Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Sushi/Tokie's
San Francisco · Sushi · a la carte

Tokie's

JapaneseSushiTeriyakiJapanese Comfort FoodFull Bar

Tokie's is one of the South Bay's most beloved Japanese institutions, founded in Foster City in 1981 by Nagasaki-born Tokie Onizuka and now operating downtown San Mateo. Over four decades, this family-run restaurant has become a neighborhood landmark for old-school Japanese comfort food, sushi, and a full bar.

Price
¥¥
Area
San Mateo
Since
1981
Owner
Victor Onizuka
Tokie's — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, San Mateo
Plate № 22
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About
Tokie Onizuka arrived in the United States from Nagasaki, Japan in 1955 and fulfilled her dream of opening a Japanese restaurant in Foster City in 1981. For over 40 years, Tokie's became a South Bay institution, featured on Martin Yan's television program and beloved for its unpretentious approach to Japanese home cooking. The restaurant is now run by her son Victor Onizuka, who has maintained the family spirit while moving to a downtown San Mateo address. The menu spans classic teriyaki, sushi rolls, fresh nigiri, donburi, and Japanese hot pots alongside a full bar featuring Japanese whiskey, sake, and house cocktails.
Neighborhood & visiting

Tokie's sits in San Mateo, 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 sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • A genuine 40-plus-year Bay Area legacy founded by a Nagasaki-born chef who brought Japanese home cooking to the Peninsula.
  • The full bar with Japanese whiskey and sake creates a lively atmosphere that sets it apart from typical sushi counters.
  • Old-school Japanese comfort dishes like beef sukiyaki and teriyaki remain on the menu, prepared with the same care as when Tokie herself ran the kitchen.
  • A family-friendly dining room that accommodates large parties — rare for authentic Japanese restaurants at this price point.

Reservations are recommended on weekends. The Foster City Roll remains a signature creation and a nod to the restaurant's origins. — Format: Full-service Japanese restaurant & bar. Authenticity: Founded in 1981 by Tokie Onizuka, born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan. Now operated by her son Victor Onizuka (Japanese American); a Bay Area institution with 40+ years of history, formerly of Foster City.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Tokie's

Is Tokie's an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Tokie's 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 sushi format.
Where is Tokie's located?
Tokie's is located at 34 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, San Francisco, USA in the San Mateo neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Tokie's?
Tokie's does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Tokie's?
Tokie's sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
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