• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Gintei

Gintei, a Japanese sushi bar in San Bruno, offers an authentic and fresh dining experience. With a focus on sushi and sashimi, Gintei's omakase sets and tasting plates showcase premium fish and flavorful dishes. Customers praise the attentive service and cozy atmosphere, making it ideal for a date night or casual dinner. From the buttery salmon belly to the mouthful of flavors in the nigiri, each dish is carefully crafted and delicious. The sake flight complements the omakase perfectly, creating a memorable culinary experience. Despite limited parking, Gintei is a hidden gem worth discovering for its exceptional food and welcoming ambience.

Gintei: Reviews & Ratings

Eugene C.
Eugene C.

We had omakasei at the sushi bar. The service was friendly. The chef would tell us the name of the fish but wouldn't volunteer any more information unless we ask. The sushi was served in relatively rapid succession. The pieces were fresh, and we had no complaints. They don't have an alcohol list for some reason. When I asked for sake, the server asked us for our preference and offered a recommendation. I had to ask to get the price of the bottle. It is reasonable, but it's weird that the price was not given. I had high hopes of making this our go-to sushi place, but it failed to reach our expectations this time. I am willing to give it another try and order a la carte.

Ranjan P.
Ranjan P.

This is your ticket to authentic. Spanking fresh pristine fish, sushi, nigiri, sashimi, rolls and tempura plus other specials of the day, written on their board. Spartan clean minimalist interior with the most warm, welcoming attentive service ever, a smiling woman greeted us and ushered us to a corner table. We got their grilled mackerel, plus a host of other nigiri, very buttery and decadent, salmon belly couldn't have been more mouthful and unctuous. Their house salad with pickled cucumbers was fine, but wouldn't get it again, was a bit too heavy on the soy. Parking is free and easy up front with their dedicated mini spot. It's right off of El Camino and yif you drive too fast, you'll miss it. Tiny spot but worth a visit.

Derek S.
Derek S.

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Gintei is featured in the Michelin guide. Dining is indoors exclusively either at the bar, or indoors. Street parking is available. There appears to be 1-2 spaces to park in front of the restaurant. Started off with the salmon toro carpaccio and it was okay. The salmon appears to have been partially cooked. The sauce and the bed of vegetables were tasty. The seafood tempura was fantastic. Batter was light and there were a couple shrimps, fish, and some vegetables. The tempura came with a salt and soy sauce for dipping. The chicken karaage was excellent. Chicken was very fresh, moist, and came with a side of mayo for dipping. The Daniel roll was also tasty featuring real crab along with some fish which was also quite tasty. Service throughout the evening was attentive and cordial. ~$40/head for a light dinner.

Jen L.
Jen L.

Every day, we pass by this non-descript restaurant located in a strip mall while picking up my son. We've noticed their white simple sign with black writing which is aesthetically pleasing but we've never paid much attention to the place. Recently we read about them in the Michelin guide and only then realized we were reading about the Gintei in our own little San Bruno. The building is tucked away in a strip mall and the door and windows are very non-descript. When pulling up front, I wasn't even sure I was at the right place. There are a few parking spots in front but parking was sparse in the area on a Sunday evening. We arrived late for 6pm reservations and were quickly greeted by friendly staff to let us know it would be a minute. The place was packed and we took the last available table. It was a very inviting place, very nicely decorated, charming and pleasant. Once we were taken to a table, I asked for a Sprite before we even sat down. My son's sugars were dropping. Without hesitation or questions or comments, not even a face, the server quickly brought me the Sprite. We perused their menu and decided to slowly order and try different things. Eventually we had the fish board brought to us so we could learn about the offerings for the evening. They had quite a large selection of fresh fish so it was difficult to decide. We ended up ordering a few dishes at a time to try and coursed out the evening and enjoyed it with a sake flight. To start off, we had Grilled Beef Tongue, a Tataki, Kurobuta Kukuni, Nyumen, and Oyster Shooters. Then Amaebi, Camino Roll, and two kinds of raw Tokyo Fish. Everything was delicious. The broth in the Nyumen was really tasty and it came out hot. The sake flight I had was so yummy, I had a hard time deciding which sake I liked more. The best part of the meal was the service. Everyone was friendly and attentive. The manager (or maybe owner) spoke Cantonese and Japanese. She spoke to us in Cantonese and entertained my husband's attempts so that always makes me happy. They came by to pick up plates as soon as you were done. We loved our meal. We will surely be back soon!

Malina A.
Malina A.

Went there for my boyfriend's birthday and we loved it! We sat at the sushi bar and each got the omakase set. This was our first time having an omakase tasting and it did not disappoint. There were 10 pieces in each set selected by chef's choice and we really enjoyed the experience of each piece coming out one by one. The sushi itself was very fresh. My favorite was the sweet shrimp, but my boyfriend loved the amber jack. The omakase set pairs really well with the sake flight. We chose the seasonal one and it was a great range of sweet to dry options. They also gave us a glass of our favorite one after trying them all. The only thing was that parking can be difficult as they don't have their own parking lot and there is only street/residential parking around. Overall, this is a great place for date night and we would definitely come back again!

Location

  • Gintei
    235 El Camino Real San Bruno, CA 94066 Hotline: (650) 636-4135

Located in San Bruno, CA, Gintei is a hidden gem for sushi lovers seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience. This sushi bar offers a wide range of options, from Sushi and Sashimi Omakase to Tasting Plates and an extensive Sushi and Sashimi menu. The restaurant prides itself on offering fresh and premium fish, with a focus on quality and taste.

Customer reviews highlight the friendly service and the pristine fish served at the sushi bar. The Omakase sets are a favorite among visitors, offering a selection of chef's choice sushi pieces that showcase the best of what Gintei has to offer. Pairing the Omakase with a sake flight adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

The minimalist interior of Gintei sets the stage for a culinary journey that is both elegant and refined. The attentive service and warm atmosphere make this restaurant a top choice for those looking for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're trying the seafood tempura, the chicken karaage, or the Daniel roll, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail.

Overall, Gintei is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts looking for a taste of Japan in the heart of San Bruno. With its dedication to quality ingredients and outstanding service, this sushi bar has earned its place as a favorite among locals and visitors alike.