Kani Kosen Japanese Restaurant - Sushi/Japanese, Pacifica

Best: Sushi

580 Crespi Dr, Pacifica CA 94044

(650) 355-1281

Parking: in strip mall parking lot
Hours: Tues - Sun 5pm-10pm

http://www.kanikosen.com/

Last Visited: September 3, 2011

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$$

So I first heard about Kani Kosen while checking out one of Wilma's food photos.  The fact that there was a fish head in the photo of sashimi caught my eye, and ever since, it's been on my list of places to try. 

When we drove to Pacifica and saw the location of Kani Kosen in a strip mall, we were surprised at how many people would come to a place in this seemingly remote location.  While we were early for dinner on this Saturday night, the restaurant soon filled up and there was only one large table left.  As we entered, we were promptly greeted by Keiko with a warm welcome.  A husband and wife team, Kazuo works in the kitchen while his wife Keiko and another person manage the front of the house. 

Articles talking about how Keiko and Kazuo have been residents of Pacifica since the late 1960s are framed on the wall and other Japanese style decorations including a large banner marking their tenth anniversary celebration line the wall too. The restaurant has been open for many years and awards for best sushi in the area are also hung on the walls.  These decorations make what would seem to be a rather bland decor a little more comfortable and inviting. 

Menu items include sukiyaki, made fresh at your table, a large variety of rolls, and lots of sushi.  Entrees such as tonkatsu, rib eye, and chicken teriyaki are also available.  Prices tend to be higher than some Japanese restaurants for entrees, but very reasonable for sushi considering quantity and value.

Tonight, we had a very long wait, and while service is quite slow, they are still very friendly.  I give them three stars because of their demeanor and apologetic response for the wait due to the take out order that took them much longer than anticipated.  One table decided to order a rather large take out order, and that left all of us waiting - from the time we got into the restaurant to the time we received our main dish was probably about forty to fifty minutes. 

- Sushi Moriawase Deluxe -  This chef's special came with miso soup.  The soup was fairly standard in presentation and flavor, but I appreciated how it wasn't watered down.  The plate of sushi came beautifully presented with nine pieces of sushi and two rolls.  As you can see from the photo, we enjoyed unagi that was super rich in flavor and texture, ebi, hamaichi, salmon, tuna, and other fish too.  The rolls were California roll and a combination of tuna and something crunchy roll.  Very filling and each piece of fish was cut thicker than what you find at many other places.  The ratio of rice to fish was also good.  Terrific.  I would definitely order this again.  $23.95

While I'm not sure if edamame is part of the meal or not, we were served edamame while we waited and along with the apology for the additional wait.  This came between the miso soup and main dish.

Overall, I felt that Kani Kosen serves top quality sushi with generous quantities, high authenticity, and high value.  The service is slow, and exceptionally so this evening, but very friendly and warm.  I think I've found my new place to go for sushi dinners.  Go to Kani Kosen for great sushi, but make sure to leave plenty of time for dining.