Seemor
Izakaya GinjiA-Worth Trying
301 E 4th Ave E, San Mateo, CA 94401
· Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (614 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Japanese izakaya with standout skewers, creative udon carbonara, and broad menu; delicious but pricey, best with reservations and an appetite for small-plate grazing.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Izakaya Ginji delivers solid A-grade performance through excellent food quality anchored by standout yakitori and fresh sashimi, paired with attentive, friendly service. Consistency shows occasional variation during peak times, and the small-plate format means costs accumulate quickly, preventing the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The lively izakaya atmosphere and creative menu execution make this a worthwhile destination for Japanese small plates and yakitori enthusiasts.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with Japanese art, pottery, and the charcoal grill working up front. Service trends friendly and attentive, with quick QR-based ordering for most items and paper sheets for skewers. As one diner put it, "drinks and starters arrived fast and the grill kept the hits coming." The culinary approach leans contemporary izakaya with creative flourishes: classic yakitori joins playful picks like uni or mentaiko carbonara udon and modern rolls. Expect a small-plates rhythm—most people order several skewers and a hot dish or roll; flavors are generally bold, with occasional oversalt or extra char when slammed. Families can do well here thanks to accessible kid-friendly plates like teriyaki chicken, karaage, fries, plain udon, and CA or salmon avocado rolls. There is no formal kids menu, but portions and variety help. If your child avoids adventurous flavors, steer toward simpler items and skip spicy or fusion-forward dishes.
At a Glance
- Juicy, flavorful yakitori and standout ebi chili mayo
- Lively izakaya vibe with quick QR ordering
- Portions are small-plate style; costs add up
- Peak-time waits and occasional check-in disorganization
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- broad-izakaya-menu
- fusion-udon-carbonara
- visible-charcoal-grill
- dual-ordering-system
What People Love
- That charcoal-grilled skewer aroma
- Playful udon carbonara variations
- Fresh sashimi and creative rolls
- Friendly service that keeps things moving
Points of Concern
- Pricing rises quickly when ordering many skewers or premium items
- Skewers can be over-charred or salty during peak rush, though not common
- Host stand can feel disorganized at busy times; tables are small for many plates
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If budget-conscious, combine $6-9 nibblers with one $17-19 donburi instead of many skewers.
- For pescatarians, pair $15-18 sashimi with $18 Rainbow or Kaisen roll for balance.
- Vegetarian-friendly picks: Spinach goma ae, renkon chips, tofu okonomiyaki, udon plain or seaweed, purple yam tempura.
Perfect For
- Sharing small plates over drinks
- Casual date night with sushi and skewers
- Group dinners with varied tastes
- Solo bar-style grazing after work
Location Insights
Area: Bustling downtown corridor with after-work and weekend dining, popular with groups and date nights.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets, good foot traffic into evening.
Nearby: Near cafes, bars, and other Japanese spots; walkable from Caltrain and parking garages.
Downtown San MateoThe dining scene in Downtown San Mateo is diverse, featuring a range of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and upscale restaurants. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of longtime residents and newcomers enjoying walkable streets and community events.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–21:00
Tuesday16:00–21:00
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday16:00–21:00
Saturday16:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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