Robin Menlo Park

After trying it for the first time, Robin is now my favorite omakase restaurant in the Bay area, beating the likes of Michelin star sushi restaurants. The omakase experience at Robin is an odyssey of flavor and hospitality.

Robin isn't just a sushi restaurant; it's an experience. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff exuded genuine enthusiasm and attentiveness, ensuring every detail of our evening was perfect. Dim lighting, modern interior inspired by the Japanese culture and upbeat music - it all complimented our omakase experience.
The true highlight was the omakase itself, meticulously crafted by our talented Chef Andrew. Each piece was a symphony of flavors, showcasing the freshest and most exquisite ingredients.
The omakase experience at Robin is unique because you can pick the price for your omakase experience, and it can range anywhere between $109-$209. The base $109 experience includes 13 courses (each course is either a cold dish or a piece of nigiri). If you are going later in the night, then there is more flexibility, and you can try to go for an even more expensive omakase experience. We started with a lower price omakase experience and switched to a higher priced experience after realizing how delicious every course was.
Sweet, savory, buttery, creamy, sour, zesty, refreshing, fruity, umami, smoky - you'll experience all these flavors and more throughout your omakase experience.
Each piece of sushi was a piece of art that combined complex flavors, aromas, and unique ingredients in a very well-balanced and artistic way. The preparation and the presentation of each item was top notch. Every cut of the fish was fresh and juicy.
Our chef Andrew not only combined flavors with precision but also presented each piece with stunning visual appeal. The textures were a delightful exploration, from the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the cod to the satisfying crunch of the nuts in some of the dishes. The dessert was the cherry on top - rich in flavors and well executed in every aspect. Our chef also explained each dish with detail and answered our questions with genuine interest.
The staff also truly elevated the experience. They were very attentive and accommodating, adjusting the omakase to our preferences and ensuring we had a truly unforgettable evening.
The omakase experience at Robin is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. Without a doubt, this is a 5-star experience that deserves the highest praise. I can't wait to return and embark on another flavor odyssey. Honestly, I can eat here every day for the rest of my life and not complain once.

Based on what I saw from some prominent Silicon Valley food bloggers on social media, Robin looked a bit too non-traditional for my taste. My sense of nigiri was also much more acute having just traveled to Tokyo last month. Nevertheless, I made a reservation at the sushi bar the day before my birthday at the new location in Menlo Park.

Over the course of the evening, Chef Scott won us over with his attention to detail as he guided us through the omakase courses. Despite the fusion aspect of the sauces and ingredients, the flavors were consistent enough with Edomae sushi with requisite quality red vinegar for the rice and preparation and cutting techniques of the fish.

The highlight of the meal, showstopper even, was the A5 Wagyu with foie gras grated over the top of it. It was served in a plate with red accents evoking a slasher horror movie haha. It was so flavorful that I wanted to lick the remaining bits of grated foie gras off the plate. I did not.

The service was attentive and first class. Chef Scott was friendly and pitch perfect as a performative sushi chef. The setting was lively with the fellow diners at the bar but not overly loud. It was a wonderful birthday experience that I will remember fondly. Definitely worthy of Michelin star consideration. I look forward to returning at some point down the road.

12/6/2023 Omakase Menu ($150)

Hirame Kombu - halibut with jicama and pineapple
Stripejack (?) - rice in red vinegar
Wagyu and Uni on deep fried then dehydrated seaweed
Steelhead Trout with a sliver of persimmon
Sawara (Spanish mackerel)
Red Snapper with Spicy Apricot Jam
Topped with shaved egg yolk
Kanpachi Amberjack with green apple lime zest yuzu juice
Albacore with Thai almond sauce and green papaya and Thai basil
New Zealand King Salmon Truffle butter and slice of truffle
Sesame Noodle grapeseed oil with shaved truffle
Bluefin Tuna with Wagyu fat on top
Black Cod with spicy miso
Hokkaido Uni with bacon butter on top
Toro Bluefin Tuna with ancho chili sauce
American Sushi - Housemate Potato chip with smoked caviar
A5 Wagyu with shaved foie gras
Aji horse mackerel nigiri (extra addition)
Ice Cream pistachio strawberry 🍓

We were 30min late to our reservation due to crash on hwy. We called ahead ( it was a text line but they are responsive!) to let them know and they informed us the pace will be more sped up due to other reservation behind us. When we arrived, they explained everything to us and the food just flowed. It didn’t feel rushed at all. And the food was amazing ! The ambience and the service were all so incredible and thoughtful!

Had a memorable evening at Robin. My partner and I arrived a little early for our reservation and the host kindly recommended some drinks while we waited. The design is modern industrial with striking accents which can feel cold and stark but at Robin it manages to feel comfortable. We were seated promptly at our reservation time and were treated to an inventive and delicious menu. This is definitely a place that is purposefully eschewing tradition in a beneficial way. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable yet service is on point. Will definitely be back!!

Robin is hands down my favorite Sushi restaurant in the south bay! The food, service, everything is top notch and inspired.

The cuisine is modern and inventive, definitely a contemporary take. Each dish is super flavorful. Loved the ensui uni. Noodles with truffle were to die for. A5 and nigri in general were excellent.

Vibe and service is hip and energetic. Refined but zero pretension. Great beverages. The highballs are a must, and the sake pairings are extensive and super flavorful. For those into wine, an extensive and very well curated by the glass (and bottle list).

Highly recommend a visit!