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Yes, I called 1 month in advance to the calendar day; no, I didn't call at midnight but at a much more reasonable hour and still managed to snag a reservation for 2 at this intimate and unassuming kaiseki-only resto with just 16 seats and 1 seating per evening (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)... Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki and his Front of House Manager wife Mayumi have leveled up "mom-and-pop" to a well-deserved 1 Michelin star - Wakuriya embodies approachable fine dining, i.e. haute cuisine without attitude and meticulous preparation from the kitchen's perspective but relaxed enjoyment from the guest's. The menu on my recent visit: lobster and hokkaido hotate kabura turnip dashi-pottage ehime snapper and daikon salad satoimo taro dengaku duck "nyumen" (warm somen noodles) chawan mushi (pork and hakusai mille-feuille in steamed custard) today's sashimi (chef's choice) yamaimo gratin (new caledonian blue shrimp, alaskan gindara cod) hashi-yasume (sake-kasu and oat milk sorbet, circle ranch pistachio) usa wagyu beef (maitake, jidori egg, sea urchin) gohan (toro and ocean trout chirashi sushi) something sweet (yuzu "mont blanc" mochi cake)
What a unique and pleasant experience. Came here for a friend's birthday and could not have left more pleased with the dining experience. Tucked away in a small shopping plaza Wakuriya offers an intimate dining experience where food quality and preparation appears to be most valued. Service was equally pleasant with the waitress almost treating us like old friends (although it was our first time dining) as she explained each dish. The rotating menu is quite extensive so expect a lengthy dining experience, however, everything came out in an orderly and timely manner with each set purposefully chosen and no two courses feeling the same. Of course there were dishes that I favored over others, but overall it was a wonderful experience that I would return to. Btw if possible try a sake pairing they offer! They had Some of the most unique sakes I've never heard of. In terms of the reservation system, it is what it is what can you do. However, assuming you're able to Leave a message, the hostess will do their best to accommodate a reservation for you (from my experience at least)
Make sure you call at least a month in advance to make a reservation, they will call you back to confirm and you need to put a credit card on file, no cancellations or they will still charge the full amount. Dinner starts at 6:30pm and each dish is served to everybody at the same time. The dinner lasted about 3 hours total. $165 per person. Quiet and intimate setting with very nice staff. Everything was clean and organized. Portions were perfect, full but not overly stuffed. Only downside was that the uni was bitter, which affected the flavor of the Wagyu sauce. Came for my mom's birthday and they gave her a little ice cream treat with a card, very sweet. Decent sized parking lot in a plaza with a Safeway and other stores.
This spot was incredibly hard to get reservations for, which naturally set my expectations pretty high going in. The food wasn't bad, but nothing really blew me away or stood out, except for the final main course--the donburi, which was the highlight of the meal. The seafood was definitely fresh, though most of the dishes were very light in flavor, and we found ourselves wondering if we'd still be hungry afterward. Each course took quite a while to come out, and since the portions were only a few bites each, there was a fair amount of waiting between courses. It felt like much of the experience was spent waiting rather than actually eating. While the service was good and the dimly lit ambiance was nice, the overall experience didn't feel worth the price. Other places are probably worth more your time and money.
Ate here on my birthday in September 2025...finally getting a chance to write this review now. First off, in order to reserve a spot, you will have to call exactly at midnight exactly 1 month away from your intended dinner date. If you do not get through, do not give up. My wife used two phones to call and the line was constantly busy until the line went through finally around 12:20AM. Leave a message about your reservation. If you get a call back, confirm with the person on the phone and voila, got you in and note it on your calendar (don't be late or forget!). Location is easy to find and plenty of parking is in the plaza. The door is pretty obvious to find. Once you enter, check in with the hostess, and she'll lead you to your seat. It's a cozy atmosphere with 4 tables, a bathroom with 2 types of toilet paper (lol), and some bar seats. Please note, do not take photos of any of the staff, they are camera shy and they actually have signs posted at each table to prevent it. Please be courteous, even when taking your foodie pics. Onto the food... Overall, the food was delicious! I'm guessing I got the September 2025 menu and it changes depending on seasons? Not sure...but I have to say, they put a LOT of thought and preparation into the food. The overall experience lasted about 2.5 hours. It's a small team of 3 led by Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki, so just relax, chit chat, and enjoy the present moment. We were welcomed with a pear sake that was sweet and delicious. Couldn't resist and went for the sweet sake flight. The plum was SO GOOD! Ocean Trout Confit - Light and refreshing, yum yum Plate of Toro, Snapper, Blue Shrimp, and Fig - The fig was surprisingly my favorite here...it just tasted unique? I don't know how to explain it. Somen noodles with lobster - Great texture and good amount of lobster in the dish. Omakase sashimi - Forgot...it's been over a month D: Alaskan Gindara Cod - Steamed. Honestly I wish they had Chawanmushi instead of this one but that's probably because I was not that big of a fan of zucchini. My least favorite dish. Matcha Sorbet - VERY unique and light. Definitely great palate cleanser. USA Wagyu Beef - If you are expecting fatty wagyu, USA wagyu is different. It's got it's own yummy taste and texture to it. I am curious why they choose USA wagyu, first high end Japanese omakase restaurant I've been to that chooses USA over A5 Japanese. Hokkaido Uni, Scallop, and Rice - everything in this dish came from Hokkaido. I love how they pay homage to the northern region. Tasted yummy! Mochi Grape Cake - Last but not least, the dessert. MY FAVORITE DISH haha. I don't know how they did this but it really was a mochi cake. Gosh it was so good, the texture and hard candy at the top, everything was perfect to me. I wanted to have a huge plate of this...lol Bonus - They gave me a small cake with a candle for my birthday! Thanks to the efforts of the staff and my wife to make this night memorable! Overall, they put effort in their dishes and it's no wonder they are recognized by Michelin. If you're okay with the effort it takes to get a reservation, Wakuriya is worth the experience!
Wakuriya Japanese restaurant has been a favorite of ours for three visits now, and as always, they didn't disappoint. Every one of the nine courses of their set menu was not only delicious but also presented uniquely and thoughtfully. The service was superb throughout the meal. Unlike other tasting menu restaurants in the Bay Area whose prices have skyrocketed over the years, Wakuriya's pricing has remained consistent, and they've done so without compromising on quality. They truly deserve their Michelin star.
I surprised my husband on his birthday with a dinner reservation at Wakuriya. This 1 Michelin star restaurant has been on our list for the longest time but we never had a chance to dine in. I was very lucky and was able to get through after calling 40+ times to leave a voicemail for the date that I wanted. Fortunately, when I got the call back the next day, I was able to secured a reservation on his actual birthday which made it even more memorable for the both of us. Parking: shared lot with other businesses but plenty of parking. Ambiance: cozy, intimate setting with both table and counter seating. I requested counter seating to be able to see the chef in action but was informed at the time of booking that counter seating is full. Mayumi was kind enough to ask another couple on the day of the reservation if they were willing to do table seating so my husband and I can have their counter seats and luckily the couple agreed. The view and the experience sitting at the counter was priceless and phenomenal. Snag a reservation for counter seating if you can. Service: excellent. I only saw three staff members total on the day of reservation including Mayumi (server), Chef Katsuhiro and the dishwasher and the timed courses were perfectly in sync for the entire meal. Each course had an explanation, everyone started and ended at the same time and we didn't have to wait long between courses. We were very amazed! A small treat along with a card was prepared for my husband's birthday which I totally appreciate. Food: 5/5. Every single course was memorable, delicious and a work of art. The platings in each course were beautiful, the ingredients were fresh and the flavors blended well together. My favorite was the chawan-mushi and the lobster and sea bass dish (cooked in a miniature Dutch oven). The menu does change periodically and I totally recommend the winter/January menu. It was full of seafood dishes. Cost: $$$. For a 1 Michelin star restaurant, with very high quality food and excellent service, the meal was worth every single penny. We didn't get slapped with a mandatory service charge and there was no health mandate. I can confidently say there are no other Michelin star restaurants in the Bay Area that offer the same service and food quality at this price point. Reservations: call at midnight, I believe at 30 days in advance to book your desired date. Will I come back? You bet! I can't wait till my next visit.
FOOD: 5 SERVICE: 5 AMBIANCE: 5 VALUE: 5 Yes, we are back celebrating my wife's birthday. Again, chef Katsuhiro has outdone himself again. It seems like his cuisine is bordering on Michelin 2-star level! Yes, Wakuriya is our favorite Japanese restaurant in the US, but it's just not we are bias, it's because the food is that good! The reservation may be hard to get, but it is worth the effect; just wait till they get their 2nd star! Can't go wrong eating here. What an experience!
We were given two meals from our son for "I love my parents !. The food, service, and ambiance were excellent. We've never experienced a company that received Michelin ratings and the experience and meal were wonderful!! We were lucky enough to get seated at the counter and were able to watch the Chef do his "magic". Thank you Wakuriya and thank you son!
Six years after my husband and I first visited Wakuriya in 2019, we finally came back for a long-overdue second visit. Some things have changed during that time (their menu has become less traditional and more fusion-y), but what's stayed constant is the delicious food, intimate atmosphere, and warm, attentive service. Wakuriya serves a single, fixed menu that changes monthly. This time, we enjoyed a seafood-focused dinner with seven savory courses, a palate cleanser, and a dessert. Our favorite course was a creamy and slightly sweet dish of shrimp and trout that came beautifully presented in a mini dutch oven. The reservation system is unusual. You call the restaurant at midnight a month before your desired date (e.g., April 14 for May 14) and leave a voicemail. If they can take your reservation, you'll get a call back within a couple days.
Finally made it here after many years of wanting to come here since I heard about their Michelin recognition. Truly delightful place. Wonderful people with pitch perfect service and amazing, creative and delicious food. Who would have thought there would be an amazing Michelin 1 star restaurant in this unassuming mall and store front.
What a beautiful experience. Especially special when shared with friends. The restaurant outside is unassuming when the parking lot is shared with a Safeway and CVS. My husband had to call at midnight a month in advance to leave a message for reservations. As to you enter the restaurant it is run by 3 people. They have dimed lighting and they have a set menu. On a Thursday night it is one seating at 6:30pm. The food was beautiful, thoughtful, balanced and delicious! Even my picky husband ate everything which didn't happen when we went nice restaurants in Japan lol The sake is strong but so easy and smooth to drink it hit me hard near the end of my courses. If you're a 1-2 drink person you're better getting just a glass since they offer you a tiny yummy welcome taster drink. If you can handle more they had a yummy tastier flight of premium sake for $45. They had flight options from sweet, umami, or fruity flights available for cheaper. This is a beautiful experience and would be perfect for romantic special occasion. The restaurant is intimate. There was maybe 16 guest when I went. Plan to spend a few hours there as it takes time to serve and enjoy 9 course. I posted and labeled pictures of the courses for reference.
(Tom Cruise voiceover) The vibe is exclusive haute japonais dining experience! Felt like I entered the finest restaurant in Ginza. We were warmly greeted by a young lady! She is fantastic! The dishes were a melange of textures, nuanced flavors, and aesthetics! My fave was the A5 with truffle and poached egg. C'est magnifique! Totemo oishii desu! It is an epic culinary journey! We had to directly complement the chef himself for the grand dining experience of understated elegance! Gochisousamadeshta! Woohoo!
Food: Exceptional from start to finish. Every ingredient tasted incredibly fresh, with thoughtful and unexpected combinations that worked beautifully together. The dishes were creative and innovative, with layers of complex textures and flavors that kept each course interesting. The pacing was excellent, allowing each dish to be enjoyed without feeling rushed. A truly refined and imaginative Japanese dining experience. Service: Truly above and beyond. Attentive, warm, knowledgeable, and exceptionally thoughtful throughout the entire meal. With only two tables in the restaurant, the experience felt incredibly intimate and personalized, with a level of hospitality that made the evening feel genuinely special. Ambience: Soft lighting and a warm, intimate atmosphere create an elegant yet comfortable setting. With only two tables, the restaurant feels quiet, exclusive, and wonderfully personal. The calm and inviting environment complements the refined food and makes the entire dining experience feel special. read more
The husband and wife run the entire dinner service and only have capacity for 16 seats and one seating per night when they're open - so needless to say it can be hard to get a reservation here. Despite the lack of manpower, diners are treated to an intimate, meticulously prepared and presented dinner service that has earned them one Michelin star. The Japanese tasting menu is actually a good amount of food, hooray! Some courses are better than others, but there was nothing that I didn't like. This is a great unique experience for a special occasion or to mix things up. read more
PSA: to make reservation, call the phone and leave a voicemail with date you want and your phone number. They will call you back when they have openings. I got lucky and managed to snag 3 spots. (Tried to get 4 but was told there was no more spots left) Restaurant is clean and cozy. Loved the thoughtful little details like a basket next to seat for your purses and hangers for your jackets. A visit to the loo made us all swoon at how clean the place is kept. It's omakase and everyone is served the same course at the same time. With only one waitstaff, this can be a bit slow. So plan for long stretches in between courses. This gave us the time to chitchat and catch up, which we loved. . But if you are looking for an "efficient" meal, don't come here!! Each course was perfectly balanced, displayed and portioned. The dishware themselves are all unique and precious looking, adding to the experience. Portion size was perfect such that you feel satiated but not overly stuffed. Perfect. We look forward to coming back again!! read more
Yes, I called 1 month in advance to the calendar day; no, I didn't call at midnight but at a much more reasonable hour and still managed to snag a reservation for 2 at this intimate and unassuming kaiseki-only resto with just 16 seats and 1 seating per evening (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)... Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki and his Front of House Manager wife Mayumi have leveled up "mom-and-pop" to a well-deserved 1 Michelin star - Wakuriya embodies approachable fine dining, i.e. haute cuisine without attitude and meticulous preparation from the kitchen's perspective but relaxed enjoyment from the guest's. The menu on my recent visit: lobster and hokkaido hotate kabura turnip dashi-pottage ehime snapper and daikon salad satoimo taro dengaku duck "nyumen" (warm somen noodles) chawan mushi (pork and hakusai mille-feuille in steamed custard) today's sashimi (chef's choice) yamaimo gratin (new caledonian blue shrimp, alaskan gindara cod) hashi-yasume (sake-kasu and oat milk sorbet, circle ranch pistachio) usa wagyu beef (maitake, jidori egg, sea urchin) gohan (toro and ocean trout chirashi sushi) something sweet (yuzu "mont blanc" mochi cake) read more
What a unique and pleasant experience. Came here for a friend's birthday and could not have left more pleased with the dining experience. Tucked away in a small shopping plaza Wakuriya offers an intimate dining experience where food quality and preparation appears to be most valued. Service was equally pleasant with the waitress almost treating us like old friends (although it was our first time dining) as she explained each dish. The rotating menu is quite extensive so expect a lengthy dining experience, however, everything came out in an orderly and timely manner with each set purposefully chosen and no two courses feeling the same. Of course there were dishes that I favored over others, but overall it was a wonderful experience that I would return to. Btw if possible try a sake pairing they offer! They had Some of the most unique sakes I've never heard of. In terms of the reservation system, it is what it is what can you do. However, assuming you're able to Leave a message, the hostess will do their best to accommodate a reservation for you (from my experience at least) read more
Make sure you call at least a month in advance to make a reservation, they will call you back to confirm and you need to put a credit card on file, no cancellations or they will still charge the full amount. Dinner starts at 6:30pm and each dish is served to everybody at the same time. The dinner lasted about 3 hours total. $165 per person. Quiet and intimate setting with very nice staff. Everything was clean and organized. Portions were perfect, full but not overly stuffed. Only downside was that the uni was bitter, which affected the flavor of the Wagyu sauce. Came for my mom's birthday and they gave her a little ice cream treat with a card, very sweet. Decent sized parking lot in a plaza with a Safeway and other stores. read more
10 months ago
This spot was incredibly hard to get reservations for, which naturally set my expectations pretty high going in. The food wasn't bad, but nothing really blew me away or stood out, except for the final main course--the donburi, which was the highlight of the meal. The seafood was definitely fresh, though most of the dishes were very light in flavor, and we found ourselves wondering if we'd still be hungry afterward. Each course took quite a while to come out, and since the portions were only a few bites each, there was a fair amount of waiting between courses. It felt like much of the experience was spent waiting rather than actually eating. While the service was good and the dimly lit ambiance was nice, the overall experience didn't feel worth the price. Other places are probably worth more your time and money. read more
Ate here on my birthday in September 2025...finally getting a chance to write this review now. First off, in order to reserve a spot, you will have to call exactly at midnight exactly 1 month away from your intended dinner date. If you do not get through, do not give up. My wife used two phones to call and the line was constantly busy until the line went through finally around 12:20AM. Leave a message about your reservation. If you get a call back, confirm with the person on the phone and voila, got you in and note it on your calendar (don't be late or forget!). Location is easy to find and plenty of parking is in the plaza. The door is pretty obvious to find. Once you enter, check in with the hostess, and she'll lead you to your seat. It's a cozy atmosphere with 4 tables, a bathroom with 2 types of toilet paper (lol), and some bar seats. Please note, do not take photos of any of the staff, they are camera shy and they actually have signs posted at each table to prevent it. Please be courteous, even when taking your foodie pics. Onto the food... Overall, the food was delicious! I'm guessing I got the September 2025 menu and it changes depending on seasons? Not sure...but I have to say, they put a LOT of thought and preparation into the food. The overall experience lasted about 2.5 hours. It's a small team of 3 led by Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki, so just relax, chit chat, and enjoy the present moment. We were welcomed with a pear sake that was sweet and delicious. Couldn't resist and went for the sweet sake flight. The plum was SO GOOD! Ocean Trout Confit - Light and refreshing, yum yum Plate of Toro, Snapper, Blue Shrimp, and Fig - The fig was surprisingly my favorite here...it just tasted unique? I don't know how to explain it. Somen noodles with lobster - Great texture and good amount of lobster in the dish. Omakase sashimi - Forgot...it's been over a month D: Alaskan Gindara Cod - Steamed. Honestly I wish they had Chawanmushi instead of this one but that's probably because I was not that big of a fan of zucchini. My least favorite dish. Matcha Sorbet - VERY unique and light. Definitely great palate cleanser. USA Wagyu Beef - If you are expecting fatty wagyu, USA wagyu is different. It's got it's own yummy taste and texture to it. I am curious why they choose USA wagyu, first high end Japanese omakase restaurant I've been to that chooses USA over A5 Japanese. Hokkaido Uni, Scallop, and Rice - everything in this dish came from Hokkaido. I love how they pay homage to the northern region. Tasted yummy! Mochi Grape Cake - Last but not least, the dessert. MY FAVORITE DISH haha. I don't know how they did this but it really was a mochi cake. Gosh it was so good, the texture and hard candy at the top, everything was perfect to me. I wanted to have a huge plate of this...lol Bonus - They gave me a small cake with a candle for my birthday! Thanks to the efforts of the staff and my wife to make this night memorable! Overall, they put effort in their dishes and it's no wonder they are recognized by Michelin. If you're okay with the effort it takes to get a reservation, Wakuriya is worth the experience! read more
3 months ago
Wakuriya Japanese restaurant has been a favorite of ours for three visits now, and as always, they didn't disappoint. Every one of the nine courses of their set menu was not only delicious but also presented uniquely and thoughtfully. The service was superb throughout the meal. Unlike other tasting menu restaurants in the Bay Area whose prices have skyrocketed over the years, Wakuriya's pricing has remained consistent, and they've done so without compromising on quality. They truly deserve their Michelin star. read more
I surprised my husband on his birthday with a dinner reservation at Wakuriya. This 1 Michelin star restaurant has been on our list for the longest time but we never had a chance to dine in. I was very lucky and was able to get through after calling 40+ times to leave a voicemail for the date that I wanted. Fortunately, when I got the call back the next day, I was able to secured a reservation on his actual birthday which made it even more memorable for the both of us. Parking: shared lot with other businesses but plenty of parking. Ambiance: cozy, intimate setting with both table and counter seating. I requested counter seating to be able to see the chef in action but was informed at the time of booking that counter seating is full. Mayumi was kind enough to ask another couple on the day of the reservation if they were willing to do table seating so my husband and I can have their counter seats and luckily the couple agreed. The view and the experience sitting at the counter was priceless and phenomenal. Snag a reservation for counter seating if you can. Service: excellent. I only saw three staff members total on the day of reservation including Mayumi (server), Chef Katsuhiro and the dishwasher and the timed courses were perfectly in sync for the entire meal. Each course had an explanation, everyone started and ended at the same time and we didn't have to wait long between courses. We were very amazed! A small treat along with a card was prepared for my husband's birthday which I totally appreciate. Food: 5/5. Every single course was memorable, delicious and a work of art. The platings in each course were beautiful, the ingredients were fresh and the flavors blended well together. My favorite was the chawan-mushi and the lobster and sea bass dish (cooked in a miniature Dutch oven). The menu does change periodically and I totally recommend the winter/January menu. It was full of seafood dishes. Cost: $$$. For a 1 Michelin star restaurant, with very high quality food and excellent service, the meal was worth every single penny. We didn't get slapped with a mandatory service charge and there was no health mandate. I can confidently say there are no other Michelin star restaurants in the Bay Area that offer the same service and food quality at this price point. Reservations: call at midnight, I believe at 30 days in advance to book your desired date. Will I come back? You bet! I can't wait till my next visit. read more
FOOD: 5 SERVICE: 5 AMBIANCE: 5 VALUE: 5 Yes, we are back celebrating my wife's birthday. Again, chef Katsuhiro has outdone himself again. It seems like his cuisine is bordering on Michelin 2-star level! Yes, Wakuriya is our favorite Japanese restaurant in the US, but it's just not we are bias, it's because the food is that good! The reservation may be hard to get, but it is worth the effect; just wait till they get their 2nd star! Can't go wrong eating here. What an experience! read more
5 months ago
We were given two meals from our son for "I love my parents !. The food, service, and ambiance were excellent. We've never experienced a company that received Michelin ratings and the experience and meal were wonderful!! We were lucky enough to get seated at the counter and were able to watch the Chef do his "magic". Thank you Wakuriya and thank you son! read more
10 months ago
Six years after my husband and I first visited Wakuriya in 2019, we finally came back for a long-overdue second visit. Some things have changed during that time (their menu has become less traditional and more fusion-y), but what's stayed constant is the delicious food, intimate atmosphere, and warm, attentive service. Wakuriya serves a single, fixed menu that changes monthly. This time, we enjoyed a seafood-focused dinner with seven savory courses, a palate cleanser, and a dessert. Our favorite course was a creamy and slightly sweet dish of shrimp and trout that came beautifully presented in a mini dutch oven. The reservation system is unusual. You call the restaurant at midnight a month before your desired date (e.g., April 14 for May 14) and leave a voicemail. If they can take your reservation, you'll get a call back within a couple days. read more
Finally made it here after many years of wanting to come here since I heard about their Michelin recognition. Truly delightful place. Wonderful people with pitch perfect service and amazing, creative and delicious food. Who would have thought there would be an amazing Michelin 1 star restaurant in this unassuming mall and store front. read more
What a beautiful experience. Especially special when shared with friends. The restaurant outside is unassuming when the parking lot is shared with a Safeway and CVS. My husband had to call at midnight a month in advance to leave a message for reservations. As to you enter the restaurant it is run by 3 people. They have dimed lighting and they have a set menu. On a Thursday night it is one seating at 6:30pm. The food was beautiful, thoughtful, balanced and delicious! Even my picky husband ate everything which didn't happen when we went nice restaurants in Japan lol The sake is strong but so easy and smooth to drink it hit me hard near the end of my courses. If you're a 1-2 drink person you're better getting just a glass since they offer you a tiny yummy welcome taster drink. If you can handle more they had a yummy tastier flight of premium sake for $45. They had flight options from sweet, umami, or fruity flights available for cheaper. This is a beautiful experience and would be perfect for romantic special occasion. The restaurant is intimate. There was maybe 16 guest when I went. Plan to spend a few hours there as it takes time to serve and enjoy 9 course. I posted and labeled pictures of the courses for reference. read more
(Tom Cruise voiceover) The vibe is exclusive haute japonais dining experience! Felt like I entered the finest restaurant in Ginza. We were warmly greeted by a young lady! She is fantastic! The dishes were a melange of textures, nuanced flavors, and aesthetics! My fave was the A5 with truffle and poached egg. C'est magnifique! Totemo oishii desu! It is an epic culinary journey! We had to directly complement the chef himself for the grand dining experience of understated elegance! Gochisousamadeshta! Woohoo! read more
One of the best Michelin restaurants in Northern CA. Reservations are made 30 days in advance, by phone call only at 12AM. If they don't pick up, leave your name, the date and time you would like to book, and a best call back number. If your preferred date/time isn't available, they'll offer you a couple of alternatives. We called 1/14 hoping to get a Valentine's Day reservation, but the only time and day they had left was 1/31 so we took it. On a Friday night at 6:30, there were about 3 parties. Two parties of 2, and the third one seemed like it was 6 or so. I didn't appreciate how loud they were, given that everyone in the restaurant can hear them, but the food and service was outstanding so can't complain too much. From the look of it, seemed like there's only 3 staff. Our waitress was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Each dish was made to perfection, tasted delicious, and the plating/presentation was unique. I wish they did 2 palate cleanser as oppose to 1, given how much seafood there was to eat. Each and every fish that was presented to us tasted really fresh, with an amazing aroma and just a melt in your mouth type of feeling. I enjoyed my experience here and it is by far, one of the best I've ever tasted. It is difficult to get a reservation on the date and time you want, but if you're flexible then I would highly recommend it. Restaurant is located in a plaza so there's plenty of spots available. read more
I had despaired that I would ever be able to try this place because I'm never awake at midnight to call, but my friend very kindly offered to call for me and got me and my husband a reservation! We came on a Wednesday night and had a great time. The whole meal is about 8 courses over 3 hours. The food was really good and the presentation was stunning. My favorite was the unagi and eel omelette over ice. The strawberry mochi dessert was also delicious as well. We each got a sake flight which was fun to have with the meal. read more
Came by for dinner the other night and it was a world class experience. Wakuriya is a Japanese kaiseki restaurant with a Michelin 1 star located inside a casual strip mall in San Mateo, next to the freeway. Parking is plentiful in the private lot or on the residential street. There is a Tesla charger in the parking lot. Reservations start 30 days in advance with a first come first served message left on their answering machine at 12 am. An executive assistant, butler and/or concierge would be perfect for handling reservations for executives. Received a call from Mayoumi 30 days in advance during the late afternoon confirming my particulars including credit card information, dining preference along with food allergies. The dining room can seat ~16 people and features counter or table dining. The counter offers an open view of the kitchen with a request not to take photos of people inside the kitchen. The loo is high end with an option for Japanese or Charmin toilet paper along with a request to sit on their toilet. Despite the rather casual outside, the interior was intimate and high end with a few notable IKEA furnishing inside the kitchen, including their ALEX drawer set along with drawer liner. Meal started off with the Japanese tai snapper served with a salad. This was a light and refreshing way to start off the meal. Moved on to the appetizer course which consisted of trout with caviar, crab and salmon sushi along with duck breast with Italian black truffle. Each of the tiny morsels were well thought out although I found the duck breast over cooked..bummer. The sashimi course featured some type of sauce which was somewhat different than Japanese kaiseki's were they would serve this with fresh wasabi. The miso gratin may have been the weakest part of the meal featuring an overcooked lobster tail although the cauliflower and mushrooms were tasty. The sorbet was a light and refreshing palate cleanser. The main course featuring domestic wagyu beef, and egg and turnip was a pretty filing course although I felt that a Japanese wagyu would have been an even better option. The last savory course was a somen noodle soup with scallop and shrimp, including the head. This was a light and filing way to finish off the savory dishes. Meal ended off with a fuji apple with tofu-caramel sauce along with some baked cookies. Service throughout the meal was very attentive by the owner Mayoumi. Diners were mostly Chinese with the Mandarin ones being the only ones speaking in outdoor voices... ~$210/head after tax and gratuity for a 3 hour kaiseki dinner. read more
Amazing experience and definitely my favorite kaiseki experience. Only difficulty was getting a reservation having to call at midnight like many stated previously. But received a call the next morning to confirm with a credit card to hold reservation. I received a call a few days before as a reminder of the reservation. The experience is great for celebrating special occasions and very personal as they serve ~14 people a night. Service and explanation of everything was amazing and constant check ins to see how we liked the food and which ones were our favorite dishes. read more
2 years ago
Our favorite restaurant in the bay area but getting a reservation is incredibly difficult. The steps are - 1) At midnight (12am PT) exactly 30 days before your desired dining date, call Wakuriya. 2) If you are to get through to voice mail, leave your name, desired date, number of people and callback number 3) If you get line busy, try again until you are able to get through 4) If you successfully leave a voicemail and get a call back the following day, you will get confirmation of the reservation. The food and experience itself is truly one-of-a-kind. read more
Excellent Restaurant and a must try for an authentic Japanese Kaiseki meal. Wakuriya is authentic and true to the Japanese culture in every way, from the excellent food, dishes, serving style, and even the (painful) reservation making process... lol. But it's totally worth it once you come... you will be immersed and transformed to a Kaiseki Restaurant, where each dish is a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of the food. Only fresh, seasonal, and mostly local ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. After winning a reservation here, we came enthusiastically and Wakuriya delivered AN EXCELLENT MEAL again! Very Happy! read more
1 year ago
Amazing service and fantastic culinary creations. My friends took me for my birthday and the ambience was really nice. We had great conversations with lovely interaction with our server. read more
2 years ago
Trying to make reservation for months/years and finally able to get one. (No complaint. It is what it is to get the greatest personal attention for this kaiseki dining experience) The chef/manager/staff has made this a unique experience for all their customers in that single round of dinner schedule/slot per night with very limited seating. You'll only realize the reason for such uniquely limited reservation system for a reason: The service was indeed exceptional and attentive for limiting the capacity every night with just one time slot for just few tables. I've been roaming the Michelin eateries for 2 decades, and this is one of the most coziest dining atmosphere I could remember. The vibe was calm, with minimalist decor and touches that immediately set the tone for an home kitchen coziness kaiseki experience. We were welcomed with warm hospitality, and every detail was thoughtfully arranged, the open kitchen was exceptionally sparkling clean! Each course was introduced with care and beautifully arranged. As the meal progressed, the chef's precision and dedication became increasingly evident. As the meal drew to a close, I was served a mochi dessert that was so airy and fluffy that a non mochi person myself would love to have an encore of it. read more
11 months ago
Super excited to get a reservation here after reading lots of good reviews. Called at midnight 1 month in advance for the end of March. Located in a plaza with ample parking spaces. Seems to be about 3 people working here: husband the Chef, wife the server, and another lady but no interaction. Ambiance is quite intimate and cozy. The lady owner is very friendly and warm. Our reservation was at 6:30pm and we arrived on time. It took quite some time for the lady owner to bring out our drinks after seating. Within 1 hour of being there, we were only served with one out of the 9 courses. The entire experience was 3 hours long, we didn't leave until 9:15pm but that was because we rushed them to give us the check. The other parties were still finishing up upon our departure. My favorites from the menu: - Steamed egg custard: so delicious! Have had this at other Omakase places, but this is by far the best! I love that they added pepper corn (not sure if it was or something else), definitely brings out the whole custard egg flavor - Sakura Gohan: Japanese rice was prepared slightly plain with cherry blossom, but it goes so well with the flavored sauce and scallops! The dish tastes better as you take each bite. Dessert was probably prepared beforehand, but it did take them a while to bring that out too. Honest opinion, I do not feel it's worth the whole 3 hours and wish for the pace to go a bit quicker. Not sure if each dining experience is similar to mines, but waiting for literally 1 hour to get the 2nd course is quite a wait. The dishes are great but not extraordinary for a 3 hours dine in experience. Dine here with patience, about 3 hours to spare, stay up till midnight to call and wait for a call back to make a reservation :) read more
2 years ago
We called at midnight on 8/2/24. We received a call back later that day and got a reservation for 9/2/24 for two people. I called around 20 times before I got their voicemail. They do ask for a credit card when you make the reservation. We got a call two days before our reservation as a reminder and we were asked if we wanted to sit at a table or the counter. We chose the counter. This was an incredible experience! They started us off with complementary plum sake. We ordered the premium sake flight and there were three sakes. We had about 12 courses. I can't remember the names of all the dishes but there was sashimi, cured salmon, wagyu beef, egg custard, and so much more. The dinner was 2 hours long. The dinner was so amazing that we made another reservation for October. We thought the prices were very reasonable for the quality of the service and food. read more
One of the best in the Bay Area! Came here with reservations made by my friend which they say should be reserved at least a month ahead. It's a small place so I can see why reservations are so limited. First off, plenty of parking around so you won't have any trouble finding parking. Moment when you walk in, it's dimly lit and inviting. Once you get seated, there is a QR code on the table that tells you the fixed menu for tonight. The dinner was I believe a 9 dish course for $158/person. It sounds expensive because it is given its type of restaurant. But it was well worth it. The service was wonderful. I forgot her name, but she was very attentive and very nice to us. I just wanted her to join us! The service overall was exquisite. In terms of the course, it was very delicious from start to finish! Every dish was its own star because it was all different in its own way. I was oooing and wowing the whole time as I was eating and I meant it! Everything complimented each other in a way you didn't think would work but worked! They had a edamame sorbet in the middle as a palate cleanser and oh my goodness even that was delicious! The way I'm describing is not nearly as how it really tasted. It was impeccable! I was so happy I got to try this place and I highly recommend to anyone else to go! read more
Wahhh this Michelin star Japanese Kaiseki restaurant was definitely an experience to remember. The attention to detail on these 9 courses were beautifully executed. The small dishes, utensils and presentation made the dining experience elegant and fancy. Mayumi's hospitality in managing the dining area of the restaurant was exceptional. The way she gracefully brings out each dish and explains thoroughly on what we were about to indulge was a level of service beyond my expectations. Just by having the slightest conversations with her in between several courses, I could tell she was passionate about what her and her husband can showcase here at Wakuriya. Everything on the menu was delicious. One particular item I wished I was able to a la carte another was the New Caledonian blue shrimp grilled with uni. This grilled shrimp with uni was so sweet and buttery it left a sensational taste to my palate. Highly recommend dining here for the worthy Michelin star experience, great for special occasions. The only downside was calling to make the reservation at midnight.. Between the two of us, we called over 400 times in 3 nights to finally get the reservation but it'll show you put in the time and effort to make this night special. read more
I don't know if I can fully describe each plate and do it justice. The combination of flavors were just perfection! And it was a perfect balance and ratio in every bite. It was a good mix of textures too- from cold dishes to warm, to soups and fried fish. Even a palate cleanser in between- a cold berry sorbet. The pictures are beautiful, but the food even better. Bar seating is fun to see all the work that goes into preparing each plate. Only 4 seats at the bar, the rest are table seating- which is only about 8 more seats. It's very small inside which is why it's so difficult to get a reservation. We were welcomed with a seasonal peach sake drink, very refreshing. And then taken on a journey of flavors! From A5 Wagyu stew to a tomato based Chawanmushi to perfect fresh fish sushi in one bite. The service was impeccable! Very nice lady serving and explaining each dish. Amazing experience! read more
2 years ago
Great food, great service and nice Michelin restaurant. A nice omakase restaurant, that we tried for the first time. read more
300 phone calls later... was able to leave a message and get a reservation for later in the month on a weekend. The phone reservation system was a little stressful for me personally, but did leave me feeling accomplished. Had a very nice experience celebrating our friends' birthdays. The dinner lasted around 3 hours. Told my friend in Japan about this experience and he explained that's normal. Some of the notable items: -Hokkaido hotate scallop and lobster, self cook on hot stone -New Caledonian blue shrimp grilled with uni -chawanmushi -Fuji apple in rice vinegar caramel blancmange -hot tea at the end of the meal Had kumoko. Eeek. The thought of knowing what that was made it tough for me to enjoy, but finished it anyways. Service was really good. Everything was very proper and orderly. Loved the coat hangers and baskets on the floor for our purses. read more
3 years ago
The restaurant located in a plaza with cvs and Safeway in it. Lots of parking , at least when we got there Saturday 6pm. Definitely convenient location , there is clear sign outdoor and looks very cozy inside. There are only four tables inside( probably it answers why it is hard to score a reservation.) Inside, the decoration is cozy and light dimmed inside. Feels romantic and warm. We got seated near the front door, and the considerate waitress explained the heater behind me which definitely helps during the windy night. I only saw two waitress and one chef. Everything is very well managed. Attached the menu for my night, also we ordered couple sake flights-- one classic and one fruity, both are great, and went well with our dishes and the night. There are in house welcome fruit sake, hmmm .... So good. I like every dish the chef produced, each dish with its unique taste and special bowl/ plate. It is not just food, it is an art piece. This is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or spend some quality time with someone special. But not for little kids or loud kids. Definitely this is a place worth coming once , twice and more ( if wallet is full :) ! read more
What an amazing meal! Went here with the wifey for an early Valentine's. From the outside, it doesn't feel like you're stepping into a Michelin Star restaurant. It's located in a shopping plaza with a CVS and Safeway. But really who cares it's the food that counts... and Wakuriya delivered an exceptional meal. My wife and I agreed - this is the first Michelin Star restaurant where we walked away thinking, we should come back again when they have updated their menu. I attached the menu and a photo of each dish so won't cover them one by one, but will call out the highlights for me. * Japanese tai snapper sashimi salad with aosa seaweed gelée. The fish was so fresh and delicious. The seaweed gelée was such a nice accompaniment. * Today's sashimi, which was mackerel. Again, so fresh and delicious. * Sake-kasu miso gratin (lobster). The poached lobster was perfectly cooked and the miso gratin gave it a warm savory flavor. * Nyumen, Japanese "somen" noodles in warm dashi soup, Hokkaido hotate scallop, New Caledonian blue shrimp. The scallop and shrimp in here were just extraordinary. Maybe the best scallop I have ever had. * Fuji apple with tofu-caramel sauce. Dessert! Not typically my favorite course actually. This was such an interesting and atypical dessert for me though. The apple and tofu mixed surprisingly really really well. Service was exceptional as well. I forgot to get her name but she was so welcoming and friendly. You can also see the chef preparing the dishes. The atmosphere feels cozy like you're at a friend's house but your friend happens to be an amazing chef with unbelievable ingredients. Highly recommend! Looking forward to going again!! read more
8 months ago
This is an excellent Kaiseki Japanese experience. We have been several times over the years but most recently yesterday. We have eaten Japanese food at every price point all over Japan, the Bay Area, NYC, and elsewhere in the world Service is exceptional. This is a married couple and the wife serves and husband cooks. Service is friendly yet formal, attentive, and very Japanese meaning there is care in small and large details: refilling tea, how food is placed in front of you. Special needs are quickly acknowledged and acted upon. When she saw we were celebrating a 20th birthday, she not only said nice things but then adjusted 3 dishes so they did not contain alcohol , and wrote a happy birthday note with the birthday celebrant's name in Japanese, served with an extra dessert and candle Kaiseki has prescribed course types. For example, there will be something steamed, something raw, etc. so if you are not into a total raw fish experience but want a special Japanese dinner, this is a good option. The pictures and menus will give you an idea of what to expect but part of the fun of Kaiseki is being surprised with the best fresh foods of the season. If you don't like surprises, read up on the Kaiseki courses in general and know that the evening's menu will be available for you to follow along The many dishes were all excellent or very good. We liked the wagyu beef and lobster the least ( imagine!). Favorites on this visit were inari sushi, one with uni and one with crab, served alongside a maitaki mushroom sauce with Hokkaido scallop. The slightly warm and sweet tofu wrap was a nice counterpoint to the vinegar rice and buttery seafood. The mushroom + scallop was sweet + umami. Other favorites included lightly seared shrimp with a lovely sauce, and the mochi dessert, but there was no dish that disappointed. I notified them of a dairy sensitivity in advance. In both cases I liked my non- dairy version better. One of these was the mochi dessert. Mine had a fabulous soft sweet potato center. The regulars hat a chocolate pudding center which was fine but not super chocolatey. Bathroom grade: A. 1 gender neutral, ADA accessible single- serve room. Very clean and nicely appointed. Decorated for the season. This restaurant could easily accommodate ADA needs at the table and entry. View of the kitchen is available from all tables. Single patron was seated at the counter which seemed pleasant for 1. read more
3 years ago
This place would warrant a 5 star rating if they had a better reservation system. Other than that, everything was perfect. The service was wonderful and every dish was prepared to perfection. Not only was Wakuriya meticulous about the presentation of their food, the chef also paired the dishes with ingredients that harmonized all of the flavors. The dining experience was very intimate. There were a total of 14 people dining and the entire experience was very romantic. I've been to restaurants which offered the same type dining experience, yet none of them are in the Bay Area. Sending you good thoughts on receiving a reservation as it has taken us multiple tries over the last 12 years. read more
This is my absolutely favorite Kaiseki in the Bay Area, also the only Michelin Star restaurant that I keep coming back to. My review is a little bit overdue (the last time I dined in the restaurant was 2019 but I did order takeout dinner during 2020), but I really want to share my experience. This restaurant is hard to get a reservation, the process is to call at midnight and leave a message on reservation detail. If you're able to secure a reservation, the restaurant will call back the next day to confirm. For all the times I have been here, I have never been disappointed by the food. I could really tell that the chef puts a lot of thoughts into each dish. Each dish was so intricate and so fresh. Their service was also exceptional. Their menus refresh from time to time, but I always get their Sake Flight! My favorite is their fruity Sake Flight. I can't wait to come back and dine at this restaurant soon! read more
One of my favorite Michelin-starred dining experiences to date! It's definitely tricky to get a reservation (we tried on several different days!), but once you secure the reservation, it's worth it! Wakuriya offers a multi-course kaiseki menu that combines authentic Japanese cuisine with modern techniques and presentation--the best of both worlds! The restaurant is run by a very nice couple who basically runs the whole show--reservations, host, server, and cook! The space itself is an intimate setting. At the time of my dine, there were only three other parties present (1 party of 6, a party of 2, and another party of 2 seated at the counter). The menu changes frequently, but the following was on my Kaiseki Menu for the night: - New Caledonian blue shrimp and Hokkaido scallop "ishi-yaki": This was such a fun way to start off the menu! They bring you a small heated stone that you grill your seafood on (or you can eat the items raw, since they are all sushi grade!)and then dip it in a refreshing pear-ponzu sauce. The scallops were so fresh and had the perfect texture. - These dishes came out as a trio: Tai snapper sashimi and white grape chestnut, Uni and toro on Japanese toast, Maple Leaf Farms duck with kabocha sauce: The uni and toro toast blew my mind...such an amazing bite! I also really enjoyed the thinly sliced duck--cooked to perfection! - Gindara to kani no jicama-mushi: One of my favorite dishes of the night! The black cod and crab were steamed with grated jicama. I can't even put into words how good this one was! - Chef's choice sashimi: I can't remember the name of the fish, but it melted in my mouth! I also really enjoyed their wasabi, and I'm not usually a fan of wasabi! - Saikyo miso gratin: King salmon grilled with Kyoto miso in the cutest little Dutch oven! I've never had anything like this before, and I loved it! So flavorful and not heavy at all for being a gratin! - Hashi-yasume (palate cleanser): The cutest palate cleaner! The Fuyu persimmon sorbet was so light and refreshing. It was topped with a dainty sesame ball on the prettiest ceramic spoon. - Snake River Farms USA wagyu beef with sake-"kasu" (lees) sauce: So tender! - Gohan and maitake mushroom and organic chicken served with "age-dashi" (deep fried) tofu and lobster - Green tea is served in between to help you digest. So soothing and perfect after eating such a big meal! - Dessert: "Satsuma-imo" (Japanese sweet potato) mochi cake was so nicely presented, and the mochi had the perfect springiness! They also served "matcha" (green tea) boules de neige for the perfect last bite. Overall, I really enjoyed this meal and would love to come back in the future! read more
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More info about Wakuriya
115 De Anza Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94402
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(650) 286-0410
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http://www.wakuriya.com/
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Ask the Community - Wakuriya
I just tried calling and was able to get through, but I remember you have to call exactly at 12am, is that still the case? Or is it as long as your call goes through? I'm trying to book a reservation for my husband's birthday. (Called 3/10 @8:45pm)?
As far as I know, you still need to call right after midnight for your best chance at reserving 1 month out.…
I called and the phone wouldn't let me leave a voicemail. Is it down? I called at midnight to make a reservation for July 23 for 2, but the phone line hangs up automatically.
Same here. I called twice and no one answered, not even letting me leave a voicemail
Hi there, I am vegetarian and I would love to visit Wakuriya someday. I was wondering if you have…
They will accommodate. Upon successful reservation, they will call you to confirm any allergies or vegetarian options
When is the restaurant resuming their precovid sit down service with a full kaiseki course?
Sit down/ dine in service has been resumed
How do I make a reservation here. Any tips?
Call right at midnight the day reservations open and be somewhat flexible on dates if needed.
Where is the January takeout menu? What happened to the December one? Were they closed in December? The current one on their website is from November! What is wrong with the owners of this restaurant?
We frequent this place often since the beginning of the pandemic and the owners are really nice people. The December menu was similar to the November one. However they are already sold out for the rest of December. I'm guessing that they will post…
How do you pre-order for takeout? Just call between 5 - 6 pm? How early can we pre-order?
Suggest calling the restaurant at least a day ahead to preorder. They will call you back
Can they accommodate someone who doesn't eat shellfish? (not allergic, just doesn't eat it)
Yes that can accommodate. Upon successful reservation, they will call you to confirm any allergies. You can then tell them your preference
Can I reserve a table online?
You will have to call them but trust me it will be a wonderful experience. Dining there will be like being invited over someone's home for tea. Call and enjoy!
Is this restaurant really open for just 1 hour? 6pm -7pm?
They have 2 seatings. One at 6pm and another one at 7pm. The entire meal takes about 3 hours long.
How much is the menu now?
I'm not too sure but average is between 80 to 120 per person. The menu changes periodically.
Do they have non-alcoholic drinks to go with dinner? If so, what drinks?
Yep, tea/sodas/Japanese specialty drinks
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