Yakitori Kokko: Experience Authentic Japanese Yakitori in San Mateo

Such a fun cozy spot! Pretty much everything was tasty so enjoy exploring the menu and following whatever your gut is telling you that day. The meats were all good, but my favorite might have been the eggplant. Service was pretty quick. Kind of in a random location but it’s worth a stop.

Visited Yakitori Kokko for the second time. Expect classic izakaya vibes, well-executed grilled dishes, and a solid place for late-night dining with friends. Highlights / Must-order items: * Wagyu Steak – nicely seared, tender, and juicy * Beef Tongue – thick cut with great texture * Lamb Chop – well seasoned, no gamey flavor * Steamed Clams – very fresh with a flavorful broth * Grilled Scallop – sweet and tender (often sells out) * Takowasa – smooth texture, great with sake Small portions, great for skewers + sake flights . Ideal for casual dinners, late-night bites, or a first stop after landing at SFO.

Quaint Japanese restaurant, tucked away in a quiet corner in the northeast part of downtown San Mateo. Delicious yakitori items, as well as rice bowls, fried appetizers, and ramen. Fast and efficient service, but hard to get a seat unless you have a reservation. Very small parking lot, but there is street parking and a couple of parking lots nearby.

The restaurant is clean with a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, and the food is excellent. We ordered a variety of dishes, including organic chicken, which was good. The grilled eggplants with soy sauce were incredibly flavorful. I tried ramen with sesame broth for the first time, which was unique. The waitresses were friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this place to anyone!

Kokko is an absolute gem in San Mateo! I had an amazing dinner here, and everything was cooked to perfection. The chicken karaage was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The takoyaki was perfectly soft with just the right amount of chewiness and savory goodness. The rice ball had a delightful smoky char, adding an extra depth of flavor. The ambiance is cozy, and the service was friendly and attentive. If you’re craving authentic Japanese flavors, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Here's a 50-word review for Koko in San Mateo: Koko satisfied my oyakodon craving perfectly! Found them via Google Maps, and their yakiniku was also a hit. The food is consistently good, offering solid Japanese comfort. While not every dish was a standout, the overall experience made it a reliable spot.

3 good friends got together for a last minute late dinner, so we didn’t order as much as usual but still satisfying. The skewers were amazing, and the Unagi Don had lots of sauce which is the way I like it to go with the rice. Chicken cartilage was a great dish to go with a cold beer.

Kokko is a decent yakitori spot. It tries to be a comfort food style yakitori and beer with no frills, yet somehow the price point misses the mark. If you want to go for the "shack" and okay-to-be-charred feel, you want to back it up with appropriate pricing. On paper the prices look "cheap" but you get miniscule portions that almost tease you rather than fill you. We were so used to seeing an endless wait for Kokko so when we got reservations, we were super excited. We were seated in the parking lot shack - not a problem - except the table wasn't "flat". And given the decor, we were certainly going for the "street comfort food" style. Again, can play along. Before I comment on the food, I'll mention it the last time. Portions are tiny so don't be fooled by what looks like reasonable prices. You have to order a LOT. The skewers were quite good in many ways. None of them were the best, but they all score above average and were flavorful. We had about 10 different kinds but none of them were memorable. It certainly accompanies beer well. So decent marination. Where the taste was "off" was when there were burnt parts (fully understandable once in a while) where the skewer itself tastes bitter. At a yakitori place, this is just not acceptable. Many were great. Just a couple. Service is super slow and hectic. I appreciate everyone trying to bring out skewers as they come out, but there doesn't seem to be a dedicated server for your table, and thus, there are periods where you just can't get a hold of anyone. I won't be returning unless someone is begging to go for some yakitori and I'm out of options. Heck, Mokutanya a few miles north is much better.