Shiki Bistro

Solid Japanese food offering in Downtown San Carlos. We stopped by just before 530 on a Saturday evening. There were a few other tables with people but it was not too busy yet, about half full. They have a weekend happy hour menu with appetizers/small dishes and drinks that goes until 530, which the servers were kind enough to make us aware of and allow us to order to get our discounts in! I tried an unagi roll, which was pretty bland tasting, even with the unagi sauce. But I did enjoy the agadashi tofu which was piping hot and freshly fried. And my nephew inhaled his gyoza. I also enjoyed the shrimp and veggie tempura, which wasn't greasy. I would skip the chicken karaage though, because it was just chunks of deep fried chicken breast that had no flavor and were really dry. I got a nice cold and refreshing $5 pint of Asahi to go with my meal too. Service is fast and friendly and they were very nice about accommodating the two little ones and the giant stroller wagon, which they allowed us to tuck behind some back tables. It got busier around 630 when we were leaving with all of the other tables filling up. Ambiance was nice too, with tvs playing sports at the bar, but the lighting was bright enough you could still see your food and not too loud that you couldn't hear each other talk across the table. 3 stars for the food but bumping it up +1 star for the nice service and happy hour menu.

The service was very slow, at one point I started to think if they forgot us. We asked for Wifi password for my daughter's Ipad, they said they don't share the password with guests. Just why? This is not friendly in my opinion. Overall food was not delicious at all. Not the worst but definetly was not the best. Kids menu's food was nice. Just we asked to change one entree to one another but they said no, again. But like "NO" Instead of chicken entree would like to have one more cucumber sushi. Wanted to ask, why are you this strict? This should be a fun place. Overall, the place is not welcoming. I didn't like and will not come back

Good happy hour deals and friendly service. Great place to go for a large party, I typically go with the in-laws and our family of six are seated quickly and checked up on often. We typically order a few plates of sushi, appetizers like gyoza, and sake/a few pitchers of beer. I think some key dishes could have a bit more pizazz. An example of this is the udon - I felt my soup could have had additional vegetables and inclusions. It felt lackluster but hey, at the end of the day, I'd order it again. A hot bowl of udon is a comfort food of mine.

Been here twice with my family the past 2 years. Service is good and personable. The kid's bento box is a good deal. It comes with lots of things and even my older kid couldn't finish it. My kids enjoyed it. Udon with tempura was good. I'm no expert but definitely enjoyed that. Sushi/sashimi are pretty good. Good spot to check out when in the area.

Tonight's dinner was such a bad experience on many levels. 1st) my wife has been been vegan for 30+ years, we have eaten here before and she's been able to get the vegetable ramen with udon broth sub rice. Tonight they gave her a normal ramen even after she said that she is vegan and can't do meat or dairy. 2) The new containers you guys are using are terrible!!!! In the picture here shows how bad they are that they leaked through the container and into the bag. Half of the broth went into the bag. 3) the gyozas were luke warm at best and soggy. 4)The only reason I gave a 2nd star is the fact that they refunded my wife's ramen otherwise it would have been 1 star. Shiki bistro I've had your food before, DO BETTER! Make your options more available to people with food allergies or sensitivities.

I've walked by this place many times and always wanted to try it. I went in on a weekday and it was pretty good. I have a gluten allergy and they gave me tamari soy sauce and made the lion king without the sauce which has gluten in it. I appreciated them being knowledgeable about food allergies and the inside was cute, it was affordable, and there was good service.

The food is yummy and the kids bento box is big. The food is pretty good and the waiters are nice. Pretty atmosphere. Nice and friendly staff.

Shiki Bistro has an extremely underrated lunch menu. The prices are phenomenal and the pieces of fish are very high quality. For just $16, you can get 9 pieces of high quality Nigiri during lunch time. It even comes with soup and salad. Shiki Bistro doesn't cheap out on their selection either, serving premium options like the scallop. In addition to the nigiri combo, there's a great selection of bentos and rolls that are offered at low prices during lunch. This is my new favorite lunch sushi spot because of the quality and most importantly the affordability!

Albeit small portions served here, everything was tasty and neither overcooked or undercooked...but the customer service is even bigger and better. Ample parking in front of the restaurant. First timer here and as soon as I walked in yesterday afternoon around 3 p.m., the restaurant seemed quiet--one other couple at the bar. No one was at the door, but the two bartenders/chefs manning the bar all look up and greet me, then politely usher me to another counter where I pick up my phone orders. I ordered a small cup of miso soup and it was warm and delicious! Could tell it was a homemade recipe. A side of Chicken Yakitori was served in two small skewers, but was bursting in delicious Yaki sauce!I also ordered Cherry Blossoms (supposedly spicy tuna, but I couldn't tell). Another side of sushi was ordered and honestly at this point I can't recall what it was, maybe California rolls? I wasn't a fan of this one. Dipping it in the soy sauce did not make it any better. I found it rather bland. Yesterday was definitely a preview and I will return in the not too distant future to explore the rest of the menu. Small plates, sushi and their drink menu, plenty to look forward to!

the food IS AMAZING. They make it perfect and you can order so many things there. The wait time, BLAZING FAST. just like my food when it comes. The atmosphere is pretty good. Fits the design.