Ranzan

Ranzan Sushi in Redwood City is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. Tucked away in a strip plaza, this intimate kaiseki fine-dining experience showcases the best seasonal ingredients from Japan. If you're looking for a hidden gem in the peninsula and cannt get a reservation at Wakuriya in san mateo , Ranzan Sushi is it. The meal we had at Ranzan Sushi was an unforgettable culinary journey. We chose “ Kibune “, which offers 14 courses, every dish was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The delicacy of simmered sea bream roe in gelatin was a standout, as was the lotus root dumpling in a clay pot. The sashimi dish was also exceptional, featuring the freshest fish and seafood. The grilled wayu sirloin steak was a highlight of the meal, perfectly cooked with tenderness and full of flavor. The yuba chawanmushi, a steamed dish of egg custard with tofu skin, was delicate and delicious. The deep-fried shrimp and uni wrapped with dried seaweed was another standout, and the squid and mozuku with sweet vinaigrette was a refreshing palate cleanser. To accompany our meal, we tried the sake flight and were impressed with the selection and quality. The miso soup with chrysanthemum was a lovely way to finish the savory part of the meal, and the anmitsu dessert was the perfect sweet ending. Overall, we highly recommend Ranzan Sushi for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in the Bay Area. The food is outstanding, the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

A friend and I decided to have an impromptu Mother’s Day lunch at Ranzan and it didn’t disappoint! We called ahead to ensure they had space available and they promptly seated us once we arrived. We ordered the medium tier bento box which was filled with various seasonal kaiseki dishes, and I especially enjoyed the sashimi, cod, soup, chawanmushi, and pork belly. We ordered a sparkling sake that paired well, and service was very attentive —- our tea was filled regularly and staff was overall very nice. Glad we finally had a chance to dine here and I’ll definitely return in the future ! Thank you, Ranzan, for a wonderful meal!

1/22/23: Updated review. Upscale yet cozy spot to try a Japanese kaiseki-style meal. We had ordered from them earlier on in the pandemic when they were not open for dining in and enjoyed their food, so we came back to try a meal two years later in the restaurant. It was a great experience! The service was impeccable, and the food was well-presented and tasty, with unique dishes such as black sesame tofu (note that their menu changes every month). One of my favorite courses: the wagyu. It was so tender that it felt like it melted in my mouth. We were super stuffed by the end of the meal, even though we picked the smallest course meal. If you like Japanese food or want to have a unique dining experience, I'd highly recommend this restaurant! --- 1/2021: Amazing kaiseki-style Japanese food, with large portions and pretty presentation. A hidden gem that is definitely worth a try!

Excellent services and food quality, authentic Japanese food and comfort Japanese atmosphere. We (3 persons: my friend, my wife and myself with a doll) had Katsura 桂 on Jan 2023 as fresh start of 2023. Evey disk though out the entire course just amazed us and tasted excellent. Ranzan become 1 of best restaurants in Bay Area that I will revisist again soon.

One of our favorite Japanese restaurants. Usually I pick up to go Bento box. Now they offer dine in Kaiseki Dinner. You have 4 types of kaiseki menu.. Ohara...Kibune..Takao.. Katsura. It took 3 1/2 hrs for the dinner. Everything was delicious. The rice is cooked on the table after the 4rth course.

From the unassuming front to the subdued dining room, Ranzan hit all the marks of an outstanding kaiseki experience. You have four options to choose from and also different sake pairings to go with your meal. I particularly like that they printed the selection you chose when reserving so that I can follow along with what is being presented. The same went with each of the sake pairings. They had the name and description printed and served along with the drink. It made it so much easier for me to remember which of the dishes and drinks I preferred. I opted for the Takao tonight but asked if I could add on the Kobe a la carte. I'm glad that they were able to accommodate my request even though it was last minute (Thanks, Aika). But IMO the wagyu sirloin steak was more flavorful (first-world problems I know). TLDR: my favorites tonight - turban shell with liver paste, simmered scallop with egg yolk, sakura sorbet, Wagyu sirloin, grilled yaki saba sushi, simmered abalone, deep-fried herring roe abs maitake mushroom, “hagama” rice, and, surprisingly, the shaved ice with strawberry (it was refreshing and had the right amount of sweetness). The sake pairings were good but nothing stood out to me, except the warm Tatsuriki and Shichida (Thanks, Miho). They have a limited selection of wines, so I would definitely recommend BYOB. Parking could be challenging in Redwood City and you most likely will have to drive around a bit but Ranzan is worth the two to three extra blocks of walking.

We came here to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The restaurant is not big but very well managed. The staff are super friendly and service is top notch. Food is amazing and artistically decorated. I’ve lived in JP before and this place def reminded me of old days there. Highly recommend!

Olivia Tam

The restaurant is unassuming on the outside. Once inside, its minimalist decor uniquely exudes a relaxation and peaceful dining experience. It serves Kaiseki Ryori. Kaiseki Ryori is among the top Japanese cusine, meaning the chef serves with his heart and use the fresh seasonal ingredients. The service is traditional, attentive and diligent. The 10+ dish course lives up to its expectation. Every dish is well designed, pleasing to the eyes and to the palate. Kaiseki Ryori is pricey: If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing zen and memorable place for a special occasion, we definitely recommend. We came here a few years ago and had such a memorable experience. We enjoy the same on this 2nd visit.

Bruno Lowagie

My wife and I love sushi and sashimi, so we picked this restaurant, thinking it would be just like any other sushi place. Boy, were we wrong. We had an hour to spare, so we went for the lunch menu. In that hour (and a quarter), we were served one dish after the other: a starter, some appetisers, a sashimi dish, a simmered dish, a grilled dish, a steamed dish, a vinaigrette dish, a rice dish, soup and a desert. The staff explained every dish in detail, first telling us the Japanese name, then translating it in English, with an eye for detail. I'll let the pictures talk. Everything was as tasty as it looked. This was a great experience. We might try this restaurant for dinner if we return to Redwood City during our travels.

Dave Chen

Attentive and lovely service, wonderful food that’s well worth the price, and a simple spartan jnterior. The whole staff was amazing and patient and took the time to explain things. The food was excellent and a wonderful mix of flavors. The presentation was simple but elegant.

Konner Macias

Felt like we left a spa, a food spa. Incredible experience from top to bottom, amazing host and chef, fish was delicious, soups and smaller dishes incredible. Every bit perfect

Mingja Edholm

Ranzan is one of my favorite restaurants in Redwood City with a lovely kaiseki menus that are so thoughtfully designed with special attention to season ingredients and uniquely delicious flavor combinations. The dining setting is intimate with meticulous staff explaining each dish as it is served.

Sophie Liao

I have been to Ranzan many times for both lunch and dinner. This restaurant is elegant and refined, with meticulous attention to every detail. The service was warm and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. Every dish was absolutely delicious—beautifully prepared, well-balanced, and bursting with flavor. A truly memorable dining experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for both special occasions celebration and amazing food.

Zain Jaffer

I had a business dinner here with someone coming from out of town. I appreciated that it was an intimate setting with not many other patrons around which felt like reserving a private dining room with your own personal chef. The food was amazing and definitely some of the best Japanese food I’ve ever had including my experiences in Japan. I’ve added all the photos I took of my meals. Every dish was unique and unforgettable.

Ben Falter

Came here with my husband on my birthday. Overall the food was excellent. Very good personalized service... At 7:30 p.m. we were the only people there and remained the only people there the entire time. I thought that a bit odd. The food was delicious. Carefully created. Great play presentation... Except for the worm 🐛/ or parasite that I found on top of the one dish. They promptly took it away and informed me they remade it. I think they just removed the flowers/leaves. Recommended sake was delicious. The menu is seasonal so things will probably adjust if others go there. I'm still thinking about that delicious chestnut inside of a fried fishball. The rice made tableside was underwhelming to be honest.

Liu Harrison

We came to Ranzan for my moms birthday dinner and it was an extraordinary experience. The ambiance was very nice and elegant. The table wares were very traditional, and the food was just phenomenal! We had the Takao Set and it was very satisfying. Each dish was extremely well flavored and simply delicious. The chef was very good at incorporating various ingredients and the plating was just super legit! Service was excellent as well our servers were so kind and attentive to details. If you are looking for traditional Japanese fine dining experience definitely come to Ranzan. Thank you Ranzan for this wonderful experience. We will be back next time!

APRIL Z

Ranzan Sushi in Redwood City is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. Tucked away in a strip plaza, this intimate kaiseki fine-dining experience showcases the best seasonal ingredients from Japan. If you're looking for a hidden gem in the peninsula and cannt get a reservation at Wakuriya in san mateo , Ranzan Sushi is it. The meal we had at Ranzan Sushi was an unforgettable culinary journey. We chose “ Kibune “, which offers 14 courses, every dish was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The delicacy of simmered sea bream roe in gelatin was a standout, as was the lotus root dumpling in a clay pot. The sashimi dish was also exceptional, featuring the freshest fish and seafood. The grilled wayu sirloin steak was a highlight of the meal, perfectly cooked with tenderness and full of flavor. The yuba chawanmushi, a steamed dish of egg custard with tofu skin, was delicate and delicious. The deep-fried shrimp and uni wrapped with dried seaweed was another standout, and the squid and mozuku with sweet vinaigrette was a refreshing palate cleanser. To accompany our meal, we tried the sake flight and were impressed with the selection and quality. The miso soup with chrysanthemum was a lovely way to finish the savory part of the meal, and the anmitsu dessert was the perfect sweet ending. Overall, we highly recommend Ranzan Sushi for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in the Bay Area. The food is outstanding, the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

I C

A friend and I decided to have an impromptu Mother’s Day lunch at Ranzan and it didn’t disappoint! We called ahead to ensure they had space available and they promptly seated us once we arrived. We ordered the medium tier bento box which was filled with various seasonal kaiseki dishes, and I especially enjoyed the sashimi, cod, soup, chawanmushi, and pork belly. We ordered a sparkling sake that paired well, and service was very attentive —- our tea was filled regularly and staff was overall very nice. Glad we finally had a chance to dine here and I’ll definitely return in the future ! Thank you, Ranzan, for a wonderful meal!

Kevin Kao

1/22/23: Updated review. Upscale yet cozy spot to try a Japanese kaiseki-style meal. We had ordered from them earlier on in the pandemic when they were not open for dining in and enjoyed their food, so we came back to try a meal two years later in the restaurant. It was a great experience! The service was impeccable, and the food was well-presented and tasty, with unique dishes such as black sesame tofu (note that their menu changes every month). One of my favorite courses: the wagyu. It was so tender that it felt like it melted in my mouth. We were super stuffed by the end of the meal, even though we picked the smallest course meal. If you like Japanese food or want to have a unique dining experience, I'd highly recommend this restaurant! --- 1/2021: Amazing kaiseki-style Japanese food, with large portions and pretty presentation. A hidden gem that is definitely worth a try!

JP Figure (DollJPF)

Excellent services and food quality, authentic Japanese food and comfort Japanese atmosphere. We (3 persons: my friend, my wife and myself with a doll) had Katsura 桂 on Jan 2023 as fresh start of 2023. Evey disk though out the entire course just amazed us and tasted excellent. Ranzan become 1 of best restaurants in Bay Area that I will revisist again soon.

Jean J. M.

One of our favorite Japanese restaurants. Usually I pick up to go Bento box. Now they offer dine in Kaiseki Dinner. You have 4 types of kaiseki menu.. Ohara...Kibune..Takao.. Katsura. It took 3 1/2 hrs for the dinner. Everything was delicious. The rice is cooked on the table after the 4rth course.

Jay Frankera

From the unassuming front to the subdued dining room, Ranzan hit all the marks of an outstanding kaiseki experience. You have four options to choose from and also different sake pairings to go with your meal. I particularly like that they printed the selection you chose when reserving so that I can follow along with what is being presented. The same went with each of the sake pairings. They had the name and description printed and served along with the drink. It made it so much easier for me to remember which of the dishes and drinks I preferred. I opted for the Takao tonight but asked if I could add on the Kobe a la carte. I'm glad that they were able to accommodate my request even though it was last minute (Thanks, Aika). But IMO the wagyu sirloin steak was more flavorful (first-world problems I know). TLDR: my favorites tonight - turban shell with liver paste, simmered scallop with egg yolk, sakura sorbet, Wagyu sirloin, grilled yaki saba sushi, simmered abalone, deep-fried herring roe abs maitake mushroom, “hagama” rice, and, surprisingly, the shaved ice with strawberry (it was refreshing and had the right amount of sweetness). The sake pairings were good but nothing stood out to me, except the warm Tatsuriki and Shichida (Thanks, Miho). They have a limited selection of wines, so I would definitely recommend BYOB. Parking could be challenging in Redwood City and you most likely will have to drive around a bit but Ranzan is worth the two to three extra blocks of walking.

Lucy L

We came here to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The restaurant is not big but very well managed. The staff are super friendly and service is top notch. Food is amazing and artistically decorated. I’ve lived in JP before and this place def reminded me of old days there. Highly recommend!

Really awesome kaiseki place in Redwood City. It's hard to find kaiseki around here but it's basically like an omakase except not sushi focused. I had the lunch and each course was delicious and delicate. The service and pacing was excellent as well for lunch. You can't tell from the outside but the restaurant interior has really nice ambiance - elegant and private. The design makes it feel like an exclusive experience even though it's in the middle of downtown. Overall would highly recommend!

Great food that’s traditional and authentic. Totally worth the price. I really like it that the different food materials are combined in a very harmonic way. The taste of matsutake really reminds me of Japan and huge nostalgia hits me. The staff is very friendly and easy to talk with. They enjoyed their work! Overall a wonderful experience and will get back in the future.

Gene E

Really awesome kaiseki place in Redwood City. It's hard to find kaiseki around here but it's basically like an omakase except not sushi focused. I had the lunch and each course was delicious and delicate. The service and pacing was excellent as well for lunch. You can't tell from the outside but the restaurant interior has really nice ambiance - elegant and private. The design makes it feel like an exclusive experience even though it's in the middle of downtown. Overall would highly recommend!

Ming Chen

Great food that’s traditional and authentic. Totally worth the price. I really like it that the different food materials are combined in a very harmonic way. The taste of matsutake really reminds me of Japan and huge nostalgia hits me. The staff is very friendly and easy to talk with. They enjoyed their work! Overall a wonderful experience and will get back in the future.

Had the kaiseki sushi experience and it was objectively decent, but for the price point does not have the value. This review is more a critique relative to the other omakase and kaiseki restaurants in the bay. The service was overall good, if a bit stuffy. While there were some good dishes in the kaiseki (like the firefly squid and the water shield), others were not particularly flavorful or were a bit greasy (tempura). Soups were good in general. The sushi was fine, but not what I was expecting for the price point. The rice was a bit gluey and did not contribute to the flavor of the nigiri. The cuts of fish felt rough and not as high quality as I've had elsewhere (especially the lean tuna, uni, and the tamago). Some nice pieces like the tile fish and the baby eel, however the overall quality and plating felt closer to a normal sushi restaurant as opposed to a $280pp (pre tax tip) meal. Overall I would say I enjoyed the meal, but holding it to the standards of other restaurants at the same price point, I was disappointed.

George Huang

Had the kaiseki sushi experience and it was objectively decent, but for the price point does not have the value. This review is more a critique relative to the other omakase and kaiseki restaurants in the bay. The service was overall good, if a bit stuffy. While there were some good dishes in the kaiseki (like the firefly squid and the water shield), others were not particularly flavorful or were a bit greasy (tempura). Soups were good in general. The sushi was fine, but not what I was expecting for the price point. The rice was a bit gluey and did not contribute to the flavor of the nigiri. The cuts of fish felt rough and not as high quality as I've had elsewhere (especially the lean tuna, uni, and the tamago). Some nice pieces like the tile fish and the baby eel, however the overall quality and plating felt closer to a normal sushi restaurant as opposed to a $280pp (pre tax tip) meal. Overall I would say I enjoyed the meal, but holding it to the standards of other restaurants at the same price point, I was disappointed.

Luis Martinez

I come here whenever I can't find a good place to eat late at night and found it great since it's a bit cold and was looking for something warm. I always get Ramen but this time I decided to add the wagyu skewers. I asked the waitress if the wagy be cooked medium well. She startled a bit before telling me in an uneasy but secure way, "they all come medium well but I'll ask" as she left a bit startled, the skewers came under 10 mins which was fine. Let me tell you how pink these were, on cube was pink on one side. I thought "the less cooked, the more protein" but i was wrong. I was going to tell the waitress but she brought the Ramen and thought the were "ok" to start with. The Ramen was ok but the combination I got was ready for some alcaseltzer and a night of regret. It literally looked like dog food. Unless some one ask for rare blue then go for it, don't say theyre all medium well and come back with a cow smeered over a stove top. Really disappointed.