Welcome to Yuzu
At Yuzu, a charming gem nestled in San Mateo, we celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine with a focus on the freshest ingredients. Our story is rooted in a passion for quality sushi, with offerings like Umi Masu Ocean Trout and Yuzu Flavor Tobiko that transport diners straight to Japan. The intimate setting, characterized by a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, makes each visit feel like a home-cooked meal with loved ones. Highlights include our Ishiyaki and daily special rolls, showcasing a commitment to culinary excellence. Join us at Yuzu, where each dish tells a story and every bite invites you to savor the essence of Japan.
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54 37th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403 Hotline: (650) 358-0298
Welcome to Yuzu, a hidden gem nestled in San Mateo, California. This quaint Japanese restaurant is a delight for sushi lovers and culinary adventurers alike. Located at 54 37th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, Yuzu offers an intimate dining experience that transports your taste buds straight to Japan. With its small size, friendly atmosphere, and genuine service, this spot feels like eating at your favorite auntie's house.
At Yuzu, freshness is paramount. Patrons rave about the quality of their fish, sourced directly from Japan. The menu is a treasure trove of options, including a variety of nigiri and sashimi that showcases the vibrant flavors of the sea. For instance, indulge in the Tai JP Red Snapper or the luxurious Uni Sea Urchin, both of which exemplify Yuzu's commitment to top-notch ingredients. The restaurant's Chef’s Choice Sashimi is a popular choice, presenting an expertly curated selection of 11 pieces for just $56, a testament to the chef's artistry and skill.
While sushi and sashimi take center stage, don't overlook the delightful side dishes. The Wakame Salad at just $8 is a refreshing start, and for something truly special, the Salmon and White Tuna Carpaccio Salad with homemade dressing is a must-try at $39. The Ishiyaki (Stone Bowl Seafood Crispy Rice) has garnered a devoted following, known for its warm, hearty comfort and meticulous preparation.
Guests often share their love for Yuzu's service, noting that the staff is attentive and welcoming. Reviews highlight that even during busy times, customers feel valued, with tea and water cups always filled. The ambiance, though cozy, contributes to the charming neighborhood feel, making it perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
Yuzu stands out not just for its food but also for the community it fosters. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a place where repeat visitors are treated like family. As one loyal diner remarked, after two decades of consistent visits, the quality of the food and the warmth of the people remain unmatched.
Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Yuzu promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Make sure to plan your visit soon; with a few tables available and a dedicated following, reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot in this delectable oasis.
If you're craving fresh sushi in San Mateo, Yuzu is a must-visit. Don't miss out on exploring this culinary haven — you just might find it becomes your favorite spot too!
For inquiries or reservations, feel free to call (650) 358-0298.
I've been looking for a above average sushi place and I finally found one. This is it. It's a small place and the service is good. Sushi is fresh and Sumi is fresh. Oh, and the guy making sushi is Japanese along with the waitress. I'll be back
Free street parking is available up and down 36th. There are a few daytime only 20min parking spots perfect for picking up takeout during the day. We came here for lunch and found they had a great lunch special. Quality of food was great, service was excellent. Our tea and water cups were never empty. Would like to come for dinner and try more entrees.
Small and quaint neighborhood sushi restaurant in San Mateo! Came here twice just for their Ishiyaki (Stone Bowl Seafood Crispy Rice). It's such a warm, hearty, comforting meal that reminds you of home. I'd skip the sashimi but always come back for the ishiyaki. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, so best to order as soon as you're seated and then think about what else to order :)
tl;dr: Soljd quality sushi, but pricey compared to other comparable sushi joints. Come for the lunch specials. 4% surcharge for credit cards. Get the salmon and hotate sushi. Small, intimate restaurant with only 5-6 tables and a sushi bar. Service was a bit slow at even less than half capacity since there was Just one staff member rotating between the tables. The menu can be a bit overwhelming as there are items on multiple menu pages and on the wall without a clear explanation of the differences. All from Japan chirashi donburi ($46): Fish were flavorful, but portion was on the smaller side. Chef omakase box ($55): recommend this over the above donburi if coming for lunch as it has most of the fish included plus additional items such as unagi donburi.
Still loving this place and still loving Yoichi-san (Arima-san) and the waitresses, the food is fresh and delicious and there is always something new from Japan to try - can't get enough of this place - been coming for at least 20 years - we've been all over the world including Japan and we have found thatwe love the consistency the freshness of the fish, and the people to be the very best. Pictures are from a fairly recent Omakase dinner and from an a la carte (for lack of a better phrase) dinner we just had a few days ago - FANTASTIC!
On the hunt for sushi last minute on a Friday night and stumbled upon Yuzu. A super small little sushi spot that brings in fresh fish straight from Japan! We were in a bit of a rush with our littles with us, so we wanted something easy, quick and to be on our way. The waitress was very nice, she had us seated right away near the window and gave our daughter some cute little Disney utensils that kept her occupied. I appreciated that! We ordered the crunchy roll (daily special with blue crab) as well as the Sun Mateo and Orange Kiss roll. The fish was fresh and the crab was delicious! Definitely a great little spot, south of all the downtown San Mateo sushi spot.
Randomly bumped into this place for lunch and I didn't expect it to be so packed right at opening! The fish was really fresh too. I wanted to order more. The uni and negitoro donburi's sound amazing. Next time I definitely want to try the ishiyaki because all the regulars got that.
Quick take: like eating at your Auntie's house The first time I ate at Yuzu it felt like eating a home prepared meal. Quality of the fish is really good. Second time we tried the black sesame cheesecake. This item isn't made in house. Purchased from another vendor. The texture was dense like NY cheesecake. Flavor was interesting. It was a smooth black sesame texture. Glad we tried it. Great place for authentic sushi. The place is small and reservations are recommended.