Temaki Bar Introduce
Located at 5657 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95123, **Temaki Bar** has quickly established itself as a beacon of authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine in the South Bay. This "hidden gem" is celebrated for its commitment to exceptional freshness, genuine flavors, and a distinct dining experience that sets it apart from many other sushi establishments in California. Temaki Bar is a testament to the idea that true quality and a focused concept can thrive, even in a competitive culinary landscape.
When considering a platform like "Doctor Near Me," Temaki Bar offers a unique, albeit culinary, form of local service. Just as you might seek a doctor for a precise diagnosis and effective treatment, Temaki Bar provides a precise and effective remedy for your sushi cravings, delivering an experience built on high-quality ingredients and expert preparation. It's a place where you can "prescribe" yourself a meal that is consistently fresh, satisfying, and authentically crafted, offering a specialized solution for those discerning palates seeking genuine Japanese flavors. This objective introduction will detail the various aspects that make Temaki Bar a highly recommended and cherished spot in the San Jose community.
The interior of Temaki Bar is described as **modern and stylish**, featuring **spacious and comfortable bar seating**. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it's integral to the Temaki Bar experience. The long bar-style seating creates a **casual and social atmosphere**, making it "great for dates or dinners with friends." This layout encourages interaction and provides diners with a direct view of the culinary artistry.
A significant highlight of the environment is the ability to **watch the chefs work**. Customers appreciate observing the professional, clean, and well-organized workspace. This transparency in preparation adds to the authenticity and trust in the food being served. The minimalist approach, combined with the focus on the chefs, contributes to a laid-back yet engaging ambiance that truly "gives me hope" for the San Jose food scene, as one customer eloquently put it. It feels like a dedicated space where the craft of sushi is genuinely respected.
Temaki Bar's primary focus is on **temaki (hand rolls)**, which are rolled to order by the chefs right in front of the customers. This ensures maximum freshness and a personalized experience. The overarching feature that defines Temaki Bar is the **"incredibly fresh fish—no shortcuts, no deep-fried gimmicks, just clean, high-quality cuts."** This commitment to purity and quality sets it apart from many other sushi spots that might rely on heavier sauces or less premium ingredients.
While the food is "overall quite good," some dishes are noted as definite **"standouts."** Customers highly recommend the **uni (sea urchin), scallop, and Ama ebi (sweet shrimp)**, praising them for being "incredibly fresh and sweet." These specific recommendations highlight the exceptional quality of their raw seafood offerings, which are often indicators of a truly authentic sushi establishment.
Beyond the quality, Temaki Bar also delivers on **value**. The portions are described as "generous (seriously, you get full here)," which addresses a common concern about portion sizes at sushi restaurants. This, combined with "fair prices," means that diners feel they are getting excellent value for their money. The consistent quality and satisfying portions contribute to a feeling of not being "scammed" on price, a frustration sometimes associated with other high-end sushi places.
The menu extends to include other complementary items, with one customer expressing a desire to "definitely have to try their sake flight" on a future visit. This suggests that Temaki Bar also offers a thoughtful selection of beverages designed to enhance the sushi experience.
Temaki Bar's promotional strength comes from its **unwavering commitment to quality and value**. While explicit discount promotions aren't detailed, the core message is that the restaurant offers a superior product at a fair price. The generous portions ensure customers "get full here," which is a significant value proposition. The transparent pricing, combined with the high quality of fish, is a powerful draw that naturally encourages patronage.
The strong positive customer reviews, particularly those comparing it favorably to sushi experiences in Tokyo and San Francisco, serve as invaluable organic promotion. Being called a "hidden gem" and "the real deal" creates a sense of discovery and authenticity that attracts discerning diners. The sentiment that Temaki Bar is "something San Jose desperately needed" highlights its unique position in the local culinary scene and its appeal to a community seeking genuine, high-quality Japanese food.
The very concept of a "Temaki Bar" promotes a specific and enjoyable dining format. The ability to watch chefs prepare hand rolls to order adds an interactive and engaging element that distinguishes it from more traditional sushi restaurants, acting as a unique selling point.
The customer experience at Temaki Bar is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by high praise for both the food and the atmosphere. The "modern and stylish" interior, coupled with "spacious and comfortable bar seating," creates an inviting backdrop for the meal. The transparency of watching professional chefs at work in a "clean and well-organized" setting instills confidence and enhances the dining pleasure.
The food, especially the uni, scallop, and Ama ebi, receives rave reviews for its **"incredibly fresh and sweet" quality**. This highlights the restaurant's dedication to sourcing premium ingredients. The consistent freshness of the fish, without reliance on "deep-fried gimmicks," is a critical factor that sets Temaki Bar apart and resonates deeply with sushi purists. The generous portions and fair prices contribute to a strong sense of value, ensuring customers feel satisfied both culinarily and financially.
The "laid-back and fun" atmosphere, facilitated by the social bar seating, makes it a versatile spot for various occasions. The sentiment of Temaki Bar being a "hidden gem" that gives "hope" to the local food scene is a testament to its significant positive impact on its community. The high likelihood of repeat visits, evidenced by one customer having "been several times now," underscores the consistent quality and delightful experience offered.
In conclusion, Temaki Bar in San Jose stands as an exceptional Japanese restaurant, particularly distinguished by its authentic and high-quality hand rolls. Its modern, stylish, and comfortable bar environment provides a unique and engaging dining experience, allowing patrons to observe the skilled chefs at work. With incredibly fresh fish, generous portions, fair prices, and a strong commitment to genuine flavors, Temaki Bar is undoubtedly a must-visit "hidden gem" that truly elevates the sushi landscape in San Jose, offering an experience that is both legitimate and delightful.
Temaki Bar Vibe
Food
- Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps US$15.00
- Caviar US$110.00
- Hurrican Potato Stick US$5.00
Sashimi Platter
- Sashimi Platter B US$47.00
2pc each. Chu toro, Hotate, Ama Ebi, Salmon Belly
- Sashimi Platter A US$27.00
3 pc each. Salmon, Yellowtail, Tuna
Rolls
- Ikura Salmon Hand Roll US$10.00
- Hamachi Roll US$9.00
Hamachi, Wasabi Aioli, Tobiko, Kaiware
- Langoustine Roll US$10.00
Langoustine is a Norwegian Lobster, Spicy Mayo, Tobiko, Green Onions, Cucumber
- Spicy Truffle Salmon US$9.00
- Jalapeno Cream Cheese Roll US$9.00
Jalapeno and Cream Cheese Deep Fried in Batter, Avocado Slice, Spicy Mayo, Unagi Sauce
- Spicy Bay Scallops Roll US$11.00
Scallops, Spicy Mayo, Green Onions, Cucumber, Tobiko, Shichimi
- Tonkatsu Roll US$10.00
Deep Fried Pork in Batter, Wasabi Aioli, Tonkotsu Sauce
- Hokkaido Scallops Roll US$11.00
Scallops, Cucumber
- Toro Special Roll US$26.00
Toro, Uni, Caviar, Shisho
- Miso Eggplant US$9.00
- Salmon Belly Roll US$18.00
Seared Salmon Belly, Green Onions
- Wagyu Special US$26.00
Seared Wagyu, Uni, Caviar, Shisho
- Toro Roll US$19.00
Toro, Shisho, Kaiware
- Salmon Roll US$9.00
Salmon, Wasabi Aioli, Cucumber
- Shrimp Tempura Roll US$9.00
Shrimp Deep Fried in Panko Batter, Avocado Slice, Cucumber, Unagi Sauce
- Chickenkatsu Roll US$10.00
Deep Fried Chicken in Batter, Wasabi Aioli, Tonkotsu Sauce
- Salmon Skin Roll US$9.00
Fried Salmon Skin, Burdok Root, Unagi Sauce, Radishoot
- Wagyu Roll US$19.00
Seared Wagyu, Salt, Pepper
- Vegitarian Roll US$9.00
Shisho, Cucumbers, Dried Pumpkin Skin, Pickled Radish
- Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) Roll US$18.00
Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp), Green Onions, Tobiko
- Unagi Roll US$9.00
Cooked Unagi, Unagi Sauce, Cucumber, Sesame Seeds
- Hokkaido Uni Roll US$22.00
- Spicy Sesame Salmon US$9.00
- Spicy Tuna Roll US$9.00
Tuna, Sriracha, Tobiko, Green Onions, Spicy Mayo, Shichimi
- Tuna Roll US$9.00
- Snow Crab Roll US$11.00
Real Crab Meat, Kewpie Mayo, Avocado Slice, Cucumber
- Deep Fried Vegi Roll US$9.00
Papaya, Sweet Potato, Green Bean, Cucumber, Unagi Sauce, Deep Fried in Flower
Appetizers
- Ikageso Karaage US$9.00
- Truffle Salmon Carpaccio US$15.00
- Uni Shooter ( W/ Sake) US$16.00
Uni, Quail Egg, Tobiko, Green Onions, Sake
- Salad US$6.00
Fresh Greens, Choice of Dressing, House White or Miso Sesame
- 3pc Shrimp Tempura US$7.00
- Uni Spoon US$15.00
- Miso Soup US$6.00
Miso, Tofu, Seaweed
- Chicken Karaage US$9.00
Japanese Fried Chicken
- Scallop Uni Caviar Spoon US$20.00
Hokkaido Scallop, Uni, Caviar, Splash of Ponzu
- Truffle Scallop Carpaccio US$17.00
- Salmon Tartare W Taro Chips US$24.00
- Truffle Salt Edamame US$9.00
Steamed Soy Bean Pods
- Takoyaki (4pc) US$9.00
Deep Fried Takoyaki, Teriyaki Sauce, Creamy Mayo, Dried Tuna Flakes
- Cucumber Salad US$9.00
- Gyoza (5pc) US$10.00
Fried Gyoza
Mimosas
- 1 Glass US$9.00
- Bottomless US$25.00
Sides
- Pickled Wasabi US$4.00
- Steam Rice US$4.00
- Uni (2pc) US$6.00
- Truffle Slices US$4.00
Desserts
- Matcha Cheesecake US$6.00
Sashimi
- Tai US$25.00
- Hirame US$25.00
Temaki Bar Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Sport
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Transgender safe space
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Temaki Bar Photos










Temaki Bar Location
Temaki Bar
5657 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95123, USA
Temaki Bar Reviews
I happened to pass by and stopped in for lunch. The interior is modern and stylish, with spacious and comfortable bar seating. It was great to watch the chefs work—they are professional, and everything was clean and well-organized. 👍The food was overall quite good, with some standout dishes. I especially loved the uni, scallop, and Ama ebi—they were incredibly fresh and sweet. Highly recommended!Next time, I definitely have to try their sake flight.
February 23 · Sabrina LCAfter eating sushi everywhere from Tokyo to San Francisco, I can say with confidence: Temaki Bar in San Jose is the real deal.This place is a hidden gem. I’ve been several times now, and every single visit, the fish has been incredibly fresh—no shortcuts, no deep-fried gimmicks, just clean, high-quality cuts. That alone puts it ahead of most sushi spots in California, where the fish is often mediocre and the prices feel like a scam.Temaki Bar stands out because it delivers value. The portions are generous (seriously, you get full here), the prices are fair, and the atmosphere is laid-back and fun. The long bar-style seating makes it casual and social—great for dates or dinners with friends. You can watch the chefs roll each hand roll to order, which adds a nice touch.I always joke that the South Bay is a food desert—San Francisco and Menlo Park hoard all the good spots. But Temaki Bar gives me hope. It’s local, it’s legit, and it’s something San Jose desperately needed.
May 01 · Sara CooperWe really liked the rolls here. Tried multiple rolls and all of them were amazing with different flavor profile and the fish was fresh. But food lacked consistency we ordered the same roll twice and both tasted different.The service wasn’t great. We felt rushed (we went at 8:50 and place closes at 10) and in the open kitchen it felt like they are still working on bringing structure as they dint seem very organized which kinda spoiled the atmosphere. For the price point I can expect better service and atmosphere.
February 25 · Kavya NooguriYen did an excellent job at recommending items for us! Food was delicious, service was exceptional & overall the dining experience was stellar.I'll definitely be coming back again when i'm in town. My favorite item was the Wagyu handroll with uni & caviar! Totally worth getting!
September 25 · Steven HsiaoGreat food and presentation. All the ingredients were super fresh and all the rolls are so damn delicious!
December 12 · John Nguyen
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