Ever found yourself craving sushi and thinking, ‘I’d settle for anything less than spectacular’? Of course not. Whether you’re a Peninsula local or just passing through, you deserve the finest nigiri, sashimi, and rolls San Mateo has to offer. That’s precisely why we’ve curated this definitive list of the top 20 sushi bars for 2026.
Izakaya Mai
$$ | (650) 347-2511 | WEBSITE
This longtime San Mateo favorite (operating until midnight) made its mark downtown, bringing what’s now the Peninsula’s best sushi bar to a bustling izakaya spot. The Crazy Monkey Roll is classic, the Ankimo is a steal at $10, and once you add a little generous sake, you’re going to need a moment to savor it all. Come with friends, chase your nigiri with fried chicken karaage, and tack on an order of ramen.
It’s rich, it’s satisfying, it’s reliable, and it’s more than enough reason to stop by, even if you’re not craving sushi.
Hotaru Restaurant
$$ | (650) 343-1152 | WEBSITE
Hotaru Restaurant is San Mateo’s sushi sanctuary. Clean lines, warm wood accents, soft lighting, and gentle Japanese music could convince you to trade your desk for a seat at the counter. This consistently busy, recently renovated spot is also one of the area’s most reliable sushi bars—and one that delivers generous, fresh dishes with flavors that keep regulars coming back.
You’ll have fall-apart tender beef teriyaki served in hearty chunks, curry katsu meals that are the comfort equivalent of a favorite blanket, and the freshest California rolls paired with lunch combos like hot udon. Add the occasional special roll, and attentive, knowledgeable staff, and you have a spot that’s a go-to for quick lunches, casual dinners, and nights when you just want to savor authentic sushi and soak in a welcoming atmosphere.
Shiki Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (650) 212-3688 | WEBSITE
San Mateo has plenty of sushi spots where you can grab a quick California roll between errands or sit through a multi-course omakase that feels more like a ceremony than a meal. And no disrespect to those places, but Shiki Japanese Restaurant exists in its own category. The atmosphere is calm yet welcoming enough that you can arrive straight from work and still feel like you’re settling into a proper dining experience.
At Shiki, you’ll enjoy the clean-flavored sushi, generous bento boxes, and steaming bowls of ramen that satisfy without overwhelming. All of that food is prepared with care in the open kitchen, which looks more like a stage for culinary artistry than a typical restaurant workspace. Sure, the service here is fast, but that’s why we keep coming back whenever we want a dependable, no-fuss escape that delivers quiet satisfaction every single time.
Furagu Sushi
$$ | (650) 931-4038 | WEBSITE
Furagu Sushi is a singular experience. You won’t find any other restaurants in San Mateo serving such generous sushi rolls with fresh fish and attentive service that accommodates allergies so thoughtfully. There are no misses across the $25-40 per person meal. The Awesome Furagu roll and Furago roll are served with ample portions that satisfy completely. Spicy Tuna Hand Roll and Vegetable Tempura are complemented by friendly staff who make every visit enjoyable.
But it’s not only the food that makes dinner here memorable—it’s the small touches. Whether it’s the welcoming environment that feels like a hidden gem, the accommodating team who remembers regulars, or the perfect timing for both in-person and takeout dining that ends the meal.
Taki Nori Hand Roll Bar
$$ | (650) 581-1269 | WEBSITE
Just one hand roll at this bustling San Mateo counter can easily turn into a full five-roll feast. That’s because Taki Nori Hand Roll Bar is the Peninsula’s most delightful sushi spot. The set of five fresh rolls for $35 sets this place apart. From the must-try salmon belly to the scallop roll with its delicious sauce, there’s no wrong order here. But know that a meal here is incomplete without sitting at the bar for that unique view of the food preparation.
It will wipe every other sushi experience you’ve ever had from memory. If there’s a wait, you can always spend time admiring the small space, breaking contact for a bite of that perfect hamachi.
Ultra Sushi
$$$ | (650) 242-1914 | WEBSITE
San Mateo has no shortage of all-you-can-eat sushi spots, from bustling chains to casual neighborhood joints. Amid the many options, our go-to for a satisfying feast of fresh fish without breaking the bank is Ultra Sushi. The clean, high-ceilinged space features booths and tables that can feel a bit tight when full—it gets warm inside, and you might end up chatting with neighboring diners about the best items to order.
The ordering system uses tablets where each person picks three items per round—one starred and two non-starred—with a limit of three of each item. Service is quick and attentive, with plates cleared promptly. The sashimi comes in huge, fresh cuts, the tempura is surprisingly picturesque and good, and the robata grilled baby squid is highly recommended.
Dinner runs about $45 per person before the 18% auto-gratuity and tax, so keep Ultra Sushi in mind for casual group dinners or when you want to try a wide variety without overspending. While there can be occasional menu availability issues, the extensive menu and efficient service make it a delightful spot that leaves you satisfied and eager to return.
Daiki Sushi
$$ | (650) 522-9698 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Daiki Sushi is a bit like finding a secret stash of your favorite snacks that happens to be all-you-can-eat. The San Mateo spot is cozy—there’s a clean, casual dining room with warm lighting and simple wooden tables, and a friendly sushi bar where orders fly out fast. It’s also where you’ll find the best sushi value in the entire bay area.
You’re treated to a parade of fresh, delicious rolls you’ll want to devour, creative specialty items that surprise and delight, and perfectly crisp deep-fried rolls that hit every time. And the little details are on point every time—chances are high you’ll still be thinking about the precisely prepared baked rolls, and the excellent selection of Japanese beers and sake days after dinner.
A meal at Daiki Sushi is an escape from whatever’s currently stressing your wallet, and one we’re lucky to get right here in San Mateo.
Yuzu
$$ | (650) 358-0298 | WEBSITE
The menu at this Japanese-owned sushi bar has a near 100 percent success rate. The Bay Area spot makes melt-in-your-mouth nigiri with fish straight from Japan, incredible crispy shrimp heads that are meaty surprises, and one of our favorite crunchy rolls in San Mateo. You’ll leave debating if you should book another table, even though the small dining room has close quarters—we’d say you should make reservations, but the free street parking makes takeout just as tempting.
As an added bonus, beyond the great lunch specials, they accommodate families with special treats for children.
Sushi Maruyama
$$$ | (650) 315-2945 | WEBSITE
Blink and you’d miss Sushi Maruyama, a tiny sushi bar that’s well worth braving the crowds of reservation-holders spilling over from nearby downtown San Mateo. The cozy walk-in-only spot is the poster child for impeccable Japanese staples. Blue fin sashimi with black truffle is a buttery, umami dream. The vibrant sashimi platters build a complex, lingering freshness.
And the blue fin o-toro handroll (stay with us) is the best rendition of the tuna standby we’ve had in the county, and will become the benchmark for every future version you eat. You might have to wait in the narrow hallway alongside other sushi enthusiasts, but things move quickly here—you’ll be face-to-face with a steaming mound of something artfully presented in no time.
Pacific Catch
$$ | (650) 389-2482 | WEBSITE
If a Sushi Hall of Fame existed, Pacific Catch would be its perennial all-star. That’s because this upscale San Mateo destination makes Latin-inspired seafood dishes out of ingredient combinations you’ve probably never seen before (much less thought to put on a fish taco), and pulls them off with flair. Think mixed catch fish with Peruvian tomato sauce, vibrant Latin bowls, and fish tacos with unexpected yet harmonious toppings.
Years after establishing itself, Pacific Catch is still going strong—as is its celebrated Happy Hour with generous pours and flavorful small plates. Paying a visit to this institution at least once should be high on your San Mateo dining bucket list.
Noma Sushi
$$ | (650) 393-4651 | WEBSITE
There’s always a steady stream of regulars at Noma Sushi, but the cozy wooden booths are worth the occasional short wait. This tucked-away spot in San Mateo is our go-to for date nights where we want to linger over fresh fish, casual dinners with friends, or really anytime we’re craving generous portions of the Sexy Casanova roll and attentive service at fair prices.
The sushi menu is served until they close, so even if your first meal of the day is at 8pm, you can get what you want—as long as what you want is a feast featuring plump cuts of high-quality fish, the signature Noma roll, and that welcoming old-school atmosphere.
Fuji Sukiyaki
$$ | (650) 348-7810 | WEBSITE
Your trip to Fuji Sukiyaki, a reliable sushi spot in San Mateo, will be penciled in on your to-do list for days ahead. When you finally slide into a booth, you’ll be rewarded with fresh fish (from all the quality) and clean flavors that you’ll still be craving hours later. The deluxe chirashi with salmon belly, hamachi, toro, and uni builds a satisfying richness throughout the meal, and every bit of the spicy salmon hand roll and dynamite roll is a flavor-packed umami delight.
Add the $45 sushi platter option and the cozy space filled with more wooden accents than a sushi chef’s toolkit to the mix, and it’s the ideal setting for any casual outing. Come with a friend or two and dig in.
The Backhouse
$$$ | (650) 260-3961 | WEBSITE
The Backhouse is a ghost kitchen sushi spot with a $75 omakase box that delivers 10 nigiri pieces. But these aren’t your standard sushi rolls that leave you feeling like you’ve eaten a brick of rice—instead, the fresh fish-focused boxes, which typically feature generous portions of uni and roe, are vibrant and expertly crafted.
One order, the salmon trio might showcase beautiful presentation with unique flavor combinations, and the next you’ll dig into bluefin tuna that gets the full rich treatment from high-quality fish and expertly flavored rice. The seamless pickup process is the best part of the experience (this concept operates from multiple locations), so you can enjoy all the freshness and artistry at home.
Sapporo Rock & Roll Sushi
$$ | (650) 699-1999 | WEBSITE
If you’re wondering where we unwind after a long week, look no further than Sapporo Rock & Roll Sushi’s laid-back dining room. The San Mateo spot offers an interactive sushi bar experience where you can watch the different cuts of fish and even take shots with the chefs. And even though plenty of sushi joints have opened since, it’s held onto its must-visit status.
The specialty rolls are creative, fresh, and firing on all cylinders—so grab a seat for the Hokkaido roll, The Rolling Stone, and Aburi Style Nigiri that’s torched until smoky and perfectly caramelized. And if you see us sipping free sake while the staff keeps our glasses full, know that we probably aren’t eating there out of professional obligation. It’s pure joy.
Sushi Yoshizumi
$$$$ | (650) 437-2282 | WEBSITE
For the most authentic sushi experience in the Bay Area, head to Sushi Yoshizumi in San Mateo. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market every time you visit—which might not be often, since the omakase experience runs about $300. The intimate space has minimalist wooden décor, a single chef commands the counter with quiet precision, and the attentive staff presents each course with synchronized grace, like they’re performing a centuries-old ritual.
The nigiri at this traditional edomae restaurant is designed to redefine your palate—monkfish liver arrives with a whisper of fresh wasabi that melts on your tongue like morning mist, snapper is served with just a brush of soy sauce that enhances its natural sweetness, and the sardines have a perfect balance of oil and acidity. Dining at Sushi Yoshizumi might be a special occasion splurge—which is why you’ll want to savor every piece of your meal.
Tokie’s Downtown
$$ | (650) 570-6609 | WEBSITE
Tokie’s Downtown in San Mateo serves the best sushi in the Bay Area. The Hamachi Nigiri melts in your mouth. The Fire cracker sushi and Tempura appetizer plate are always perfectly fresh. And no matter what menu route you take, your meal will be enhanced by the modern Japanese ambiance, beautiful bar, and excellent service that greets you when you walk in.
Beeline to the cozy 30-seat spot for family-friendly dinners, nights out with friends who appreciate authentic cuisine, and, really, any time you want to savor tender miso cod with its slightly burnt side and accompanying vinaigrette salad. At $25-ish per entrée, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value for such quality—so always expect a wait for your food, but know it’s worth it.
Sushi Sam’s Edomata
$$$ | (650) 344-0888 | WEBSITE
Visit this authentic Japanese sushi bar in San Mateo three times in one week and you’ll still crave another trip. The relaxed restaurant serves impeccable sushi like melt-in-your-mouth toro that could win awards, thanks to silky-rich uni and buttery artic char we always finish completely off the plate. There’s also delicate hamachi brightened up with perfect balance, and crispy corn tempura that’s the edible equivalent of slipping into a cozy robe and settling by a warm fire.
Make it your mission to try every daily special—and get to Sushi Sam’s for weeknight group dinners, birthdays, date nights, casual celebrations, and everything in between.
Joy Sushi
$$ | (650) 340-8974 | WEBSITE
There’s no other way to say it—Joy Sushi in San Mateo makes the best sushi in the area: generous cuts of fresh sashimi, perfectly seasoned rice, creative rolls that balance texture and flavor, and a soy sauce blend that enhances everything like a subtle finishing touch. Each plate arrives artfully arranged on simple white china, substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. And, unlike most sushi bars, Joy Sushi’s menu sprawls across pages with impressive variety.
It turns out, more can sometimes be exactly what you want.
Dash Japanese Tapas and Sushi
$$ | (650) 340-1508 | WEBSITE
Dash’s uni baked baby scallops are capable of inducing epiphanies. They’re glistening, perfectly seared, and every bite of the creamy uni and tender scallop comes with the realization that you’ll probably never eat seafood this good again. But there’s more to this cozy Japanese restaurant than scallops—like the crisp tempura, honey-glazed tamogoyaki, and delicate agadashi tofu that shimmers in its light broth.
The dark, casual space is one to keep top of mind for birthdays, special group dinners, and date nights. Or really, any time you want to settle into the larger back area and feast on the best sushi in San Mateo.
Truffle Poké Bar
$ | (650) 573-6425 | WEBSITE
There’s no place like Truffle Poké Bar in San Mateo. This casual spot in the city has just a small outdoor patio. It’s run by a quick and helpful staff that’ll gladly swap sauce recommendations as you build your bowl from across the counter. Throughout your lunch, one perfect poke bowl ($16) lands in front of you like it was dropped into this mortal dimension from the pearly gates.
The four standout types of fish rotate, but they’re always made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and jazzed up with truffle aioli you won’t see on any other poke bowls around town. It’s damn near impossible to get a bad meal here, but once you do, know that you’ll never look at another quick lunch the same way again.
