Onigilly - San Mateo

For Californians seeking a fresh, convenient, and authentically Japanese meal that offers a delightful alternative to sushi, Onigilly - San Mateo presents a unique and appealing option. Specializing in Onigiri, traditional Japanese rice balls, this eatery brings a beloved staple of Japanese daily life to the heart of the Bay Area. Onigiri, often filled with various savory ingredients and wrapped in seaweed, are the ultimate grab-and-go comfort food in Japan, perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome meal.

Onigilly takes this beloved concept and elevates it, offering a wide array of fillings and combinations that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Unlike sushi, which uses vinegared rice, Onigiri typically features plain or lightly salted rice, making it a distinct and equally delicious part of Japanese cuisine. This focus on simplicity and quality ingredients provides a healthy and satisfying option for locals who appreciate traditional flavors and seek quick, nutritious meal solutions in their busy California lives.

While some larger Japanese restaurants might have extensive menus, Onigilly hones in on the art of the Onigiri, ensuring that each rice ball is crafted with care and offers a burst of flavor. Beyond their signature Onigiri, they also offer customizable sets and bowls, including popular poke bowls and udon, providing a more complete dining experience. This versatility means that whether you're looking for a light snack or a full meal, Onigilly has you covered.

Even though the restaurant might be small and occasionally experience longer wait times due to its fresh preparation, the consensus from many customers points to a positive overall experience with satisfying food. For Californians eager to explore authentic Japanese quick-service cuisine beyond the usual, Onigilly - San Mateo offers a delightful and convenient taste of a cherished Japanese tradition.

Onigilly - San Mateo is conveniently situated at 670 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA. This location places it on the outskirts of Downtown San Mateo, a dynamic urban center on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its position on East 3rd Avenue offers a relatively accessible spot for residents and visitors from across the California Bay Area, making it a viable option for a quick bite or a planned meal.

San Mateo is a well-connected city, providing various transportation options. For those driving, street parking might be available in the vicinity, though as with many bustling downtown areas, it can sometimes require a bit of searching, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's location on a main avenue also indicates reasonable accessibility via public transportation, which is a key consideration for many Californians.

While described as a "small restaurant," its presence in San Mateo means it benefits from a vibrant local community and proximity to residential and business areas. This makes it an ideal spot for locals grabbing a quick lunch during their workday, or for families and individuals looking for a casual and healthy Japanese option in the area. Despite being on the "outskirts," it remains very much within reach of downtown amenities, offering a convenient dining solution for those on the go.

Onigilly - San Mateo specializes in Japanese rice balls (Onigiri) and offers a menu designed for quick, customizable, and satisfying meals. Here’s a breakdown of their services and popular offerings:

• Extensive Onigiri Selection: The core of their menu features over 30 varieties of Onigilly, ranging from traditional Japanese fillings like Ume (pickled plum) and Baked Salmon to American fusion options such as Teriyaki Chicken and Spicy Bacon. They also offer classic choices like Soboro Ginger Beef, Miso Tuna Salad, Krab Salad, and various vegan options including Shiitake Mushroom, Teriyaki Tofu, Hijiki Braised Seaweed, and Miso Nasu Eggplant.
• Customizable Sets: Diners can choose from pre-selected sets or create their own combinations. Popular sets include:
  • Edamame Set: Features 2 or 3 Onigillys with edamame and takuan (pickled radish).
  • Bento Set: Includes 2 or 3 Onigillys with chicken karaage (fried chicken), tamagoyaki (omelette), edamame, and takuan.
  • Miso Soup Set / Wakame Salad Set: Offers 2 Onigillys with either miso soup or wakame salad.
  • Custom Set: Allows customers to choose 2, 3, or 4 Onigillys and add their preferred sides.
• Signature & Custom Bowls:
  • Signature Poke Bowl: Features a combination of shio-koji tuna, sweet soy salmon, and ginger-ponzu salmon with krab salad and wakame salad.
  • Meat Complete Bowl: Includes teriyaki chicken, soboro ginger beef, spicy bacon, krab salad, and wakame salad.
  • Zen Vegan Bowl: A plant-based option with teriyaki tofu, miso nasu, shiitake, hijiki, and wakame salad.
  • Custom Bowl: Allows for personalized rice, noodle, or salad bowls with chosen Onigilly flavors and poke toppings.
• Sides and Add-ons: A variety of popular Japanese side dishes are available, such as Chicken Karaage, Edamame, Miso Soup, Zosui (miso-based rice soup), Tofu Noodle Soup, Tempura Shrimp, Wakame Salad, Tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelette), Kabocha Pumpkin Croquette, and various mini poke salads.
• Japanese Fry Baskets: Unique offerings like Aonori French Fries, Fujiyama Fries (topped with soboro, spicy miso beef, and garlic bacon), and Chicken Karaage and Fries Basket.
• Beverages: A selection of drinks including organic matcha lemonade, yuzu lemonade, bottled water, and various Japanese teas (Oi Ocha Green Tea, Oolong, Jasmine).
• Desserts: Features sweet treats like Matcha Cheesecake and Yuzu Cheesecake.
• Takeout & Delivery: Onigilly - San Mateo offers convenient takeout and delivery services, making it easy for customers to enjoy their food on the go or at home.

Onigilly - San Mateo offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Japanese food lovers in California:

• Specialization in Onigiri: The primary highlight is their focus on Onigiri, offering a wide array of traditional and fusion rice ball flavors that provide a unique Japanese culinary experience.
• Portability & Convenience: Onigiri are naturally portable, making them an ideal choice for quick lunches, snacks on the go, or a healthy alternative to fast food. This convenience is a major draw for busy Californians.
• Customizable Meals: The option to choose from various Onigilly fillings and combine them with different sides in customizable sets and bowls allows diners to tailor their meal exactly to their liking, ensuring satisfaction.
• Healthy Options: Many Onigilly fillings are inherently healthy, and the restaurant offers dedicated vegan bowls and light sides, catering to health-conscious individuals.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Onigiri: While specializing in Onigiri, the menu extends to include poke bowls, udon, and various Japanese fried items and sides like chicken karaage and pumpkin croquettes, offering a comprehensive Japanese comfort food experience.
• Unique Flavor Combinations: From traditional Ume to innovative Spicy Bacon Onigilly, and signature bowls like Fujiyama Fries, the menu provides interesting and appealing flavor combinations.
• Value for Money: The customizable sets and the inherent nature of Onigiri as a satisfying yet affordable meal make it a great value option for everyday dining.

While the provided customer reviews do not detail specific ongoing promotions, Onigilly, as a Japanese quick-service establishment, often leverages various offers to attract and retain customers, particularly given its focus on convenience and accessible pricing. The concept of "value for money" is already built into their menu structure, with customizable sets designed to provide a complete meal at a reasonable price.

Based on general practices for restaurants of this type, especially those offering takeout and delivery, potential promotions might include:

• Combo Meal Deals: Their existing "Sets" (e.g., Edamame Set, Bento Set, Miso Soup Set with multiple Onigillys) already function as combo deals, offering a bundled price lower than ordering items individually.
• Loyalty Programs: Many quick-service restaurants implement loyalty programs where frequent customers can earn points or receive exclusive discounts and birthday offers.
• Online Ordering Discounts: Promotions tied to online orders or orders placed through delivery platforms (like "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" or percentage discounts for first-time users) are common.
• Seasonal Specials: To highlight new fillings or limited-time offerings, Onigilly might introduce seasonal Onigiri flavors or special bowls.
• Family Meals: Information from online menus indicates they offer a "Onigilly Family Meal," which typically provides a selection of Onigillys and sides at a bundled price, ideal for group dining.

For the most current and accurate information on any specific promotions, seasonal offerings, or loyalty programs available at Onigilly - San Mateo, it is always recommended that potential diners check their official website, their social media channels, or call the restaurant directly using the provided contact number. This ensures you can take full advantage of any current deals during your visit.

For inquiries, to place an order for pickup, or to learn more about the menu at Onigilly - San Mateo, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 670 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
• Phone: (650) 315-2317
• Mobile Phone: +1 650-315-2317 (This is the same number, often listed for international dialing convenience.)

Given that some customers noted longer wait times, especially for dine-in, calling ahead for orders or to inquire about current wait times might be beneficial for a smoother experience.

For locals throughout California, particularly those in the bustling Bay Area, Onigilly - San Mateo offers a refreshingly authentic and remarkably convenient Japanese dining experience that is highly suitable for modern lifestyles. It stands out as an excellent choice for several compelling reasons, making it a valuable addition to the local culinary scene.

Firstly, its specialization in Onigiri, traditional Japanese rice balls, provides a unique and healthy alternative to more common Japanese dishes like sushi. Onigilly fills a niche for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch break, a nutritious snack, or a casual dinner. The ability to customize your Onigiri with a wide array of fillings, from classic Japanese flavors to more American-inspired options, ensures there's something to please every palate and dietary preference, including numerous vegan choices.

Secondly, the convenience factor is a major draw. Located on the outskirts of Downtown San Mateo, Onigilly is easily accessible for both residents and those working in the area. Its focus on grab-and-go friendly items, coupled with readily available takeout and delivery services, makes it an ideal solution for busy Californians who prioritize efficiency without compromising on taste or quality. This is particularly appealing for those looking for a healthier fast-casual option.

While some customers have noted occasional longer wait times or specific flavor preferences (such as saltiness), the overall positive sentiment emphasizes the general satisfaction with the food's quality and variety. The popular bento and custom sets offer excellent value, providing a balanced and wholesome meal. Onigilly - San Mateo fills a distinct need for authentic, portable, and healthy Japanese comfort food, making it a highly suitable and cherished spot for locals seeking a taste of Japan in their daily lives.

Onigilly - San Mateo

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