Gintei Japanese restaurant Introduce
gintei japanese restaurant
For those of us in the California region who truly appreciate the art and tradition of Japanese cuisine, finding a restaurant that delivers an authentic experience can be a real treasure. In San Bruno, there’s a particular gem that consistently earns high praise for its dedication to fresh ingredients and masterful preparation: Gintei Japanese Restaurant. If you're seeking a culinary journey that transports your taste buds straight to Japan, Gintei is a place you'll want to explore.
Gintei Japanese Restaurant has built a reputation among local diners as a go-to spot for exceptional sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes. What truly sets it apart, as many enthusiastic reviews highlight, is the unwavering commitment to sourcing the freshest possible fish. This dedication, often involving direct imports from renowned markets like Toyosu in Tokyo, ensures a level of quality and authenticity that discerning diners will immediately recognize and appreciate. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special celebration, Gintei offers a memorable experience for anyone looking for true Japanese flavors right here in the Bay Area.
Gintei Japanese Restaurant is conveniently situated at 235 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. El Camino Real is a major arterial road, making the restaurant quite easy to find for residents across San Bruno and neighboring communities. Its location in a strip mall means there's generally accessible parking, which is always a plus in a busy area.
Being on El Camino Real also means it's well-connected by public transportation routes, offering another layer of convenience for those who prefer not to drive. Its central position makes it a practical choice for a delicious Japanese meal, whether you're coming from work, running errands, or simply planning a dedicated dining outing.
Gintei Japanese Restaurant provides a range of services designed to offer flexibility and convenience to its patrons:
Dine-In: Gintei offers a refined yet comfortable dining environment. The interior is sleek and stylish, featuring dramatic pressed-tin ceilings and a highly sought-after eight-seat sushi counter. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you wish to experience the omakase at the bar.
Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their authentic Japanese meal in the comfort of their own home, Gintei offers efficient takeout services. You can call ahead to place your order, ensuring your dishes are ready for a quick pick-up.
Delivery: Gintei partners with popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, bringing their exquisite Japanese cuisine directly to your doorstep. This is a fantastic option for a hassle-free and high-quality meal at home.
Omakase Experience: A highlight for many, Gintei offers an exceptional omakase experience, where the chef selects and prepares a multi-course meal based on the freshest ingredients of the day. This is often served at the sushi bar, providing an interactive and personalized dining adventure.
What truly makes Gintei Japanese Restaurant stand out as a premier dining destination in California? Here are its key features and highlights:
Unparalleled Fish Freshness: This is arguably Gintei’s most acclaimed feature. They pride themselves on sourcing fish directly from the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, ensuring an "undeniable" level of freshness. This commitment is evident in every piece of sushi and sashimi.
Exceptional Nigiri: Reviewers consistently rave about the nigiri at Gintei, describing it as "exceptional" with "perfect freshness, beautiful, texture, and sweetness." The presentation is also noted as being "perfect," enhancing the overall dining experience.
Authentic Omakase: The omakase experience ($90 for 10 pieces, with generous chefs sometimes providing more) is highly recommended. It includes an appetizer and soup, offering a comprehensive tasting of the chef's best selections. It's truly an authentic and indulgent experience.
Diverse Menu: Beyond sushi and sashimi, Gintei offers a wide array of other authentic Japanese dishes. The vegetable tempura, for example, is highly praised for its freshness, sweetness, and crunch, served in generous portions. Their menu also includes premium items like Wagyu and Uni, as well as various special rolls, donburi (rice bowls), and hot dishes like Agedashi Tofu and Kurobuta Kakuni (braised pork belly).
Award-Winning Recognition: Gintei has earned a prestigious MICHELIN Plate 2022 recommendation, signifying its high-quality food and inviting atmosphere. This recognition speaks volumes about the consistent excellence diners can expect.
Attentive and Warm Service: Patrons frequently commend the "wonderful, warm, and gracious" service. The owner, often doubling as the sushi chef, creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, often going the extra mile to enhance the dining experience, such as offering additional pieces during omakase.
Elegant Ambiance: Despite being located in a strip mall, Gintei boasts a sleek and stylish interior that contributes to an "elegant ambiance," making it suitable for both casual visits and special occasions.
While specific, regularly advertised promotions are not explicitly detailed in public information, Gintei's dedication to an authentic experience suggests that their focus is on the quality of ingredients and the dining experience itself. However, as noted in customer reviews, the chefs, particularly the owner, are known for their generosity during the omakase, sometimes "hooking up" diners with extra pieces. For the most current information on any potential seasonal specials, lunch deals, or unique offerings, it's always recommended to visit Gintei's official website or give them a call directly. Given their Michelin recognition, any promotions would likely align with their commitment to premium quality.
To experience the exceptional Japanese cuisine at Gintei, here's how you can get in touch:
Address: 235 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA
Phone: (650) 636-4135
Website: http://www.gintei.co/
Given their popularity and limited counter seating for omakase, calling ahead for reservations is strongly advised, especially on weekends or for special occasions.
For residents of California, particularly those in the San Bruno area and beyond, Gintei Japanese Restaurant is far more than just another dining option; it's a genuine culinary destination. Its suitability for locals stems from its unwavering commitment to authenticity, exceptional quality, and welcoming service, creating an experience that truly stands out.
The pride Gintei takes in sourcing fish directly from Toyosu Market ensures that every piece of sushi and sashimi is not just fresh, but exquisitely so, offering a taste of Japan right here in our community. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or looking to celebrate a special occasion with an unforgettable omakase, Gintei provides an experience that combines artistry with flavor. The friendly demeanor of the chefs and staff, often including the owner himself, contributes to a warm and personalized atmosphere that makes diners feel truly valued. While it offers a premium experience, the value it provides for the quality received is consistently praised.
In a region with numerous dining choices, Gintei Japanese Restaurant shines as a beacon for authentic Japanese flavors, a testament to dedication and passion. It’s a place where you can confidently bring friends and family, knowing they’ll enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and truly special.
Gintei Japanese restaurant Menu
Sushi and Sashimi Omakase
- 14 Piece Omakase Sashimi US$80.00
14 Pieces (7 different kinds, 2 slices each) of Sashimi Chef's choice with Miso Soups
- 10 Pc Omakase Sushi Deluxe US$95.00
Chef's premium choice of 10 kinds of Nigiri sushi with special appetizer and miso soup
Tasting Plate
- 5 Pieces Tasting Plate Silver Skin Fish US$35.00
Upon the best availability of the day.
- 6 Pieces Tasting Plate US$35.00
3 pcs Hamachi family and 3 pcs Salmon family.
Sashimi Appetizer
- Aji Tataki Plate US$38.00
Finley chopped Horse Mackerel sashimi.
- Katsuo Tataki Plate US$30.00
Bonito lightly seared on the outside.
- Hirame Crudo US$28.00
Halibut thinly sliced accompanied by ponzu or truffle oil.
- Salmon Toro Carpaccio Plate US$25.00
Lightly seared salmon on a bed of microgreen and yuzu miso dressing.
Sushi and Sashimi
- Shiro Maguro 2pcs US$12.00
Albacore.
- Umimasu 2pcs US$14.00
Ocean trout.
- Sake 2pcs US$14.00
King salmon.
- Hamachi 2pcs US$12.00
Yellowtail.
- Akami 2pcs US$16.00
Bluefin tuna.
- Chutoro 2pcs US$18.00
Bluefin tuna medium belly.
- Otoro 2pcs US$24.00
Bluefin tuna 80% - 90% fat.
- Ikura And Truffle 2pcs US$16.00
Salmon roe.
- Ikura 2pcs US$14.00
Salmon roe.
- Unagi 2pcs US$14.00
Grilled eel.
- Amaebi 2pcs US$18.00
Sweet shrimp with fried head.
- Sake Sashimi 5 Slices US$30.00
Salmon
- Umimasu Sashimi 5 Slices US$30.00
Ocean Trout
- Hamachi Sashimi 5 Slices US$30.00
Yellowtail
- Akami Sashimi 5 Slices US$40.00
Blue Fin Tuna
- Chutoro Sashimi 5 Slices US$45.00
Medium fatty Blue Fin Tuna
- Kinmedai 2pcs US$18.00
Alfonsino
- Hirame 2pcs US$14.00
Hulbut
- Hotate 2pcs US$16.00
Hokkaido scallop
- Aji 2pcs US$14.00
Horse mackerel
Gintei Special Rolls
- Rainbow #1 US$22.00
Real red crabmeat and avocado, topped with assorted fish, tobiko, and creamy wasabi sauce.
- Rainbow #2 US$24.00
Tempura shrimp roll topped with assorted fish, tobiko, and house special sauce.
- Camino Special Roll US$18.00
Assorted fish avocado and tobiko topped with wakame salad, house special sauce.
- Bruno Special Roll US$22.00
Spicy tuna and scallion topped with scallops, tobiko, creamy wasabi, and spicy sauce.
- Humble Guy Special Roll US$22.00
Spicy tuna and avocado topped with salmon, tuna, tobiko, with creamy wasabi and hot sauce.
Lunch Sushi Special
- Gintei Deluxe Chirashi Sushi Special US$45.00
Premium sashimi served on a bed of seasoned rice.
- Gintei Chirashi US$28.00
Fresh sashimi served in a bed of seasoned rice
- Sake Oyako Don Sushi Special US$30.00
Salmon and ikura served on a bed of seasoned rice.
- Bluefin Tuna Don Sushi Special US$28.00
Fresh premium-grade bluefin tuna mixed with avocado, seaweed, tobiko and serrano pepper on a bed of sushi rice. Little spicy.
- Unagi Don US$45.00
Broiled Japanese Unagi served on a bed of rice.
Lunch Special
- Tonkatsu US$25.00
Panko fried pork loin
- Chicken Katsu US$25.00
Panko fried chicken thigh
- Salmon Katsu US$25.00
Panko fried salmon
- Saba Shioyaki US$25.00
Grilled mackerel
- Tempura US$25.00
Assorted tempura
Makimono Rolls
- Rock And Roll BBQ Makimono US$16.00
Eel and avocado.
- California Makimono Roll US$16.00
Real red crabmeat, avocado, and cucumber.
- Salmon Skin Makimono Roll US$16.00
Crispy salmon skin, cucumber, and vegetables.
- Shrimp Tempura Makimono Roll US$18.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, green onion, avocado, tobiko, and creamy wasabi sauce.
- Spider Makimono Roll US$20.00
Fried soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber, tobiko, and creamy wasabi sauce.
- Dragon Makimono Roll US$22.00
Shrimp tempura topped with BBQ eel, avocado, tobiko, and house eel sauce.
- Negi Toro Makimono Roll US$18.00
Tuna belly and green onions.
- Negi Hamachi Makimono Roll US$14.00
Yellowtail and green onions.
- Tekka Maki Makimono Roll US$14.00
Rolled sushi made by rolling raw sashimi-grade tuna in seasoned rice and nori seaweed sheet
- Spicy Tuna Makimono Roll US$16.00
Spicy tuna and cucumber.
Vegetable Rolls
- Avocado Maki US$8.00
- Kappa Maki US$8.00
Cucumber.
- Ume-Kyu Maki US$8.00
Plum and cucumber.
- Oshinko Maki US$8.00
Pickled radish.
- Kanpyo Roll US$8.00
Cooked Japanese squash.
- Shitake Maki US$8.00
Cooked Japanese mushroom.
- Yasai-Tempura Delight US$16.00
Vegetable tempura roll with soy wrap.
Tempura
- Shishito Pepper Tempura US$15.00
- Assorted Seafood US$26.00
2 pieces of prawns, scallops, and seasonal fish.
- Prawn Tempura US$18.00
3 pieces.
- Vegetables Tempura US$16.00
Cold Dishes
- Ohitashi US$10.00
Seasonal vegetables in a dashi broth.
- Sunomono US$10.00
Sliced cucumber and seaweed with dressing. Add protein for an additional charge.
- Ankimo US$16.00
Steamed monk-fish liver.
- Wakame Salad US$6.00
- Sunomono With Red Crab US$16.00
- Sunomono With Octopus US$16.00
Hot Dishes
- Edamame US$8.00
Salted boiled green soybeans.
- Agedashi Tofu US$10.00
Fried soft tofu in a dashi broth.
- Chicken Tatsuta – Age US$16.00
Fried chicken.
- Grilled Beef Short Rib US$23.00
- Kurobuta Kakuni US$18.00
Braised pork belly with sweet soy sauce and sake.
- Saba Shioyaki US$16.00
Grilled mackerel with salt.
- Hamachi Kama US$25.00
Lightly salted and grilled Yellowtail collar.
- Sauteed Organic Mushrooms US$18.00
- Wagyu Harami Steak US$23.00
Grilled wagyu medium rare
Side Dishes
- Miso Soup US$5.00
Soup that is made from miso paste.
- Steam Rice US$4.00
Gintei Japanese restaurant Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
Gintei Japanese restaurant Photos










Gintei Japanese restaurant Location
Gintei Japanese restaurant
235 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA
Gintei Japanese restaurant Reviews
Highly recommend!The freshness of the fish, sourced directly from Toyosu Tokyo by a Japanese Taisho, is undeniable.The nigiri is exceptional – perfect in freshness, beautiful, texture, and sweetness. Perfect presentation.It's truly hard to stop ordering more.The vegetable tempura is equally impressive, with fresh, sweet, and crunchy vegetables in generous portions.This is an authentic Japanese experience you won't want to miss. I'll definitely be back soon.
February 22 · Sushi MellonSolid spot! The owner was our sushi chef on a Sunday night and we got bar seating. The omakase is $90 for 10 pieces but the owner was so chill, he hooked us up with 17 pieces! We also ordered the wagyu, extra amaebi nigiri, and uni at the end. Every piece was delicious and authentic. The tasting came with an appetizer and soup, too. We enjoyed our experience for my birthday celebration.
February 27 · Amanda C. SunWe really wanted to like this place and choose them for our anniversary, but it was just okay. The omakase was disappointing as it didn't feel like a good value, and the other dishes were just okay. Took forever for them to get our credit card, so we just sat there for a while until we flagged them down. Overall not a bad experience but expected more for the money.
September 29 · Willis WahI can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant in the bay. I’ve tried so many various sushi places and all of them are pretty bad, this place is easily top 3, honestly top 1 for me in terms of quality of the sushi, my friends and I ordered every special roll and they were all bangers. Service is great too and inside is very clean and modern. Only downside is the pretty limited parking outside. Highly recommend!
August 26 · Billy LeeI loved this place very much. I was a bit skeptical when we just arrived due to the location but the restaurant was great. Very tasty food, excellent service.
December 10 · Valeriy K
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