Shiki Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in San Mateo

Great little place. Been here twice. The chefs greet you as you are walking in. I didnt notice it because of a loud diesel passing by out of place but the chefs greet everyone as the come in, even the obvious deliveryman that was lost. I should know by now, this is just a standard in japanese culture and i should keep this knowledge with me when walking into Japanese establishments. The environment is nice. Feels a little cluttered but i definitely dont sense it when having a seat. I love looking at the booth side. I believe it is called "Izakaya" decor. It is a cozy feel, especially in booth. The Bathroom is western style, modern, and clean.

The hostess is very sweet and endeering, always smiling. I ordered a sushi lunch combo and very well worth the price. Along with miso and salad you get to choose two fish items, which i went with salmon nigiri and spicy tuna roll. The rice portion was standard, the salmon was doubled and doubled again. Ill attach a photo but you know how other sushi places charge six bucks for two pieces? This place basically gives you 8 pieces of fish as it basically covers the rice entirely. Again, the rice was a normal portion. The spicy tuna looks like it was handled a little too heavily but the taste was there.

Is this something I can always expect? Probably not, just extra salmon maybe paired with an aggressive sushi chef for the day, but I am coming...

Had a huge hankering for sushi after getting a few things from the Whole Foods next door. I popped in around the middle of the lunchtime rush, so I had expected to wait a few minutes at the least. I gladly accepted to grab a seat at the counter since it was just myself. Ordered the Chirashi lunch and got a small salad and bowl of miso soup before it came. Always a good choice for anyone who prefers their sashimi and rice separately. The service was great, despite it being busy. The waiter checked up on me every once in a while and refilled my beverage. A nice atmosphere and wonderful staff will encourage me to return soon. One of the recommendations for this restaurant was their honey crunch roll. Honey walnut prawns...in sushi? Yes, I'll definitely have to come...

I get unagi and it's always fresh, prepared well and I can taste it in the food. I get sushi rolls and I can generally finish one, take one to go for home/breakfast.

Their draft Sapporo is perfect, cold and a full glass. Service is fast. You need to ask for the check or they won't mention it for a long time.

I get "please-no wasani nor ginger, not even on the plate" and that happens 95% of the time here over the past 5 years. So that's better than most restaurants.

I've ordered custom rolls and they turned out perfect and accurate.

Good place for a date. Booths are secluded, you feel far from other guests.

(I suspect it would be possible to seat a larger party. In the middle with tables pushed together, maybe 10-12?...