Seiya Restaurant
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Seiya Restaurant: The Best Sushi in the Bay Area
About Seiya
Perfect blend of traditional and modern Japanese culinary techniques. Mastering the art of sushi with each delicate bite.
Ingredients
Fresh fish is the heart and the rice is the soul of our restaurant. Using the highest grade of Japanese short grain rice and Japanese red sushi vinegar the texture is unparalleled to others. Seasonal fresh fish delivered daily, sourced locally and globally, our customers can truly taste the sweetness and freshness.
Reservations
Reservations can be made through seiyasancarlos@gmail.com or Opentable. All phone and email requests are not confirmed until you have received confirmation from our staff.
A valid credit card is required when making a reservation for a party of 3 or more guest. A $35 per person charge will apply to any cancellations or no show’s within 48 hours of ALL reservations.
Please refrain from leaving us a phone message for any changes or cancellations as ALL changes or cancellations need to be done either through Opentable directly or in writing by emailing us 48 hours prior at seiyasancarlos@gmail.com
Opentable will randomly assign seating depended on availability. When making of your reservation, please note your seating preference. Regular table or sushi bar seating are available for reservations. Priority will be given accordingly to the date and time the reservation was made and is not a guarantee. But we promise we will do our best to accommodate your special requests!
One last thing…….
Please be courteous with every guest’s time. Each reservation is allotted for a maximum 2 hour dining time (with the exception of large parties). Which means, if someone in your party is running very late, please be patient with us since we may have to speed up your dining time if we can’t move your seating. We are trying our best to accommodate all of our guests!
We will do a curtesy hold on your seats for 10 minutes past your reservation time. After that, your reservation will be marked as a “no show” and charges will be applied accordingly.
Thank you and we look forward to serving you soon!!
Discovering Culinary Harmony: Seiya Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of San Carlos, Seiya Restaurant stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, beckoning patrons with its tantalizing fusion of tradition and innovation. This unassuming gem has garnered a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s premier Japanese dining destinations, captivating diners with its impeccable service and a menu that sings with authenticity.
A Fusion of Flavors
At Seiya, every dish tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a deep-rooted respect for Japanese culinary heritage. The sushi and sashimi, renowned for their unparalleled freshness, transport taste buds to the bustling fish markets of Japan. But what truly sets Seiya apart are its inventive offerings, like the famed “tacos” that marry the bold flavors of Mexico with the delicate nuances of Japanese cuisine.
Take, for example, the Fish Tacos, a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Instead of a traditional tortilla, a crispy square of nori cradles seared tuna, creamy avocado, and a hint of salsa cruda, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on the palate.
However, not all creations hit the mark perfectly. The Great Balls of Fire, while playful and indulgent, risk overshadowing the delicate flavor of the tuna with an abundance of sauces. Yet, amidst these occasional missteps, Seiya never fails to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Craftsmanship in Every Bite
From the moment you step through the modest storefront, Seiya’s commitment to excellence is palpable. The intimate dining space, with its sleek décor and understated elegance, sets the stage for a culinary journey like no other. Whether you find yourself seated at one of the seven tables or cozied up to the sushi bar, every corner of Seiya exudes a sense of tranquility and authenticity.
Behind the scenes, Chef/Owner Kuo Hwa Chuang, with experience from renowned establishments like Domo and Blowfish in San Francisco, leads a team of culinary artisans dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavor. From the earthy Kinoko Risotto to the crisp Iron Pot Rice, each dish is a testament to Chuang’s ingenuity and passion for his craft.
A Feast for the Senses
At Seiya, the dining experience extends beyond just the food. It’s a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors that come together to create moments of pure culinary bliss. Whether you’re indulging in the subtle elegance of the Sashimi Salad or marveling at the skillful precision of the sushi chefs, every moment spent at Seiya is a celebration of the senses.
As the evening draws to a close, and the last traces of green tea ice cream linger on your palate, you can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for having stumbled upon this culinary oasis. Seiya isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of culinary harmony—a place where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect balance.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a taste of Japan in the heart of the Bay Area, look no further than Seiya Restaurant. Here, amidst the bustling streets of San Carlos, you’ll discover a culinary experience unlike any other—a journey of flavors, textures, and emotions that will linger in your memory long after the last bite is savored.
Resources
- Seiya in San Carlos – Japanese Small Plates by By Mandy Erickson from Sfgate.com, Oct 6, 2011
- Best Japanese Restaurants in San Carlos by Opentable.com
- Seiya Restaurant Official Website
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Top Reviews
Adam K. | Yelp 
Amazing attention to detail:
In a sea of shopping center sushi, Seiya is an incredibly refined exception. The restaurant is small, intimate and dark in the best ways. Because of its size, the staff can really spend the time with each table getting to know your taste and recommending what is fresh/new on the menu.
It is this 1:1 attention that makes Seiya so special. We have discovered so many new dishes we would never tried without our waiter’s recommendation. It really is a must try!
My food recommendation:
- The Fish Tacos are an unbelievably elevated must.
- Really lean into the experience of your server. You will not be disappointed.
Nicole Y. | Yelp
This restaurant is easy to miss since from the street, it literally just looks like a black door but let me tell you… IT WAS SO WORTH IT!
This literal hole-in-the wall opens up into a sleek and trendy sushi restaurant with very friendly staff. All their ingredients are top-quality, some even directly from Japan.
The omakase is amazing in itself, but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, do NOT skip the Japanese Risotto. That was probably the best rice dish I’ve ever had on this side of the bridge. 10/10 would recommend.
Margaret T | Yelp
Cute little Japanese restaurant with solid quality sashimi/sushi. The interior was not what I was expecting at all. It was dimly lit and very intimate (perfect date night setting!), but also spaced out well. They leave a spot open between every 2 seats at the sushi bar and there’s also a private room for larger groups.
The appetizers were larger than expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The Asari Jiru ($16) was one of my faves. The clams were quite big and the Shimeji Mushrooms were fresh. The broth was very light, but packed with flavor.
I usually judge a sushi restaurant by the quality of their uni/sea urchin. We got the Hokkaido Uni ($22 for 2 pieces of nigiri) and it melts in your mouth. The Hotate/Scallop ($16 for 2 pieces of nigiri) was also very fresh, and quite a generous piece!
They also offer some rolls if traditional sashimi/nigiri is not what you’re looking for. They offer classics like the California Roll ($10) as well as specialty rolls like the Spicy Hulk ($16- spicy tuna/avo/tobiko wrapped with a thin slice of cucumber) or Mac Daddy ($18- tempura onion/shiso/tobiko/avo/ocean trout).
Soha S. | Yelp
In all the years I’ve lived in San Carlos this was my first time ever trying this restaurant and I loved it! I cannot believe I’ve never been here. Everything was served so fresh and their plating was gorgeous. Everyone from our server to the chefs was so polite and made the experience so enjoyable.
My favorite dish was the Jalapeño Yellowtail, but I loved the uniqueness of the Fish Tacos. Their crunchy California Roll was better than others I’ve tried, as with their Spicy Tuna Roll. Was perfect for a date night because of the ambience of the restaurant, the intimate seating, and dimly lit setting.
It was also clear that our chefs knew what they were doing which is always a bonus for me! Thank you so much!
Nancy C. | Yelp
Great tasting sushi and Japanese food. Came here with a friend who’s never been and we both agreed it was very good!
Highly recommend reservations as it is a small place and can only accommodate a certain number of guests.
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