Bay Meadows

‘WAKURIYA is comprised of two words: one from “WA” that means “Japanese”, “harmony”, and “gentle” in Japanese; another from “KURIYA” that means “kitchen” used in ancient Japan. The two words are combined to form WAKURIYA, the restaurant name and strong passion to present a new style of Japanese cuisine that maintains its deep roots in authentic Japanese culture and tradition, yet breathes new life into a deliciously innovative cuisine.’

Tucked away in the Crystal Springs Village Center on De Anza Boulevard in San Mateo, this tiny 18-seat restaurant has acquired quite a following since 2008. Wakuriya is run by a husband and wife team from Japan, Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki who honed his culinary skills for 13 years before coming to the Bay Area and floor manager Mayumi Yamasaki who learned the basic technique to serve authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese hospitality in her mind. Everything they create blends authentic Japanese recipes with a Pacific Rim twist.

Inside you will find a classic Japanese style space with a long and open kitchen counter where you can observe Chef Katsuhiro’s culinary skills at work, whether slicing, blending, cutting Sashimi, decorating Sakizuke or preparing delicious desserts.

On the table, dinner at Wakuriya consists of pre-fixed course monthly menu with a nine-course extravaganza showcasing a large spectrum of Japanese cuisine. They pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients, including fresh sea food, poultry, meat, and seasonal vegetables, which may vary occasionally depending on market. Dishes are accompanied by carefully-selected sake and wine. The price is also fixed at $95 per person.

‘The food was absolutely incredible. Presentation and taste were perfection. Our server provided top-notch service.’ – Yelp review from Angela M., San Mateo

With 4.5 stars and over 300 raving reviews on Yelp, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations must be made one month in advance by phone only at 650.286.0410. Plan ahead and be persistent on the phone, it’s worth the effort to ensure you get in. Wakuriya is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with 2 seating times available. Iris C. shares a tip on making reservations: ‘The trick is to call right at mid-night (12:01AM) one month in advance and leave a message.’

For a special event with friends and family, Wakuriya offers a private dining experience for up to 12 people in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with an exclusive Kaiseki menu. The minimum charge is $1,450 including food and two bottles of sake or wine but the opportunity to have a personal chef catering amazing fare is priceless. Grab your calendar and the phone to book your experience today!

featured image credit:Trip Advisor Seventh course. Rice dish. (TA_Cityguide-Team, Mar 2012)

Strike a pose with your sake and snap a picture of your San Mateo lifestyle! As we develop community, we want to see how you live or play at Bay Meadows. Share your fun lifestyle photos with our community by using #baymeadowslife in our Fame x Frame Photo Contest. You could WIN $50 or our Grand Prize of $500 at the end of 2014 and be featured in a live pop-up photo gallery exhibit. Click here for official rules. Each month, Bay Meadows will select one photo to WIN a $50 gift card at Whole Foods Market San Mateo. Simply hop on instagram or twitter at tag us using #baymeadowslife or submit up to 10 photos per month to photos@BayMeadows.com .

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