The ambiance here is amazing -- cozy, vibrant, and just has that perfect energy that makes you want to stay a little longer. The food was incredible -- every dish was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. You can really tell they care about quality and detail. On top of that, the customer service was top-notch. The staff were so friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. We honestly had the most fun time here -- it was one of those meals that just leaves you smiling when you walk out. Definitely coming back soon. Highly recommend! read more

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First off, I want to say that when you enter this resturant, you should be careful of how happy you could become after eating. The miso soup blew my mind with its delicate flavors and the high quality. The saltiness was a good saltiness that left a subtle taste of regret that I couldn't have another bowl of miso. In the end, I eventually gulped up 3 bowls of miso. Best miso soup I've ever had!!! Definitely will be coming back just for the miso. As an appetizer, I ordered the California roll. Now to be honest, I've had a lot of California rolls and this one probably ranks the highest. I didn't have high expectations since it was just sushi, but soon after biting onto it with the soy sauce, I thought otherwise. The flavors were extraordinary and extravagant. I loved the rice quality too! So for my main dish, I ordered the tempura udon. The smell when I wafted it was just excellent and the tempura on the side was extremly well fried. I thought it would be too thick, but the batter gave off a very epic taste. The udon itself had a VERY strong katsobushi flavor that I myself didn't dig for in udon. I was almost about to rate the place four stars but after knowing that that was my opinion andlearning that the taste of katsobushi was the authentic flavor I decided to rate it 5 stars. Finally, talking about the service and atmosphere. For a Japanese restaurant that had been open for less than a year, they really knew the way to communicate with customers! I had a sense that they were super passionate in what they do, knowing that they were very friendly and kind. The atmosphere was very modern and I like that it gave off the real Japanese look. It felt like I was actually whisked away in a plane to a japan! I would rate this place 10/5 if I could and I'll 10,000% come here every time I want Japanese food. read more

Sushi Edomata - Miso soup - Japanese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I have been a long time follower of Sushi Sam's Edomata who retired. The legend continues with the same staff at Sushi Edomata. I will be a loyal customer of Sushi Edomata. The Sushi is equally delicious. The staff is enthusiastic as before. The new setting and the sushi bar are better. The downside is the acoustic is not as good. However, once you have the food, one needs to enjoy without conversation. 頑張ってください!! read more

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Sushi was fresh and delicious. Really good quality. Service was pretty good. Ambiance was super modern. Going back there ASAP

Great sushi! Best seared Toro! Fun to sit by the bar and interact with the sushi chef. Very good experience and would definitely come back!

Amazing food. Fast and great service. We are repeat / returning customers from the Sushi Sam days, and it is the exact same quality and menu as before. We came in for the S lunch combo and it didn't disappoint. Lunch crowd requires you to show up 15m before opening to get in at first seating. The only gripe is that the acoustics of the new room need tweaking -- specifically a consultant to apply dampening panels or something else, as the back wall by the bench and angled lip at the ceiling directs sound up and back reflects it against that wall, creating an amplifier. Currently you need to almost yell to hear the person sitting next to you. Acoustics aside, everything else about the new joint is spot on! read more

I came here for lunch on a weekday and although they were fairly busy, I was able to get seated fairly quickly at the bar because they had one seat available. FYI, I find that it's often faster to get seated when you dine by yourself. I tried a couple of their nigiri items, a hand roll, and a 6-piece sushi roll that doesn't require any soy sauce that has picked daikon in it and they all tasted delicious and fresh. I'm writing this review at a much later date, so I cannot remember everything that I ordered then, but I remember trying their scallop (hotate), because this is my go-to nigiri item where ever I crave sushi. I also had their sweet shrimp nigiri (Ebi) and they give you the deep fried head in case you'd want the crunch. I'm usually not a fan (they've poked me in the mouth in the past and I don't like seeing the eyes), although many people love them. They also use fresh crab meat and not the Kama (fake/imitation crab) for the rolls that has crab in them. Just be aware that the prices are not cheap. You get what you pay for and I spent a little over $60 to eat here by myself. read more

Sushi Edomata continues a 15 year tradition for our small group of friends. When the new location opened, we felt lucky to get a reservation; keeping alive our metronome of quarterly sushi dinners. Kelvin and the entire team greeted us warmly, and it instantly felt like we were where we were supposed to be. Carly, Daiva and I were suprised with non-alcoholic beers and eagerly raised a toast to the team's good fortune. The omakase here is something special--consistent classics like the blue shrimp with yuzu sea salt and the seared toro never disappoint, bringing us back to our early Sushi Sam's days 15 years ago. Seasonal additions, are always delicious surprises we eagerly anticipate. The restaurant's design beautifully blends a modern atmosphere with thoughtful touches honoring the legacy of Sushi Sam's. The desserts (this time it was the classic matcha tiramisu and a cheesecake), were the perfect end to a perfect meal - as always. In every way, Sushi Edomata has surpassed our expectations. It elevates a long-standing tradition that we will continue to look forward to --- great sushi, heartfelt laughter, and enduring friendships. read more

Acoustics is really bad here. Super busy and the wait is long even with a reservation. But the food was great and service was attentive. Japanese chefs and Cantonese speaking wait staff. read more

Sushi Edomata - Sashimi - Japanese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Amazing food and amazing service! Thank you Calvin for making the birthday very special. The ambiance is amazing too!

We sure appreciate Sam's spirit is still very much alive in this amazing, very stylish new resto, which is the sequel of everyone's fave Sushi Sam of all time for more than 35yrs. Omggg, just love the lively energy, awesome staff, and most all, the over the top, mind-blowing, the most beautiful, fresh sushi in the country! To the newbies, I say prepare to be Amazed and addicted to their sushi. I dare anyone to find a better place to enjoy sushi. No place is better than Sushi Edomata, that's for sure!!! read more

Very good service and amazing fresh sushi! Glad they kept the high standard of food and service! Will definitely go back! Highly recommended. read more

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I used to be a regular at Sushi Sam, so I really wanted to love Sushi Edomata. The food was fresh and the service was great just like before, but the place is way too loud. My first visit was next to a big, rowdy party, and I had to ask for tea three times (and yell to get it). The second time at the counter was a bit better, but still noisy. Great food, but until they fix the acoustics, it's hard to really enjoy the meal. read more

One of the best sushi around. Well worth the money. Service is excellent. The owners are good people.

The sushi rolls we ordered were very small, tiny six pieces. The sushi were not the best cut but okay. Very limited menu. Service was excellent, the servers were very helpful and friendly made the experience so much better. read more

Really great quality sushi, and so excited they're close by. Just fyi we went at 1:05 for lunch service and were told they were closed, so go earlier so you're not hangry like me read more

Same crew from the 3rd ave location serving amazing, fresh sushi. You can't go wrong with the omakase, karaage, or california special. Parking can be a challenge and it does get crowded so planning ahead helps! read more

Best sushi I've had in the Bay Area after having lived here my whole life. The service was great Rinsen made us feel at home and we sat at the counter and had a great time! The ambiance is bright and friendly. I had the best time! Everything on this menu is fabulous. read more

Best sushi around. Staff is equally nice and carries on the original Sushi Sam's legacy very well.

The restaurant still has the friendly cultural vibe. Friendly faces. Fish is Fresh, rolls were great and entree hit the spot.

This is the best sushi on the Peninsula. They always have the incredible Omakase, their simple California or California Special rolls have real crab and are great. They are one of the few places that do Pressed Sushi and their Battera is the best I have tasted. Reservation are a must the restaurant has no obvious signage yet it is packed all of the time read more

Hands down the best sushi in Bay Area, Sam is retired but Kochi sam is carrying the legend, from sushi to sake to happy ambiance, top notch sushi spot !! read more

Service was spotty as other tables were served before us. We had a reservation, but we had ro wait 45 minutes. The food was tasty and chicken karaage was very generous. Ambiance was loud, despite the high end prices, didn't seem to match. Parking is tricky, street parking only. Not sure if I will be back. Allergic people beware, the tiramisu is made from almond flour! read more

They're regend! I used to dine in with them long ago at the previous location. I just have a chance to visit their new location. Everything is still on the same standard. Nice and fast. Friendly and authentic. Many sushi restaurants have become a fantasy and fusion; here is my comfort sushi that I can expect from what they'll make--always satisfied. read more

Sushi Edomata - Japanese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Best uni I have ever had in my life. Awesome and friendly ambiance. Freshest and highest quality sushi in the bay period.

Great Japanese and domestic fish selections, thoughtful flavor nuances (including umeboshi upon request), and solid service. Continuing and building on the excellence of Sushi Sam's Edomata! read more

I wasn't expecting too much from this revived Sushi Sam's since I hadn't been impressed with them from long ago, but was I surprised! The new restaurant is one to desire! Food: for the price, we had about 13 pcs of nigiri each and an appetizer and we felt it was a way better deal than getting an omakase at other higher end restaurants! Their selection is large and plentiful without being redundant. I hate when a restaurant does like 5 different types of ahi and salmon, they don't! Which is great! Service: We didn't have a reservation and were able to get a table/counter quickly (might just have been lucky bc we were on two). Every server and floor manager was attentive and the sushi chefs definitely looked like they loved their jobs. Ambiance: loved that it was sheik but also comfortable. Definitely a casual setting that allows for a good time. Great find! read more

I've been a loyal customer of Sushi Sam's for over 30 years, so when they closed, I was heartbroken. It was my go-to spot for the freshest, most expertly crafted sushi in town. When I heard they had opened Sushi Edomata, I wasn't sure what to expect -- but I was hopeful and excited to give it a try. Our reservation was for 6:30, but we arrived a little before 5:00 and decided to grab a drink next door at the fish & chips spot while we waited. Around 5:15, I walked over to see if they could seat us early, and they graciously welcomed us right in. From the moment we sat down, the experience felt just like the Sushi Sam's I remembered -- warm, attentive service and that same quiet elegance. And the sushi... absolutely phenomenal. Every piece was beautifully presented, with the fish glistening fresh and perfectly sliced. The rice seasoned just right, and each bite melted in my mouth. We tried a variety of nigiri and rolls, and everything was exquisite -- you can really taste the care and quality in every dish. For a party of two, all that we ordered came in just under $80, which felt like a steal for such high-quality sushi. It truly brought back memories of why I fell in love with Sushi Sam's in the first place. Sushi Edomata is a worthy continuation of their legacy, and I couldn't be happier. I'll absolutely be back very soon read more

I have been going to the old restaurant (Sushi Sam's) ever since I was a kid. When I heard they were closing the old one and opening a new restaurant, I was sad but excited for their new beginning. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a particularly hectic scene as many people had reservations but were not being seated. Nothing too crazy but something that should definitely be streamlined in the future. The new space and seating is smaller and more cramped than the old one. Don't expect a private and/or intimate dining experience with your partner. The miso soup appetizer is still great! No complaints there. However, my biggest grievance is with the chicken teriyaki. You see, the chicken teriyaki at Sushi Sam's was my favorite dish on the menu and the best chicken teriyaki I've ever ate in my life. Brilliant crispy sear, juicy meat, a perfect, slightly viscous teriyaki sauce, it had it all. Sushi Edomata's new version of the chicken teriyaki is by all accounts a complete abomination of the original dish. This is no longer the grilled chicken with that exceptional Sushi Sam's sear I grew up eating. It now has the appearance, texture and flavor of a boiled chicken dish that makes you say "WTF" when you first lay eyes on it. The teriyaki sauce has been ruined as well. It is now very watery and sits at the bottom of the plate. When you dip your rubbery piece of chicken in to collect the sauce, it just drips right off. Absolutely nothing to do with the original. I'm not sure who's idea it was to not just change, but completely destroy this once incredible dish, but they have some serious explaining to do. There's no way anybody who ate the original would say that this new version is better. The sushi was good. I had unagi and maguro nigiri and my wife had an SSS cut roll. Fresh and flavorful. This was never a problem with Sushi Sam's. At least the new staff has upheld that standard! The waiters were very friendly and provided great service as usual. The two star rating is for the fact that they totally butchered their teriyaki chicken. It is incomprehensible to me as to why they would downgrade it so much. I can't see myself eating here again until they go back to the old recipe. Very disappointing. read more

Beautiful new location. Same quality, skill and service as Sushi Sam's. An institution. No reason to go anywhere else. Everything is always good , the new agadashi tofu (a bit change from the original) copper river Sam , salmon skin salad, corn tempura , Cannot go wrong. read more

So happy to eat at the new location! We were fortunate to come on the last day of Copper River Salmon and Sam was there visiting between trips to Japan! He even gave me a little creation from his new hobby. It was magical. This is my soul food. If you know you know. The new location is understated from the front. When the door opened it was like a speak easy full of people and same friends making sushi at the bar. So happy to see the next chapter of this wonderful family restaurant thriving. read more

Sushi Edomata - Japanese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Sushi Sam is just hands down the best sushi, great service with super friendly family members, treat everyone like a long time friend, great ambiance like the traditional sushi bar in Japan, one of the kind ! read more

Sushi Edomata is absolutely delicious! The quality is impeccable! We are so lucky to have such a high quality sushi restaurant right in our city. Thank you! read more

This place was the BEST! It was the last night open before their winter break, so they were completely booked reservation wise. My husband called earlier in the day and we were so lucky to have been able to walk in at 5pm and get a table at the sushi bar (we did wait 40 minutes but so worth it). Prior to our table being ready the host brought us a beer, a hot tea, and edamame which was SO nice. If the service wasn't already amazing, the food was SO DELISH! We did omakase and wow it was probably the best sushi I've ever had. Truly such a good experience with friendly staff and a nice environment. Can't wait to be back with friends and family! read more

Absolutely horrible customer service. Have been going since they opened. Had a 5 pm reservation and spent $140 for 2 people for sushi + toro and asked before we were finished for a to go order of toro ($100 worth) and the waiter/owner said no. I would have to leave the table (fine) but also wait outside or come back in 30 minutes to pick up. Will never eat there again. Sushi is mediocre and too cold/wet/salty anyway. read more

The service and food was amazing and I loved the energy! All of the workers were super nice and made me feel like I was part of their family! It is super family friendly and would 10/10 recommend please try if your are around the area! read more

Great sushi, great staff (many of the coolest people from Sam's are here now). Oh and you can order 1 piece of nigiri at a time now to effectively build your own omakase. Some of my favorites are the rosy seabass, unagi special hand roll, oysters, and all sorts of mackerel. read more

Sushi Edomata - Duck salad, salmon sashimi - Japanese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Best yamakase in California. Creative and energetic concept with fresh and quality ingredients.

Great sushi! The omakase is great and the rest of the menu is also wonderful. The new space is also pretty. Only downside is the management/organization side is a bit of a mess - if you make a reservation and show up at the time you reserved, you might still be waiting 20-30 min or more for a seat. Reservations can't be made online, only via phone/voice, and their site/menu lists "lunch", but as far as I can tell they're only open for dinner. Hope they work on the organization side a bit - otherwise, really wonderful spot, very legit for good sushi! This and Sushi Maruyama are the two spots in SM that aren't like insane Michelin starred omakase places but still do very fresh high quality sushi. read more

Made reservations to celebrate my hubby's birthday on a Tuesday at 8pm. Honestly, I was not expecting this place to be so lively and packed on a weekday! A few drawbacks (that I did not subtract any stars for, but should be noted) - we had to wait about 15-20 minutes past our reservation time (staff kept updated), they had a little trouble finding me the sake menu (they only have one?), and we were not updated on how many pieces we had left (and at the end of dinner it was unclear whether more was coming or we were done until we asked). We ordered the 10-piece omakase and an extra piece and it was a good amount of food. The fish was fresh and delicious. The tempura dishes were perfectly and lightly crisped and not too heavy. All in all, it was solid! This is probably one of the most affordable omakases in the bay area with fish this fresh. It's a long drive for us from the east bay, but I hope I get to come back soon! read more