Himawari Restaurant Review, San Mateo

Himawari is a Japanese Ramen Noodle house in downtown San Mateo. Every block down here has a Japanese restaurant. Their chief rival a couple miles away is the legendary Santa Ramen. They have a broader menu than Santa Ramen, with Rice Bowls, lots of appetizers, and many ramen options. We came on hot day and noted no air conditioning, just ceiling fans cranked up.

Decor, Vibe – Modern Decor with sheet metal on the wall, nice pendant lighting, and counter area in the back. The place was packed with mostly Asians in their 20′s and 30′s, and some families.

Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture)

Picks:
None

OK:

Salt Ramen ($8) with okinawa salt flavor, roasted pork, bamboo stems, green onions. The ramen was crunchier than Santa’s probably due to the egg in this one. The broth was pretty plain and the pork was pretty good, almost like Santa’s.

Deluxe Ramen ($11) Soy flavored broth with stewed pork, egg, bean sprouts had a nice broth flavor but was no very thick. The stewed pork was really fatty and not throughly cooked, causing it to lag Santa’s version. Egg was fully cooked. Lots of fat floating around.

Hotate & Namahamu ($8.50) was three seared scallops with prosciutto wrapped around it. It had a good amount of robata grill flavor to it. Not great, but edible.

Pans:

Chicken Teriyaki Don ($8.50) is chicken teriyaki over rice. Lots of fair quality chicken but a thick and strong teriyaki sauce. The included seaweed soup was way too salty.

Himawari had decent service, with refills and ordering being effortless. Food prices is reasonable, but we feel Santa Ramen retains the crown. This is a good place if you are looking for a low cost meal in downtown San Mateo.

$25 Dining Certificate for $5

Himawari Overall Rating: (Good 2)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Good)
Service Rating:	(Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Good)
Value Rating:	(Very Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Beer, Wine
Attire:	Casual
Hours:	Mon-Thu 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-Midnight, Sun 11:30am-9pm
Parking:	Street
Reservations:	No
Prices:	$7 - $11.50