Sushi Maruyama

An excellent Japanese restaurant with skilled chefs and outstanding service. The food was simply delicious, showcasing authentic flavors and meticulous preparation. The restaurant is small, so reservations are highly recommended. However, if you dine late, there’s a chance you might be able to walk in and get a seat.

Visited 4 months ago

Made reservations for 730pm but have to change it to 8:00pm. Staffs are helpful to change it. Table was not ready by 8pm. We were offered tea while waiting. Ordered omakase for two of us. The fish are fresh and also we love the flavors and ordered extra ootoro which is not on the omakase but it's so tasty..literally melt in your mouth.

Visited 5 months ago

Probably some of the best Omakase I've ever had in the states and possibly in my life. Request a seat by The Chef's Table you will not regret it, make sure to secure a reservation over the phone. The chef is masterful with his knife he's also the owner. What a kind humble man

Visited 10 months ago

Loved our waitress here. She was so adorably friendly and made what was really just a dinner for friends catching up, something more celebratory.

We each ordered the omakase with a few additional dishes to share. We might’ve over ordered but everything was just so yummy. The restaurant isn’t too big so reservations are a good idea.

Visited 10 months ago

Great food, daily menu curated based on their fish for the day - like it should be. Authentic Japanese vibes, good drinks and small plates besides sushi. I usually go for their omakase - changes regularly. Probably the best bang for your buck omakase in the bay. The first white fish was a bit too warm? but others were on point. Loved the tamago that closed the 8 piece platter. The homemade tofu starter was silky smooth. Sake was hot and had a smokey note - very nice for a breezy/chilly day. There are wine and beer options.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Maruyama in San Mateo offers a delightful, albeit slightly rushed, sushi experience. This cozy restaurant boasts both bar seating and regular tables, but its popularity necessitates reservations - make sure to book ahead of time! We were running late, so we called the restaurant to let them know, and they said that it should be fine, but we will have to finish by a certain time. It seems like there is a 1.5-hour limit on the dining experience, so please keep that in mind.

The service was generally good, but the fast pace occasionally detracted from the experience. Our plates were whisked away a tad too quickly, sometimes even before we finished the last morsel.

Their ordering system is convenient - you're provided with a sheet and pen to mark your selections from the premium nigiri, a la carte sushi, and roll options. This allows you to tailor your meal to your preferences and add more later if needed.

I opted for the premium nigiri (8 pieces with egg castella for $54), while my friend chose a la carte selections. The premium nigiri offered a delectable array of fresh fish - Japanese Seabass, Horse Mackerel, Soy Marinated Bluefiu Tuna, Japanese Striped Jack, Minced Fancy Tuna, Wild Young YellowtaiI, Simmered Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Fresh Water Eel, and Egg Castella. Each piece boasted a generous cut, but here's the thing - everything had a slightly sweet taste. It wasn't overpowering, but it was noticeable. On a positive note, my request for minimal wasabi on my nigiri was readily accommodated.

The sea urchin (uni) from Hokkaido was good, but the portion size left me wanting a bit more. Overall, the fish quality was excellent, and the cuts were impressive.

Sushi Maruyama offers a solid sushi experience. The quality of the fish is commendable, and the ordering system is user-friendly. However, the slightly rushed service and consistently sweet flavor profile across the nigiri prevent it from achieving a perfect score. If you're looking for a cozy sushi spot in San Mateo with fresh fish, Sushi Maruyama is worth a visit, but be prepared for the possibility of a quick turnaround and a touch of sweetness on your nigiri. Knowing this beforehand can help you manage your expectations and still enjoy a delicious meal.

Visited 10 months ago

If you don't have a reservation, it's hard to get a table. If you've got here right when they open you might still have a chance. Food is really good!

Visited 7 months ago

Great quality omakase with amazing price. The $54 omakase here could be charged $100 in other sushi restaurant among Bay Area. Engawa nigiri is way beyond expectation, chewy, juicy and tasty!

Visited a year ago

Visited 3 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

An excellent Japanese restaurant with skilled chefs and outstanding service. The food was simply delicious, showcasing authentic flavors and meticulous preparation. The restaurant is small, so reservations are highly recommended. However, if you dine late, there’s a chance you might be able to walk in and get a seat.

Visited 4 months ago

I think this place is overhyped. For this area, the omakase is okay priced - but there are much cheaper, higher quality omakase options a couple cities away, in East Bay, or even in Hayward (Ebiko, Mujiri, Amami) for way better value and taste. The service was really great, but food was just okay. Good quality fish, but bites weren’t very special. The wagyu carpaccio was delicious, but everything else was just okay.

Visited 4 months ago

Best quality sashimi in the area. You can taste the freshness and quality. Just make a reservation days ahead of time if you want to guarantee a spot during regular dinner hours, even weekdays.

Visited 4 months ago

One of my favorite sushi restaurants in the world. This place is super cozy and professional. The chefs run a clean kitchen with fresh ingredients. The ambiance meets a chill vibe to enjoy sushi at a good value. The staff is welcoming and respectful. I recommend this sushi restaurant.

Visited 5 months ago

Booked this restaurant a week in advance to celebrate my dad’s birthday and had a very unsatisfactory experience. They didn’t let us order more dishes after the first round even though they had said you can keep looking at the menu to add more later. There were way too little waitresses for how busy they were and after multiple attempts to flag one of them down they finally came around to tell us we couldn’t order more and they had to cut the check for us… this is my first experience where a restaurant was so strict about ushering us out less than 1.5 hours into sitting down. The food is good but to be honest there is an abundance of similar level sushi restaurants across SF / Bay Area and NYC (aka the food was not so extraordinary good to justify this type of obnoxiousness). We ordered drinks and plenty food and I did not appreciate not being able to enjoy it all and instead being rushed out. This is not a factory line. I suggest leaving more buffer time between reservations especially for big parties.

Visited 5 months ago

Amazing place! it was really good everything was fresh! I will 100% repeat this place

Visited 5 months ago

Made reservations for 730pm but have to change it to 8:00pm. Staffs are helpful to change it. Table was not ready by 8pm. We were offered tea while waiting. Ordered omakase for two of us. The fish are fresh and also we love the flavors and ordered extra ootoro which is not on the omakase but it's so tasty..literally melt in your mouth.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

delicious! Staff are extremely friendly and sweet. They accommodated my boyfriend's crab allergy at no extra cost. recommend any carpaccio and the omakase

Visited 7 months ago

Better fish than I had in Japan. If it wasn't so expensive, I would go there every week! Expect to spend at least 75-100/person.

Visited 7 months ago

Omakase!

Visited 7 months ago

If you don't have a reservation, it's hard to get a table. If you've got here right when they open you might still have a chance. Food is really good!

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Best sushi in the Bay Area

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

A Japenese culinary gem

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Great food, daily menu curated based on their fish for the day - like it should be. Authentic Japanese vibes, good drinks and small plates besides sushi. I usually go for their omakase - changes regularly. Probably the best bang for your buck omakase in the bay. The first white fish was a bit too warm? but others were on point. Loved the tamago that closed the 8 piece platter. The homemade tofu starter was silky smooth. Sake was hot and had a smokey note - very nice for a breezy/chilly day. There are wine and beer options.

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

One of the best sushi places in the bay area! 100% recommended!

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Delicious sushi, the omakase is delightful ✨ and the service is fast. I would make a reservation in advance. They let you stay only 90 minutes

Visited 10 months ago

誕生日に利用し、
カウンター席が空いていなかったのでテーブル席の利用。

混んでいた為、スタッフの方はバタバタしており、注文した物も一気に出てきて、座って食べ始めてから１時間で出なくてはいけなかったため、(制限時間1.5時間) ゆっくり堪能して食べる様な雰囲気では無かったのが残念でしたが、色々なネタもあり、こうなったら楽しむしかない！と思い、おつまみ、お寿司、お酒を楽しみました。

日本の江戸前鮨とは同じ感覚ではないですが、ベイエリアでも全く本格的ではないお寿司屋さんも沢山あるので、
日本でお寿司を食べた事のない方々が経験するには、良いお店だと思います。

お店も賑わっており、友人とワイワイ楽しみながら美味しいお寿司を食べるのに、最適です。

Visited 10 months ago

Probably some of the best Omakase I've ever had in the states and possibly in my life. Request a seat by The Chef's Table you will not regret it, make sure to secure a reservation over the phone. The chef is masterful with his knife he's also the owner. What a kind humble man

Visited 10 months ago

Loved our waitress here. She was so adorably friendly and made what was really just a dinner for friends catching up, something more celebratory.

We each ordered the omakase with a few additional dishes to share. We might’ve over ordered but everything was just so yummy. The restaurant isn’t too big so reservations are a good idea.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Maruyama in San Mateo offers a delightful, albeit slightly rushed, sushi experience. This cozy restaurant boasts both bar seating and regular tables, but its popularity necessitates reservations - make sure to book ahead of time! We were running late, so we called the restaurant to let them know, and they said that it should be fine, but we will have to finish by a certain time. It seems like there is a 1.5-hour limit on the dining experience, so please keep that in mind.

The service was generally good, but the fast pace occasionally detracted from the experience. Our plates were whisked away a tad too quickly, sometimes even before we finished the last morsel.

Their ordering system is convenient - you're provided with a sheet and pen to mark your selections from the premium nigiri, a la carte sushi, and roll options. This allows you to tailor your meal to your preferences and add more later if needed.

I opted for the premium nigiri (8 pieces with egg castella for $54), while my friend chose a la carte selections. The premium nigiri offered a delectable array of fresh fish - Japanese Seabass, Horse Mackerel, Soy Marinated Bluefiu Tuna, Japanese Striped Jack, Minced Fancy Tuna, Wild Young YellowtaiI, Simmered Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Fresh Water Eel, and Egg Castella. Each piece boasted a generous cut, but here's the thing - everything had a slightly sweet taste. It wasn't overpowering, but it was noticeable. On a positive note, my request for minimal wasabi on my nigiri was readily accommodated.

The sea urchin (uni) from Hokkaido was good, but the portion size left me wanting a bit more. Overall, the fish quality was excellent, and the cuts were impressive.

Sushi Maruyama offers a solid sushi experience. The quality of the fish is commendable, and the ordering system is user-friendly. However, the slightly rushed service and consistently sweet flavor profile across the nigiri prevent it from achieving a perfect score. If you're looking for a cozy sushi spot in San Mateo with fresh fish, Sushi Maruyama is worth a visit, but be prepared for the possibility of a quick turnaround and a touch of sweetness on your nigiri. Knowing this beforehand can help you manage your expectations and still enjoy a delicious meal.

Visited 10 months ago

Great quality omakase with amazing price. The $54 omakase here could be charged $100 in other sushi restaurant among Bay Area. Engawa nigiri is way beyond expectation, chewy, juicy and tasty!

Visited a year ago

I love this place! Waitress here are all so nice and the sushi all taste authentic and fresh. Reservation strongly recommended for weekend. It’s a small restaurant that got filled up very fast.

Visited a year ago

Authentic sushi experience in downtown San Mateo. Plenty of choices from the omakase menu, as well as the standard/regular dinner menu. Efficient and friendly service, but please note there’s a 90-minute limit for dinner. Paid street parking and it’s free after 6:00pm and also free on Sundays.

Visited a year ago

Small place with great food. Best sushi we every enjoyed in Bay Area.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great sushi with attentive service

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Very good value for flavors. Fish was pretty fresh and everything was well cooked.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Tiny restaurant with a smattering of tables and a chefs counter. Definitely try for the counter if you’re alone or a party of 2 (or 6)

Do not attempt to walk in at least on a weekend; saw 2 or 3 couples make an attempt only to be sent away

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Very delicious sushi with imports from Japan daily. Expensive but varied offering. Lots of vegetarian options.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Wow... if you want to try some of the most authentic sushi food, this is your new hangout. Fabulous sushi, great saki list, and excellent service.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Good as always. Flew all the way to SF for friend’s wedding and this is the second priority on my list. Love love the black cod

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Best bang for the buck omakase

Visited a year ago

There are the general basic sushi places you can find anywhere, and there are the special but pricey omakase restaurants. Maruyama is somewhere in between. The dining area is cozy and casual. Only a handful of bar seats and tables. They do have better nigiri than the neighborhood sushi places, but the hand rolls are just plain awful.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Best sushi I had in the bay

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Fresh fish - excellent chef

Visited a year ago

The sushi is outstanding and really fresh and perfect consistency. The rolls are average so stick to the sushi and your meal will be great! Service was problematic in that the forgot the three rolls from our order and we waited 20 minutes more once the figured their error. They then ran out of one of our items so stated that they would give us another roll complementary! But when the check, there it was!! They were embarrassed and changed it and then comped us a dessert and edamame. They were very nice just a bit disorganized. We’d go again but just for the nikiri sushi. Not cheap but the quality is great.

Visited a year ago

Friendly service, high quality food, and a cozy atmosphere, without crazy high prices at other "high end" sushi places.

Omakase is an excellent value for the quality you get. The portion size is just right - not too much, not wanting - perfect for my normal meal, and when I am in the mood for some extra gluttony, it leaves just enough room so I can order a few more nigiri to enjoy, or order some other hot appetizer to start with.

The rice in their sushi is excellent, which is a basic table-stake for a sushi restaurant, yet many other places miss that mark.

This is not a typical cheap, and sometimes not so cheap, "neighborhood" sushi restaurant you find in California that serves just bland and cheap untreated raw fishes cut in pieces on top of some unseasoned rice, where sometimes you can even tell the fish was not even thawed fully. Here, each fish is treated as appropriate - seasoned or marinated or torched, with the right pairing of soy sauce or other small extra toppings to complement the fish, whenever appropriate.

They have the usual standard variety of fishes that are all great. One notable item for me was hotate & ikura gunkan maki - an excellent pairing that I don't find in many other places, and definitely better together. Besides fishes and other seafoods, wagyu nigiri is fantastic.

Their kama is excellent - cooked just right, soft, tender and juicy fatty goodness, and served very hot as it should be.

They don't serve oshizuhi, nor any zirashi dishes - not a big deal, but if you like e.g. saba oshizuhi, you will have to look elsewhere.

The sushi bar is tiny - for the US standard - with one sushi chef and one sous chef working shoulders to shoulders, reminding me of sushi places in Tokyo. I highly recommend sitting at the bar - as is usually the case for any good sushi restaurant - as you can see the chefs working and also talk to them. Shige-san has been always quick and friendly with big smiles, and it's a joy to watch him working, and even more to eat what he serves.

Visited a year ago

Small but neat place for authentic sushi. Welcoming and attentive staff. Their omakase is very reasonably priced and tastes amazing!

Visited a year ago

Probably the best sushi on the peninsula right now. Good fish, interesting dishes, nice place overall, and clean!

Visited 2 years ago

Imagine a family run sushi restaurant in a Tokyo neighborhood. Quality home made sushi, lots of diners in a small space. The food is excellent with a good selection of sake too.

Visited 2 years ago

Very cute little sushi spot in San Mateo. Quite reasonably priced omakase for how good it was. Service was amazing—waitstaff and sushi chefs were very friendly! We did not even tell them that we were celebrating anything, but our waitress asked, and we told her we were celebrating our engagement. She was very bubbly and brought us a complementary dessert unprompted. We would certainly come back next time we are in the area.

Visited 2 years ago

I wish I could give them a billion starts!! This right here is a place to support time and time again. We were visiting from out of state and came in to celebrate our engagement. What an incredible night. The food is stellar, and Michi, you are an amazing human! From calling for a reservation to walking out the door, she knew my name. Even after we walked out of the building, she came outside to thank us and wave us off. Just the sweetest person!

Omakase was $54 for 8 chef selected pieces which as others have said, was an awesome price. The fish is fantastic and fresh, and the atmosphere is so traditional - the miso soup you drink directly from the bowl. I wish I could come here every single night!

Visited 2 years ago

Best sushi I’ve ever had! I’ve been eating Sushi since 1965! Must have r reservations. It’s wild straight from Japan. Make sure you try the eggplant.!

Visited 2 years ago

Best sushi in the Bay, always fresh, great service, i eat here almost weekly as I can’t really imagine eating sushi dinners anywhere else.

Visited 2 years ago

Fabulous spot with fantastic service! The atmosphere was lively, yet intimate on a Friday evening. Our servers were super accommodating and even sent us some special dessert after we told them we were celebrating an anniversary! Only thing to note is parking is very difficult in the area - I spent over 15 min looking and had to park a walk away.

We got plates in addition to the omakase. My favorite dishes that we tried:
- Burdock root French fries: very fun take on burdock root, excellent crisp!
- Homemade tofu: we tried it hot and cold, I personally preferred it hot as it accentuated the soy flavor, but cold was very interesting w a cream cheese- like texture
- marinated octopus: good flavor and texture! A nice dish to start with

Visited 2 years ago

Authentic Japanese, feel like having dinner in Japan

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

The miso black cod is #1!

Visited 2 years ago

The perfect blend of truffle and sushi. Every fish is melt in your mouth fresh or cooked to perfection. I'm amazed at the quality of fish for such an affordable price. Will definitely be returning for more.

Visited 2 years ago

wow wow wow! How have we not known about this gem?! Sushi Maruyama was incredible tonight! Recommend calling for a reso. I called at 6pm and it rang to voicemail and low and behold, I got a call back as it went to voicemail! The lovely woman was able to find us a reso just half an hour after the time we requested. Upon arrival, we were greeted so warmly. Sushi Maruyama's interior is sleek and sophisticated - it is clear they put a lot of thought into the interior structure, down to the tables, chairs and dishware. Even more, the fish and every dish was perfection. We highly recommend:

- Omakase for my husband - he loved!
- Yellowtail sashimi, jalapeno yuzu ponzu - our youngest son joined us tonight and we three LOVED this!
- seared A5 wagyu-beef with homemade sweet citrus yuzu soy sauce - incredible!
- black cod marinated by saikyo style miso - loved!
- popcorn shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce - this will be a fan favorite of our boys!
- Yellowtail Japan nigiri - wow wow wow!

The service is amazing. One will feel immensely cared for. Vibe is so lovely. Every table taken - filled with happiness. Lovely sushi bar...we will have to try next time. I have a feeling this is our new go to. For special occasions and for the weekday night out where one needs a smile.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Without a doubt, the best sushi I have ever had

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Absolutely lovely. Fantastic premium omakase + hot appetizers, great sake (solid selection of high end and reasonable bottles in a variety of sizes), and stellar service. Been to very high end sushi restaurants in Kyoto, London, New York, and the Bay Area, and this one holds its own. :)

Visited 2 years ago

In one word, amazing. This is a cozy sushi / Japanese spot with an unassuming exterior. Most of the food is standard sushi restaurant fare (with some creative exceptions!) - but it's clearly prepared with great care; it just tastes awesome.

Visited 2 years ago

We’ve been there 4 times. It’s one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area, and the service is excellent. We especially love their uni, gindara saikyo yaki, and chawan mushi. We also tried many other kinds of food, and all have been top levels so far. It’s not cheap, but totally worth it.

Today we ordered 2 chawan mushi but they accidentally added vinegar to it, so we found them sour. They were super kind, apologized several times to us, and the chef came to bow. They remade 2 chawan mushi, gave us not only extra uni on top (worth $20), but also a tasty cheesecake at the end for free. They did what they should do, and what’s nice to do, and even more than that. I am deeply impressed and feel I have to share this experience!

Visited 2 years ago

Absolutely outstanding Japanese sushi restaurant! Be sure to call in for a reservation, and be prepared for an authentic Japanese sushi experience. The sushi menu is hand written, and changes daily. I highly recommend the chawan mushi- perfectly steamed steam with small pieces of crab, scallops, and fish. Homemade rich and creamy tofu- texture like cream cheese. Blue fin tuna carpaccio with truffles- sashimi cuts Smokey flavor of white truffle. Last appetizer: Japanese eggplant with miso: perfectly grilled, delicious sauce.
Omakase selection was impressive- 8 pieces of deliciousness! Served in two parts, first group of four: Japanese butter fish, Japanese striped Jack, Japanese wild young yellowtail, minced fatty tuna, Japanese king mackerel, Japanese skip Jack, ikura, anago, and egg castella.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Ok grade sushi that are toddler sized. Everything is so small and $20-40/ea. this is NOT micheline grade food/restaurant. Spent $250 and still hungry. Had to eat a pizza before going home

Visited 2 years ago

We had an incredible Omakase experience! Sitting at the sushi bar, we had the privilege of witnessing Chef Yamato's masterful craftsmanship as he prepared our sushi. He was attentive and considerate, taking the time to introduce us to various types of fish and ingredients before serving them. We were even asked for our feedback after trying each piece, which added a personalized touch to the experience.

Watching each dish being presented felt like observing a work of art. The attention to detail and presentation were exceptional, providing not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The cozy ambiance of the space, coupled with the excellent music selection, enhanced our overall enjoyment. Moreover, the staff exhibited genuine passion and kindness, further elevating our dining experience.

Without a doubt, I am already looking forward to revisit this place.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Maruyama is an absolute treasure that deserves every one of its five stars. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a remarkable dining experience. The intimate ambiance and elegant decor set the stage for what turned out to be a culinary masterpiece.

The sushi creations at Sushi Maruyama are simply exquisite. Each piece is a work of art, meticulously crafted with precision and skill. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every bite, and the balance of flavors is unparalleled. The chef's attention to detail and dedication to his craft are evident, making each visit a memorable journey for the taste buds.

The service is exceptional, with the staff offering warm and attentive care throughout the meal. They provide insights into each dish, elevating the experience with their knowledge and passion for sushi.

Sushi Maruyama offers an omakase experience that takes you on a gastronomic adventure. The chef's choice of seasonal and rare ingredients showcases the true essence of authentic Japanese cuisine. It is a testament to their commitment to providing an unparalleled sushi experience.

If you are a sushi aficionado or simply appreciate the art of fine dining, Sushi Maruyama is a must-visit destination. Prepare to be amazed by their culinary expertise and leave with a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind sushi.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

If there was ever a time to gatekeep a restaurant, this would be both the time and place.

The biggest standouts are as follows:
- Incredible food. There’s clearly a significant focus on quality, consistency, and creativity.
- Beautiful space with an upscale, intimate atmosphere. It feels like a spot that locals undoubtedly frequent, but is also amazing for a date-night or special occasion.
- The waitress who booked our reservation made a point to personally greet us and remember our names. She constantly checked in on us and made us feel like family. She also noticed that my bag was on the table, since there were no purse hooks at any seats, so she brought over a gorgeous little basket for me to put my personal belongings in that she stowed tidily under my chair. An absolute doll.
- The sushi chefs were so much fun. Nonstop fist bumps and check ins to make sure we were doing fine. Encouraged us to order as we wanted directly from them.
- Despite a couple of the items we ordered being forgotten (it was a busy Saturday night, so no sweat there whatsoever), all of our waitresses were so apologetic for the delays and mishaps, offering us desserts and sending us complimentary edamame and miso soup for the wait between dishes. It wasn’t a bother at all though since we sat at the sushi bar and were having such a great time regardless, but I appreciate that they were so genuinely concerned about our experience and wanted us to get exactly what we wanted.
- Wonderful, expansive sake selection. Exciting and innovative specials menu that changes daily.
- They made me an uni-convert. Don’t ask me why I used to be opposed to it, just be glad I’m finally part of the cult of uni.
- They played nonstop 90s r&b and hip hop with special attention paid to Mariah Carey’s criminally underrated deep cuts (I’m talking “Thank God I Found You”, “Breakdown”, and the “Always Be My Baby” Da Brat/Xscape/JD remix). Instant brownie points in my book.

If I could list any cons, I would; but I truly don’t feel like anything about this establishment is worth a negative critique. It hits every point I want in a quality restaurant experience. Warm, inviting, respectful service. Delicious, complex, comforting food. Exciting, innovative, yet classic flavor profiles and combinations. Supreme attention to detail and focus on excellence. And most of all, they make you feel like you’re a part of their circle. They’re not afraid to get to know you and to make the few hours you have with them memorable and worth the reservation.

Whatever you do, come here. Make a reservation. Tip the staff generously. Enjoy the food and the music. And don’t be shy about ordering whatever sounds delicious to you because chances are, it’s going to be delicious beyond the limits of your imagination.

Visited 2 years ago

Phenomenal sushi omakase experience at Sushi Maruyama. Each of the pieces of sashimi had such different flavor and texture, it was like an orchestra performing in my mouth. The service was very kind and warm, explaining all the different types of fish and recommending whether or not to add more sauce.

The appetizers and sharing plates were delicious as well. I've never had a salmon skin salad before, and let me tell you that is now my favorite kind of salad. The tofu was also amazing.

Shout out to our local friends who recommended this place! I'd definitely return.

Visited 2 years ago

Good sushi place in downtown San Mateo that we’ve been wanting to try for a while now. Reservations are hard to come by and we had to go for the 1st seating at 5 pm. Standard is about the same level as Sushi Sam’s on 3rd street and among the best (non Michelin) in the Bay Area. We had the omakase and assorted nigiri. Good mix of sushi and cooked food. Would definitely return.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

This place is so good, great everything. Michiko-san is my favorite server, she is so kind. I love when they play throwback music, makes it more fun.

Visited 2 years ago

Lovely place, wonderful creative food. It's a real treat each time we go there. Forget Sushi Sam's, this place is better and you usually don't have wait.
Edit: 4 years later this place is still great.

Visited 2 years ago

The quality of the fish is terrific, but you have to expect very small portion sizes; we’ve found much better value per dollar at Sushi Sam’s a couple blocks away. We came here for an anniversary, and left hungry even after $184 (subtotal) of fish. The $22 miso cod was buttery and sweet and savory, delightfully seared - but again was tiny. Seemed sized for 1. Same with all their other dishes. Wasabi marinated octopus appetizer came in a small bowl just a bit larger than a teacup.

Visited 2 years ago

Very solid sushi spot offering a fresh omakase. Overall great value and some super cool options.

Visited 2 years ago

Wow

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

pretty good price point for 8pc omakase. some of the sushi is a bit too sauced but the fish is fresh and delicious. bluefin tuna and scallops were on point. found the mackerel a bit to be not as flavorful as id like, but still good. raw octopus was nicely sauced and seasoned but the octopus itself could have been better. the eggplant to me wasn't worth it; watch out the center is lava. i wished the tempura scallops appetizer wasnt tempura'd, but had a great truffle flavor that wasn't too overpowering.

all in all, pretty tasty.

try the mochi dessert. you won't regret.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Service is good and we are very happy with all the dishes we ordered! Will visit again!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Has to be one of the best sushi I've ever had!! Hands down, the best guest service we've encountered in a very long time. Super friendly hosts That made us feel like we're a part of their family. Definitely will be back!!

Visited 2 years ago

Fantastic sushi, absolutely glorious Omakase. Very similar vibe and food to Sushi Tomi & Tomi Sushi, with the fresh from Hokkaido fish and daily menu.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

If you’re going for dinner, make sure to make a reservation early if you want to sit at the bar for the full omakase experience. Portions are small, might want to pregame before arriving or go somewhere else for dessert.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

TLDR: decent sushi, high price compared to value.

I had high expectations for this restaurant because it had such high ratings on Google and Yelp, but it did not live up to that expectation.

The neta (fish) still had a very slight sea-funk that wasn't fully tamed. They added toppings on top of the nigiri (sushi) that didn't really elevate the sushi, but at times took away from it. The wasabi isn't real, but the cheap horseradish, which is fine for a $20 sushi dish, but not for a $54 dinner omakase. The corkage fee was $40, way higher than any restaurant around.

Other than that, the quality was decent and I enjoyed it. But I think the proper price I would pay for the 8pc omakase would be more like $38, not their $54.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

We went there by reading the Google review without an appointment. Luckily we got a seat in 30min with the help of the staff. The food is great beyond my expectation. Beside the freshness of the sushi, the other starters (house made cream tofu) are also impressing. And the service was really good. I noticed a lot of regular customers who made a next appointment before left the store. The atmosphere is good here and I really enjoyed it! I checked with the staff usually a 2-week in advance reservation is required for weekends and a same day reservation may need for weekdays and Sunday.

Visited 2 years ago

What can i say besides, WOW! So good!

Visited 3 years ago

Excellent food and drinks! The owners and staff are very courteous and friendly! Highly recommended!

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Excellent food and attentive service. The chef's choice (omakase) seems to be the most popular menu option, and for good reason, as it's delicious and a great sampling of different fish.

Visited 3 years ago

完美的日本壽司，良好的禮貌服務，值得推介

Visited 3 years ago

This restaurant has very high quality sushi with very reasonable pricing. Service is also fantastic! One of my favorite sushi restaurants in the bay!

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Exceptional service, amazing fish, green tea IPA tickled my taste buds. Wish I had a place like this close to home.

Visited 3 years ago

Best sushi and atmosphere I have ever experienced.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Very fresh sashimi!

Visited 3 years ago

delicious sushi and surprisingly affordable for the quality. we got both the omakases and they were very good.

we also ordered the eel omelette and the carpacios. the wagyu carpaccio was just amazing.

the sake recommendation paired really well with the food

Visited 3 years ago

Good omakase at a reasonable price and not too crowdes

Visited 3 years ago

We went here for my sister’s birthday looking for a great and fresh sushi experience and that is exactly what we got. We ordered a variety of rolls, nigiri and appetizers and everything we ordered was amazing. Their tuna, fatty tuna, salmon and yellowtail were fantastic. The service was really good and I will definitely be back!

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Great sushi, great ambiance and great service!

Visited 3 years ago

I’ve been many great sushi restaurants. This is not one of them.
Spent >$120 and still hungry
Way over priced and over rated

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Make sure you call ahead. I had to get a reservation. You can taste quality. I recommend trying as much as you can reasonably afford to, but if you're coming here, you know that it's going to be expensive.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

The gobo root french fries are special, I have never tasted anything like this before. Good appetizer.
The $49 omakase is good but not great. The Japanese blue fish is my favorite.

The other dishes wowed me.
- Japanese scallop tempura with truffle
- A5 wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle
- Otoro tastings (three different types of fatty tuna)

Visited 3 years ago

Very delicate and fresh sushi all the time

Visited 3 years ago

Overall good there are so many options to choose from. Would like to come back again.

Visited 3 years ago

Really great little spot for authentic no frills sushi. The real deal- no rolls type of restaurant!
Reservations highly recommended, limited seatings available.

Omakase is $49.00 per person, 8 piece + egg custard for the nigiri, and approx 1 pieces for sashimi style. Portions are small, so if you’re super hungry, would recommend ordering several other dishes appetizers etc.

I enjoyed their Hokkaido Scallops & sea eel nigiri the most. Their oysters are from puget sound (steamboat) it was strong tasting (not sweet/mild like a Miyagi or Kumamoto)

My fiancé enjoyed the blue crab roll, the blue crab rice appetizer (fried block of rice) & the wagyu truffle tacos.

Overall would recommend- just a bit pricy ($250 said & done for dinner for 2) included several small bites & Sake as well as omakase for 2.

Visited 3 years ago

Fresh and wonderful.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

This is a very special place. The food is great, the Sake is delicious and they can give great recommendations, and the service is humble and gracious.

It’s not cheap, but considering the quality of all aspects, the overall value is very high.

Make a reservation.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Delicious Japanese food with a hint of Mexican fusion. Although the food is great, proportion is not big. If you're not a big eater, and values quality way more than quantity, this restaurant could be a great choice for you.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

The omakase was really good! I went here for my birthday dinner and loved the food and quiet ambiance. The rolls were pretty good, too!

Visited 3 years ago

Staff was friendly and service was great! Food was also superb!

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

High quality fish and great service. Felt like I was in Japan

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Good sushi. Be aware that they price their nigiri sushi by piece, not by the late like most other places.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Maruyama is an authentic Japanese sushi joint and not the funky American style where they stuff it with cream cheese or douse it in sauces. This place offers the traditional rolls, sashimi, and more. The seafood is high quality with great sake pairing. They have a large menu with daily specials such as omakase; this is where the chef provides a tailored nigiri meal based on seasonality and availability. It was $49 for 8 pieces, not bad at all!

I thought the overall taste was good, but some areas can be improved such as their grilled items. The dining atmosphere is very peaceful and is great for a date night. Good customer service despite being busy. They even gave us a complimentary homemade cheesecake because we were celebrating a birthday. Parking can be found on the street. Expect to pay $100-$150 per person. I would recommend trying it out!

Visited 3 years ago

One of the more authentic Japanese restaurants. Sashimi cuts are flavorful but on the small side. My family was crazy about their creamy tofu.

Visited 3 years ago

Authentic Sushi, good customer service.

Make sure you have a reservation to avoid waiting 15-20 minutes for a table.

A bit on the pricier side, but, ingredients were fresh and food was tasty.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Maruyama is a relatively new addition to Authentic Sushi places with Japanese chef and I confirmed that their dish as well as Sushi’s are pretty high level.

They have full page of the special of the day, just like a good Izakaya, and they are with seasonal fish from the market, so check that out. We have A few kinds of Tempura, and they are fried quite nicely with thin batter and so crispy. We also enjoyed Hitaru Ika (fire fry squid) which is very seasonal from Japan.

For Sushi, they can serve Americanized rolls too but I would recommend to try the traditional simple hosomaki (thin rolls) with Tuna or Yelowtail, and finish with Nigiri. Most fish are airfreighted from Toyosu and you won’t be disappointed.

Great Sake selection too.

Staffs are all kind and so ask their advice for dish as well as Sake selection.

Visited 3 years ago

sushi chef wearing their masks under their nose. the quality of the food isnt the greatest i had just average. noT sure why its rated this high.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Pretty good sushi place.

Visited 3 years ago

I learned about this spot from a friend 🤓 and I’m glad I was able to quickly make a visit! A friend was able to make a Saturday evening reservation during the day of our dining experience. I’ve never actually dined the Omakase way before and I’m glad to have Sushi Maruyama take care of me (and my friends).
Our group of 3 had a memorable experience that made us want to return in the near future. We decided on the 2 Course (2 separate plates of sushi) option and I was impressed by the quality of the items presented to us. Additionally, we ordered 3 other nigiri, tea, and sake (Shounn)! 🥂
All items were fresh, clean, and full of flavor! I wanted to eat more for sure! That unagi was like buttah and was my favorite item on my plates.
The staff took their time to calmly and informatively explain each item on our plates as they arrived at our table. While it was a busy and almost completely packed front of house, the staff were attentive and made sure to check up on us more than 2 times! I was impressed! Even more so, they were able to bear with our questions and took the time to converse with us! I shared some Japanese (from my High School days) phrases with some of the staff and they were surprised and conversed back with me with their own words! During our conversations, there were at least 2 other members from the wait staff that actually asked for my friend’s and I’s names! How sweet of them. I’ve only read about how personal the Omakase experience can be. I am glad I was able to finally experience this firsthand. We ended our dining experience with a kawaii & chisai cheesecake! My friends and I did not expect this sweet treat to make a visit to our table. While it was small, the cheesecake packed amazing flavors. Even the corners had some char to it which added a nice caramelized texture & flavor to round out the main flavors of the cheesecake slice (which also had a drizzle of a red fruity sauce - I think raspberry 🤔).
Also, before we left, I bought a bottle of the Ken sake. The staff were so happy and did not expect this to happen (“Oh, really?! 🥺). I’m glad I made this purchase. Needless to say, I’ll be returning to Sushi Maruyama again and I hope you make a visit as well! Just make sure to get that reservation in. The wait staff also informed us that the sushi bar experience is amazing as well! However, it was recommended that if you want to go with this route, you’ll have to make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance! I learned that this place is approaching the big 5 years of operation. I wish the best for this place for the foreseeable future! Thank you Sushi Maruyama! 🤙🏽💚

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Excellent food and great service.

Visited 3 years ago

Even those with a refined palate will find this place exceptional.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Horrible place. We made reservations and when we got there they didn’t know about it at all. We waited outside for an hour. After all that. I and my brother got stomach problems for 2 days! Be careful fish is not fresh

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

It’s always fresh and nice selection of fishes. They are as good as in Japan

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Restaurant is quite accommodating. Service is good and the chef is really nice and willing to make small chat. I’d suggest making a reservation for bar seating and ordering omakase. All the nigiri that we’ve tried has been exceptional. It’s always fresh, tasty, and a good rice to fish ratio. We’ve been a repeat customer since July and will continue to dine in.

Visited 3 years ago

Obsessed. Everything is DELICIOUS. The staff is so sweet and amazing (especially Tomo!!!) quality of the fish is unmatched. Can’t even think of the words to say how much I love this place. If you’re reading this, call and book a reservation. Donezo. You found your next favorite restaurant.

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Obsessed with this place. Have been so many times recently and it just keeps getting better and better. And the tempura scallops with truffle tonight, omggggg. Please add to the menu forever lol. Service is great. For sure make a reservation. Staff is soooo sweet!

Visited 3 years ago

Visited 3 years ago

Super rude service! Called them for an appointment. The lady ended the phone call before I finished my words. So impatient!

Visited 3 years ago

The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The sushi was fresh and the atmosphere cozy but inviting. Will certainly have to come back and try some more of the menu.

Visited 3 years ago