not be for kids.
8. Santa Ramen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By kgv2828
It seems like there is a new Ramen place opening up every week somewhere in the Bay area. I ordered the basic ramen and it had several different ingredients added to it to provide different layers of flavor. It tasted quite good. Service was good, the restaurant was large with good seating and parking was decent inside a small shopping center.But at the end of the day, it is still ramen so I find it challenging to pay so over $15 for a bowl of ramen when I can get really good noodle soups elsewhere for 1/2 the cost. I will not be visiting a ramen restaurant anytime in the near future. It is just too expensive for what you get.
7. Ramen Dojo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By ryantB5527WL
We went around prime time, 7 PM on a Saturday. The wait was around 45 minutes for a group of 5 but the wait was well worth it. I ordered the popular garlic ramen, which with some extra add-ons comes to around 15$. I'd give this place 5 stars but minus one because they rush you to finish and pay the check. Ramen Dojo is pretty tiny and could expand to a larger establishment so there wouldn't be a long line. We waited 45 minutes to eat for 30.I wouldn't come here if you're looking to eat and chat for over an hour. Otherwise, delicious!
6. Izakaya Ginji
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Japanese tapas and traditional dining
Reviewed By BillF698
Great beverages and tapas-type Japanese food. There's a diverse selections of Japanese sake and beer. You may select grilled entrees, sashimi or sushi rolls. All our recommended selections were very good. We were not disappointed. The servers were very helpful with their recommendations.
5. Ramen Parlor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By aurorar685
After experiencing perhaps the best tonkotsu ramen at Ramen Dojo, I dropped into Ramen Parlor a block over. Both Dojo and Parlor are under the same ownership, but they have a slightly different menu, with the later offering crab and lobster flavoured soups. I first ordered the spicy crab miso ramen. Again, an incredibly flavoured, well balanced soup, served at the perfect temperature. The noodles were slightly soft for my liking, but thatâs just me. They do have free, on site parking, but given its popularity, you may need to find street parking. Expect to queue at peak times.
4. Himawari
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Kallen C
Hip, friendly and tasty authentic ramen. Great broth, noodles and many choices. Also wide selection of other delicious classic Japanese small and large plates
3. Sushi Sam's Edomata
Overall Ratings
4 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By anywheredoor
Have been here several times over the years and they have been consistently consistent with their style and what they do. It may not be conventional but it is effectively good. Food - 4If you are looking for a traditional sushi joint, this is not a your place. If you want a nice twist that is not over the top, you would enjoy Sushi Sam! Just sit at the bar and go for the omakase. Start with 8 pieces first and add 2 pieces at a time on until youâre full. Itâs a fun adventure that you can control. Service - 4This place is not but it has a small hole in a wall feel. Service is not professional but efficient. You may feel a little rushed because of how busy they are they want turns. Atmosphere - 3As mentioned, not but has a small hole in the wall place. Itâs not elegant nor romantic but more of a local joint. Most definitely will return if I am in town. Good food, easy and reasonable. Give this place a try
2. Pacific Catch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 220 reviews
Pacific Catch is a WestCoast Fish House dedicated to delivering high quality sustainable seafood with a unique perspective. From the day we opened we've been mindful about where our ingredients come from and how to bring to life the vibrant flavors and fe
Reviewed By FrankMoffatt
OK so this is fusion cuisine. Not Japanese or Korean. There's some usual fish to try. I went for the Kanpachi yellowtail - noted for its sweet flavour and firm texture. Mine was delicious and tender. Came with cauliflower coord with turmeric also delicious as were my fries.Thank you for your review we appreciate it.
What to do and see in San Mateo, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. Pacific Catch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 220 reviews
Pacific Catch is a WestCoast Fish House dedicated to delivering high quality sustainable seafood with a unique perspective. From the day we opened we've been mindful about where our ingredients come from and how to bring to life the vibrant flavors and fe
Reviewed By FrankMoffatt
OK so this is fusion cuisine. Not Japanese or Korean. There's some usual fish to try. I went for the Kanpachi yellowtail - noted for its sweet flavour and firm texture. Mine was delicious and tender. Came with cauliflower coord with turmeric also delicious as were my fries.Thank you for your review we appreciate it.
San Mateo Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in San Mateo
