Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

(650) 343-1152

33 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401 37.5636 -122.3254

Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central San Mateo

16 reviews

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Last updated 6.25.09

What People Are Saying About Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

Hotaru used to be my favorite Japanese restaurant, but one very traumatic experience really set the record. I took my family all the way from SJ to San Mateo on Mother's Day to enjoy this restaurant, but they gave us such poor service that the no matter how the food tasted it left a horrible taste in my mouth. Our party of 6 ordered our food and waited quite a while. One by one, we started to get our order except my dad, who didn't get his food until everyone was finished. We waited for his food, but it was taking so long that we started without him. We tried eating slowly, asked the waitress multiple times where his food was, but it came only after they realized that they had totally forgotten. Mind you, this wasn't something that took a long time to make. It was sashimi!!! Don't you just simply cut the fish into a pretty plate and serve?! They kept telling us that it was on it's way, but it was only after the fact that I complained that they told me his food was mistakenly given to a different table. There was no apology by the waitress at any time and no comps whatsoever! They offered some ice cream, but this was AFTER everyone had left upset and I was left to pay the check. I've had better service at other restaurants and they make a little mistake and they act very sorry and give you the food on the house or something at the least when everyone is still present. I just can't believe the kind of service that this restaurant has. I wonder if the owner(s) even care. I am not one for much drama, but this one really traumatized me forever. Good luck eating here.

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Anonymous

December 07, 2006

Hotaru is very cozy and the food is great. The portions are generous, service is pleasant and fast during lunch, and the food is delicious. My udon soup was just delightful. I will definitely go back.

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