Sarku Japan Introduce
For local residents in San Mateo, especially those navigating the bustling environment of Hillsdale Shopping Center, a search akin to "Doctor Near Me" often points to readily available and convenient services or goods. In this context, **Sarku Japan**, located at **60 31st Ave, Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA**, serves as a quick and accessible option for Japanese cuisine. You can contact them at **(650) 889-5660** or via mobile at **+1 650-889-5660**. This establishment caters to those looking for a fast, casual meal while shopping or on the go.
Sarku Japan is situated within the popular Hillsdale Shopping Center, a prominent retail destination in San Mateo. This location inherently defines its environment as a **food court or quick-service dining establishment**. As such, the ambiance is typically characterized by a lively, bustling atmosphere, reflecting the constant flow of shoppers and visitors. Diners can expect a casual and functional setup, with counter service and communal seating areas typical of a mall food court. This environment is designed for efficiency, catering to those seeking a quick and convenient meal rather than an extended, formal dining experience. The accessibility within a major shopping center is a key advantage, providing easy access for those already at the mall or making a dedicated trip for a fast Japanese meal. While the specific decor details are not provided, the setting is generally bright and open, aligning with the modern aesthetic of a contemporary shopping center.
The service at Sarku Japan is primarily focused on **speed and efficiency**, aligning with its food court model. Customers note that the "employees are very quick with orders," especially when the restaurant is not overly busy. This emphasis on quick turnaround is crucial for a location within a shopping center, where patrons often desire a fast meal before continuing their activities. However, the reviews also highlight a significant concern regarding the delivery service, specifically with **DoorDash**. One customer reported receiving food with "a bite taken out of it," leading to a one-star review. While the customer acknowledges uncertainty about whether the issue stemmed from the restaurant or the delivery driver, they strongly recommend that Sarku Japan implement measures to prevent such occurrences. The suggestion of "stapl bags closed" to ensure tamper-proof delivery is a practical solution that many establishments adopt to maintain customer trust and food integrity during off-premise transactions. This incident, regardless of fault, underscores the importance of a secure delivery process for customer satisfaction. Aside from this delivery concern, the in-store service appears to be efficient, though the general service experience is not extensively detailed beyond speed, suggesting a transactional rather than highly personalized approach, which is typical for this type of establishment.
Sarku Japan offers a concise menu of popular Japanese fast-casual items, focusing on convenience and affordability. While not a gourmet establishment, it provides a consistent option for those craving specific Japanese dishes. The main culinary features and highlights, as observed from customer feedback, include:
- **Salmon Avocado Roll:** This item stands out as a particular favorite and a "go-to" for at least one loyal customer. It is described as "very good" and consistently "flavorful." While acknowledged that it "isn't always fresh," the consistent taste makes it a reliable choice for regulars. This suggests that despite potential variations in freshness, the preparation and flavor profile of this specific roll remain appealing.
- **Chicken Teriyaki:** This is another staple item on their menu. However, customer feedback indicates it can be "a bit bland or not worth the price, like something that could be heated up at home." This suggests that while available, it may not be their strongest offering or provide exceptional value compared to other menu items.
- **Shrimp Tempura:** Similar to the chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura is an occasional choice for some, but also found to be "a bit bland or not worth the price." This reinforces a perception that some of their cooked dishes might lack the distinct flavor or quality expected for their cost.
- **Value for Price:** Despite some criticisms on specific items, the overall "value is pretty good for the price" for the general offerings. This suggests that Sarku Japan aims to provide affordable Japanese options, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious diners in the shopping center.
- **Sushi Focus:** While they offer a range of Japanese dishes, the positive feedback on the salmon avocado roll suggests that their sushi offerings, particularly certain rolls, may be their stronger suit. The overall assessment is that it's "a fine place to go for sushi," indicating a generally acceptable, if not outstanding, sushi experience for a quick-service setting.
In summary, Sarku Japan's culinary offerings lean towards popular, accessible Japanese dishes, with a particular highlight on their salmon avocado roll. While some cooked items might not meet higher expectations for flavor, the overall value for the price remains a key attractive feature for its target audience.
Based on the provided customer reviews, there is no explicit information detailing specific promotional offers, discounts, or loyalty programs currently available at Sarku Japan. The reviews focus on the general "value... for the price" and the quality of specific menu items, but do not mention any special deals like lunch combos, happy hour discounts, or seasonal promotions. Food court establishments often rely on their inherent convenience, speed, and competitive pricing rather than extensive promotional campaigns. While the reviews do not provide information on special offers, potential customers interested in knowing if Sarku Japan has any current promotions or bundles are advised to directly contact the restaurant. You can reach them at **(650) 889-5660** or **+1 650-889-5660**, or check for any posted information at their Hillsdale Shopping Center location. Without specific data in the provided reviews, any detailing of promotional content would be speculative and thus cannot be objectively included in this introduction.
Sarku Japan, conveniently located within the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo, offers a quick and casual Japanese dining experience, aligning with the local need for accessible services found through a "Doctor Near Me" type of search. It primarily serves as a convenient stop for those seeking a fast meal while at the mall. The restaurant prioritizes efficiency, with quick order processing times. While some cooked dishes like chicken teriyaki and shrimp tempura might be perceived as somewhat bland or not offering exceptional value, their **salmon avocado roll** stands out as a consistent and flavorful favorite among patrons. The value proposition of good food for the price remains a draw. However, a notable concern arises from a reported issue with delivery service, highlighting the importance of tamper-proof packaging for off-premise orders. For local users looking for a straightforward, affordable, and quick Japanese meal in a shopping center setting, Sarku Japan offers a viable option, particularly for fans of their signature sushi roll.
Sarku Japan Photos










Sarku Japan Location
Sarku Japan
60 31st Ave Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Sarku Japan Reviews
I am giving this a 1 star review because my food arrived with a bite taken out of it. I do not know if this was the restaurant or the DoorDash driver who delivered it. But if it was the DoorDasher, I recommend the store does something to prevent this. A lot of places staple bags closed now so the end customer knows it has not been tampered with by a delivery driver. Either way, very disheartening to receive food with a bite taken out of it. If not for that, I would give this place 4 stars. The value is pretty good for the price.
May 30, 2025 · Trey DelaplaineMy go-to at Sarku Japan is their salmon avocado roll. I have occasionally tried other menu items like their shrimp tempura and chicken teriyaki, which I have found to be a bit bland or not worth the price, like something that could be heated up at home. However, their salmon avocado roll is very good for me. I always get it when I come here, and while it isn't always fresh, the taste is consistent and flavorful. The employees are very quick with orders, too, unless it gets busy. Overall, it is a fine place to go for sushi.
Apr 22, 2025 · Hana EstalillaThe food portions were inconsistent—my relative and I both ordered the same dish (#1), but her Chicken portion was about half the size of mine. The taste was bland, and the service left much to be desired. A note to the owner: this isn’t just about portion size; it’s about ensuring customers receive fair value for what they pay. Please, no more excuses.
Nov 30, 2024 · Morris MorrisTDLR: Average food, would recommend the Chicken Bento Box.Was shopping with a friend and decided to try something new. Saw the line and it was about 10 people or so in line, and the busiest on the floor, so naturally, thought, let's check the hype out.We ordered the Shrimp and Chicken Bento Boxes. Given the lady ahead of me ordered a Chicken Bento Box and Chicken Teriyaki, I should have known that the Chicken was the star show here.The Bento Box comes with California Roll (4 pcs), Dumplings (3 pcs) & Vegetables. As well as a choice of steamed rice, fried rice or noodles.The shrimp was a 2 out of 5, it tasted bland and was dry with the rice, would not recommend. The chicken was however much better, had a nice sauce with it and didn't taste rubbery like the shrimp. Would probably give the chicken a 3.5 out of 5, maybe even push it to a 4 as it was a nice novel try.The California Roll was bland, as were the dumplings, but the dumplings were cool and a nice bonus.Would I eat here again? Probably not. But if you want a fresh spot to try, go for the Chicken Bento Box!
Nov 29, 2024 · Yacoub YasinA favorite in Hillsdale Shopping Center, there is always a queue of people ordering at this outlet. The queue is fast though. Order yoir Japanese food from their menu. We like their chicken teriyaki with shrimp, rice & veggies, freshly cooked and delicious. They also serve sushis. Recommended 👍
Aug 21, 2024 · Loloni Danozeya
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