Kobeya

140 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
+1 650-578-0880
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(167 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Located in the heart of San Mateo, Kobeya presents a delightful escape into the realm of authentic Japanese cuisine. Step inside this vibrant eatery at 140 W 25th Ave, and you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods, Kobeya offers a menu that tantalizes the senses and ensures a satisfying dining experience for every guest.

Kobeya is particularly renowned for its delectable Kobeya Sets, featuring an impressive array of bento options that showcase the rich flavors of Japanese fare. The Chicken Teriyaki Bento and Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Bento are must-tries, each presenting perfectly cooked proteins alongside rice and fresh vegetables. For those looking to spice things up, the Tonkatsu Curry and Chicken Katsu Curry serve as hearty companions, with the aromatic curry made from scratch, ensuring a depth of flavor that can only be achieved through dedication and expertise.

Sushi lovers will also find bliss in the restaurant’s selection of rolls. The Spider Roll, featuring softshell crab, and the Tempura Roll, with succulent shrimp and creamy avocado, are crafted with precision and care, making them delightful additions to any meal.

Guests have praised Kobeya not only for its delicious dishes but also for the quality of service. David Noh shares his experience of being "blown away by the quality" of the Katsu curry and Tempura appetizer, noting a remarkable transformation since the new ownership took over. Diva Ward echoes this sentiment, commending the "unique and very good" chicken dish she enjoyed, while blendtonic highlights the well-priced Tonkatsu curry that he deemed "the best curry I've ever had." The cleanliness and simple presentation of the restaurant enhance the dining atmosphere, making it a cozy spot to enjoy a meal.

Although parking can be a bit tricky, those willing to walk a block will find that the flavorful rewards of dining at Kobeya are well worth the effort. Jonathan and Karen enjoyed their peaceful visit on a Saturday afternoon, praising the delicious Katsu Bento and attentive service that included complimentary hot tea—a perfect touch for a tranquil dining experience.

Whether you're a local or just passing through San Mateo, Kobeya stands out as an essential destination for quality Japanese cuisine that captivates both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Come for the food, stay for the warm hospitality, and leave with a satisfied palate and a desire to return.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

167 Reviews
David Noh

08 Nov 2025

Great food, very reasonably priced. I tried the Katsu curry and Tempura appetizer. I was blown away by the quality! This place got a new owner couple years ago and it really turned around the food quality.

Diva Ward

23 Oct 2025

The food was great. It was delicious and the portions though smaller was just enough for lunch. I would visit this place again. I ordered the nandan (I think) chicken and it was unique and very good.

blendtonic

07 Oct 2025

I got the tonkatsu curry rice plate. Very well priced for what you get. The place is nice, clean and simple. The katsu is freshly fried. You can definitely tell that the curry is made from scratch. It's light but not watered down. It's flavorful but not overwhelming. I think this is the first time I finished all the curry before the rice or the katsu. Is this is the best curry I've ever had? Not sure, my memory does not go that far back. I can say that this is the best curry I've had in the Bay so far. Give it a try, I highly recommend it. Don't come in expecting something super rich and strong. This dish is beautifully simple, just perfectly ordinary in a comforting way.

jonathan and karen

06 Oct 2025

Came here on a Saturday around 3PM to get the Katsu Bento. Delicious and service was great. The waitress got me a hot tea and I had a peaceful time for my meal. I love the Katsu bento has some veggies and the fried side dishes was so good. Very fulfilling :-) The parking was a bit hard to find, I park a block down the street and was surprised that there aren’t many parking around.. I would suggest to come 10 mins early to look for parking.

Sam

02 Aug 2025

With so many restaurants on W 25th, I wasn’t sure where to go. I’m glad I picked this place. First of all, I accidentally entered right after they closed but they still let me order carryout, which I really appreciate. Then the meal was delicious. Perfect size portion for lunch, delicious pork belly, great flavors in the broth. I definitely recommend this place.

A Y

27 Jul 2025

Decent food options and quality. Curry and Ramen set were good and prices pretty reasonable. Would come back again.

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