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    Mokutanya

    3.9 (2.5k reviews)
    ModerateRamen, Izakaya
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:30 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Mokutanya Takeout or Delivery

    Mokutanya Photos

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    MOKUTANYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Mokutanya

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    Tony T.

    Came here after hearing so many good things, and it definitely delivered. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate izakaya vibe that makes it a great spot for dinner with friends or a date night. It does get busy, so expect a wait during peak hours. The yakitori was the highlight of the meal. Every skewer came out perfectly grilled with a great smoky flavor while still staying juicy and tender. You can really tell they pay attention to the quality of their ingredients. We also ordered a few small plates and ramen, and everything was well executed and full of flavor.

    Skewers
    Yvonne F.

    Came here for a celebration between my partner and I on a Sunday afternoon. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We got sat at one of the tables where you remove your shoes and the table's on a lower level that will require a bit of maneuvering.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered quite a bit of food: french fries, seaweed salad, takoyaki, 12 pieces of skewers, and a tonkatsu ramen. All the food was delicious, my favorite was the wagyu beef skewer, bacon wrapped enoki, and king mushroom. I especially love that you can taste the charcoal from the skewers. The items do come out as they are prepared, so the meal can be a staggered wait on times/items, which I don't mind. I only give 4/5 stars because while the service was attentive when it came to removing plates, nobody bothered to come check on us or instructed which skewers would pair best with the condiments on the table - even if it was just spicy, salt, and pepper. I also marked down on our OpenTable reservation that we were celebrating an achievement and it wasn't mentioned.

    Shoyu Ramen & Tonkotsu Ramen
    Isabella B.

    Just visited again last night after a few years and it was delicious! The ramen was just as good, if not better than I remember! The star of the show for me is their Pork Belly skewers - definitely a must try! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Servers are always friendly, and it's nice to enjoy a more traditional setting where you need to take your shoes off.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So come prepared with socks if you prefer that. Parking can be tricky as the private lot is small and shared with other businesses. But it's worth it!

    Marie Antoinette L.

    It's been almost a decade since I've came back and from what a recall I used to enjoy this restaurant. Unfortunately much has changed within that time and quality of food and service has went downhill since. I ordered the salt and pepper beef and asked for it to be well done due to being pregnant. I'm unable to eat any meat that is undercooked. The waitress appeared extremely annoyed with the request to the point that my relative had to speak up and tell her I'm pregnant. I don't feel I need to explain the reasons why I'm asking for the food to be recooked and with that experience alone, it already ruined my appetite. Then my husband proceeded to order two more skewers. And of course, the waitress completely forgets to put that order in and we end up waiting almost another hour for it to be cooked. Mind you, it was not busy at all. The whole experience was terrible. I won't be coming back. Only reason I'm giving it two stars is because of their fries which was the only thing I enjoyed out of their entire menu.

    Nikkomae S.

    We went here on a Friday without a reservation and probably waited for about 15-20 minutes since we wanted the nice booth where you have to remove your shoes. We were definitely cool with this because they gave us the option instead of just sitting at a regular table. Parking was bad. Their lot is very small, so expect to park on the street or the train station lot. Just don't get ticketed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We definitely did not expect their setup here; it was actually really cool and very cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This is the first time my boyfriend and I have actually tried yakitori izakaya, and it was really good. We ordered a couple of things; some were good, and some were okay. Service was good, and the servers were pretty attentive. Appetizer: Geso Karaage (Fried Squid Tentacle)- We ended up returning this dish. It wasn't very good. Honestly, it was too chewy for our liking. Miso soup, Edamame- Both are good. The miso soup was tasty and not at all salty. Meat: Akaushi Beef (Salt & pepper, sweet) Butabara (pork belly) Kurobuta sausage (non-spicy) Salmon Snake River Wagyu (salt & pepper, sweet) All the meat and pork were very tasty. I do think it is a bit pricey per stick. The salmon was okay. The sausage is a must; I highly recommend it. Dessert: Vanilla Creme brulee- really good and not too sweet. I definitely recommend this place. Is it pricey, yes, but the quality of the meat is pretty good. I also like that this place is open late, especially on the weekends.

    Ankimo and Takowasa
    Susan Z.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy and romantic vibes at Mokutanya on Valentine's Day. I love how private and quiet the izakaya is compared to other places.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]My partner and I had our own room in the back of the restaurant for a nice and cozy dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Started off with Ankimo and Takowasa and these were so delicious! Ankimo was super light and smooth, takowasa was fresh and flavorful! Tried a bunch of different yakitori and they were all so good! Perfectly charred and marinaded ~ Shiitake Tsukune was one of my favorites! The taste of mushroom at first bite surprised me in a great way! Gyutan also had the perfect texture and flavors ~ The ramen was also decent; deeply flavorful Tonkatsu ramen that wasn't overly rich, allowing me to drink the soup! It was super nice that they also gave us a black sesame cheesecake on the house in celebration of Valentine's Day. Sting black sesame taste and a solid cheesecake! Overall friendly, efficient, and attentive service. Parking lot can be full but plenty of street parking nearby.

    Wagyu & Regular Beef (Salt & Pepper & Sweet), Gyutan (Beef Tongue), Hatsu (Chicken Hearts), & Sunagimo (Chicken Gizzard)
    Kathleen P.

    Mokutanya was a great choice for our anniversary dinner. Our host, Gary, was incredibly attentive and truly went above and beyond. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Idk what was going on with my vision, but I did not realize there were foot wells under the table until about five minutes in. I was sitting cross-legged and then noticed the table next to us had their feet under the table. It was pretty dark, and the shadows made it seem like the tables were low to the ground with no space underneath.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] LOL. Once I figured it out, I was way more comfortable. What we ordered: Hada apple flavored sake - Tasted better than soju Fries with kewpie mayo, tonkatsu sauce, bonito flakes, green scallions, and seaweed sprinkles - Tasted exactly like takoyaki Fried purple yam chips - Sweet and perfect to snack on while waiting for yakitori Cold ramen - Super refreshing Yakitori meats: salt and pepper beef, sweet beef, beef tongue, chicken heart, chicken gizzards, salt and pepper wagyu, and sweet wagyu - Every single one was delicious My favorite parts of the meal were the cold ramen, the beef tongue, which I normally do not eat and ended up loving, and the raspberry cake to finish it off Overall, such a memorable dinner and a great spot for a special occasion. I think one person is around $50 including sake and dessert.

    Lorraine G.

    The interior is quite dim, making it difficult to see. You'll need to remove your shoes before sitting, so wearing socks and easy-to-remove footwear is advisable. Here's what we tried: - Pork Cheek $7 - Akaushi Beef (Sweet) $8 - Akaushi Beef (Salt & Pepper) $8 - Akaushi Beef (Spicy) $8 - Gyutan (Beef Tongue) $8.40 - Chicken Knee Cartilage $5 - Hatsu (Chicken Hearts) $4.50 - Gindara Kasuzuke (Black Cod) $6 - Tonakasu ramen $17 - Shoyu ramen$17 Unfortunately, they were out of the black cod belly, but I really enjoyed all the skewers. The skewers are on the pricier side, and having them alone wouldn't be enough to fill you up without breaking the bank. To keep our meal affordable, we each ordered a bowl of ramen. The ramen was just okay, not the best I've had, but definitely not the worst. I didn't like the bean sprouts in the ramen. Overall, the skewers are good, but the pricing makes it too costly for me to visit regularly.

    barley shochu + sapporo
    Donna T.

    Mokutanya's dark, moody space blends sleek, modern design with traditional Japanese seating--glass partitions separating each table for an intimate, almost cinematic feel. Paired with an unexpected mix of old-school EDM and pop hits, the ambiance felt effortlessly cool. You remove your shoes and settle onto floor cushions, fully immersed in a refined, modern take on Japanese dining. Reminiscent of Japan, we ordered a bottle of barley shochu and decided to chase it with Sapporo beer which was the perfect combination. Their charcoal-grilled yakitori are the best that I've tried. Some highlights include: geso karaage (fried squid tentacles), bacon wrapped mochi, pork belly, negima, and pork cheek. Honestly, everything was solid. The only one I probably wouldn't order again as it didn't leave a lasting impression, would be the wagyu beef (salt and pepper). Service was good; I appreciated how they asked if we wanted the shochu on the rocks! There is a parking lot, but it is quite small. We didn't have a reservation but were still able to get seated right away.

    Michael F.

    Solid izakaya. Mokutanya occupies the corner of a strip mall not far from the SFO airport. It has a classic Japanese feel including needing to take your shoes off before being seated. The menu has plenty of skewers for individual order, a few shared dishes, and plenty of drink options as well. The prices are fair but a bit higher than I've seen at other izakaya places. The portions were in line with my experiences and the quality was solid. I really enjoyed the Hamachi Carpaccio but think you can skip the sweet Wagyu Beef. Otherwise, don't forget to mix in some veggies with your proteins!

    Johnny Z.

    we enjoy visiting Mokutanya restaurant whenever we are in Burlingame. Mokutanya has truly become our go-to spot in the area. The skewers are always incredibly juicy and delicious. We also want to commend your staff for being so friendly and providing such great service. The manager or owner May has made us feel very welcome every time we visit. Thank you for the wonderful experiences. We look forward to our next visit!

    Kimberly N.

    Reservations are easy to make online. Parking in that lot is a bit tough but there is quite a few street parking spaces available. Depending on where you sit, you'll be asked to take off your shoes. The booths were really intimate. Got a yuzu soju cocktail and that was good. We ordered a bunch of skewers (marked how many we wanted on the sheet) and they were all pretty good. Only gave this place 4 stars because I feel like there are quite a few better skewer restaurants in Burlingame / San Mateo. The service was amazing! The staff here were extremely attentive.

    Rodney J.

    This is a very unique and wonderful restaurant,the food is delicious and moderately priced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We like the tables and traditional low seating , no shoes required![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The drinks are really good too. I definitely recommend the lamb chops , chicken balls , skin basically everything they make ie really tasty . The servers are very attentive and they check on you constantly. They even had a great chocolate mousse. We have been there for a couple of New Year's Eve dinners and they were impeccable.

    Entrance

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    7 days ago

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food and ambiance, a little pricey but not too bad.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Every dish is good. Would recommend

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    Julian I.

    So glad you enjoyed!!!!

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    Page 1 of 62

    Mokutanya Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mokutanya

    Do you need to reserve a table? I'm considering this for my birthday celebration with a few friends or my parents.

    Reservations recommended. You can book on OpenTable but you can also call and we will help you reserve as well.

    What is the broth base of the spicy beef ramen?

    We have an infant who would sleep the whole time in a stroller? Would any of the tables work with a stroller pulled up?

    I don't think so, the tables are almost in their own rooms (albeit with see through walls). I think you can keep them in their car seat, as long as the car seat detached from the stroller. But don't think the stroller could get wheeled into the space

    Does the outdoor seating area have heat lamps?

    No outdoor seating

    Do you use MSG in your ramen?

    I'm a frequent patron and I don't think they use MSG because I get real jittery when I have stuff with msg and I don't get the same feeling when I eat here. I haven't been eating here since they opened and will continue to eat here

    Do you have udon?

    Sorry, we only have ramen! Thanks!

    Does this restaurant offer chair and floor seating?

    The restaurant seems like they only have floor seating. Take off your shoes and sit at the booths. I would ask to see if they have other accommodations when you enter.

    Do you have omakase?

    Sorry, no we don’t

    Is this place dog friendly for outside dining?

    No pets and no outdoor seating

    Is outdoor sitting open?

    Yes, however, menu is different. I suggest calling for reservation if you want to eat indoor. Enjoy!

    I see that the restaurant features says "no outside dining" but there is a picture in the photos mentioning their outdoor dining. Is the outdoor seating still available?

    We have an outdoor bar area that offers the full food menu in addition to alcoholic drink purchases! Please call ahead to check hours since it depends on weather and staffing availability for that day. Thanks!

    Does this place have happy hour? If yes what time & what's on the menu for HH? Thanks :)

    I saw some comments on the slow service. How bad is that?

    It's very slow. They brought our first round of orders out in 42 minutes.

    Does this place still do oysters on Monday and Tuesday night for $1?

    Not anymore after covid.

    Is this place ok for kids?

    They don't have a kids menu. If they are willing to eat meat or ramen, then they should be fine. Since it is izakaya and everyone shares, it should be okay with 5+ year old kids. The atmosphere is low lit, intimate, and quiet. If your kid loves… 

    Is this place around 11pm Thursday nights?? Would there be a wait at all for a small party of 4?

    Yes this place is around 11 pm

    Is this place toddler friendly?

    No.

    How is parking in the area?

    Unfortunately parking is horrendous as the lot is small. Street parking is almost required

    Are there high chairs available?

    I believe there is 1 high chair for the one table they have in the back. You need to ask for the table in advance. Seats 6 Or a tight 8.

    Are there vegan options?

    Yes there are some purely vegetable dishes. But I am not not sure about whether they are cooked completely separately from meat and fish dishes.

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    Keitan Binchotan Yakitori

    Keitan Binchotan Yakitori

    4.4
    (478 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    My friend and I came here a few weeks ago. The parking situation wasnt too bad, there is a parking…read moregarage around the corner. She ended up ordering whatever she wanted. It was the combination one and I think she made the best choice. I think the best was the bbq chicken and beef. Honestly, everything here was good. It was intimate and the ambiance was pretty good! The service was quick and the people were hella nice. I will come here gain.

    I visited Keitan Izakaya on a Sunday around 10:00 PM, about an hour before closing. Unfortunately,…read morethis was far from the Japanese izakaya experience I was expecting. It didn't feel authentic to me, either in the food or the overall execution. The food wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't memorable. The skewers were noticeably overcooked and had a burnt taste. When I mentioned it, I was told that's how they're normally prepared. If that's the intended style, it's simply not for me. From the photo, the charring looks quite heavy, especially on the bacon-wrapped skewer, which may explain the bitterness I tasted. It's possible the late hour played a role, and the kitchen may have been rushing to finish service. Even so, the quality should remain consistent until closing. Overall, the meal was okay, but I don't think it lives up to its current rating. There are much better and more authentic izakaya options in the area if you're looking for a genuine Japanese experience.

    Photos
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    Ichika Izakaya

    Ichika Izakaya

    4.5
    (267 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$$

    My husband and I had dinner here tonight, and overall it was a really memorable experience. We've…read moretraveled quite a bit and tried sushi in many different cities, including around the Los Angeles area where we live and have our favorite spots. So when we visit a sushi restaurant, we tend to evaluate everything as a whole -- price, quality, service, and of course the flavors. For dinner we ordered the Mango Tuna Roll (which was our first time trying a mango-style sushi roll), the 8-piece Omakase Nigiri, a Double Toro Roll, two pieces of Otoro, and a hot sake. With a 20% tip included, the total for the two of us came to $163.50, which honestly falls within the average range of what we usually spend for a sushi dinner like this. Normally we might pay around $120-$130 depending on the place, sometimes a little more if we add an extra item or two. The portion sizes were pretty standard. Not unusually large, but not small either -- similar to what we've experienced at many other sushi restaurants. Where this place really stood out was the depth of flavor. The quality and balance of the ingredients were excellent. At one point I actually caught myself closing my eyes just to focus on the taste, which is something I almost never do. The preparation felt very refined and the flavors were elevated, rich, and memorable. I would describe it as delicate portions with very elevated flavors. Because of that, I'm giving this place 5 out of 5 stars. This is the kind of restaurant that works perfectly for a nice dinner with your partner. It's not necessarily a place where you go wild ordering everything on the menu like at a taco spot. Instead, it's better to be thoughtful with what you choose and enjoy a few well-crafted dishes. You can easily have a special, enjoyable dinner here without going overboard. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area and want a quality sushi experience with refined flavors. The only thing I felt was missing was a small welcome miso soup. In some sushi restaurants we've visited, they serve a tiny cup of miso with a couple pieces of tofu as a warm welcome. It's a very small gesture, but it creates a nice first impression and adds a sense of hospitality to the experience. Considering the quality and pricing of the menu here, a simple welcome miso soup would fit perfectly with the overall dining experience.

    Nice sushi spot in the area! Overall had a good experience here…read more This place is located in a small shopping plaza so there is plenty of parking. Glad I made a reservation on Sunday night for dinner as it did get a bit crowded. It is moderately sized. For 2, we ordered 2 appetizers and 2 sushi rolls. We got the eggplant, corn tempura, a mango salmon roll and a dragon roll. Everything came out quickly and was very fresh. I saw that the salmon roll was spicy but it was hardly spicy so that was a good thing for me. I enjoyed the corn tempura, perfectly crunchy and flavorful. The eggplant was also unique and tasty. It was enough food for two. Everything was a bit on the pricy side but the quality was there. Would come back to try other things and the omakase.

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    Yakitori Kokko

    Yakitori Kokko

    4.1
    (1.3k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    This yakitori spot is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're dining with family or a group…read moreof friends. Parking, there's a small lot in front with only about three spaces if you're lucky but there is 3 hour street parking nearby. We made a reservation, and the restaurant was packed with families and groups, so reservations are highly recommended unless you're dining early. My favorite features is the outdoor patio seating in the back, which is pet-friendly and perfect. The yakitori is delicious, and they proudly use premium-grade charcoal, which really comes through in the flavor. That said, after several skewers, it can start to feel like you're eating variations of the same grilled meat. Thankfully, the menu also includes rice dishes and ramen, which help round out the meal and add some variety. HIGHLY recommend the wagyu. The beer selection on tap is good, and the overall atmosphere is lively and welcoming. The restaurant is also conveniently located just a couple of blocks from downtown San Mateo, making it easy to stroll around afterward. There are plenty of dessert spots, boba shops, and other places to explore nearby, which makes for a fun night out. Great food, great atmosphere, pet-friendly seating, and a vibrant neighborhood. I'd happily come back again.

    Best izakaya no cap Ramen good rice good yakitori good fried…read morestuff good appetizer good beer good Server friendly Worth to drive 7 hrs for this Busy weekend tho

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    Kokko's menu (updated on 1/9/2022)
    Kokko's menu (updated on 1/9/2022)
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    Prime BBQ

    Prime BBQ

    4.7
    (933 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Kitchen open late

    Today was our second time coming here. Arrived around 12:30pm on a weekend and there was a slight…read morewait, but luckily it wasn't too long. The service today was outstanding! They were super attentive, and asked if the modifications for different orders were the same. And when they made a small mistake, they quickly noticed without me even pointing it out, and resolved it. I was very impressed. Skewers are tasty. Note for self: between the beef and the lamb skewers, we actually preferred the beef. Maybe because it's a bit more fatty. Garlic sauce on the eggplant and vermicelli scallop is slightly spicy, but not too bad, probably from the garlic kick. Would come back again! Also it's super kid friendly surprisingly. Lots of high chairs and lots of kids eating there.

    First time trying this place for my sister's birthday. I made reservations for a party of 6 about…read moretwo weeks in advance, and I'm glad I did because when we arrived around 7 PM, the restaurant was packed and busy. Just a heads up, they only accept phone reservations for groups of 6 or more. If you have fewer than 6 people, it's walk-in only. Ordering is done through a QR code where you can add items to your cart. I actually liked that multiple people in the party can scan the QR code and add items themselves instead of having one designated person order everything or having separate carts that no one else can see. The only downside is that it can be easy to accidentally over-order if someone adds something you were already planning to get, so I recommend reviewing your cart carefully before submitting. Since this is a skewer restaurant, you probably won't get super full from just ordering skewers, so I recommend getting some main dishes as well if you want to feel satisfied without spending too much on just meat. Service was pretty quick and the skewers came out in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, they were sold out of a few items we wanted to try, which was a little disappointing, but maybe that's a sign I'll have to come back again. Everything we did try was delicious. The skewers were well-seasoned, and they also have extra seasoning available at the table. They allowed us to bring a birthday cake, stored it in their freezer for us, and provided plastic forks and paper plates, which was a nice touch. Our waitress was also very friendly and attentive throughout the meal. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and would consider coming back when I'm in the mood for skewers. I don't think it's somewhere I'd crave all the time, but I have no major complaints. Parking can be a little difficult, but luckily we were able to find public parking at the garage on Flores Street.

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    Mykonos Meze

    Mykonos Meze

    4.5
    (1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    16 years in business

    Mykonos Meze is a wonderful, family restaurant with fantastic food in Burlingame downtown. We were…read morelooking for a place for dinner, heard rowdily happy noises from what looks like a parking lot, and found a Greek restaurant with large family groups inside and tables outside under an extension with floral decor. The place is quite pretty. We opted for a small table outside , which is much quieter. Our waiter was a bit stiff around the collar. I suspect he is an old timer, and clearly, we are not regulars. Regardless, the food is great, and the prices are reasonable. The Food: Zucchini Cake, $15 - 4.5 Stars Menu: crispy zucchini cakes with cucumber & mint-yogurt dressing These cakes are ball shaped, deep fried, and made a healthy veggie taste naughty type of good. Very yummy. Lol Tzatziki, $9 - 5 Stars Refreshing and delicious, the tzatziki is an excellent complement to the meal. Octopus, $19 - 5 Stars I really need to stop eating octopus, but when I am in a Greek or Spanish restaurant, I am weak. Grilled octopus legs are soooo good. Their version is grilled just right, not too much char, plus they smartly removed the hardened tips (common) before serving. See photo. Lamb Shank, $34 - 5 Stars Menu: aromatic braised lamb shank with orzo & myzithra cheese The lamb meat is tender and falls off the bone. It is cooked just right. Mykonos Souvlaki, $31 - 5 Stars Menu: herbs marinated tenderloin, shallot & rosemary skewers I enjoy a tasty protein and produce meal, and this dish is perfection with tender pieces of tenderloin over a pile of veggies. It is everything I want.

    Very busy, full house Friday night evening around 7 PM. A couple hours later, it did get less busy…read more Drinks and appetizers came out fast. Entrees did take a little while longer to be served but I don't blame the workers for the crowd. Service was attentive (server, food runners, & bussers). My drink: Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon red wine - rich, full bodied, mildly sweet with a smooth, long finish. Complimented my entree very well (lamb shank). No clash in taste going from eating to drinking. Appetizers: Calamari: Not a huge fan of calamari personally but it was okay. Crispy and chewy squid inside as expected. Greek fries: Typical fries. Crispy and garnished with 2 sauces. One has a mild spice. Nothing super special but it was good as a choice of "sides" from the menu that turned into an appetizer. Had some leftover for my entree that paired well with it actually. Zucchini cakes: crispy shell on the outside but a mushy, hashbrown-like inside of a flavorful mix of vegetables. Really enjoyed this one. Would recommend it. Entrees: Mine: Lamb Shank: soft, tender, the meat melts right off the bone. The sauce is amazing. Tasteful down to the garnish. There was one end that was super fatty and slimy and then different side of the same end that was really chewy like bubblegum but other than that, still my favorite dish from everyone else's. Glad I chose this. Fisherman's Pasta : the presentation is immaculate, very proportional ratio of seafood to the pasta. l like the variety but honestly, this dish is bland. Good thing I got the lamb shank! Arnisia Paidakia (Lamb Chops): Didn't eat but the person who ate it said it tastes good but kind of dry. What he enjoyed about it was that the rice was made of wheat & savory as well. Lobster Risotto - wasn't my personal order but I got to try a bite. Had some flavor and and enough meat from the tail to eat with the savory rice. Free birthday Baklava desert: Never had it before but I got a bite and liked it. Ended up giving the rest to everyone else. This place is good for its variety of choices so I may come back for the good food and atmosphere.

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Grilled octopus
    Grilled octopus
    Saghanaki

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    Saghanaki
    Izakaya Ginji

    Izakaya Ginji

    3.9
    (698 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    I went to eat at Izakaya Ginji for some authentic Japanese skewers on a Monday night around 8pm, we…read morewere seated at the bar right away. The skewers are definitely fresh grilled (you can watch the chef grill in front of you!) and were very delicious. We got the mushroom, chicken gizzard, chicken skin, chicken thigh, lamb, and sirloin. The kimchi udon was also surprisingly a hit, super creamy! Salmon collar was also pretty solid but nothing to write home about. My only issue is the timing. We ordered our skewers and entrees at the same time, but we got each skewer one by one, spaced out as far as 30 min apart. The lamb skewers arrived 1 hour after we started getting our food. Not sure why, I would think each party would have skewers made at the same time. It also wasn't that busy. Kinda killed the momentum of our dining experience.

    Izakaya Ginji is one of my favorite places to grab a bite on the peninsula. The service is always…read morewith a smile, attentive and quick. The restaurant is small and cozy but we never feel cramped. There are so many dishes I love here. My faves are the mentaiko udon, miso eggplant, chicken knee karaage, salt pork cheek, chicken cartilage skewer, and chicken skin skewer. Parking is fairly easy around this area of downtown San Mateo. Make a reservation if you want to make sure you get a table. Weekends get super busy and if you're with a large group, it's likely you won't get in without a ressie.

    Photos
    Chef
    Chef
    Chicken Knee Karaage
    Chicken Knee Karaage
    Happy halloween!

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    Happy halloween!
    DASH Japanese Tapas & Sushi

    DASH Japanese Tapas & Sushi

    4.2
    (565 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    The crispy fish skin combined with the aroma of eel creates a very delicious fried rice. I did not…read moreexpect to find such a good Japanese restaurant in a location that is quite far from the center of the food district. Besides the fried rice, the tuna and salmon sashimi are large, fresh, and high quality. Many times when I eat sashimi that is not very clean, it upsets my stomach and makes me want to use the restroom. However, the food here is both clean and fresh, and I had absolutely no discomfort after the meal. I also ordered chawanmushi and stir fried udon, both of which were very well executed. I would give full marks to this restaurant for both its sashimi dishes and main courses. The service is good, the environment is clean, and the dishes are priced normally, perhaps slightly on the higher side, but the value for money is reasonable. The only downside is that parking around this area is quite difficult. Overall, however, I would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys omakase and appreciates high quality Japanese cuisine. 酥脆的魚皮加上鰻魚的香味,交織成一盤非常好吃的炒飯。我沒有想到在這麼偏離美食街中心的位置還有這一家好吃的日本料理。除了炒飯之外,鮪魚和鮭魚生魚片大片又新鮮,很多時候我吃不乾淨的生魚片料理會想上廁所,這家的食物又乾淨又新鮮,我在餐後完全沒有不良的反應。我也點了蒸蛋和炒烏龍麵,也是表現的非常不錯,我對這家餐廳的生魚片料理和主食給予滿分評價,良好的服務,乾淨的環境,正常且略為高價的料理,但是性價比合理。美中不足的地方是這附近停車非常困難,不過總體來說,推薦給喜歡吃Omakase的各位老饕。

    Came here to celebrate a birthday and really wanted to love it. Unfortunately the experience fell…read moreflat for a few reasons. Pros: More affordable omakase pricing, including the Uni option. Uni and Toro pieces were delicious Hamachi Carpaccio melted in your mouth Probably one of the most flavorful Yaki Onigiri i've had at a Izakaya spot Cons: There are a lot of positive reviews here for the Iku-Uni-Himu dish. We thought it was... odd. Taste is certainly subjective but I would not order this again Top Secret was another highly rated dish and tasted flat Amongst the 10 piece omakase set I'd say 5 were tasty. The rest were ok, and almost all of them required dipping in soy sauce (good omakase generally does not) Mochigo Ebi tasty very heavy and greasy The service felt surprisingly "fast casual" as well. Our dishes came out quickly and the server kept asking us to move stuff around to make space. Don't expect a slower dining experience. All in all, ok spot to try out once to see if it's your cup of tea.

    Photos
    Omakase x 2
    Omakase x 2
    Fish Tacos
    Fish Tacos
    Wagyu beef

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    Wagyu beef

    Mokutanya - ramen - Updated July 2026

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