Gaku Restaurant Introduce
Located at 5152 Moorpark Ave #40, San Jose, CA 95129, **Gaku Restaurant** stands as a highly-regarded destination for authentic Japanese cuisine in the bustling San Jose area. This establishment is particularly celebrated for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a dining experience that closely mirrors traditional Japanese culinary values. Gaku Restaurant offers a unique appeal, especially for those seeking genuine flavors and a relaxed atmosphere.
When considering a platform like "Doctor Near Me," Gaku Restaurant provides a distinct, albeit culinary, form of local service. Much like a doctor offers specialized care for health, Gaku Restaurant provides a specialized culinary experience that addresses your desire for authentic Japanese flavors. It's a place where you can "prescribe" yourself a meal crafted with precision and passion, offering a comforting and satisfying solution to your dining needs. This objective introduction will detail the various facets that make Gaku Restaurant a noteworthy establishment in the San Jose community.
Gaku Restaurant is characterized by its **cozy atmosphere**, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed and intimate meal. This ambiance suggests a welcoming and comfortable setting, perhaps with traditional Japanese decor elements or a minimalist design that encourages diners to focus on their food and company. The cozy nature of the restaurant contributes significantly to a pleasant dining experience, allowing patrons to unwind and savor their dishes without feeling rushed.
A key aspect of the dining experience at Gaku Restaurant is the **excellent and attentive service**. Customers consistently praise the staff for their careful attention, indicating a strong commitment to hospitality. This level of service enhances the overall impression, making diners feel valued and well-cared for throughout their meal. The combination of a cozy environment and attentive staff creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
The restaurant's focus on allowing diners to "taste and enjoy a variety of dishes" also shapes the experience. While portions are described as being "on the smaller side," this is presented as a positive, enabling customers to explore more of the menu without feeling overly full from just a few items. This approach encourages a tasting menu style of dining, where quality over quantity is prioritized, and the nuances of each dish can be truly appreciated.
Gaku Restaurant's culinary philosophy centers on **fresh, high-quality food** where "each dish is carefully prepared, allowing you to truly savor the flavors." This dedication to quality ingredients is paramount, especially in Japanese cuisine where the natural taste of the food is often highlighted. The restaurant's confidence in the quality of their ingredients is a significant feature, suggesting a commitment to excellence.
A standout feature and a major draw for Gaku Restaurant is its **skewers**, particularly its yakitori, which are described as "really really good" and "so close to what we’ve had in Japan." This strong endorsement speaks to the authenticity and expertise in preparing these grilled items. The key to their delicious skewers is noted to be the use of **charcoal**, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate with other cooking methods. The "salt flavor" used on the skewers is specifically highlighted for its ability to "bring out the true flavor of food," further emphasizing their confidence in the inherent taste of their ingredients.
Specific skewer recommendations from satisfied customers include the **wings and thigh skewer, the beef tongue, and the shrimp karaage**. These mentions highlight a diverse range of options, from classic poultry cuts to more adventurous choices like beef tongue, all prepared with precision and care. The "shrimp karaage" also indicates a broader menu of Japanese fried dishes, executed with the same attention to flavor and quality.
While the portions for individual dishes are noted as smaller, this is framed as an advantage for those who wish to sample a wider array of items. This encourages customers to order multiple dishes, turning a meal into a delightful exploration of different flavors and textures that Gaku has to offer.
Gaku Restaurant's pricing, while not explicitly detailed for the entire menu, is implied to offer good value for the quality of food and dining experience. The comment about needing "to order a few more dishes to satisfy your appetite" due to smaller portions, while suggesting a higher overall bill for a full meal, also indicates that individual items are priced to encourage exploration. The emphasis on "consistently good food" and "attentive service" serves as the primary promotional message, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
The strong connection to authentic Japanese preparation, particularly with the charcoal-grilled skewers, naturally attracts diners seeking a genuine culinary experience akin to what they might find in Japan. This authenticity acts as a powerful draw. While no specific promotional deals or discounts are mentioned, the restaurant's reputation for quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, combined with a cozy ambiance, constitutes its core value proposition. The reviews themselves act as a form of promotion, highlighting the dishes that truly shine and the overall positive experience.
Customer reviews for Gaku Restaurant are overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the high quality of food and service. The restaurant is described as offering a "delightful dining experience" with "fresh, high-quality food and excellent service." The meticulous preparation of each dish, allowing flavors to be savored, is a recurring theme. This suggests that diners appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into every item.
The skewers receive particularly strong accolades, with customers noting their authenticity and exceptional taste, especially the wings and thigh skewer, beef tongue, and shrimp karaage. The confidence in ingredient quality, enhanced by charcoal cooking and thoughtful seasoning, resonates deeply with patrons. The cozy atmosphere is also frequently mentioned as contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
While the smaller portion sizes are noted, they are presented as a positive aspect that allows for a broader tasting experience. The consistent theme of "consistently good food and attentive service" positions Gaku Restaurant as a reliable and highly recommended spot in San Jose. The enthusiasm for their food and the intention to return underscore the deep satisfaction experienced by diners.
In conclusion, Gaku Restaurant in San Jose stands out as a genuine culinary gem, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience focused on high-quality, meticulously prepared dishes, particularly its charcoal-grilled skewers. With a cozy ambiance and excellent, attentive service, it provides a relaxed and delightful environment for savoring true Japanese flavors. For those in San Jose seeking a refined yet comforting meal that emphasizes the natural taste of fresh ingredients, Gaku Restaurant is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Gaku Restaurant Menu
All Day Menu - Sashimi
- Salmon Sashimi US$20.99
5 Pieces of Salmon Sashimi
- Sashimi Combo (3 Kinds, 2 Pc) US$28.99
Chef's choice of 3 kinds of sashimi (2 pieces of each kind)
- Shiro Maguro Sashimi US$20.99
5 Pieces of White Tuna Sashimi
- Hamachi Sashimi US$20.99
5 pieces of Yellowtail Sashimi
- Tai Sashimi US$20.99
5 Pieces of Snapper Sashimi
All Day Menu - Sake Appetizers/Starters
- Takowasa US$8.99
Raw octopus marinated in a wasabi sauce
- Edamame US$5.99
Served chilled
- Chilled Eggplant US$10.99
Chilled, grilled eggplant marinated in house made spicy sauce
- Kawahagi US$10.99
Charcoal seared dried filefish served with shichimi mayo
- Seared Celery US$6.99
Pickled celery, citrus ponzu
- Fresh Cabbage US$4.99
Served with housemade miso mayo dip
- Ankimo US$16.99
Monkfish liver with ponzu jelly
- Hiya Yakko US$6.99
Chilled silky tofu with green onion, grated ginger and bonito sauce
- Potato Salad US$9.99
House-made potato salad topped with fried shredded potato
- Ume Kyuri US$8.99
Japanese cucumber with ume sour plum, bonito flakes & shiso herb
All Day Menu - Salad
- House Green Salad US$10.99
Mixed greens with house shiitake mushroom dressing, topped with fried shredded potato
- Shio Dare Salad (Used To Be Gaku Green Salad)
Mixed greens, cucumber with shio dare.
All Day Menu - Braised, Steamed, & Hot Pot
- Motsuni Hot Pot US$15.99
Chicken hearts, gizzards, and vegetables in miso-based broth topped with deep fried chicken skin
- Asari US$16.99
Sake steamed Asari clams
- Kakuni US$12.99
Braised pork belly served with Japanese mustard.
All Day Menu - Pork & Beef Skewers
- Gyutan US$16.99
Beef tongue skewer (2 per order).
- Kalbi US$16.99
American wagyu short rib skewer (2 per order).
- Butabara US$12.99
Pork belly skewer (2 per order).
All Day Menu - Seafood Skewers
- Seared Hotate US$20.99
Scallops (2 skewers per order).
All Day Menu - Soft Drinks
- Coke US$2.99
Can.
- Ginger Ale US$2.99
Can Canada Dry.
- Sprite US$2.99
Can.
- Bottle Water US$2.99
500 ml.
- Diet Coke US$2.99
Can.
All Day Menu - Other Grill Items
- Yaki Onigiri US$6.99
Soy sauce flavored grilled rice ball. (2 pieces per order for plain. 1 piece per order for Aramaki. Multiple orders may be boxed in one container.).
- Ninniku US$9.99
Grilled whole garlic served with house made miso sauce **1-2 pieces depending on size of garlic**
- Kurobuta Sausage US$14.99
Berkshire natural pork sausages (5 pc ) Grilled on charcoal.
- Ika Sugatayaki US$18.99
Charcoal-grilled squid.
- Hamachi Kama US$20.99
Grilled Yellowtail cheek
- Bacon Steak US$16.99
House cured & smoked pork belly, seared on the grill.
All Day Menu - Vegetable Skewers
- Cherry Tomatoes US$9.99
Cherry tomatoes (2 per order) (salt only).
- Shishito US$9.99
Japanese green pepper with bonito flakes (2 per order).
- Shiitake US$9.99
Shiitake mushroom skewer with lemon pepper flavor (2 per order).
- Eringi US$9.99
King Oyster mushroom skewer with garlic butter (2 per order).
All Day Menu - Chicken Skewers
- Sasami US$11.99
Chicken breast tender skewer (2 per order).
- Mi (Thigh) US$14.99
Chicken thigh skewer with skin (2 per order).
- Sunagimo US$10.99
Chicken gizzard skewer (2 per order).
- Nankotsu US$10.99
Chicken knee cartilage skewer (2 per order) (salt only).
- Teba US$10.99
Chicken wings skewer (2 per order).
- Hatsu US$10.99
Chicken hearts skewer with salt (2 per order)
- Tsukune US$9.99
Chicken meatball skewer (2 per order) (sauce only).
- Kimo US$10.99
Chicken liver skewer (2 per order).
- Kawa US$14.99
Chicken skin skewer (2 per order).
All Day Menu - Noodles, Soups & Rice
- Tai Ochazuke US$20.99
Rice dish topped with snapper sashimi, served with dashi broth
- Ume Udon US$13.99
Udon served in a light bonito broth with Japanese plum, bonito flakes & sesame.
- Miso Soup US$5.99
Miso soup made with our house special chicken broth with tofu, wakame and green onions
- Steamed Rice US$2.99
Steamed white rice.
- Tori Soup US$6.99
Made with our house special chicken broth topped with green onions.
- Gaku Udon US$15.99
Udon served in a rich milky torikotsu soup with garlic oil, pork belly, cloud ear mushroom, sesame, garlic bits & green onion.
- Ontama Rice US$7.99
Steamed white rice topped with local golden brown poached egg, house chili oil, kombu sauce & green onions.
All Day Menu - Special Skewers
- Tecchan US$17.99
Beef large intestine skewers with sesame seed, green onion, & lemon slice (2 per order).
All Day Menu - Fried Appetizers
- Atsuage
Deep fried tofu served with bonito flakes. green onion & grated ginger
- Gaku Spicy Wings US$13.99
Deep fried dry rub wings perfect with beer
- Gobo Fry US$9.99
Deep fried marinated burdock root served with Kewpie mayo and lemon
- Torikawa Ponzu US$10.99
Deep fried, crispy chicken skin with fresh sliced white onion, grated radish and house made ponzu
- Chicken Tatsuta US$11.99
Traditional Japanese fried chicken served with Kewpie mayo
- Shrimp (Ebi) Karaage US$15.99
Deep fried softshell shrimp
All Day Menu - Dessert
- Dorayaki US$5.99
Japanese pancake filled with red bean whipped cream (1 piece per order)
Gaku Restaurant Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
Gaku Restaurant Photos










Gaku Restaurant Location
Gaku Restaurant
5152 Moorpark Ave #40, San Jose, CA 95129, USA
Gaku Restaurant Reviews
Gaku Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its fresh, high-quality food and excellent service. Each dish is carefully prepared, allowing you to truly savor the flavors. The portions are on the smaller side, which is a positive as it allows you to taste and enjoy a variety of dishes. The atmosphere is cozy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. If you're looking for a place with consistently good food and attentive service, Gaku is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared to order a few more dishes to satisfy your appetite!
August 31 · Junhua ChenReally really good skewer. So close to what we’ve had in Japan. Love the salt flavor. It really tries to bring out the true flavor of food! They must but very confident in their the quality of their ingredients. Charcoal is also the key!! I highly recommend the wings and thigh skewer, the beef tongue, and the shrimp karaage. 😍
June 20 · Wanting JiangCame here for dinner as I had wanted to try out their charcoal grilled dishes. Ordered beef skewers from the yakitori menu, grilled Barracuda fish from the Specials, and grilled squid and grilled onigiri with uni from the regular menu. Everything tasted good and uni was fresh but the fish did have quite a lot of bones. Ended the meal with a yuzu and honey cheesecake but it tasted and had the consistency more like that of a custard pudding. The service was good and the staff were very nice and friendly. They have extended their operating hours to 11pm daily. 1st time here but wouldn’t mind returning.
July 27 · Eve LimProbably the best Japanese BBQ I had in the bay so far, although not inexpensive. The lighting is good for photography.Recommend the skewers, uni with jelly and egg rice. Fish liver is too dry and I don’t recommend it.
February 28 · SidaMy cousin from San Jose recommended this to me and I'm glad I tried it out because yakitori is one of my favorite foods.The flavors, vibes and dim lighting at Gaku Yakitori take me back a visit to Tokyo. I've been twice to Gaku in two weeks and can't wait to come back for more. For my first visit, they ran out of a lot of items, so it shows how popular they are and how loyal their customers are. During dinner, the place was packed and I could here people speaking Japanese, so I could tell it's an authentic spot.My favorites were the chicken thigh and wing skewers of course, but everything hit the spot. They nailed the flavors here-- good quality meats, sauces, and everything was grilled to perfection. The appetizers were also tasty. Everything tasted great with the draft Asahi and brown rice tea.I do recommend a mix of appetizers and skewers here. Japanese people eat tomatoes and edamame with beer, so I recommend those two. Shrimp karaage, gaku spicy wings, chicken wings, chicken thigh, bacon steak, meatballs, butabara, and king oyster mushroom are great. The desserts are also good. When I went there was a special dorayaki with red bean and whip cream that we had to try. The green tea creme brulee was another tasty way to finish dinner.
December 05 · Jaime Felix
More Japanese Restaurant Near Me

1102 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

1072 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

5190 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

1306 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

4330 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

4336 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, 675 Saratoga Ave #103, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

4320 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

4342 Moorpark Ave Ste. 20, San Jose, CA 95129, USA

4304 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, USA
Categories
Popular Japanese Restaurant Sites






Must-Read Japanese Food Blog Posts
Most Searched Japanese Restaurant Sites
Trending Japanese Food Blog Posts





