A hidden gem! While not on the main DT San Carlos strip, Hakkai is a top spot to grab some sushi. I've had the pleasure of eating here several times and the staff is incredible and makes an effort to get to know you. Gaslie is always fun to chat it up with and clink a beer with, and he also has great recommendations on the menu. The best treat, by far, was a personalized tasting menu by Chef Dixon (reserved for slow nights). The fish is top quality, the chefs are experts, and the ambiance is perfect to forget the bustle of the bay. read more

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Came here for lunch and there was a $25 nigiri combo chef's choice which is such a good deal. The sushi portion is pretty small so it is enough for a small eater, but would probably need to double up for a hungry eater. The tuna lover roll and negotiate toro maki were just okay. The beef kushiyaki (skewers) were cooked well, very flavorful. Would recommend. The restaurant was pretty quiet on a Sunday around lunch time which is surprising. It was very quiet and service was decent. read more

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Hakkai is a small restaurant in downtown San Carlos serving Japanese fusion dishes and sushi. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet and lacked customers even during peak lunch hours on Saturday. And after trying all the food, I understand why. Here's what we had: Steak Tartare: Very small portion, but it was the only dish that tasted okay. Mentaiko Udon: Dry, like very dry. The noodles were oily but somehow still lacked moisture. I think this dish would work much better with sauce rather than just oil. Sizzling Ribeye Beef: I was really looking forward to this dish, but the flavor was just... weird. It was overly sour and salty. Maybe it's just not my taste. Kamo Rosu (Pan-Fried Duck Breast with House Sauce and Mustard Seeds): Unfortunately, this dish missed as well. Duck meat had a strong odor that overpowered the seasonings, and I think it didn't seem to be prepared properly. To be honest, all dishes were expensive for the quality. None of them stood out enough to make me want to return. In fact, most were just disappointing. Staff were friendly tho. But based on this experience, I would not come back. read more

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The ambience of this place is very nice and cozy, perfect for date nights. There are a lot of unique and fun tapas, which is great if you are the type of people who like getting a bunch of appetizers and sharing. The service was also great, friendly, and fast staff. We got the: Amaebi - solid it tasted very similar to ceviche; was very buttery brussels sprouts - this was OK, it was nothing to write home about, and we wish there was some type of sauce or more flavor to the brussels sprouts mentaiko udon - this isn't a creamy udon but literally udon with garlic and mentaiko; it was super garlic and it was hard to appreciate or taste the mentaiko flavor beef tartare - this was refreshing and came with cut onions and tomatoes and taro chips; the beef was very refreshing Salmon and sea bream nigiri - the Nigiri was solid. The salmon was OK but the sea bream was really great Dragon roll - solid role, definitely one of our favorites of the night Seared Toro roll - this one was OK. It tasted very clean and simple but nothing to write home about. Overall, the ambience and the food was good, but it wasn't an experience that was particularly memorable. It is a solid option for fun date nights and gatherings with friends, but it wouldn't be a place I would gravitate towards often. read more

Friends took me here to celebrate my birthday on a Friday night. Our party of four sat at the bar near the sushi chef. The place was very clean and modern-looking. Since it was my first time here, my friend ordered for us because she is a regular. We started with several appetizers to share, including beef skewers, garlic shrimp, fried squid tentacles, garlic shishito peppers, fried eel, and beef tartare. All of the appetizers were delicious except for the beef tartare, which was a bit overcooked. Next, we had various nigiri, all of which were very tasty. As a woman, the cleanliness of the restroom is important to me, and I was pleased to find that it was very clean. There were a few parking spaces outside, so parking was not an issue. I will definitely come back to try other items on the menu. All of the staff, including the sushi chefs, were very nice and friendly. read more

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First time here. 3.5 rounded up. Some interesting dishes. I liked the duck and salmon dishes, both were great. The vibe here is slightly night lounge-y, which was weird during a weekend lunch. I think maybe they could brighten it up a bit and turn down the dance beats during the day as it feels a little sad when there are two tables there in that vibe with a bit of sunlight streaming in. Service was all right, they did what was needed but weren't particularly friendly. Easy parking in the lot. Wouldn't mind coming back but wouldn't go out of my way. read more

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3.5 stars Made reservations, but they couldn't seat until 30min after our reserved time. Music was overly loud. The fish was good, but sliced overly thin. Out of everything I ate, I liked the scallops I ordered. Hokkaido uni tasted a little fishy for me. Rib eye wasn't good quality, but the garlic and brussel sprouts were tasty. With so many options for sushi in Bay Area, not sure I'd return. read more

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When our dining partners suggested Hakkai to check-out, I jumped at the chance! Where else offers a 7-pc nigiri plus hosomaki combo for $25? Upon arriving, the outside of the restaurant has a dark, nightclub feel to it. Inside was bright and trendy. The place was pretty packed but we had reservations so were seated right away. Three out of the four of us got the nigiri combo. We also ordered anago tempura, garlic shishito, beet salad, beef kushiyaki, karaage. To quench our thirsts, we ordered the fun sake flights. Service was excellent. The owner stopped by for a friendly chat and offered to take our photo for the wall. We politely declined. Overall, it was a good first experience. The pieces in the nigiri combo are quite small, so beware if you have a big appetite. The menu is not too extensive so set your expectations accordingly. Come here for some sake and small bites, but not for a full-on hearty meal. read more

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Came here for a date night and had a lovely experience! Cozy nigiri and tapas bar vibes with tvs. A large variety of delicious menu options, from hamachi carpaccio to sizzling ribeye, $35 nigiri combo with tuna roll to Hokkaido uni. The chawanmushi & mentaiko udon were my favorite. Attentive and friendly staff. read more

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Just tried Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas and honestly, it's a great addition to the San Carlos sushi scene. The biggest highlight is the freshness of the fish--everything tasted clean and high quality, especially the nigiri. You can tell they put effort into presentation too; simple but very well executed. Their tapas-style dishes are a nice twist from a typical sushi spot--definitely worth trying a few to share. The vibe is more on the quiet, intimate side, which makes it a solid option for a date night or a relaxed dinner. Service was friendly, though timing can be a bit slow when it gets busy, so just don't go in expecting a super fast meal. Pricing feels reasonable for the quality, especially compared to other spots in the Bay Area. The sake selection is also a nice bonus if you're into that. Overall: fresh fish, thoughtful dishes, and a chill atmosphere. Not flashy, but definitely a place I'd come back to. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

We came by for dinner right when they opened so didn't have to wait for a table. Ambiance: 5/5 Dark lighting inside so it's perfect for a date night or even for a hangout with friends. I appreciated how the restaurant didn't smell like fish like some other sushi places. Service: 5/5 Friendly and efficient. Quick to refill our water, pick up plates, and fulfilling our check. Food: 3.5/5 $25 for 7 pieces of nigiri (assemble your 7 or chef's choice) -- if you're a sushi snob like me, you'd agree that these are perfectly regular-sized nigiri. Rice to fish ratio was perfect. Sushi rice was good. I personally didn't think there was much flavor to each though. Hotate butter - Pretty sure this was 1 scallop that was cut into 4 pieces. I didn't think arugula worked well with this dish. Kamo rosu - The sauce was good but the duck was a bit dry to my liking. read more

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Came here for lunch today. We arrived at around 12:30pm and were seated immediately. There was no wait. There were a few other groups inside, and the restaurant was softly lit, making for a quiet, relaxing lunch. My bf and I each ordered a Nigiri Combo and opted to choose our own selection of nigiri. I went with Bluefin Toro, Akami, Hamachi, Shiro Maguro, Sake, Sake Toro (+$2), and Hotate (+$3). The presentation was beautiful, and the rice-to-fish ratio was perfect. The fish quality was good and tasted fresh. We also ordered a side of Brussels Sprout and the Mentaiko Udon. The brussels sprouts were crispy and well-seasoned. The udon was garlicky and yummy. We enjoyed both. The food came out pretty quick after we placed the order. I was pleasantly surprised. read more

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Great option for sushi and Japanese tapas on the Peninsula. Word is just getting out now so the wait times aren't too bad yet but given the relatively affordable prices here, not sure how long that will last. Parking was available but I got one of the last spots in the lot. I came on a Friday night and made a reservation in advance. Still had to wait an additional 10-15 minutes and the only available seating was at the bar. Everyone ordered one of the nigiri omakases. It's a steal at $25 for 7 pieces of your choice plus a small roll. The fish is pretty good quality and the nigiri well made. The caveats are: 1) half of the fish cost extra and can add up easily 2) the nigiri is on the smaller side and the fish is on the thinner side. We also ordered a duck breast to share. It was tender and perfectly cooked although I didn't care much for the canned mandarin slices on the side. That being said, these small nit picks make sense in the context of the relatively affordable prices and won't deter me nor a lot of other people from coming back. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Duck breast - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Hidden gem, quiet plaza, plenty of parking... this new sushi spot is quality sushi/nigiri infused with Spanish tapas style food! Many drink specials to choose from too! We sat in the private room area, which is large enough for a smaller private party. Service was accurate and fairly quick. Prices are a bit high ghc Our fave was the Toro roll and shishito peppers! read more

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I came on a Friday night and luckily there was a short wait. We sat at the bar and ordered the sashimi, mentaiko udon, and a side of rice. The sashimi was fresh and I loved every piece. The mentaiko udon was also very delicious. More on the dry side and not too salty. However, we felt like the sushi rice had too much vinegar. Other than that, I would come back to try other appetizers, the $25 nigiri combo, and I want to try their beers! The owner and sushi chefs are very attentive and nice. Parking was decent. They have a room if you want a private party. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Here to celebrate a birthday and we were put in a semi private room which was nice! Not sure if he's the owner, but the one who greeted us was so welcoming and kind and funny! He immediately made us feel comfortable. We ordered a lot of things and he recommended a lot of things and it did not disappoint. We got the shishito peppers, hamachi Kama, carpaccio, brussel sprouts, waygu steak, etc. their 7 piece nigiri is sooo worth the price! You can do chefs choice or choose your own 7. Some nigiri's cost a little more but totally worth. The fish was fresh and perfectly cut. I got the Mentaiko udon and it was delicious!!! Their o toro was melt in your mouth type!! So good. We will definitely be back. The service was great!! read more

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I came here with a friend recently on a rainy day and was greeted with warm faces, warm tea, and great sushi. I'm not sure how long this place has been around, but I've recently discovered it and it's a new favorite of the area. I always appreciate a sushi place that serves shishito peppers and takes the time to remove the stem. The seared steak tartare was bright, flavorful, and delicious, and accompanied with taro chips. We also had the nigiri combo, which came with a roll, and then added an additional seared tuna roll, which was absolutely delicious. We finished our meal with the mango mochi, which I absolutely recommend. All in all, the restaurant was actually a pretty good size and held a lot of people, but we went on a very quiet weekday night. We'll have to come back and try the sizzling ribeye it smelled absolutely delicious as we were leaving.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - mango mochi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

Came here after seeing the feed mei mei episode and was stoked to try their $25 omakase nigiri special. The presentation is nice, and the cut of fish is decently thick. I will say though I was surprised how small the nigiris were in person. Ordering just that is not enough for one person. Between two people, we got that, a tapa and a salmon and ikura don and had to order one more tapa at the end of the meal to fill ourselves. All portions are on the small tapas side which can add up $ wise. Quick tip: they do have online reservations. There was plenty of seating on a Saturday for lunch. read more

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Found Hakkai Sushi on TikTok and decided to try it because of their affordable omakase, and I am so glad we did. Loved this spot. It is conveniently located right next to a 7-Eleven with plenty of parking, which is always a plus. The interior has a dark, warm, cozy ambiance that feels intimate but not stuffy. We made a reservation, and it is definitely recommended since they also had a waitlist when we arrived. The omakase was solid from start to finish. Everything tasted fresh, well balanced, and thoughtfully prepared. Every piece of sushi was good with no filler courses, and the pacing was just right. The sake selection was also great and paired really nicely with the meal. Overall, this is an excellent value for omakase, especially for the quality you are getting. A great spot for a low key date night or a casual splurge without breaking the bank. Would definitely come back. read more

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I would come back for the $25 nigiri set - well seasoned and you can even choose your fish. Good value and better than rest of items we tried. Takes reservations and accommodates large groups. Located in strip mall with plenty of parking. read more

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fish is decent & it's nice you can choose your own even tho it's a chef combo. However, the fish is super super tiny. Like the size of my thumb. Normally i can eat 7-10pc & be full but honesty it was not filling. Also kinda noticed that the fish flavor wasn't super strong. I've seen Lots of pics of other peoples combos & it looks way bigger than mine so idk. Come at your own risk. There are def other places that are better but this is a good price I guess read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Nigiri combo - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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We made dinner reservations for a Friday night. When we arrived it wasn't too busy since it was only 6 pm. We were seated promptly. Vibe is open and spacious. On the East side of El Camino so not as busy. We started with their Shishito salad and for our mains, we shared the 16 piece sashimi and 8 piece premium Omakase. We added the Dragon roll at the end. I paired it with Kizakura beer. The 16 piece was def underwhelming but the Omakase made up for it. So skip the 16 piece even if it seems like good value. It's ok if you want qty but their slices of sashimi are basic. read more

Craved sushi on a rainy night after a day of nails and shopping. Decided to pop into Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas since we were in the area and heard good things. They're located in an unsuspecting plaza at the very corner, occupying what looks like two store fronts. Going in, I was surprised that it smelled kind of smoky, so we opted to sit at the bar area closest to the door. Staff was really friendly and took our order quickly. We went with the sashimi combo and nigiri combo (both chef's choice), kamo rosu, and the anago tempura. Sashimi combo and nigiri combos were amazing- fish was fresh and we enjoyed the variety. Cannot beat the price at $35 and $25 respectively! We also really enjoyed the anago (eel) tempura- slightly sweet and fried to a perfect crisp. Instead of asparagus we got shishito peppers which was a great touch. Only thing we didn't enjoy was the kamo rosu (duck)- it was extremely chewy and lacked flavor. Thankfully we were able to get it swapped out with an additional order of the nigiri combo. Overall it was a great experience and we left very satisfied. Would definitely come back in the future! read more

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Made a reservation for 5pm and made notes a high chair was needed for my son. It wasn't busy at 5pm on a Sunday. They read the notes and had a high chair ready. Was excited to try the nigiri combo, it is extra if you add uni , ikura and scallop, so I did end up adding all of those into the order. It was very tasty. Also ordered the Kaisen futomaki, and Anago chazuke, and sizzling rib eye. Everything was tasty. The restaurant itself is very dim on the inside and music was a bit loud. There were tv screens on as well so my toddler was entertaining himself with th spider man movie. Overall, it's a cute place for a date and the sushi is great read more

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Was originally going to order the nigiri set, but changed to sashimi set to try more options. If you're going to order the sashimi set, I would recommend getting the rice add on for $5. The sashimi itself was good but some the pieces were kind of small. The waiter & waitress were very attentive, constantly filling up our water and checking up on us. I would come back to try their nigiri combo if I'm in the area. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sashimi combo - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

This place is new and tucked in the corner by 7-Eleven. It's really nice inside (darker sushi place ambiance) and service was very friendly! We only ordered the beef skewers and a hamachi roll to just check the food quality out. Beef was really good and cooked perfectly, it was well-seasoned and the spicy sauce on the plate paired well. The hamachi roll was a good size and the fish tasted fresh. I think the sauce on it was a bit too tart to actually appreciate the roll though? But overall food quality and presentation was great so we'll probably be back to try more things! read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Hamachi Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

We found this place on Yelp! I don't really eat seafood but I saw a lot of delicious non seafood items here so I wanted to try it! The restaurant is in a small strip mall off Holly Street. There is some parking there and we didn't have any trouble finding a spot. We were the only ones there for awhile (early ish dinner) and they were very attentive. I drink a lot of water (I love water) and they constantly came by to refill my water! The food we ordered was very good. I wanted to eat more! -Sizzling ribeye was cooked nicely and flavor was great. I also liked the oily Brussels sprouts that were in the pan as well. The sauce was a shiso caper sauce so a little tangy which I really enjoyed! -Ikura was fine. It was really fresh (not slimy) but strangely not as salty as it normally is! -we ordered a separate side of Brussels sprouts and this one was more pan fried with truffle oil and salt and pepper. This is a very classic and delicious flavor! -steak tartare was tasty. I think I would not get this one normally because raw beef has kind of a funny texture that I'm still getting used to. But the flavors were good! -the duck was yummy! We paired it with the spicy green cilantro and pepper sauce and it was delicious! The sauce was actually really spicy but we couldn't stop eating it! I don't give many 5 star reviews on Yelp. I usually reserve those for places that I'm still thinking about a day or two later and this one is one of them! read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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I recently came back from Japan and was craving for sashimi. I found this spot randomly and saw that they had a $25 nigiri set and $35 sashimi set, so we had to check it out. Upon arrival, we placed a reservation through yelp, but saw that there were a few seating available. They asked if we wanted a table or bar, and we opted for a table. We got the sashimi set with the rice add on (kind of a must) and the nigiri set (which one you can choose 7 pieces from a variety of options). Cant go wrong with any of the options - the fish are all so so fresh!! Each bite was perfection. They season the fish and rice in the nigiri set so you will not need to use wasabi or soy sauce. On another visit, we also tried the hamachi with ponzu - can't go wrong with this and the seafood udon. It's a very umami shrimp based soup with cuttle fish and clams. Perfect for the cold weather. They were not super busy the both times we went, but I think that's because it's been gate kept LOL they have another room for larger groups, and I just booked it to take all my friends cus this has easily become one of my fav spots!! read more

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I came in on a Sunday night around 8pm and was luckily instantly seated at the bar. The restaurant itself is cozy, dimly lit but still very chic and perfect for a romantic date night. I ordered the Nigiri special ($25) which came with an assortment of 7 pieces of nigiri and a hosomaki (both chef's choice of fish but you can also pick your choice of fish if you prefer). I also ordered the Sashimi special ($35), plus a side of sushi rice ($5). Everything was so fresh and absolutely delicious, especially for the price. The quality and affordability for an authentic sushi experience is really impressive considering how expensive everything is. I saw some people complain about the portion sizes of the nigiri and sashimi but honestly, I thought it was perfect considering how inexpensive the specials are and in this economy! It's exactly what you would get at much more expensive omakase restaurants or authentic Japanese sushi restaurants. Heck, a single special sushi roll at most places is $20-28 nowadays so a full omakase nigiri and hosomaki experience for $25 is a STEAL! Sitting at the bar was great too because you get to see the chefs prepare everything right in front of you and they take the time to explain what each piece of fish is when they serve it. I was so full by the end but I couldn't let anything go to waste. Also, people who complain about the size of the other dishes... they're literally called "tapas" for a reason. They're small bites/appetizers that are meant to be shared so you shouldn't expect huge servings. I thought that was pretty self explanatory lol Anyways, I highly recommend checking Hakkai out! Looking forward to trying some of their other dishes and sake when I come back next! read more

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The perfect combination of taste and value! We tried the sushi and ribeye and both were so reasonably priced that we questioned if quality is compromised. However, to our surprise, the quality was also great! Each nigiri piece is lightly seasoned and has its own unique flavor compared to the other pieces. The attention to detail is immaculate. The ribeye was delicious but just don't expect it to be some new life changing flavor that you've never had before. It's simply a delicious piece of beef. They didn't have the duck when we went so I am definitely looking forward to coming back to try their duck. The restaurant itself is spacious and a good combination of modern and cute. If you come during peak dinner time, I do highly recommend calling in early to make a reservation just in case. All the servers were super nice and attentive. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sizzling ribeye - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Absolutely LEGENDARY new spot in San Carlos. Will be visiting again this weekend, and hopefully as often as I can. Fish is extremely fresh, prices are really really good for what you get, interior is modern, upscale, and beautiful - and the staff, all extremely friendly. A must visit and one of my favorite restaraunts now in the Bay! FOOD: Nigiri Combo (9/10) - 7 nigiri of your choice (includes otoro, scallop, etc.) and a maki (chef's choice). All fish is really fresh and the high quality kind. See photo! Hamachi Carpaccio (7/10) - Really solid starter. The fish is fresh and the sauce goes very well with it. Artic Char Tataki (7/10) - Another solid starter worth trying! I love the fried garlic on top. Hokkaid Uni (10/10) - Some of the best and freshest uni that I've ever had (and I've been to a ton of omakase). $20 for 2 pieces, and they really pile it up. Pickled wasabi on top is the perfect addition. Duck (10/10) - Again - amazing. I was surprised given it is a sushi restaraunt, but it was cooked perfectly. Pairs so well with the mustard sauce, spicy sauce, and sweet mandarins!! Must get! read more

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Wow, what a gem! Came here for my birthday dinner on a Tuesday night and had a stellar experience. Service was truly attentive and water glass remained filled! We wanted something lowkey yet also celebratory. This was the perfect spot. Ambiance and food selection also great for date nights, group hangs, and even larger parties (they have a private area on the side) . Actually, it's good for solo diners too! We didn't partake, but there was a very extensive alcohol list. Between 2 adults (and a 2yo), we ordered 2 nigiri sets and 2 tapas. It was just the perfect amount. The nigiri set is a steal! The fish was really good. For $25, comes with 7 nigiri (chefs choice or your choice) and a small maki roll. I love that you can choose, and also supplement for uni etc. For dessert, they gave us a mango mochi and yuzu cheesecake for my birthday. I loved the yuzu cheesecake. If it's on the menu, definitely order it! Reservations / walk-ins still easy - Def take advantage to come here before everyone finds out. Will definitely come back! read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Service was super accommodating and kind. Best quality sushi in town...we couldn't resist ordering the nigiri combo and sake nigiri more than a couple times. I do think it's a bit pricier than we were hoping, but it's one place we've eaten at where we didn't feel completely ripped off. We had the butter rib eye steak which was very tender and delicious. The scallop tapas only came with two pieces. They were absolutely delicious but probably could've been better if it came with 3 or 4. The nigiri selections were truly top notch. I felt the nigiri combo was the most worth it, every single one was tasty and fresh, unlike at some restaurants that may mix in less quality ones vs others! I'd definitely come back again and wish I took some more pictures to do this place justice!! read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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This place was just okay for me. The nigiri and sashimi looked promising. But the portions were quite smaller than what I'm normally used to, which also explains the pricing. Their tapas look delicious though and would come back to try those. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

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$25 for 7 pieces of sushi... in San Carlos. Read that again. Even better--you pick your seven. No chef roulette (unless you want it). Just your favorites, done right. The fish is cut in that classic Japanese style--slightly thinner, super clean, actually fresh. Not those oversized, low-effort slabs. Rice is warm, seasoned, and proportional (a rare concept these days). Everything comes pre-seasoned, so no soy sauce gymnastics. Just eat it and trust the chef--he's earned it. Tried a couple tapas too. The ribeye on the hot iron plate came out perfectly medium rare--great sear, juicy, and finished with this subtle yuzu brightness that sneaks in at the end. Only warning: the plate keeps cooking, so don't get distracted mid-convo unless you're aiming for medium+. Chawanmushi was silky and deeply savory... and aggressively hot. Proceed with caution. Food was so good I forgot photos. Which, honestly, might be the highest compliment. Low-key spot, high-key execution. This one's going into regular rotation. read more

Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas - Outside - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Carlos, California

To be fair I would have given this place a 5 for their good quality of sushi--you should be good there. But be warned, if you show up at 2:10pm like we did the last time, they will let you know that they are not pleased about that, even though they advertise that they serve lunch until 2:30pm. We were very pushed to order after only 5 minutes of sitting down, it was very uncomfortable. If you say you are open until 2:30pm, for most restaurants that means it is the last seating time. It was my husband's birthday and we had planned on getting an expensive bottle of sake, and a lot of sushi, and relaxing and enjoying our meal at our own pace, but the way we were made to feel unwelcome didn't sit well, so we went to Sakura instead and had a wonderful time. If you get there at 2pm, you will probably have no issues, and the female server there is great, we enjoyed her the previous time we were there, so to give her the benefit of the doubt she may have felt pressured by the kitchen staff and sushi chef to get us to order right away. Maybe they should just change their last seating time to 2:00pm if they want to close the kitchen at 2:15pm. read more

If you're serious about sushi, Hakkai Nigiri Bar & Tapas needs to be on your radar -- this isn't your average sushi spot; it's a culinary performance. From the moment you step in, the ambiance hits you -- sleek, intimate, and modern, yet somehow still cozy. The bar seating gives you a front-row view of the chefs crafting each piece with precision or sit at one of the several tables they have available. You can literally feel the respect they have for the fish, the rice, and the art form. We started with a few tapas to warm up -- the shishito salad . Then came the hamachi carpaccio, thin slices drizzled with citrus and just the right kick of jalapeño. But the real star? The 7 piece nigiri omakase. Each piece was a moment. From buttery toro that melts like silk to scallop so fresh it's almost sweet -- every bite was elevated simplicity. The chef brushed each piece with a touch of soy or yuzu, so you don't even need to dip. Just sit back and trust the experience. You could pair everything with a cold sake flight -- highly recommend if you want to explore how the flavors dance with each course. But I ended up with two tall boys of Sapporo instead since my wife wasn't a fan of sake in general. Hakkai nails the balance between well refined(star) and approachable(go to spot). Would not be surprised if it ends up on a Michelin Guide. read more

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Shut. The. Front. Door. I will probably never stop raving about this place. It's been awhile since I've walked out of a meal thinking about every single dish and when the next time I can come back is. Hakkai is a super unassuming spot in a little plaza next to a 7/11. Lots of parking and while full, didn't have a long wait. We ordered a lot. - Mentaiko udon: 11/10! absolutely loved that it wasn't creamy and it had the texture of he mentaiko mixed with the udon. Udon was bouncy and flavorful and just hit the spot. It was so good we ordered a second one later. - Beef kushiyaki: while the beef skewer itself wasn't anything special, the SAUCE! wow does it pack a punch! it's so fresh and spicy, reminiscent of a green cilantro chile sauce in peruvian dishes. - Hamachi carpaccio: wonderfully fresh, loved the garlic bits - Artic char carpaccio: Whatever salty goodness was on top was wonderful! tapenade? - Chicken karaage: while not pictured, was super piping hot when it came out and hit the spot! Also came with green sauce! - Hotate: such soft scallops, delicious - Uni: so much uni in each maki, so sweet and delicious (favorite bite) - Omakase nigiri 7pc: This right here is the star of the show. This set is $25. Yes that's right, $25 for 7 curated pieces of fish plus 6 maki. WHAT A STEAL! Each bite was phenomenal and loved the toppings, ranging from shiso to yuzu kosho. I cannot wait to come back and eat at Hakkai again and I am only sad that I didn't come earlier this year when they opened!!!!! read more

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Open late, awesome nigiri, good service and great value - it's a home run for me!! I am constantly missing the seasoned nigiri served by Uchi Houston and finally found a Bay Area option! Woot woot! First visit but I am definitely going to be a regular here!! The 7piece nigiri combo is only $25 plus you get an order of mini maki rolls too! You can select your own or make it chefs choice. I loved it so much, I had to order another combo right after. The chawanmushi and sizzling ribeye were also very good. They had a large sake and beer menu to complement the food as well. It's a small restaurant but plenty of sushi bar seating along with 2/4 tops. There is also a private section too. Overall, very happy with this little gem! read more

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I really want to gatekeeper this place... but I also need to make sure it stays open. They're in soft opening right now - the sign doesn't light up so it's actually easy to miss. But wow, their sushi hits tough. The nigiri set - 7 nigiri and a maki roll was a bargain for $25. We got 3 between two of us and it was plenty of good. Pieces were small but the fish was absolutely delicious. Hints of yuzu and well aged soy sauce meant no dipping required. We did 2 chefs choice and then I picked 7 of my favs for the last one. The toro and ocean trout were my favs. But their cuttlefish was amazingly delicious - almost creamy and tender. I really enjoyed my meal here and it was veeerry reasonable. read more

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