Open List Home >> San Mateo, CA >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Sushi Sams Edomata
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For four star Japanese, try Sushi Sam's Edomata in San Mateo. Here's a place to get good food. This inexpensive establishment is one of the popular restaurants in the area. This restaurant features lunch.
2.0 of 5 stars.
I went there for the 1st time about 2 weeks ago. The place was crowded which was a sign that the place was good. And because it was crowded we sat elbow to elbow with other folks. It took the...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
sushi sam's has been my family's "go-to" sushi spot for year's. the spider roll here is incomparable and the sam's special is simple but superb. this is for the true hard-core traditional sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 10/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
what stands out the most about this place is the variety of fish on the white board. not a lot of places can have thato-toro: 2 pieces $12very fatty and tastyalso had hotate, aji, sakenot blown away...
yelp.com - user review - 10/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Fresh fish, attentive staff. A very busy restaurant all the time but waiters and on top of it. Always reliable. Order the specials on the blackboard behind sushi counter, expect them to be...
yelp.com - user review - 10/02/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Not bad...although a bit crowded for a Wed. night. Note to self: restaurant is small, seats 49, ideal for party of 2, not for group of 5. We waited 20 minutes at 8pm. But once the food arrived things...
yelp.com - user review - 10/01/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I can't believe we just blew $150 for lunch. Last time we did that was at Mama's Fishhouse in Hawaii, but it came with a view of a private beach and palm trees and tide pools. Can't say the same about...
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Dear Sam, Will you please open a location say in San Francisco? Ok email me when you do!I've been going to Sushi Sam's for well over 10 years. It is the standard that I rate all other sushi places....
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've walked by this place many times when in the area but never thought to check it out for one reason or another. Finally my sister and friend both confirmed it was worth trying so I went there for...
yelp.com - user review - 09/28/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
service was not very good. took to long to help us and the place was empty. i eat dinner early, it was like 530pm. We looked at menu and I had never seen or heard of most of the things no menu. waiter...
yelp.com - user review - 09/17/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is definitely one of the best sushi places I have been especially in downtown San Mateo. I only come here to eat their sushi because of their wide variety of exotic fish. My favorite is the white...
yelp.com - user review - 09/16/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Stay away. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in a long time. First I placed my group's party on the waiting list and then waited and waited and waited. When I went inside to...
yelp.com - user review - 09/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is definitely one of those 'when in Rome' places. Come with someone who knows the food, the language or can decipher what everything is on the menu's as there are three directions guess one can...
yelp.com - user review - 09/11/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
A couple of weeks ago I had dinner with Rachel and we both agreed on sushi. I was willing to drive up closer to her area and she mentioned two places in San Mateo, Sushi Sam's or Joy Sushi. Both...
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Who would have thought that they would have the quality of sushi that they have at a place called "Sushi Sam's"? Not me... The only way to go here is the omakase. Don't come here expecting a bunch of...
yelp.com - user review - 09/09/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Amazing sushi. Be sure to order the specials off the white board. I've tried almost everything on there, and the majority of them were superb. The chu-toro is so tender melt in your mouth goodness....
yelp.com - user review - 09/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sams and Yuzu are the only places to go for Sushi in San Mateo, period. I prefer Yuzu over Sushi Sams due only to ambiance. Both are Japanese owned with great Sushi Chefs, who pick out their own...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I'm super surprised that this place has such a high rating because I thought that Sushi Sam's sushi was far from mediocre. Though edible I wouldn't choose to come back here again. I ordered one of the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I ordered the Assorted Sushi #3 for $35. The sushi variety was pretty good, but I did think it wasn't that much food for $35. I do think I am on the frugal side, but I've been to other sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 09/05/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I used to be a regular here for lunch when I used to work in Foster City. The food is awesome and the service is pretty good considering this place is always packed. I would not recommend this place...
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going there almost once a week for the past 3 years. The staff there is super friendly and the wait is usually reasonable. Also, no matter how busy they are, they never go wrong with the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Pseudo-Japanese Food for Authentic Japanese Prices. Skip it.
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
3.75 really. Just went there today for lunch with my wifey and youngest daughter, and Audrey had a lunch combo, and then sushi for the adults. The combo was just OK. The California rolls were too...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Simply put, this would be my last mean, twice. The quality of the fish, the distinctive flavors, there is nothing else like it. I would Sam's against any Sushi place in the Bay Area, tops over any...
yelp.com - user review - 09/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The inside is very plain, not fancy at all. In fact, not that inviting. It gets very crowded and very stuffy at times. I've been here a few times and have eaten both at the tables or at the sushi bar....
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
my whole family love to go to sushi sam for dinner. Great food and great chef.love them.......
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'm very picky with my sushi and this is by far the best value and the best eat! I love their huge slices of toro, amazing uni, and their "chili dog" with spicy tuna and seaweed. Amazing. But be ready...
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I would give Sushi Sam a better review, but today was a bad experience for me. The person who took our name for the waiting list was very rude. The bar is supposed to be on a first come first serve,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
For my 300th review I decided to review this old-time favorite. In my opinion, worth 4.5 stars but rounded up to 5. I really cannot add much that hasn't been mentioned by others already, so I'll try...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Crap, just made myself hungry for Blue Shrimp Amaebi by starting this review. Damn you Sushi Sam's.
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Dazzling fish selection...at least 30 varieties on the specials board in addition to the the usual suspects listed in the menu.
yelp.com - user review - 08/19/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Damn you San Mateo for colluding to situate all my favorite restaurants in your city! I blame you for global warming, forcing me to burn fossil fuel driving my non-hybrid to many glorious gluttony...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is by far my favorite sushi restaurant in the Bay Area for 3 reasons. First, their omakase is unbelievably fresh and innovative. Some of the creations are truly genius. Who would have thought...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! this has got to be one of my most FAVORITE restaurants! My friend brought me here for lunch years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. It's a little tiny, and its ALWAYS...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My dad has a motto in cantonese that the best restaurants must be: "pang, lang, jang". Translation - cheap, look good, and of high quality. Although Sushi Sam's omakase was one of the best plates of...
yelp.com - user review - 08/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've had my fair share of sushi and let me tell you, Sushi Sam's is the BEST PLACE in the Peninsula.Great value for the quality and cut of fish you get. This is the first place I ever had Barracuda...
yelp.com - user review - 08/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's chef's tasting menu is the best sushi I've ever had in my life. Their sushi in general is excellent, but if you want to be blown away then get the chef's tasting menu.Be prepared for a...
yelp.com - user review - 08/03/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went here on a Wednesday night. There was a small crowd outside so the wait wasn't too long (probably about 15 minutes) for dinner. When we got in, we were kindly greeted (the waiter cracked a...
yelp.com - user review - 07/31/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place used to be my favorite place until I found a more local spot... Their fried oysters are amazing and their sushi melts in your mouth.. I love it it's very small and tough to get in during...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Exceptionally good sushi, perhaps the best in the Bay Area. They always have great toro along with a range of interesting specials. The seared toro nigiri is absolutely delicious. The wakame salad...
yelp.com - user review - 07/26/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My cool sis recommended we try this place post HP6 movie; thankfully no line as she has seen countless times (it was 5:30 pm).Quick friendly service & tasty sushi-fresh, especially the couple of...
yelp.com - user review - 07/25/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I eat sushi because of this place!I've never had sushi until I went to this place (no joke!). From sushi to bento boxes, their menu is mouth-watering and appetizing. I ordered the Shrimp Tempura...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Just had the "lunch box" daily special for Wednesday, which was the salmon teriyaki. Awesome! Lunch for two including 4 pieces of addition sushi came to only $24. Great lunch. They don't take AMEX...
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
This place is okay if you've never had really good sushi (like Kirala or Rikyu).REALLY SMALL portions. Fish quality was okay. I mean, REALLY small portions tho... about 1/2 the size of Kirala or...
yelp.com - user review - 07/21/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
This place is all right...Maybe I came on a bad day. But I've been reading about lunch specials so I wondered in there at around 12:30pm. It was pretty crowded so I had high hopes.The service was...
yelp.com - user review - 07/21/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I have turned away from this place in the past few months now that I am getting to try other sushi places down town. I am giving them 2 stars now because their food is great and always fresh......
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I love Sam's! I've been here at least 10 times and the fish is consistently fresh and tasty! The chili dogs are a must! The butterfish nigiri melts in your mouth. The only reason I didn't give this...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
BEST QUALITY SUSHI PERIOD!!!We came for the first time yesterday, and were blown away. Pretty small place, pretty crowded, but the food was amazing.Baby lobster and butter fish were the best pieces I...
yelp.com - user review - 07/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My most favorite sushi place in the Bay Area, by far. In order to get the best experience ever, you must sit at the sushi bar and tell Sam to make you whatever he wants, a.k.a. "omakase". He is a...
yelp.com - user review - 07/16/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I had to get a tshirt. I was out in San Bruno because Deana I. was working out there today. We came with a couple people: Deana's cousin- Julie D. (a local) and my buddy from LA- Archie A. Julie had...
yelp.com - user review - 07/15/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
It's been almost a year since I had been back here, thought I would give it a try since I was in the mood for sushi. Ordered the special of the day.... Chicken, Fried potato, CAL Roll, and grilled...
yelp.com - user review - 07/14/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
This place wouldn't let me leave unless my bill was at least 25 dollars. So they made me order 2 ice creams before they let me leave.. that is rediculous
yelp.com - user review - 07/09/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My husband and I both lived in Japan for a long time so we know what is a good Japanese food/sushi. PLEASE PEOPLE! we are not talking about these rolls have been americanized....We know Sam and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/07/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I was disappointed with the food and cleanliness of this place. I don't like to bash and talk negatively but for the money I would not return. Having been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Makuhari Japan I am...
yelp.com - user review - 07/05/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
For nearly 20 years, I've been addicted to Sam's Chili Dogs (his take on the spicy tuna hand roll). I think about them often. The dependency kind of sucks.
yelp.com - user review - 07/04/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Perhaps I was in on the wrong night, but from the bad/slow service to the uncomfortably crowded sitting arrangements, I was not impressed. They seemed to forget my order, came back to ask what it was...
yelp.com - user review - 07/04/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is great, the sushi is fresh and tasty.We all ordered the Chirashi, and were watching the sushi chief put out the small boxes. We all thought "Auhhh, so small." Then when they brought out...
yelp.com - user review - 07/03/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
It was a holiday night and there were no queues, the place was half empty. I had planned to eat in but didn't particularly like the restaurant and was underwhelmed by the almost resentful welcome so I...
yelp.com - user review - 07/03/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
one of the best places to eat sushi/sashimi around the peninsula.i'm a regular here.and we always sit at the bar.if you don't know what to get order the omakase = specials/chef's picksalso, get the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Good solid traditional sushi. Not too big on the new fancy rolls.
yelp.com - user review - 06/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of my favorite Japanese spots hands down. Sit at the bar and order the Omakase and enjoy the ride. 8 pieces of delicately created pieces of wonder will explode of joy in your mouth. You can order...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Slight bias in this review (and by 'slight' I mean a lot): my mom knows Sushi Sam and his staff. They've been especially nice to us so I'm probably going to say more positive things in this review...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
People who question 4 and 5 star ratings on Sushi Sam's don't really eat sushi. They eat glorified maki rolls. The bottomline is that if you order the omakase sushi, it is absolutely to die for....
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'd been here before. But what impressed me this time was the sushi omakase. I started out with 10, and then added 6 more. If you're looking to surprise your taste buds, sit at the counter, smile...
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My favorite sushi spot. All I can say is you must order the spider roll. Can't go there too often though because I end up spending too much money on sushi. If you have never been, it's a must try....
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Came here couple days ago with some friends and the four of us rang a $100 bill with no alcohol... good thing the food is awesome.I highly recommend the sushi sam special hand roll and the chili dog....
yelp.com - user review - 06/13/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
DAMNIT. This place is like a drug. Came back here and spent ovr $200 just myself. WTF????? cant get away from this place.
yelp.com - user review - 06/08/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Visited 6/6/09 for dinner, ordered 2-3 appetizers, Kisu Tempura, Omakase-Sashimi, Omakase-Sushi, etc.1. Food (5 stars)- One of the best Sushi places in the Bay Area, for sure! If you consider...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Went here with a friend, and he ordered a special that was off the menu. This special took a fish and created 3 dishes from it. First, they created a sushi plate, then a sashimi plate, and then...
yelp.com - user review - 06/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
ABSOLUTELY LOVE this place!!My friend found this place via yelp one day and we decided to try it out. The place itself is kind of small, reminds me of some sushi places in west LA, and it was PACKED!...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I hate going here but my wife likes it. I have to admit the food is pretty good but the atmosphere is horrible and the waiters are rude in my opinion. I will never willingly go because I just cant...
yelp.com - user review - 06/01/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
oh my deliciousness. I would take a sushi expert here any day of the week - this is the best I've had and I'm not super into sushi. Bring your wallet -- better yet, bring a date. Only 4 stars b/c of...
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great place for sushi. Very crowded. Sit at the sushi bar for to get the more exotic stuff. Good prices. Very crowded on weekends. I get stuff To-Go, sometimes and it works for me. I don't like...
yelp.com - user review - 05/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Went here for Dinner and it was a great experience. Ended up ordering:Omakase sushi: Many different types of fishes, very fresh and tasted so delicious. It just melted in my mouth. I would recommend...
yelp.com - user review - 05/25/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
i read some reviews here and i am forced to pose the question how does one write a bad review on sushi sam's when they haven't even tried their specialty white board? granted, he probably wanted to...
yelp.com - user review - 05/20/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Went for my birthday, and I was not disappointed! I have NEVER had sushi delivered so quickly. Wow. My wife is not a sushi fan but loved the steak teriyaki. The Dragon roll was unreal. The only...
yelp.com - user review - 05/20/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
4 star average? Really? Either I came on a really off night or someone out there doesn't like me.After spending the day up in the city, we decided to have dinner on the way home, hence the stop in San...
yelp.com - user review - 05/17/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We were just aimlessly roaming the streets of San Mateo, in search of a place to call home. Okay, we really just wanted a nice, simple meal that wasn't going to sit in our stomachs like rocks. It...
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Came here last week with 3 other friends and had to say the experience was ok. We ordered the largest assorted sushi combination which had pretty much a little of everything. Since only 3 of us were...
yelp.com - user review - 05/10/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Good stuff!We ordered both the omakase sushi and sashimi:Omakase sashimi: excellent quality pieces at a slightly lower price /- the pieces are, of course, unseasoned, which can be a good thing if...
yelp.com - user review - 05/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Do I need to say anymore? Everyone has pretty much said it all.This place is super YUMMY! You must try the Omakase. I would recommend sitting at the bar to get the full experience. Watching the effort...
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going here for over 10 years now and it's always been excellent! I love the bento boxes during lunch and the sushi is fresh and delicious. When I worked closer, I went here so much that the...
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place could be the BEST sushi by far. I never was really much of a seafood eater (especially raw), but this place has changed my taste buds! The BEST are the chili dogs (spicy tuna hand rolls),...
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have to thank Ken K. for recommending this place to me. This is as good as it gets fellas.... top of the food chain stuff... i was in awe at the variety of fish they serve.... close to 30 kinds of...
yelp.com - user review - 05/05/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is a really good authentic sushi place. They're always busy which is definitely a good sign. The sushi doesn't taste fishy (and I'm not a big fish eater) and the staff are really friendly and...
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Worth the drive no matter where you are in the Bay Area. I live in San Francisco, so it is not the most convenient place for me to go out to dinner, but I have made the trip just for their sushi. This...
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My coworker had mentioned that Sushi Sam's is one of his favorite sushi joints in the Bay. I was skeptical since he once took me to a "good" sushi place for lunch, which was not good at all! Anyways,...
yelp.com - user review - 04/28/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place is like my chow hall. I eat here twice a week. I love this place. Like everyone said, the secret is order off the whiteboard for today's special sushi. You should also try some of...
yelp.com - user review - 04/28/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you're going to Sam's, only order from their white board! The regular basic sushi/rolls are good but,nothing in comparison to their special fish. I've been going to Sam's for years with my hubby...
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Mmmmm. Sushi Sam's. (commence Pavlovian drooling)Sam greets you with a smile from the sushi bar as you walk in and is happy to suggest the freshest and best he has to offer. As in, "this was flown in...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Busy busy busy on the weekends! Waited 15-20 min for 2 people, but the food comes out quick. The dragon roll was $15 for 6 pieces...hmm a little overpriced? But it was sure as hell yummy. Good sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This is my "go to" place when I need a quick take out lunch, I usually get the Sam's Special roll and some california rolls cause they are cheap. Is it the best sushi ever..no. At lunch time, the...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Upon Ingrid C.'s recommendation, I came here with Angie K. for a sushi extravaganza... and BOY did we have an EXTRAvaganza.$4 for 2 pieces of DELICIOUS hamachi??? (2 orders, please! Actually... I...
yelp.com - user review - 04/20/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
very good sushi, i think the best in san mateo, its always packed and with good reason. go try it out its good
yelp.com - user review - 04/17/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
this place has pretty good food. we like to get the rolls and the sashimi appetizer. the prices used to be cheaper but now that its gone up, its just like any other sushi place. we still go here...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Definitely my favorite Japanese restaurant... always busy especially on Sat... they have the freshest sushi... my favorite.... the caterpillar roll and the spider roll.... also loved their udon......
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've had their omakase here, and it was definitely a treat. It's no Kaygetsu, but the fish was very high quality, and there were some interesting moments. And it's only a fraction of the cost!I...
yelp.com - user review - 04/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
When I asked my friend to suggest a sushi place, he told me I had to go to Sushi Sam's. WTF kind of name is Sushi Sam's, I asked. He said that if they were called Sushi Shit's, he would still not...
yelp.com - user review - 04/05/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It might be a little small on the inside, but the customers will wait for a seat, and with good reason. There were only two of us, so we sat at the sushi bar. Everything we wanted (dragon roll, philly...
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I love Spider Rolls. I tend to use them as a gauge when comparing sushi rolls at different restaurants. There are a handful of places that offer sushi rolls in downtown San Mateo, but I would have to...
yelp.com - user review - 04/03/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I like how they greet you in Japanese and Korean depending on what you look like. Ha ha! I always wonder what language they'll say hi to me in when I walk in the door. This is a great place for...
yelp.com - user review - 04/03/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I'm not a sushi expert, but I do go to a lot of sushi bars in the area and think I know enough of what I like and don't like to see in a sushi place. I really wasn't happy with the service or...
yelp.com - user review - 04/02/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
totally off the chain rediculously good. had the nigiri omakase and the freshness and creativity rivaled that in/around tsukiji
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It's been almost a year since my last review and to cut a long story short, I am a total convert. Acutally I think this is THE BEST SUSHI JOINT in the bayarea and that's SF included. I've moved out of...
yelp.com - user review - 04/01/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
it's been a year since my review and i m bumping it up to 5 stars. why you ask? i've tried pretty much everything on their menu and the white board... yes, i think i am a "Sam's" addict... i once...
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I have been putting off eating here for a long time. Not sure why. Maybe the name didn't sound appealing to me but names can be deceiving. Long story short this is my new hang out for Sushi in San...
yelp.com - user review - 03/30/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Oy. I was sorely disappointed. We waited for an hour and felt like there were some people who knew the owners and were getting preferential treatment (aka getting seated without a reservation). :(I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/28/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Someone must have had a bad day back in 2006. I've been back several times since then and it has been great every time. While the pace of the floor can be like eating in a kitchen due to the fast...
yelp.com - user review - 03/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
They have by far the freshest and one of the widest selections of fish in the bay area! Yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it, especially if you try the omakase. If you are the California-roll-eating...
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The service is fast and the food is delicious and very reasonably priced. I love this place. I had to give 4 stars instead of 5 because of its size. This place is a tiny hole in the wall and there is...
yelp.com - user review - 03/24/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
im not a selfish person by nature.but Sam's omakase changes people....don't come here please.... (simple lie to divert all other person(s) away from sam's so I don't have to queue in line; and have...
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Review #440.Great sushi! Worth the drive up and the extra 20 minutes wait despite making reservations. The chef special (omakase) is a must try! And it'll always be a packed house regardless if its...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great spicy tuna rolls, tako was nice and non-chewy (I know you're not supposed to order it cuz it's not enviro-friendly, but it was on a combo plate).Their prices are steep, and when we went as a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I wanted to try Sushi Sam's for awhile because at work, many claim it's the best sushi around here and the Yelp reviews look promising.I met a friend here for dinner and didn't have to wait for a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/14/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I ordered the sashimi meal and it was all right. I think the thing that really kills me is the WAIT and the CROWD. I had to wait FOREVER even though I went super early to beat the crowd.I was even...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
DELICIOUS. The sushi here is superior, especially considering how much it is. I'm sorry, this is a very reasonable price to pay for this quality of sushi, naysayers. Plus, I'll even add how lucky you...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
sushi sam's is pretty busy. you need to wait to get a table or a seat at the sushi bar. after 10 minutes, i got one at the sushi bar. i'm pretty sure the owner is japanese. then why is he trying to...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have been going to Sams over 10 yrs. This is one of my favorite places for sushi. The place is WONDERFUL and the food has a Morimoto quality to it. I patron this restaurant at least two - three...
yelp.com - user review - 03/05/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I figured writing a review on this place is a bit redundant. Everybody knows this place is good. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to my sushi. I had the chirashi here, and it was really good. They...
yelp.com - user review - 03/04/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is probably the best sushi joint in the world - and I've been to a few. And Sam himself is always there, rocking and rolling while cracking jokes. I like this joint. Could be a long wait on...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I want a T-shirt! Haha... Love their Sam's Special... Even if you order anything else there, you gotta get the special. At $2 a pop, I can eat there all day...
yelp.com - user review - 03/01/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Believe the hype. Sushi Sam's is one of the best sushi joint this side of the bay. None of those sushi rolls / nigiri sushi packed full with sushi rice and not enough fish often offered by the likes...
yelp.com - user review - 02/22/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
San Mateo's not exactly anywhere near close to me... so how is it I spend $$$ so frequently here?!?!?It's the FISH!I can't rave enough about it. Their variety is amazing. It's fresh. It's tasty. They...
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
man i've eaten here quite a few times and finally figured out what the best things to eat were.my roommate and i LOVE THE FATTY TUNA, it's so deliciously prepared with i believe seasalt on it. the...
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The omakase sushi menu posted at the sushi bar is the stand-out at this restaurant. These specials are wonderfully fresh, creatively prepared and be warned they are priced commensurately. The chefs...
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I grew up on Sams his toro,otoro,I have even had chutoro once sometimes in the winter he gets Alaskan king grab defiantly wait for the bar. But its a great place to got before or after the movies. I...
yelp.com - user review - 02/14/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's was amazing! I came here last night with my girlfriend's family and we had so many great dishes. Some of my favorite dishes:Butterfish nigiri (please do not dip this in soy)Trout? nigiri...
yelp.com - user review - 02/14/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
WARNING: If you come here, be prepared to eat the best sushi of your life for an unbelievably reasonable price. Sam offers the *best* Omakase (chef's special) I have ever had. The fish is super...
yelp.com - user review - 02/12/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of the people I went with knows the chef (Koichi) really well and we had amazing nigiri sushi & sashimi (and other stuff, of course). I was so lucky to be able to have many items that are not...
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place. It good, fresh and very cheap.
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I find this place to be really average. Theres nothing wrong w/ the sushi, but theres nothing really spectacular about it either. Tho theres ALWAYS a line out the door, even on a weeknight.
yelp.com - user review - 02/02/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place. Get the chef's menu, and sit back and wait for the magic to happen. I wouldn't change a thing. In fact, it was so great that I had a conversation with myself about whether I would...
yelp.com - user review - 01/31/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I came here for dinner tonight, before this I think I have been here one more time, a few years back. (don't recall exactly), so I will just rate this place according to my experience here tonight. --...
yelp.com - user review - 01/28/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Popped in to Sushi Sam's for a quick lunch with my fiance. We ordered the lunch bento box special. They have daily specials for the boxes so you can't mix and match, but that's okay because you get a...
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's218 E 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94401650-344-0888Sushi Sam's offers authentic sushi and innovative vegetarian sushi (vegetarian roll) with fast friendly service and is quite reasonably priced....
yelp.com - user review - 01/25/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
After hearing so much rave about this place, i finally gave it a try. Was I impressed? not really. I've had more exotic, fresher sashimi at other places. It didn't even leave such a great first...
yelp.com - user review - 01/23/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great sushi, fresh sashimi, nice sized portions, but one thing, get there early! They get busy! Overall its an awesome place to get great sushi.
yelp.com - user review - 01/18/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place! Maybe it's a bias on my part growing up in San Mateo and coming here for 20 years, but the food is yet to be beat. This place has some of the freshest fish, and it makes sense...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Decent. Spider roll was pretty good. Spicy tuna roll looked like it was made a long time before. It was sloppily wrapped and fell apart even before it got to the table. Best thing was the yakitori but...
yelp.com - user review - 01/14/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
friends keep telling me this place is over-hyped; but I disagree. I think it's one of the better sushi places I 've been to in the bay area. I've had both omekase with a friend who knows one of the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/08/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Do you know who Sam is? I don't, not yet. Richard B tells me business is so booming Sam has the luxury of taking Sundays off. If my life was like that, I would say enough work was done this week, I'll...
yelp.com - user review - 01/08/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I have loved this place since I stumbled on it in 2000, so this review is a long time coming. Come early and come often, because the sushi is as good as it gets in the area. Group friendly (pretty...
yelp.com - user review - 01/05/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The sushi gotta admit is really good but the place is way, way too tiny to bring a party in, place is always crowded. I would say price wise, price was equal to the quality of the sushi and the bento...
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2009
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Typical barebones sushi place in terms of decor and ambiance. When you come to sushi at a place like this, you aren't looking for a romantic place with super nice decor. Service is decent...
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This is the fourth sushi place I've tried in San Mateo's 3rd Ave area and I'm sad to say that I was not impressed despite the number of glowing reviews this place has gotten. I thought the prices were...
yelp.com - user review - 01/01/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
It seems like every date I've met on Match.com has said the same thing. "I know this really great sushi place. Sushi Sams!"It's become a perfect barometer. If a woman thinks this place is the best...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The food was good but not the best. Very few choices in sushi though compared to a lot of other sushi restaurants. The atmosphere is entirely lacking so don't expect anything fancy. Come for a...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The sushi here tasted really fresh, and everything I tried was delicious. The waiters were nice, though not particularly attentive. They even gave me a free sushi-themed calendar for the new year!...
yelp.com - user review - 12/27/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
omakase. it was all pretty good with some unique offerings. my problem was they over sauced a few items, which is never appreciated. we wondered if they had done so to mask some fishiness with the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/27/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Let me just start by saying...if you go...YOU MUST SIT AT THE BAR!!!! ...if you don't, dinner will be a total disaster. I'm not really sure what to think of this restuarant anymore. The first time I...
yelp.com - user review - 12/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When I worked close to this place, I used to come here for lunch at least twice a week. Their lunch bento boxes are awesome!!! The California rolls are the tastiest I've had by far and the same goes...
yelp.com - user review - 12/16/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I came here seeking a variety of sushi rolls for my hungry tummy, but only found simple rolls. The rolls were mediocre, but still good. I was especially found of the spider rolls! I tried the agadashi...
yelp.com - user review - 12/15/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been coming here for the better part of 20 years.....and despite all my travels, and all the Sushi i've had in Japan....even at Tsukiji...this is still the best Sushi i've ever had.Elegant,...
yelp.com - user review - 12/14/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
A-OK pretty much sums up my lunch experience here. My Lunchtime Observations:Very busy with customersSimple MenuLimited Bento Box MenuTypical Sushi MenuOrdered:Combo Bento - Chicken teriyaki - Cooked...
yelp.com - user review - 12/12/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Without a doubt, and by a fare thee well, this was simply the best sushi meal of my life.While the outside of this wonderful establishment is unassuming, absolutely do not DO NOT let this or the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I know sushi. If you are reading this review, you probably do too. Follow my enumerated advice and you too will pass through the guilded gates of sushi heaven.1.) Get there early (5-6pm)2.) Sit at...
yelp.com - user review - 12/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is my all time favorite place to have sushi.Sushi Sam's is definitly a local treasure from San Mateo. This place has been here for awhile and the sushi is ALWAYS good. This place is home to the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/08/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I came here for lunch and it was very average. I only ordered a lunch special box and this is what I'm basing my review on. The miso soup was average. The chicken teriyaki was dry and the portion was...
yelp.com - user review - 11/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The freshest sushi in san mateo! The lines are still long on the weekends, but it's seem slower than before. Still the hamachi and tuna are the stars as are their rolls. Good selection of...
yelp.com - user review - 11/27/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
THURSDAY NIGHT DINNERSushi Sam, Oh how I wanted to like you from your high ratings. Your place is more for the Average Joe Smoe who frankly haven't had good sushi. I would say the plating needs work....
yelp.com - user review - 11/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place! Their Hamachi makes my mouth water just thinking about it! I love how authentic the place is and the prices aren't that bad. Definitely a great place although small. It does get...
yelp.com - user review - 11/23/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe I didn't order the best stuff because I thought it was "aite. I had the magruro: tuna and teriyaki salmon. The veggie rolls were "comparable to Safeway" says the Vegan BF. The cool part was...
yelp.com - user review - 11/21/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Well, I'm not a huge sushi connoisseur, and am pretty new to it. I wouldn't even really say that I'm that into it, but I still think Sushi Sam's is pretty good. I've tried quite a few different things...
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Was awesome a decade ago, and one my first first sushi experiences two decades ago? I don't remember how long they have been open, but it was one of the first.....and it has gone...
yelp.com - user review - 11/18/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Umm.. I don't get it. There are soooo many Japanese/sushi restaurants in San Mateo, and I think this one has the most/best reviews. I've been going to Joy Sushi for awhile now and I've loved it, but...
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I always forget to write about my favorite eats. Sushi Sam's is definitely one of them.Sam is hilarious. We're filipino and everytime my sister and I come in, he remembers us and always talks to us in...
yelp.com - user review - 11/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could. When I told someone I was going to San Mateo for Sushi, I was told Sushi Sam's was the place to go. It's a small little establishment, casual, and busy. It's not...
yelp.com - user review - 11/12/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
My client took me here for a thank you dinner.One of my super powers is my ability to taste fresh fish.I thought the fish here were "OK" to maybe a "good" at their very best.I would go again, should...
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place had some pretty amazing sashimi/nigiri.Granted, I did not have to endure most of the other experiences such as waiting in line and trying to find a seat at the bar which is the best place...
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I'm sure you've heard all the hype about this place and I only have one word, overrated. I cannot even begin to comprehend why this place has so many positive reviews. The restaurant itself looks and...
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Still just as good. I avoid the dining area like the plague and sit at the sushi bar. We called ahead, but we had to wait for a little bit. I love Sam because he's very friendly and funny. He...
yelp.com - user review - 11/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Keywords:Fast service and prompt (very attentive)Waiters know how to schmooze with the diners and introduce them to sushi delights.Fresh nigiriThe rolls were big and kind of messy (spider roll)Decent...
yelp.com - user review - 11/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Best value in a sushi place in this area. The food quality is superb, service is quick and friendly, but beware that there is always a wait Thu-Sat evening unless you make reservations in advance....
yelp.com - user review - 11/06/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My new sushi place... although it can be pricey if you insist on trying strange expensive sushi.. you definitely get what you pay for. Both times I've been here the fish has been excellent! The crab...
yelp.com - user review - 11/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Okay, I finally got around to eating at Sushi Sam's (been months since I've eaten there). A bit of background. I have lived in the peninsula most of my life and have known of Sushi Sam's for years. I...
yelp.com - user review - 11/01/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Wow. I had a meeting in the area and met a friend for lunch. Neither of us knew where to go so we just walked down the street looking for something decent and came across this gem. We sat at the sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I had a horrible sushi experience here. And maybe I'm the odd man out, but here's what happened.My husband and I had just moved to the area and I kept hearing about this place. We are serious sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Sushi Sam on a Friday night. My friend and I were meeting another friend but we arrived at the restaurant little bit more than 30min before our meeting time. So we went into Sushi Sam's to...
yelp.com - user review - 10/26/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Lunch special? Yes.Good service? Yes.
yelp.com - user review - 10/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
delicious food;fast and good service;
yelp.com - user review - 10/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best sushi in the Bay area!!!! Sam & Koichi are awesome chefs. The sushi is absolutely out of this world. Being raised in Japan and eating sushi there, this is the next best thing to being back in...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2008
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I went to Sushi Sam's Edomata in San Mateo for dinner on Friday, Oct. 17th, 2008. The restaurant was busy, and I could see there were no tables available. When I requested seating for 1, the host asked me 4...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2008
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On travel by myself, I went to Sushi Sam's Edomata in San Mateo for dinner on Friday, Oct. 17th, 2008. The restaurant was busy, and I could see there were no tables available. When I requested seating for 1...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Came here about a month or two ago upon Randy F.'s rave review, but forgot to review it myself. Randy and I both being sushi snobs, I was super excited to try the rare cuts of fish he had described...
yelp.com - user review - 10/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love sushi sam's!!! Great fresh sushi, place is not too big so there is often a wait. Sam's special handroll is to die for, my husband and I normally order 2 each. Hamachi kama is another must...
yelp.com - user review - 10/17/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Besides that fact that my friend works here...this place is always packed and they have super good service. Their sashimi is fresh and the slices are nice and think. I never really know what to...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is hands-down our all time favorite sushi restaurant.The food is usually very good but quality can sometimes be variable. In my experience, Tuesday for dinner is noticeably the best time...
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
fabulous $50 omakase. good chefs and attentive waitstaff.
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I am a bit of a beginner when it comes to sushi as I started eating it around 4 years ago and stick to the usual cal rolls and shrimp tempura. I really enjoyed my meal of shrimp tempura and cal roll...
yelp.com - user review - 10/11/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I like sushi places that look like they came out of a japanese samurai movies. Complete with the wooden furniture & sushi bar, shoji paper walls, and the requisite ILyashaiMasei upon entry. Although...
yelp.com - user review - 10/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
It's all about the sushi. Yes the menu has a huge variety of traditional Japanese foods, but the place is called -- Sushi -- Sam's for a reason. Sam hand picks fresh fish daily from the local...
yelp.com - user review - 10/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going to Sushi Sam's for years now. I've eaten sushi everywhere, including 3 Nobu outposts and Sasabune (another of my favs). Ok I haven't been to Tokyo, but I have to believe that Sam's...
yelp.com - user review - 10/01/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Boy, were we disappointed! We have been craving for sushi and decided Sushi Sam is the place but that was not to be. We came here on Saturday and got there before noon so it was still relatively...
yelp.com - user review - 09/30/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Came here on a company-sponsored dinner. Had a party of 8 and they had a policy of only allowing us to be seated once our entire party had arrived. There was no wait on a Tuesday evening.Salmon Skin...
yelp.com - user review - 09/30/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
...and here we go!!! ...round 2......FIGHT!!! this is my 2nd visit in 2 weeks or so...and im here to set the record straight with pictures of everything THAT MAKES THIS PLACE 5 STARS...before we get...
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Been here done that. Typical Japanese sushi place. Came during lunch and had the $7.50 lunch box special. Pretty good deal - the usual stuff of chicken teriyaki, CA roll, etc. Not bad but nothing...
yelp.com - user review - 09/28/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I really like this hole in the wall, we usually get seated right away and the sushi is pretty good.the only thing is the sushi chef blurts out random tagalog words to filipinos while eating which...
yelp.com - user review - 09/28/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went here with a couple of friends recently. I got the sesame spinach (gomnaae), which was full of flavor and served cold, like a Korean dish. My friends got tempura (yum!), fish (very well...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Went there twice this week alone. I have never had a disappointing experience with sushi at this restaurant. A sure-fire way to get your sushi fix satisfied. This place is one of the first things that...
yelp.com - user review - 09/21/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
away ago it set the standard, now it's more like standard. nothing special.
yelp.com - user review - 09/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I feel like a rock star whenever I head to Sushi Sam's...maybe because this is the only place in the Bay Area that I go for my sushi fixes and they know my name (just think "Cheers"). I only moved...
yelp.com - user review - 09/17/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Ordered mostly from a whiteboard (specials). Absolutely great - the quality of the fish, and the whole package. Fresh scallop, fatty tuna - everything delicious.(A roll from the regular menu, by the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I absolutely love this place!!!!Everything was so incredibly fresh and yummy. I really didn't expect such a high quality Japanese food in San Mateo but whoa, it's worth it. I am flying to SF area...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My home base for sushi: I've frequented many sushi restaurants nationwide as well as in Japan, but no matter where I go I consider Sushi Sam's my home base for excellent sushi. As a customer for over...
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
We moved to the Peninsula recently, and decided to give this place a try based on all the good reviews on Yelp.After two visits, we can safely say this is our go-to place for sushi in the Peninsula....
yelp.com - user review - 09/04/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
"sushi sam's," if you can't tell by the name, is made for american taste buds. but given the high ratings on yelp, i decided to try it anyways. but even by non-authentic standards, i think sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The best sushi I've had in the Bay Area! Surpassed only by sushi in Toronto, ON. (that city's a restaurant haven, by the way!) Reasonably priced, considering the quality of the sushi. Sit at the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I really liked the neighborhood and the restaurant. Good thing Peter T told us to get here early. There was a line out the door when we finished around 7 PM. Sushi Sam's is a balance of great sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you're a chef and you buy fish from I.M.P. one of the best fish importers from Japan. And you also see Sam purchase the freshest available fish from them every single day like a sushi chef does at...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sam rocks, the entire staff rocks! Honestly, I've been coming to Sam's for more than 8 yrs and the food keeps getting better. The fish is always fresh and all items on the menu is exactly what you...
yelp.com - user review - 09/02/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It's all about the fresh fish. If you are looking for a menu full of "special rolls" this is not your place. Sushi Sam's is all about showcasing their high quality, fresh fish. The texture and taste...
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Delicious fresh Sushi and Sashimi !! Very delicious food and fast service. Went there on a Wednesday night with a reservation and got right in to the counter. The waiters and waitresses are very...
yelp.com - user review - 08/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
MUST ORDER SUPER SPECIAL SAM ROLL.... DO NOT get the regular sam roll, it has to be SUPER!! :)my bf liked their green tea tiramisu. supposedly the pastry chef is the niece of sam, who had worked at...
yelp.com - user review - 08/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Aside from the long wait, I think my first experience at this place was fairly pleasant. The hamachi and salmon sashimi that we ordered was very fresh and they were definitely not stingy with the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/29/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We decided to check it out after reading that it's chef Corey Lee's favorite Bay Area sushi spot. Definitely a place to choose the Omakase options. Wide variety of seasonal fish, prepared and seasoned...
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
so the food at this place aint bad.... but talk about a rip off... the ingredients and everything are good, fresh, food is fast and all.. But what you get is not even really worth your money.I mean i...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been coming to Sushi Sam's for years, it's worth the wait and some of my favorites are: Sam Special - ebi(shrimp), rice, special sauce wrapped in seaweedHot Dog - yellow tail, rice, seaweedSpider...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Maybe I had high expectations from all of the good things I heard about this place, but my experience tells me never to return. Our food was tossed at us and we were rushed throughout the meal. Come...
yelp.com - user review - 08/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Part of the group Min L. mentioned, and I was duly impressed. I don't usually order sushi at sushi restaurants (go fig), but I thought I'd take the plunge today. Hamachi was great, fresh, and tasty....
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
The fish is fresh but overall it's just an average sushi place. The rainbow roll is 2 pcs short of a "regular" 8pc offered everywhere else. The california rolls have too much rice and are drenched in...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A solid sushi restaurant! Came here with Liz L, Michael K., Jonathan B., and others after hearing Jon's compliments. I ordered the Deluxe Sashimi Dinner and a Super Sam's handroll. Sashimi was fresh...
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been here a couple times and its always busy! This is the best sushi by far! I can't think of anyplace that can compete with this place. Well worth the wait. Their handrolls are crunchy when you...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love love love this place.I kept debating whether It's Joy(on B. St) or Sam....However, after trying them out for the past 7 years. I must say, Sushi Sam wins! Yet, I'd go to Joy sushi just because...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Hi, table for 2. Actually I didn't get the table because my camera kept falling out of my hole-filled shorts. So we sat down and looked over the menu. I decided to get the Saturday Bento Lunch...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
For all those people who gave Sam anything less than 5 stars, it's because you guys don't know how to order. I've been coming to Sam's for years now and he even knows my family. If you sit at the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
great food, great service. used to eat there once a week when i lived near by. now i'm lucky if i can go once a month. only downside now is that their prices for their entrees have gone up...
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
OK I have a new favorite sushi place in the bay area. My friend and I arrived there around 8:45PM on a thursday night, there were a few groups ahead of us, but we were greeted by a very friendly...
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Without a doubt, the best sushi on the Peninsula (and as far as I have experienced, the South Bay as well). Being from SF and the abundance of great sushi restaurants in the city, my expectations are...
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
G: I don't eat Japanese food so I am not the best person to judge this place. This would be his forte, not mine. However, ever since we've been together, all the trips to Japanese restaurants made...
yelp.com - user review - 07/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
When they have the toro, get it!
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ahh! A chance to have some real sushi. My toes were tingling when I found out they had kani miso. I've only had that in Japan until now, so I was very happy. All the fish we had was very good. I...
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
The lunch specials are reasonably priced but they need to cook the chicken. I ordered the chicken teriyaki and it was raw. The sushi is good, but expensive. They also do not itemize the bill so you...
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've had more sushi than I care to admit. I'm surprised I'm not part-fish at this point. Sushi in Japan, NY, SF, and everywhere in between. Sushi Sam's is the best. The oh-toro that he lightly...
yelp.com - user review - 07/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've passed by this place more times than I can remember and I always figured it was just another sushi place in downtown SM. After hearing about how awesome this place is from my buddy T, I figured...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
So I followed my fellow Yelpers advice and tried Sushi Sam's... don't think I'll return. The only thing that WOW'd us was the trout. The rest just was kind of a "ho-hum". What I ordered: salad, miso...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy sushi for san Mateo. Very pleased with the quality, service, and freshness. Will be a new regular.
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
A group of us stumbled upon this quaint place during a day long adventure down the peninsula and I was craving for a little bit of sushi. My overall verdict is that is okay and simply average as area...
yelp.com - user review - 07/12/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
First time there tonight after reading all the reviews and recommendations from a friend.The sushi was AWESOME!I ordered:4 pieces Salmon4 pieces of Hamachi2 pieces of Toro2 Chili Dog Handrolls (spicy...
yelp.com - user review - 07/10/2008
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I travel all over the country for work and I try and find the best sushi restaurants wherever I go. A colleague recommended Sushi Sam's and I have to say that it is by far one of the best (if not THE best)...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/09/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
used to come here a lot but only come here when i want to eat sashimi and rolls. their food it good and quick. a bit pricey but do you really want to risk it with raw fish? for cooked items you can...
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2008
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I am amazed at all the reviews that give this just 4 stars. Are you kidding?! The daily fresh fish selection is second to none. If you want fat, rice filled rolls this is not the place. If you want top shelf...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/05/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The best Hamachi I've EVER had! The sushi or sushimi is always very fresh. We have also just asked the sushi chef or the waiter for suggestions, and we have never been disappointed. We will work...
yelp.com - user review - 06/26/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I grew up in San Mateo and only went to Sushi Sam's once. My family has been devoted to the home-style meals at Hotaru (Hamachi Kama, anyone?). I had plans to go there twice already and both times...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
No. I came on a Sunday at around 12:30pm for lunch. I had the daily special which was miso soup, California rolls, Chicken Teriyaki, assorted tempura, and I added green tea ice cream. The chicken...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Chili Dogkani hand rollpacific troutsakefresh wasabihamachi kamatoroI would say this is the best Japanese Restaurant in the bay area........but you would never thought the best Japanese Restaurant...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I don't totally understand the hype here. I stopped by pre-theater one night and took a seat at the sushi bar. This fish was fresh and decent sized but my main issue was the overall feel of the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I was introduced by a friend who enjoyed "chili dogs". I was a little confused until we arrived, got seated and proceeded to discover what a "chili dog" at Sushi Sam's is all about. Now I know "chili...
yelp.com - user review - 06/17/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
my friend is from san mateo so he always raved about this place and after going i can see why. the sashimi is always fresh and fairly priced. they have some items called hot dogs and chili dogs that...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Dont believe what you read. This place SUX. Open garbage cans ten feet from where we are sitting, paper thin cuts of sashimi and over cooked meat dishes. This place is all about turning tables. If...
yelp.com - user review - 06/12/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Just moved to downtown San Mateo, and decided to start trying the myriad restaurants that are within walking distance of my place. A friend and I had the privilege of trying Sushi Sam's on my first...
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going here for years and still enjoy it. I usually don't even attempt to eat here during peak hours. Either go early or late. The fish always tastes fresh and the service is always good....
yelp.com - user review - 06/10/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I don't know why, but it took me a year and a half of living on the Peninsula to finally make my way to Sushi Sam's. Friday night I finally made my way there on a date, and I'm glad I did.We were able...
yelp.com - user review - 06/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
No Wei! Wei!!Ok, enough with the ORLY joke. Sorry, Wei. (http://www.orlyowl.com/nowai.jpg)Wei H. introduced us to Sushi Sam in San Mateo and I loved the food there. I did not think too much of it...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Today, we had the pleasure of heading up to San Mateo and meeting up with local sushi connoisseur, Wei H. Wei is an expert in all sorts of eats in the San Mateo area and he highly recommended Sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of my favorite sushi restaurants... always fresh, and never fails to satisfy my taste. Sam knows us and usually sits us right away... and the waiters always makes sure we are taken care of... I...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I came here a long time ago because there was a lot of buzz about this place at the time. I ended up feeling like there was nothing special about it and somewhat disappointed at having let all the...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Not sure what the hype is about this place. I guess the fish portion is pretty big for sushi and the prices are ok, but the quality is only so so also. I'm going to save my money up to go to Sakae...
yelp.com - user review - 06/01/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sam, Years - since day one! Ok so I am biased. But if you love sushi, its preparation, freshness, and have been to Japan, eat here! Don't let a bunch of simple reviews toss your chance to eat here....
yelp.com - user review - 05/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A coworker and I stopped in randomly for some lunch here. It was tasty, but the spicy tuna roll was really small, like a tekka maki. That was weird; seems like everywhere else, they're big.The food...
yelp.com - user review - 05/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is by far the best sushi place on the penninsula. He always has amazingly fresh fish, uusual fish from Japan, and his 'special' presentations are incredible. He is known and admired among...
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
my favorite sushi spot outside of japan. the trick is to sit at the counter and order things that arent on the menu. do that by being adventurous and ask sam to surprise you.
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Upon making reservations i was told that a reservation at 6:45 would be no guarantee, which somewhat disappointed me since i figured what would be the point of making an appointment.Upon arrival, i...
yelp.com - user review - 05/14/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love it! I will be going here til the day I die (or until they close). Cheap bento boxes, consistant quality, great service. One of my favorite places in San Mateo!
yelp.com - user review - 05/13/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Um. OK. So I am a pretty picky sushi eater. But I'm not what I would call a sushi snob - meaning I don't eat every kind of roll on the menu. I don't even know what some of them are, I'll admit. But I...
yelp.com - user review - 05/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Plan to get here early because their space is very small and they stay very busy, especially during lunch. I am not much for rolls, but the sashimi here is outstanding.
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Judy's How-To guide for Sushi Sam's:1) Order the Omakase. You'll get to try high quality fishies (some of which I'd never had before) and creative seasonings. Also comes with appetizer and your choice...
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I ordered the baby lobster which tasted like a big, not-so-fresh shrimp (that's not cruel is it?), and the hamachi which was excellent, but I guess I was expecting something amazing because of all the...
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This was the first place I ever had raw fish when I was younger, and it made my standards SO high! The fish is always so fresh and the rolls always good. My dad loves the fatty tuna slightly seared....
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have nothing bad to say about this place, other than the wait may be over 20 minutes during prime eating time. That doesn't matter much to me, however, because the wait is worth it.Spider Rolls,...
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi here is awesome. It's some of the best stuff you'll find and there is plenty of competition in terms of japanese restaurants in the area. It's quite popular so either make reservations or plan...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I was never a fan of sushi sam's until a friend of mine introduced me to the sushi bar. The strength of this restaurant does not come from the ordinary fair of standard sushi or chicken teriyaki, it...
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
This restaurant has the absolute rudest wait-staff I have ever encountered in the bay area (and I dine out a lot). They were so rude the last time I tried to dine there, that for the first time ever I...
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Fatty Tuna what can I say.... the best piece of sushi I can remember in years.Sam is a fantastic guy, he is always smiles and giggles. Now I may be a bit bias as to the fact he visits my place and he...
yelp.com - user review - 04/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I really liked Sushi Sams. I was there for a work dinner so we got to go all out in a big way. Some of the extreme highlights of there evening: -Fatty Tuna; divine-Baby Lobster; unbelievably good. Had...
yelp.com - user review - 04/16/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
MAYBE 2.5 because the service was so damn good. Service would get it 5 stars, but...wait time will KILL you! You will be entertained watching the efficiency of the service in such a small-ass place....
yelp.com - user review - 04/15/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Walking in, I realized that I had been here a few times in the past. I just didn't remember how I liked the food. For me that's odd (don't think I was THAT drunk)...and probably not a good sign?!...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
recently, i've been described as the following by yelp members....1. hot feirce tranny mess (oh paulina, this is a good thing) me: at first i was like HUH?!?!!? but iiiiiiiii LIKE it!!!!2. sweet,...
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Do not ever go to this place. It's the worst sushi experience I've ever had in my life. Here are the reasons:1. My co-worker asked for an order of Nigiri ($3.95) without the rice, so essentially it's...
yelp.com - user review - 03/29/2008
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I have been going to sushi sam's for over 12 yrs......too long to remember exactly how long ago. Anyways, it has always been a local favorite. I am not sure why other people think it has gone down hill. I have...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i loOOOoooooOOOoOooOoveeeeeeeeee this restaurant! gimme gimme more chili dogs! with tempura flakes please! i love the service, love the food, so fresh and so clean. and i love sam! he's awesome! and...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Went here for lunch and ordered the combination lunch special. Like many Japanese resturants, the place is small but it has some good food.Chicken Teriyaki and Pork Tonkatsu with California Rolls.All...
yelp.com - user review - 03/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Kelvin is the man. Sam is a god. They treat their regulars well. Very very good sushi with all sorts of new fresh fish up on the board. We always end up getting omakase and will sometimes supplement...
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Just go straight to their sushi bar and ask them "Omakase" (Chef's choice).If you wouldn't be amazed with their "fusion" style of great sushi, I'd suggest you to go somewhere like Sushi Boat and have...
yelp.com - user review - 03/10/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
$190 bucks for four people to eat lunch? Never again. Four of us had the 'chef's special', and while the sushi itself was quite good, I dropped a brick when I got the check.Worst of all, I left a...
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Easily my favorite and my most recommended sushi spot in California. I'm picky, so I only will touch sushi (nigiri) from Japan, New York and Sushi Sam's. The most impressive thing is the selection...
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
For the price and compared to other places I've been to, this place is okay. You have much better options in the area, and infinitely better options if you leave the area.The fish is fresh and the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/05/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I LOVE SUSHI SAMS OMAKASE. I've always been a rolls person - mostly b/c I dont like stuffing large chunks of fish in my mouth. And if I do order sushi or sashimi, I drown it in soy sauce. Now I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/03/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
A great place for fresh, raw fish! A bit crazy in terms of small restaurant, LOTs of eagerly waiting, hungry people.I came here for the first time last week with my boyfriend and my cousin. After...
yelp.com - user review - 03/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been eating here for 9 years. The food is amazing!
yelp.com - user review - 02/26/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I don't really know why so many people yelp this place with such high review. I live nearby, and it's a nice place to stop in for dinner, but if I didn't live in San Mateo, I don't think I would go...
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Chef's omakase is a bit pricey (only serves one) but fantastic--baby lobster nigiri with almonds...omg. Braised pork with the spicy mustard on the side melts in your mouth. And some sashimi dish,...
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Got the 8 piece omakase. OH MY GOD, it was simply divine and at $50, it better be! Each piece of fish was perfectly sliced, garnished and served. The chef paired each piece of fish with its own...
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place has the best unagi hand rolls, spider rolls, and crab salad rolls I've ever had!! Totally worth the drive to 3rd Ave - great spicy tuna rolls, uni, and saki!
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going here for about 8 years, and I'm never disappointed. It gets crowded during lunchtime and on the evenings all week, but is well worth it. While the nigiri and sashimi is what you'd...
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I solely come here for the real deal nigiri sushi. I sit at the bar and let the chef do the rest. Sushi Sam is the place in SM to come for raw fish cravings.
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
*3.5 stars*My boss recommended we eat here for lunch because it's one of his favorite places. I thought it was fine, nothing special, but it may be because the lunch hour was crowded and with the...
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I'd give this place a 3.5, I used to come here very often, and thought the food was good. For some reason, I stopped eating here...maybe there were better sushi places around Downtown San Mateo like...
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
In San Mateo it seems like a new sushi restaurant goes up every other week, many of which do not stand up to the test of time. Sushi Sam's has been at it's location in San Mateo for as long as I can...
yelp.com - user review - 02/15/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This place was awesome. Everything I ordered was off the special's board and was wonderful and tasty - I would highly recommend doing that than ordering your normal nigiri.I am taking away 2 stars,...
yelp.com - user review - 02/13/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I should have known when we first stepped in to Sushi Sam. All the waiters and sushi chef were speaking Chinese. That was the clear warning for us, but with so many positive reviews on yelp...I gave...
yelp.com - user review - 02/13/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Came here because of the reviews it got on yelp. We ordered the chili dog maki, california maki, rainbow roll, spider roll, and beef teriyaki. My boyfriend really enjoyed the rainbow roll. The spider...
yelp.com - user review - 02/11/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Wow, this place seems to be riding the hype tsunami. The food wasn't spectacular by any means, so I don't understand how it was that busy on a Saturday night. I ordered the chicken teriyaki, coupled...
yelp.com - user review - 02/11/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I took the family out to lunch on Saturday and between the 5 of us we split the $10 Nabeyaki Soba, $50 sushi special, rainbow roll. The Nabeyaki was on par with the noodle hot pots of O Chame in...
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
The sushi list is hard to read and does not offer much outside of the ordinary nigiri and simple rolls. The sushi was ok, but the service was difficult to understand and the ambiance definitely...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
As long as you don't mind the wait, Sushi Sam's is hands-down one of the best sushi places in the Bay Area. No frills, no bells and whistles. Just delicious sushi and rolls. I always order the same...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ok, I am going to go out on a limb and say that this is probably the best sushi in the Bay Area. At the very least, it is the best sushi that I have ever had. And if you're reading this wondering who...
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Kind of not impressive based on other places I have been. I thought the minimum charge of 9.50 per person was kind of ridic. I ordered the calamari legs (WTF? Do you mean tentacles?) and the sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best Sushi I've ever tasted,Talk about a hole in the wall, I thought they were only found in the city. The price is not so cheap but trust me after you eat and throw back a couple of beers it will be...
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This authentic-style restaurant has delicious handcrafted sushi and thoughtful servers. One of them was considerate enough to ask if I was a vegetarian and then warned me that the miso soup was not....
yelp.com - user review - 02/02/2008
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This is my sushi restaurant, and I'd rather you went somewhere else. There are plenty of other sushi places in San Mateo you can try. Thanks
citysearch.com - user review - 02/02/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Delicious, fresh sushi. I really like the California hand roll. I put sushi restaurants into three categories:1 -- they have a sushi boat/train. This is the worst kind of sushi as it is not very...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's Trivia Update------------------------------------------------Over dinner a friend of ours mentioned an unsubstantiated rumor that Haute Cuisine rockstar Thomas Keller loves Sushi Sam's and...
yelp.com - user review - 01/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
fast service, i had the omakase sashimi dinner that comes w/ a dessert (i chose green tea tiramisu), since it seems that all the yelpers w/ positive feedback seem to rave about it. it was more...
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I actually thought I would hate this place because of the abundant avocado use. =) It was actually ok. Its a good compromise for people who love american style sushi and people who like the more...
yelp.com - user review - 01/02/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been to this place for about 4 years now and it has become a regular destination of ours.The sushi quality is consistently great: fresh, tasty, sophisticated in a very simple way. Free tee and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
By far THE BEST rainbow roll I've ever had in my life!! But I'm only giving 4 stars because, I also ordered the escolar sashimi and I found a couple of bones in it . Also, if you call in to make a...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
If Sushi Sam only served raw fish, I would give it 5 stars.There are regulars that frequent this place but it doesn't have enough variety for me to feel compelled to return. The omakase was...
yelp.com - user review - 12/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My favorite sushi dinner outside of Japan. Everything else is good, but they definitely deserve 5 stars for the unique Omakase sushi dinner and other seasonal specialties on the big white board.
yelp.com - user review - 12/26/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love Sam's! Their sushi never disappoints and their wait staff is always super-friendly. Can be a little hard to get a table at times but worth the wait!
yelp.com - user review - 12/12/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great sushi. Can be hard to get a table almost any night. The sushi is fresh and tasty. I think Higuma in RWC is a little better but if I'm in San Mateo this is probably my go to sushi restaurant.
yelp.com - user review - 12/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
though not terribly expensive for sushi its too expensive for a student like me but i'm definetly willing to pay. Quality food is always worth the price and as someone who is completely enamored woth...
yelp.com - user review - 12/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Chili Dog Hand Roll one word = AMAZINGSam's Special Hand Roll one word = AMAZING3 bottles of sake and Ilan's soccer story = PRICELESSWorth the drive from San Jose. Small yet great service. Might...
yelp.com - user review - 11/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have been going here for a couple of years and I have always left feeling full and happy. Staff has always been friendly. Although it does get very busy and you'll have to wait. Any good restaurant...
yelp.com - user review - 11/26/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I can still remember the first time I came to this place back in the late 80's when you can actually sit at the sushi bar and talk to Sam. It was a very small place and it wasn't that busy back then....
yelp.com - user review - 11/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I hated sushi - that is until I ate at Sushi Sam's.If you just want a piece of fish on rice - go somewhere else. If you want tempura or other traditional Japanese food - go somewhere else. Sam's is...
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We were thrilled with the omakasi Sam served us on Friday. We each got 8 pieces of the freshest sushi of the day - yum! We all loved the lobster tail and fatty tuna with sea salt. With omakasi, the...
yelp.com - user review - 11/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Maguro, = blue fin tuna,Hirame, = fluke,Kohada, = sea shad,Aori Ika, = squid,Saba, = mackerel,Kinme Dai, = red snapper,Hon Gatsuo, = bonito, tax,little over $40.-This is almost same price that I had...
yelp.com - user review - 11/18/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Rather than modifying my first review of Sushi Sam's (which covered the overview of the restaurant and the latest sushi & omakase offerings), I thought I'd do a spinoff and cover some cooked food...
yelp.com - user review - 11/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
FRESH sushi! Sam's creative, fresh and nice! This place does get packed due to its small bar station and small dining room but the wait isn't soo bad and it's well worth it. Also, food doesn't take...
yelp.com - user review - 11/15/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I wanted to love this place. I'd been once before, ages ago before I was brave enough to try raw fish, and loved it. The Super Sam hand roll rocks my world, and I don't even like hand rolls. But now...
yelp.com - user review - 11/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ok, 5 stars easy.... damn the sushi is good here... but you gotta stray away from the normal tuna, salmon, hamachi... blah blah... I havent had that here, but that you can get anywhere.Whats special...
yelp.com - user review - 11/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Lame name, Awesome sushi. Hot dishes are so-so.Since moving to the Bay Area in '96 my "favorite sushi" spot has changed from Sushi O Sushi to Kitsho, and now... surprise: Sushi Sam's.Biggest issue I...
yelp.com - user review - 11/07/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
very consistent. rice seasoned just right. dishes from kitchen are pretty good too
yelp.com - user review - 11/03/2007
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This place has really gone downhill. Not only is the prices not worth the portions but the sushi looked like it was rolled by a blind child. The nigiri sushi was extremely small and sloppy, while the rolls,...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/02/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been frequenting this place for the past 4 years now, they've never disappointed. I enjoy their wide array of exotic selections and also everything is at a good price as well. They are definitely...
yelp.com - user review - 10/28/2007
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I have been going to Sushi Sams for over 12 years and frankly, they have gone downhill. The portions are smaller and prices are higher.
kudzu.com - user review - 10/24/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Wow - I think this place has more reviews than Sprinkles down in LA. 232?! Seriously?Well, I'll make it quick. 1) Be smart - make reservations!2) Order the sweet shrimp and enjoy that fried shrimp...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is simply the best sushi in Northern Cal! I've tried others in the city and there's just no comparison. Being Japanese, I have a pretty good palate for flavors and textures of Japanese cuisine,...
yelp.com - user review - 10/20/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is your basic no-frills Japanese restaurants. I came here for lunch with my family last Saturday. The wait was minimal for a party of 5, but the restaurant was busy. There are three...
yelp.com - user review - 10/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is definitely delicious and consistent. I have been going here since 2001. There is an amazing list for sashimi (20 items). The only thing that keeps this place from getting 5 stars is...
yelp.com - user review - 10/17/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
After working for almost 12 hours straight, I desperately needed to unwind with a fresh plate of tuna sashimi and a bottle of Asahi. And what better place to have it than at Sushi Sam's?! Sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 10/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So this is one of my favorite sushi stories.... I went here with a friend of mine, and ordered the Omakase sushi as suggested here, plus the salmon skin salad. Both were delicious, but the cool thing...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The best sushi restaurant you can find in this town. However I usually have their lunch at $7 , they are much pricy for dinner.
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's may not look like those fancy trendy Japanese restaurants, but they mean business when it comes to serving fresh grade A sashimi and other raw offerings at their sushi bar. The restaurant...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
We just went after a 2-3 year hiatus. What an unpleasant surprise. It was horrible!!! The tempura was deep-fried twice...per the manager this is what they do, they deep fry it half way during the...
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
OMG they have the best of the best sushi, try their garlic lobster rolls or their california rolls. I swear its too good to be true...Only thing that sucks is that they are always jammed packed and...
yelp.com - user review - 10/12/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Ok, my boyfriend and I decided we needed to check out this place since the line is always out the door. Talk about disappointment! Yeah, the fish is good. You know what isn't good? Everything...
yelp.com - user review - 10/08/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Hands down my favorite sushi spot. I have been coming here for about 5 years and Sam's is never a disappointment! The fish is the freshest I have ever had-think of the kind that melts in your mouth...
yelp.com - user review - 10/04/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
it's hard to give this place four stars because of the awful service we received (came in for take-out, 45 minutes later we received our food, only to find out that it wasn't complete), but the sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 10/03/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Sadly, a very over-rated restaurant. If you order off the specials board its a decent meal. But its expensive, the service is poor and quality is erratic at best. So many better choices like Jun in...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The food and service were both very good. I would say that they need a bigger location, but I would be afraid that the location would lose it's charm like most do when they make that transition.I...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
2.5 stars.how the hell does this place have 215 reviews? the only reason i remember the name of it is because it's written on the back of the t-shirt of the wait staff ... the wait staff that was...
yelp.com - user review - 09/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is MY FAVORITE JAPANESE RESTAURANT IN THE BAY AREA!!!!!! Let me tell you why. First off the sushi is the best quality found anywhere hand rolled by chef Sam himself. Attentive, friendly, and...
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I don't love sushi as much as my fiance... so this rating is mostly for him. My love has been a loyal Sam's customer since he was in high school- back in the days when the restaurant was half the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/18/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I heard this place ALWAYS have a line out the door -- rain or shine -- just to get in, because of their sushi. Thank God, we got seated right away when we came. Likewise, they say, it's the best...
yelp.com - user review - 09/15/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
good fish, maybe even one of the better fish selections i've seen in a long time.the only problem is sam's falls flat on the service. come on. i know it's not cheap to hire more people, but 3...
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
After hitting Sakae two times in three days, I decided to try Sushi Sam's. The other famously "great" sushi joint in the area. I drove up early and was able to grab a seat in front of Sam before the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
This is hard to write, because I really cherish neighborhood restaurants, especially those that become an institution and a destination in their own right. But I cannot tell a lie: My experiences...
yelp.com - user review - 09/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's "regular" sushi is all right, but for the best eats, sit at the bar, chat w/ Sam, and order things that are not on the menu, or are located only on the special's menu. Ask him for the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Good sushi once you get it. Long wait, and the menu is not english friendly. I have a feeling that it is kind of a locals spot where if you don't know what to order, they don't really explain it to...
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Our friends introduced us to Sushi Sam's a couple of weekends ago. They both lived in Japan for a short period, so I trusted there judgement. They were right it had to be one of my best sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
One of my favorite Sushi joints ever!!You might have to wait a lil while depending on the time you arrive but its worth the wait.
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
it was saturday night and was in the mood for some more sushi. i had tried hotaru the night before and wanted to see if there were any other good contenders around to compete. san mateo, being the...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Yes, you generally have to wait forever. Yes, most of the staff here are Chinese. Yes, their cooked dishes aren't quite as good as Hotaru or Kaimuki. But despite all this, there's still a certain...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went here for a second date, as I have heard that San Mateo is famous for their good Japanese food. Very crowded on a weekday night, and we ended up sitting at the sushi bar. The cucumber rolls...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Very inexpensive, mediocre sushi and cooked Japanese food. There are better places in San Mateo for sushi than this, but if price is your bottom line, here you go.
yelp.com - user review - 08/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
BEST sushi spot in town, hands down. freshest fish you can ask for, nice staff, quick service. yes, sushi sam still works there, and if you sit at the bar, you can have a conversation with him. he's...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I hate to say it but this place was pretty disappointing for my boyfriend and me. We are new to the area and went to sushi sams because we were downtown one night and saw the place filled with people...
yelp.com - user review - 08/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have been coming here for more than 10 years.For people who haven't come here, the few words are:1) Fresh2) High quality3) Super fast service4) Reasonably pricedhm... maybe I don't need to write...
yelp.com - user review - 08/14/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going to Sam's for years. Every single time it is still perfect. The sushi is so fresh. I like the different rolls they have. You definitely get lots of food for your money. The service...
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you come to Sushi Sam, please try to sit at the bar, because that's what this restaurant is known for--- Excellent Sushi. I always start off Chef special 5 orders, (for 2 people) then just pick...
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Very good sushi. I find it just a tad pricey, but not outrageous.The dining room is divided to 2 sections. The newer section has more room while the older section is as tight as well, like in Japan....
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best sushi I know of on the Peninsula (plus a lot of other places). If you've never been before, be sure to sit at the bar and have Sam make some of the specials for you. The specials are often unique...
yelp.com - user review - 08/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Always a good choice when in the mood for sushi. If you get a chance talk to Sam, he's the Loud guy usually in the middle of the 3 guys making sushi. Also if you like Spicy Tuna Rolls, try it with...
yelp.com - user review - 08/03/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The food here is good, especially their rolls! YUM! Their dinners are only mediocre though. They are always very busy so this would not be a good place to sit and have a serious conversation. The...
yelp.com - user review - 08/02/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Come here for the omakase or order sushi from the "daily specials" white board. They serve fish that you can't usually find elsewhere~ butterfish, japanese special unagi (grilled), fresh bonito,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I went there last week since I've never tried any Sushi restaurant in San Mateo. Once I got there around 7 p.m., there were several people waiting. Thankfully my companion got there earlier, and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/26/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
7/24/07 updateTook a friend here for her birthday. we sat at the bar and ordered the special nigiri sushi. Prices range from $7 to $12 for two pieces. We had 14 plates and split a small sake for about...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have been coming here for a long time and its great stuff. The best is the California Special. Its basically is a california roll topped with unagi and teriyaki sauce. It is soft and tasty. The...
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best Sushi around. Sam's has been around for 20 years and it rocks.Sit at the Sushi bar and mingle with sam and the gang- it's a great meal and fun!
yelp.com - user review - 07/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is my favorite sushi restaurant. Long wait, but worth it. Expect to wait around 30-45 minutes. The food comes fast once you get in though. Get the Sam's special roll. Prices are very...
yelp.com - user review - 07/15/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I really liked the place. We ordered the Omakase and got a lot of different sushis, all prepared in ways I've never eaten them before. Although I lived in Japan for 3 years I'm not much of a sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've lived in the Bay Area my whole life and I still have yet to find a place that matches Sushi Sam's bang for your buck in sushi. In fact, there are very few places that I think serve as good...
yelp.com - user review - 07/06/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Here's the only reason I ever go down to San Mateo..Sushi Sam's is hella good. My recommendations is the unagi handroll, spider roll and hamachi nigiri. Well worth the wait, but every once in awhile...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is one of my favorites sushi places to go in the Peninsula. The sashimi is truly fresh - fish that simply melts in your mouth. Sure, space is problem and you have to wait in line for awhile,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
It's the best sushi in San Mateo. Not trendy or "shi-shi" at all but if you want the freshest fish and simple authentic Japanese food, this is the place. I love the "Chili dogs" (spicy tuna...
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The raw sushi here is sooo good! It's fresh and melts in your mouth. I could eat all day! No wonder this place is so packed. They have some unique fish that some other places might not have. I...
yelp.com - user review - 06/28/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sometimes I avoid Sushi Sam's for stretches at a time because I don't like to wait. It's always jam packed for dinner. I've always had to wait at least 45 minutes to be seated in the past....
yelp.com - user review - 06/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The Chef's Choice sushi meal is amaaaazing... each piece is a work of art and tastes absolutely fresh and delicious.
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Without a doubt our favorite sushi place in the whole bay area. My wife is from Japan and very picky about her sushi. She actually prefers their sushi to authentic places in Japan. We pretty much...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I dont have much i want to say about this place.. except that it's my favorite local sashimi place. Come here for the raw fish.
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
whoa!...no line!!!....but not until we paid our bill, people starts coming in...AND this is the part i don't understand!!!WHY the overcrowding/long lines for a place that serves paltry japanese...
yelp.com - user review - 06/21/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Just went to this place for the first time in a very very long time. The sushi is still fresh and the selection is still good. Actually the selection is great. They've got a whole bunch of stuff...
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
OK, I just signed up for Yelp and so I figured that I owed my first review ever to my favorite-est, best-est, ever-est place to grab some Japanese food .. Sushi Sam's. The one item that I would with...
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been coming here for years and always end up having a good meal here. It is no Zushi Puzzle but a very close second for good quality sushi and much closer to where I live. As usual, I would...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
You can always count on a decent meal here. The sushi is always good, the lunch specials are served quickly and efficiently. Lunch here is a better value than dinner. The ambiance at Sushi Sam's is...
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
oh em gee! i just came back from sushi sam's for lunch, and i'm already looking forward to the next time i'm going to get to eat there. my manfriend took me to this place on valentines day because...
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Our friend Dorris introduced us to this place. She sure was right - food is good. I love the special california roll!
yelp.com - user review - 06/13/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Domo!The omakase was absolutely delectable. 8 pieces with delicate citrus seasonings and fresh sprouts was exactly what I was looking for. And the almond jell-o was to DIE FOR. I inhaled the portion,...
yelp.com - user review - 06/13/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place would definitely get 5 stars from me if it weren't for the HUGE lines. Very fresh fish. Order from their menu and you will be able to treat yourself to a delicious sushi dinner without...
yelp.com - user review - 06/10/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
very fresh very expensive. Luck of service but who needs service. Just bring us the food and we will finish them off. I like their sashimi but not their sushi. I like Kyoto more on their rolls.
yelp.com - user review - 06/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Group of 6, no reservation, 15 minute wait. Not bad in my opinion.We went for dinner. The place was a little loud, but not so loud that we couldn't here each other from oposite ends of the table....
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Got here before 6pm on a Saturday and the place was packed! Guess everyone else knows good sushi too. The best was the omakase, which if you get for two people lets you each try one of eight...
yelp.com - user review - 06/05/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
people seem to love this place, but i had a horrible experience today. we waited 15 mins to be seated and then another 15 to give our order. then we waited 30 mins for our food to arrive, half of...
yelp.com - user review - 06/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best thing about meeting my ex was him introducing me to Sam's. This is hands down, the best!
yelp.com - user review - 05/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Awesome Sushi!! Some of the best sushi I've ever had and very very fresh. Has an authentic feel to the place as they give you a warm hand towel to wash you hands. This place is always busy and is...
yelp.com - user review - 05/30/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Best sushi on the Peninsula for sure! I love the 26 pieces sushi plate for $30. We usually order that for a few of us to share. Can't live without the spider rolls as well. I've never had bad service,...
yelp.com - user review - 05/24/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place. But people, you don't order the friggin' lunchboxes then complain that it's nothing special! Technically this should be 4.5 stars because I will admit the atmosphere is a bit...
yelp.com - user review - 05/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Simply the best sushi in the entire Peninsula! The freshest fish with many types of sushi not found in other sush bars such as monk fish liver, battera pressed sushi, kobe beef, white salmon, and...
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
every time i've been here, it's because it's after 9PM and the other japanese places are closing down. The fish is good quality and the other dishes are usually pretty reliable. The service is...
yelp.com - user review - 05/13/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
When we first moved to the area we thought Sushi Sam's was quite good, but the last few times we've been there have been quite disappointing. The service is good and the place fills with friendly...
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
OVERRATED.Sat at bar.- Great service.- Mediocre fish.- Rice breaks up easily.- Shiokara was okay.- Really bad value.- Bad selection of sake.This is a horrible place for food. I want to give it 0...
yelp.com - user review - 05/04/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
What is all the hype about? This place is waaaay below average. In San Mateo's quasi-Japantown there is are better places to go!We came here on a Friday night, were pleasantly surprised to be seated...
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My experiences have been good overall. 1.) Food taste - 4 starsVery good sushi, rice is good. Tea is good. 2.) Cleanliness, freshness - 3-3.5 starsFish is always top notch but I feel like the bar is...
yelp.com - user review - 05/01/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Great, fresh sushi in the heart of downtown San Mateo's restaurant district. There's a bit of a wait at night, so go early or make reservations beforehand. Four of us each ordered the Chef's Special...
yelp.com - user review - 04/28/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is the best sushi I've had, hands down (and I've been to a lot of sushi places). Their service is very quick and they always seat us right away. And they know my name (I kind of feel...
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I went to this place expecting spectacular food considering all the tremendous reviews. I was sorely disappointed. The sushi I ordered was decent, but the lunch special was terrible. I guess you get...
yelp.com - user review - 04/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
If you can sit at the sushi bar and order off of the fish board...do it. Some of the staple sashimi (i.e. fatty tuna) are great as well.You won't need to add any soy sauce or wasabi. The items by...
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I used to wait in line forever to get into this place before they expanded into the space next door. Because it's worth it!!!!Order their mouth watering special rolls: Hot dogSam's special
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love love Sushi Sams. Everything here is good. I used to come here before they expanded and they were worth the wait, now they are even better because they still offer great food and now less wait!
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Probably the best sushi place in Downtown San Mateo.I look forward to the days when I go up to San Mateo and my parents take me out to dinner here. If you go here for dinner, I highly suggest you get...
yelp.com - user review - 04/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I ate at Sam's a couple of times, sort of guessing my way through a few things, and leaving satisfied and happy with a good meal. However, it wasn't until my third or fourth visit that I had a mind...
yelp.com - user review - 04/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Flawless agadashi tofu started off a well-rounded meal of wonderfully fresh tuna sashimi and beef teriyaki. Even the miso soup and salad were really tasty. It's hard to be disappointed by Sushi Sam's.
yelp.com - user review - 04/14/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
woo hooo sam's special roll! the lunch specials are a great deal as well! i don't eat sashimi so i wouldnt really know about all that other stuff, everythingelse is great...this place is always busy!
yelp.com - user review - 04/14/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
What can I say about Sushi Sam's?! In my opinion, it's the best for Japanese sushi in San Mateo. They offer extremely fresh sushi, rolls, hand rolls along with an excellent menu of hot foods as well....
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
they don't spend their money on decor here... they spend it on good quality fish! they have a big menu of fresh fish to choose from, not just your standard tuna, salmon, halibut, and mackerel options....
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I've heard the name of this place thrown around too many times not to at least give it a try. Wasn't adventurous enough to sample the sushi but the cooked stuff was pretty good. The chicken teriyaki...
yelp.com - user review - 04/05/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
3 stars pending a return visit. For the first 15 minutes of the meal, I was thinking this would be at least a 4-star joint. The menu was well-priced, varied and they took our order quickly. We had to...
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I enjoy the roll's but the service was not great. I still like to go back.
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great rolls for San Mateo. The bay area's not exactly a great place for Sushi(LA, and Hawaii are much better)..but for what IS here...and for what is here in San Mateo...it's the best here.The rolls...
yelp.com - user review - 03/25/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Slow eater beware! If you enjoyed BAD service, this is the place!We were seated all the way to the back practically where their kitchen is located, no biggie. Since then my friend and I felt so rush....
yelp.com - user review - 03/24/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I've had better sushi --- (try tomakazu (sp) in burlingame) Sushi Sam's is just alright. The lunch specials are a bargain though! I had the spicy tuna, uni and rainbow roll ..... the only thing I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/24/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
blah... overrated. Why do people like this place so much? The service sucks and the food is just ai-ight.
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We have been going to Sushi Sam's for many years and haven't found any sushi which comes even close to the quality. Very neighborhood feel, with the same wait staff and chefs forever. Love it!
yelp.com - user review - 03/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yowza! This is the good stuff! The quality of the fish is so good here that I usually focus on the nigiri and less so on the rolls. I always tend to feel rushed when in there, but then, there's always...
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've only been twice and sprung for the chef's special both times. Basically they make 10 unique pieces of nigiri ala Iron Chef style - layered complexity to perfection. On delivery, they instruct you...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sam's is a mainstay of San Mateo eateries, a small and informal establishment that makes me feel like Cheers. Sam has a great memory and really tries to remember your name even though he has no idea....
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Never had sushi this good in my whole life. Board specials are the must haves. Selections on the menu are mediocre. Hand rolls are very good. Everything seems so fresh. Be sure to try the the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I walked in 5 minutes before closing, boo =( Because of that, I had pretty crappy service. *sigh*I had NO IDEA they were about to close, I saw a buttload of people inside so I figured it was safe, and...
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi is my favorite food, and Sushi Sam's is my favorite place to eat. I've been going there for a long time and have had a very positive experience every time. A lot of times its really crowded and...
yelp.com - user review - 03/06/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
True story. I was Sam's very first customer. Ever. Really. I live in L.A. now but I still am back at Sam's every month or so. He remembers everyone and still to this day he is grateful that I was...
yelp.com - user review - 03/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Yeah its good. At least above average. The staff is very friendly, especially the Sam guy who the place is named after. Considering the location I was happy with the price at lunch time.Today I ate...
yelp.com - user review - 03/01/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
For the life of me I don't know why people like this place. Its small and cramp and the sushi is strictly average. Am I missing something?
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I do not give many 5 stars but a 4.5 would not work. Really packed - sushi the way it should be - (remember you are supposed to eat it with your hands) SPECIAL TROUT, SPECIAL TROUT, SPECIAL TROUT -...
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Nothing special to mention about. Sushi was ok. Nothing impressive. Just like any other sushi joints. let's just say that I think SF has better selection.
yelp.com - user review - 02/26/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I have loved Sushi Sam's for years - they are hands down my favorite place to go when I am in need of a Japanese food fix. Their spider roll is terrific, and also sets the bar for me, so I actually...
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I liked my udon noodles here, my boss ordered the chef's choice sushi and he loved it. Next time I'll get that knowing it will be on the company's dime!
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
san mateo's best kept secret , or i guess not so secret. yes sams is good, the owner /sushi chef is really rad and nice and will remember you for a lifetime. But is it the best ? IMO no, Hotaru holds...
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The legendary Sam is the captain of a tasty, competitively priced ship in the heart of Mateo. You'll always be greeted in customary Japanese fashion by the staff with a hearty "Irrashai Mase!" upon...
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Best spider roll in the area, ever!Good selection of sushi. Friendly service.
yelp.com - user review - 02/18/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Thanks to my boyfriend for finally taking me here - all that time lost eating somewhere else.Thanks to Sushi Sam's for making me love pork cutlets and veggie tempura like i've never had them before....
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place! Sushi is oh so fresh. Try the Spicy Scallops, Sam's Special and Chili Dog. Mm, mm, mm.I have tried everything on the sushi menu so one time at dinner, I asked the waiter to...
yelp.com - user review - 02/11/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My SO's headquarters is near here so we get here now and then (we live in LA). The sushi is very good and the people are very nice and inviting making you feel right at home.Apparently my SO was...
yelp.com - user review - 02/11/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Don't be too intimidated by the heaps of people at the entrance, there's no waiting area so there's bound to be a crowd at the door. Came at 7pm on a Saturday night, and the two of us were seated in...
yelp.com - user review - 02/10/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
fresh tender selection of sushi 'n' sashimi....from the standard to the exotic....sam has something for everybody....from the po' man to the baller....from the norm to the exotic.....two room japanese...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Amazing selection of extremely fresh sushi. If you like sushi, this place is a Must Eat restaurant.Order the "Chef's Special Sushi" (omakase) and be prepared for one of the best sushi experiences of...
yelp.com - user review - 02/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Rumor has it that Mr. Sam himself goes to Japan every year to find out what are the "in" fishes to eat and the lately trends for preperation. You have to admire that passion. It's often a long wait...
yelp.com - user review - 02/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Chilli dog!!!! enough said!
yelp.com - user review - 01/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i love sushi sam's for fresh sushi!!! we finally know the secret to getting good food here! you gotta sit at the sushi bar and chat it up with sam! i've been here before and had the japanese food in...
yelp.com - user review - 01/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
this place is for sushi lovers.. fresh, tasty and creative!they do have the best uni.. i can't find any better uni anywhere..long waiting line is worth!!
yelp.com - user review - 01/18/2007
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I just went with a friend to Sushi Sam's for lunch and it was a great place for lunch. Service was fast and friendly, and the sushi was very fresh and tasty. Prices seemed comparable to other local places and...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/18/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
All sushi places should be judged by the quality of the omakase. Sushi Sam's does not disappoint in this department. I had a stellar 8-piece omakase that was very fairly priced. I would certainly go...
yelp.com - user review - 01/08/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Their omakase sushi is unbeatable in terms of originality and flavor. No need for soy sauce here folks. Changes all the time too. I think it's one of the only things I've ordered there even though...
yelp.com - user review - 01/07/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Don't expect to go to Sushi Sam's for the service. You are paying for the food and the quality sushi that Sam picks out on a daily basis. Probably one of the best sushi places for the price in the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/05/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi and sashimi here are top notch, especially their more specialty sashimi like king mackerel, kobe beef, and toro. Unfortunately, the regular food such as the beef teriyaki, and sukiyaki suck....
yelp.com - user review - 01/05/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Many sushi lovers rave about Sushi Sam's. I had lunched at Sam's many times and considered it a good but not exceptional sushi option. Having just gone for dinner I now understand the praise.Elaine...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
One of the better sushi places in San Mateo. If you go there, order the spider roll! It's my favorite, always crispy and never disappointing. Yummy! I am craving for it again now while writing...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I dont get it... always crowded, pretty expensive, and service can be spotty, and the sushi is just okay. Not sure why so many people eat here.
yelp.com - user review - 12/24/2006
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Sorry but i can't stand this place even though it is always crowded and popular... and they keep expanding.the service was pretty poor, the fish is average, and the grill is mediocre and inconsistant...
yelp.com - user review - 12/22/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
The rainbow roll cost me like $14 when elsewhere it's like $8. The sushi chefs were nice though but I felt as though there wasn't any breathing room.
yelp.com - user review - 12/21/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
One of the dozens of Japanese restaurants in downtown San Mateo. i've only been here a handful of times, mostly during lunchtime. the bento lunchbox specials are reasonably priced and everything in it...
yelp.com - user review - 12/15/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I haven't been here in AGES! Same old Sam's though. Good value and consistent. My favorite is an unagi handroll with crab and avocado. Mmm. There was no wait for us (7pm-ish on a Tues). The...
yelp.com - user review - 12/08/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Very good sushi! but always always a long line! But I still love going there anyways.
yelp.com - user review - 12/08/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
When I became a vegetarian about 1.5 year ago, I grudgingly ended my 10-year love affair with Sushi Sam. The break-up has been rough ... for about an entire year, I drive "around" that block of...
yelp.com - user review - 11/29/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been going to Sam's for the last decade. Starting from the TINY few seater to their expanded and slightly larger (but not that much) space, this place has not disappointed me. The spider roll...
yelp.com - user review - 11/22/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place. The wait can be extremely long, but it's well worth it! That just goes to show how awesome this place is. The prices are very reasonable and the quality of sushi here is almost always...
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So I saw someone complain about the SIZE of the Nigiri and just had to say something: IT'S EDO-STYLE! The real deal. Small cuts, no obscene SLABS of fish here.If you have real love for sushi (not...
yelp.com - user review - 11/16/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It has been a while since I went to Sushi Sam's. I was disappointed with the bento box I got the last time I had dinner there...to the extent that I hadn't felt like going back in almost a year. So...
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The sushi is amazing. It's like butter. Don't know how else to say it. Run, don't walk, to Sushi Sam's, sit at the sushi bar, and order omakase. Sam will pick and choose from among the best items, and...
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
I used to think thi splace was totally awesome. let me tell you, it totally sucks!!!except for the lunch specials... which are cheap
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place never fails to please my hubby and I - the food, the price, although ok fine, the service could be better. I love the Sam's Special Shrimp tempura hand rolls, and the Chili Hot dogs, their...
yelp.com - user review - 10/29/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So good! So, so good. Sushi, yum. Butter-fish sashimi, torched, perfect light sauce spooned over the fish. Oh my god. California Special (crabmeat, unagi and avocado) is really good. Spider rolls have...
yelp.com - user review - 10/25/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When we eat at Sushi Sam's we generally order "Omakase" (chef's choice). We've never been disappointed. The fish is extremely fresh. Sam has a delightful energy and races to make tons of yummy...
yelp.com - user review - 10/19/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place, we only have been here a couple times and both times we loved our ordered, especially the sushi. My favorite is Sam's Special. Not that adventurous, but VERY good! Ambiance is ok, it...
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love their variety of sashimi - my favorites are the ones with their own special sauces.
yelp.com - user review - 10/13/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
OK, This is it. Sam's is my favorite Sushi Bar in the bay area. Why should you care, I'll tell you:1: From a pure selection of fish your not going to see in every sushi bar in the mission, Sam's...
yelp.com - user review - 10/10/2006
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I fell in love with this restaurant 10 years ago when I first went there, and I had been a very loyal customer for a good few years. They had generous portion of sushi and sashimi, seafood was fresh, and...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/06/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I dunno...I simply wasn't that impressed. And I got a lot of different stuff! The rice kept falling apart on all of my nigiri, way annoying. But they do have good wasabe. And the almond jello ( not...
yelp.com - user review - 10/05/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
been hitting this joint for awhile now. the sushi is decently good and decently priced. i usually just order sushi and stay away from the rolls. just not a roll connoisseur, but u gotta try the...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Absolutely the best non traditional sushi I have been able to find so far. I have said that to some, and have been told that I must not have looked very hard. I went to their recommendations, and...
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
4/26/08I had previously written about sushi sam ...maybe a couple years ago. last time i was there, i ordered what i thought to be the typical sushi.two nights ago, i went back w/ a friend who lived...
yelp.com - user review - 09/17/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My favorite sushi place in the bay area. I drive from the south bay to eat their sushi. Not open Sundays or Mondays. Get there before 5pm so you dont have to wait to eat. You can call and make a...
yelp.com - user review - 09/17/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I will rave about Sushi Sam's until I die. Sit at the bar. Sam works every night and is really friendly. Ask him what is fresh that night - try his recommendations as sashimi or nigiri - it will be...
yelp.com - user review - 09/13/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've had a love affair with this restaurant for the past 8-9 years. I used to come here with my bf when it was half the size it used to be. Bf gone, but sushi isn't. This was actually my last meal...
yelp.com - user review - 09/12/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant. I have been coming here ever since I can remember and I'm 23. Sam knows me by name and hooks it up fat on the sushi too.
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2006
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They have expanded so more seatings but still have to wait on busy nights - worth it. Their California Special is one of my favorites. The spicy tuna handroll is tasty too. If you don't like sushi, their...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/07/2006
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I have been hesitant to tell anyone about this restaurant because it is so good. The sushi is absolutely the best I've had anywhere in the world, including in Japan. The best thing to do is to order the...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/05/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This is a very very popular place.. and for some odd reason people frequent it often.. and it is because of this circumstance which degrades the overall experience!I have to say though that the prices...
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've only had the curry rice here (oh! and yakitori). pretty decent. then again, it's hard to mess up on curry. My coworkers love this place. the lunch specials are a good deal.
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Great fresh sashimi. An old coworker and I came here for lunch and we loaded up. If there was raw fish to be had we ate it and a curry katsu to boot. I'm rarely ever full when I go for sashimi and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
best known for 'spider rolls'. generous portion of soft-shell crab, eventhough i sometimes order 2 :-).crave for avocado, leave that california rolls,, go for 'caterpillar'.sashimi and dinner box...
yelp.com - user review - 08/25/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
My favorite dish is a side of their chicken karaage. It's not talked about much because people are obviously more focused on the fish, but the karaage is awesome. I've become so hooked on it that I...
yelp.com - user review - 08/24/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Just another regular sushi place. Came here because we were in the area. The Cal Special roll was nice with the real crab (they don't even stock imitation crab) and eel, but nothing super special...
yelp.com - user review - 08/23/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Determining the ideal sushi restaurant is a complex process of balancing the natural elements that go into the experience a sushi eater is looking for. It requires a dedication to the internal...
yelp.com - user review - 08/14/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
this place has really gone downhill in the last 12 months or so. Sam just doesn't seem to care anymore. The omakase is great, but much of the other sushi is really ordinary, and so is the decor.
yelp.com - user review - 08/13/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Friends and I have had to explain the appeal of Sushi Sam's so many times that I'll just repeat it, with the actions inserted:"So you go in, sit at the bar, and tell Sam how many pieces you want, and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2006
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This place was packed on a Wednesday night -- signs that it must have something going for it. The sushi was good! They had some unusual names for some of them, like the hot dog (a roll with fried yellowtail...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/03/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Don't know why everyone thinks this is a 5-star-er. Had to wait over 20 minutes and then were packed into the sushi bar. Admittedly, the sushi was great and the prices reasonable, but they didn't give...
yelp.com - user review - 08/02/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
**UPDATE***The hamachi (yellowtail) nigiri sushi was excellent but the rolls are sloppy and not as cheap as you'd think. Rolls are generous sized, but oh so sloppy. I might upgrade to a 3.5 because...
yelp.com - user review - 07/28/2006
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Fabulous, fresh sushi in a busy, unpretentious (close to cafeteria-style) restaurant, where waiting in line in the street is part of the atmosphere. Only disappointment was the sake--if you like unfiltered...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Wooooooowheeeee! I'm still buzzing after my sushi high. Some of the better and more original nigiri I've had. Don't go and expect perfectly executed Tokyo style sushi. They've departed from...
yelp.com - user review - 07/25/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I heard Sushi Sam's was great and its always crowded so I thought I'd try it out. Luckily the wait was only 10 minutes or so.The agedashi tofu and chicken karaage was average. I was surprised and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Ok. Stop right there. You've had sushi yeah? Love it, right? This is the beginning of your re-education. Sam's flipped traditional sushi onto it's freakin EAR here people! I've eaten at the best...
yelp.com - user review - 07/19/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Very very busy place and really tasty food - however, ambiance was a bit lacking...very 'ikeaish', beige chairs and tables...
yelp.com - user review - 07/17/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love Sushi Sam! I've been going there almost once a week for the past 3 years. The staff there is super friendly and the wait is usually reasonable. Also, no matter how busy they are, they never...
yelp.com - user review - 07/16/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
This is the only sushi place that I know of where you can get a chicken/beef curry dish (my hon's fav everytime we come which he tries to get at other sushi places but no luck).Anyway, fresh fish,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I dig Sushi Sam's, but the wait outside can be bitterly cold and once inside it can get loud and too close for comfort (great for listening in on first dates). Sushi is good, tasty and I've never been...
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2006
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San Mateon residents rave about Sushi Sam's, but I've always found it to be relatively average sushi fare with an above average price tag. Generally speaking, I'd rather eat elswhere but there is one...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/06/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Amazing sushi. We have only ever ordered the Omakasa, thus ensuring the freshest fish. Really nice waitstaff. Not particularly vib-ey, unless you consider stripped down neighborhood feel a vibe.
yelp.com - user review - 06/01/2006
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1.0 of 5 stars.
This place has the worst sushi and they don't have lots of choices. Packed and not seated for almost 20 minutes! I'll just go to Ariake!
yelp.com - user review - 05/30/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Ate here this past weekend on someone else's card, and I'd definitely come back. I think the only thing we ordered that wasn't on the specials menu was the unagi. The yellowjack was delicious, baby...
yelp.com - user review - 05/22/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Huge portions of good stuff.I was there last night and ordered the pork cutlet and when it came I was like what the fuck? There were 3 king sized cutlets - HUGE. I could only finish half of it but...
yelp.com - user review - 05/18/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Really good sushi. Very clean. Good service. They extended the place a few years ago yet you still have to wait a couple of minutes for a seat since it's really popular around the area. It's worth...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's is the best sushi I have ever had anywhere. You have to know what to order a bit (the more ordinary stuff pales in comparison to some of the specials), and the wait can be long, but...
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
One of my standard sushi haunts. I have eaten here regularly for the past few years. Reasonable prices, quick service and fresh fish is the reason why I come to Sushi Sams. I have my standard...
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I just discovered this place a few weeks ago but I've already been back...definitely stands out among the dozens of Japanese places in San Mateo. We happened to sit at the bar next to this married...
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi and sashimi is wonderful here. Make sure you have plenty of time cause there can be a wait especially on weekends. Sam is the best.
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love Sushi Sam's!!! I have been going to Sam since I was very little and since he used to work at a sushi boat place where he would send me little candies by boat. His sushi is the best and the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/30/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
The sushi is good and the service is quick.
yelp.com - user review - 03/26/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Order what's on the Specials board. That is where Sam's best, freshest and best prepared dishes are. If the most adventurous sushi you've had is a California Roll, go to a chinese run japanese...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sams has been my favorite sushi spot in the Bay Area for the past 4 years. That's why it pains me to say that the sushi here is not consistantly up to par. I'd say that 85% of the time that I...
yelp.com - user review - 03/06/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When I walk in, Sam and I just look at each other and it's understood - "Sam, start making me nigiri until you run out or I keel over." Best sushi in the bay area. My friend was fascinated by the...
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
very good hamachi kama (yellow fin tuna collar) the meat is tender and the seasoning is simple- grilled in salt and served with a citrus soy dipping sauce (ponzu). sushi is fresh as well.
yelp.com - user review - 02/26/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
After hearing all the fuss we finally tried Sam's. We still don't know what all the fuss is about. Sure, it was good enough but not that impressive to warrant the mention in Sunset magazine and what...
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Okay, there is ZERO ambiance at this place-- although I am grateful that they finally got new menus, as the little pieces of crusty duct tape covering discontinued items was a bit tacky (no pun...
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Probably the best sushi bar in San Mateo. Often very hard to get a seat at the bar, but tables are usually accessible. Fish is always very fresh, and with fantastic flavor. As Nobu-sensei notes,...
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The experience at the sushi bar, and the wonderful selection and presentation of sushi and sake did it for me. I love you Sushi Sam!
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My pick for the best of the best sushi places I've been to ever. I have been going to Sushi Sam's for years now... and I have been looking for any other sushi place that can compare to this one! I...
yelp.com - user review - 02/01/2006
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2.0 of 5 stars.
Sorry this place just did not do it for me the price was cheap but the food was kinda lousy and the dining area is a nasty little sweat box. If your runnin low on funds than by all mean go see sushi...
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I dunno what the hype is about. I mean, i can't say i've had a bad meal here, but just the same it's never been spectacular. The sushi is fine, tho small, and I feel like the prices are kinda high....
yelp.com - user review - 12/05/2005
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1.0 of 5 stars.
i had a good long meal trying out bits of everything. rolls, eh, sashimi ehh, kitchen prepared dishes, not bad. i think im just bitter because a serving of my tai had freezer burn. FREEZER BURN!!!!!!
yelp.com - user review - 11/29/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
One of my top bay area sushi spots. The fish is fresh and the rolls are made wonderfully and quick! Sam is super nice and treats his regulars well. Always check the wall for daily specials as they...
yelp.com - user review - 11/28/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I knew when we finally made it as suburban superstars when we walked into a crowded Sam's put our name at the bottom of the very long list and leaned on the wall looking longily at the passing plates....
yelp.com - user review - 11/19/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi Sam's has the best sushi in the Bay. The rice isn't too sticky or too vinegary and sweet. Also, the cuts of fish for the sushi are good quality and really fresh. All of the guys who man the...
yelp.com - user review - 11/01/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
THE VERY BEST SUSHI PLACE IN THE BAY AREA.Need I say more? ... I've been going to Sushi Sam's for about a decade now and Sam is just fantastic. From the Chili Dogs (Spicy Tuna Handrolls) to the best...
yelp.com - user review - 11/01/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Yummy handrolls!!!! spicy tuna (chili dog), salmon skin and unaqyu (teriyaki eel with cucumber) are my faves. Still can't find a spicy tuna quite like it anywhere else!
yelp.com - user review - 10/26/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Sam's might be the most overrated Japanese restaurant in San Mateo. Sam's has been there while other sushi places have opened and closed. Years back when there were less sushi places, Sam's was...
yelp.com - user review - 10/17/2005
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This friendly place may seem a bit chaotic, but it's worth the effort to get a seat at the sushi bar. The special items, such as seared toro and white salmon skin sushi are memorable. They have the usual rolls...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/25/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is the best sushi place in the bay area that I've been to so far (as of 7/05), although I'd be thrilled if someone can prove me wrong. The other few places I've been are up in SF. Be forewarned...
yelp.com - user review - 07/12/2005
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Sushi Sam's provides a sushi lover with a huge array of sushi that is of very high quality and a large selection. The selection is more than typical sushi places. Some of examples are: Battera (pressed...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/18/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great cheap, fresh sushi, but with a wait if you come a bit late. If you get a chance to sit at the bar, take it and be served by Sam himself.
yelp.com - user review - 06/15/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
yum! good, authentic sushi in the 650. fresh fish, friendly (but somewhat slow) service. worth the wait.
yelp.com - user review - 06/12/2005
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The food is good, the service is ordinary, and there are often waits. Sushi Sam's is what you'd expect from a popular local joint. However, I've been noticing recently that stuffy foodies have been making...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2005
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I've always love Sushi Sam but one thing I really wants to share is the service. Majority of the staff is friendly and efficient but this one guy who's been working there for over eight years is one of the...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/14/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sushi is soooo good, and the staff is super friendly. Only complaint is the long wait.
yelp.com - user review - 03/30/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Great selection of sushi. Divine flavors and reasonable pricing. When you go to the restaurant, try to sit by the bar. Sam will make great treats for you! It is worth the drive from San Francisco.
yelp.com - user review - 03/01/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Good sushi, but too crowded.
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2005
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Forget the rolls. The only way to eat here is up at the bar ordering the specials off the board. While the regular nigiri may be ordinary (but cheaper), the innovative preparations from the Chef's Choice is...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/10/2005
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Sam is Chinese. I think. But still...good sushi. They expanded the restaurant so that you don't have to wait as long as you used to. good option in the peninsula on my way back to the city. if...
yelp.com - user review - 10/14/2004
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Sushi is good and price is right. Still a popular place. But their teapot, teacups, and plates are in a sorry state.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/27/2003
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This used to be one of my favorite Jap. restaurant. However, after they received an TV award and expanded their restaurant, the food has become smaller in portion. For some reason, the fish's not as fresh as...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/14/2003
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I love going to this sushi restaurant. The fish is so fresh & the staff is very friendly. Wave at Sam behind the sushi bar. He knows how to say hello & goodbye in many different languages.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/28/2003
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sushi is great - must try California Special, Sam's Special and Hot Dog. Everything else is delicious - sukiyaki is very tasty. The daily lunchbox specials is a steal.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/03/2003
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My first visit was not breathtaking, but has been better since then. Based on other reviews, there seems to be a trend of inconsistency, whcih I've experienced myself. I've only tried two other places, but so...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/16/2002
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I guess I'm just lucky but every time I've patronized this establishment I've had nothing but superior quality sushi. Very fresh. Very tasty. The only problem is that this place can be a madhouse during the...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/21/2002
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Sushi Sam's, by far is one of the better sushi restaurants in the bay area. The sushi can be really fresh but there are some days when stale sushi has to be definitely chased by a lot of ginger and hot tea....
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2002
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i have NO idea. Not that fresh, not that great. I've had better at the todai. Small, crowded, loud and crappy service but at least with a smile.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/10/2002
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If you like aged fish, then this is the place for you. Each piece of sushi is carefully aged like cheese so that it bears little resemblance to sushi and sashimi in Japan. Better to drive to the city.
citysearch.com - user review - 09/18/2002
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Very average. Another chinese run sushi joint where no one can tell the difference. Sushi was simply average. Nothing special. Not worth a half hour wait.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/27/2002
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What can I say about Sushi Sam's? The same thing that everyone else wrote about this Mecca of sushi. A friend introduced me to this establishment and I have to say I was skeptical at first. I guess because the...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/29/2002
Full Review »
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