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Top picks in San Mateo

Japanese seafood

The craving for fresh Japanese seafood is specific, demanding the clean taste of high-quality fish.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Colander Kitchens image 1
Colander Kitchens image 2
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Space combines chic and homey design with cool coffee bar in an old pick-up truck and sea green tile bar, creating a warm and inviting lounge vibe. Seating arrangements suit solo diners, families, or groups, with beautiful plants adding calm and comfort. Noise levels stay low, fostering friendly, relaxed conversations.

Fresh sushi stands out with simple yet flavorful salmon and tuna rolls. The Hamachi Collar comes roasted with teriyaki glaze and shrimp tempura is crispy and light inside.

Plates feature fresh, tender fish with generous portions around $15 to $18. Grilled oysters bring umami and mild heat, while dishes like Black cod with Miso and Hamachi kama stand out for flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is brilliantly seasoned and tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cashless and uses QR code ordering.

2

The bar is not yet open due to pending permits.

3

Portion sizes are generous and prices are reasonable.

02
Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Japanese-style barbecue restaurant offers intimate izakaya vibe with tabletop grills and live anime-themed music. Interior features open kitchen where chefs grill skewers over charcoal, creating an authentic and lively atmosphere. Space includes a second story with more seating, maintaining a cozy yet energetic environment.

Menu features tonkotsu ramen, yakitori combo with chicken cartilage, and Beef Gyudon. Dishes include fresh sashimi, perfectly seasoned yakitori, and takoyaki, all with rich flavors and authentic izakaya style.

Grilled seafood shines here with grilled oysters, shrimp skewers, and scallops topped with uni. Fish jerky offers a chewy, sweet flavor, while garlic shrimp stands out for its seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Japanese food here is authentic, flavorful, and perfectly grilled."

"The grilled shrimp and scallops were well cooked and seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day after 9pm with half-off chicken skewers and buy one get one free beers.

2

After 10 PM, all chicken dishes are half off, making it a great deal.

3

The restaurant stays open until 12 am, perfect for late-night dining.

03
Suruki Supermarket image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small space with narrow aisles creates a busy, sometimes anxiety-inducing atmosphere. Shelves stay spotless and well stocked with a wide variety of fresh sashimi and sushi-grade fish. Offers a wide selection of Junmai Daiginjo sake alongside Japanese groceries and prepared foods.

Sashimi comes freshly cut to order with sushi grade fish that stays incredibly fresh. Bento boxes offer a balanced and fresh meal, and there's a wide variety of sushi options available.

Sushi grade fish gets cut fresh daily with a wide selection of imported Japanese seafood. The seafood is consistently fresh and reasonably priced, including sashimi quality fish and shrimp.

People are saying

"This grocery store's sushi and bento bar is a go-to lunch stop."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is impeccably fresh."

"The seafood here is impeccably fresh and beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Sashimi discount starts at 4PM; arrive early to avoid long lines.

2

Cooked food and sashimi available from 4PM in the deli area.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider visiting on weekends for easier access.

04
Prime BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Interior blends subtle Japanese decor with upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, creating a cozy and refined atmosphere. Music complements the vibe without overpowering, supporting a chill dining experience. Tables feature heated trays to keep skewers warm, enhancing the relaxed pace of meals.

Yakitori stands out with flavorful ribeye skewers and a variety of tasty selections. Udon dishes feature a rich, savory broth and perfectly chewy noodles, while sides like fried eggplant and vegetable tempura add great variety.

Grilled oysters, abalone, and scallops stand out with a $2 lunch special from Friday to Sunday. The seafood includes scallop skewers, fish tofu, garlic shrimp, and tempura with shrimp and vegetables.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

"I loved the yakitori; it was grilled to perfection."

"The grilled oysters with garlic were perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9:30 to 11:30pm, offering buy-one-get-one-free beer.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to all bills.

3

Parking is available, but it may require a short walk.

05
Kodawari Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space resembles mini Kyoto with modern, refined Japanese dรฉcor and a zen atmosphere marked by thoughtful design. Noise levels rise due to small space and large tables, making conversation challenging. Busy evenings require planning, with a partitioned area for groups and a lively, inviting vibe.

Offers premium sushi and sashimi with high-quality seafood at reasonable prices. Presents a sophisticated take on Japanese cuisine, different from typical US spots.

High-quality seafood comes at reasonable prices here. The seafood bowl features bluefin tuna and Hokkaido uni that taste incredibly fresh and sweet. Fried oysters arrive lightly fried and topped with bonito flakes, making a tasty starter.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is outstanding and everything I tried tasted amazing."

"The seafood here is super fresh and thoughtfully prepared."

"The interior felt modern, bright, and clean."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, due to high demand.

2

The restaurant is very busy; expect wait times during peak hours.

3

Limited seating is available for walk-ins, so arrive early.

06
Yuzu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining room with tables close together creates a cramped yet intimate atmosphere. Energy varies from quiet privacy to moments of lively conversation among nearby groups. Known for authentic, fresh sushi and a notable sake selection, it draws regulars who appreciate consistent quality despite the tight space.

Tiny spot serves authentic Japanese sushi with very fresh rolls and sashimi. The omakase stands out as incredible, and the chicken teriyaki lunch plate is solid.

Fish comes super fresh with generous portions that include slabs three times the size of the rice. The 11-piece nigiri platter offers many varieties, all really good, and the shrimp heads are crispy and meaty. Fish bone marrow tastes like a marinated ocean cloud.

People are saying

"The fish here is super fresh and really good."

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and the real deal."

"The seafood here is super fresh and really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay around $150 for two people, including tips and tax.

3

Seating is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.

07
Udon Mugizo - San Mateo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a sleek modern interior with bright, airy spaces and bonsai-accented bar lighting. Atmosphere shifts from chill and welcoming to crowded and lively during peak times. Outdoor seating accommodates dogs, adding to the family-friendly vibe.

Broths range from rich tonkotsu to light shoyu, each with well-cooked udon noodles. Dishes include crispy tempura, flavorful beef donburi, and creamy mentaiko cream sauce udon that resembles fettuccine.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy, light batter and comes with grated daikon. Nabeyaki udon features fried tofu, shrimp tempura, and shoyu broth, while dishes often include salty red mentaiko fish eggs that balance creamy sauces.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are thick and soft."

"The shrimp tempura is so crispy and satisfying."

"The Japanese food udon noodles were soft and great."

Good to know

1

There is a large paid parking lot behind the restaurant.

2

Expect wait times of 40+ minutes during peak hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first serve.

08
Nijiya Market San Mateo Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi and sashimi alongside a variety of niche soy sauces and authentic snacks. The atmosphere is clean and efficient, with products often selling out early. Prices tend to be higher than average, reflecting the specialty nature of the items.

Sushi and sashimi feature incredibly fresh fish with a variety of grab-and-go options like onigiri and bento boxes. The Japanese grocery offers essentials like natto, uni, and sake, plus snacks such as Calbee chips and instant ramen.

Freshness stands out with incredibly fresh sushi fish and packed sushi selections. The seafood section lacks a fish counter and is smaller compared to some other Asian markets.

People are saying

"I found the grab-and-go Japanese food options to be excellent and varied."

"I found a great selection of Japanese groceries and fresh fish here."

"I found the seafood here to be incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially when the restaurant next door is busy.

2

Sashimi often sells out by noon, so arrive early for the best selection.

3

Gyudon packets are priced at $6, cheaper than many other places.

09
Rin-Tei image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion restaurant offers intimate, cozy atmosphere with modern, minimalist wooden decor and strong Japanese style. Space includes table and counter seating, creating a calming dining experience. Vibe feels like a blend of Tokyo and Southeast Asia, with a relaxed, homey energy.

Offers a wide range of Japanese dishes including yakitori, sushi, and ramen. Chicken thigh yakitori and yellowtail sashimi stand out, while the Japanese curry is decent but not remarkable.

People are saying

"The soy milk pho at this Lunch Spot is uniquely flavorful and creamy."

"The Japanese food here has super fresh ingredients and is flavored perfectly."

"The seafood here is fresh and tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

You order at the front and pay first at Rin-Tei.

2

A parking garage is close by, making it easy to get to Rin-Tei.

3

Metered street parking is available right in front of the restaurant.

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