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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central San Jose's best

Japanese food

Japanese cuisine that values traditional technique over the flash of modern fusion.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Ramen Takumi image 1
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Ramen restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Japanese design offers a quiet, welcoming vibe. Signature spicy garlic tonkotsu ramen delivers complex flavors. Spacious dining and fresh dishes make it a great place for a tasty, relaxed meal.

Ramen here features complex flavors and a signature spicy garlic tonkotsu that stands out. The menu offers a variety of ramen choices and a karaage rice bowl for quick, tasty meals.

People are saying

"The ramen broth and pork belly here are so tasty."

"It's really Kid Friendly; even toddlers found the food good."

"The ramen broth and pork belly were so tasty."

Good to know

1

They offer 50% off all ramen for two more days.

2

Parking is limited and can be hard to find.

3

The portion size is good, with plenty of noodles.

02
Nijiya Market San Jose Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small store offers fresh sushi-grade fish and authentic Japanese ingredients like nori and bento boxes. Ready-to-eat meals sell out fast, showing high demand for quality and freshness. Neat, packed atmosphere draws shoppers seeking specialty foods and snacks.

Fresh sushi and sashimi sit toward the back, always well-priced and high quality. A wide selection of Japanese ingredients like nigiri, nori, bento boxes, and drinks support making dishes like ramen and takoyaki at home.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has everything you need for authentic cooking."

"I found the Japanese food here to be so fresh and reasonably priced."

"The fresh fish here is amazing quality, especially in the bento boxes."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the store.

2

The store closes early at 7 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The deli area offers prepared foods that sell out quickly, so arrive early.

03
Sushi Maru image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi bar offers fresh fish and specialty rolls with care. Dim lighting and soft music create a homey vibe despite lively crowds. Attentive chefs and unique dishes like chicken skin with ponzu make dining comfortable and casual.

Fresh fish and specialty rolls stand out here. The menu includes sushi and other Japanese dishes like chicken skin with ponzu and eggplant dengaku. Chefs prepare sushi carefully, creating a comfortable dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best and most affordable I tried."

"The sushi chefs here are so friendly and helpful."

"They often give you a scoop of ice cream at the end of the meal."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is somewhat limited.

2

You might have to wait in line during busy hours.

3

Plates start at $5 for 3 pieces, making it about $2 per piece.

04
Gombei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Japanese feel offers generous portions of comfort food like crispy gyoza and fresh sashimi. Quiet, casual vibe stays packed with indoor and outdoor seating. Reasonable prices make it a great choice for simple, flavorful meals.

Basic Japanese cuisine includes crispy gyoza, enormous portions of udon, and fresh sashimi. Teriyaki chicken with shrimp and tonkatsu curry stand out as flavorful options.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is quick, affordable, and delicious."

"I found the Japanese food here to be authentic and amazing."

"The Japanese food here is excellent and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait starting at 12:45pm on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

05
Kumako Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, intimate space with an open galley kitchen creates a cozy, rustic vibe. Rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles make the ramen stand out, while fresh, high-quality toppings add depth. Busy weekends bring lively energy to this compact ramen bar with attentive service.

Rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles define the ramen here, paired with fresh, high-quality toppings. The menu also features katsu curry rice bowl and seafood like calamari and octopus, all served in an intimate setting with attentive service.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so creamy and rich."

"It's a super lovely and cozy spot with delicious ramen."

"The ramen here has a rich, creamy broth and top-quality noodles."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult to find at Kumako Ramen.

2

Parking is paid unless it's Sunday.

3

The restaurant is small and cannot accommodate groups larger than four unless it's a slow day.

06
Shabu Time image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu spot buzzes with energetic vibe and loud music, making it lively but noisy. Expect flavorful sukiyaki broth and spicy tonkatsu heat that excite taste buds. Crowds and parking can be tough, but interactive cooking keeps the meal fun.

Sukiyaki stands out with its super flavorful broth and fast service. Spicy tonkatsu and spicy miso bring phenomenal heat, while udon noodles offer a great texture. Cilantro Ponzu sauce adds fantastic depth to the dishes.

People are saying

"The Kobe Beef here is delicious and the service is attentive."

"I found the space to be pretty great and cozy."

"The Japanese food here, especially the meats and broths, is fantastic."

Good to know

1

There was a wait because Shabu Time is a popular spot.

2

Parking can be hard to find, but there are options nearby.

3

Calling ahead to the waitlist is highly recommended to avoid long waits.

07
Santo Market Inc image 1
Asian grocery store

Fresh poke bowls bring authentic Hawaiian flavors with a spicy kick. Strawberry mochi offers a soft, chewy texture and balanced sweetness. Despite no seating, the place buzzes with a strong aloha spirit enjoyed from cars or benches.

Strawberry mochi stands out with its soft, chewy texture and balanced sweetness, paired with red bean filling and fresh strawberries. The spicy poke bowl offers a flavorful kick, and the udon provides a satisfying, classic touch.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be the best in the Bay Area."

"You have to get here early for the strawberry mochi; it sells out fast."

"The poke here is excellent, with large and fresh chunks of fish."

Good to know

1

Santo Market Inc offers take-out only.

2

They open at 9am.

3

Expect long lines due to the popularity of fresh poke.

08
Minato Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy spot with old-school charm offers a calm, welcoming vibe. Lunch bento with spicy chicken shines alongside fresh, flavorful sushi rolls. Regulars love the nostalgic atmosphere and friendly, family-run feel.

Lunch bento with spicy chosen chicken stands out as a unique and consistent choice since 1996. Sashimi is very good, and sushi rolls like spicy tuna and California are fresh and flavorful with perfect rice balance.

People are saying

"This Japanese food offers a comforting taste of home-style cooking."

"I loved the dinner box; it was a great deal."

"The tempura is so crispy and not oily."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough, but there is easy and plentiful street parking available.

2

Many lunch sets are priced between $14 and $17, which is affordable.

3

Expect almost no wait time during lunch hours.

09
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent offers a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music adds lively spirit but can be loud. Unique fusion dishes like pastor sushi blend Mexican and Japanese flavors for a delicious experience.

Fusion of Mexican cuisine with Japanese sushi creates a unique flavor experience. Dishes like mixed molcajete, pastor sushi, and costero sushi offer delicious and filling options.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The staff here makes this Lunch Spot so friendly and attentive."

"The Mexican sushi here is amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Arrive before noon on sunny days to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect over 30 minutes wait to be seated on weekends.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

10
Kaita image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small mom-and-pop spot offers fresh sushi and hearty Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki and gyoza. Rustic setting with an open kitchen creates a warm, family-friendly vibe. Portions are generous and flavors authentic, making it a welcoming local favorite.

Fresh sushi and sashimi stand out with authentic flavors. The menu features tempura, udon, and Japanese curry alongside great chicken teriyaki and gyoza.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be spectacular and very fresh."

"The sushi and sashimi here are top quality and very fresh."

"I found authentic Japanese food, especially the comforting homecooking items."

Good to know

1

Kaita offers daily specials that change frequently.

2

Kaita does not accept NFC payments; cash only.

3

Expect wait times if you arrive after opening, as it fills up fast.

11
Hukilau image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiki-themed decor and bright lighting create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with lively energy. Enjoy rich ramen broth and well-seasoned teriyaki chicken for authentic Japanese flavors. Spacious seating suits group celebrations or casual dinners.

Ramen features perfectly textured noodles and rich broth. Teriyaki chicken and beef come well seasoned. Lunch offers fried katsu dishes with rice and macaroni salad. Curry katsu, wings, and fried oysters stay fresh. Spicy chicken katsu pairs well with fried rice.

People are saying

"The salmon poke here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The ramen here has the perfect texture and is delicious."

"The authentic Hawaiian food here is a tropical delight."

Good to know

1

Parking is only street parking and can be hard to find depending on the day and time.

2

On a Saturday at 1 pm, there was a 30-minute wait due to a soccer team.

3

Hukilau automatically charged an 18% gratuity fee without prior notice.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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