Tomokazu

For California locals, especially those in the bustling Millbrae area or passing through the nearby San Francisco International Airport (SFO), finding a dependable and satisfying Japanese restaurant is always a win. Tomokazu presents itself as just such a place, offering a variety of Japanese dishes that cater to diverse palates. With its roots stretching over two decades in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tomokazu prides itself on providing authentic Japanese cuisine using fresh ingredients. The restaurant's name, "Tomo" (friend) and "Kazu" (harmony), encapsulates its mission: to bring people together through the harmonious experience of food.

While individual experiences can vary, Tomokazu aims to deliver a solid dining experience, characterized by generous portions and a menu that includes everything from fresh sashimi to comforting noodle soups and rice dishes. It's positioned as a convenient stop for a quick, satisfying meal, whether you're a local resident or a traveler in need of a good fix before or after a flight.

Tomokazu is conveniently located at 301 San Pedro Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible area of Millbrae, a city renowned for its proximity to San Francisco International Airport. For locals, San Pedro Avenue is easily navigated, and the restaurant is typically straightforward to find.

Its location is particularly advantageous for travelers, as Millbrae is directly adjacent to SFO. This means it's a popular choice for those needing a meal before or after a flight, avoiding the potentially higher prices and limited options within the airport terminals themselves. While specific parking details aren't provided, being in Millbrae, there are usually street parking options or nearby public lots available, though checking local parking regulations is always wise. The area is also well-served by public transportation, including local bus lines, and is just a short ride from BART and Caltrain stations, further enhancing its accessibility for a wide range of California residents.

Tomokazu offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese cuisine, catering to various preferences with a focus on generous portions and fresh ingredients. Here's a detailed look at their offerings:

• Sushi and Sashimi: They provide a selection of fresh sashimi, with a review noting it as "fresh" and "quite worthy in comparison to the same dish outside of the airport." Their sushi roll menu is extensive, including classic and specialty rolls like the 49er Roll (salmon and lemon), Rainbow Roll (salmon, hamachi, tuna), Caterpillar Roll (tempura shrimp and avocado), and the Tomokazu Special. They also offer Nigiri Moriawase, an assortment of chef-selected nigiri.

• Teriyaki and Katsu Dinners: For those seeking cooked options, Tomokazu offers a variety of teriyaki dishes such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon Teriyaki Dinners. They also serve popular Katsu dishes, including Chicken Katsu, Beef Katsu, and Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) Dinners, often served with rice and salad.

• Noodle Soups and Donburi: Comforting options like Udon noodle soups are available, including Tempura Udon, Chicken Udon, Beef Udon, and Nabeyaki Udon. They also feature Donburi (rice bowls) like Unaju Dinner (grilled eel over rice), Chicken Katsu Donburi, and Tonkatsu Donburi.

• Appetizers: A wide range of appetizers are on offer to start your meal, such as Miso Soup, Edamame, Yaki Gyoza (chicken and pork potstickers), various Tempura (mixed, vegetable, shrimp, seafood), Chicken Karaage, Soft Shell Crab, Agedashi Tofu, and assorted Sunomono (cucumber salads).

• Sukiyaki: They offer traditional Japanese hot pot dishes like Chicken Sukiyaki and Beef Sukiyaki, providing a hearty and flavorful experience with vegetables, tofu, and vermicelli noodles in a sweet soy sauce broth.

• Grilled Items (Robatayaki-style): Their menu also includes a section of grilled items like Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar), Beef Short Ribs, and various grilled seafood and vegetable skewers, adding more diverse choices to their offerings.

• Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup): For a truly comforting and light meal, they feature different types of Zosui, including Tori Zosui (chicken and egg), Yasai Zosui (vegetable and egg), and Seafood Zosui.

• Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Tomokazu offers dine-in service, and also provides convenient takeout and delivery options through platforms like DoorDash, making it easy for locals to enjoy their food at home.

Tomokazu stands out for several reasons, making it a noteworthy Japanese restaurant in the Millbrae area:

• Generous Portions: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the "generous" portion sizes. This is particularly appealing for those with a hearty appetite, ensuring a satisfying meal that offers good value.

• Quality Rice: One reviewer specifically praised the rice, noting it's "more like Japanese rice, soft and kinda sticky." This attention to a fundamental component of Japanese cuisine can significantly enhance the overall dining experience, especially for sushi and rice bowls.

• Fresh Sashimi: Despite being a general Japanese restaurant and not solely a sushi bar, customers commend the freshness of their sashimi, noting its quality in comparison to other options, particularly around the airport area.

• Comforting and Refreshing Soups: The soups, including the "refreshing" broth, are often appreciated, providing a comforting element to the meal, especially for those feeling "cold and exhausted," as one reviewer mentioned.

• Extensive Menu Variety: Tomokazu offers a broad selection beyond just sushi, encompassing teriyaki, katsu, udon, sukiyaki, and even zosui. This extensive menu ensures that there's something to satisfy nearly any craving for Japanese food.

• Convenient Location for Travelers: Its proximity to SFO makes it a highly convenient and "worthy" dining stop for those traveling, providing a quality meal option near the airport without venturing too far.

• Long-Standing Presence and Authenticity: With over twenty years of serving the Bay Area and a name signifying "friend" and "harmony," Tomokazu commits to presenting authentic Japanese cuisine and fostering a welcoming environment.

While specific, ongoing promotional deals are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, many Japanese restaurants, particularly those with a broad menu like Tomokazu, often feature:

• Lunch Specials: It is common for Japanese restaurants to offer specially priced lunch Bento boxes or set meals during weekday lunch hours.

• Happy Hour: Some establishments might have happy hour specials on appetizers or drinks during off-peak hours.

• Seasonal or Daily Specials: Restaurants may highlight seasonal ingredients or daily chef specials, offering unique dishes for a limited time.

For the most current information on any promotions or special offers, it is always recommended to check their official website (if available), their social media pages, or call Tomokazu directly at (650) 821-8899 before your visit. They also offer delivery through platforms like DoorDash, which may have their own promotional deals.

Ready to enjoy a satisfying Japanese meal at Tomokazu? Here's how to reach them:

Address: 301 San Pedro Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA

Phone: (650) 821-8899

For California locals, Tomokazu in Millbrae stands out as a highly suitable and reliable choice for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its appeal for local residents is multifaceted. Firstly, the emphasis on generous portions ensures that diners leave feeling fully satisfied, offering excellent value for their meal. This is a significant factor for everyday dining. Secondly, the consistent praise for the quality of their rice and the freshness of their sashimi underscores a commitment to the fundamental elements of Japanese cooking, appealing to those who appreciate genuine flavors.

The broad and diverse menu ensures that Tomokazu can cater to various preferences and cravings, from light sushi to hearty teriyaki and comforting noodle soups. This versatility makes it a go-to spot for different occasions, whether it’s a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends. Furthermore, its convenient location in Millbrae, coupled with options for both dine-in and takeout/delivery, seamlessly integrates it into the daily lives of local residents. For those in the Bay Area, especially given its proximity to SFO, Tomokazu serves as a consistent and welcoming destination to enjoy a wide array of well-prepared Japanese dishes, embodying its name's promise of "harmony" through food.

Tomokazu

301 San Pedro Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030, USA