SAKAE Sushi

For those in California with a discerning palate for truly authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine, SAKAE Sushi in Burlingame stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. This family-owned and operated restaurant is not just another sushi spot; it's a destination where traditional Japanese artistry meets warm, attentive service, creating an unforgettable dining experience. SAKAE Sushi prides itself on delivering a taste of genuine Japan right here in the Bay Area, making it a cherished establishment for locals and visitors alike who appreciate fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation.

SAKAE Sushi has built a strong reputation for its commitment to authenticity and the exceptional freshness of its offerings. Many patrons describe it as a "truly authentic sushi place," highlighting the dedication to traditional methods and flavors. The focus here is on quality over quantity, with each piece of sushi and sashimi meticulously prepared to bring out the natural, delicate tastes of the ocean. This commitment extends to their entire menu, which features a thoughtful selection of Japanese dishes designed to complement their sushi and provide a comprehensive culinary journey.

Beyond the exquisite food, the atmosphere at SAKAE Sushi contributes significantly to its charm. It offers a cozy and elegant space, often enhanced by soft overhead lighting and minimalist décor, creating a serene environment perfect for enjoying a meal. The friendly and attentive staff, often described as part of a family operation, ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy great company, and savor expertly crafted Japanese fare, making it an ideal choice for various occasions, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

SAKAE Sushi is conveniently located at 243 California Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Burlingame, a charming city within the greater Bay Area, known for its vibrant downtown and accessibility. California Drive is a central thoroughfare, making the restaurant easy to find for both local residents and those traveling from nearby cities. Public transportation options are readily available, with the Burlingame Caltrain station and various SamTrans bus routes within comfortable walking distance. For those driving, street parking is typically accessible in the vicinity, though as with any popular urban area, it’s always a good idea to factor in a little extra time to find a spot during peak dining hours. Its central position in Burlingame makes SAKAE Sushi a convenient and attractive dining choice.

The ambiance at SAKAE Sushi is often described as cozy and intimate, yet elegant. While it might appear modest from the outside, the interior offers a comfortable setting perfect for enjoying a traditional Japanese meal. A key highlight for many diners is the opportunity to sit at the sushi bar. Here, you can watch the skilled sushi chefs meticulously prepare each piece of sushi and sashimi. This direct interaction often leads to unique experiences, such as being served "samples I would have not tried on my own," adding an element of surprise and discovery to your meal. The attentive and friendly staff, who are part of the family-owned operation, contribute significantly to the overall enjoyable evening, ensuring that every guest feels well-cared for and appreciated.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in their cozy and elegant restaurant space.
• Sushi Bar Seating: Sit at the counter to interact with the sushi chefs and receive personalized recommendations and samples.
• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: Offers a wide selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi, and classic rolls, including specific fish like Japanese Tai Snapper, Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Scallop, Ora King Salmon, and Toro Taku.
• Chef's Recommendations: Encourage diners to try the chef’s special selections for an authentic and curated experience.
• Appetizers and Izakaya-style Dishes: A diverse menu that includes various Japanese appetizers and grilled items (Yakiniku), tempura, and sake tsumami (sake accompaniments) that go beyond just sushi.
• Sashimi Salad: A popular and recommended item by customers, combining fresh sashimi with a refreshing salad.
• Family-Owned and Operated: Provides a personal touch and a welcoming atmosphere characteristic of a genuine family business.
• Reservations: Advisable, especially for larger groups or peak dining hours, to ensure seating availability.

• Truly Authentic Sushi: Consistently praised for its authentic Japanese flavors and preparation, setting it apart from many other sushi establishments.
• Exceptional Freshness: Reviewers frequently commend the "really fresh" sushi and sashimi, noting the "freshly sweet" and "buttery tasting" qualities of various fish.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Features premium selections like Japanese Tai Snapper, Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Scallop, Ora King Salmon, and Toro Taku.
• Unique Flavor Combinations: Offers delightful pairings such as soy-marinated bluefin tuna with truffle oil and the combination of creamy uni with crunchy scallops.
• Attentive and Friendly Service: The staff, as a family-owned establishment, are noted for being very attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Meticulous Preparation: Chefs are detail-oriented, ensuring the perfect amount of rice-to-fish ratio and incorporating well-chosen garnishes to enhance flavors.
• Chef's Special Samples: Diners at the sushi bar may receive complimentary samples of items they might not typically order, encouraging culinary exploration.
• Well-Seasoned Rice: The sushi rice is consistently praised for being well-seasoned and having a great texture, often eliminating the need for extra soy sauce.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: Offers a range of grilled items, tempura, salads (like the highly recommended sashimi salad), and unique desserts like the egg Castella.

While specific ongoing promotions or daily deals are not extensively detailed in the provided customer reviews or general information, SAKAE Sushi, as a high-quality, authentic Japanese restaurant, typically focuses on the exceptional value derived from their premium ingredients and masterful preparation. Restaurants of this caliber may offer seasonal omakase menus that highlight the freshest catches, or special tasting experiences that rotate based on availability. Customers are encouraged to inquire directly with the restaurant about any current chef's recommendations or seasonal specials, which often serve as a form of "promotion" by offering unique and exquisite dishes not always on the regular menu. Given their family-owned nature and focus on a genuine experience, any promotions would likely align with enhancing the authenticity and quality of the dining. It is always a good practice to call SAKAE Sushi directly or check their official website or social media channels (if available) for the most current information regarding any special offerings or events that might be taking place.

Address: 243 California Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

Phone: (650) 348-4064

For locals in California, especially those residing in the vibrant Burlingame area, SAKAE Sushi offers an unparalleled and highly suitable dining experience for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its commitment to truly authentic flavors and the freshest ingredients, many sourced directly, sets it apart as a premier destination for sushi and sashimi lovers. The positive reviews consistently highlight the exceptional freshness of their fish, describing it as "sweet," "buttery," and free from any "fishy" notes, which is a hallmark of superior quality.

The inviting ambiance, characterized by its cozy and elegant setting, makes it perfect for various occasions, from a relaxed dinner with coworkers to a special evening out. The family-owned and operated nature of SAKAE Sushi shines through in the warm, attentive, and friendly service provided by the staff, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well-cared for. A unique highlight for locals is the opportunity to sit at the sushi bar, where chefs not only prepare exquisite pieces right before your eyes but also offer personalized recommendations and samples, enriching the overall dining experience.

With its convenient location on California Drive, SAKAE Sushi is easily accessible and a go-to spot for those seeking genuine Japanese culinary artistry in the Bay Area. Whether you're craving classic sashimi, innovative specialty rolls, or delightful hot Japanese appetizers, SAKAE Sushi consistently delivers an experience that is both satisfying and memorable, solidifying its status as a cherished local favorite.

SAKAE Sushi

243 California Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA