Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

Hotaru is the best Japanese place in San Mateo, period. I have been going there at least once a week for over 5 years and I have never been disapointed with any of their dishes. Their lunch specials are good big portions and inexpensive. Th ... more

Hotaru is the best Japanese place in San Mateo, period. I have been going there at least once a week for over 5 years and I have never been disapointed with any of their dishes. Their lunch specials are good big portions and inexpensive. The bento box (#2) and #3 are always a good bet. Sushis are basic fare but cheap and always fresh. The dragon roll is my favorite. The nigiris are nice cuts. You really feel you are getting more than your money worth. Not like most of the fancier places. I have introduced at least 20 of my friends to the place and they all go back regularly. The all-japanese waiting staff is very efficient. The decoration has nothing memorable even if they made some efforts in the last year but you are not there for fancy at the first place. It gets pack very fast since everybody knows it is good and it is kind of small but the wait is never very long. The best proof that they are serving quality Japanese food, Japanese people go there! less

The choice was between this place and a Japanese Bistro a couple blocks down 3rd st and we picked this one because they had Don Buri and the other did not. Don Buri is my hubbies favorite Japanese dish and they had many options 2 of which he could ... more

The choice was between this place and a Japanese Bistro a couple blocks down 3rd st and we picked this one because they had Don Buri and the other did not. Don Buri is my hubbies favorite Japanese dish and they had many options 2 of which he could choose (vegetarian) one being tofu and the other tempura Don Buri. The decor was kinda bland and basic. We got to seat right away w/ zero wait. We got there around noon and by the time we left 40 min later or less the wait was out the door! Get there noon or before. He ordered the Tofu Don Buri. I got the old stand by Tempura w/ a side of rice. They served us a green salad which had like a ranch mayo dressing in a clump barely covering the lettuce. I ate some and he had none. They served Miso soup which I never eat as they use fish sauce. We got our dishes pretty promptly. His was huge! We ordered off the lunch menu assuming like any other restanurant the portions would be smaller in addition to cheaper and the portions were not smaller at all! He had a super deep bowl packed w/ rice and tons of egg w/ tofu and then my tempura was served. They gave me about a dozen pieces and a side bowl of rice. I ate all but 3 pieces and was stuft when I left. He couldn't even finish half his as it was enough for 3-4 people. There beverage selection sucks! Everything came to only $17 for enough food to fill 5 people or so. Staff was friendly. Would definitely go back. They had a few other options for us (non-meat/fish) so we can go back again. less

Hotaru is my favorite Japanese restaurant. The waitstaff is very friendly and courteous. The prices are very reasonable as well. The restaurant is always very crowded, with people waiting outside the door, but the turnaround is very quick. It ... more

Hotaru is my favorite Japanese restaurant. The waitstaff is very friendly and courteous. The prices are very reasonable as well. The restaurant is always very crowded, with people waiting outside the door, but the turnaround is very quick. It's a small place, but very comfortable. I reccommend this place highly. less