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Mitsunobu

JapaneseKaisekiSushiOmakaseSashimiSeasonal

Mitsunobu occupies the storied Sharon Heights dining room formerly home to Kaygetsu, carrying forward an exceptional tradition of Japanese fine dining. Owner Tomo Mitsunobu oversees a menu spanning kaiseki tasting courses, sashimi, and an à-la-carte sushi bar in a serene, minimalist setting.

Price
¥¥¥¥
Area
Menlo Park
Since
2011
Owner
Tomo Mitsunobu
Mitsunobu — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Menlo Park
Plate № 02
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About
When the acclaimed Kaygetsu closed its Sharon Heights doors in 2011, Japanese owner Tomo Mitsunobu took over the same space, bringing continuity to one of the Peninsula's finest Japanese dining rooms. Mitsunobu has built a devoted local following for its seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, which sources specialty ingredients — including delicacies like uni, snow crab, and rare white fish — directly from Japan. The à-la-carte sushi bar offers pristine nigiri and a rotating selection of rare fish alongside dishes such as snow crab chawanmushi and scallop with finger lime. Gratuity is included, in keeping with Japanese restaurant custom.
Neighborhood & visiting

Mitsunobu sits in Menlo Park, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • The kaiseki tasting menu features ingredients flown in from Japan on demand, making each meal a reflection of the current Japanese season.
  • Mitsunobu inherited the Sharon Heights legacy of the celebrated Kaygetsu, one of the Bay Area's most storied Japanese fine-dining rooms.
  • Rare sushi bar items — Hokkaido uni, fresh snow crab, and seasonal white fish — set a standard rarely matched on the Peninsula.
  • The zen-like minimalist room with ikebana flower arrangements creates an atmosphere of genuine Japanese ma — tranquil negative space.

Call ahead for the kaiseki tasting menu as specialty Japanese ingredients are ordered on demand. Automatic gratuity is included. — Format: Fine-dining Japanese restaurant. Authenticity: Opened in 2011 by Japanese owner Tomo Mitsunobu, taking over the Sharon Heights space formerly occupied by the acclaimed Kaygetsu; original Kaygetsu executive chef Shinichi Aoki stayed on during the transition.

Links
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Frequently asked

About Mitsunobu

Is Mitsunobu an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Mitsunobu is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
Where is Mitsunobu located?
Mitsunobu is located at 325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Francisco, USA in the Menlo Park neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Mitsunobu?
Mitsunobu does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular kaiseki restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Mitsunobu?
Mitsunobu sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
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