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San Mateo - Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park), San Mateo, CA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)

4.6 (775)
$31 to $50
Japanese
329 S. Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for happy hour
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:45 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:15 pm EARLY HAPPY HOUR Fri–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Mon–Thu, Sun 9:00 pm–9:15 pm LATE HAPPY HOUR Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    You are the Chef!
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Gyu-Kaku - San Mateo can accommodate all your special event needs.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    San Mateo
  • Cross street
    E. 4th Ave
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

    $40.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our delicious prix-fixe Japanese BBQ courses for any occasion and for parties of all sizes! Our courses are designed on a reasonable budget and for beginners and fans alike. Try a variety of popular small plates, signature BBQ dishes with our unique marinades, and more. Selection and pricing varies between courses, and may not match the starting price listed. Visit our website for more details. www.GYU-KAKU.com
    Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at... Photo

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What 775 people are saying

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in San Mateo offers an unforgettable dining experience with "excellent food, amazing service, & the warmest atmosphere." Guests rave about the "fantastic quality" of marinated meats and attentive staff, especially server Lily, who "makes every visit feel wonderful." Ideal for celebrations or casual dinners, this spot is a must-visit!
775 Reviews
  1. Kennyshia VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lily our server is the best!! She’s very attentive and always smiling and joyful! She makes our dining experience memorable everytime :)

    Is this helpful?

  2. Apple

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Too expensive, too little food. Not worth the money.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Namrita VIP

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My partner and I absolutely love Gyu-Kaku & have been coming here religiously for over a year, it truly feels like our second home. We visit a few times a month, & not once have we been disappointed. The quality of the food is consistently fantastic. From the perfectly marinated meats to the fresh sides & sauces, everything always arrives delicious & beautifully prepared. You can truly taste the care that goes into each dish. But what really makes this place special is the people. LILY, who has become more like a friend than a server, greets us with the biggest smile & makes every visit feel wonderful. ALL THE STAFF & MANAGEMENT HERE ARE GENUINELY KIND & ATTENTIVE. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a little celebration, we always leave full & happy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this gem! Great food, amazing service, & the warmest atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Diana

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, excellent services and excellent price 🥰was a special day with my friends. Thank you!! For sure will be back !!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Beyond

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and amazing service. Energetic team members working together to provide incredible service. Very attentive and checked in with us often.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Emanuela

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I come here often. I love this place. The one thing I do not like is, sometimes, at the far right tables, there’s a smell. It’s enough to make me ask to be moved. Fortunately, I’ve only been seated there twice in the last 3-4 years.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sina

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Customer service, food, drinks and overall experience is top tier! Bathroom is big enough and clean!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dan

    Hawaii1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sooooo fun and delicious. We went for the first time for Father’s Day as a surprise and we had so much fun we came back the next night with my in-laws because it was such a great experience. So delicious too!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Melody

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The quality of the food was outstanding. The NY steak was our favorite, so flavorful and so tender! And their pork belly melts in your mouth. And our waitress was very nice. :)

    Is this helpful?

  10. Vanessa

    Unspecified1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Haevn’t been here for a while, but food and service are still great!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 343-3255.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) is rated 4.6 stars by 775 OpenTable diners.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park) does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. San Mateo

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Mateo, CA | Downtown (Central Park)

329 S. Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    E. 4th Ave
  • Neighborhood
    San Mateo
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:15 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:45 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:15 pm EARLY HAPPY HOUR Fri–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Mon–Thu, Sun 9:00 pm–9:15 pm LATE HAPPY HOUR Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    You are the Chef!
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Gyu-Kaku - San Mateo can accommodate all your special event needs.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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