- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Sushi House
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars [Edit]
Town & Country Village855 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-3453
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sat 4:30 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Sushi House
Review Highlights
"bento boxes and sashimi are very fresh."
(in 14 reviews)
"Love the rich flavor miso soup."
(in 13 reviews)
"The quality of sashimi is very steady."
(in 15 reviews)
Loading...
91 reviews in English
-
Review from Gabby N.
Palo Alto, CA
1/5/2012
I used to come here all the time in high school so before you read my review know that I'm writing about the past because I haven't made a trip here since.
I really loved this place and went to it practically once a month or more because my orthodontist used to be about 2 stores down and my braces needed tightening!
There is nothing super special about this place except that it is pretty decent, tasty, cheap japanese food. The people here are always so nice when I come in and the service is fast. I usually ordered some combo sushi rolls or a sushi combo with california roll or something like that.
Again nothing super special but damn good for the price and speed. -
Review from Kimberly C.
San Ramon, CA
1/11/2012
2.5* So, keep in mind I have not ordered fresh fish here as in sashimi, etc. My best friend claims she likes the fresh fish like a few other reviewers noted. My other friend said later she'd had better (while she only ordered rolls).
The menu is simple. WARNING: DO NOT dine here if you want sushi rolls; it is where they lack. There are some maki rolls and only a few rolls which are not creative by any means such as salmon skin roll, tempura shrimp roll, etc. Rainbow roll overpriced around $14. Other items typical on sushi menu are available as well.
I have been here twice and maybe I'll come back just for the fish itself and nothing else. I have ordered a bento box with chicken teriyaki and broiled fish which I recall tasting a bit fishy. Second time around, I ordered cali roll and philadelphia roll which had raw salmon and cream cheese which were both good items. Picky me noticed the rolls weren't put together that well..some parts of the roll had rice falling off. I had chicken skewers as appetizers. I was given 2 little skewers of chicken thigh meat tasting just like chicken teriyaki for around $5- not worth it at all. Pretty much broiled chicken equivalent to about 1 chicken thigh at most and that's how small it was.
Keep in mind it is not the cheapest sushi place. Also, the interior looks somewhat rundown for Palo Alto.. Service could be a lot better for the price of the food too. -
Review from Eeway H.
Stanford, CA
11/5/2011
The sushi here is alright.
The service is fast but rude.
The price is a bit high considering the atmosphere they provide.
The sushi here is actually made pretty well. The ingredients are also pretty fresh.
This is an okay place to stop for a quick bite when you have no need care for ambiance or service. -
Review from Chris C.
Palo Alto, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I togo a lunch bento box so I can eat right outside of their store with my dog.
Right after I sat down I went right back into the restaurant and ask for a cup of water. The old asian lady who took my lunch bento order look at me with this "hell no" face and ask me to buy a bottle of water from their fridge. I said to her "can I just have a cup of water please?" She didn't answer me but gave me a unfriendly stare, walk into the kitchen, took out a paper cup, walk to the sink and fill my cup with tap water. I really don like the way I've been treated! Simply Horrible!!!! -
Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
1/28/2012
I once worked near Sushi House and ate my lunch here regularly. For the first time since 2001 I ventured back in while shopping at T&CV. It's good basic sushi and Japanese food. I particularly like their tempura. I will say that I stood for several minutes before being acknowledged, but it was a busy time of day. Very satisfying.
-
Review from Jane T.
Palo Alto, CA
2/2/2012
I give this place props. I feel as if you get what you pay for (it's cheep) but there are definitely fancier (more expensive) places if you would like
-
Review from Smiley H.
Millbrae, CA
1/6/2012
Located in Town and Country. I come here for lunch on occasions. I have gotten their sushi and is not bad for their price. I usually get their salmon teriyaki. Good lunch place.
-
Review from Sean M.
San Jose, CA
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Udon noodles with tempura and California roll - good taste and fresh.
A little pricey, but not bad enough that I would not come back. -
Review from Margaret C.
Menlo Park, CA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good sushi, rude service. They're not really interested in being nice to people there. Next time I'll push harder on my friends to hit up Village Cheese House.
-
Review from Mary Ann M.
Palo Alto, CA
4/29/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This is a great lunch spot! I will rave about how fresh their salmon sashimi is.
Pros:
-FRESH sashimi
-tender and flavorful beef teriyaki
-tasty miso soup with good amount of tofu and seaweed
-good salad and dressing
-decent prices
Cons:
-parking is hard especially during peak eating times
-portions are a bit small -
Review from Julien W.
Palo Alto, CA
7/8/2011
Well, this place good for food, but atmosphere is not really there. Food is not very expensive, but fresh and tasty.
They offers to-go food, and for that it is great. -
Review from Amanda F.
3/23/2011
If I was a classier chick, I might find myself a fancier go-to sushi spot down in the Peninsula. You know, one of those places with table cloths, non-disposable chopsticks and servers dressed in kimonos. But I'm not (sorry I'm not sorry?) so this little hole-in-the-wall (house of awesome) is without a doubt my go-to sushi spot in the PA.
The gals that own this joint are sassy as all hell, the fish is fresh, the menu pages upon pages of impressive and the price is ABSOLUTELY right (hey, you pay for those fancy tableclothes and non-disposable chopsticks). If you're one of those raw fish phobic sushi eaters (or if you frequently dine with them) there's a good option of teriyaki-ed/fried/dumplinged/steamed options on the menu and they have some neat bento boxes. Will provide brown rice if you ask.
Candy dish by exit + distracted servers = FISTFULS OF SUGAR for dessert. Every time I go. So glad I'm not a classier chick. -
Review from Jessica G.
Palo Alto, CA
11/1/2011
This is absolutely my go-to sushi place. The owner there is really nice and remembers me every time I go in. Their chicken teriyaki is excellent and they make california rolls just the way I like it...with the imitation crab and mayo mixture...not too dry, either. They also have mochi and, of course, rice and miso. Also, you can order vegetable tempura and ask for just the carrot tempura and they're happy to oblige. I've even gotten their party trays before. I have always been happy with their food and service. The place is kinda small and (like with most sushi places) the hours can be inconvenient, but this place is still my favorite sushi place out there.
-
Review from Elaine T.
South Pasadena, CA
5/7/2011
I'm a fan alright!!
My friends bought me to this place when I visited over a weekend.
Damn FRESH sashimi!!
I ordered a Sashimi Combo (Yellowtail & Albacore) fish. Roughly $15 bucks.
Their fish were solid in big chuck and fresh!! I mean, I can even taste it in the fish when I had my first bite.
Love the rich flavor miso soup!
Great service!
Price reasonable!
Seating is tight... not good with baby or small children.
I loved this place, wouldn't mind going back there again when I am in town. Wish they have something like this decent in price and quality in LA. -
Review from Vb L.
1/9/2011
My kids turned me on to this place which is tucked so far into the back of the Town & Country I never would have known it was here otherwise. Although parking at lunch can sometimes be challenging, be patient because the food is worth it.
Fresh, yummy sushi! The Rainbow Rolls are my favorite. They use real crab and fresh, fresh fish. The lunch boxes are cheap and really good. They have them with the token tempura or california roll sushi combo.
They have seating inside and outside. They also have food to go.
This is my go-to sushi restaurant when in the Palo Alto area. The best sushi for a reasonable price.
TIP: Go before or after Palo Alto High School's lunch hour. Otherwise you'll have a long wait behind a bunch of teenagers.Listed in: Eating Out...side
-
Review from Joanna P.
Redwood City, CA
10/9/2011
My husband and I go here about three times a month and have never had a bad experience. The staff is friendly and even knows our usual order. This place is nothing fancy, just a hole in the wall in the back of Town and Country, but the food is always great and the price is excellent. The fish is always extremely fresh, the tempura is lightly battered to perfection (better than anywhere else in the area), and the rolls are simply made, but delicious. We have not found better fish quality in this price range anywhere in the area. The only downside is the hours - no Sundays or after 8pm!
-
Review from Nicole P.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What a hidden little gem! I ordered the cold summer noodles (I believe the restaurant calls the Noodle salad), and boy did it exceed my expectations! Simple, yet delicious! The dish included sliced tamago, cucumber, bean sprouts and shredded chicken, sitting on cold ramen noodles with a light brothy-sauce. Wow! Can't wait to come back for more cold noodles!
-
Review from kim n.
6/5/2011
This is an skool Japanese joint in the back of the Town and Country complex way before the remodel. Lots of older Japanese folks getting their comfort food fix. Got a whelk clam nigiri, nabeyaki udon, and kara-age. I thought the food was decent though there's so much good Japanese fare in the south bay now that this can't be a destination place. However if you need a quick meal and are craving Japanese it can fit the bill
-
Review from Su L.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 11/23/2011
It's been said that the sign of a good restaurant is not so much the brilliance but the consistency of high quality. Sushi House is still serving excellent California rolls and bento boxes.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/9/2007
Sushi House in Palo Alto is not a fancy sushi place, but they serve the most incredible California… Read more »
-
-
Review from Tina L.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/25/2011
WORST sushi place EVER!!!! =( NEGATIVE -5
Sushi place without any Japanese sushi chef, at least not one I see that day! My friend and I ate here for the first time and never again will we return. We didn't even finish our food and left hungry... We ordered the
-Spider roll
-Rainbow roll
-and some appetizers
Both rolls were gross the food tasted old and the fish smelled a little spoiled. To be honest we spitted out our food. So disappointed we left with no tip and very unhappy. If you are looking for a delicious sushi place in Palo Alto area I suggest going to Fuki sushi but this place is a HELL NO!!!
P.S we didn't see anyone dressed in Kimonos and prices aren't great like people say especially what its worth for!
I DO NOT RECOMMEND !!!! -
Review from Gadi C.
Providence, RI
1/25/2011
Really good sushi, really good salad, at relatively healthy prices.
We got four special rolls (summary:
shrimp tempura roll yummy,
spicy tuna roll yummy,
salmon skill roll meh--too salty!,
the rock n' roll was the best, I think);
a house salad (really big! also, good);
and chicken teriyaki.
The price came into the late 30s, but for the amount of food consumed this was more than good for three people.
However, service was terrible. The woman at the counter rushed us the entire time and couldn't explain anything. Though it was just before closing time.
One of the better sushi places in Palo Alto. -
Review from Rob C.
5/28/2011
back of Town and Country next to village cheese house.
ginger pork bento for $11. sweet marinade, large size box with salad, miso soup and 2 california pieces and some tofu plus an orange slice. does the job when you're hungry. -
Review from Vivian W.
Palo Alto, CA
1/21/2011
This place is alright. I had them cater sushi, chicken, and gyoza, but the sushi was subpar quality - they put too much rich on the sushi and it didn't stand out. It basically tasted like safeway sushi.
The gyoza and chicken got eaten really quickly. I may come back for those items because they're cheap. -
Review from David l.
Alameda, CA
12/22/2011
very good food and good service.
-
Review from Raphael C.
Palo Alto, CA
Tasty, fresh and good value if you choose a set.
-
Review from Kimberly L.
Palo Alto, CA
8/7/2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this place. I ordered the salmon teriyaki bento box. The salmon was really good and I would order it again. I wasn't too impressed with the California roll that came with it. It was a lot of food.
I also tried the tempura udon. It was pretty good.
I ordered the food to go, and Japanese food is never as good when it is not eaten at the restaurant, but when I got home the food was still hot and tasted fresh. Will definitely go back. -
Review from Keiko S.
1/18/2008 4 photos
It took us a few years to discover this place (thanks, Yelp), which is hidden in the back of Town & Country Village.
FOOD:
First of all, the sweet, firm sushi rice reminds me of "Kozo Zushi" - a Japanese fastfood sushi chain that used to be my childhood favorite. I could never restrict my carb intake here...
Over all, the food here is decent, especially considering the prices. The sashimi is mediocre in quality (a little too cold or mushy at times), but again, I'm personally fond of the shari, so it's all good. Last time they put real crab meat in my chirashi, which was a nice surprise. The teriyaki sauce isn't too overwhelming, and we'd always order a bowl of chicken salad.
SETTING & SERVICE:
Not a "first date" type of venue for sure. Not dirty, but not fine either... The Japanese lady behind the counter is really friendly. So is everyone else.
SUM:
If you aren't one of those sushi snobs, this would be a great take-out place for both lunch and dinner. But keep in mind that they close at 8pm.
UPDATE:
As of Feb 2008, they raised the price of each item by at least $1.Listed in: All Japanese
-
Review from ceana k.
Menlo Park, CA
10/2/2008
Since I finally received my ROTD badge (gloats), I feel obligated to write more reviews!
Sushi House is my "backup" sushi/japanese restaurant place. Basically the place I go to when I'm too lazy to drive to Sushitomi or Gombei. The food is always consistent with Sushi House - you know what you're going to get. While the food isn't the best, it's not bad considering it's the only sushi place that has a great location with pretty good prices.
I'm particularly fond of the following dishes:
White Tuna Tataki: Quite possibly the best tasting fish on the menu. I particularly love the radish and ponzu sauce that it comes with.
Tempura: It's good tempura, not the best - but good. Plus they have kabocha and TWO prawns as part of their tempura assortment.
Chicken Salad: Yes I know..VERY ODD..esp. coming from a Japanese restaurant. But it's good and I love the dressing!
Everything else at this restaurant is ok. Nothing else particularly stands out and nothing is particularly bad either. However, I believe most people come here for the prices and the no frills atmosphere. How often can you go to a sushi restaurant and wear sweats and not be frowned upon? Sushi House is my ghetto neighborhood japanese restaurant.
Don't let the ratings prevent you from coming here. It's really the type of place where you go to on a weeknight when you want to eat in or eat out without dressing up and you come here knowing what you're getting at prices that won't break the bank.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Randy F.
7/11/2008 2 photos
Hidden in the back of the quaint Town and Country center of Palo Alto, Sushi House is a low key Japanese restaurant that serves an assortment of bento boxes, sushi, and sashimi at reasonable prices.
Though I noticed almost all patrons ordering bento boxes, I had a craving for sushi and decided to order an assortment of just that, though I did order one appetizer.
Chicken salad - light, tart and delicious. The sesame dressing was perfect and was nicely mixed with the fresh lettuce and tender chicken
Sushi platter (ebi, salmon, hamachi, california roll, tuna) - ok sushi. I didn't like the consistency of the rice (it broke apart too easily) and all the sushi pieces were warm. Granted, the weather was hot, but I like my sushi a tad bit cooler.
Uni and amaebi - both were tasty, but like the sushi platter were warm.
Shiro maguro sashimi - nice toppings of sprouts, onions, and daikon. Slices were a tad thin and also warm
Overall, I liked Sushi House but am not sure that sushi and sashimi are their strengths. (Sushi Tomi is quite a bit better) Next time, I'll try a bento box and just add a sushi on the side.
BTW they take credit cards and also accept American Express.Listed in: Long Live Sushi! (and You!)
-
Review from Mark G.
Palo Alto, CA
5/27/2011
Mediocre food.
-
Review from Ben H L.
9/5/2008
I don't one-star many reviews because I believe that most places have redeeming qualities in certain respects. But this place has got to be one of the most unusual restaurants that I've ever been in. When I came in, it looked like a stripped down waiting room with a bunch of tables and chairs thrown in for good measure. The menu had a bunch of options for bentos, sashimi, and a few specialty rolls. What can appeal anybody coming here is the cheapness of the rolls...a spicy tuna is $4.50 for 8 pieces...california roll is $4.25. If you're on a budget, then this may be your kind of place. A 12 piece assorted sashimi dinner was $20 which is also quite inexpensive.
BUT, during the end of my dinner, one of the hosts asked me to move tables...because they had a party of 5 and they needed the table that my friend and I were sitting at. Now, this seems like the kind of place where people sit, eat, and leave within 20-30 mins. My friend, although we chatted for almost an hour, may have bucked that trend. Although I was very irritated, emphasis on "very", I held it in, smiled, and instead of moving to the table they wished, I grabbed our bill and paid it up front.
I mean, come on!!! What business in this day and age will ask you to move tables? If this was their way to nudge us out for taking up too much damn time, then they could had been up front about it and say so. But don't insult my intelligence and ask me and my friend to "move tables...." As you can see, I'm not coming back here but if any reasonable sane person comes here, order to-go and get here early. The place was closed after 8pm on Fridays. -
Review from Lynn C.
11/12/2007
It wasn't too busy today (it's a Monday). My friend and I came in and immediately got a table. Service was pretty quick and the miso soup was delicious! Hit the spot after being hungry for two hours. I had the chirashi sushi. Good but definitely more quantity than quality though the quality wasn't bad. My friend had the tempura set and she had more food than she could handle.
The worst thing I can say about the restaurant is that my tea level got low and they don't walk around to replenish. I guess thats where shoyu comes in right? -
Review from George K.
Palo Alto, CA
10/25/2006
Whoa, I was just searching for a possible on-line menu for Sushi House and noticed the low ratings here.
First of all, this isn't a place you would drive far for--there's no atmosphere and it's small with comparatively institutional seating. Likewise, you wouldn't come here to spark romance or to impress the parents.
But if you're looking for tasty, simple sushi and sashimi, plus a few other items at a decent price and you're in Palo Alto, this is a great place to visit. It's really a matter of considering your options, geographically. Sushi Tomo isn't impressive; that other joint on University Ave. is primarily a drinking hole for SU students and is equally bare of atmosphere.
Other Japanese restaurants in the area either are expensive, specialize in particular dishes like noodles, are primarily to go, or just kind of suck. Sushi House is a place to go when you want a decent dinner.
I have always found their sushi and sashimi fresh; my wife enjoys their vegetarian options, including tempura udon. The service can be erratic, primarily because this place can get very busy. That business is a positive sign of a popular place, especially considering the comparatively dismal atmosphere.
When you only have 5 stars it is tough to rank a place like this properly. I'm giving it 4 stars, but next to a place like Kaygetsu in Menlo Park it would rank 1/2 star. But on its own terms, Sushi House is a place that I go back to again and again. Please give it a try if you think it suits your taste. -
Review from Jenn L.
1/8/2009 1 Check-in Here
Sushi House is one of our go-to's for lunch. It deserves 3.5 stars.
The staff is really friendly but they often seem short-staffed.
The food is solid and consistent. I always order the same thing (combo bento box with Hamachi sashimi and tempura). I believe it comes out to be about $16 after tax and tip. It comes with salad, rice, miso soup and 2 california rolls. The tempura is done right - just the right amount of batter, but the shrimp is kind of small. The california rolls can improve.
Minus 1.5 stars for:
-small space = long wait during lunch, especially when kids from palo alto high are there.
-prices are higher than other japanese restaurants in palo alto
-small menu -
Review from H C.
Bay Area
11/2/2007
A good, busy little spot for lunch. Once we were able to shimmy past the Palo Alto HS students, we got a table for three in the back of the restaurant. We ordered bento boxes - I had the salmon teriyaki - and was rewarded with a huge steak-size slab of salmon.
I thought I might go hungry before I got my order but that was not the case. I also stole some crispy pieces of veggie tempura from my coworker's bento. Yum! -
Review from Yu T.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2008
Have been coming here for five years now, and love how it never changes. Always a lunch spot for high school kids, a little more peaceful at night times.
Great value for money as the dinner sets are about $15 with enough food to make you full. I especially love their california rolls. Their sushi is satisfactory but their cooked food is so-so. It is value for money I guess.. -
Review from Alissa A.
3/24/2010
Take your appetite and your money elsewhere.
Nestled in the back corner of Town and Country Shopping Center (next to Village Cheese House), this spot will nickel-and-dime you for everything from soy sauce to extra ginger.
I always thought a Bento Box was a bomb lunch - it's got a little of everything, plenty of food to keep you moving, and a good deal to boot.
A few times over now, the chicken teriyaki is full of weird bits. Chewy chunks, fatty bites, things that you are not ashamed to spit in your napkin in front of your lunch date. A solid portion of meat and rice, decent miso soup w/tofu, flavorful, fresh salad and a totally shoddy California roll. The CA roll was sloppy and its innards were flavorless.
The box starts at $8.75 but they are happy to charge an extra buck for brown rice and an extra buck for white meat chicken. Not to mention, extra soy sauce (0.10) or ginger (0.50) - ginger didn't even come in the bento. I don't know if the white meat has less funky bits, I splurge for the brown rice instead and I think I'll go elsewhere rather than try again. Life is too short for mediocre.
and if you do go, get it to-go and enjoy a little sunshine 'cause the interior here is nothing to write home about.Listed in: Finding Nemo
-
Review from SCOTT C.
Atherton, CA
12/18/2008
Stopped by after reading some + reviews on this place. We were the only people eating, which was a bit alarming since it was only a little past dinner time. I ordered beef and a random roll - decidedly average.
Minus one star for the terrible decor. -
Review from Joey H.
Milpitas, CA
1/13/2010
I really enjoyed this place. The service is friendly, attentive, and super cool awesome cupcake frosting. I tried maybe two sushi's, of course with unagi and they both tasted fresh, and the proportion was good for the price.
What I liked the most was the deli-style looking venue which screams out simple. I did the bento(salmon and salmon sashimi). The salmon was a bit over-cooked, but the sashimi made up for the loss.
I did the soup, which was average. SH takes large groups, but takes away additional customers since they seemed limited on tables. Well, in that case, order your food to go. If you enjoy your sushi and/or food after its sat in a togo box for a good few minutes, let me know. Haven't done it, but I'm sure it'll taste mighty swell. -
Review from Jamie D.
University City, Philadelphia, PA
10/11/2008
Absolutely the best place to go in the Palo Alto area for inexpensive, quality sushi. It may not compare to a place like Kaygetsu, but a delicious place to get some very decent sushi at a low price.
I went last night on what has become pretty much a weekly trip, and brought friends--I'm a proselytizing Sushi House lover.
The good:
Their sushi rolls are interesting and tasty. Try the Rock n' Roll (Eel and Avocado) or the Dragon Roll (Shrimp tempura, eel, and avocado.)
While their sushi is excellent, the place I think Sushi House shines is their sashimi. The maguro tuna sashimi is high quality--not fatty or tough like some other sushi joints I've been to in the area. The hamachi yellow-tail is tasty as well. I recommend getting their combination box, with maguro sashimi and vegetable tempura.
The the portions are just right: I've never left feeling hungry, and the servers are friendly and attentive.
The bad:
Don't get the tonkatsu. The pork is consistently a little too dry.
Also, don't expect romantic decor. This place isn't fancy, and doesn't pretend to be something it's not. The tables are very plain, and feature simple paper tablecloths. However, that allows the servers to quickly move tables and chairs around to accommodate large or uneven groups.
Bottom line:
Come here for a low-key dinner of great sushi and sashimi and you won't be disappointed.
