Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan

For Californians seeking an authentic and engaging Japanese dining experience that extends beyond traditional sushi, Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan in San Mateo presents itself as a must-visit destination. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a vibrant izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub where delicious small plates, expertly grilled skewers, and a lively atmosphere come together to create a memorable social dining experience. Despite any unassuming appearance from the outside, the culinary delights and exceptional service inside quickly reveal why it's becoming a beloved spot in the Bay Area.

An izakaya, at its heart, is about sharing, exploring a diverse menu, and enjoying drinks in a relaxed setting. Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan perfectly encapsulates this spirit. It offers a variety of expertly prepared dishes, with a particular emphasis on its "barbecue" aspect, which translates to a wide array of charcoal-grilled skewers, known as yakitori (though it extends to beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables here). Customers rave about the "well seasoned" skewers, noting they are "not too salty" and "kept warm over a grill at the table," a delightful touch that enhances the enjoyment of each bite.

Beyond the impressive grill items, the menu at Keitan features unique and highly praised dishes, such as the "crispy eggplant, fried in strips and with sweet sour sauce," which has quickly become a favorite for many. This creativity, combined with the focus on quality and flavor, ensures that every visit offers new discoveries and satisfying experiences. The ambiance, enhanced by Japanese pop music playing softly, creates a "casual yet trendy vibe" that is "perfect for date nights or group gatherings," inviting diners to settle in and enjoy their time.

The dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in the "exceptional" and "attentive" service. Despite a busy environment, the staff are described as "very friendly and attentive and helpful," ensuring a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. For Californians looking for a late-night meal after work, a fun gathering spot with friends, or simply a taste of authentic Japanese grilled delights, Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan promises a consistently "great experience" that will leave you wanting to return.

Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan is ideally located at 35 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA. This address places it squarely on a bustling and popular stretch of East 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo, an area renowned across the Bay Area for its diverse and vibrant dining scene. Being in such a central and accessible location is a significant advantage for diners throughout California.

San Mateo itself is strategically positioned on the San Francisco Peninsula, making the restaurant easily reachable from various points in the Bay Area. Whether you're traveling from San Francisco to the north, Silicon Valley to the south, or from the East Bay, major roadways and public transportation options provide convenient access. For those arriving by car, East 3rd Avenue and the surrounding downtown area typically offer a mix of street parking and public parking garages. While parking can sometimes require a bit of searching during peak hours in a busy district, the overall convenience of the location generally outweighs this.

The restaurant features both "upstairs and downstairs seating," which provides flexibility and options for different dining preferences, from more intimate settings to larger group accommodations. Its position on a lively "food street" also means it's nestled among other popular establishments, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that makes it a great destination for a night out. This accessibility, combined with its welcoming ambiance, makes Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan a prime spot for Californians seeking a delicious Japanese barbecue experience.

Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan offers a comprehensive Japanese izakaya experience, characterized by a diverse menu of small plates, expertly grilled items, and a focus on social dining. Here's a detailed look at their services and culinary offerings:

• Extensive Skewer (Yakitori & Kushiyaki) Selection: A core offering, featuring a wide variety of expertly grilled skewers. These are cooked "over a grill at the table" to keep them warm. Options include:
  • Chicken Skewers: Negima (chicken thigh with Kyoto green onions), Tsukune (chicken meatball with egg yolk), Teba Saki (chicken wings), Nankotsu (chicken knee cartilage), Hatsu (chicken heart), Kawa (chicken skin), Soriresu (chicken shoulder meat).
  • Beef Skewers: Charcoal Grilled Ribeye, Gyutan (beef tongue), Pineapple Wagyu.
  • Pork Skewers: Tontoro (pork cheek), Butabara (pork belly), Mini Pork Sausage, Spicy Pork Intestine.
  • Seafood Skewers: Kuruma Ebi (Japanese Tiger Prawn), Hokkaido Scallop, Garlic Shrimp, Charcoal Grilled Saba (mackerel), Unagi Kushi (eel skewer).
  • Vegetable Skewers: Crispy Eggplant, Charcoal Grilled Asparagus, Charcoal Grilled Broccoli, Charcoal Grilled Okra, Charcoal Grilled Oyster Mushroom, Charcoal Grilled Shiitake Mushroom, Charcoal Grilled Shishito Pepper, Charcoal Grilled Zucchini, Charcoal Grilled Pineapple, Charcoal Grilled Cherry Tomato, Charcoal Grilled Sweet Corn, Artichoke Heart.
  • Bacon-wrapped Skewers: Bacon Asparagus, Bacon Mochi, Bacon Tomato, Bacon Enoki Mushroom, Bacon Pineapple.
  • Spicy Sansho Skewers: A variety of items prepared with a "Spicy Sansho" seasoning for a fiery kick.
• Unique Appetizers and Small Plates: Beyond skewers, they offer a range of enticing dishes perfect for sharing:
  • Crispy Eggplant: Fried in strips with sweet sour sauce, highly praised by customers.
  • Karaage W/ Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fried marinated juicy chicken bites.
  • Shrimp Tempura: Classic crispy fried shrimp.
  • Deep Fried Sticky Rice Mochi W/ Lava Brown Sugar: A popular dessert option.
  • Oden: A traditional, slow-brewed broth with various ingredients (while supplies last).
  • Other appetizers: Edamame, Cheese Corn Butter, Crispy Banana W/ Bonito Flakes, Gyoza (pan-fried Japanese pork and chicken potsticker).
• Main Dishes (Donburi & Noodles): For a more substantial meal, they offer various rice and noodle bowls:
  • Gyudon (Beef Rice Bowl): Tender beef slices with egg over rice.
  • Curry Gyutan (Beef Tongue) Over Rice: Beef tongue in curry sauce.
  • Unagi Don: Charcoal grilled eel over rice.
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork and chicken broth ramen.
  • Mentaiko Udon: Udon stir-fried with mentaiko, bacon, duck, and more.
  • Ochazuke: Rice soaked in tea broth, with options like Ume (plum) or Unagi (eel).
  • Plain Udon and Plain Ramen (Tonkotsu Soup Base).
• Beverage Service: A selection of drinks, likely including traditional Japanese sake and beer, to complement the izakaya experience.
• Dine-in Service: Features "upstairs and downstairs seating" with a "casual yet trendy vibe."
• QR Code Ordering System: Modern and convenient, allowing guests to "browse the menu and place orders directly from their smartphones," and "view and manage their running tab."
• Late-Night Dining: Noted for being "open later compared to a lot of restaurants in the area," making it a great spot for "a late night meal after work."
• Takeout & Delivery: Available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.

Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan in San Mateo offers a distinct and highly enjoyable dining experience, marked by several notable features and highlights that make it a favorite among Californians:

• Exceptional Food Quality: Customers consistently rave about the "extremely good" food, with specific praise for the "crispy eggplant" and "well seasoned" skewers that are "not too salty." The quality and flavor are consistently high.
• Authentic Japanese Barbecue (Yakitori/Kushiyaki): The restaurant excels in its grilled items, featuring a wide variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables on skewers. The unique touch of keeping skewers warm over a grill at the table enhances the experience.
• Outstanding Customer Service: Reviewers highlight the "exceptional" customer service, noting that staff are "very friendly and attentive and helpful," ensuring a pleasant and comfortable dining experience.
• Casual Yet Trendy Ambiance: With "upstairs and downstairs seating" and "Japanese pop music playing softly in the background," the restaurant cultivates a "casual yet trendy vibe perfect for date nights or group gatherings." This creates an inviting and lively atmosphere.
• Modern QR Code Ordering System: A convenient and efficient feature that allows guests to "browse the menu and place orders directly from their smartphones" and "view and manage their running tab," streamlining the dining process.
• Late-Night Dining Option: A significant advantage for locals, as it's "open later compared to a lot of restaurants in the area," making it a perfect spot for "a late night meal after work."
• Intimate and Traditional Izakaya Feel: Despite the modern ordering system, the space is described as "smaller" and "more intimate, typical of a traditional izakaya," fostering a cozy and authentic Japanese pub atmosphere.

Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan in San Mateo offers specific promotions that enhance the dining experience, particularly appealing to those looking for great value or late-night options. Based on available public data, here are their notable special offers:

• Happy Hour from 10 PM: This is a significant draw for late-night diners in California. The happy hour includes:
  • Half Off Chicken Skewers: A fantastic deal for enjoying a variety of their highly-rated yakitori.
  • Buy One Get One Free on Beers: Perfect for socializing and unwinding after a long day, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening out.
• Combo Deals (In-Store & Delivery Platforms): While not explicitly mentioned in the customer reviews, online ordering platforms like Fantuan indicate structured combo deals:
  • Combo for Two: Priced around $79.55 (originally $100.04), offering a significant 20.4% discount.
  • Four-person Meal: Priced around $182.27 (originally $227.84), providing a 20% discount for larger groups.
  • These combo deals are designed to offer a comprehensive selection of popular items at a reduced price, ideal for shared dining experiences.
• Delivery Platform Specific Discounts: Websites like Fantuan also show temporary or platform-specific promotions, such as "$11.5 Off $40" or "40% off" on various individual items, often linked to delivery or pickup orders. These dynamic deals encourage engagement through online channels.

These promotions demonstrate Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan's commitment to providing excellent value and catering to different dining occasions, from late-night cravings to group gatherings. Californians are encouraged to check their current offerings directly through the restaurant or relevant online delivery platforms for the most up-to-date deals.

To experience the exceptional Japanese barbecue and vibrant atmosphere at Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan in San Mateo, or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 35 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
• Phone: (650) 242-1432
• Mobile Phone: +1 650-242-1432 (This is the same number, often provided for direct dialing from mobile devices.)

Given its popularity, especially for late-night dining, it may be beneficial to call ahead for specific questions, though the QR code ordering system in-house streamlines the ordering process once you are seated.

For locals across California, especially those seeking a modern yet authentic Japanese dining experience in the Bay Area, Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan in San Mateo stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. It perfectly blends traditional izakaya charm with contemporary convenience, offering a compelling reason for Californians to make it a regular spot.

Firstly, the quality of the food is a significant draw. Californians, known for their discerning tastes, will appreciate the "extremely good" food, particularly the "well seasoned" and expertly grilled skewers that stay warm at the table. Unique dishes like the "crispy eggplant" showcase culinary creativity that goes beyond the standard, providing exciting new flavors for even seasoned diners. This dedication to quality ensures a consistently delicious and satisfying meal.

Secondly, the atmosphere and service contribute significantly to its local appeal. The "casual yet trendy vibe" with Japanese pop music, coupled with "exceptional" and "attentive" customer service, creates an inviting and comfortable environment. Whether it's a "date night" or a "group gathering," the ambiance is perfectly suited for social interaction and unwinding. The modern QR code ordering system adds a layer of convenience that Californians, accustomed to technological ease, will find highly appealing.

Finally, its offering of late-night dining, with a specific happy hour that includes "half off chicken skewers and buy one get one free on beers," makes it an invaluable resource for those looking for quality food and drinks after typical restaurant hours. This combination of excellent food, welcoming ambiance, modern convenience, and appealing promotions ensures that Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan is not just a place to eat, but a preferred destination for a "great experience" and "a late night meal after work" for many Californians.

Izakaya Fusion Grill Keitan

35 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA