Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Gombei in San Jose

4.4 (199) 193 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States

Categories

Japanese restaurant
Sushi restaurant

Location on the map

San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, US

Phone: +1 408-279-4311
Site: http://gombei.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11 AM–1:30 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–1:30 PM
Thursday:11 AM–1:30 PM
Friday:11 AM–1:30 PM
Saturday:11 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.4

199 Reviews for Gombei 2024:

Review №1

2023-12-04 07:33:57

My parents have been going to the location in Menlo Park since before I was born and they were even married. Its a long time family favorite for good value Japanese food. I grew up eating there all the time and finally got a chance to come to the San Jose location after ours closed down a few years ago. The Gombei dinner is always a good option for variety. Also check the special entrees and sides on the board.

Review №2

2023-07-21 02:23:33

Homey Japanese restaurant for comfort food. You order what you crave and you get it promptly. 3 of us tried their special poke combo. It was way more than we could eat. The variety was awesome. One plate could serve two people. Service is nice. Next time I will try ramen or curry dishes.

Review №3

2023-08-25 15:40:29

Quiet little hole in the wall restaurants are my absolute favorite, this place was no disappointment. Their food was not only delicious, the portions are HUGE. Service was fast and friendly and food came fast. Will definitely come back to try other dishes.I had the Teriyaki chicken with fried calamari and it was fantastic.

Review №4

2023-11-09 08:05:52

This is a great neighborhood restaurant for classic Japanese fare. The menu is short and sweet, which allows them to focus on quality. We sat at the bar and the chefs were impressive to watch. The gyoza were perfectly crispy and delicious, so I would definitely start there and work your way through the menu.

Review №5

2022-11-27 05:03:33

Good value and also good if you like that “home cooking” style Japanese food.Nov 26, 2022 update:Been here many times for dinner but this was the first time for lunch. It’s pretty much the same menu but I think a bit cheaper.Spicy chicken was good, especially with the rice. Miso soup good and I like the iceberg lettuce salad with the creamy dressing. All this for $13.We also had the fried mackerel with steak combo. This was one of the specials on the white board menu in the back. I think it was $19.Service always friendly and fast here.

Review №6

2023-01-12 16:38:08

When I have extra time on my hands I love to take a drive and explore a new spot. I know this place has been around for awhile but for me it’s new! I wish I had only got to try it earlier.The food here is very good. So good that I came back one week later. I had the special and it was good. It came with chicken, salad, soup, rice, side of cucumber salad and tuna.The service is quick and friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice lunch spot with no thrills. Only a healthy appetite.I will definitely return when I’m free.

Review №7

2023-11-25 02:04:06

Excelent food!!! Dishes are big but great!! Specially the panko spanish mackarel and the udon

Review №8

2023-02-25 11:11:03

I had the lunch combo which is good for a light lunch. More choice than other nearby Japanese restaurants. You can request no rice if you try to lower your carbs and dont waste the food.

Review №9

2023-12-02 23:30:37

Two ladies working there always boldly ask for tips for take out orders. One day I was not in the mood to tip the lady who used to be rude. She yelled No tip?! and rolled her eyes. The new owner is good, but the ladies working are definitely the rudest and condescending people I ever encountered. I wont go in if these two ladies are there.

Review №10

2023-09-28 13:58:57

Friendly wait staff. Greàt food. I ordered the stuffed tofu. It was good. I also ordered the spicy chicken salad. It was yummy as well as super fresh/clean food.I really enjoyed the whole meal. Affordable dinner for 1. $ 24. W/O tip.Definitely going back

Review №11

2023-10-28 01:03:42

Quality home food. Their braised fish is perfection. Nice and juicy with crispy skin and a light smokey flavor. I wish they had grated diakon to go with it, but honestly the fish was just prepared so well. The other star stopper is their croquettes. Such flavors of home. Highly recommend. I went on a Friday right when they opened and it wasnt too packed. Theres not a lot of parking though.

Review №12

2023-08-01 12:01:57

The baked tofu and grilled fish special was tasty but the portion size was pretty small and the price has gone up a lot. The waitress was very pleasant and efficient. They close at 1:30 for lunch on Friday so dont go late.One more note: The grilled fish came as two pieces near the gills. So a lot of cartilage and bone and not that much meat. Definitely, a sub-standard piece of the fish.

Review №13

2023-11-10 01:27:16

This is still my go-to Japanese diner in Japantown. Ive been coming here for the past few decades. Its good, nostalgic Japanese food. Prices are good and the specials are worth checking. Highly recommend.

Review №14

2022-10-07 22:23:39

A bit underwhelming of an experience personally. Their only vegetarian option was a tofu stir fry with rice and salad, nothing too special. The food came out quickly and tasted fine but typically not something Id go to a restaurant for. All their broths / soups had some meat in it, pretty disappointing. I will add the service and atmosphere were great on a busy weekend evening. But its not a spot Ill visit again given the limited choices (or rather choice) for vegetarians / vegans.

Review №15

2022-10-16 01:06:47

Inside seating was full so had to sit at a sidewalk table. The weather was perfect, but there was no shade so sitting in the sun the whole time. Lots of foot traffic going by on the sidewalk. The food was very good but not the best Japanese food Ive had. Its kind of basic. The lunch portion was a good price. The service was wonderful. Very nice.

Review №16

2023-04-09 23:03:25

Udon was delicious and the portion was enormous.I was seating at the counter and it was very interesting to see how the food is being cooked.The place is very simple and is tiny inside, not many seats. They also have couple of tables outside.

Review №17

2023-07-15 00:21:30

Delicious Japanese family style meals in SJ Jtown 🍛

Review №18

2023-04-19 02:27:32

Food is is so authentic and amazing. I have no complaints except for sometimes I see a bug flying around in this restaurant, but thats uncontrollable. In the picture I got their Lunch special Poki Sashimi & Fried Chicken with Vinegar Sauce - delicious!

Review №19

2023-03-14 20:54:07

Ive gotten the teriyaki chicken with the shrimp as very excellent. The shrimp could have done without the sauce and the teriyaki needed a little bit more sauce but other than that was fantastic. I didnt expect a salad with it or the soup My wife got the seafood platter or surprising was very good. You know I was at two fan of the squid but the salmon was pretty good

Review №20

2023-06-20 05:42:27

Portion is huge. Inexpensive. Friendly staff. Taste is just ok.

Review №21

2023-09-13 14:42:36

The food was delicious, and there were some really traditional choices. Try something off the Specials menu on the whiteboard. You wont go wrong. And the dinner prices were super reasonable.

Review №22

2021-09-11 06:40:48

We will definitely be coming back! The portions were generous and the prices were really reasonable. The food reminded me of comfort meals I ate in Japan, especially the katsu curry, which was sweet and well-spiced. It was also really cool to see nimono on the menu, which ended up being delicious

Review №23

2023-04-05 02:35:53

Really great! 🤤 Just everything you want out of a restaurant: fast, well priced, deliciousness + theres outdoor seating now 🌞

Review №24

2021-12-18 07:57:41

It was not fresh food. Mackerel has fishy smell and pork cutlet has very bad smell. I could not eat at all. I think their frying batter was not good condition or they might use old oil. We had stomach problem after eating. I don’t understand how they got good review. I was very disappointed with their food and service (the aunty was a bit gruff).

Review №25

2023-05-05 02:27:43

Update from a long time ago - it’s still family style neighborhood eatery - the specials in the white board are always my go toFood is good - comfort food - the curry is perfectIt helps to get here at the open - gets busy at 6

Review №26

2017-04-04 20:31:45

My favorite Japanese home-styled cooking restaurant. Have been here for countless years and still cooking the same good food! Many choices and all have good quality and tastes! I always order fried tofu, teriyaki steak with fried calamari.

Review №27

2020-10-26 00:02:23

Last Friday I was walking around Japantown and I saw the food that was served on one table so I decided to return the next day for lunch and it was worth it!Upon entering the place they take your temperature (which is appreciated, and the asking for it in a very friendly way). The place is very clean, each table has the necessary distance, and they take all the covid19 sanitary precautions.The staff is super friendly and checking if you need anything. I had curry sauce with tofu (which came with rice and salad) and my friend asked for GOMBEI (Deep Fried Shrimp & Croquette with chicken teriyaki) served with soup, salad, & rice. The food is very tasty and the portions are big (thank god I didnt ask for an appetizer).If you are in Japantown or close to, this is deftly a good choice to have lunch or dinner!

Review №28

2021-07-04 18:55:43

A decent Japanese place located in downtown San Jose! I came here with a small wait and got the croquette and the curry udon - I thought that the curry udon didn’t have that much flavor actually so that was a little disappointing but the tofu was good in it. The croquettes were definitely more of the star in the dish and they had really good tonkatsu sauce which was tasty and a great pairing. The waiters here are really nice and patient so service is good! Probably would want to order something different next time since my curry udon was a bit disappointing.

Review №29

2023-08-31 04:48:29

If you like Japanese food and have ever been to Japan to see how things are really done, you will like this place. Its too clean and well run to be a dive but you will feel right at home anyway. They feature basic Japanese fare except sushi (although they do have sashimi specials every so often). Combination plates are typically served with miso soup and tofu - try the mackerel or chicken/beef yakinuku for a change of pace. Donburi (rice with meat) is good. Udon noodles for a warm up in winter and soba noodles for a cool down in summer. We love this place.

Review №30

2022-06-08 18:02:53

I went here on a drunkenly for the second time. The last time I was here I got the curry and it was amazing. I went with their special which was the spicy chicken with the fried oysters. It was delicious even though the initial plan was to get the curry. The oysters are fried in panko and it was juicy and tasted fresh. The chicken was thighs and it had the right amount of kick to it. Not overwhelmingly spicy. There is a nice older Japanese lady who greets you at the door which is the most perfect thing to this restaurant. Very happy with this store and I hope it continue to strive.

Review №31

2023-06-12 00:51:09

This is everything that you would want from a home style Japanese restaurant. The teriyaki chicken is the best I’ve ever had and their salad dressing is excellent. Whenever I’m in the Bay Area I pay a visit to Gombei.

Review №32

2021-05-15 23:22:48

We loved Gombei cant believe we have never tried it before. The curry was amazing and the stuffed tofu was unique. Definitely going back for both and to try new things.

Review №33

2019-11-17 03:42:47

A cozy spot in Japantown that serves delicious food. The menu has a variety of options with bento, seafood, Udon, and shashimi. We tried the fried shrimp, chicken teriyaki, yellow tail, and pork udon. Everything was delicious and served quickly. Staff was attentive. Please remember it is cash only .

Review №34

2019-12-08 05:10:03

The place is rather small, so expecting to wait for the seats. The rice is kind of too soft for me. The portion for curry katsu is big while the curry is average. The yakiniku is bit salty and too many tendons. The sashimi operation is small. The small side dishes are not bad! The breaded part for panko white fish is too thick. The fried stuffed tofu tastes great!

Review №35

2023-08-01 02:13:55

Gombei can still get busy for lunch -- one recent weekend saw a 20 minute wait starting at 12:45. The hearty food (chicken katsu and beef yakiniku) and efficient service continue to satisfy.

Review №36

2017-10-26 05:14:21

Love the soups (hot pot) here. Very light yet tasty. Can finish the whole bowl easily. The teriyaki chicken is tender, but the sauce is only average. Only cash is accepted!

Review №37

2023-09-10 21:20:44

No frail Japanese foods, not bad for the price. The teriyaki chicken was not that good, the tofu don was tasty, the pork cutlet with curry rice was really good.

Review №38

2023-07-10 04:19:43

I had the Obon special tonkatsu curry today and wow, Ive never had tonkatsu that good! Very tender, and the most wonderful flavor. Super umami. The curry sauce was good, mildly spicy, and the serving size overall was quite large.This place is very popular, with lots of locals and also visitors from Japan.

Review №39

2023-05-19 01:52:28

Been coming here for a long time and it never disappoints. Great Japanese comfort food!

Review №40

2023-07-12 03:53:37

The food is not bad, but nothing special. If I am hungry and the restaurant is right in front of me, I will have my meal there.

Review №41

2022-07-26 19:46:48

This place never changes. Been around forever serving the same menu. First time I ate there was almost forty years ago and it was excellent then just like now.

Review №42

2019-02-28 02:38:16

This Japanese restaurant represents home cooking at its best but do come early as they fill up fast. They don’t take reservation over the phone as it is first-come-first-serve and no sign up sheet either when you arrive. Just line up but make sure all parties are present before you get seated. The menu is ranged from teriyaki, Japanese udon to tofu hotpot; but do check out their daily special menu hand written on a whiteboard at the back before ordering. I specially like their bento box with miso soup, salad, rice and a choice of chicken, fish, shrimp or beef and a slice of orange. It’s priced reasonably for the amount of food that you get. The restaurant is small for now though I see some signs of expansion when I recently visited. It’s in the Japantown in San Jose. The service is great and efficient. Only street parking with meters is available near the restaurant. Oh, by the way, please remember to bring cash as they don’t take credit card nor check.

Review №43

2023-04-16 03:37:08

Its been quite a while since last time I was there.But tastes havent been changed a bit.Still good Japanese Teishoku (everyday casual set menu) with a reasonable price. It was my favorite and regular eating place before Pandemic. But last three years I went there only once or twice. Yet lady remembered me and greeted me nicely. Amazing ! This is the one of a few businesses at Bay Area which has been operating for decades.

Review №44

2018-04-11 01:41:54

This is my favorite restaurant. For the past 20ish years I’ve been going here, the quality has remained consistent, and even many of the workers are the same. Don’t come in expecting trendy food. They stick with Japanese comfort food, and are probably the best in the Bay Area for it.The specials on the whiteboard bring variety to the menu and are always delicious. I’d suggest getting their fried tofu as well. Eating alone and in small groups is easy here—larger parties have to fight for the shared table in the back. Also, CASH only!

Review №45

2019-07-19 06:22:13

We loved coming here before and we still do. They remodeled and there are new floors and the bathroom is now in front. I do miss the one long table in the back that seated up to 8 people. We had to break up our group into two tables this time. Front counter seating is till the same in front of the cooking area. The daily menu has specials sometimes surpises with sashimi. The combinations is what they are known for. Seating is limited with waits usually ar lunch and dinners. Cash only.

Review №46

2019-05-26 02:34:26

Horrible food. It cant go back to its best time. I have been here since 2004 and eaten here every week. In the past 5 years, food has gone downhill and tonight was the worse ever. No more coming back.

Review №47

2019-03-06 15:11:13

I was really rather like this JP restaurant because there meals had local flavor, and their rice was above average in San Jose. Fresh ingredients, enough size, even healthy.

Review №48

2018-05-30 21:23:56

OMG WHAT A SPOT!!! The food was absolutely delicious. We regret not tasting the daily specials but our dishes were delightful. Though not on the menu (simply ask), the katsu curry hit the spot. Flavorful, generous portions and the best chicken Ive had in the Bay area. Will come again. Bring cash! Curious if they have omurice....and if they do, you know what I am ordering. Thanks for a great dinner!

Review №49

2017-01-22 08:36:51

Gombei is fast and delicious stop for a reasonable price. Ive literally had 100 Gombei meals go into my mouth and out my butt.AVOID busy hours. Around 12:30pm. Around 7:00pm. Avoid them. Youll be waiting in line that has no list. Sometimes, you get the rude customers that just walk into the front and get seated. Then you finally get seated only for the workers to forget to take your order. If you can avoid those hours, this place will be a very pleasant experience.Cash OnlyGo to the back area to see whats on the special menu. They always have 5 menu items that are special for the day.Avoid Poke Mackerel. Its too difficult to eat. Youll be picking bones and sometimes get some bitter parts of the fish in your mouthClosed on Sundays. Youll end up going to Sushi Maru and then realize everyone did the same thing and youll be waiting for a long time.Dont know what to get? Just get the Beef + Tonkatsu combo. How do you want the beef cooked? Medium Rare.This place is very welcoming even if you are alone. Have a seat at the counter and you can watch the chefs cooking while you wait.Other NotesThe workers are generally very friendly except for their oldest waitress. They all do good work though. The guys in the back cooking are very sharp and get the food done quick!Beef, Chicken, Pork, anything fried - they do it the best. Nice perfect rice, miso soup, crunchy fried katsu.Salad - Salad always comes drenched in dressing so ask for the dressing on the side.Soup - Stay away from udon, yakiniku or their tofu soups (only served during dinner). Its just not that great. The udon noodles are too soft.

Review №50

2019-09-09 13:17:59

Homey and yummy food. No bentos, but pork cutlet can be dry. Got the salmon and oyster special...$16.50

Review №51

2017-05-14 23:05:48

A little disappointed due to our waiter. Food was Ok but he ordered hastily and forgot to serve beer...They will add tips in bill, and CASH only here.

Review №52

2023-09-20 00:06:28

The best Japanese food for a reasonable price. Show up early or be prepared to wait.

Review №53

2023-02-24 17:19:54

This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in all of San Jose! The croquettes in particular are excellent.

Review №54

2022-03-10 19:19:53

Very nice and chill japanese restaurant. Foods aren’t too expensive.

Review №55

2019-06-24 20:38:36

Their tofu hotpot is a must! Go try this place if you want authentic Japanese food. But FYI you should go to the restaurant earlier, make sure all party is present and bring cash with you cuz they don’t accept credit card.Enjoy the food!

Review №56

2023-03-10 00:33:54

I would avoid there. Saw a bug on the table, couldnt confirm if it is a baby cockroach or what. And got diarrhea after ate medium rare steak. The waitress is nice though, she caught the bug for us.

Review №57

2023-08-09 06:24:29

Gombei is a great casual spot for very homey Japanese food. The specials are great and definitely recommended.

Review №58

2023-10-25 02:43:17

Authentic Japanese food in a modest and fast paced environment. Will return

Review №59

2023-05-29 00:52:49

Very disappointed on their tonkatsudon, felt more like soupy and watery..barely noticed the eggs. Did not look or taste authentic. Definitely not coming here again.

Review №60

2019-09-18 23:40:50

Excellent authentic japanese food. Portion was quite big and filling.

Review №61

2023-08-08 02:15:56

Not too bad. Food was good, I was hungry and there was a lot of food served.

Review №62

2022-12-22 20:18:10

I have been a fan of Gombei for a while. Consistently it is good. When I was younger I got the typical teriyakid meats and tempura. Now I love eating off the special menu with a grilled fish and a fried tofu type of special. Its cash only, so be prepared. A gem of a spot in Japantown

Review №63

2023-08-30 00:53:04

Awesome atmosphere and food has a homeish feel to it.

Review №64

2022-01-09 02:40:07

The restaurant was a nice atmosphere with helpful and happy staff. Unfortunately the katsu curry that I had was lacking flavor. It felt like a watered down version of the real thing. My wifes combination meal was a little bit better but not enough to make up for it. Hopefully others have a better experience.

Review №65

2022-10-30 23:38:22

Food is delicious and comes in pretty big portions. I went with one of the specials and was not disappointed. Really quick and considerate service - cant wait to come back and try another special!

Review №66

2017-04-20 16:37:51

Good service and food. Place was crowded for lunch around 1 pm on a Sunday but we managed to get a table without a long wait.

Review №67

2022-05-18 18:49:01

Great food though they do not serve sushi alone. Its like set meals where you will get soup and salad along with a main dish. It has a Change of ownership notice lately, hope that the restaurant will stay. My family always enjoys their food and service. Parking is sometimes challenging in the area.

Review №68

2022-07-30 03:19:49

Oh yes I live in Cali this japantown restaurant is amazing so delish .....I ate everything that came with my dinner 🥳😋

Review №69

2022-07-06 23:39:22

Japanese comfort food - every time I come here, I feel so happy. This is the real deal! The food is clearly cooked with love, and it is so delicious! Last time I had a grilled salmon lunch plate - salmon was cooked perfectly. Today I had the shrimp udon, which had a generous amount of shrimp, and of course I added an egg. The broth was delicious, the noodles perfectly chewy. And the prices are super reasonable - $13 for a large bowl of udon.

Review №70

2019-12-15 00:47:39

Cute little restaurant, quick turn around and the food was really delicious. Go try it!

Review №71

2023-05-30 21:18:29

Always have a good meal. Service is exceptional. Prices are reasonable.

Review №72

2023-07-17 01:06:38

Staff were super friendly and helpful!!! The food was great :D

Review №73

2022-05-04 02:27:24

The food was great service was pretty quick and super friendly

Review №74

2021-09-19 18:01:41

I can not say enough about how positive my experience was. Overall, the service was great and the food was excellent.Awesome good here! Shrimp Udon is my favorite dish, highly recommend it! The noodles were perfect in consistency, gummy, and not too soft.We also ordered Chicken Teriyaki which was crispy and delicious.Come and enjoy your meals!

Review №75

2018-03-17 06:32:16

Been going here for the past 18 years. Never gets old. Best place to get your beef bento cooked to your liking.

Review №76

2022-03-20 19:24:28

Constructive criticism: My family has been going to this restaurant since the late 1980s. We loved the food, especially the beef teriyaki, shrimp and soup combination. Last night my wife and I had this to go. First, the beef was dry and didnt have much teriyaki sauce. Soup is no longer included in the to go order. Dipping sauce was not provided for the shrimp. I understand that the cost of everything has gone up and its a challenge to keep costs down, but we were shocked at how the quality of our meals had gone down. If we were first time customers, we wouldnt come back. I am writing this morning to strongly encourage the owners to immediately call a staff meeting and correct the issues that I mention above.

Review №77

2022-10-11 03:59:02

Small and cozy restaurant, great for casual lunch or dinner. The food portion is great for the price. I always pick from the daily specials menu. They also serve beer, sake and wine.

Review №78

2019-06-05 21:04:12

We had lunch here on a weekday. There was a wait but we were seated pretty fast because we were only two people. If you have a large party, they do require everyone in the party to be there before seated. Inside is simple and clean. The space can easily fit more than 50 customers.The food tastes not bad for me but maybe I had high expectation after reading Yelp review so I expected more. They serve mostly bento box and combination dishes. The menu selections are pretty common, just like what you can find in most Japanese places. However, the material is indeed quite fresh. They deliver the dish to you pretty fast once you place an order. Overall, I think this place is a good choice for business lunch.

Review №79

2021-04-24 21:49:51

This place is always popular. Dine in is now open. They check your temperature before letting you in. Check out specials on the board. I ordered cod fish. It’s good but watch out for bones if u don’t get used of the Asian way of getting the fish with bones in. The teriyaki beef combo is excellent. The service is really good.

Review №80

2022-03-14 23:47:47

I absolutely love coming to Gombei! The service is so friendly and they make you feel like family!Gombei has such amazing specials its so hard to chose just one. The dining environment is so nice too there is also outside space too!

Review №81

2021-10-18 08:28:11

Super affordable! Freakin delicious food! Youll definitely get full and enjoy the atmosphere! Small table area but all worth it... my girl been knowing about this place & I appreciate her bringing me back here. Been awhile & just glad its still open even after covid. Always happy to come back.

Review №82

2021-09-08 04:31:51

Good food, good service. Pleasant lunch. The mama-san told me they had a policy of not wasting food. A bit odd, given theyre not a all-you-can-eat buffet. Turns out my companion couldnt finish her food so I had to stuff myself extra to avoid violation of the policy. It was all fun at the end, with a little food coma.

Review №83

2021-08-21 18:26:01

Delicious and filling lunch that reminds me of the great food I had in Japan.

Review №84

2023-07-16 06:41:24

Small restaurant with classic Japanese comfort food. Very casual.

Review №85

2019-07-07 02:51:43

Favorite Japanese spotLongtime customer for 20+ yearsYakiniku beef medium rare

Review №86

2019-07-25 14:03:38

Server who attended us could be friendlier. I tried a seafood mix, it looks good but it was not easy to feel its taste.

Review №87

2019-12-31 05:09:49

Quaint, diner-like atmosphere. Daily specials on the back wall.Prices are very reasonable given the portion size. Fried calamari was very good, as was the teriyaki beef, which is actually a cut of steak, cooked to order then chopped and slathered in sauce.Dinners served with soup, salad and rice. My only small complaint is that I wish they offered more seafood options.

Review №88

2020-03-10 00:52:33

No frills place door authentic Japanese set meals. Saw many families with young children there. Service was prompt. We were seated without a wait at 6pm on a Saturday. I enjoyed the mackerel, which was a little small imo but you get what you pay for. Solid food.

Review №89

2018-09-19 23:07:33

Food is very fresh, good customer service. Small space, but efficient service. Recommend the Gombei dinner option or other combo plates to get a sample of their food. Good portions, but best with an appetizer to feel satisfied. Would have liked a sauce option, but only two table bottles available one was soy sauce.

Review №90

2018-01-23 06:37:55

Prices seem to be steadily rising but food quality seems to be on the wane. Not the gem it used to be.

Review №91

2019-04-13 15:06:12

Excellent Chinese take-out in our neighborhood. Reasonably priced with large portions, consistently good. We enjoy ordering the Wanton Soup, Chicken Chow Mein, and the Crispy Beef, but will be sure to try other dishes next time!

Review №92

2022-03-30 01:18:11

Havent been here in ages. Service is fine.

Review №93

2019-08-09 18:05:22

I love the authentic Japanese food here. The croquettes are amazing if you like Japanese curry. The pork cutlets are just like the ones you get in Japan. The only downside is that it is a cash only restaurant so I always have to check my wallet before going in here.

Review №94

2022-06-25 03:20:44

Great service during the busiest hours, short wait times for food, good taste and a nice menu. Cozy interior and overall authentic atmosphere and an open kitchen.

Review №95

2021-06-16 07:44:55

One of very few Japanese restaurants open for in door dining around the area. Very good quality food, ordered special on the white board no.1 with fried chicken and tuna sashimi, very well seasoned and fresh tuna sashimi, however the chicken is a bit lack of crunch. Overall it’s not bad, will definitely come back again and try other items

Review №96

2022-03-25 17:27:14

My favorite place in Japan Town!!!! The teriyaki beef combo plate is the best!!! Their Udon is bomb and so are the pit stickers!!! Come down and show this place some love. These places arent going to be around forever, if you miss out, your soul will angry with you!!! 😂🤣😅

Review №97

2022-04-08 21:43:12

Ive enjoyed Gombei for over 40 years. Always good. Reasonable prices. Good amount of food. Some of the staff have been there the entire time Ive been going! My home away from home. Highly recommend!

Review №98

2023-03-26 16:23:06

Teriyaki was bland, salad was slopped on the plate. Little to no effort to make this a good meal. I wont be back

Review №99

2018-01-08 23:01:04

Great little Japanese restaurant with yummy udon and tempura.

Review №100

2018-06-22 05:55:51

Decent food. Good service. Cash only!

Review №101

2015-12-21 20:23:12

The food was good. The service was not. I ordered green tea and water and never got either. They have a shared table, which I like in principle, but the wont let you sit side by side. Its a wide table in a loud place, so I couldnt really hear my husband. I tired to move and apparently moving to sit next to my husband meant to the staff that the two seats side by side were useless to the next two people to come in... Not very friendly.

Review №102

2022-05-18 17:42:09

My family and I have been coming to this restaurant for the past 15 years of my life, and we have never once had a bad experience. Absolutely lovely place.

Review №103

2018-03-25 00:43:49

2017:The tofu store next-door has since closed, and I didnt notice the menu being particularly tofu-heavy, so the menu seems to have changed since my last review.They have deep fried shrimp/deep fried seafood now, but it isnt tempura as youd expect it. It really is just what it says: deep fried shrimp/seafood. Udon also tasted more like generic white Asian noodles than what you normally expect when you order udon. Kind of disappointing.The food was fine, tasty even, but I probably wont be coming back since I typically dont order the grilled dishes at Japanese restaurants, which is what Gombei seems to excel at.(2014 review:)Crowded seats, but the restaurant itself doesnt feel crowded, which is an odd dichotomy. Its sort of a first-come-first-serve seating arrangement, slightly dependent on your party size.Our waitress seemed really distracted, and we werent sure she even heard our order, but then all our food came out perfectly.The menu is typical Japanese fare, with an emphasis on tofu dishes (possibly due to the popular tofu store next door). However, there is no sushi or tempura unless its featured in a daily special.

Review №104

2016-06-28 05:03:10

Great tofu hot pot and rice. Large portions of authentic Japanese food at good prices. Seating is somewhat cramped, but service is pretty fast. Definitely one of the best choices for lunch/dinner in Japantown!

Review №105

2017-07-30 17:04:33

Most authentic and traditional restaurant in Japantown. Daily specials are amazing and everything Ive had over five visits has been exceptional Japanese food by American standards. Cash only (this part is very authentic too)

Review №106

2023-08-01 22:18:35

Great food. Big portions.

Review №107

2022-10-01 13:22:01

Wonderful staff, AMAZING food... from the Miso to the Panko Oysters, potstickers and Teriyaki steak.. all of it was fantastic!! We will return!

Review №108

2019-03-26 02:40:03

Great Japanese restaurant. Good taste and friendly service.

Review №109

2017-07-24 08:11:26

I was a little sick of my usual Japanese takeout place so i decided to give Gombei a try, placing the order was easy, paying was easy (in cash in person), and the food was ready on time, nothing worse than waiting at the restaurant for the food. I particularly liked the Croquettes! Will return for more Takeout.

Review №110

2017-02-23 14:02:00

This has been my go to place for years, but it seems that the quality and flavor of the food has gone down the hill. I was very disappointed with the salmon croquette special they had. It appears that they no longer have any Japanese chefs working lunch now. As a Japanese person it was deeply disappointing that what used to be an authentic Japanese restaurant is no longer very good.

Review №111

2016-01-24 05:10:31

Really excellent Japanese food. Their curry is probably the best that I have had and their stuffed tofu is flavorful and unique. Good value and great quality food. Cash only so plan accordingly.

Review №112

2016-06-17 16:48:04

Decent price with good quality food and environment. Menu on the wall changes daily and each comes with miso soup, salad, main dish and small plate depends on what you order.In my opinion, their miso soup is the best in bay area. Ginger pork is also good!

Review №113

2019-11-27 02:25:45

This place is the bomb! I had a pork cutlet, rice, miso soup and salad for $12! The cashier is very friendly and helpful, This is a cash only restaurant so make sure you have the cash or go to the atm beforehand.

Review №114

2015-03-22 15:26:46

This place gets really pack at dinner and Im going to assume it gets busy during all the normal business hours too. The food here taste great and the prices are reasonable. If I had to choose anywhere to eat Japanese food instead of sushi, itll definitely be here. Im a fan so I would come here as often as I feel like getting Japanese cuisine.

Review №115

2019-08-28 01:54:02

Great place from some real hometown cooking. Parking can be difficult but the croquettes are worth it. There’s only one bathroom so you make have to stalk the door.

Review №116

2019-10-30 05:47:10

Really wonderful Japanese restaurant. Casual dining with great specials. I had grilled mackerel with typical veggies including gobo and lotus root. The miso soup was very tasty and was great with the rice and pickled cucumber.

Review №117

2020-01-10 18:40:28

Liked the curry. Had the shrimp curry, shared some of the pork cutlet curry. The pork cutlet was better. Portions were generous. A little annoyed it was cash only. No ice tea. I will go back.

Review №118

2019-04-21 00:23:07

One of my fav places for tasty Japanese food. Everyone at our table was very satisfied. I had a cousin come into town and she asked me to go back here. It has an awesome feel to it.

Review №119

2022-06-26 13:55:25

Relatively good bento lunch and dishes. Do take care that the place gets crowded and closes early for lunch time. Reasonably priced.

Review №120

2016-09-16 18:41:44

Great food and atmosphere. I had the tonkotsu with rice which was very juicy and crispy. However, they were understaffed on a Friday night so it was difficult to ask for anything and get my water refilled. Nonetheless, Id definitely recommend locals or visitors to give this place a try.

Review №121

2018-03-07 21:03:46

Everyone enjoyed their food. Its cash only so come prepared! Service was great and the restaurant is clean. We would definitely return for the delicious dishes.

Review №122

2019-12-07 19:43:08

I don’t care how delicious the food is. The server needs to learn some attitude.We waited 15m before the store opened. First to come in. We found the Cash Only sign only when we entered the shop. The server came to us and when we asked if it’s cash only, she said yes and justed walked away. Ok that’s fine. We waited 15m so I found the ATM near the shop and was leaving the shop to get cash and my wife was going to order. The woman snaps at me saying I should order first before I get my money.Uhhh I was going to do that but now, NO THANK YOU

Review №123

2018-05-11 05:49:52

Ive been eating here for over 30 years. The chicken teriyaki & deep fried shrimp combo is outstanding. The only downside is their cash only policy & the fact theyre always busy.

Review №124

2022-09-03 03:38:09

Delicious beef udon. The beef was tender and the broth rich and flavorful. The service was excellent and friendly.

Review №125

2018-04-08 22:12:55

Whenever I feel like ramen, this has been my go to place every since Ogisan Ramen and Shabu-Shabu closed. The broth is so rich, the meat is fresh, and there is a bar area if youre so inclined. However, the bathroom door is strong and I thought it was occupied when in fact the door was just hard to push. Overall, the food is great and they have a nice atmosphere.

Review №126

2016-04-16 00:23:20

Even though the food is great I am giving them 3 stars because they only accept cash. This neighborhood is not very safe at nights and the last thing youd want is to be walking around after your dinner trying to find an ATM to pay for your bill.H

Review №127

2017-11-04 06:59:50

I recently moved to SJ from LA and was looking for some Japanese comfort food to help with settling in to a new place. My friend who came up with me to help me move suggested we try Gombei as he found it on yelp. Needless to say, this place reminded me very much of home with the taste of a home-cooked meal.Parking:Fortunately I live close enough to walk here, but I believe its street parking only and finding parking in Japantown seems to be kind of difficult.Store/Staff:The store was as clean as any hole in the wall restaurant would be. It had a nice cozy feel to it and felt home-y. Its not a large place, but is a comfortable size to seat a good number of people but a line can form outside during typical rush hours. The staff were very friendly and all spoke Japanese.Food:I ordered the grilled fish collar and chicken nanban set which was one of the daily specials written on the board in the back. It comes with pickled cucumber, rice, and miso soup. The grilled fish was perfectly grilled and delicious. The chicken nanban is basically fried chicken nuggets (think chicken karaage) with a sweet and tangy sauce over it. It was very good and I had a difficult time stopping myself from overeating.I very much like the ambiance and the food and will be coming back here again especially when Im feeling homesick and wanting some Japanese comfort food.

Review №128

2014-06-15 01:02:02

本物和食！Its as Japanese as weve had since moving home from Tokyo. Pricing is perfect. Service is Japanese style, so if you want anything, just raise a hand at the wait staff and say, Sumimasen! Will be bringing all my family here for a true taste of Japan.

Review №129

2021-07-17 19:03:56

Best Japanese home cooking around. Nothing fancy, but the food is superb! Someone rate this place a 1 star. Wonder what planet he is from. Pluto?

Review №130

2017-12-22 20:40:15

Japanese food with a homecooked feel. Remember to bring cash as its cash only! Lunch times can get busy so plan coming early to factor in your wait time. Also make sure to check out their daily bento specials! You’ll want to come back time and time again!

Review №131

2022-05-27 22:10:12

You can never go wrong here. Always fast, friendly, and delicious. Its simple Japanese food done right.

Review №132

2019-06-20 03:14:50

Good place for casual, everyday kind of food. Great vibe, fast service, and good portions. Serves cold Japanese branded beers (Sapporo). Only con is cash only, otherwise Id order more.

Review №133

2022-08-21 22:54:14

Nice size servings, the ahí tuna poke had pieces very hard to chew and it didnt taste quite fresh.

Review №134

2023-03-11 16:43:31

Got their pork udon. Not impressed w it other than large portion. Don’t think I will go back.

Review №135

2017-08-02 16:43:29

Goodbye Gombei! Our family had always enjoyed coming to this restaurant in the past many years for good Japanese food.We came for lunch and this time we were surprised at how the older Japanese lady treated us.First, I was told to keep my arm to myself because there were another six guests coming and joining with us at the same table at the back of the restaurant. I was shocked but tried hard not to say anything.Then when she came to take the order, she told us she would take the order starting from one person and going counter clockwise and not any other way. For a moment I thought we were in North Korea. This is surreal.Third, the udon noodle was overcooked. Noodle was stuck together and the broth tasted like powder mixed with hot water.There are plenty of restaurant in the same area these days. Gombei used to be one of the best food around. The servers are all Hispanic. They are nice most of the time. Some Japanese ladies could get cranky when it gets busy. We just came back from a 2 week Japan trip and were quite shocked at the attitude of Japanese servers at this Gombei San Jose versus the ones anywhere in Japan. What happens to guest hospitality or human respect one to another?

Review №136

2017-11-20 09:35:41

I always order the specials from the white board. The set meals are delicious and are done in the traditional Japanese ways. Expect to wait if you come here during the lunch/dinner time and it is cash only!

Review №137

2016-11-09 22:08:38

A wonderful local treasure! #3 sashimi dinner has been a special on the whiteboard for over 30 years, I get it every time and it is always just right! My idea of comfort food.

Review №138

2019-09-14 01:56:09

Cash only! Excellent katsu curry, which is available for dinner despite its absence from the menu! Very large portions; beware! They have katsu sauce at the tables, which goes well with the croquettes.

Review №139

2021-04-29 06:27:08

Never disappointed, quality food, great value.

Review №140

2019-10-16 04:19:55

Great food that tasted very authentic, and fairly cheap as well. The waitress was also kind enough to notice that my tea was empty and offer to refill it without me asking.

Review №141

2020-11-01 03:40:00

Been a customer of Gombei for many years. They are open for dining in as of 10/31. I love their lunches and dinners. Always tasty, authentic and large portions.

Review №142

2021-02-09 17:54:16

In A Nuthshell:-Gombei is an original Japanese restaurant located in Japantown, San Jose.-This place has a tried & true formula that is addicting to anyone thats ever eaten their delicious food.-You can find staples such as teriyaki, but also poke, deep friend oysters & more.-Once the pandemic is over, we can all enjoy going inside to eat b/c/ the atmosphere is always lively.Overall, if you are looking for fantastic Japanese food, look no further than Gombei!

Review №143

2019-03-31 21:30:22

Great place for a quick lunch. Not a fancy place by any means, but everything is very tasty (great curry!) and the portions are big. Cash only.

Review №144

2013-12-11 23:14:56

Japantown is close to my work so when I get the chance, I like coming to Gombei for lunch. The service is always fast, easy come easy go. I wouldnt say its particularly authentic but itll do for lunch and I especially like how comfortable it is here. I always order their Oyako-don here. I really like how simple the menu is here, and the egg is runnier than most places Ive been to. Theres a decent portion of rice given so I always leave stuffed/in a food coma. I also like how they serve you miso soup prior (but I guess thats what most Japanese places are like). Affordable too!

Review №145

2017-10-19 03:43:56

Salmon Teriyaki dinner, excellent taste, good portion, reasonable price and very quick service. Parties only seated when everyone is present, and cash ONLY, no checks or cards.

Review №146

2015-09-13 04:46:06

Really great, authentic Japanese comfort food.Lots of great rice bowls and bento box dishes. Quick service and very friendly staff. Always worth the visit!

Review №147

2018-05-21 19:34:06

Quickly served food, good price. Friendly staff.

Review №148

2016-08-17 20:13:10

Took forever to get served and HAD TO ASK THE SERVER FOR OUR CHECK 15 MIN AFTER WE FINISHED. come to find out they are cash only. but have no credit cards or check signs all over......JUST PUT UP A CASH ONLY SIGN!!!!! HOW ARE WE TO KNOW YOU DONT ACCEPT DEBIT CARDS OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF PAYMENT. SO to pay for my meal I had to walk across the street into a bar and use the atm and pay an extra $3 to take money out.

Review №149

2022-07-06 22:32:30

Love this place. Every time I visit San Jose I made sure I stop over. Love the food, I usually order the Saba shioyaki.

Review №150

2019-11-06 11:43:55

Japanese food at this spot - super tasty. The service was very friendly and attentive. It has a cool feel to it.

Review №151

2023-07-12 14:30:36

Amazing luch place for people working near by!

Review №152

2018-06-11 04:24:15

Cash only, but my oh my, what a great bang-for-buck. $10 to $12 will get you full easily. The quality of the food is a little above average.

Review №153

2018-07-20 02:56:29

Really good traditional food! The portion sizes are awesome for the price! We will be coming back.

Review №154

2021-06-12 03:13:04

Good food. I enjoy the tea and miso. my hubby really enjoys eating here. Im sure well come back again.

Review №155

2012-07-31 18:02:01

Been coming here since 1997 food quality has always been maintained. expect long wait during peak dinner and lunch hours... worth the wait. alway check out their Daily Specials has undiscovered gems.... always pleaseantly surprised. lil japanese ladies always treat you like family.

Review №156

2016-07-15 02:27:54

Fantastic food, great prices, and amazingly fast service. Definitely a favorite, and love their chicken teriyaki and Pork cutlet combination.

Review №157

2019-04-11 02:15:28

The food portion is big. I got there on the Japantown Summer Day and right before the lines were starting to get long. I was avoiding fried food and onions and garlic going in, and I found something for myself :)

Review №158

2023-01-12 15:07:46

Fabulous well priced Japanese comfort food, thoroughly enjoy it

Review №159

2019-11-30 03:54:52

We love the donburi dishes. Very good! Our first visit so looking forward to coming back again soon for other selections

Review №160

2019-07-20 05:27:17

Great food, nice atmosphere, great service, good value for money, fun location. We usually go to the Menlo Park location, this one was great . Note they do not take reservations and its cash only.

Review №161

2023-03-09 20:46:40

I ordered lunch specials for ahi poke sashimi, I have loose bowels back home,

Review №162

2017-07-15 18:37:45

Wonderful food with good lunch specials.

Review №163

2019-11-24 03:39:43

Foods okay, service is good. The restaurant is very compact so if you need your space you should avoid it when its busy

Review №164

2021-08-25 04:44:34

My favorite Japanese restaurant. Ive been coming here for years. My favorite dish is Yakiniku. Its the best!

Review №165

2019-03-03 03:11:57

2 stars for good quality food. Bad service. Makes sure to bring extra $2 if you dont plan to order anything. Tips are a must.

Review №166

2016-11-11 17:50:55

Ive been here,since my daughter was a toddler and now shes 22yrs. We love the food and its always tasty and fresh. Its the locals favorite place.

Review №167

2018-02-26 05:02:57

The bento boxes are fantastic here. Highly recommended. One of my favorite spots in San Jose Japantown. The owner has been running it for a really long time.

Review №168

2021-04-07 11:48:13

Had chicken teriyaki and pork cutlet lunch combo.Food and service over all are average compares to other Japanese restaurants that I have been to.

Review №169

2018-04-22 13:59:44

A very good Japanese restaurant in San Jose. Had daily special, shashimi, pork, and tofu. Rapidly served. Well run place and great food.

Review №170

2021-03-04 02:57:33

Excellent service and great food. My dad and brother both had the steak teriyaki don (medium) and loved it.

Review №171

2018-04-15 19:09:54

Been coming here for years n we always order village style dishes. They r good. But they take cash only...thus 4 stars.

Review №172

2016-08-16 17:10:07

Its good for the price, but my teriyaki beef was just okay. Just average beef was grilled and served with mass produced ready-to-use teriyaki sauce from a bottle.

Review №173

2018-08-01 02:34:03

Feels like a culinary hug. Everything is just a bit more intricate and delicious than you expect. Close to SJC - go here before your flight and skip the airline food.

Review №174

2021-07-09 20:38:19

Our go-to Japanese home-style meals. Very reasonable prices and always-friendly services.

Review №175

2018-02-27 14:42:10

Very fresh and great Japanese food, not much sushi options, order house specials from the board, can get crowded during peak lunch hours.

Review №176

2022-01-09 05:37:20

Came in for lunch and it was packed. Great japanese curry and miso soup. Very friendly staff!

Review №177

2022-09-03 20:50:55

Great service but the taste of the Food has deteriorated from years ago. Maybe new cooks.

Review №178

2016-07-11 19:12:10

Amazing food. Very cheap for what you get (10-12$) Authentic japanese atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Review №179

2017-10-05 17:41:38

Gombei is one of my favorite local Japanese restaurants. They serve homey Japanese dishes instead of the Americanized sushi or ramen shops. (They serve sashimi raw fish, but not sushi on a lump of rice; they also serve udon but not ramen.)

Review №180

2023-04-07 01:26:06

Best gyoza in J Town (and I’ve tried them all lol)

Review №181

2023-04-15 01:36:51

Fish came raw, they forgot to give drinks and the poke was alright

Review №182

2016-04-21 18:59:00

My favorite Gombei Location, Cash only. Quick in and out kind of service. Just straight forward honest japanese meals!

Review №183

2022-08-01 03:20:13

We like this place for lunch. The food is tasty & authentic.

Review №184

2018-07-11 19:36:31

Good and well priced japanese food. The staff were pretty friendly even though my friend took forever to eat.

Review №185

2021-12-12 04:13:55

Wholesome food at an unbelievable cost. The donburi is delicious, and the staff is really sweet.

Review №186

2019-07-24 20:58:17

It was pretty good. The deep fried shrimp udon comes with 2 onion rings, 3 shrimp, and 1 crab stick

Review №187

2017-04-07 17:12:13

Very friendly place. Long wait to score a table because its a popular place but the food is excellent. Cash only.

Review №188

2012-06-01 14:52:54

The teriyaki chicken and deep fried shrimp are the best in the Bay Area! The only two downsides are that theyre not open on Sundays, and they only take cash.

Review №189

2022-11-02 05:23:35

Very good Japanese food, especially the daily specials

Review №190

2017-11-25 17:17:04

Love everything I’ve ordered from the special menu. Prices are very reasonable. Cash only restaurant though......

Review №191

2016-10-06 23:09:07

A Japantown staple. Cheap and filling eats, because most meals are sets that comes with miso, rice, and sometimes additional small plates. Check out the special menu in the back before the regular menu.

Review №192

2018-07-28 04:05:31

What a wonderful dinner we had tonight. I had spicy chicken, my brother had curry with pork cutlet tonkatsu and my sister had buta tofu!

Review №193

2018-09-30 16:03:44

Decent noodles, good service, and good prices! The place needs a fresh coat of paint and new floors, but good overall.

Review №194

2019-09-28 04:05:41

Good Japanese food at reasonable prices. Restaurant sometimes gets busy so some wait may be needed.

Review №195

2019-07-10 02:18:20

We havent been here in a while and the quality seems to be lacking now. The food is still pretty good, but not what it use to be.

Review №196

2020-01-25 03:23:24

This place is great for a classic Japanese meal of rice, miso soup, salad, and a protein. Their tonkatsu is my favorite.

Review №197

2022-09-28 01:43:44

Great food. Id give it 5 stars if it was not cash-only.

Review №198

2018-07-14 20:43:14

//, The Korean dishes here are too sweet, but the meat is perfect. Plus the service is really quick at the bar.

Review №199

2018-05-04 20:16:09

Delicious food and fast service. Check the board in the back for their daily specials!Reminder: they only accept cash!