Sushi Kei

For California locals residing in or near Millbrae, finding a Japanese restaurant that offers both quality and a unique dining experience can be a true delight. Enter Sushi Kei, a family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Millbrae, CA. Established in 1993, Sushi Kei has been serving the community for decades, priding itself on authenticity and the quality of its ingredients. Helmed by Chef Ryo Kikuchi, who was born and trained in Hokkaido, Japan, the restaurant aims to deliver a "quality over quantity" sushi experience.

Sushi Kei aims to provide a taste of traditional Japanese culinary artistry, particularly focusing on sushi and sashimi. While individual experiences and tastes can vary, the restaurant strives to offer a genuine Japanese dining atmosphere, often described as having a "lovely store and family style" ambiance. It's a place that endeavors to create a connection with its patrons, making it a familiar and comfortable spot for those in the local community.

Sushi Kei is conveniently located at 407 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA. Broadway is a central street in Millbrae, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible for both local residents and those visiting from surrounding Bay Area communities. Its location in downtown Millbrae means it's often within walking or a short driving distance from various businesses and residential areas.

When it comes to accessibility, Broadway typically offers street parking, and there may be public parking lots nearby, which is helpful for diners arriving by car. For those who prefer public transportation, Millbrae is a well-connected city with BART and Caltrain stations, along with local bus routes that serve the Broadway area. This makes Sushi Kei a convenient choice for a quick lunch during the workday or a relaxed evening meal. Its presence in a lively part of Millbrae contributes to its appeal as a local dining spot.

Sushi Kei focuses primarily on providing an authentic Japanese dining experience with a strong emphasis on fresh sushi and sashimi. Their menu, while offering a variety of Japanese staples, highlights their expertise in raw fish preparations. Here's a breakdown of the services and menu items you can expect:

• Nigiri and Sashimi: This is a cornerstone of Sushi Kei's offerings. They feature a selection of classic nigiri pieces such as Hon Maguro (Bluefin Tuna), Chuu Toro (Mid Fatty Tuna Belly), Hamachi (Yellowtail), Hamachi Toro (Yellowtail Belly), Sake (Salmon), and Uni (Sea Urchin). Sashimi options are also available, often in 8-piece dinners, including Tuna, Yellowtail, and Salmon Sashimi dinners.

• Omakase Experience: For those looking for a chef-selected tasting menu, Sushi Kei offers an Omakase option. This allows the chef to showcase their skills and the freshest ingredients of the day, providing a unique and curated dining journey. One reviewer noted enjoying a "10 pieces omakase, gently flavored as if (so no need to add any soy sauce)."

• Sushi Rolls (Maki): The menu includes a variety of traditional and house special rolls. Examples include the California Roll #1 (Snow crab with mayonnaise & avocado), Tempura Roll (Shrimp Tempura with Sweet Unagi Sauce), Spicy Tuna Roll, and Sabagari Roll (Mackerel & Pickled Ginger Roll). More unique options like the "Too Much Choleste-roll" featuring Ankimo (monkfish liver) are also on offer.

• Appetizers: To start your meal, Sushi Kei offers classic Japanese appetizers such as Gyoza (potstickers), Assorted Tempura (shrimp and vegetables), Soft Shell Crab, Chicken Karaage (fried chicken), Kaki Fry (deep-fried oyster), Tonkatsu (pork cutlet), Agedashi Tofu, Edamame, Salmon Skin Salad, Seaweed Salad, Miso Soup, and House Green Salad.

• Donburi and Noodles: For those seeking heartier options beyond sushi, they offer dishes like Unagi Don (Unagi over rice served with miso soup and salad). Noodle dishes include Tempura Zaru Udon (cold noodles), Nabeyaki Udon, and Tempura Udon.

• Family-Style Service: Described as a "family style" establishment, the restaurant aims for a comfortable and welcoming dining experience. While individual service experiences may vary, the core ethos is to provide a friendly atmosphere.

• Takeout Option: Sushi Kei also provides takeout service, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese dishes in the comfort of their own homes.

Sushi Kei presents several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its character and appeal for local diners:

• Long-Standing Family Ownership: Operating since 1993, Sushi Kei is a family-owned business with Chef Ryo Kikuchi, trained in Hokkaido, Japan, at its helm. This long history and direct connection to Japanese culinary roots suggest a dedication to authentic preparation and quality.

• Focus on "Quality Over Quantity" Sushi: The restaurant emphasizes delivering a quality sushi experience, aiming for fresh and well-prepared fish. While opinions on consistency may vary, the intent is to provide a refined sushi offering rather than simply large, Americanized portions.

• Authentic Edomae Sushi Sizing: For purists of traditional Japanese sushi, Sushi Kei's nigiri size is noted as "normal" or authentic, not the overly large "Americanized" versions where fish drapes excessively over rice. This suggests an adherence to classic Japanese presentation.

• Unique Ambiance with Family Touch: The decor, while described by some as having wall-to-wall mirrors, also features charming custom elements like a doormat and front door drawing, possibly created by the owners' children. This adds a personal, "family style" touch that contributes to a warm and inviting, albeit perhaps unconventional, atmosphere.

• Specific Praised Dishes: Certain items on the menu receive positive mentions, such as the Hamachi (Yellowtail) and Hamachi Toro (Yellowtail Belly) nigiri being described as "tasted fine." The Omakase has also been highlighted for its "gently flavored" pieces.

• Proximity to Local Favorites: Being located next to other popular Millbrae spots like Uni Souffle (formerly Sweethoney) makes it a convenient stop for those planning a multi-stop culinary outing in the area.

While the provided information does not detail specific, ongoing promotions, many Japanese restaurants, especially those with a long-standing community presence, may offer daily specials, lunch deals, or seasonal menu items. Given its family-owned nature, it's possible Sushi Kei features unadvertised specials that locals might discover during their visit. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, the best approach is to directly contact Sushi Kei via phone or inquire during your visit. Online delivery platforms may also occasionally feature their own discounts for restaurants listed on their services.

To experience Sushi Kei for yourself, here’s how you can reach them:

Address: 407 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA

Phone: (650) 692-0100

For California locals, particularly those in the Millbrae area, Sushi Kei offers a long-standing and dedicated option for Japanese cuisine, specifically focusing on sushi. Its suitability for the local community is rooted in its identity as a family-owned establishment that has served the area for decades. This longevity often translates into a loyal customer base and a sense of familiarity, making it a comfortable and trusted choice for many.

Locals looking for a straightforward sushi experience that adheres to more traditional Japanese sizing, rather than Americanized interpretations, will appreciate Sushi Kei's approach. While individual tastes in sweetness for sushi rice and pickled ginger can vary, the restaurant aims to provide an authentic flavor profile. The availability of an Omakase option is also a significant draw for those who enjoy leaving their dining experience in the hands of an experienced chef, allowing for discovery and a curated meal.

Furthermore, its central location on Broadway in Millbrae makes it easily accessible for residents, whether they're planning a dine-in experience or opting for a convenient takeout meal. For those seeking a local Japanese spot with a family-style charm and a history of serving the community, Sushi Kei offers a familiar and dedicated option in the bustling Bay Area dining scene. It's a place that endeavors to share a piece of Japanese culinary heritage with its California neighbors.

Sushi Kei

407 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA