San Jose’s dining scene reflects the city’s deep multicultural roots, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its Japanese restaurants. From quiet neighborhood sushi counters to lively izakaya-style halls, the capital of Silicon Valley offers an impressive range of experiences for lovers of washoku. Whether you are seeking a quick lunch of chirashi or an omakase dinner prepared by a master chef, the options can feel nearly endless.
Navigating this landscape requires knowing the difference between a tourist trap and a true culinary gem. The best establishments prioritize seasonal ingredients, proper rice preparation, and a respect for traditional techniques that have been honed over generations. Many of the top spots are tucked away in strip malls or unassuming corners, proving that in San Jose, appearances can be deceiving.
This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise and find the tables worth booking. We have considered atmosphere, authenticity, ingredient sourcing, and consistency to bring you a list that suits different budgets and occasions. Whether you live in the Rose Garden neighborhood or are visiting from out of town, you will find a spot that feels tailored to your craving.
For the purist, the focus is on neta—the fish itself—and how it interacts with lightly seasoned rice. For the adventurous diner, San Jose offers robust ramen broths, crispy karaage, and comforting donburi bowls that warm the soul. The city’s proximity to the coast ensures that many kitchens receive daily deliveries, making raw preparations particularly vibrant.
We have also kept practicality in mind. Some of these restaurants require reservations weeks in advance, while others welcome walk-ins with open arms. Knowing the difference can save you a frustrating evening or elevate a spontaneous night out into something memorable.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the twelve best Japanese restaurants currently operating in San Jose. Each entry has been chosen for its distinct personality, culinary excellence, and ability to deliver a consistently satisfying meal.
Minato Japanese Restaurant
| Address | 617 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (408) 998-9711 |
Claster Riddley and his little stab Bowdoebingco Coomahoop were in town from Australia for the Boom and Stick world championship tournament at the Greeport Auditorium and wanted real authentic Japanese food, and somehow the Minato Japanese Restaurant caught their eye as being the most authentic Japanese Restaurant in the city! Well, we went to Minato, and I must say..the panko pork cutlet was amazing as was everything else.
5 stars for sure! ☆☆☆☆☆
I had an incredible meal here. Everything was served in these traditional bento-style trays that made the presentation look so neat and appetizing.
The variety on the tray was impressive, with perfectly crispy chicken katsu served alongside fresh rolls and tender gyoza. I particularly enjoyed the bright slice of orange on the side, which was a lovely touch. This place is definitely a gem for a satisfying lunch.
Minato has been a reliable neighborhood favorite for years, and thankfully the food is still bringing its A-game. The Shrimp Tempura Roll remains one of the best around, and their signature Chosen Sauce deserves its own fan club. If you're tired of the usual teriyaki routine, swap it in and thank me later. It adds just the right amount of kick without hijacking the dish.
My go-to order is still the Salmon Teriyaki with Chosen Sauce and a Shrimp Tempura Roll. The flavors are consistently on point, the portions are solid, and it's one of those places that rarely leaves you with order regret. That's a pretty impressive streak in today's restaurant world.
The only area that feels different from years past is the service. The team is still professional and efficient, but the warm, extra-friendly vibe that used to make Minato stand out has faded a bit. Even so, when Friday night rolls around and nobody can agree on where to eat, Minato remains one of the safest bets in town.
Minato Restaurant in San Jose is an excellent spot for sushi lovers. The sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, and the service is always friendly and attentive. A perfect place for a high-quality Japanese meal — highly recommend!
The steamer baskets are super! Also great nabe options, especially on stormy days. Service is friendly and fast. Dishes served in correct order. The agedashi is tasty. The staff checks often if anything else is wanted. The plain rice 🍚 is good!
The combination meals are great!
IZAKA-YA
| Address | 1335 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (408) 452-8751 |
Sashimi was great here. Very fresh. Not the best I've ever had though. The okonomiyaki is very satisfying. I would definitely get it again here. The place itself is kind of small but it's kept clean. They have a waiting area and I can guarantee if you go at usual eating hours, you'll have to wait.
Absolutely the best food experience I’ve had in San Jose! If you come here, you HAVE to order the Hamachi Kama—it was cooked to perfection. The grilled pork was another standout, packed with flavor and super tender. Even the salad was superb, which really surprised me. Everything was fresh and authentic. 10/10, I’ll be back!
Charismatic hole in the wall - good food for the price. Funny enough there's often Japanese salarymen getting their izakaya fix, so you know you're in the right place. We usually get the sushi boat B to share and their bento combos are great value too. One of our go-to spots!
Proper izakaya, katsu was bit dry, but other dishes were decent. Proximity to airport is a plur.
Exactly what I was hoping for. Great atmosphere in a quaint, authentic setting. Fresh sashimi. Food was exceptional. Excellent service. My waitress had a cold beer in front of me before I even asked after she saw me eyeing up the Sapporo drafts nearby. Hard to find mind-reader service like that.
Sanraku
| Address | 925 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | (408) 363-2110 |
We have been regulars at the San Jose location ever since they opened in 2016. Almost every anniversary, birthday, or celebration we end up coming here because there is no match for the quality/utility per dollar when it comes to fresh, authentic, sushi. Their food items are delicious as well. Our regulars are: Chirashi, Sushi Platter, Una Ten Donburi, Agedashi Tofu, and California roll. Their California roll is truly different from others we highly recommend that you try! How we know Sanraku is special is that their basics are truly so good - starting from the rice. The service is super fast and unparalleled as well. They have a rewards program that we recommend you take advantage of. Happy eating!
Here’s a polished, natural English review that keeps your tone and emphasis:
Sanraku completely changed my impression that you can’t find good Japanese food in an American shopping mall.
The best surprise was that both the servers and the sushi chefs appeared to be Japanese, which really added to the authentic atmosphere. The interior also felt very much like a restaurant you would find in Japan.
Most importantly, the food was genuinely fresh and tasted authentic. We intentionally avoided ordering the Americanized items on the menu and stuck with more traditional dishes. For us, simply receiving food that tasted exactly as it should—with no unexpected twists or unnecessary “fusion”—was a huge plus.
Every dish that arrived at the table was cleanly presented, fresh, and delicious. Having each dish taste exactly the way it’s supposed to was surprisingly satisfying. It reminded us that authenticity and simplicity can be the most memorable part of a meal.
I’ve never had more delicious sushi anywhere else. This has been my favorite sushi spot for years. The fish is always incredibly fresh, and everything is beautifully prepared. I also love that one of the sushi chefs is a Japanese woman, it adds to the authentic experience. Highly recommend!
Sanraku has been on my to-try list for a long time so I had fairly high expectations going in. Happy to report that the quality is great. Value is standard for what you get, and the location is convenient as the restaurant is just inside Oakridge mall. Get anything with seared tuna; it doesn't disappoint!
BEST sushi in South Bay! I always recommend Sanraku to friends and family and I’ve been coming here for the last 5+ years. I adore the food quality, service, and menu. The omakase is a birthday regular in my family and I just celebrated another one yesterday! Thank you for reliable and delicious japanese food!
Miyuki Japanese Restaurant
| Address | 1815 E Capitol Expy, San Jose, CA 95121 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (408) 620-1213 |
Miyuki Japanese Restaurant is an easy 4 star place for me. It is excellent, just not quite at that top tier 5-star level.
However it is probably the best Japanese spot in the area. The menu covers a wide range, from sushi to combination boxes with cooked dishes and noodle soups, so there is something for everyone. The chefs are terrific. The rolls are awesome. And the salad dressing has a unique mustard taste that I’ve never had at any other Japanese restaurant.
The service is top shelf. The staff is friendly, attentive, and clearly trying to take care of you throughout the meal.
The interior is fairly average, but it has a subtle Japanese feel that keeps it comfortable and appropriate for the food.
It is a place I keep coming back to, even if I stop just short of calling it five stars.
We have been there a few times. Good food, reasonable prices. Limited selection of veggie items but they are well prepared and taste good. Easy go place. Servers are attentive but not rushed, you can take your time to enjoy the meal.
We spent $65 and unfortunately got burnt meat…very dry hard to eat and burnt. We are only in town for 3 days and we always order to go. This time we were so disappointed we couldn’t even eat it. Burnt chicken and beef. $65 small portion…so disappointing.
My and my buds were looking for places to eat, I've passed by this place a few times and always interested in stopping by! We looked through the negative reviews to see if we wanted to try it. Funnily enough, yelp had the funniest negative review and the response from the owner was the cherry on top! We just had to go! Everything was perfect! We came in an hour before closing (sorry!), yet still did not feel any pressure to leave, The food and price were both excellent! It was a great time and we will likely be here again!
Quality service, quality food in a clean and peaceful setting.
I enjoyed our 2 salads and 3 rolls.
Parking can be tight but it's in the middle of 2 large squares.
Private restrooms based on gender.
Willing to return for other items on their extensive menu.
Sounds like they have regulars that come frequently too.
Give them a try! Was worth every penny here.
Dan Izakaya Restaurant
| Address | 1306 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:15 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:15 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (408) 249-6020 |
Food here is great and amazing for its value, like unbelievably good value. Menu had great options and came out quick. The seating, if your party is big enough, you get the tatami seating booth which is a fun little add on. Food is refreshing and colourful, udon was creamy and smooth. Service was quick and atmosphere was fun.
The food was quite mediocre (seafood nabe was decent but the Yakitori chicken was too dry) but drinks were great. Our initial server was friendly but we felt pressured by a different server (lady in glasses) to leave as she cleared our plates the second it looked empty, refilled water for the table next to us but not ours when we were nearing the end of our meal, etc. For context, we had made a reservation right at opening on a Monday night and the restaurant was not busy. We wanted to take things slow and maybe order some more drinks and small eats, but due to the pressure we ended up leaving after around 45 minutes. Wasn’t the Izakaya experience I was hoping for and won’t be returning. The two stars are for the two male staff that were very friendly and helpful.
A fantastic Izakaya spot! Honestly, basically every dish we tried was great. The beef tongue is a must-order, and the meshi (stone pot rice) was excellent as well.
Just a heads up: make a reservation in advance or be sure to arrive right before they open to snag a seat!
friendly and authentic izakaya that has the vibes of a local bar. they have artisanal japanese beers and cocktails. i’ll be back to eat thru the menu. the menu is very attractively designed. thank you
Food was good with a hefty portion especially for the price, the menu is focused and trimmed down compared to before but the quality remains! The atmosphere is really nice, the space is cozy with classic kneeling tables at the back which are hard to get but give a wonderful vibe if you can manage it. The service is quick and friendly and very attentive!
Kaita Japanese Restaurant
| Address | 215 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (408) 287-5551 |
Went to Japantown in San Jose and a friend of mine recommended this restaurant. We waited about 15 minutes for a table. The service was fast and the male server was very polite and always had a smile in his face. All the dishes we ordered was really tasty and fresh except for the beef dish. We were expecting it to be tender and juicy but it was chewy and a little bland.
Their specials are so good! Love their curry, miso soup, tempura, karaage, sushi and udon. Have been here 10+ times and have always had a great meal.
Food was spectacular! Everything was very fresh. Presentation was very cool. Some of the best chicken teriyaki I've ever had. Chicken had a nice crust, but not overcooked. Nice vibe. Would highly recommend!
The defining factor on how I judge restaurants now: how much care and heart is there? For this unassuming “hole in the wall“ the care definitely shows. The interior is totally dated but simple and clean. The food and service also clean and tasty. And what else would you want to be clean at a restaurant? The bathroom! I appreciate a moms and pops restaurant that serves Quality and care. We could use more places like this.
We had a solid time at Kaita, pretty good overall. The service was on point: we got seated fast, had enough time to figure out our order, and the food showed up quick. Could’ve used a smile or two, though—they were polite but not exactly warm and fuzzy. 😐 They’ve got a regular menu plus a whiteboard with specials, which is cool.
We went for the pan-cooked miso cod special and the sushi-sashimi combo. Pair those with the soup and salad, and you’ve got a decent-sized meal. The salad dressing was tasty, maybe a little sweet for my liking. The miso soup? Super good, no notes there. 🥣
The sushi and sashimi were a win for me. The fish was fresh—you could really taste it—and the piece selection were nice. Seems like they care more about quality than piling your plate high, which I’m all for. The ginger stood out big time—so smooth and sweet, not that harsh stuff you get some places. The rice, though? Kinda dry. I’m guessing it was just an off batch, no biggie.
The miso black cod was solid too. Funny thing—it didn’t actually have miso, but some other soup I’d never tried before. Still delicious, though! That dish came with a little sashimi on the side, which was a nice bonus. 🍣
Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill
| Address | 1035 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (408) 260-7200 |
Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill offers a vibrant mix of Japanese and Korean cuisine in a stylish, spacious setting. Our family appreciated the variety—fresh sashimi, flavorful bulgogi, and creative specialty rolls all hit the mark. The lunch specials were generous and well-priced, and the ambiance worked well for both younger and older diners. It’s a popular spot, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours, but the staff do their best to keep things moving.
We found the seating comfortable for our party of five, and the menu had enough flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences. While service was friendly, there were moments where pacing could’ve been smoother. Still, the overall experience was satisfying, and we’d gladly return for another family meal. A solid 4-star spot with potential for 5 if consistency improves during busy times.
Dishonest place. Don’t go.
They charge you about 20% of gratuity without notification, then “tax” on top of original + gratuity. Not sure this is legal. And still suggest you to tip!
See my receipt.
Food is $162. Tax is $19.41!!! “Gratuity” is $32.08.
Delicious specialty and traditional rolls. Everything from the fish to the roasted edamame tasted fresh and flavorful. I accidentally left my hat there, but they were very kind and kept it safe for me until I could come back to pick it up. Just demonstrates how amazing their service is!
Great meal at Mizu Sushi. Staff was decently attentive and had a heavy hand on the wine pours..which we like. The variety of food we tried was all amazing and very flavorful. Would definitely try again!
Alfonso is the best bartender! My family sat in the small tables next to the bar and he provided exemplary service throughout our visit. Excellent sushi as always. Make sure to try the Nigori Sake with your appetizer! 😁
Ozumo Santana Row
| Address | 355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (408) 886-3090 |
I found Ozomu while looking for a great sushi spot around Santana Row area, and I'm so glad I did! Everything was fresh and beautifully prepared, but my absolute favorite was the Aburi sushi. I even asked if they could add a slice of lime on top, and they happily accommodated my request--it made it even better!
The service was friendly, attentive, and willing to go the extra mile to make sure I enjoyed my meal. If you're looking for delicious sushi and great hospitality, I definitely recommend Ozomu.
Fantastic experience at Ozumo Santana Row. The food was excellent, very fresh and full of flavor. We had shrimp tempura, crispy rice with salmon, edamame, and a couple of salmon rolls, and everything was perfectly cooked and well seasoned.
Service was outstanding. Our server was very friendly and attentive, and the chef even came out to introduce himself, which made the meal feel personal and welcoming.
The atmosphere is cool and low key with a beautiful patio area, lanterns, and a relaxed vibe that works great for a date or casual dinner. Parking is convenient with a structure in the back, and you can sometimes find street parking if you are lucky. There is easy access for disabled guests as well.
Overall a wonderful experience and I would definitely come back and recommend it to friends and family.
A Lively Cozy Izakaya when you want to experience Japanese vibes on a whim after shopping at Santana Row on a Chilly Evening. A warm Junmai Sake started off the festivities. She liked the rich dashi Udon with succulent Shrimp, Mushrooms and Nori. The side of tempura added a nice crunchy twist to the experience. Absolutely had to have a Sake Nigiri Sushi and it was fresh as ever. Warm lighting added to the authentic feel of the place. I’m already thinking of returning back with a bunch of friends for Happy Hour Sashimi Nigiri SakeBombs 🇯🇵
We had a wonderful experience at O Restaurant. The atmosphere is elegant and thoughtfully designed—the furniture, table settings, and small details have a subtle Zen feel, and the wall art is beautiful, traditional, and distinctly Asian in style.
The food is a bit more expensive than a typical sushi spot, but absolutely worth it. You can tell they use higher-quality ingredients (for example, real snow crab instead of imitation crab), and the sushi has great depth of flavor with nicely balanced layers.
When we made the reservation, we mentioned that we were celebrating Mother’s Day and a birthday. The restaurant surprised us with two complimentary items: Japanese fried chicken and a dessert ice cream with a sparkler—such a festive and memorable touch.
Everything from ambiance to food to service was top-notch. We were so impressed that we happily left the highest tip. Highly recommend for a special occasion!
There is "Employer Living Mage Surcharge 4%" on the check.
Teriyaki Flank Steak, the first time they sent to us, it's over-cooked, my husband could taste the bitterness on the steak and it's so hard to chewy. So I talked to the server, she asked the chef to re-make it for us. It's better on the second plate.
Roasted Mushrooms, I really don't know what to say?! It tasted like raw mushrooms. It's like they just steamed mushrooms, but not steamed thoroughly. But it should be roasted, not at all.
Ramen Takumi
| Address | 2223 Business Cir #20, San Jose, CA 95128 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (408) 320-2312 |
I was looking for a ramen spot I hadn’t tried before and came across this place, which has solid reviews on Google and opened just last September.
When we walked in during lunch, there was only one table occupied, which made me a bit unsure at first—but after trying the food, my impression completely changed.
The noodles are thin and slightly curly, cooked to a perfect texture.
We ordered the tonkotsu broth, which is not overly rich but instead light and smooth, making it very easy to enjoy. The spicy garlic ramen was also well-balanced, flavorful without being overwhelming.
The chashu was a highlight, with a noticeable grilled aroma, and the soft-boiled egg was perfectly done.
If you’re looking for a well-balanced, easy-to-enjoy ramen spot, this place is definitely worth a try.
I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and the broth was rich and very creamy. The spice was more on the mild side but they do give you additional chilli oil if you want more spice (at a small price). The ramen tasted great and service was good.
Honestly this is my first ramen experience so there’s not much I can compare it to. I got the spicy garlic ramen, the price was good. I went into the restaurant super hungry and I came out pretty full. They serve you a big bowl so be ready to eat. The ramen was decent. I liked the atmosphere in the restaurant as it was giving off really good vibes, everyone vibing and having their own convos. I felt very comfortable being there with my husband.
We had the spicy garlic toripaitan and vegan miso ramen and both were amazing. The miso ramen needed hot chilli as it was a little mild but was awesome! The spicy garlic one had good portions of chicken, pork and noodles more than I've seen anywhere else!
This is a fairy new ramen place - 4 months in business. Its location was a bit out of the place for Japanese food. We had ramen tonkatsu with one egg. Egg was additional topping. It was OK but not rich broth, and noodles was a bit soft. The tonkatsu looked like being deep-fried (not sure. But different from the transitional tonkatsu I have ever had.) However, it offered good amount of the toppings, like Seawee, bamboo pickles, green onions, and dried Wood ear. We also ordered fries chicken. It was good portion but a bit light taste. The restaurant was spacious, clean, and quiet. We went in Friday night about 7:00-7:30. It was not busy. But the parking lot was very busy. One side of the parking lot was OK in terms of safety, but the other side. The staff were friendly and nice for 2 of us to share the food.
Miyakko - Japanese Cuisine
| Address | 664 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (408) 224-0600 |
Wonderful food the pricing was fair and the food was delicious. I got the salmon misoyaki and the wife had the Bento with tonkatsu, beef teriyaki and tempura. They were all so well made.
We ordered a bunch of different sets and they are pretty good in general. The appetizers were not what we expected but they weren’t so wrong either. Will come again!
鮭魚茶泡飯 - surprising delicious!
鯖魚一夜乾 - good as it should be.
鮭魚湯泡飯 - great comfort food dish!
豬排烘蛋 - wish it had more sauce but I do like it.
唐揚雞 - the flour coat was thinner than expected, but the marinaded chicken was delicious.
唐揚豆腐 - the flour coat is the chewy type. I personally prefer the crunchy type but both are authentic.
I had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant! From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the overall ambiance and the delicious food they offer.
To start, we ordered the tempura veggies appetizer, and it was simply fantastic. The vegetables were perfectly crispy and flavorful, making for a delightful start to the meal. As a lover of fresh oysters, I couldn't resist trying them here, and I was blown away by how yummy they were! They were incredibly fresh and truly a highlight of the afternoon.
Moving on to the main course, I opted for the chirashi and BBQ Rolls. Both dishes were packed with flavor and left me wanting more. The chirashi was a delightful assortment of fresh fish and sushi rice, beautifully presented and incredibly tasty. The BBQ Rolls were a delightful combination of flavors, and every bite was a burst of deliciousness.
The service was exceptional throughout my visit. Our waiter was attentive and took great care of us, ensuring that we had everything we needed. The food arrived promptly, and we were impressed by how fast it was served.
The only aspect that I found slightly disappointing was the lighting inside the restaurant. It was a bit dim, which made it slightly difficult to see the food clearly. However, this minor issue did not overshadow the overall fantastic dining experience.
In conclusion, this is a great place with truly delicious food. The tempura veggies appetizer, fresh oysters, chirashi, and BBQ Rolls were all highlights of my meal. The attentive service and prompt delivery of the food added to the overall positive experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delightful dining experience, although be prepared for a slightly dimly lit ambiance.
Amazing food with HUGE portions. This place doesn’t skimp out on anything! Such amazing quality fish and really great atmosphere. We’re huge sushi lovers and this place really impressed us! Would highly recommend.
It’s izakaya-style, and the food was overall very delicious. It’s a great place for both lunch and dinner. Since it’s run by a Korean owner, the service felt very friendly and everything was neat. The $15 corkage fee is such a great deal.
Hashiri Bettei Kaiseki Aoki
| Address | 14417 Big Basin Wy, Saratoga, CA 95070 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (650) 885-1242 |
The restaurant has an unobtrusive storefront, and opens at the start of the single seating dinner service. The evening’s guests are comfortably seated in a single row at the counter, where we can see the finishing touches applied to each dish, and the team gives helpful descriptions and background context for the dishes.
This was an exceptional dining experience, each course was prepared thoughtfully with vibrant flavorful ingredients, artfully arranged and appealing to all the senses. Portioning was just right, to where you leave satisfied but not over-full. We tried a couple of the drinks, and the fizzy peach sake cocktail with a hint of shiso was superb. The sake offerings were also very smooth.
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone with a hearty appreciation for good food. Conversely, picky or demanding children would be best left at home. I saw the team try to handle such a situation with patience and kindness, but I don’t think either side of that interaction enjoyed it. It should go without saying that an exquisite set menu prepared by a two person team might have room for adjustments if informed in advance, but doesn’t have room to make many changes on the spot for the whims of a demanding child.
This was one of the most delicious and memorable meals I’ve had all year! Also the bathroom was really nice, the toilet has some clearly-labeled bidet and flush controls on the wall by the toilet paper that some guests seemed to have missed entirely.
Definitely one of the top 3 (if not the best) kaiseki restaurants in the Bay Area. Seasonal menu that was tastefully and carefully prepared, with beautiful serveware. Highly recommend!
I particularly love the mushroom rice with wagyu, tuna sashimi, and the red bean dessert. The pace is slow, about 3.5 hours with beautiful Japanese music, most noticeably from Joe Hisaishi.
My favorite restaurant in the world, and by a big margin. If you’re on the fence, thinking about booking here, just do it. I promise you will not regret it. Chef Aoki is one of the most talented chefs in the bay, if not the world — utilizing years of skill acquired across the world from Kyoto Kaiseki with bits of French influence. Over the many years I’ve repeatedly come back, I’ve never had a bad experience. The quality of ingredients from their suppliers are top tier, and absolutely some of the best I’ve ever tasted — whether it be their house made dashi, their wagyu, uni, ikura, matsutake mushroom, their produce, their fruits, the list goes on and on and on. Yuko and shin truly are masters of their craft, and I’m grateful to experience it every time I visit.
This restaurant is truly an experience. You come here not just to eat, but to learn about the culture, the thoughtful preparation of each ingredient, and to enjoy the very best ingredients of the season. The meal is meant to be savored slowly.
Dinner runs from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM with one seating only, and the door opens promptly at 6:30 PM. There is ample parking in the back, even on a Saturday night.
The environment is intimate and very homey. The only small note is that the music was a bit loud at times, especially since the hostess, Yoko, is very soft-spoken. Turning the music down slightly would make it easier to hear her explanations.
The evening began with a celebratory yuzu sparkling sake in honor of the New Year. The seasonal *Hassun* was my favorite course of the night. Served in an adorable ceramic fish, it was filled with auspicious New Year foods such as herring roe, chestnut, octopus, plum, abalone, konjac, kombu, and more—each cooked to its ideal texture.
The *ozoni* was Kansai-style, featuring mochi, yuba, and black cod, and was wonderfully warming and comforting. The sashimi course was exceptionally fresh, highlighting Aomori bluefin tuna, 明石鯛 (widely regarded as the best *madai* in Japan), and Santa Barbara uni. For winter, Hokkaido uni is not considered at its peak, making this selection especially thoughtful.
The wagyu course was simply divine—truly melt-in-your-mouth. The rice course followed with a generous bowl of Dungeness crab meat and ikura, paired with refreshing *tsukemono* and a clear seafood broth.
I absolutely loved the monaka dessert, and the meal concluded beautifully with a bowl of lightly whipped matcha.
Once again, this is an experience, not a simple meal. Come with an open mind, an appreciation for nuance, and the willingness to explore different flavors while immersing yourself in a meaningful cultural journey.
Gombei
| Address | 193 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (408) 279-4311 |
I want to gatekeep this spot, but this restaurant deserves all the flowers. If you miss Japan, check out this spot. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I can attest to the katsu curry, katsu donburi, and the tofu. Amazing!
Gombei in Japantown San Jose has been one of my longtime favorites — I’ve been coming here for over 25 years, and the food has always been consistently great. It’s one of those rare places that truly stands the test of time.
The fried stuffed tofu is hands down my absolute favorite dish here — it’s so good and something I always look forward to ordering. The teriyaki is also very solid and never disappoints.
The staff are incredibly quick — impressively so — and always pleasant and helpful. What makes it even more special is that some of the staff have been working here for as long as I’ve been dining here, which is always great to see and adds to the welcoming, familiar atmosphere.
Gombei is a true Japantown classic with great food, fast service, and a lot of heart. Highly recommended.
Got here right at 5pm on a Tuesday when they opened and it never got super busy (we left around 7pm). The staff was kind and quick to assist with any requests. The food also came out pretty fast and was DELICIOUS! The perfect fix for my curry craving
We haven't been to this place in a long time...it's still delicious... my guy always gets the teriyaki chicken with the prawns... it comes with miso soup...white rice and a salad...I always get either the pork cutlet Curry or the chicken cutlet Curry...it comes with a salad also...this time I got the pork and it is still delicious
Really great local owned business in the heart of Japantown. Definitely a cozy, homestyle ambiance that creates an authentic experience. Very fast service, amicable staff ready to serve delicious plates. Salmon was fantastic with side salad, soup and rice. Price to portions was great. Paid meter parking outside.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Japanese Restaurant
The difference between a good Japanese meal and a great one often comes down to how you order and when you visit. While the list above provides a strong starting point, a few insider strategies will help you maximize your experience. Keep these practical considerations in mind before you book your table or walk through the door.
1). Prioritize the lunch menu for value
Many high-end sushi bars offer a significantly more affordable lunch set featuring the same quality of fish used at dinner. If you want to experience a top-tier chef without the premium price tag, visit between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. You will often find chirashi bowls or sushi combinations that cost half the price of a dinner omakase.
2). Sit at the bar for the freshest interaction
If you are ordering nigiri or sashimi, request a seat at the sushi counter. This allows you to communicate directly with the chef, ask what is best that day, and receive each piece at the ideal temperature. Fish that sits on a tray waiting for a server can lose its texture and sheen quickly.
3). Ask for the “special” whiteboard
Many authentic Japanese restaurants in San Jose reserve their best ingredients for a handwritten board that is not on the printed menu. These are usually items flown in from Japan or limited catches from local waters. Always ask your server, “What is fresh today that is not on the menu?”
4). Respect the omakase etiquette
If you commit to a chef’s tasting menu, trust the chef. Avoid requesting heavy sauces or substitutions. Eat each piece immediately as it is placed in front of you, and use your fingers rather than chopsticks if you are comfortable doing so. This preserves the structural integrity of the rice.
5). Check the rice before the fish
In Japanese cuisine, sushi literally translates to “sour rice.” The quality of the shari is the truest test of a restaurant’s skill. Look for rice that is served at body temperature, lightly packed, and seasoned with a balanced vinegar mixture. If the rice is cold or dense, even the best fish will fall flat.
San Jose remains one of the most underrated cities in California for Japanese food, offering a depth that rivals larger metropolitan areas. The restaurants listed above represent a spectrum of styles, from strict traditionalism to modern fusion, ensuring that every palate can find a home. By following the tips provided, you can dine with confidence and discover new favorites in the South Bay.
The next time a craving for fresh fish or rich broth strikes, skip the generic chains and support the local chefs who are elevating Japanese cuisine in this region. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a Tuesday night, the perfect bowl of rice and slice of fish is never far away in San Jose.
