Authentic Edomae-style sushi with fresh fish























"A longtime San Mateo sushi restaurant that closed in December 2024 after more than 20 years now lives on under family leadership: chef Sam Sugiyama’s nephew, Koichi Ito, is the new chef; Sugiyama’s niece, Toko Ito, heads the dessert program; and her husband, Ching, handles the business side. The rebranded operation has relocated and is open at the new location." - Dianne de Guzman

"I report that notable San Mateo sushi spot Sushi Sam's Edomata was one of eight local restaurants to receive $100,000 from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan; the couple's spokesperson said the funds came from them as private citizens and were presented as large food orders rather than donations and could be used at the owners' discretion." - Eve Batey

"Sushi Sam’s in San Mateo is open for takeout, boxing up casual omakase-style selections to go for sushi lovers." - Becky Duffett

"Behind a 10-seat counter run by Osamu Sugiyama since the early ’90s, I experienced an eight-piece omakase (about $55) that feels like a steal: every nigiri comes from a seasonal specials board with rarity after rarity — sweet blue shrimp, baby lobster tail crowned with aioli and flying fish roe, delicate miso-dabbed snow crab, and sometimes lush Copper River salmon — served at a rapid-fire pace on plastic dishes in a loud, casual, quintessentially San Mateo room; arrive a few minutes before the 11:30 a.m. opening to avoid the line and secure a seat at the counter." - Luke Tsai

"Is there a Guinness World Record for fastest restaurant meal? Quickest meal I’ve had in ages was at local fave #SushiSams in #SanMateo — 10 pieces of #nigiri and a #handroll in front of me within 7 minutes" - Aaron Hutcherson