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Sushi Sam's Edomata
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
218 E 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 344-0888
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11:30 am - 2 pm
Tue-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
976 reviews for Sushi Sam's Edomata
Review Highlights
"And for dessert, don't miss the green tea tiramisu."
(in 35 reviews)
"The baby lobster was also indescribably delicious."
(in 64 reviews)
"The omakase was absolutely delectable."
(in 158 reviews)
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975 reviews in English
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Review from A C.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
a real gem in the peninsula. my go-to place for fresh fish and nice hot bowls of udon or sukiyaki. Over the years, sushi sam's has never failed me. The prices are reasonable for great quality and a large selection of special types of fish (though they don't have a large rolls selection). My favorite sushi place for amaebi nigiri mmmmmmm. I bring friends and family here all the time and they always leave happy & wanting to come back. Thank goodness they take reservations! There are long waits EVERY night of the week! I normally don't have to wait for lunch though.
In terms of sushi, I prefer Sushi Sam's over Joy and Izakaya Mai. -
Review from Star B.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
Okay, granted I came here tipsy as hell, but just like Shakira's hips...my taste buds don't lie.
Came on a Tuesday night and the line was ridic. My sister said it was really good so we put our name on the list (on the 2nd page) and went down the block to the bar at Kingfish to wait it out. Don't know if that was a good or bad idea because we were buzzin 40 min later. When we got back to Sam's, we were seated right away.
I "remember" having the most delicious food here. (I will not be like Jaime Foxx and blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol.)
-Agedashi Tofu
-Spicy tuna hand roll
-Tekka Maki
-Rock n Roll
-Rainbow Roll
-2 large containers of their warm house sake
And I forget what else I had, but I will most definitely be coming back for more. (And I will come less inebriated. Maybe...) -
Review from kyu l.
San Jose, CA
2/1/2012
ive become somewhat of a regular at Sushi Sam's in the past few months, and i cant tell you anything about their regular menu.
every time i go...its straight to the chefs counter/sushi bar and order only a handful of things. ive had just about everything on the chefs sushi menu at some point and time, but these are my fav's...
SEARED TORO NIGIRI sprinkled with Sea Salt. i dont know what it is about this dish, but i crave it. i love it like a fat kid loves cake. its just a simple piece of good quality Toro (fatty tuna belly) that the chef proceeds to sear with a hand torch then sprinkles it with sea salt. seems simple enough yeah? NO. the flavor profile and texture of the Toro just changes...it goes from being a fatty piece of fish to a buttery, tender, fall-apart-in-your-mouth piece of heaven.
SPICY SCALLOP w/ SEAWEED SALAD NIGIRI. its just good trust me. order 3 orders and thank me later.
BOSTON UNI...NIGIRI or SASHIMI style...creamy and sweet pods of sea urchin eggs. so good. oh so good.
overall service is excellent at Sushi Sams...
a bit on the pricey side if youre just ordering sashimi at the chefs counter, but youre paying for friendly chefs and very quality cuts of fish...well worth it if you ask me. -
Review from Wilson C.
San Mateo, CA
2/9/2012
Food was delicious but the service was lacking.
Went pretty late on a week night and there was no line outside so we thought we'd finally give it a try. We were the only people in line and they told us "a few minutes."
We had a group of 4 and we kept watching as groups of 2 would show up and get seated before us. Not sure why they couldn't put two tables of 2 together for us, there was ample opportunity.
We sit and the waiter doesn't come around for us to order. I finally flag him down and he seems shocked that I wanted to order food.
Plates sit on our table for a long time after we were done eating them. They didn't bring water after we asked several times. They forgot one of our rolls and we had to ask 2 people where it was, and got the "I'll check."
Still no roll and then we get the "a few minutes" again, and it comes out 10 minutes later.
Food was great, hope you have a better experience with the service. -
Review from Jill J.
San Mateo, CA
1/28/2012
You can't get any fresher and tastier than this. Been going to Sam's almost as long as he's been open. Seen him expand the restaurant 3 times now! If you want FRESH SUSHI, just show up early in the a.m. and you'll see the delivery trucks unloading FRESH fish daily.
He has regulars from Japan! No joke. However, note: This place is not about customer service. Just know that going in. Its about feeding you good, fresh, high quality sushi and food and getting the next round of customers in. I've been going there long enough that half the staff that's been there for 20 years know me and my tastes. I can easily ask them for recommendations if I'm up to trying something new. LIKE, Barracuda?! Really?!?!? Yes.
This place is busy all the time and for a good reason, QUALITY, huge selection of fresh fish (how many times can I use the word 'fresh'?) and worth every dang penny.
I love raw sushi. Some of my favs are the "chili dog" - which is a spicy tuna handroll made more with spicy oil rather than paste and mixed w/a little seaweed salad.
Another favorite is the butter fish, and the "special trout" when these are in season. I can't get enough. Fresh oysters, oh yeah, baby- he's got 'em. The real deal. Also the California 'Special' Roll- its a california roll with unagi and topped w/a little of that sweet sauce. If I could afford it, I'd go to Sam's as often as humanly possible.
Sam has had to conform a bit and add a few more 'rolls' to his menu since now so many Japanese places are focused on rolls rather than fresh fish. You can go anywhere for rolls, heck even the freaking grocery stores carry 'em (blehk!).
Sam's special board at the bar has also extended over the years. I'm not kidding when I say, "so you want to order some piranha, squid and blue fin tuna, artic char, butter fish and uni and baby lobster?" That's only the beginning...
This is not a bar where you go and drink a lot and eat a million CA Rolls- if you want that then go elsewhere, don't bother taking up precious seating at Sam's for that nonsense.
But, if you want a real sushi experience as close to what I think Japan would be proud of, Sam's is it. And if you're there at night, you can buy him and his su-chef and chef a round of beers. They'll appreciate you for it. Sam works hard to keep his business and definitely deserves good customers that appreciate what he is offering.
One more thing (if you're still reading)- PARKING SUCKS! But he is close enough to the San Mateo train station, fyi. -
Review from Ken K.
1/19/2012
A tribute to the establishment that showed me some 8 years before Yelp came into the scene, that there was more to Real Ass Sushi than places frequented by college hipsters that specialized in California rolls with real crab, aweful sushi boat moat crud that will make you king of the throne on certain days, and downing sa-kee bombs (aka beer with a shot of sake in a sake glass thrown into the beer glass) while dancing under a strobe light as your life slowly drain$ away.
"Sushi Sam I Am", by Dr Seusshi
One fish
two fish
thirty fish
fifty fish
Black fish
blue fish
fusion fish
old school fish
This one has too much onions
That one has a lot of sesame oil
Say! What a lot of fish there are!!!
Yes.
Some are red. And some are blue. Some are old school. And some are fu$ion.
Some are thin. And some are PHAT.
Say! Look at those white board $pecial$!
One, two, three... How many $pecial$$$ do I see?
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.... He has THIRTY! THIRTY!
I wish I had $$$ for THIRTY+ too!
"Ooooooooooooooo! THIRTY!"
/
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__ _\. - - -'-. /
\ '. -" / / O \
/_ .'- ._ \ \ o/
` " - -( / " `
White board $pecial$:
Toro
Tai
Kanpachi
Shimaaji
Umi Masu (Special trout)
Ao ebi (blue shrimp)
Baby Lobster
White King Salmon
Black Sea Bass
Ankimo
Horse Mackeral (Aji)
Artic Char
Butter Fish (either ebodai or medai)
Cockle Clam (torigai)
Nama daco (fresh octopus)
Halibut (hirame)
Special salmon (from New Zealand, marinated, seems to be the "new" thing now)
Iwashi (fresh sardine)
sayori (needlefish)
Barracuda
Special unagi (unagi shirayaki with sansho and spices, no "sweet" thick sauce)
sea eel (anago)
fresh squid (ika)
Japanese snowcrab (with kani miso / crab "brains")
hamachi (JP)
belt fish (tachiuo)
Boston uni
special mackeral (Japanese saba?)
bluefin tuna
not listed but almost always available:
ikura (regular version or uber heavy heavy sake + soy sauce special marination)
and of course the usual suspects.
Also check the daily cooked food specials to the left of the white board (aka Izakaya Sam's)....maguro gyoza (grilled tuna dumplings), buta no kakuni (stewed pork belly), "toro soup", simmered fish or fish head etc.
Mrs Sam used to do a killer gyu suji nikomi (stewed fatty beef sinews with tendons, konnyaku, carrots, in a miso based sauce) or as my favorite senior Cantonese speaking waiters there (aka "fried rice/chao faan" and "fried noodles"/"chao meen") would call "Japanese style HK beef brisket". Or try asking about it if it is not mentioned on the menu....it's damn good chit.
Bring a phat wallet, or a credit card. -
Review from Peter P.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012
I've been to Sushi Sam's several times over the past few years. Always quality sushi and fresh. One of the most consistent and high quality sushi restaurants you can go to.
The sushi is really really good. -
Review from Selena W.
1/1/2012 12 photos
this place is money (dont let the two dollar signs fool you).
Order the omakase - a chefs selection of the freshest fish offered that day. each piece is seasoned and meant to eat as is. DO NOT add soy sauce or wasabi, as the sauces used are meant to bring out the distinct flavors of each cut of fish.
note: omakase features either 8 or 10 pieces of nigiri and your choice of dessert. it will not fill you up alone...so be prepared to spend and order more!
dont forget to order the chili dog handroll (spicy tuna). uni lovers will also enjoy the custardy richness of their boston uni. yum!
oh! and how could i forget..BABY LOBSTER NIGIRI. this was included in the omakase (and usually is). my GF and i loved it so much we ordered more!
service is on hit and this place gets packed. reservations are advised. -
Review from Stanley L.
Oakland, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Rule: two things I don't order from a new restaurant are chirashi & omakase. Seeing some photos/reviews of the omakase, I might have saved a few bucks!
Came for an early dinner on a Tuesday night. I was looking to try a mix of rolls and nigiri, but MAN! That specials menu is long!
FOOD:
EDAMAME -- off night? We're missin some beans here Sam! Some nasty, mushy skins. Bad way to start the meal.
UMIMASU -- sea trout from Chile? -- Salmon+ good starter sushi
IWANA -- arctic char from Iceland? -- Salmon+ good starter for sushi noobs
UCHIWA EBI -- baby lobster -- Meh. I prefer lobster raw. This dish was bland; the texture reminded me of boiled mantis shrimp.
SP HOTATE -- sweet scallop from Hokkaido -- Sweet and generous portion. Think hotate sashimi pressed on a block of rice -- I know, I haven't seen that either, but it's good.
ANAGO -- sea eel -- another specialty item. Saved for last, but at that point, it was just average. Probably better to have it in omakase.
AMAEBI -- sweet shrimp -- GAH-ross! Worst amaebi EVER! The shrimp was slimy and the texture flat. I had two small amaebi (unbutterflied) on one piece of nigiri. This was accompanied by 1 deep fried head. Problem?
SERVICE: Not going to get babied here. The staff is nice, but busy. The sushi bar is where it's at.
CONCLUSION: 5 stars for selection, -1 star for the horrible amaebi. Best selection of unique nigiri sushi I've ever seen. Needless to say, this menu isn't particularly green or sustainable. Go to Sushi Sam's if you're hankerin for the classic nigiri, but want options. A LOT of options. -
Review from Cecilia T.
San Mateo, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Brought my bro-in-law and hubby here for food as my bro-in-law was craving sashimi. I've heard this place was reputable particularly for sashimi.
COME HERE IF... you are in the mood for 5 stars sashimi that is very very fresh and don't mind crowds. ORRRR come here early rather than after 6:30 when it really gets crowded even on weekdays.
DON'T COME HERE IF... you are looking for low prices, fast service or a spacious atmosphere. This is hole-in-the wall good eating, and expect to have loooooong waits for your food and for your check. At least we did, and it was as Tuesday at 7:30p.m. They seem to be even more understaffed than the average asian restaurant, probably cuz of their demand and lack of space.
FOOD:
For 3 people, we dished out about $40 per person. At this price, if you're a sashimi lover, you might as well spring for the Omakase to get the best experience. (although I've heard even that might not fill you up, at least for a guy.) We didn't cuz we thought we'd spend less by ordering a la carte. Nice to know for next time!
-The Salmon Sashimi was SOOOO FRESH. I felt like I was in Hawaii! Probably the best part of the meal. we got a couple orders of this.
-The rolls are decent sized and tasty - ordered the Rainbow Roll (mmmm so fresh) and caterpillar rolls. Good avocado and fresh fish in these rolls too!
-The Baby Lobster was pretty good - pricey but nice to try it just this once.
- The chili dog roll (a.k.a. spicy tuna) was pretty good too, although quite on the spicy side.
-salad appetizer was ordinary.
Next time, we'll order appetizers to help fill us up faster so we spend less! And focus on the sashimi! By the way, their online menu doesn't reflect everything that they offer. -
Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011 13 photos
4.5 STARS
Bring 'Em Ulysses and Benjamins because YOU will need them!
Let me preface by saying that Sushi Sam's is not a $$ restaurant but rather a $$$ Japanese-owned restaurant. Be prepared to thrown down some cash or bring your sugar daddy or sugar mama if you want to eat well. Santa didn't give us what we asked for this year, so we threw down the cash. I must have been naughty. *sigh* Expect to spend $75-$100+/person (including tax & gratuity).
With that being said, it was WORTH EVERY PENNY. There's an array of izakaya (tapas style) dishes, salads, bento boxes, sushi, sashimi and specialty fishes (online menu is incomplete). You will find things like Artic Char and Boston Uni that are not available at most other sushi restaurants.
Being sushi feens, my friend and I came to Sushi Sam's last Tuesday for dinner at 6:30 PM. Reservations are an absolute must as Sushi Sam's is always busy.
F O O D
*SAKE SASHIMI (3 pieces - $7.95)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*OYSTER AGEDASHI ($9.50)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*SAM SPECIAL HANDROLL w/ Shrimp Tempura ($2.50 each)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*CHILI DOG HANDROLL w/ Spicy Tuna ($3.50 each)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*SUPER SAM SPECIAL HANDROLL w/ Shrimp Tempura & Crab ($3.each)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*BOSTON UNI NIGIRI ($8)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*UCHIWA EGI BABY LOBSTER NIGIRI ($9)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*OMAKASE: Chef's Choice 8 Piece Nigiri ($38)
*Blue Amaebi & Amber Jack: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Baby Lobster & Toro: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Hotate & House Mackerel http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*Butterfish & Toro: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
All the fish was meticulously sliced and was wonderfully fresh. The short grain rice was cooked to a soft al-dente with a slight stickiness and lightly seasoned with vinegar. The shrimp tempura was fried to order and served warm.
The highlight of our dinner was the Omakase, the Chef's Choice of 8 nigiri. That night, the Chef chose Butterfish, Amber Jack, Artic Char, Blue Amaebi, Hotate, House Mackerel, Baby Lobster and Toro. Each tastebud enticing bundle was paired with a special sauce (i.e. ponzu, citrus, etc).and accoutrements (i.e. scallions, daikon, etc) that perfectly complemented the fish adding a palate pleasing tingle. Don't think about reaching for the Kikkoman bottle as each sauce was used to achieve a certain flavor profile. I normally like my sushi unadulterated and unmasked by sauces but the sushi chefs did awesome job maintaining the integrity of the fish while adding some tongue tingling oomph to it.
Though the Baby Lobster Nigiri was included in the Omakase menu, we couldn't resist ordering more. The plump lobster tail was succulently tender and fresh. The aioli added a rich decadence while the toasted almonds a crunchy texture contrast. SUBLIME.
If you're an Uni lover like myself, the Boston Uni is a must try. More vibrant and darker in color, the Boston Uni had a a firmer, more custardy texture and a more profound sweetness.
DE S S E R T (Complimentary w/ Omakase)
*GREEN TEA TIRAMISU
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
*CUSTARD PUDDING w/ Chantilly & Fruits
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Though Yelpers rave about the Green Tea Tiramisu (sponge cake was too moist), we preferred the Custard Pudding as it was velvety rich with just the right amount of sweetness to calm our sweet tooth.
S E R V I C E
The Sushi Chefs are Japanese but the wait staff is Chinese. Service is friendly and fast. Within minutes of ordering, our sushi orders arrived on our table like lightening. Quite surprising given there were just three Sushi Chefs and it was a full house with a crowd of people waiting for a table.
A M B I A N C E / D E C O R
Sushi Sam's is a place you come for the food only. The décor is lackluster with bare walls adorned by the chalkboard specials and auburn wooden furnishings. With seating for 49 people including sushi bar seating, it's best for parties of 2-4.
P A R K I N G
Street parking. There's a parking garage around the corner on Ellsworth Avenue.
If I could afford to eat Sushi Sam's Omakase and Baby Lobster Nigiri everyday I would. No more being naughty for me...
*KAMPAI* to New Beginnings in 2012!Listed in: Give it to me RAW!
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Review from Heather s.
San Mateo, CA
12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Come here for the freshest sushi in the area!
It's no wonder there's usually a crowd on the sidewalk awaiting a seat. Usually, we're easily deterred - but a chance walk-in led us to 2 seats at the sushi bar... Which inspired me to branch out and try more than my usual boring salmon/yellowtail sashimi and spider and rainbow rolls - which were good, but nothing special here.
Try ordering from the white board or asking the chefs for their recommendations!
In addition to chicken karaage and deep fried oyster agedashi style (delicious!), we had:
- Toro
- Horse Mackeral
- Boston Uni
- Ama ebi
- Yellow Jack
- Arctic Char (my fav!)
All of this was fresh and seasoned by the chefs - so no need for soy sauce/wasabi. Yum! Everything was so buttery fresh and smooth on the taste buds. $100 for one of the best sushi experiences I've had in awhile.
Unfortunately, due to their popularity (and limited seating capacity of 49), it's snug and crowded at the bar (no elbow room, even for 5'4" 110lb me). But worth the elbow-ing to try their unique sushi!Listed in: Sushi around the Bay
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Review from soulfultwinkletoes P.
Burlingame, CA
Updated - 1/20/2012
After frequenting many expensive restaurants, I have to return to Sushi Sam's and give them a four. The bento box is one my kids' favorite thing to experience on a early dismissal day from school! We have been going to Sushi Sam's for decades. Their sushi is fresh, and Sushi Sam also welcomes his customers with a loud "hello"..in japanese when you enter the door which rings a bell when opened. The chef's choice dinner can be expensive but is delicious. I'll be going back with the family soon.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2010
I have been enjoying Sushi Sam's for over a decade. Sushi bar is excellent and the service is… Read more »
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Review from Don L.
San Carlos, CA
1/31/2012
One of my best Sushi dinning experience ever! I know it's owned by Chinese and I've been doubting this for long time before I decided to give it a try. It was a long wait but it turned out way worth it. Fresh sushi and sashimi!! Perfect !!
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Review from Cheri D.
Mountain View, CA
Best sushi place I've been to in the bay area in terms of the quality of the fish. Though we didn't order Omakase like the rest of the table, we loved the Rainbow roll and Caterpillar roll. Also, we tried the baby octopus which was also very good - it is cooked so tastes much like a finer, slightly brinier shrimp.
Next time, I'll definitely spring for Omakase and try some of the specialty fish they have to offer! -
Review from Mia S.
Artesia, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I finally visited sushi sam's! So the seasonal nigiri is great, but kind of pricey than other japanese restaurants. Their rolls are ok. Their presentation was really sub par, it looks like someone tried to create a roll with their bare hands and didn't use the stick mat to make it into a cylinder.
Anything that wasn't a roll was also something to ignore. I tried their katsudon and the katsu part seemed old.
MORAL OF THE STORY: COME HERE FOR THE SASHIMI, AND EVEN SO, IT'S A TAD BIT OVERPRICED. -
Review from Matt F.
Pacifica, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
After reading a few reviews and hearing about this place from some friends i had high expectations....like hearing "this place is the best sushi place in the bay area" yahhh not so muchhh.
I've had much better sushi in the bay area. Im not saying it was terrible and you should never go, but if you were hoping to order good rolls and share it with some friends i don't recommend this place.
They don't have a large selection of rolls, but there other food is good. Definitely quality or over quantity with the food but it just means you wont take anything to go. -
Review from Erin H.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ate here for for the first time last night... and I'm grabbing all my family and friends and bringing them back again!
I should have listened to Liz L. who told me a long time ago to check this place out. Showed up with my fiance and parents at 5:45 PM on a Sat night and stil had to wait 30 minutes... that was the first sign.
Highly recommend the Omakase Sushi version. The Sushi version still has raw fish but has rice and different sauces involved. The Sashimi was just raw fish (though totally delicious). Around $35 for 8 pieces, which felt totally worth it.
Everything we had was extremely tasty and fresh, except the Geso (calamari leg) Tempura. That was kind of tough and chewy. Skip that, and it could be the best Japanese sushi meal I've ever had... and I once lived in Japan for 5 months.
One note - their sushi comes really fast even when they're busy. "Fast" meaning, under 10 minutes for all the rolls/sushi to come out. So, it's probably a good idea to order some stuff to start, then add as you eat. We ran into the problem of not knowing how to start, because everything was hot/fresh at the same time! -
Review from Nathan D.
San Mateo, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
With all the great yelp reviews I thought I would try it out. Was working friday night now friend and I got two bento box to go. At night they don't come with miso soup so we had to order that at an extra cost. I am willing to pay money for good food but I guess I was just expecting more in a few different areas. We paid $45 for everything total which included 2 bento box and a miso soup. The mean was ok it was just over covered in sauce, also came with a small salad and small portion of rice. At best it was just ok. I was still hungry after done with the whole dinner, and for the money I guess was just expecting more food. I never did try the sushi which I'm a huge fan of so maybe I'll be back to try that and it will change my mind but as for the things I did order it was just ok at best
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Review from Derek N.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
One of the best sushi spots in the SF Bay Area IMHO.
I appreciate the fact that this is JAPANESE-OWNED (extreme bonus points)!
I always try to seek out the bar to appreciate the sensei's at work
Then, there are my standard cuts I like to consume (hamachi, maguro/toro, sake, tai...), as well as anything the master recommends from what he has that day.
Super high-quality without the pretentiousness.
It gets very crowded, and there are a lot of regulars.
Close to perfection.Listed in: iSushi
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Review from Erica O.
Redwood City, CA
1/23/2012
Dined here once and can't wait to go back again! Hands down best sashimi I've ever had. Sampled all of their recommendations of fresh fish that day. It is expensive, a given with fresh, imported fish, but well worth it!
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Review from Alice C.
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
With the number of favourable reviews this place has to be a local favourite. I've been here a couple times just to make sure it wasn't my tastebuds and have only been underwhelmed.
While this is far from the worst in San Mateo, it is nowhere near the best in the peninsula. The sushi here is unspectacular, the menu standard, and the rolls teeny. I could hop over to another joint nearby that have given me better nigiri, sushi rolls, or both.
To their credit, I called in 30 mins before my big party arrived and they managed to put together tables for when we arrive. The restaurant was by no means full but that was nice of them regardless. -
Review from carlie c.
I would suggest to just sit at the sushi bar for optimal seating/dining experience.
Favorite picks:
+ King Salmon Nigiri
+ Amber Jack
+ Yellow Jack
+ Baby Lobster (topped with almonds)
+ Black Cod (served with kiwi)
+ Uni (they had ones from Boston)
+Agedashi Tofu
+Sam's Special (you'll probably want to order 2 yourself)
-Don't get the almond tofu for dessert and stick to green tea ice cream.Listed in: because you love sushi, san mateo spots
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Review from Judy C.
San Mateo, CA
1/26/2012
The sushi is not bad! The rolls are large and very reasonably priced, comes in six pieces. The service is good. Everyone is polite and friendly. J
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Review from Charles D.
Fountain Hills, AZ
We had reservations at 6:30 and had gotten there 10 minutes before. They seated us immediately. The place was packed.
I base my reviews of sushi places on how the Chirashi is made and presented. For the price, I've had better. It came in two containers, why?? The presentation of the sushi was okay.
Service was okay, all the orders came in piece meal. Thought they had forgotten our last order. With sushi, they just can't make them fast enough no matter where you go. -
Review from Angeline K.
Cupertino, CA
Updated - 1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Toro, Uni, and Ocean Trout, you had me at hello! Seriously, the toro is otherwordly here. Would it be bad to get the omakase and request that all the pieces be toro?? :) The 8-piece omakase is a steal here at $36.50. Yum!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/13/2011
Oh man, am I in love with this place. In love with their omakase, specifically. I have only been… Read more »
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Review from Sharlene C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/6/2012
okay still the one i love. i've been going to this sushi hot stop when it was half the size it is currently. i always get the spider roll which is always crispy. my parents always get the teriyaki (chicken and beef) with tempura. the service is quick and friendly. i hadn't been back in a few years and the same dudes. the places gets packed for good reason. in fact, they asked if i had a reservation. what sushi sam's? you take reservations? NOTED! friends, be sure to call ahead. i was there on a wednesday night before 7 and the place was hopping.
note: closed sunday and monday. -
Review from Kannika V.
San Mateo, CA
1/15/2012
This is my favorite sushi restaurant. I highly recommend the chef's special sushi (or sashimi if that's your style) if you go. Very creative yet simple, incredibly fresh and absolutely delicious sushi. Green tea tiramisu is so divine, and I don't even miss the espresso or chocolate that is not in this dish.
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Review from Christina Y.
Gilbert, AZ
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, let me start by saying that I see there are many people who are giving Sushi Sam's 3 stars or less...well based on most of the peop's review, it's mainly complaint about their service, wait time, or their cooked food. Well, if you are looking for "American Japanese" such as chicken teriyaki, you shouldn't come here. This place is for sushi connoisseurs! You need to love raw seafood and KNOW your sushi in order to appreciate this place! If you want California rolls and chicken teri, go somewhere else. As far as the wait time, WHY do you think there's ALWAYS a line out the door? About the service, I don't know what people are talking about, because I always get the best service!
I've been frequenting Sushi Sam's since 1990 when I was in college. I have loved it ever since! My father is Korean, but is well versed in Japanese language, food, and everything else Japanese, than any real Japanese out there due to his business with the Japanese companies over the 50 some years. Through his business career, he has many Japanese friends who enjoy finer things in life. My father took his very important friend from Japan to Sushi Sam's, and this very important Japanese friend who is a super foodie, was very impressed with the food. I think that alone should tell you that Sushi Sam's is the best you can get around here.
When I visit Sam, he'll serve up all the items that I love and I order, and will also let me know what is available that day. He has the melt in your mouth O-toro (fattiest tuna), hamachi (yellowtail) that's superb in quality, uni (sea urchin) that is like sweet silkened butter! There are items such as fish head soup which's not on the menu, but he'll make it for you because it's special and so amazing...unfortunately, you really have to be a good customer and frequent the place enough to know him to get these things. There are some Sam's staples one must try: such as "chili dog" (spicy tuna hand roll - Sam is the one who invented spicy tuna in my book), Sam's special (Tempura shrimp handroll drizzled with special sauce), and Spider roll (softshell crab roll).
Alas, I don't live in CA anymore...I only go back whenever I'm in town. You can be sure that I'm there when I'm in SF area! -
Review from Philip F.
San Mateo, CA
1/13/2012
Good for sashimi, not good if you are looking to eat a variety of rolls. I eat sashimi.
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Review from C C.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Truth be told: I eat here several times per week. At least 2, often 3, sometimes 4.
You really have to know what to order here.
I start out every meal with 1-2 chili dogs. Sam's spicy tuna handroll made with wakame seaweed salad and hot chili oil.
For lunch I keep it simple -- miso soup, California rolls, tofu salad, salmon skin salad, agedashi tofu. I usually throw in some nigiri from the white board behind Sam's bar.
For dinner: Omakase all the way. My stomach usually maxes out at 12 pieces. Butterfish, horse mackerel, arctic char, white king salmon, and Copper River salmon skin are among my favorites. Of course, everything is seasonal. The seared toro is AMAZING, and seems to always be available. Omakase also comes with dessert. I love the almond tofu!
Worth the wait. Order omakase and you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Maggie U.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
Still one of the best sushi places in the peninsula, in my opinion. Great quality sushi & attentive staff. It can get pretty packed even on weekdays, so plan accordingly. It is pretty pricey compared to other places, but in my opinion, it is well worth it.
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Review from Ingrid C.
Still my favorite place for sushi. Sam's my sushi doctor. I need weekly checkups, and I follow his instructions and fish insights (which has probably saved me from food-borne illness at other sushi joints).
I've probably had everything on the menu. Highlights:
- Boston Uni (when available): If you like uni, this is a smaller, deeper-colored, sweeter version.
- Baby Lobster: My mom's favorite. Served with a delicious roe spread and toasted almonds.
- Bonito: Just because it's delicious with slivered onions and sauce.
- Special Unagi: Roasted with black pepper. Freaking delicious.
- Sam's Special Roll: Shrimp tempura with sweet sauce rolled in rice and seaweed? So simple, it's amazing.
Cooked food is also good. I even recommend the chicken teriyaki (if you have non-fish loving friends). You can tasted the grilled-ness in the chicken. The sukiyaki is also yummy.
And the staff treats my mama right.
I got a t-shirt. Woo. Now I just need a tote bag...Listed in: ROTDs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2009
DELICIOUS.
The sushi here is superior, especially considering how much it is. I'm sorry, this is a… Read more »
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Review from Elaine T.
Updated - 10/20/2011
The boy and I are huge fans. This is perhaps my favorite place for sushi in the entire bay area. Sam and gang only use the freshest seafood (order the spicy scallop, and you'll know what I mean). Their prices are absolutely fair, and the fare is consistently superbly prepared.
Only gripe is that the wait is almost always 30+mins around dinner (worse on Fri/Sat).
Selfishly, I wish they wouldn't close Monday and Sunday, and that they never ever take any vacations. HAh, sorry Sam- your patrons love you too much.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2009
I love Spider Rolls. I tend to use them as a gauge when comparing sushi rolls at different… Read more »
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Review from Sophia K.
12/14/2011
Get the chef's choice sushi!! Excellent, fresh cuts of fish, including toro, baby lobster, bonito, and bluefin... so worth it. Great rolls too. Also recommend the green tea tiramisu with frozen raspberry pieces for dessert!
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Review from Alexis B.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think think it's a must try place to experience high quality & creativity sushi.
My favorite was the baby lobster. I'd give the b-lobster a 5 on it's own.
The green tea tiramisu was also memorable.
Having said that, $40 for the 8 pieces Omakase Sushi (just so you know & prepare for the price.)
So, I liked it but don't crave it. I just can't shell out that kinda money for sushi all the time. I'll stick with Joy or some of the others that are a bit more averagely priced.
The atmosphere is busy but nothing special. -
Review from Steven M.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2011 17 photos
Disclaimer: I didn't pay for my meal, so I am less bias on how expensive the sushi are.
I visited Sushi Sam on a Saturday. Although our party has a reservation at 6pm, they were not able to seat us until 6:30 (guessing, I remember standing for quite some time at the store front)
It was crowded. There are plenty of eateries in the area, so you can guess Sushi Sam's popularity. We had Omakase (whatever the chef says) and the sushi were excellent. The fish were fresh and texture was heavenly. The server advised us not to add any more sauce. I agreed with him. Personally I like my sushi with fresh fish, a dash of wasabi, and excellent sushi rice. I think Sushi Sam added some other seasoning in the wasabi. I didn't impact the taste much, but I think I have had better in Japan. (Sorry for me being such a sushi snob)
One word of advice, if you like something on a Saturday and want to order more. Order it early! Since the store doesn't open on Sunday or Monday, they do not have as much fish on Saturday compared to other days.
Summary is that I love the sushi here; however, the price is.... expensive. Is it out of this world? No, I have done worse damage in Japan. (I am looking at you Kyubei in Tokyo, Japan). Will I come back? Absolutely yes if I don't have to pay. If I am paying, it needs to be a special occasion for me to justify the price. -
Review from Alex P.
Mountain House, CA
11/28/2011
Been going to Sams since the early 90's ... I only go to 3 places..
Cocoro in Stockton, Sushi Sams and Kamakura in Alameda.. Sams is
my favorite.. I used to go there when it was really tiny so dont complain about space..lol! -
Review from Steven F.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Omakase is the thing to get here. Comes out to about $4 a piece. I got about 12 total and the first 8 were amazing and the other 4 were still decently good. Absolutely great deal especially for the best cheap omakase i've ever had to date.
Chawamushi - good. -
Review from Stanford M.
Palo Alto, CA
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious, delicious, delicious.
Excellent fish. The omakase is very reasonably priced with tasty offerings. A large range of fish options for all palates.
It was definitely a bit slanted towars Americanized tastes and nothing on the menu seemed particularly daring or innovative on the same par with the high quality of the food.
Wonderful place. I wish I lived closer.
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