San Mateo, CA — Kisaku

Kisaku 46 East 4th Ave San Mateo, CA

650.347.4121 map

I was waiting to catch the redeye from SFO. I knew I would end up killing some time a the Barnes and Noble in the Hillsdale Mall on the El Camino. So Iwas looking for a place to eat in the San Mateo area near the airport. Using the Hertz GPS I noticed a cluster of Japanese restaurants in San Mateo's trendy downtown district.

The fact that there were so many in the general area was a good sign. In this target-rich environment, I knew it would be difficult to make a choice. Therefore, I used the scientific method — I chose the sushi restaurant nearest the parking space I found!

The decor in Kisaku is simple but nice with beautiful thick wooden doors Right away, I noticed that in addition to seating at the sushi bar, dining room and tatami room; Kisaku also has counter seating in fron of their grill and hot food station. (I think it is called a Robata bar) Kisaku had a whiteboard with an impressive list of specials. They included sushi, grilled dishes and appetizers. I did not count them but there were probably 15-20 different specials. The mackerel special caught my attention but instead I opted for the chef's choice sashimi.

The sashimi came with edameme but not rice or Miso soup.When my order arrived, I was surprised at the selection. My sashimi plate had tuna, salmon, yellowtail, snapper and uni (sea urchin). I think this is the first time, I have seen uni on a sashimi combo. The snapper and tuna wer not bad but the yellowtail had a very nice flavor. It was tasty but not to strong and the consistency was nice and firm.

I do not often order uni but it was so good, I might change my mind. Usually I order uni as nigiri (on top of rice with seaweed). I was surprised to find that I liked it better all by itself, The flavor is delicate and easily masked by the salty seaweed and the rice.
 

Kisaku was a serendipitous find, I know I'l be back.

Kisaku: 4 rice bowls