Wakuriya offers a truly exquisite dining experience for San Mateo locals who are lucky enough to snag a coveted reservation. This kaiseki-style restaurant offers one option: a leisurely nine-course tasting menu that evolves a bit each day to reflect the freshest available local ingredients. Each of the nine plates will arrive at your table as a beautifully arranged work of art, and your server will explain the flavors, techniques, and inspiration behind each dish as it is served. You're likely to sample dishes like broiled lobster with shimeji mushrooms and figs in miso sauce or oven-grilled sesame tofu. And, of course, you're likely to get a bite or two of sushi.

Note that this restaurant only seats 15 diners per night and is incredibly popular; regulars say it's wise to place your reservation a full month in advance.

Wakuriya
115 De Anza Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 286-0410
www.wakuriya.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wakuriya-san-mateo

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Elsie Hui