Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine

For Californians in the Peninsula area seeking a reliable and welcoming spot for Japanese cuisine, Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine in Burlingame offers a diverse menu that caters to a variety of preferences. This local establishment aims to provide a unique dining experience, emphasizing "Tomo" (friend) and "Kazu" (harmony), inviting guests to connect through food. With a long-standing presence in the community, Tomokazu has become a go-to for many, known for its extensive offerings beyond just sushi, and its commitment to attentive service.

Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine prides itself on offering a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes, from fresh seafood options like sashimi and nigiri to comforting noodle soups, satisfying teriyaki entrees, and a creative selection of sushi rolls. Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends, a family dinner, or a quick bite, Tomokazu provides a relaxed setting. While some dishes may vary in quality, the overall sentiment highlights its value as a local Japanese restaurant with a broad appeal and a particularly friendly staff that makes every visit pleasant.

You'll find Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine conveniently located at 1101 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA. This address places it in a well-established and accessible part of Burlingame, a charming city on the Peninsula known for its vibrant downtown and community feel. Howard Avenue provides good connectivity within Burlingame, making Tomokazu an easy destination for locals and visitors alike.

Accessibility to Tomokazu is generally straightforward for California residents. While street parking can be available, Burlingame also offers various public parking options in the vicinity. Notably, there is often a parking structure on the same block, and public parking is typically free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and on holidays, making evening and weekend visits particularly convenient. The restaurant's location is a bit removed from the busiest parts of Burlingame Avenue, which can sometimes translate to slightly easier parking. For those using public transport, Burlingame is served by Caltrain and local bus lines, providing further accessibility. The welcoming ambiance and variety of seating options, including traditional tables and private rooms, contribute to a comfortable and accessible dining experience for all.

Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine offers a comprehensive menu designed to satisfy a wide range of Japanese food cravings. Their services and offerings include:

• Diverse Dine-in Menu: They provide a broad selection of Japanese dishes for dine-in, including:

  • Sushi & Sashimi: A wide variety of nigiri (2 pcs), classic makimono rolls (e.g., Tekka Maki, California Roll), and numerous Chef Special Rolls (e.g., 49er Roll, Rainbow Roll, Burlingame Roll, Phoenix Roll). Sashimi options are also available.

  • Appetizers & Deep-Fried Delights: A full range of appetizers like Miso Soup, Edamame, Yaki Gyoza (chicken and pork potstickers), Horenso Gomaae (spinach with sesame sauce), and grilled items like Ika Maruyaki (whole squid). Deep-fried options include various Tempura (shrimp, vegetable, seafood), Chicken Kara-Age, Agedashi Tofu, and Kaki Fry (deep-fried oysters).

  • Noodle Soups & Congee: Offers comforting bowls of Udon noodle soups (Beef Udon, Chicken Udon, Tempura Udon, Nabeyaki Udon) and traditional Japanese congee (Zosui) with various protein options like chicken, crab, or seafood.

  • Teriyaki & Katsu Entrees: Hearty main courses such as Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Tonkatsu (pork cutlet), Chicken Katsu, and Beef Katsu, typically served with rice and salad.

  • Grilled & Skewered Items: A selection of grilled chicken, beef, pork, lamb, and seafood items (e.g., Aspara-Beef, Beef Short Ribs, Scallop, Hamachi Fillet).

  • Donburi & Chirashi: Rice bowls topped with various ingredients like Unaju (grilled eel over rice) and Chirashi Dinner (assorted fish over sushi rice).

  • Sunomono: Japanese cucumber salads with various seafood additions.

• Lunch Specials: Available Monday to Friday, offering convenient and often value-oriented options for a midday meal.

• Seating Options: Tomokazu provides a unique dining experience with various seating arrangements, including traditional tatami style seating where you take off your shoes, private dining rooms for bigger parties or reservations, standard tables, and bar space in front of the sushi chefs for a more interactive experience.

• Reservations Accepted: They accept reservations, particularly for larger parties or private rooms, which is a convenient service for planning events.

• Takeout & Delivery: For added convenience, Tomokazu offers takeout services and delivery through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, allowing customers to enjoy their food at home.

• Complimentary Dessert: Many customers highlight the "FREE DESSERT Ice Cream," often featuring popular Asian flavors like black sesame, green tea, and jasmine.

• Attentive Service: The staff is consistently praised for being "soooo nice," "attentive," "kind," and "quick to seat us and get us settled with water and a tea pot," making the dining experience pleasant.

Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine boasts several features that make it a prominent and cherished spot for Japanese dining among California locals:

• Fresh Seafood: A consistent highlight is the "fresh seafood," with customers noting the excellent texture and taste of salmon and oysters, which were "super fresh" and "didn't have a fishy, ocean taste." The quality of ingredients, especially for sushi and sashimi, is a significant draw.

• Extensive Menu Variety: Tomokazu truly offers "EVERY item you could possibly think of" in Japanese cuisine, from sushi and udon to grilled items, curries, and traditional zosui (rice porridge). This vast selection caters to all palates and ensures there's something for every craving.

• Excellent and Friendly Service: The staff receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for being "soooo nice," "very good and helpful," "attentive," and "always so kind." This commitment to service creates a welcoming and pleasant dining atmosphere, often outweighing any minor food criticisms.

• Unique Seating Options: The availability of traditional tatami style seating and private dining rooms offers a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience not commonly found everywhere, appealing to those looking for a special occasion or a more intimate setting.

• Complimentary Ice Cream: The "FREE DESSERT Ice Cream" is a much-loved bonus, with customers appreciating the variety of Asian flavors (black sesame, green tea, jasmine), providing a sweet and satisfying end to the meal.

• Reasonable Pricing: Despite offering a wide range of dishes and a pleasant dining environment, Tomokazu is considered "affordable" and provides "pretty good value," making it accessible for regular visits.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Described as a "solid place with great quality sushi and comfort foods," it's suitable for "casual dining" and "family meals," having served some families for "20 years."

• Consistency and Longevity: Being a "classic" and "solid place" that has "been here forever" indicates a long-standing reputation for consistency and reliability within the community.

Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine offers value through its diverse menu, pleasant dining experience, and generous portions. While specific time-limited promotions aren't widely advertised in the provided reviews, here's what locals can consider regarding special offers:

• Lunch Specials: As a common practice in many Japanese restaurants, Tomokazu likely offers lunch specials during weekdays (Monday-Friday). These specials often provide a combination of sushi, main entrees, and sides at a more affordable price point, making them an excellent value for a midday meal. Reviewers mention "the lunch special of sashimi and tonkatsu, or the chirashi bowl."

• Complimentary Dessert: The "FREE DESSERT Ice Cream" at the end of the meal is a consistent and much-appreciated perk that adds value to the dining experience. While not a discount on the main meal, it's a delightful added benefit that encourages customer satisfaction and repeat visits.

• Reasonable Pricing for Portions: While one review mentioned the "beef udon" quality was "mediocre" despite a "huge" portion, other reviews suggest that overall, the pricing is "affordable" and offers "good value" for the portion sizes and variety, especially for rolls and hamachi nigiri. This inherent value might be considered a standing offer for many customers.

• Online Delivery Platform Deals: When ordering through platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats, customers might occasionally find platform-specific promotions such as "free delivery" for first-time users or special discounts offered by the platform itself, which would apply to Tomokazu's menu.

For the most current information on any daily specials or seasonal offerings, it's always best to check their official website or inquire directly when dining in.

To enjoy the diverse Japanese offerings and welcoming atmosphere of Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 1101 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

• Phone: (650) 340-8766

Reservations are accepted, particularly for larger parties or to secure a private tatami room, which can be a good idea during peak dining hours.

For California locals, especially those in the Burlingame area, Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine presents a highly suitable and appealing option for Japanese dining. Its primary strength lies in its diverse and extensive menu, offering everything from fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty noodle soups, satisfying teriyaki dishes, and various small plates. This broad selection ensures that there’s truly something for every palate and craving, making it an excellent choice for individuals, families, and groups with varied tastes. Locals appreciate this versatility, finding it a reliable spot for casual dinners or even special occasions due to its unique tatami seating and private rooms.

The exceptionally friendly and attentive service is a consistent highlight, with staff frequently praised for being "soooo nice" and "kind." This warm hospitality creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that significantly enhances the dining experience, fostering a sense of community. The added bonus of complimentary Asian-flavored ice cream at the end of the meal is a delightful touch that leaves a lasting positive impression and encourages repeat visits.

Furthermore, Tomokazu's accessible location on Howard Avenue, coupled with convenient parking options (especially free after 6 PM), makes it an easy and practical choice for residents. While opinions on specific dishes like the beef udon may vary, the overall consensus points to a restaurant that provides good value for money across its wide array of offerings. Its long-standing presence in Burlingame as a "solid" and "classic" Japanese restaurant underscores its reliability and suitability as a trusted local favorite for authentic Japanese cuisine.

Tomokazu Japanese Cuisine

1101 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA