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Sushi Sam's

Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Restaurant$$$$

Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo

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Sushi Sam's

8.7^/10

283

ratings

Ranked #3 for Japanese restaurants in San Mateo
"Omakase + green tea tiramisu is the way to go"(39 Tips)
"Copper River salmon and spicy scallop nigiri were great."(5 Tips)
"baby lobster nigiri!"(8 Tips)
"Tried the Cali special & spider roll."(4 Tips)

107 Tips and reviews

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omakase
sushi
super sam
lively
great value
healthy food
chirashi
hand rolls
good service
liver
casual
Toro
chefs
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crowded
dinner
beef
meats
lunch
Arctic char
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Vic ZaudNovember 14, 2014
One of the best sushi spots in the Bay Area. Everything on the menu is made well. The sushi is the star though. Omakase is the way to go - 6, 12 pieces something divisible in pairs - recommended.
Vic ZaudSeptember 5, 2014
This is the one place to splurge in the Bay Area on Omakase sushi - chef's choice and go for 10 pieces. Amazing quality every time and just brilliant taste. Worth it, I promise. Do it!
Herro KittyNovember 4, 2017
Sushi was fresh and delicious! Tried the Cali special & spider roll. Both recommended. The lunch special is pretty yummy as well for non-sushi fanatics. 8.5/10 :)
Jessica PuglieseJune 7, 2018
This place is PACKED at dinner time. I had the assorted sashimi and it was great. We had to wait a while for a table, but once we were seated, the service was quick. Would definitely go back.
Mazanin FJune 21, 2019
Been here 10+ times
These are the ones that you should definitely try: amber jack, baby lobster, arctic char, and if you want a roll get a rainbow roll. Best sushi ♥️
Shirley LiuDecember 20, 2015
Definitely do the omakase -- one of the best I've had and worth the (long) wait. Overall faves were blue shrimp, Arctic char, butterfish, and miyazaki beef.
Ryan PaulFebruary 6, 2017
Get the specials from the board only. Better yet, nigiri moriawase. The spider roll is excellent, but if you're ordering from the menu, you messed up. Best Toro tataki I have ever had anywhere.
Ms HeleneOctober 2, 2018
Toro torched nigiri, butterfish and sea bass were best. Always busy so arrive early. Generally no omakase on Tues & Wed.
Frank RimalovskiAugust 10, 2012
Wow! Kick ass sushi. Fresh @ delicious. Order it as recommended as many fish are served with a unique topping or sauce that goes perfect with it. Must try albacore tataki. (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
Ben SteinerAugust 16, 2014
Probably one of the better sushi places on the West Coast and best sushi I've had outside of Japan. If you don't have a reservation and it's after 6:30 pm, be prepared to wait.
Fernando CovasMarch 28, 2014
Order the omakase from the white board. In fact, just tell them how many pieces you want, and let them choose for you. You will not be disappointed- stellar sushi, memorable.
Eric LiuAugust 6, 2014
Best sushi place in San Mateo area, long wait every night, try chef special if it's your first time here, must try baby lobster nigiri!
Elden PhoKingGuyAugust 22, 2014
Don't let the modest exterior/interior fool you. This place is legit. You can't really go wrong with the Chef's selection. So much win!
_October 25, 2015
Better than average grade sushi. There is an omakase option, but it's better just to pick from the speciality section of the menu.
Vic ZaudJuly 11, 2013
This is one place where it's worth doing omakase. The range of options for people who appreciate great sushi - is amazing and worth it.
Melanie FarrisJune 30, 2015
Omakase, and he salmon nigiri
Tami SwitsOctober 18, 2013
Rainbow roll has enormous pieces of fish on top. Definitely amazing and great value.
Wally PunsapyJune 25, 2015
Been here 25+ times
Order the omakase. Start with 8 pieces, because you can always order more.
Leslie YuenApril 7, 2013
Tell Sam "Sushi Sam is the best" in Japanese, and get a free nigiri of your choice on the house! I love this place!!!!
Hedan ZengJuly 4, 2018
Never been disappointed with any meal at Sushi Sam’s! Make sure you go early though... lines can be long.
Raymond PeckDecember 15, 2018
The Omakase Sushi platters are amazing, the seared toro will make your day.
David KirschMay 26, 2019
Been here 5+ times
Best sushi on peninsula. Special preparation nigiri are always a hit.
Jerry HongFebruary 17, 2013
Omakase sushi or sashimi. You can't go wrong with either!
Stephen HauAugust 14, 2013
For best experience, sit a sushi bar and ask for "omakase" service (chef's choice)!
Bruce KeeJune 27, 2014
Been here 5+ times
no need to use the soy sauce & wasabi; just enjoy the melts-in-your-mouth cuts of fish/seafood
StephanyFebruary 22, 2015
Put yourself in the hands of the chef and get the omakase. Mind altering sushi experience.
Laura LiuSeptember 24, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Order the omakase (chef's choice) sushi and you get a choice of the desserts with it. A nice surprise they didn't advertise.
Bridget GaelNovember 3, 2022
Excellent omakase. The salmon roe are stellar as well.
Julie WJanuary 10, 2013
Highly recommend making reservations. This place is packed even on weekdays!! Also OMAKASE SUSHI.
Inger HogstromApril 26, 2012
Ask if they have black cod nigiri on the menu that day. Definitely give it a try if they do.
LilyNovember 20, 2014
Love this place! Try their omakase, toro and rainbow roll.
Kapo TamApril 11, 2010
Been here 100+ times
don't forget to leave room for Toko's special dessert! her homemade dessert changes every 2 weeks. Birthday cakes are available upon request also (advance order required).
Paymon GhafouriJanuary 21, 2012
Try sam's Kuro Buta and Omakase which is variety of Chef's choices for u and u shall love it folks.
Jonathan ZemelJanuary 5, 2012
White king salmon, copper river salmon, yokoa tuna, and fatty tuna off the board are like a religious experience.
Paulo SantosAugust 18, 2015
Baby Lobster Nigiri from their Omakase was 🔥
G GJuly 7, 2018
Not impressed at all though all the staff waiting to rush the sushi to all the tables was pretty amusing to watch food was overrated at best not the best sushi the service was outstanding
David GwilliamMay 18, 2013
Omakase was maybe the best sushi meal I've ever had in my life. Absolutely recommended.
NanaJune 28, 2015
So good! EVERYTHING. Next time we'll try the chefs menu!$$$
DorothyJune 24, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Hands down best sushi in the area
Upvoted Feb 9
Odile RoujolFebruary 26, 2016
Great Sushi but no booking so come early
Shali NguyenNovember 13, 2016
Get the Super Sam's Special and Chicken Kara-age! Yum~
Andrew RebackJanuary 23, 2016
Omg - everything. Just get here before 5p if you're hoping for less than an hour wait. Seriously.
Holger LüdorfJune 6, 2010
Copper River salmon and spicy scallop nigiri were great. The Ankimo (monfish liver) and Zaru soba were also excellent! Read more
StephanySeptember 4, 2018
The Copper River salmon is amazing.
Federico MedinaMay 20, 2013
Great place, very good service and excellent food. Recommended!
Tracy LSeptember 20, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Definitely get the omakase
Mikey ChangOctober 6, 2011
If they're serving the eggplant tempura, get it! It's fried eggplant with gyoza inside.
Angelica WApril 6, 2015
The rolls have a bit too large in size and not neatly shaped. Comparable to other places downtown. Not worth a wait.
Johnny LeeOctober 24, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Omakase + green tea tiramisu is the way to go
Jack HoltJuly 26, 2011
Seared toro. Get here before noon but expect a bustling experience at any time

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