Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in San Mateo area. I usually get the Chicken Teriyaki Don but my parents and girlfriend always get the Curry Rice . Usually very busy come early.

My second favorite katsu after Muracci's! Huge portion and relatively cheap price--score!! The beef don is also good. Croquette is okay.

Deluxe chirashi has uni and ika. Also comes with a side of miso soup . Fresh fish , and a generous serving for $22.

well portioned, reasonable priced food. everything is well done, but wouldn't say 'amazing'. enjoyable.

The service is nice. You can try a variety of things in bento box . A nice place for lunch .

Take a photo on the lunch special board before you sit down, save you lots of time and headache when ordering ;)

Check out the Sides menu for a small or lighter meal. The chicken karaage is YUM! Very tender!

Check the specials up on the white board near the middle of the restaurant . Great deals!

Nicest staff around. Consistent food. Reasonable prices. Owners work there every night!

Amazing, reasonably priced sushi . Place can be busy with a long wait .

Chirashi bowl and cold soba are delicious!

personally, I love the bento specials that can be easily missed if you don't look up at the board!

Can't go wrong with the beef teriyaki don

This is my favorite sushi place in san mateo. If you have a group, ask to be seated upstairs. :)

Ask for the shrimp soup . It's not on the menu except as part of the Bento box special on the board.

Curry is definitely on point.

Service can be uneven. I've been served pretty quickly, and I've been forgotten and made to wait while tables who came in after me were served.

Soft shell crab side order is great :)

This place should be at least a 9. There are always Japanese speaking people waiting for it.

Delicious food and fast service !

Very good service ! Friendly staff .

Beef Teriyaki Don is perfect!

My favorite is Volcano Roll and fresh sashimi !!

Very good salmon and hamachi !!

Sushi is good, too much mayo for me though.

If you're gonna do Sunday dinner at Hotaru...get there early! It was hoppin' busy when we were there! Good food :) Read more

Decent udon . Worth a try.

Ankimo salad and geisha roll !

Great specials

Geisha Roll with Salmon , Spicy Tuna , Scallop ! Nom nom nom :)

Homemade Japanese food .

Good nigiris

Order California rolls w/no sesame seeds so you get fresh ones. Otherwise they seem to be premade.

Call ahead if you want to pick them up and they are usually ready very fast

The chicken wings were kinda skimpy. Not much meat on them.

Hotaru's Uni can be a hit or miss. Today was tasty :)

Try the volcano rolls . Ridiculously good!

Do not eat chicken karage it's dry and tons of breading

udon is yum