Sushi Sam's Edomata

A long wait for bad service and sushi is not fun. I read many posts about how great this place was, so we had to go. First off, how does a sushi place not have the traditional ginger salad on the menu? Then their rolls that have more rice than fish and they fall apart upon picking them up. Also, anything with tempura in it tastes deep fried! It was like throwing KFC in the roll. I am sorry, I really wanted to like this place but it was awful. more

This place was SO hard to get into! We went with another couple, who just wouldn't eat anywhere else. "This is THE best!" we kept hearing. Our meal was rushed by the staff (they needed those tables) and the sushi itself was pretty darn bad. We really wanted to like it, but the quality just wasn't there. This was on a week day night, I would be too afraid to go on a weekend. There are so many good sushi joints around San Mateo, that you have your pick and you don't need to wait an hour just to eat here. more

Sushi Sam’s is definitely one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The sushi is extremely fresh, and despite the long lines during busy hours, the wait is quite worthwhile. Service is extremely fast. Once seated, tea is served and within a few minutes, a waiter will come and serve you. Food also arrives very quickly. The sushi are served in generous proportion, but definitely at a reasonable price. I would also recommend going during their lunch hours. Their daily lunch specials includes, chicken teriyaki, tempura, California rolls and soup for under $6! Now thats a great deal. more

AWFUL!!! more

Only the crowds and wait to get in makes it less than perfect.... Sam's has been around for many years (at least 10) in San Mateo. A couple of years ago, he expanded to next door, unfortunately, his popularity grew as well, resulting in waits on weekends that can be as long as an hour. But there is a reason for popularity - it's the best sushi on the peninsula, bar none (I've been to many). For me, only Kabuto in the city comes close - and they buy from the same fish monger, so their sushi quality is similar. Try his seared Toro and dreamy Hamachi. Portions are generous, but not ridiculous. If you're in an adventuresome (and expansive) mood, just ask him to serve up whatever is best - he'll ask your preferences and tailor a sushi feast that will delight and expand your sushi repertoire. prices are in line with bay area sushi prices; standard Japanese cuisine is also well above average and available. I gotta go again soon.. Umm.. more

Sushi Sams, in downtown San Mateo, is incredibly popular - and with good reason. There is always a line out the door, and even with their expanded seating, the place manages to be packed on weekend evenings. I'm a big fan of their Spider Rolls, California Specials (california roll w/eel), and their tempura is tasty, too. I don't know much about their sashimi, but friends say its great! Even my sister-in-law (who is from Japan), likes to go to Sushi Sams when she is in town! more