Owada: Your Go-To for Delicious and Affordable Japanese Cuisine in San Carlos

Owada Introduce

Owada, located at 894 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, USA, with phone numbers (650) 637-9793 and +1 650-637-9793, has quickly established itself as a local favorite for Japanese cuisine. Patrons consistently praise its combination of high-quality food, generous portions, and remarkable affordability. When viewed through the lens of a "Doctor Near Me" platform, Owada functions as a highly recommended "specialist" in providing satisfying and budget-friendly Japanese meals. For individuals seeking a reliable and excellent "culinary remedy" for their cravings, particularly for fresh seafood bowls or hearty donburi, Owada stands out as a top contender, offering a delightful and accessible dining experience right in their vicinity.

The environment at Owada, while not explicitly detailed in terms of decor, can be inferred through the general positive sentiment of the reviews, which emphasize a "chill meal that’s easy on the wallet." This suggests a casual, unpretentious, and comfortable setting, suitable for a relaxed dining experience. Restaurants that prioritize affordability and generous portions often have an atmosphere that is welcoming and focused on the food itself rather than elaborate aesthetics. Located on Laurel St, a known thoroughfare in San Carlos, Owada likely benefits from local foot traffic and community engagement. The focus on providing a satisfying meal at a good price implies a clean, functional space where diners can enjoy their food without unnecessary frills. The general positive vibe from customers who "leave full and happy" also suggests an environment that facilitates enjoyment and comfort. It's the kind of place where locals feel at ease, returning repeatedly for their favorite dishes.

Regarding services, Owada appears to excel in providing an efficient and satisfying customer experience. While direct mentions of service quality are brief, the overall positive reviews strongly suggest attentive and capable staff. Restaurants lauded for their "super affordable" prices and generous portions often rely on streamlined service to maintain efficiency. Owada primarily offers dine-in service, allowing patrons to enjoy their freshly prepared meals on-site. Given the nature of Japanese comfort food, which is often well-suited for takeaway, it's highly probable that Owada also offers convenient takeout options, enabling customers to enjoy their delicious meals at home or on the go. The provided phone numbers, (650) 637-9793 and +1 650-637-9793, would facilitate direct communication for inquiries, reservations (if applicable, though casual spots often don't require them), or placing pickup orders. The consistent positive feedback about food quality and value points to a well-managed operation that effectively caters to customer needs, whether they choose to dine in or take their food to go.

The features of Owada's menu are its core strength, combining high quality, generous portions, and affordability.

Chirashi Bowl Excellence: The "chirashi bowl" is a standout feature, described as "delicious" and "one of the nicest I’ve ever had." Key aspects include "very fresh" fish with "many varieties," perfectly cooked rice, and complementary elements like "egg omelette and cucumber." This highlights a dedication to both ingredient quality and thoughtful preparation, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful dish. The "Compliments to the chef" further underscore the culinary expertise behind this signature item.
Generous Portions: A consistent theme across reviews is that "The portions are huge." This is a significant draw for many diners, ensuring they "leave full and happy." This generosity applies to various dishes, making it an excellent value proposition.
Affordable Prices: Hand-in-hand with large portions, the "prices are super affordable," making Owada an accessible option for those seeking quality Japanese food without breaking the bank. This combination of quantity and value is a powerful feature that sets it apart.
Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the acclaimed chirashi bowl, the mention of "Gyu Don" (a Japanese beef bowl) and "Chirashi deluxe bowl" suggests a broader menu of traditional Japanese comfort foods. This indicates that Owada caters to various tastes, offering different protein options and styles of Japanese rice bowls, all while maintaining high standards of taste. The ability to "leave full and happy" from either a chirashi or a Gyu Don confirms the consistent quality across its popular offerings.
Overall Taste and Quality: The overarching sentiment is that "everything tastes great." This broad praise indicates a consistent level of culinary execution across the menu, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of the chosen dish.

These features collectively make Owada a highly attractive dining destination for those seeking authentic, delicious, and generously portioned Japanese cuisine at very reasonable prices. It successfully delivers on its promise of a satisfying meal that is "easy on the wallet."

Regarding promotional information, no specific details are explicitly provided in the customer reviews. However, establishments that are known for their affordability and value, like Owada, often leverage these inherent qualities as their primary "promotion." While they might not advertise traditional discounts, their everyday pricing strategy serves as a continuous incentive. Common promotional strategies for similar Japanese restaurants could include:

Lunch Specials: Offering specific menu items or combo deals at even more attractive prices during midday hours.
Loyalty Programs: Encouraging repeat business through a system that rewards frequent diners.
Seasonal Specials: Introducing limited-time dishes that showcase unique ingredients or seasonal flavors, adding variety to the menu.
Online Ordering Perks: Offering small discounts or free add-ons for orders placed directly through their website or specific delivery platforms.

Given Owada's strong positive word-of-mouth reputation for value and taste, these attributes are likely their most effective "promotions." For local users utilizing a "Doctor Near Me" platform, the best way to discover any current or upcoming promotions would be to check Owada's online presence, such as their website (if available), social media channels, or popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats or Grubhub. Additionally, a direct phone call to (650) 637-9793 or +1 650-637-9793 could provide information on any current specials or offerings. However, the existing reviews already highlight the significant value proposition that defines Owada.

Owada Soup

Dinner - Appetizers
Butter Garlic Edamame US$9.00
Green soybeans lightly seasoned with garlic and butter.
Agedashi Tofu US$7.50
Fried tofu with tempura sauce.
Salmon Kama US$16.95
Broiled salmon collar, typically served with a side of ponzu sauce for dipping.
Hamachi Kama US$17.95
Sesame Chicken US$9.00
Deep fried chicken popcorn with sesame and sauce.
Gyoza US$8.95
Fried pork and vegetable dumpling.
Soft Shell Crab US$10.50
Deep fried soft shell crab.
Chicken Karaage US$9.00
Salt and pepper popcorn chicken.
Prawns Tempura US$10.95
Prawns fried in light batter.
Veggie Tempura US$9.95
Mix veggies fried in light batter.
Mori Tempura US$10.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter.
Croquette Vegetable US$11.50
Mixed vegetables encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating, typically deep-fried to achieve a golden exterior.
Tokoyaki US$12.00
Wheat flour-based batter balls filled with diced octopus, typically garnished with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, green onion, and bonito flakes.
Spring Roll(Vegetable) US$12.00
Crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mix of vegetables, typically served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Spring Roll(Shrimp) US$13.00
Shrimp wrapped in a delicate pastry, typically includes cabbage and carrots, served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Edamame US$8.50
Steamed and salted young soybeans in the pod, a classic and healthy appetizer.

Dinner - Salad
Sunomono US$8.50
Cucumber salad with shrimp, crab and octopus.
Seaweed Salad US$7.50
Marinated seaweed.
Green Salad US$6.95
Veggies served under our homemade dressing.

Dinner - Rice Bowl
Unagi-Don US$23.95
BBQ eel.
Salmon Teriyaki-Don US$17.95
Salmon teriyaki sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki-Don US$17.95
Chicken teriyaki sauce.

Dinner - Side Order
Sushi Rice US$3.50
Perfectly steamed sushi-grade rice, subtly seasoned for an authentic taste.
Miso Soup US$2.95
Traditional Japanese broth with tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Comfort in a bowl.

Dinner - Signature Rolls
49er's Roll US$15.95
Crab,avocado, topped with salmon and lemon.
Fried California Roll US$13.95
Crab avocado, fried in light batter drizzled with spicy mayo.
Caterpillar Roll US$16.95
Unagi, cucumber, tobiko, wrapped with avocado.
Dragon Roll US$17.95
Shrimp tempura crab, topped with unagi avocado
Rainbow Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado topped with Assorted fish
Lion King Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado, wrapped with baked salmon topped by a special sauce
Cherry Blossom Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado wrapped with tuna.
Lobster Roll US$30.00
Lobster meat mixed with a light dressing, nestled in a split-top roll.
Aloha Crunch Roll US$17.95
Deep-fried shrimp and crabmeat, topped with tuna, salmon, avocado, crunchy bits, and unagi sauce.
Sea Monster Roll US$18.95
A variety of seafood, possibly including tempura elements, with avocado, typically topped with a unique, possibly spicy sauce and sesame seeds.
Red Dargon Roll US$18.95
Spicy tuna and cucumber inside, topped with avocado and eel sauce, typically includes a drizzle of spicy mayo.
Golden Gate Roll US$19.95
A sushi roll that typically includes crab and avocado, topped with a unique blend of fish and sauces, often garnished with sesame seeds or tobiko.
Dynamite Roll US$19.95
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, and a mix of spicy mayo and eel sauce, typically garnished with masago or sesame seeds.

Dinner - Sashimi & Sushi Combo
Chirashi Deluxe Combo US$45.00
Assorted sashimi, typically including a variety of fish, served over seasoned sushi rice, reflecting a chef's selection.
Chirashi Combo US$35.00
Assorted slices of raw fish served over seasoned sushi rice.
Omakase Sashimi US$85.00
Chef's selection of various fresh, raw fish slices, typically reflecting the day's best offerings.
Omakase Sushi US$65.00
Kaisen Don US$75.00
Assorted fresh sashimi, typically including a variety of fish, served over a bed of sushi rice.

Dinner - Sashimi & Nigiri Sushi
Maguro / Tuna US$4.50
Maguro / tuna sashimi or nigiri options, choice of preparation.
Toro / Fatty Tuna US$8.00
Toro, rich fatty tuna, available as nigiri or sashimi.
Hamachi / Yellowtail US$4.50
Yellowtail, available as either nigiri or sashimi.
Hamachi Toro / Yellowtail Belly US$5.00
Fresh yellowtail belly available as either nigiri or sashimi, with an option for single piece serving.
Kampachi / Baby Yellowtail US$5.00
Kampachi (baby yellowtail) available as 1 piece nigiri or sashimi.
Sake / Salmon US$4.00
Salmon, available as either 1 piece nigiri or sashimi.
Sake Toro / Salmon Belly US$5.00
Salmon belly, options for nigiri or sashimi serving.
Shiro Maguro / Albacore Tuna US$3.50
Albacore tuna, options include nigiri or sashimi.
Hotate / Hokkaido Scallop US$5.00
Hokkaido scallop, choice of nigiri or sashimi.
Ebi / Shrimp US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Unagi / Fresh Water Eel US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Tamago / Egg US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Tobiko / Flying Fish Egg US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Ikura US$6.00
Salmon roe, typically served as a delicately prepared sashimi, focusing on the rich and oceanic flavors of the roe.

Dinner - Classic Rolls (6 Pieces) / Hand Rolls
California Roll US$7.95
Crab, avocado, and sesame.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$10.00
Tuna, tobiko mixed with special hot sauce, sesame.
Salmon Skin Roll US$9.00
Salmon skin, sesame.
Spider Roll US$13.00
Soft shell crab, cucumber avocado and imitation crab.
Alaska Roll US$10.50
Salmon, Avocados
Tempura Roll US$11.00
Fried shrimp crab, avocado, cucumber.

Dinner - Dinner - Bento Boxes
Bento Box US$26.99
Served with rice and soup.
Chicken Teriyaki US$15.95
Tenderly grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce.
Beef Teriyaki US$18.95
Tenderly grilled beef with teriyaki sauce.
Salmon Teriyaki US$17.95
Grilled tenderly with teriyaki sauce.
Tonkatsu US$15.95
Breaded deep fried pork served with plum dipping sauce.
Chicken Karaage US$15.95
Japanese style deep fried chicken.
Mori Tempura US$15.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter.
Prawns Tempura US$15.95
Crispy prawns fried in light batter.
Vegetables Tempura US$15.95
Assorted veggies fried in light batter.
Chicken Cutlet US$15.95
Breaded deep fried chicken served with plum dipping sauce.

Dinner - Japanese Noodles Soup
Plain Udon / Ramen US$7.95
Choice of noodles in broth.
Miso Ramen US$13.95
BBQ pork veggies green onion in miso broth.
Chicken Ramen US$13.95
Chicken cooked tenderly, green onion with veggies.
Beef Ramen US$14.95
Slice of beef, green onion with veggies.
Tonkotsu Ramen US$13.95
BBQ pork with veggies.
Chicken Udon US$13.95
Chicken cooked tenderly, green onion.
Beef Udon US$14.95
Slice of beef, green onion.
Vegetable Udon / Ramen US$12.95
Assorted veggies with green onion.
Tempura Udon US$15.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter with green onion.
Seafood Udon / Ramen US$16.95
Seafood and assorted veggies with green onion.

Lunch - Appetizers
Butter Garlic Edamame US$10.00
Green soybeans lightly seasoned with garlic and butter.
Agedashi Tofu US$9.50
Fried tofu with tempura sauce.
Salmon Kama US$16.95
Grilled salmon collar, typically served with a side of ponzu sauce.
Hamachi Kama US$17.95
Sesame Chicken US$11.00
Deep fried chicken popcorn with sesame and sauce.
Gyoza US$8.95
Fried pork and vegetable dumpling.
Soft Shell Crab US$12.50
Deep fried soft shell crab.
Chicken Karaage US$9.00
Salt and pepper popcorn chicken.
Prawns Tempura US$10.95
Prawns fried in light batter.
Veggie Tempura US$9.95
Mix veggies fried in light batter.
Mori Tempura US$10.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter.

Lunch - Salad
Sunomono US$8.50
Cucumber salad with shrimp, crab and octopus.
Seaweed Salad US$7.50
Marinated seaweed.
Green Salad US$6.95
Veggies served under our homemade dressing.

Lunch - Rice Bowl
Unagi-Don US$23.95
BBQ eel.
Salmon Teriyaki-Don US$17.95
Salmon teriyaki sauce.
Beef Teriyaki-Don US$18.95
Beef teriyaki sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki-Don US$17.95
Chicken teriyaki sauce.

Lunch - Side Order
Sushi Rice US$3.50
Perfectly steamed sushi-grade rice, subtly seasoned for an authentic taste.
Miso Soup US$2.95

Lunch - Signature Rolls
49er's Roll US$15.95
Crab, avocado, topped with salmon and lemon.
Fried California Roll US$13.95
Crab avocado fried in light batter drizzled with spicy mayo.
Caterpillar Roll US$16.95
Unagi, cucumber, tobiko, wrapped with avocado.
Dragon Roll US$17.95
Shrimp tempura crab, topped with unagi avocado
Rainbow Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado topped with assorted fish
Lion King Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado, wrapped with baked salmon topped by a special cream sauce
Cherry Blossom Roll US$17.95
Crab, avocado wrapped with tuna.
Lobster Roll US$30.00
Fresh lobster mixed with mayo, celery, and a hint of lemon, served on a toasted, buttery roll.
Aloha Crunch Roll US$17.95
Deep-fried shrimp and crabmeat, topped with tuna, salmon, avocado, crunchy bits, and unagi sauce.

Lunch - Sashimi & Sushi Combo
Chirashi Deluxe Combo US$45.00
Chirashi Combo US$35.00
Omakase Sashimi US$85.00
Chef's selection of various raw fish slices, prepared in the traditional omakase style, allowing the chef to showcase creativity and seasonality.
Omakase Sushi US$65.00
Kaisen Don US$75.00
Assorted fresh sashimi typically includes a variety of seafood over a bed of sushi rice.

Lunch - Sashimi & Nigiri Sushi
Maguro / Tuna US$4.50
Maguro / Tuna served as sashimi or nigiri sushi option.
Toro / Blue Fin Tuna US$8.00
Hamachi / Yellowtail US$4.50
Yellowtail options: choose between sliced sashimi or nigiri with rice.
Hamachi Toro / Yellowtail Belly US$5.00
Yellowtail belly, offered as either 1 piece nigiri or sashimi option.
Kampachi / Baby Yellowtail US$5.00
Kampachi (baby yellowtail) - available as 1 piece nigiri or sashimi.
Sake / Salmon US$4.00
Sake (salmon) available as either 1 piece nigiri or sashimi.
Sake Toro / Salmon Belly US$5.00
Sake toro salmon belly, available as 1 piece nigiri or sashimi.
Shiro Maguro / Albacore Tuna US$3.50
Albacore tuna, options include nigiri or sashimi.
Hotate / Hokkaido Scallop US$5.00
Hokkaido scallop sashimi, available as nigiri or sashimi serving.
Ebi / Shrimp US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Unagi / Fresh Water Eel US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Tamago / Egg US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Tobiko / Flying Fish Egg US$4.00
1 piece nigiri.
Ikura US$6.00
Salmon roe served as a delicately prepared sashimi, typically accompanied by traditional garnishes.

Lunch - Classic Rolls (6 Pieces) / Hand Rolls
California Roll US$7.95
Crab, avocado and sesame.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$10.00
Tuna, tobiko mixed with special hot sauce, sesame.
Salmon Skin Roll US$9.00
Salmon skin, sesame.
Spider Roll US$13.00
Soft shell crab, cucumber avocado and imitation crab.
Alaska Roll US$10.50
Salmon, Avocado
Tempura Roll US$11.00
Fried shrimp crab, avocado, cucumber.

Lunch - Lunch - Bento Boxes
Bento Box US$21.99
Served with rice and soup.
Chicken Teriyaki US$15.95
Tenderly grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce.
Beef Teriyaki US$18.95
Tenderly grilled beef with teriyaki sauce.
Salmon Teriyaki US$17.95
Grilled tenderly with teriyaki sauce.
Tonkatsu US$15.95
Breaded deep fried pork served with plum dipping sauce.
Chicken Karaage US$15.95
Japanese style deep fried chicken.
Mori Tempura US$15.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter.
Prawns Tempura US$15.95
Crispy prawns fried in light batter.
Vegetables Tempura US$15.95
Assorted veggies fried in light batter.
Chicken Cutlet US$15.95
Breaded deep fried chicken served with plum dipping sauce.

Lunch - Japanese Noodles Soup
Plain Udon / Ramen US$8.95
Choice of noodles in broth.
Miso Ramen US$13.95
BBQ pork veggies green onion in miso broth.
Chicken Ramen US$13.95
Chicken cooked tenderly, green onion with veggies.
Beef Ramen US$13.95
Slice of beef, green onion with veggies.
Tonkotsu Ramen US$13.95
BBQ pork with veggies.
Chicken Udon US$13.95
Chicken cooked tenderly, green onion.
Beef Udon US$14.95
Slice of beef, green onion.
Vegetable Udon / Ramen US$12.95
Assorted veggies with green onion.
Tempura Udon US$15.95
Prawns and assorted veggies fried in light batter with green onion.
Seafood Udon / Ramen US$16.95
Seafood and assorted veggies with green onion.

Owada Details

Service options
Delivery
On-site services
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
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

Crowd
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Owada Photos

Owada Location

Owada

California San Mateo County San Carlos Laurel Street

894 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, USA

Owada Reviews

Had the chirashi bowl it was delicious one of the nicest I’ve ever had. Fish was very fresh and there were many varieties. Rice was cooked perfectly and the egg omelette and cucumber complemented the flavors excellently. Compliments to the chef.
March 30 · Domadilla
The portions are huge, the prices are super affordable, and everything tastes great. Whether it’s Gyu Don, or a Chirashi deluxe bowl, you’ll leave full and happy. Perfect for a chill meal that’s easy on the wallet!
January 01 · Qilin Gu
+ For casual dining it is hard to beat the quality. Very fresh ingredients. Huge portion.+ Great variety in Chirash bowl. Specifically recommend the Uni, sweet and refreshing.+ Tempuras. Exactly right level of crispness and not oily at all compared to tempura dishes in other Japanese restaurants in Bay Area.+ Bento boxes: good variety again, perfect amount of sauces.
November 09 · Jian Lu
A decent local sushi joint. I believe it was renovated from a previous sushi restaurant. The price is reasonable and the food is average to above-average. This isn't your date night, something special sushi place. This is your "I feel like some Japanese but don't want to make it an event" type of place.My 3 stars on the food may feel harsh but let me explain. Each dish we had was made like a "textbook" example. It has all the right ingredients but they all taste the same - same sauce, same ingredients, same cooking method, etc. Also there are some combinations in rolls that simply don't make sense... American slice cheese and lettuce with fried unagi? I have never in my life had a sushi roll that has fresh lettuce in it. Love the experimentation mindset but it simply doesn't jive.The restaurant is clean and renovated. It feels good to be in here. It's just that the food is quite far off from "Japanese" or sushis to be frank which was the disappointment. It imitates from a recipe perspective. It is far from the actual meaning of the dish itself.
August 02 · Wook Chung
Ordered takeout. I think the food was ready well before our pickup time because it was cold after the 5 minute drive home. Once we warmed it up it was pretty good.
December 07 · Ashlee Huff