Was around the San Mateo area and decided to try this new place. They have a variety of Japanese food options but doesn't specialize in anything. They have fried/grilled tapas, sushi, ramen, donburi, bento boxes, and more. They open until midnight which will be great for late night eats with a couple of drinks. Service was decent and space was large. Ankimo - great deal (10$) for a decent size and taste fresh. Curry with pork Katsu - not much meat and it was a lil tough to chew. It seems like the cutlet was uneven fried. Curry was not anything special. Crazy monkey roll - eel inside and hamachi/sake on top. Classic roll, I would recommend ordering a side of spicy Mayo for extra flavor!
Kristina K.
Great sushi! Very quick and helpful service. Lots of different options for the various types of sushi lovers. Not the quietest dinner spot but I'm not complaining. I really enjoyed eating here and will definitely be back! 10/10 recommend.
Luka Kirigin
very good food, great atmosphere, great music, open late.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kat Chu
My friends and I always come here, we have a great experience every time!! Sometimes we come with a big party and they always make sure to accommodate us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bek Djeimb
Great place epecially when it’s late all restaurants closed. This place is open and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Lasnik
4.5 stars, rounded up.Thumbs up:- Very tasty food- Hearty portions- Very affordable (for Bay Area) prices- Strong selection of food and drinks- Not a long wait, even on a Friday nightMeh:- Service wasn't the most attentive- Really really loud :(. Hard to have a conversation
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Luis Mendez-Stacker
Food is great with a lot of different choices. Service sometimes differs. It can be really bad one day and phenomenal the
The service here is wonderful. They are always so kind and pleasant , and attentive to everyone, regardless of age, demographic, or group size, or time of night, business levelTheir drinks are deliciousFood is delicious and freshMy favorites are the jalapeno with spicy tuna, and chicken curryGreat for a meal before or after a movie
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Katsu-Curry Rice
Diego Gallegos
Comfy, cozy, and surprisingly affordable. Come alone to drink and read, come wirh friends to chat and laugh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lo
My partner and I was hungry on a Friday night and came upon Izakaya Mai when we were walking in San Mateo downtown. The place looked like there were alot of people and we gave it a try. We ordered the okonomiyaki, the katsu curry over rice with soup and salad, and the fire special roll. The okonomiyaki came out first and it was really big. There was ramen and bonito flakes on top of it, the inside of the pancake has seafood, octopus, vegetables, all drizzled in mayo and bbq sauce. It was very hot, fresh and savory. We loved every bite of it. The katsu curry over rice was delectable, the curry had a hint of sweetness but it was very rich. The katsu was crunchy and so good over the rice. The fire roll was big, and nicely presented. The two of us couldn’t finish the things we ordered and had to bring food home. The vibes of the place was superb. It’s a great place for friends, families, and dates to meet up at. There are items that aren’t too expensive and very good for the price. The staff are really friendly as well.
Came here on a Sunday evening, service was quick as always and we were seated a few minutes after getting there. Got the Katsu curry with a vegetable croquette, Agedashi tofu and miso soup. Everything was great. The group also raved about their sushi - the dragon roll and a tempura roll I can't remember both of which were rated highly. All downed with some hot sake and friendly service. Great Izakaya experience!
Dennis W.
Closer to 3.5 stars. I had walked by here countless times but there was usually a line that I didn't feel waiting in. About a month ago, I noticed the line on an early Saturday evening was almost non-existent and I told myself why not try them out now.Quaint, old school Japanese decor, the waiter was helpful and I tried out a few small dishes. Everything was above average and this is not your typical Bay Area Japanese restaurant that caters to those that know less about what constitutes quality Japanese cuisine. I'll get off my high horse now.Overall, I would come back when the easy opportunity presents itself in the future. Parking can be challenging as they're located in the heart of downtown San Mateo.
D H.
Popular place on a Sunday evening. Overwhelmingly large menu and portions. Okonomiyaki was excellent.
Efren V.
Came in on a weekday night, very relaxed setting and not very busy. Food was excellent and we loved the karage chicken. Semi slow but worth the wait, will try the udon next time.
Antonio Toribio
Worst experience and food, and amount for so much money. order a chicken teriyaki dinner and that the amount they give.
Was around the San Mateo area and decided to try this new place. They have a variety of Japanese food options but doesn't specialize in anything. They have fried/grilled tapas, sushi, ramen, donburi, bento boxes, and more. They open until midnight which will be great for late night eats with a couple of drinks. Service was decent and space was large. Ankimo - great deal (10$) for a decent size and taste fresh. Curry with pork Katsu - not much meat and it was a lil tough to chew. It seems like the cutlet was uneven fried. Curry was not anything special. Crazy monkey roll - eel inside and hamachi/sake on top. Classic roll, I would recommend ordering a side of spicy Mayo for extra flavor!
Great sushi! Very quick and helpful service. Lots of different options for the various types of sushi lovers. Not the quietest dinner spot but I'm not complaining. I really enjoyed eating here and will definitely be back! 10/10 recommend.
very good food, great atmosphere, great music, open late.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My friends and I always come here, we have a great experience every time!! Sometimes we come with a big party and they always make sure to accommodate us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place epecially when it’s late all restaurants closed. This place is open and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
4.5 stars, rounded up.Thumbs up:- Very tasty food- Hearty portions- Very affordable (for Bay Area) prices- Strong selection of food and drinks- Not a long wait, even on a Friday nightMeh:- Service wasn't the most attentive- Really really loud :(. Hard to have a conversation
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Food is great with a lot of different choices. Service sometimes differs. It can be really bad one day and phenomenal the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Platter, Miso Soup, Edamame, Soup, Calfornia Roll, Noodle Soup, Chicken Wing
The service here is wonderful. They are always so kind and pleasant , and attentive to everyone, regardless of age, demographic, or group size, or time of night, business levelTheir drinks are deliciousFood is delicious and freshMy favorites are the jalapeno with spicy tuna, and chicken curryGreat for a meal before or after a movie
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Katsu-Curry Rice
Comfy, cozy, and surprisingly affordable. Come alone to drink and read, come wirh friends to chat and laugh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My partner and I was hungry on a Friday night and came upon Izakaya Mai when we were walking in San Mateo downtown. The place looked like there were alot of people and we gave it a try. We ordered the okonomiyaki, the katsu curry over rice with soup and salad, and the fire special roll. The okonomiyaki came out first and it was really big. There was ramen and bonito flakes on top of it, the inside of the pancake has seafood, octopus, vegetables, all drizzled in mayo and bbq sauce. It was very hot, fresh and savory. We loved every bite of it. The katsu curry over rice was delectable, the curry had a hint of sweetness but it was very rich. The katsu was crunchy and so good over the rice. The fire roll was big, and nicely presented. The two of us couldn’t finish the things we ordered and had to bring food home. The vibes of the place was superb. It’s a great place for friends, families, and dates to meet up at. There are items that aren’t too expensive and very good for the price. The staff are really friendly as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancakes, Dragon Roll, Agedashi Tofu, Takoyaki, Salmon Sashimi, Katsu-Curry Rice
Restaurantji Recommends
Came here on a Sunday evening, service was quick as always and we were seated a few minutes after getting there. Got the Katsu curry with a vegetable croquette, Agedashi tofu and miso soup. Everything was great. The group also raved about their sushi - the dragon roll and a tempura roll I can't remember both of which were rated highly. All downed with some hot sake and friendly service. Great Izakaya experience!
Closer to 3.5 stars. I had walked by here countless times but there was usually a line that I didn't feel waiting in. About a month ago, I noticed the line on an early Saturday evening was almost non-existent and I told myself why not try them out now.Quaint, old school Japanese decor, the waiter was helpful and I tried out a few small dishes. Everything was above average and this is not your typical Bay Area Japanese restaurant that caters to those that know less about what constitutes quality Japanese cuisine. I'll get off my high horse now.Overall, I would come back when the easy opportunity presents itself in the future. Parking can be challenging as they're located in the heart of downtown San Mateo.
Popular place on a Sunday evening. Overwhelmingly large menu and portions. Okonomiyaki was excellent.
Came in on a weekday night, very relaxed setting and not very busy. Food was excellent and we loved the karage chicken. Semi slow but worth the wait, will try the udon next time.
Worst experience and food, and amount for so much money. order a chicken teriyaki dinner and that the amount they give.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1