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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central San Jose

Japanese seafood

Seafood that highlights the ocean rather than the fryer.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nijiya Market San Jose Store image 1
Nijiya Market San Jose Store image 2
Nijiya Market San Jose Store image 3
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Japanese grocery store

Small, well-organized Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi-grade fish, authentic ingredients, and ready-to-eat meals. Atmosphere is neat and packed, with a steady flow of shoppers seeking specialty Japanese foods and snacks. Prepared foods sell out early, reflecting high demand for quality and freshness.

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.

Freshness stands out with sushi-grade fish ideal for making sushi. The selection includes handmade fresh sushi, Onigiri, and small portions of fish that suit quick meals for two.

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."

"I found the seafood here to be the freshest for sushi."

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.

02
Sushi Maru image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with conveyor belt sushi and seating around a sushi bar creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music support a homey, casual vibe despite the place often feeling crowded and lively. Fresh seafood and attentive sushi chefs add to the comfortable dining experience.

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.

Fresh fish cuts stand out with a wide variety of options beyond sushi. The seafood consistently tastes like it melts in your mouth.

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."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I loved it."

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.

03
Ramen Takumi image 1
Ramen restaurant

Simple, clean Japanese design creates a cozy, authentic setting with a spacious dining area. The atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, even with loud music nearby. Friendly, welcoming environment complements phenomenal ramen and fresh dishes.

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.

Shrimp dishes stand out with crispy tempura wrapped in deep-fried rice noodle sheets and perfectly cooked fried shrimp. Fried oysters and shrimp gyoza also offer freshly made, delicious flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The shrimp tempura here is so crispy and delicious."

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.

04
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent creates a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music fills the space, often loud enough to dominate conversations. The atmosphere buzzes with energetic, lively spirit centered on authentic Mexican seafood.

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.

Shrimp soups and brazier tacos stand out with bold flavors. Fish soup, tacos, and micheladas complement a menu focused on authentic Mexican seafood.

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.

05
Shabu Time image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers a cozy space with a bustling, energetic vibe and loud music that can make conversation difficult. The spot often feels crowded with big parties, and visitors should expect wait times and parking challenges. The experience centers on cooking finely sliced meats and flavorful broths at the table, creating an interactive meal.

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.

Seafood appears as an option in the seafood soup and in dishes paired with tonkotsu broth. Shrimp features alongside other proteins like toro beef belly. Pricing for seafood items can include an additional charge beyond the base price.

People are saying

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

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

"I saw so many shots going down during our seafood dinner."

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.

06
Santo Market Inc image 1
Asian grocery store

Take-out window serves fresh poke bowls with authentic Hawaiian flavors that attract long lines. The market area is closed, so eating happens in cars or on nearby benches. The vibe carries a strong aloha spirit despite the lack of seating and a somewhat unpleasant atmosphere.

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.

Fresh fish cubes stand out with great quality and generous portions. The poke features fish that melts in your mouth, paired well with spicy mayo for added flavor.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"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.

07
Hukilau image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiki-themed decor fills a spacious interior with a small bar area and a large banquet room. Bright lighting and Hawaiian music create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds bring lively energy, making it suitable for 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.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors and generous portions. The fried rice complements well, and the fried shrimp is large and tasty.

People are saying

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

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

"The fish tacos and fried rice here are amazing."

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.

08
Gombei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, simple space with cozy, homestyle ambiance and outdated decor creates an authentic Japanese feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, often crowded inside with additional outdoor seating. Food serves as comfort Japanese cuisine with generous portions at reasonable prices.

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.

Seafood options include fried shrimp, fried oysters, and a seafood platter. Fish dishes feature grilled and braised preparations with crispy skin and a light smoky flavor.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here is excellent and authentic."

"The fried shrimp here is tasty."

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.

09
Kaita image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small mom-and-pop Japanese restaurant with a rustic Japanese setting and an open kitchen visible from the front. Atmosphere feels family-friendly, local, and welcoming, with a warm and comfortable vibe. Menu focuses on authentic home-style dishes with generous portions and quality sushi.

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

Fish shows up fresh with great variety and texture. Special dishes like the negitoro don highlight the quality and taste.

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."

"The seafood here, especially the sushi and sashimi, is incredibly fresh."

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.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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