Izakaya Ginji

izakaya ginji menu

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and vibrant Japanese dining experience that goes beyond the conventional, Izakaya Ginji in San Mateo stands out as a must-visit destination. An izakaya, a popular type of informal Japanese bar, is renowned for serving a wide array of small, shareable dishes (tapas-style) alongside alcoholic beverages, creating a lively and social atmosphere. Izakaya Ginji perfectly embodies this spirit, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, all within a friendly and engaging environment.

In the vast culinary landscape of California, where Asian cuisine is celebrated in its many forms, Izakaya Ginji distinguishes itself with its focus on delicious skewers (yakitori) and an impressive selection of Japanese tapas. This concept encourages diners to explore multiple flavors and textures, making it an ideal spot for group outings, family dinners, or even a casual evening with coworkers. The emphasis on high-quality ingredients and skillful preparation ensures that each dish, from the juicy skewers to the crispy fried items, delivers a memorable taste experience.

Customers consistently rave about the delectable food options available at Izakaya Ginji, highlighting the "juicy, well-seasoned and overall yummy" skewers as a particular favorite. Beyond the grilled delights, the menu extends to various "tapa plates" that showcase different facets of Japanese comfort food, prepared with care and flavor. This breadth of offerings means that whether you're a fan of rich meat dishes, fresh seafood, or savory vegetable options, Izakaya Ginji has something to satisfy your palate. The positive feedback on staff friendliness further enhances the dining experience, making it a place where Californians feel welcomed and well-served.

Ultimately, Izakaya Ginji represents a fantastic opportunity for locals in California to immerse themselves in a genuine Japanese izakaya culture. It’s a place where delicious food, a lively ambiance, and great company converge to create truly "memorable" outings. If you're looking for an Asian restaurant that offers a dynamic and flavorful adventure right in the heart of San Mateo, Izakaya Ginji is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Izakaya Ginji is conveniently located at 301 E 4th Ave E, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA. This prime location in San Mateo, a bustling city on the San Francisco Peninsula, ensures excellent accessibility for residents and visitors throughout the California Bay Area. East 4th Avenue is known for being a vibrant street, often teeming with activity, which contributes to the lively atmosphere of the restaurant's surroundings.

San Mateo is a central hub in the Bay Area, making Izakaya Ginji an easy destination to reach whether you're coming from San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or other surrounding communities. For those traveling by car, there are likely various public parking options available in the vicinity, including street parking and nearby garages. While the area can be busy, which might mean a short walk to find parking during peak hours, the convenience of the location generally outweighs this. The restaurant's position within a well-established commercial district also means it's well-served by local public transportation, offering convenient alternatives for diners.

Its presence on a main thoroughfare like East 4th Avenue ensures visibility and ease of navigation for first-time visitors. The energetic vibe of the street aligns perfectly with the casual and social nature of an izakaya, creating a seamless transition from the outside world into the restaurant's inviting atmosphere. For Californians looking for a Japanese dining experience that is both authentic and easily accessible, Izakaya Ginji's location is a significant advantage.

Izakaya Ginji specializes in providing an authentic Japanese izakaya experience, characterized by a diverse menu of small plates designed for sharing, alongside a selection of beverages. Here’s a detailed look at the services and offerings:

• Extensive Skewer (Yakitori) Menu: A highlight of the restaurant, offering a wide variety of perfectly grilled skewers. Popular choices include juicy beef finger, flavorful lamb, and various chicken parts like gizzard, heart, skin, and cartilage.
• Diverse Japanese Tapas (Small Plates): A broad selection of "tapa plates" or small dishes, perfect for sharing and sampling. These include crispy pork cheeks reminiscent of chicharrones, generously chunked chicken karaage, and saucy miso nasu dengaku (eggplant).
• Seafood Specialties: A range of fresh seafood options, such as the popular ika maruyaki (grilled squid), ankimo (monkfish liver), and crispy fried hotate (scallops) with chewy insides.
• Signature Dishes: Specific customer favorites include Ebbi Chile (white tiger shrimp with sweet chili mayo) and the popular Mentaiko Carbonara (creamy udon with cod roe), along with various donburi (rice bowls) and udon noodle soups.
• Beverage Selection: Offers a variety of drinks, including "fruity and very easy to drink" chuhais, "very cheap beer" like Sapporo and Asahi, and a "vast selection of rare Sake and unique Beers" along with Shochu.
• Bento Boxes and Plates: For more comprehensive meals, they offer various Bento Box combinations (e.g., Ginji Bento, Bento Box A, B, C) that include items like teriyaki, California rolls, and miso soup, as well as various plates (e.g., Chicken Karaage Plate, Salmon Teriyaki Plate).
• Japanese Curry Dishes: Features popular items like Pork Curry Rice with Chicken Cutlet.
• Desserts: A selection of desserts to conclude the meal, including Houji Tea Panna Cotta, Mango Pudding, and Matcha Mini Cheese Cake.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: Customers consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, contributing to a positive dining experience.
• Takeout & Delivery: Information from online menus indicates that Izakaya Ginji offers takeout and delivery services, providing convenience for those who prefer to dine at home.

Izakaya Ginji distinguishes itself in the bustling California dining scene with several key features and highlights that draw in both new and returning customers:

• Exceptional Skewers (Yakitori): Consistently lauded for their juicy, well-seasoned, and flavorful skewers, with popular choices like beef finger, lamb, and various chicken parts being particular standouts.
• Diverse & Flavorful Tapas: The extensive selection of Japanese tapas offers a wide range of tastes and textures, from the crispy pork cheeks to the saucy miso eggplant, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.
• High-Quality Seafood Options: Beyond the meats, the grilled squid (ika maruyaki), ankimo, and fried scallops are celebrated for their freshness and delicious preparation.
• Memorable Signature Dishes: Specific dishes like the Ebbi Chile and Mentaiko Carbonara receive high praise for their unique and amazing flavors, becoming instant favorites for many diners.
• Affordable & Diverse Drink Menu: The availability of "very cheap beer" alongside a "vast selection of rare Sake and unique Beers" and Shochu provides excellent pairing options for all dishes and preferences.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: The positive interactions with the "friendly staff" significantly enhance the overall dining experience, making patrons feel valued and comfortable.
• Lively & Social Atmosphere: As an izakaya, it naturally offers a dynamic and engaging environment, perfect for social gatherings and creating "memorable outings."
• Value for Money: The combination of generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and reasonable pricing, especially for drinks, contributes to a perception of great value.

While the provided customer reviews do not explicitly detail specific ongoing promotions, Izakaya Ginji, as a popular izakaya, is likely to offer various specials and deals designed to enhance the dining experience and provide value to its patrons. Given its focus on an informal, social dining style, promotions often revolve around affordability and variety.

Based on typical izakaya practices and common restaurant offerings, potential promotions might include:

• Happy Hour Specials: Many izakayas feature happy hour periods with discounted prices on select skewers, appetizers, and beverages (including beer, sake, and chuhais). This is a common way to attract early evening diners.
• Lunch Specials: Although Izakaya Ginji's primary operating hours appear to be dinner (starting around 4 PM), if they ever expand to lunch service, special lunch sets or bento boxes at reduced prices would be a common offering.
• Seasonal or Chef's Specials: To highlight fresh ingredients or new culinary creations, the restaurant might introduce limited-time seasonal dishes or chef's recommendations, providing unique dining opportunities.
• Combo Deals for Skewers or Tapas: Given the focus on small plates, they might offer bundles or combo deals for ordering multiple skewers or a selection of tapas, encouraging diners to try a wider variety of their menu.

For the most accurate and current information on any promotions, happy hour timings, or special offers available at Izakaya Ginji in San Mateo, it is highly recommended that potential diners visit their official website or call them directly using the provided contact number. This ensures you can take full advantage of any available deals during your visit.

For reservations, inquiries about their menu, or to learn more about the authentic Japanese izakaya experience at Izakaya Ginji in San Mateo, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 301 E 4th Ave E, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
• Phone: (650) 348-1110
• Mobile Phone: +1 650-348-1110 (This number is provided for convenience, often for direct dialing from mobile devices.)

Given its popularity and the lively atmosphere, especially during peak dining hours, it might be advisable to call ahead for reservations, particularly if you are planning to visit with a larger group, to ensure availability and a smooth dining experience.

For locals across California, especially those in the Bay Area, Izakaya Ginji in San Mateo stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for an authentic and enjoyable Asian dining experience. It perfectly captures the essence of a traditional Japanese izakaya, offering a dynamic and delicious culinary adventure that caters to diverse preferences.

Firstly, its core offering of "juicy, well-seasoned" skewers and a wide array of "tapa plates" provides a versatile and exciting menu. This allows diners to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making it ideal for groups who want to share and explore different dishes. From premium beef and lamb skewers to the crispy pork cheeks and the highly praised Ebbi Chile, the quality and taste consistently impress, ensuring a satisfying meal for any Californian food enthusiast.

Secondly, the restaurant’s lively and social atmosphere makes it perfect for casual outings, after-work gatherings with coworkers, or fun dinners with friends and family. The combination of mouth-watering food and "very cheap beer" contributes to a "very memorable outing," as noted by delighted customers. The "friendly staff" further enhances this welcoming environment, making every visit a pleasant one.

Finally, its convenient location on East 4th Avenue in San Mateo ensures easy accessibility for residents throughout the Bay Area. Whether you're seeking a quick bite or an extended evening of delightful Japanese small plates and drinks, Izakaya Ginji offers a consistent and high-quality experience. It’s a place where Californians can truly immerse themselves in the vibrant and flavorful world of Japanese izakaya cuisine, making it a valuable addition to the local dining scene and a place worth returning to again and again.

Izakaya Ginji

301 E 4th Ave E, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA