Ranzan is a wonderful restaurant serving traditional Japanese Kaiseki courses. The food was amazing and the presentation was exceptional. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Breanna McAvoy
Food and presentation was good. All the rice from my clay pot bowl was stuck to the bowl at the bottom and barely any rice. I couldnt even use my chopsticks to eat it nor hold the hot bowl. The sticky rice just stuck to the bowl...More veggies on top and some pickled, not my preference. At all. Other people's dishes were yummy. Saki was from a bottle and really sugary. I think between 4 people we went through 10 bottles over two hours because it was like shooting sugar water. Not my preference on that either. Too much for not much, if that makes sense! My friend took her husband the next day and they loved it. I will not be returning or taking my husband, not because anything was bad, but not our preference. Atmosphere was quiet and fun. We sat in the corner by a window. Very small inside and could get cramped if really busy. Was not busy when we went at lunchtime midweek. Staff was super attentive when we needed it and not when we were chatting. Which was great! Don't take my preference as a decision maker here, you might love it like my friend!Parking: We parallel parked right out front.Wheelchair accessibility: Might be a tight squeeze inside. Can access front with a wheelchair though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Michael Fujinaka
This was our second time at Ranzan. It was such an amazing experience, again, that I had to give it credit.We’ve been lucky enough to try many fine dining places in the Bay Area such as Benu, Saison, Gary Danko, French Laundry, Hiroshi, Yoshizumi sushi, Birdsong, Chez TJ, etc. I say that because this is easily in my top three! It is also far and away the best fine dining value in the Bay. They offer 4 set meal options. Each set is slightly larger than the last. Last time we tried the largest set menu and it was an amazing meal; each course was unique and different and made you go “wow.” The sets are built so that each course is prepared in a different way such as grilled, simmered, fried, raw, etc. I love a meal where I taste a variety of things. This was a very large quantity of food, be prepared by only eating a light lunch earlier in the day if you order set #4 out of 4!We came back this time and tried set menu #2 out of 4 (Kibune). I liked the portion size of this meal. Again, delicious variety of courses! Japanese Kaiseki is different than Japanese sushi omakase because the courses are a mix of preparations (cooked, soup, raw, etc.) and I like the variety. My wife commented that this place rivals the fine dining Kaiseki places we had in Japan. Anyways, if you’re looking to “get your feet wet” with a superbly valued fine dining experience or want to experience an amazing Japanese Kaiseki meal, Ranzan in Redwood City is difficult to beat!As a side note, I noticed they were full on the booking site Tock. I called and they gave me a reservation. They also mentioned that you can’t make same day reservations via Tock. I suggest you call if you can’t find a reservation online, especially same-day since they’ll do their best to get you a table!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SuperMan
Service and Food are great, the only thing is the lighting is too bright for my eyes and the table was a little wobbling. Also, I don't like the layout of the tables, makes me feel like eating at the cafeteria. Some wall divider or some privacy between tables will be good...
Victoria L.
Delicious authentic kaiseki dinner, and one of the best meals I've had in the Bay Area! My husband and I did the 12-course meal which was more than enough food for the both of us. The service throughout the meal was exceptional and very detail-oriented (for example, our server providing written notes about the beverages we ordered). We really felt like we were in Japan during this meal. All of the ingredients were super high quality, the tableware was gorgeous, and the ambiance was quiet, clean, and spacious. As someone who frequently goes to Japan, this experience was comparable to kaiseki in Japan. My husband loved the wagyu and the fried shrimp tempura (it sounds basic, but trust me they were so good!). I loved the daily special slightly seared yellowtail. We were surprised that Ranzan is not as well known and does not have a star... because it really deserves it! We will be back for another special occasion :)
Wayne Chen
Delicious food and thoughtful and friendly services. It was a very pleasant dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bup N.
This review is so overdue but def one of my tops here in the Bay Area. Everything was perfect. I came in starving and didn't expect it to be much but holy cow, at the end of the night, I was stuffed. Prepare yourself. We did the 15-course meal and the ambience was nice. We went in June 2022 as a celebratory dinner and the staff were all so welcoming and polite. We were seated in the corner and each party was spread out evenly. I didn't think much of anything at first but soon afterwards, I really appreciated that aspect as it allows for each party/table their own privacy during dinner (this is something I value so much). We started our dinner at 5:30PM and didn't end up 8:30 or 9PM I think. It was long but didn't feel like that when we were inside. In between certain meals, they had cleansing palate, which is something I also like! Really did help us transition into the next meal. They also gave me a hand-written card w such a sweet message and a few origami as we ended our dinner. I would 110% be back. Anytime. Plus side, the menu changes so that's more of a reason to be back at this place! I'm surprised this isn't a Michelin star restaurant. I've been to quite a few Michelin star restaurants and believe me, some don't even deserve it.
John Wie
An amazing introduction to Kaiseki dinners in the Bay Area. Couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration. :)Ranzan is a Kaiseki style dinner with a few different options for the amount of food / premium options. We ended up opting for Kibune option which was their 2nd tier out of 4. It was super delicious although we did struggle to get to the finish line because our stomachs weren't ready for the amount of food we were getting. XDSome of our favorite dishes from our particular menu included:*Wagyu sirloin steak with Japanese sansho pepper: So good. Perfectly cooked. Melted in our mouths.*Corn tofu: Just a personal preference but I really, really dug this clever play on classic tofu. Loved the texture and thought it tasted amazing.*Squash soup: This was their play on the traditional miso - loved it (and love all things squash in general).*Unagi donburi: Perfect portion (this was one of the later dishes, so my +1 and I were struggling a bit at this point) and super delicious. The unagi was so flavorful with a lovely slightly sweet sauce and breadcrumb like balls.*Yes, there were a couple dishes we weren't as fond of, but still loved the way they were presented and the ideas behind them!*The pacing of the food does come out at a pretty even cadence with service being so on point.. My +1 and I got deep into our talks and sometimes fell a little behind with some of the dishes overlapping as we were still chatting but we were usually able to catch up!*The presentation was amazing and super deliberate. Loved the little touches and appreciated too the small birthday surprises at the end. Super cute.*As some other have noted, at least as of August 2023, the restaurant returns your deposit directly to you.*The ambiance of Ranzan is so soothing and relaxing. Easy to have conversations. Super minimalist.Also, I took a rideshare getting to the restaurant so didn't notice parking as much, but my +1 did park a couple blocks away.Cheers to the kind staff / servers! Super lovely and memorable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John W.
Was so fortunate to have found Ranzan when looking to celebrate a birthday dinner with someone awesome! Ranzan is a Kaiseki style dinner with a few different options for the amount of food / premium options. We ended up opting for Kibune option which was their 2nd tier out of 4. It was super delicious although we did struggle to get to the finish line because our stomachs weren't ready for the amount of food we were getting. XD Some of our favorite dishes from our particular menu included:*Wagyu sirloin steak with Japanese sansho pepper: So good. Perfectly cooked. Melted in our mouths. *Corn tofu: Just a personal preference but I really, really dug this clever play on classic tofu. Loved the texture and thought it tasted amazing.*Squash soup: This was their play on the traditional miso - loved it (and love all things squash in general).*Unagi donburi: Perfect portion (this was one of the later dishes, so my +1 and I were struggling a bit at this point) and super delicious. The unagi was so flavorful with a lovely slightly sweet sauce and breadcrumb like balls. *Yes, there were a couple dishes we weren't as fond of, but still loved the way they were presented and the ideas behind them! *The pacing of the food does come out at a pretty even cadence with service being so on point.. My +1 and I got deep into our talks and sometimes fell a little behind with some of the dishes overlapping as we were still chatting but we were usually able to catch up!*The presentation was amazing and super deliberate. Loved the little touches and appreciated too the small birthday surprises at the end. Super cute.*As some other have noted, at least as of August 2023, the restaurant returns your deposit directly to you. *The ambiance of Ranzan is so soothing and relaxing. Easy to have conversations. Super minimalist. Also, I took a rideshare getting to the restaurant so didn't notice parking as much, but my +1 did park a couple blocks away. Thank you so much to our two servers and the staff! Super memorable / glad I went / strongly recommended!
Edwin D.
Ranzan is an absolute treasure and my dining experience at this establishment was nothing short of amazing.Booking a reservation in advance with a $100 deposit per person was well worth it. Opting for the Takao menu was a fantastic choice. The seasonal rotation of the menu is a testament to the commitment to freshness and variety.The 15-course kaiseki menu was an absolute delight. Every dish was a work of art, both in presentation and unique flavors. The standout moments included the Wagyu sirloin steak, which was a true star, and the uni over sesame tofu, a truly exceptional combination. The dessert, featuring shaved ice with anko and matcha, was also a perfect ending to the meal.The ambiance offered a casual and romantic vibe, making it an ideal spot for special occasions. The quiet noise level ensured a peaceful and intimate dining atmosphere.Service was a highlight, with the staff being friendly, courteous, and attentive. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable experience was evident throughout the meal.While street parking in the downtown area can be challenging, the overall experience makes it worth the effort.
*4.5 StarsFor those that don't know, Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese meal. More often than not, each course is prepared in a different manner to showcase the seasonal ingredients that are utilized in each dish. If you're looking to try a Kaiseki meal, then Ranzan is a great option. Located in downtown Redwood City, Ranzan is a pretty inconspicuous and unassuming restaurant from the outside. Focused on providing authentic Japanese food, Ranzan's menu changes each month to match the seasons in Japan. A great dining experience to try.ORDER - KIBUNE SET ($188/person):-Sakizuke (Starter) - deep fried sesame tofu-Chinmi (Delicacy) - ankimo monaka-Zensai (Appetizer) - grilled nagaimo with crab sauce, simmered maitake mushrooms, and green vegetables steeped in broth-Suimono (Soup Dish) - blue shrimp in a clay pot-Otsukuri (Sashimi Dish) - special of the day-Nimono (Simmered Dish)- slowly cooked octopus-Hashiyasume (Refreshing Dish) - plum wine sorbet-Yakimono (Grilled Dish) - wagyu sirloin steak with sweet shoyu sauce-Mushimono (Steamed Dish) - kuuyamushi-Agemono (Fried Dish) - lotus root dumpling -Sunomono (Vinaigrette Dish) - geoduck with agar jelly-Gohan (Rice) - hagama rice with snow crab meat-Misoshiru (Miso Soup) - enoki mushrooms and scallions-Mizumono (Dessert) - steamed castella
Anne P.
Came back again for a new seasonal menu and it was still as delicious as my first meal. Someone mentioned in their review that they charge $8 dollars for a bottle of water. I think the guest and the restaurant staff may have had some miscommunication because water is free. I got free water and the tables all around me got free water. However, if you order the water from the menu then yes, that costs money because it's fancy water. If you just ask for water then you'll get the free house water. Which might I add is very crisp and delicious as water goes. They no longer remove the Tock reservation deposit from your bill, instead Tock will now refund your deposit after your dine in. If you don't notice a refund after a week, they said to contact them. They will pick up the phone during business hours. The service here is top notch and they're always trying to improve which is evident by the comment card they provide at the end of the meal. So if you're not pleased with anything, you can always let them know and they will always try their best to accommodate you. Can't wait to try another seasonal menu!
james louie
Basic food and a bit overpriced for what you get. Great service and presentation, but the food was meh. They charged $8 per bottle for distilled water which is ridiculous. Not even Michelin star restaurants or fast food joints charge for water. Left a bad taste in my mouth when I got the bill for it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
James L.
First off, the service and the presentation was top notch. Excellent thru and thru. I came here last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. We got the $228 meal per person. The food was presented well but the food was just "basic*. There were a few dishes that stood out but some lacked flavor. I would have given this place 3 stars but dropped a star because they charge for distilled water - $8 per bottle and we drank 2 bottles ($16 total) ...what the hell. That is ridiculous. Not even a Michelin star charges for water and this place is not even Michelin rated. Also, fast food place don't even charge for water. I don't get it. I bit overpriced for what you get. I can not recommend this place..sorry.
Masako Takayama
Foods and presentation are very good.Really authentic style of Japanese restaurant.
Ranzan is a wonderful restaurant serving traditional Japanese Kaiseki courses. The food was amazing and the presentation was exceptional. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food and presentation was good. All the rice from my clay pot bowl was stuck to the bowl at the bottom and barely any rice. I couldnt even use my chopsticks to eat it nor hold the hot bowl. The sticky rice just stuck to the bowl...More veggies on top and some pickled, not my preference. At all. Other people's dishes were yummy. Saki was from a bottle and really sugary. I think between 4 people we went through 10 bottles over two hours because it was like shooting sugar water. Not my preference on that either. Too much for not much, if that makes sense! My friend took her husband the next day and they loved it. I will not be returning or taking my husband, not because anything was bad, but not our preference. Atmosphere was quiet and fun. We sat in the corner by a window. Very small inside and could get cramped if really busy. Was not busy when we went at lunchtime midweek. Staff was super attentive when we needed it and not when we were chatting. Which was great! Don't take my preference as a decision maker here, you might love it like my friend!Parking: We parallel parked right out front.Wheelchair accessibility: Might be a tight squeeze inside. Can access front with a wheelchair though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
This was our second time at Ranzan. It was such an amazing experience, again, that I had to give it credit.We’ve been lucky enough to try many fine dining places in the Bay Area such as Benu, Saison, Gary Danko, French Laundry, Hiroshi, Yoshizumi sushi, Birdsong, Chez TJ, etc. I say that because this is easily in my top three! It is also far and away the best fine dining value in the Bay. They offer 4 set meal options. Each set is slightly larger than the last. Last time we tried the largest set menu and it was an amazing meal; each course was unique and different and made you go “wow.” The sets are built so that each course is prepared in a different way such as grilled, simmered, fried, raw, etc. I love a meal where I taste a variety of things. This was a very large quantity of food, be prepared by only eating a light lunch earlier in the day if you order set #4 out of 4!We came back this time and tried set menu #2 out of 4 (Kibune). I liked the portion size of this meal. Again, delicious variety of courses! Japanese Kaiseki is different than Japanese sushi omakase because the courses are a mix of preparations (cooked, soup, raw, etc.) and I like the variety. My wife commented that this place rivals the fine dining Kaiseki places we had in Japan. Anyways, if you’re looking to “get your feet wet” with a superbly valued fine dining experience or want to experience an amazing Japanese Kaiseki meal, Ranzan in Redwood City is difficult to beat!As a side note, I noticed they were full on the booking site Tock. I called and they gave me a reservation. They also mentioned that you can’t make same day reservations via Tock. I suggest you call if you can’t find a reservation online, especially same-day since they’ll do their best to get you a table!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service and Food are great, the only thing is the lighting is too bright for my eyes and the table was a little wobbling. Also, I don't like the layout of the tables, makes me feel like eating at the cafeteria. Some wall divider or some privacy between tables will be good...
Delicious authentic kaiseki dinner, and one of the best meals I've had in the Bay Area! My husband and I did the 12-course meal which was more than enough food for the both of us. The service throughout the meal was exceptional and very detail-oriented (for example, our server providing written notes about the beverages we ordered). We really felt like we were in Japan during this meal. All of the ingredients were super high quality, the tableware was gorgeous, and the ambiance was quiet, clean, and spacious. As someone who frequently goes to Japan, this experience was comparable to kaiseki in Japan. My husband loved the wagyu and the fried shrimp tempura (it sounds basic, but trust me they were so good!). I loved the daily special slightly seared yellowtail. We were surprised that Ranzan is not as well known and does not have a star... because it really deserves it! We will be back for another special occasion :)
Delicious food and thoughtful and friendly services. It was a very pleasant dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This review is so overdue but def one of my tops here in the Bay Area. Everything was perfect. I came in starving and didn't expect it to be much but holy cow, at the end of the night, I was stuffed. Prepare yourself. We did the 15-course meal and the ambience was nice. We went in June 2022 as a celebratory dinner and the staff were all so welcoming and polite. We were seated in the corner and each party was spread out evenly. I didn't think much of anything at first but soon afterwards, I really appreciated that aspect as it allows for each party/table their own privacy during dinner (this is something I value so much). We started our dinner at 5:30PM and didn't end up 8:30 or 9PM I think. It was long but didn't feel like that when we were inside. In between certain meals, they had cleansing palate, which is something I also like! Really did help us transition into the next meal. They also gave me a hand-written card w such a sweet message and a few origami as we ended our dinner. I would 110% be back. Anytime. Plus side, the menu changes so that's more of a reason to be back at this place! I'm surprised this isn't a Michelin star restaurant. I've been to quite a few Michelin star restaurants and believe me, some don't even deserve it.
An amazing introduction to Kaiseki dinners in the Bay Area. Couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration. :)Ranzan is a Kaiseki style dinner with a few different options for the amount of food / premium options. We ended up opting for Kibune option which was their 2nd tier out of 4. It was super delicious although we did struggle to get to the finish line because our stomachs weren't ready for the amount of food we were getting. XDSome of our favorite dishes from our particular menu included:*Wagyu sirloin steak with Japanese sansho pepper: So good. Perfectly cooked. Melted in our mouths.*Corn tofu: Just a personal preference but I really, really dug this clever play on classic tofu. Loved the texture and thought it tasted amazing.*Squash soup: This was their play on the traditional miso - loved it (and love all things squash in general).*Unagi donburi: Perfect portion (this was one of the later dishes, so my +1 and I were struggling a bit at this point) and super delicious. The unagi was so flavorful with a lovely slightly sweet sauce and breadcrumb like balls.*Yes, there were a couple dishes we weren't as fond of, but still loved the way they were presented and the ideas behind them!*The pacing of the food does come out at a pretty even cadence with service being so on point.. My +1 and I got deep into our talks and sometimes fell a little behind with some of the dishes overlapping as we were still chatting but we were usually able to catch up!*The presentation was amazing and super deliberate. Loved the little touches and appreciated too the small birthday surprises at the end. Super cute.*As some other have noted, at least as of August 2023, the restaurant returns your deposit directly to you.*The ambiance of Ranzan is so soothing and relaxing. Easy to have conversations. Super minimalist.Also, I took a rideshare getting to the restaurant so didn't notice parking as much, but my +1 did park a couple blocks away.Cheers to the kind staff / servers! Super lovely and memorable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was so fortunate to have found Ranzan when looking to celebrate a birthday dinner with someone awesome! Ranzan is a Kaiseki style dinner with a few different options for the amount of food / premium options. We ended up opting for Kibune option which was their 2nd tier out of 4. It was super delicious although we did struggle to get to the finish line because our stomachs weren't ready for the amount of food we were getting. XD Some of our favorite dishes from our particular menu included:*Wagyu sirloin steak with Japanese sansho pepper: So good. Perfectly cooked. Melted in our mouths. *Corn tofu: Just a personal preference but I really, really dug this clever play on classic tofu. Loved the texture and thought it tasted amazing.*Squash soup: This was their play on the traditional miso - loved it (and love all things squash in general).*Unagi donburi: Perfect portion (this was one of the later dishes, so my +1 and I were struggling a bit at this point) and super delicious. The unagi was so flavorful with a lovely slightly sweet sauce and breadcrumb like balls. *Yes, there were a couple dishes we weren't as fond of, but still loved the way they were presented and the ideas behind them! *The pacing of the food does come out at a pretty even cadence with service being so on point.. My +1 and I got deep into our talks and sometimes fell a little behind with some of the dishes overlapping as we were still chatting but we were usually able to catch up!*The presentation was amazing and super deliberate. Loved the little touches and appreciated too the small birthday surprises at the end. Super cute.*As some other have noted, at least as of August 2023, the restaurant returns your deposit directly to you. *The ambiance of Ranzan is so soothing and relaxing. Easy to have conversations. Super minimalist. Also, I took a rideshare getting to the restaurant so didn't notice parking as much, but my +1 did park a couple blocks away. Thank you so much to our two servers and the staff! Super memorable / glad I went / strongly recommended!
Ranzan is an absolute treasure and my dining experience at this establishment was nothing short of amazing.Booking a reservation in advance with a $100 deposit per person was well worth it. Opting for the Takao menu was a fantastic choice. The seasonal rotation of the menu is a testament to the commitment to freshness and variety.The 15-course kaiseki menu was an absolute delight. Every dish was a work of art, both in presentation and unique flavors. The standout moments included the Wagyu sirloin steak, which was a true star, and the uni over sesame tofu, a truly exceptional combination. The dessert, featuring shaved ice with anko and matcha, was also a perfect ending to the meal.The ambiance offered a casual and romantic vibe, making it an ideal spot for special occasions. The quiet noise level ensured a peaceful and intimate dining atmosphere.Service was a highlight, with the staff being friendly, courteous, and attentive. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable experience was evident throughout the meal.While street parking in the downtown area can be challenging, the overall experience makes it worth the effort.
Restaurantji Recommends
*4.5 StarsFor those that don't know, Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese meal. More often than not, each course is prepared in a different manner to showcase the seasonal ingredients that are utilized in each dish. If you're looking to try a Kaiseki meal, then Ranzan is a great option. Located in downtown Redwood City, Ranzan is a pretty inconspicuous and unassuming restaurant from the outside. Focused on providing authentic Japanese food, Ranzan's menu changes each month to match the seasons in Japan. A great dining experience to try.ORDER - KIBUNE SET ($188/person):-Sakizuke (Starter) - deep fried sesame tofu-Chinmi (Delicacy) - ankimo monaka-Zensai (Appetizer) - grilled nagaimo with crab sauce, simmered maitake mushrooms, and green vegetables steeped in broth-Suimono (Soup Dish) - blue shrimp in a clay pot-Otsukuri (Sashimi Dish) - special of the day-Nimono (Simmered Dish)- slowly cooked octopus-Hashiyasume (Refreshing Dish) - plum wine sorbet-Yakimono (Grilled Dish) - wagyu sirloin steak with sweet shoyu sauce-Mushimono (Steamed Dish) - kuuyamushi-Agemono (Fried Dish) - lotus root dumpling -Sunomono (Vinaigrette Dish) - geoduck with agar jelly-Gohan (Rice) - hagama rice with snow crab meat-Misoshiru (Miso Soup) - enoki mushrooms and scallions-Mizumono (Dessert) - steamed castella
Came back again for a new seasonal menu and it was still as delicious as my first meal. Someone mentioned in their review that they charge $8 dollars for a bottle of water. I think the guest and the restaurant staff may have had some miscommunication because water is free. I got free water and the tables all around me got free water. However, if you order the water from the menu then yes, that costs money because it's fancy water. If you just ask for water then you'll get the free house water. Which might I add is very crisp and delicious as water goes. They no longer remove the Tock reservation deposit from your bill, instead Tock will now refund your deposit after your dine in. If you don't notice a refund after a week, they said to contact them. They will pick up the phone during business hours. The service here is top notch and they're always trying to improve which is evident by the comment card they provide at the end of the meal. So if you're not pleased with anything, you can always let them know and they will always try their best to accommodate you. Can't wait to try another seasonal menu!
Basic food and a bit overpriced for what you get. Great service and presentation, but the food was meh. They charged $8 per bottle for distilled water which is ridiculous. Not even Michelin star restaurants or fast food joints charge for water. Left a bad taste in my mouth when I got the bill for it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
First off, the service and the presentation was top notch. Excellent thru and thru. I came here last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. We got the $228 meal per person. The food was presented well but the food was just "basic*. There were a few dishes that stood out but some lacked flavor. I would have given this place 3 stars but dropped a star because they charge for distilled water - $8 per bottle and we drank 2 bottles ($16 total) ...what the hell. That is ridiculous. Not even a Michelin star charges for water and this place is not even Michelin rated. Also, fast food place don't even charge for water. I don't get it. I bit overpriced for what you get. I can not recommend this place..sorry.
Foods and presentation are very good.Really authentic style of Japanese restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5