Nestled in San Francisco’s Bay Area, Palo Alto is a breathtaking city in California that is known as the heart of Silicon Valley. Facebook, Google, and other global businesses were founded on this side of the US and the city has since then been incorporated with innovation and technology. Also, Stanford University resides in Palo Alto. More so, it has a vibrant art scene and the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts Center is a testament to that. This museum boasts majestic sculpture gardens that are well-trafficked with tourists. If it’s a culinary experience you’re after, Palo Alto has a myriad of excellent eateries that will take you to a gastronomic escapade that you’ll enjoy. For your guidance, here is a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Palo Alto, California. Feel free to browse below.
1. Dohatsuten
Planning an exciting holiday in Palo Alto anytime soon? Curating an elaborate itinerary? Don’t forget to add excellent restaurants on your list. If you are into Japanese food, you must try the offerings of Dohatsuten. Located in San Antonio Road, Dohatsuten is a simple and quaint yet cozy dining spot that is popular for its savory ramen specialties. You can enjoy your food indoors or outdoors in its alfresco dining area, where you can people-watch as you indulge in your palatable noodle eats. More so, Dohatsuten also offers classic Japanese fare such as sushi and gyoza. Beer and sake are also available at this minimalist Japanese restaurant.
Dohatsuten
Address: 799 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
Website: Dohatsuten
Opening hours: 11:30am - 1:30pm, 5:30pm - 8pm (daily)
2. YAYOI
YAYOI is a successful Japanese culinary business with a multitude of outlets around the world. You will be delighted that this famous food business has a branch in Palo Alto and it is situated on University Avenue. Its dining place showcases a sleek and minimalist interior design with lots of natural light permeating the place through expansive glass windows. What’s more interesting about it is that guests can pick their meals on high-tech tablets that each table in the restaurant features. YAYOI Palo Alto has an extensive menu that will overwhelm you, with everything from ramen, udon to dumplings, sushi, a variety of curry, and hearty set menu options.
YAYOI
Address: 403 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Website: YAYOI
Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)
3. Kanpai
Another excellent dining spot in Palo Alto that is a sure hit among Asian food lovers is Kanpai. Kanpai nestles in Lytton Avenue, and it boasts of a charming interior design that resembles authentic oriental eateries. It has a tranquil kind of vibe that is very much a reflection of Japan’s character. You can relish mouthwatering eats in simple table settings or enjoy your food right in front of the chef while picking from an elaborate chef’s tasting menu. Traditional Japanese specialties are given a contemporary touch in Kanpai. Some of the best dishes it offers include a selection of donburi, a variety of udon, teriyaki specialties, sushi, sashimi, and a lot more. Plus, Kanpai has a wide array of sake for customers to choose from.
Kanpai
Address: 330 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Website: Kanpai
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 5:30pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm
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4. Fuki Sushi
Can’t get enough of Asian food? Whether you have Asian ancestry or you just have a taste for oriental flavors, you will surely love the food and the vibes at Fuki Sushi. Located in El Camino Real, Fuki Sushi is your go-to for your classic Japanese favorites. Impressively, it will not only take you to a gastronomic adventure but it will also make you feel like you flew all the way to Japan with its captivating traditional Japanese interior design. Plus, they have tatami rooms for a more intimate dining experience. Fuki Sushi is known for its delicious sushi bites. Other than those, be sure to try its fried oysters, kushiyaki mori, gindara kasuzuke, chicken karaage, kinoko foil yaki, and others.
Fuki Sushi
Address: 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Website: Fuki Sushi
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 5:30pm - 9pm
5. Sushi Tomo
Need more Japanese food restaurants suggestions for your upcoming Palo Alto adventure? Whether you are driving solo, with friends, or with the whole family, Sushi Tomo is an ideal dining spot for all groups of diners, even for solo wanderers. It resides in El Camino Way and it boasts charming, chic, and bright interiors with a combination of traditional Japanese decors and contemporary furnishings. On top of that, its ceilings will take your breath away with its beautifully painted sky-like design. Sushi Tomo is a haven for sushi lovers but it also has dishes for people with a big appetite, such as Japanese curries, rolls, teriyaki, katsu, udon bowls, soba, and sumptuous bento box meals.
Sushi Tomo
Address: 4131 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
6. Jin Sho
Whether you are looking for a restaurant where you can treat your family to some delicious Japanese fare or a dining spot to celebrate a special occasion, Jin Sho is a good choice for Asian food lovers, with or without a milestone to celebrate. It is an upscale culinary paradise with modern decors in pastel colors, minimalist table setting, a bar seating area, and charming alfresco dining. Jin Sho’s specialties are fresh sushi delights, black cod with miso, Angus beef toban yaki, salmon teriyaki, and a multitude of delicious rolls.
Jin Sho
Address: 454 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Website: Jin Sho
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:45am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Sat: 5:30pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
7. Sushirrito
Sushirrito is located on University Avenue. It is a fabulously minimalist and chic dining spot with beige-colored walls and simple decors. Sushirrito welcomes guests to its indoor dining area and a small outdoor seating place. Also, customers can have their eats to-go or have them delivered at their doorstep. Sushirrito is famous for its affordable yet delicious Japanese fares that are given a Latin twist. Surely, you will fall in love with its variety of palatable sushi burritos, bowls, shrimp tempura, lava nachos, and mochi to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sushirrito
Address: 448 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Website: Sushirrito
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
8. Odori Japanese Cuisine
Your exciting Asian food crawl in Palo Alto will not come full circle until you try the delicious delicacies at Odori Japanese Cuisine. It is located in El Camino Real. Odori Japanese Cusine will make your dining experience a joyful one with its well-lit, modest interior design and cozy seatings. Aside from its interiors, it will delight you by only utilizing the freshest ingredients in the market. Its seafood fare maximizes ingredients that are shipped straight from a huge fish market in the Land of the Rising Sun. Odori Japenese Cuisine serves mouthwatering sushi specialties, ramen, udon, soba, and teppanyaki varieties as well as teriyaki, tonkatsu, and different dinner combinations.
Odori Japanese Cuisine
Address: 2111 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Website: Odori Japanese Cuisine
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 4:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)
9. Onigilly
Make the most of your adventure in Palo Alto by adding a delicious lunch or dinner in Onigilly in your exciting itinerary. This fantastic Japanese restaurant is situated in the bustling University Avenue. It features a minimalist interior design with rustic accents, and it exudes a cozy, cool, and airy ambiance that adds relaxing vibes. This business revolves around a simple mission, whose goal is to provide customers with mouthwatering yet affordable eats that will compel them to come back for more, every time they are in the area. Some of Onigilly’s blockbuster dishes include chicken karaage, tofu noodle soup, teriyaki chicken, and a lot more.
Onigilly
Address: 164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Website: Onigilly
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
10. Sushi House
Find yourself craving for classic Japanese favorites? Satisfy your culinary desires and drive straight to Sushi House for your fill of palatable oriental eats. You’ll find Sushi House in the vibrant Town & Country Village. It is a fantastic fast-food restaurant that serves authentic Japanese dishes and classic staples that you can either enjoy indoor or have to-go. You can order sushi and sashimi, bento box combinations, and noodles or salad dishes in Sushi House. Beverages are also available in this fantastic Japanese restaurant, from sake and Japenese beer to tea and soft drinks.
Sushi House
Address: 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Website: Sushi House
Opening hours: 11am - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 8:30pm (daily)
Go on a culinary adventure in Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a captivating city with diverse offerings which makes it an ideal getaway destination for all types of tourists. Whether you are into arts, technology, or leisure activities, Palo Alto will not disappoint you. More so, it is a haven for foodies, especially those who are into Japanese specialties. If you are an oriental food lover, use this list as your guide in coming up with a memorable Japanese food crawl itinerary in Palo Alto.
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