After months of searching for that perfect bite—the delicate balance of rice and fish, the whisper of wasabi—San Carlos has answered. So naturally, when the craving hits, you’ll want the real deal. Here’s our list of the essential spots to find it.
Yama Sushi
$$ | (650) 508-8600 | WEBSITE
The interior of Yama Sushi in Belmont feels like a cozy neighborhood nook—with warm pendant lighting, clean wooden booths, and decorative bamboo accents along the walls. And this sushi spot’s straightforward setup has the same reliable instead-of-fancy-let’s-get-great-food vibe. It’s a compact space with a mix of tables and a small sushi bar, all kept tidy and welcoming. It’s perfect for a quick solo meal, or anytime you crave fresh Japanese fare without the fuss.
Order anything that involves the fresh fish (like the hamachi sashimi and spicy tuna roll), plus the dinner Bento Box, and plenty of their affordable, well-made sushi.
Akami Sushi
$$ | (650) 257-7192 | WEBSITE
Does a cozy space that seats just two dozen count as intimate dining? We say absolutely. And that intimate setting is the perfect place to enjoy the incredible fish at Akami Sushi in San Carlos. Also valid: sharing the Caterpillar roll on a date night, or savoring the Chirashi Deluxe bowl at the sushi bar (don’t skip the miso soup unless you want to miss one of their tastiest offerings). Get the salmon skin hand roll.
Hotaru Restaurant
$$ | (650) 343-1152 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite spots for a reliable sushi fix is Hotaru Restaurant in San Carlos—it’s easy to forget you’re looking for anything more elaborate. Order anything involving their fresh sushi (including the special rolls, which are super flavorful), or the beef teriyaki served in satisfying chunk pieces. Just make sure you have enough time to appreciate the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere.
The renovated interior has a comfortable feel that will make you want to settle in and enjoy the generous portions.
Sushi House
$$ | (650) 321-3453 | WEBSITE
Sushi House in San Carlos has plenty to love—they have over 30 sushi rolls on the menu and lots of delicious dishes to pair with them, like miso soup, udon noodles, and excellent fresh sashimi. And our favorite place to enjoy all of that is their cozy dining room. It’s welcoming, which provides a nice break from the bustle of the shopping center, and has warm lighting that makes you feel right at home even on a busy evening.
Shiki Bistro
$$ | (650) 593-2275 | WEBSITE
Shiki Bistro is a sushi standout. The San Carlos Japanese spot asks, ‘Why only have one seating option?’, and gives you the choice of enjoying their King Dragon roll at a cozy indoor table or on their spacious outdoor patio. So when you need a reliable lunch spot or want to savor fresh maguro sashimi outside while your family debates which fancy roll to order next (you might need some miso soup), head to Shiki Bistro.
Asya Restaurant
$ | (650) 549-8526 | WEBSITE
Asya Restaurant is a sushi bar, so the menu is full of sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, and Thai dishes. Basically, a bunch of delicious, varied options that are perfect for a solo meal while getting some work done, or a casual date. Sit out on their patio, order a vegetarian pad Thai and avocado roll (which come with attentive service and a pet-friendly environment), some tea, and wave a chopstick around to emphasize a hilarious-yet-charmingly-relatable point you’re making.
Akizu Sushi Bar & Grill
$$ | (650) 235-9356 | WEBSITE
This Foster City strip mall spot has been a local favorite for years, and while I wasn’t a regular from the beginning, it feels like it probably hasn’t changed much. The menu is straightforward, focusing on sushi and bento boxes, all of which are reliably good. But what makes Akizu particularly special is its welcoming atmosphere. The dining room, with its Japanese-inspired decor and seasonal touches, is cozy, so come with friends and settle in.
Koma Sushi
$$ | (650) 367-6547 | WEBSITE
Koma Sushi is a neighborhood sushi spot, and the vibe is basically ‘no-frills favorite.’ The indoor space is cozy and simple, and includes seating that feels welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor options. In conclusion, come here, get full, and repeat all year round.
Odori Japanese Cuisine
$$ | (650) 327-2222 | WEBSITE
Odori Japanese Cuisine is a great Japanese spot in San Carlos, and reservations are hard to get. But now they’re a little bit easier thanks to extra seating at their sushi bar. Those bar seats are all covered with warm lighting to highlight the chef’s work, and decorated with simple wooden accents to distract you from noticing the lack of fancy decor. The menu has dishes like a delicious Nigiri lunch special, excellent California rolls, and incredible tempura Soba with toothsome noodles.
And the service here is great—both at the bar and at the tables.
Taki Nori Hand Roll Bar
$$ | (650) 581-1269 | WEBSITE
Taki Nori has some pretty good hand rolls and sushi, but our main motivation for visits during any season is their counter seating. It’s small and intimate, so you don’t feel like you’re just another table in a big restaurant. Plus, there’s a direct view of the chefs preparing each roll. The limited bar space makes it perfect for solo diners or couples, and there’s a focused energy to watch the food come together.
Basically, if there is a regular table option at this restaurant, we don’t want to know about it.
Otoko Sushi
$$ | (650) 264-8418 | WEBSITE
Otoko Sushi in Redwood Shores is a wonderful Japanese restaurant. From the crispy tempura to the thick sashimi slices that are slick with soy sauce to a hamachi roll filled with unique ingredients—it’s all delicious. And you can’t see it from the street, but they have a friendly, attentive atmosphere inside the restaurant that’s filled with warm lighting and cozy seating. It’s exactly the kind of relaxing spot that’s perfect for a low-key dinner.
MJ Sushi Foster City
$$ | (650) 781-3657 | WEBSITE
This sushi spot in Foster City remains a top choice for sushi lovers, particularly for vegetarians. The vegetarian rolls are a standout, and the quality of food is consistently excellent. The restaurant features competitive prices (think $12-$18 for rolls), generous fish portions, and a fresh selection. Customers have praised the chicken karaage, which is a favorite for many. While some may find the bottled drinks odd, the complimentary first round is a nice touch.
The atmosphere is bright and clean with simple wooden tables, making it an inviting space. With friendly and efficient service, MJ Sushi is a go-to spot in the area, highly recommended for a satisfying dining experience.
Robin Menlo Park
$$$$ | (650) 204-1437 | WEBSITE
Yes, Robin Menlo Park can feel quite lively. Thankfully, it’s a vibe paired with creative omakase and a modern space full of sleek decor and welcoming lighting. And as with its approach to sushi, many elements (like the fusion-style nigiri and unexpected courses) in the $109–$150 tasting menu are designed to delight.
Kanji Sushi & Ramen
$$ | (650) 485-2996 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of Kanji’s welcoming space with its snowflake lighting, but the prime seating at this South Bay spot is their spacious family-friendly area. And that comfortable space happens to be an ideal place to enjoy $14 special rolls (which are way better than they have a right to be) and eat $8 temakis—you can even get a generous sashimi platter for $48. But if all you want to do is savor fresh toro while enjoying the attentive service, they have that too.
Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi | San Carlos
$$ | (650) 832-1254 | WEBSITE
As the name suggests, this place has a show—it’s set up with hibachi grills and sushi stations, and there’s a lot of fun on the menu. The all-ages dining area at Sakura in San Carlos will entertain you with performances, which is more than we can say about the quiet sushi bars that don’t have teppanyaki.
And while you will find things like chicken fried rice and California rolls on the menu, thankfully, their commitment to the experience goes beyond that since basic sushi spots don’t have Dani making everyone feel comfortable. Or birthday parties.
Holy Sushi
$$ | (650) 254-6007 | WEBSITE
We appreciate the authentic Japanese sushi at Holy Sushi in San Carlos more and more every time we dine here. And we enjoy this spot the most when we get to sit at the sushi counter. It’s spacious enough for a group, but still intimate enough for date night. Plus, if you come for dinner, you can order the delicious Hot roll at the counter (normally it’s reserved for those sitting at the bar).
The Grilled Company, Inc
$$ | (650) 593-2275 | WEBSITE
The Grilled Company, Inc hits all the right notes. It has delicious Californian-style sushi, friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a comfortable space with TVs playing sports for casual viewing. And because it’s a local favorite, it doesn’t suffer from the pretentiousness of some high-end sushi spots. Instead, you’re treated to affordable yet tasty rolls in a pleasant environment perfect for conversation.
Go for the weekend happy hour, and watch families and friends gather over appetizers and drinks.
Barracuda Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (650) 548-0300 | WEBSITE
We love Barracuda year-round for its delicious Japanese food. But the calm, welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best spots for a relaxed dinner in San Carlos. The menu has a wide assortment of dishes, including popular tempura and sashimi salad rolls, perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables, and the highly recommended salmon poketini.