Amami Sushi Bistro

A well-loved San Bruno sushi bar and Japanese bistro serving fresh omakase, creative specialty rolls, hamachi kama, tai carpaccio, and izakaya-style plates at reasonable prices.

Amami Sushi Bistro at 312 El Camino Real in San Bruno is one of the most consistently praised sushi spots on the Peninsula, with over 750 Yelp reviews and a 4.2-star rating built over years of loyal regulars. The restaurant is unpretentious from the outside, with an intimate interior and a sushi counter where guests can watch the kitchen work. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is the standard strategy. The omakase is the most-ordered dish and the clear reason most people come back: ten pieces of chef's choice nigiri at a price that significantly undercuts comparable Bay Area omakase counters, with notably thick cuts of fish and fresh wasabi served alongside. Reviewers consistently single out the quality and freshness of the fish as the standout. Specialty rolls round out the sushi menu, with the Amami Special — unagi, crab, and cucumber inside, topped with ripe avocado — among the most reordered items. Other fan favorites include the Dragon roll, Lion King roll, Melted in the Mouth roll, Romeo and Juliet roll, tai carpaccio, hamachi kama, chirashi, and baked scallop roll. Izakaya-style starters include agedashi tofu, gyoza, tempura, and soft shell crab. Teriyaki and katsu plates round out the menu for those who prefer cooked dishes. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner seven days a week, with online ordering for pickup available through the website.