Minato Japanese Restaurant

Robert H. 3 months ago

Minato has been a reliable neighborhood favorite for years, and thankfully the food is still bringing its A-game. The Shrimp Tempura Roll remains one of the best around, and their signature Chosen Sauce deserves its own fan club. If you're tired of the usual teriyaki routine, swap it in and thank me later. It adds just the right amount of kick without hijacking the dish. My go-to order is still the Salmon Teriyaki with Chosen Sauce and a Shrimp Tempura Roll. The flavors are consistently on point, the portions are solid, and it's one of those places that rarely leaves you with order regret. That's a pretty impressive streak in today's restaurant world. The only area that feels different from years past is the service. The team is still professional and efficient, but the warm, extra-friendly vibe that used to make Minato stand out has faded a bit. Even so, when Friday night rolls around and nobody can agree on where to eat, Minato remains one of the safest bets in town.

Meghna Prasad 3 months ago

An amazing experience here.. This was a surprise plan made by my husband to explore Japantown and the restaurants here. He picked Minato and we couldn't be happier. The service and food was top notch. We came with friends which is why we got to try a variety of foods. We ended up ordering the seamed basket, teriyaki salmon, the tofu katsu by request for a friend who was vegetarian and the famous pork ribs. The miso soup and salad was too good. The salad had the perfect dressing. The ambience is cozy and we loved how everyone was sweet and helped us get our order. There was a seeprate person taking drinks order and another eas taking food orders. We are gonna be back here when we are in town again.

Greg S 6 months ago

We were in the area on a Westfield Mall Swatch store pilgrimage. The Japanese restaurants at the mall had crazy long lines, so we decided to try Minato because it's in Japan Town. There were four groups ahead of us when we arrived at 7:30, but I'm so glad we waited! My wife had Chicken Katsu, and she was very happy with the crunchy outside and tender breast meat inside (a nice surprise, as most places use dark meat). I had Sukiyaki, which came more quickly than I expected and was piping hot. The broth was just the right sweetness, and came with a generous portion of tender beef, tofu, noodles, cabbage, and thinly sliced bamboo shoots. We had a pot of toasted rice tea, and the dinners also came with salad and miso soup. I was frankly shocked that the total bill was under $50 with tip - a super value! The service was friendly and attentive, and you could tell that many folks were regulars that knew the wait staff. Highly recommended!

American Angler 7 months ago

Claster Riddley and his little stab Bowdoebingco Coomahoop were in town from Australia for the Boom and Stick world championship tournament at the Greeport Auditorium and wanted real authentic Japanese food, and somehow the Minato Japanese Restaurant caught their eye as being the most authentic Japanese Restaurant in the city! Well, we went to Minato, and I must say..the panko pork cutlet was amazing as was everything else. 5 stars for sure! ☆☆☆☆☆

Pahlevan 8 months ago

🍱 A San Jose Staple with Rich Local History Minato Japanese Restaurant is a deeply established part of the San Jose community, known for its long history and no-frills, traditional atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that many locals have frequented for years, and you can feel that sense of heritage as soon as you walk in. The menu features a wide array of Japanese staples like sushi, udon, and katsu, served in a classic booth-seating environment that feels like a step back in time. While the overall experience was a bit of a mixed bag for me, the food quality was decent, and it’s easy to see why it has maintained its presence in the neighborhood for so long. It represents a piece of Japantown that many hold dear. 🥢 Decent Food with Quick Turnaround One aspect where the restaurant performed well was the speed of the kitchen. Despite the steady flow of customers, the food came out relatively quick, which is great if you are looking for a meal that doesn't drag on. The dishes provide a straightforward, comforting taste of Japanese home-style cooking. While the flavors didn't necessarily stand out as exceptional or innovative compared to other spots in the area, the execution was comp

Olga Nemesh 11 months ago

Minato Restaurant in San Jose is an excellent spot for sushi lovers. The sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, and the service is always friendly and attentive. A perfect place for a high-quality Japanese meal — highly recommend!

Dasha Elgart a year ago

Minato is a small and very cute family owned restaurant. The staff members are very nice and caring, and they come across as genuinely enjoying what they do. The food is delicious and very fresh. Very affordable prices and generous portions.

Pat Wong Edited 2 years ago

The steamer baskets are super! Also great nabe options, especially on stormy days. Service is friendly and fast. Dishes served in correct order. The agedashi is tasty. The staff checks often if anything else is wanted. The plain rice 🍚 is good! The combination meals are great!