Given the popularity of Wakuriya (it's the highest-rated restaurant in the area on Yelp) and the small, intimate size of the restaurant, regulars have just one tip for you: call ahead. And not just a few days ahead, a few weeks ahead. Wakuriya takes reservations exactly one month in advance, simply because husband-wife team Katsuhiro and Mayumi Yamasaki can only ensure a top-notch experience for so many guests at one time.

If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation here, Mayumi will likely greet you when you arrive. Chef Katsuhiro is back in the kitchen getting ready for dinner. Although the menu changes often, locals rave about the sea urchin, in particular. The prix fixe tasting menu that the Yamasaki's offer will always include a little bit of everything, though, from sashimi to seafood barbecue. And best of all, Wakuriya is only about 10 minutes from Hillsdale Square, so you'll have a short trip home after dinner.

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

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Charles Haynes