Mitsunobu

325 Sharon Park Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA

Address:	325 Sharon Park Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
Phone:	+1 650-234-1084
Site:	rmitsunobu.com
Rating:	4
Working:	Closed 11:30AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–1:30PM 5:30–9:15PM 5:30–8:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Joel Schneider

While obviously on the pricier end for restaurants as Kaiseki often is, Mitsunobi was absolutely worth it. I went with a friend and we both ordered the kaiseki meal with enhanced sashimi, he substituted Wagyu beef for the normal filet mignon, and I ordered a sake sampler. The overall experience was wonderful. The restaurant itself is rather small, tucked away in the corner of the commercial center its in, and the ambiance is very relaxed and sleek. There were never more than 10 or 12 other patrons at the restaurant so it felt very cozy, and the servers were very attentive and helpful. Our courses were paced out well over the span of about 3 hours, and we were impressed with the food both in quality, presentation, and quantity. My favorite dishes were the "Chawan-Mushi" savory egg custard and the Filet Mignon. They were both substantial, well balanced, and very flavorful. I particularly liked how the snapper complemented the custard and the addition of red miso paste to the filet mignon. I highly doubt I can come even close to mimicking theirs, but I need to try and make that custard on my own! My least favorite dish was the Muscovy Duck Breast. It was still tasty, and I appreciated the variety in the different courses, but overall the dish wasnt terribly exciting or interesting in flavor. The sake sampler was also excellent, and I appreciated the descriptions of each sample. There was good variety with one being very fruit-forward, another rather floral, and the last much drier and crisper. The sake sampler consisted of 3 separate glasses of sake for only a quarter the cost of the "sake pairing" for the kaiseki menu. I cannot say what that sake pairing is, but I was more than happy with the sampler and I think its a much better deal. Overall, out experience at the restaurant was a fantastic time of delicious food, wonderful conversation, and classy ambiance. We appreciated the quality, presentation, and balance of the food, and we were quite satisfactorily full upon leaving. While each portion may seem a bit on the small side, there are a lot of them! I would highly recommend coming here, although I may need to wait a bit until I can afford it again. Quite a treat!

Merry Yen

We have been to Mitsunobu twice before and its been consistently excellent. For this visit, we had the chefs menu. For $98 you get an 8-course meal with the option to "upgrade" for additional sashimi, or nigiri. The courses are well-paced, the servers pleasant. Everything was well-prepared and beautifully presented. The tofu in umami broth is light, yet flavorful. The sashimi is so fresh it taste like the ocean. The Japanese eggplant was perfectly charred with fresh vegetables on top to offset the eggplant mushiness. The filet mignon is sliced thin, grilled table side to your preferred doneness. The eel rice is hearty, had great mouthfeel, yet is not overly rich. The only course that didnt win me over was the jewelry box, which contains 3 separate dishes. The soft shell crab was in a broth, which made it soggy. The spring chicken was well-cooked, but only flavored by the umami jelly. The best part of the "box" was the manila clam with vermicelli noodles - it was the perfect bite. The foods are full of flavor, yet is not overly rich (as youd expect of a similar multi-course meal in a French restaurant). At the end of the meal you feel satiated, yet not overly-full/overwhelmed. The food is not quite on par with the pre-fixe menus at Baume in Palo Alto, or Ambience in Los Altos. Though it should be noted that both restaurants listed above are significantly more expensive than the chefs menu at Mitsunobu. Well likely return for another date night.

Sam Dehnad

This place is well overrated. I have lived in Menlo Park 40 years and have had sushi all over the world, this at best is average yet they decide to charge you not just under $40 for a Chirashi, but then tack on 18% gratuity! I sat by myself at the bar, it took 30 minutes because as I sat down the sushi chef only one went to break at 1pm rush hour. I paid $54 dollars with the Diet Coke and chirashi and $7 gratuity added automatically along with my $5 dollar added tip. Only room service or a party of 6 or more in some high end restaurants do this. This place is ruining the experience by adding an outrageous 18% on top of already outrageous inbedded high prices. Not worth it really, if it was great yes but not at all.

Florence Quinn

Food was not bad but not great. I lived in Tokyo for several years and this was nothing special. But the prices are outrageous. Maybe ordering the kaiseiki menu is a better deal but we went for a la carte and were floored. $27 for 3 bite size pieces of cod. $26 for a rice and mushroom clay pot that barely fills 2 small rice bowls (its rice and mushrooms). Insane.

Randy F.

Tip: Mitsunobu is the successor of the very well regarded Kaygetsu. It maintains their signature kaiseki menu and the loyal Japanese patron, but updates the decor and the menu. I personally like ordering the nigiri sushi a la carte and their chirashi is one of the best, although also one of the priciest.

Behdad Esfahbod

8 dollars for miso soup... Unless you are a VC on Sandhill Road, save your money and go somewhere else. We were there on a Sunday night. We were the only ones there, and the service was extremely slow.

Gregory P. Smith

Very expensive. Great for a delightful japanese treat on rare occasions (or every day if youre a sand hill VC made of money).

Salil Soman

Incredible service and excellent food. Seating is limited so definitely would recommend reservations.

Nicolas Adrian

Everything was very good, but I was expecting a fancier/more surprising experience from the prices.

Josh Lipps

Called last minute, able to fit us in. Very Polite, Great pre fixe menu!

Jerod Powell

Flat out amazing, true master sushi Chef, highly recommended

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