Izakaya Ginji

Food was very good but some of the dishes were on the saltier side. Fun place to dine and socialize.

Tasty meat skewers grilled over a charcoal fire, along with a decent selection of beer and sake. Some skewers can sell out quickly, though. Service was subpar, starting with the check-in process that was very disorganized. Tables are small so the plates will fill up quickly if you order too much food.

Came in for lunch and expected izakaya but that's not served during lunch..... But we were pleasantly surprised by the food we got off the lunch menu... Shrimp was very good. Big and fresh and crispy. Agedashi tofu is one of the best I have had. Curry was also very good.

I really enjoyed the udon and the skewers! The udon is very basic but very flavorful, the seaweed taste very good! The beef skewer is a must try! The meat is so juicy and perfectly done. I also love the chicken thigh and the scallop. Just simple salt seasoning but very flavorful! The staffs were very helpful and kind. I am 100% coming back again. Jan-2024

Great menu with lots of options for the adventurous and not-so-adventurous eaters. Ordered the wagu beef and scallops w bacon yakitori... beef and onions beef bowl.. bento with fried fish, chicken, california rolls, and both the miso, and chicken and rice soups. Ordering process was easy and fast via QR or table ticket. Food came quickly was plentiful and delicious. Loved the relaxed atmosphere and the vintage Japanese beer prints on the walls. Would eat here again. Parking: Downtown San Mateo can be busy, just plan ahead to leave time for parking

Delicious food, lots of options, easy ordering, nice indoor and outdoor seating, and super friendly and accommodating wait staff. Definitely my favorite lunch spot when I was working downtown. Frequently enjoyed their sushi and sashimi, especially their melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi. Also loved their chicken miso katsu, katsu curry, karaage, tempura, lollipop chicken, agedashi tofu, various seasoned fries... the list won't end if I keep going! They have a great menu for sharing lots of different dishes with friends, or enjoying your own entree. Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating to dietary restrictions. They would make sure to provide gluten-free soy sauce and not include sesame in dishes for my gluten-free friend. They also label their dishes that are gluten-free without modification on the menu.

Service was great. Food came in a timely manner. The food could be better. The food is expensive for what they serve. They skimp out on the portions. Some of the food images in the menu does not look like the actual dish. We ordered an unagi roll and there was barely any unagi in the dish. Sadly, we will not return to this establishment.

Great food. The mentaiko carbonara was delicious!

Best Yakitori in the Bay area! Amazing food, service and atmosphere