I've been here a couple of times now, and I've enjoyed the food every visit. I usually order the…read moreTokusei Ramen, which comes with a light pork broth. The noodles have a great chewy texture. I've also tried the tuna tartare, and while it's good on its own, I don't think it pairs particularly well with ramen, so I usually skip it and stick to the noodles.

In the mood for dipping ramen as I have not had it in a long time, and my partner suggested going…read moreto Taishoken as she felt it was as good or even better than Japan when she went. We were headed toward San Mateo and were able to check in when we were closer, it looked like there were about 7 parties ahead of us so we walked around. About 20 minutes later, we got the message to be seated and walked on back. The place is nice, very intimate, you have the tables right in front of you when you walk and the chefs on the right side behind the counter making the food. No Tv's but I was able to catch FIFA on my phone! We both had the Tsukemen dipping ramen with pork, and damn, was it yummy! Broth was great, the meat was tender, the egg was perfectly cooked, and things mixed extremely well with each bite! I'm also a sucker for Karaage chicken, and the Karaage here did not disappoint, perfectly crisp, tender inside, and the sauce was delightful, washing it down with a cold Sapporo was great after a long day! I'll definitely be coming back to try the other items on their menu, like the duck!

TLDR: Worth the wait. The noodles are excellent…read more This is a different kind of Japanese Noodle Place. Not soup-based, but noodles barely coated in a simple soy infused oil. SPEEDY SERVICE While daunting in appearance, the long line out in front moves surprisingly quickly - only 12 minutes for us to get seated! Friendly enthusiastic attentive staff. Given the queue, they really move you through here in a friendly sort of way, so it's not a place to sit and linger after consuming your meal. There's tons of dessert places just outside.. =) Inside you'll find airy high ceilings and a busy energetic vibe with music that is almost kinda loud! Tables are pretty close together to accommodate everyone. Understandable given the constant lines outside. We came here on a late afternoon midweek. We ordered the: CHASU RICE Appearing almost immediately after ordering, you get a good sized bowl of your basic bits of pork belly-infused Japanese rice - tender and most throughout. It could use a tiny pinch of salt to dial it in, but it worked well with the Aburasoba. Generous serving - enough for both of us. ORIGINAL ABURASOBA オリジナル油そば Aburasoba basically means "oil noodles". Not "oily" in a bad sense, but supple and smooth and superb! With this you get two pieces of 1/8" thick chashu, bamboo shoots, green onions, and nori (seaweed.) The star of the show here are the noodles - supple, al-dente with every bite and such an delightful texture. Served warm. Suggested for first timers, I split this with my light-eating wife. Between us, and the side of rice it was enough for a light lunch after a big breakfast we had earlier. I definitely look forward to coming back here at the first opportunity. Worth the wait.

If you want amazing brothless ramen for a reasonable price this is your place!!…read more So much flavor, there's always a huge line since this place is Michelin star!! Love Kajiken, everyone I show this place to is OBSESSED with it after trying it once.

Still the #1 ramen spot in the Bay Area!…read more Ramen Dojo continues to be my favorite ramen place. Their garlic pork broth is incredible, super rich and thick, packed with flavor, yet surprisingly not too salty. It's the perfect balance. The noodles are also outstanding, very chewy and cooked just right, which makes every bite satisfying. You absolutely have to try their Stewed Pork Ramen and the Soft Shell Crab Ramen. Both are my personal favorites. The stewed pork is soft and flavorful, and the soft shell crab adds a unique and delicious twist. If you're a ramen lover in the Bay Area, this place is a must-try. I keep coming back, and it never disappoints me.

This place has been viral so I checked it out. I went on a weekday a bit before noon and we got…read moreseated immediately. As noon roams around, the place is packed with people and some people are even waiting outside for a seat. The place is small but very comfortable. I had high expectation because the place was recommended. The ramen, however, was decently mediocre. The noodles are fine, the flavor of the broth is nothing too surprising. The pork was delicious though, it was smoky and tender. The price is quite decent as well.

Great food and flavor! Thank you to our server Michelle for serving me and my friend!read more

The Tonkotsu ramen was amazing. The noodles were cooked perfectly. Diana provided excellent…read moreservice. She made sure everything was perfect. Great food and great customer service. I'll definitely be back!

Rich, flavorful ramen with great variety…read more Had the classic ramen, soft shell crab ramen, and karaage at Ramen Parlor in San Mateo. The classic ramen was comforting and well-balanced, with a rich broth and noodles that had a nice chewy texture. It's a solid, no-frills bowl that delivers on flavor and warmth. The soft shell crab ramen stood out the most. The crab was crispy on the outside and tender inside, adding a unique texture and flavor that paired really well with the broth. It felt more elevated and interesting compared to a standard ramen bowl. The karaage was also crispy, juicy, and well-seasoned, making it a great side to share alongside the ramen. Service was friendly and efficient, and the staff kept things moving even when it got busy. The vibe is casual and lively, with a popular local ramen shop feel. It's the kind of place that's great for a comforting meal without being too formal. Overall, a great spot for ramen lovers, especially if you want both classic and more creative options in one visit. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu.

Been going to this place for years. Always a solid place for ramen even among the explosion of…read moreother ramen spots in the Bay Area. Staff is the same and always super nice and food was out quickly. Got the lobster garlic pork ramen and the broth was rich and flavorful. Noodles had a nice bounce and chew. Quail eggs are a nice change. Chicken karaage was nice and crunchy but lacked flavor even with the sauce. However, good portion size with six large pieces. Overall: 3.9/5

I was looking around San Mateo for food and found Himawari. I was curious since it was a highly…read morerated ramen shop that I haven't been to, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered the Tan Tan Men DX and it was delicious. The spicy broth wasn't too spicy and I enjoyed slurping up the ramen and tasing the broth. The pork belly and cha siu pieces were tasty as well. If you want some ramen in San Mateo, give them a try!

My boyfriend's family has been coming here for so many years and after trying, I can see why. Recs…read moreare the unatama don (eel and egg omelette over rice, the sauce is seriously amazing) and pork fried rice. I would definitely come back just for the unatama don. I guess they're known for their ramen, but would recommend checking out the other stuff on their menu, too! The space is on the smaller side and homey-feeling, and service was quick and friendly. Surprised the ratings are on the lower side - would definitely return.

Cute but pricey izakaya (it is owned by non-Japanese Asians!) They have a parking lot so don't park…read moreon the street like I did (alternatively, you could take Caltrain as they are right across the street from Broadway station!) The private booths are intimate, the lighting is dimmed, music is bopping (not to age myself, but it was bops from my high school years) Fitting, as I was getting dinner with my best HS friend! I love how you take off your shoes to get in the booths! So cute and fun. There were some families there and the kids were given coloring pages. Coming from SF, this is how you know you're in the suburbs. The skewers were delicious. A group of 4, we ordered 4 of each. We tried steak, chicken, takoyaki, fries (which were pretty much takoyaki fries), bacon-wrapped mochi, bacon enoki mushroom, unagi, fried chicken skin, Uzura Tamago (Quail Eggs), and more! Everything was good and flavorful. However, it ended up being over ~$70/person, so not cheap. I will say service was lacking. They didn't bring us the bill for over 20 minutes. Relatedly (in that it's negative), whoo boy was my stomach upset after! It was delicious, but at the cost of being greasy.

A great, reliable spot if you're looking for a fun yakitori and Japanese tapas-style dinner…read moreexperience, especially one that closes decently late no matter the day. We came to Mokutanya for a casual night out. It was pretty late for a sushi spot to be open on a Sunday night (around 8:30 pm), and overall, it hit the spot. The menu has a lot of variety, and it's definitely a good place to share dishes with friends or a group. FOOD: 8/10 The skewers were the highlight for me and, I believe, one of their specialties. They were well-seasoned, nicely grilled, and served hot off the grill. I also enjoyed trying a variety of small plates, which made the meal feel fun and interactive. Some dishes were better than others, but overall it was a solid experience with good flavor and variety. We ordered their Raw Oysters, and it was decent. It definitely was not the freshest we've ever tried, but it was still good, thankfully. SERVICE: 8/10 Service was standard, but the staff was chill and easygoing. AMBIANCE: 8/10 The restaurant has a warm, lively, and slightly upscale-casual feel, great for groups or a casual night out. You can experience zashiki seating, where you take off your shoes before entering the dining area and sit down at low tables. The lighting was pretty dark, lol. Overall, it's a solid late-night option if you're in the mood for skewers, small plates, and a relaxed group dining experience.

Today first time here, I was very impressed. The food was great and atmosphere was comfortable and…read morethe best part was young servers was incredibly friendly, always smiling, attentive, made us feel very welcome and took great care of us throughout the meal. Excellent customer service and a wonderful dining experience.Highly recommend!

There is a reason Curry Hyuga was named one of Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in the United States. It…read moreis one of those rare places that completely lives up to the hype. If you plan on visiting during the weekend, expect a wait. The line can get pretty long, but after eating here multiple times, I can confidently say it is worth every minute. Some restaurants are all hype, but Curry Hyuga earns every bit of the praise it receives. The katsu is consistently excellent. Whether you order the chicken or the pork, the breading is always perfectly crisp while the meat stays incredibly juicy and tender. That level of consistency is something I really appreciate because every visit has been just as good as the last. The curry is what keeps me coming back. It is rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor. Every bite has a depth and complexity that makes it stand out from your typical Japanese curry. It is the kind of meal that leaves you thinking about it long after you have finished. One thing I also really enjoy is the atmosphere. The restaurant strikes a great balance between being lively and comfortable. There is enough energy in the room that it feels welcoming and full of life, but it is still quiet enough to have an easy conversation without having to raise your voice. I often find myself stopping in for a solo meal when I am in the area, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful lunch or dinner by myself. At the same time, it works just as well when I bring friends and family. It is one of those rare restaurants that feels right no matter who you are dining with. The staff has also been nothing but friendly and welcoming every time I have visited. Even when the restaurant is packed, they stay attentive and keep things moving with a smile. If you have been debating whether to wait in line, take this as your sign. Curry Hyuga earned its place among the Top 100 Restaurants in the country for a reason, and it continues to prove why with every visit. I will happily keep coming back.