Hotaru Restaurant in San Mateo

Had a great dining experience at Hotaru. They had a great variety of dinner sets to choose from so everyone could try a number of things they enjoy for a pretty good price! The service was also very speedy once we were seated down. The food was delicious and the portions are quite big! I very much enjoyed the salmon sashimi. The restaurant is very cozy and there was a bit of a wait, I can see it being a lot busier over weekends so I suggest getting here early and putting your name down.

Been eating there for so long since previous lady owner who was really nice. last a few times eating there, not too happy with the service that provided by the guy owner and his wife, lady boss; they are very cheap and do not provide a good service. They mostly ignore the request of something that they cannot add on the tap; usually eat there for early birth and not too busy and give 20% tips. one of the examples, asking for tea; forgot the tea and brought the another order, came right away- not the tea. later brought the tap, not the tea again. Asking the same boss guy- no responses. happy with sushi bar helpers and they make good sushi and always welcome and thank to the customers; the cook in the back is consistent .If you get a service by the young guy who works there for quite sometime or another new tall a little older asian guy, then will receive the good customer service.

My visit to this sushi bar was a memorable one. The service was friendly and prompt, making me feel like a valued guest. The food was a revelation – the quality and presentation of the sushi were exceptional. The ambiance transported me to Japan, with its soothing music and minimalist design. Its the perfect place to unwind and savor some of the best sushi in town.

Its been there for ages. Food was good. And the Bento box was enough for 2 folks.Would have given them 4 or 5 stars if not for the boss lady asking us to pay and leave as we were packing our leftovers, when there were folks who had been there before us and just sitting and chatting. Was it because we were the only Indians!! Hope not.Maybe Ill go back as I like to give everyone a 2nd chance

Small, friendly restaurant in San Mateo. Ordered the bento. Very pleasing presentation. Food was tasty. Quiet, no music which is wonderful. You can actually enjoy the food and conversation. Thank u to the staff

Great restaurant. I usually have bento boxI tried katsu curry and it was yummy but I prefer just plain curry sauce without beef.

This is my favorite Japanese restaurant. The service is great; and there is free tea and edamame. The atmosphere is calm and cozy with the bustling sounds of customers and cooking. Every time I come here I get shrimp udon and the bento box, which I have been getting with my family since I was a kid. That has become one of my comfort foods, and this restaurant is one of my cherished childhood memories. I love this place and recommend you come here soon!

We ordered the CHIRASHI regular and the sashimi are super flavor-able. The service is pretty good and we will revisit the restaurant.

I really dont know how this restaurant got an average of four and a half stars. I am sorry, but I give it two stars because the food hands down is mediocre. The place is too small. Three stars for the service and above average servings. Better Japanese restaurants out there.

Good place to grab a quick and yummy lunch of Japanese fares. The lunch specials are very reasonable priced - and available in a number combo varieties. To avoid hunting for street parking, park in the garage on the street behind the restaurant - then you can enter through the restaurant back door.