Showcasing crispy tempura, juicy lobster and fresh vegetables, Soko Soko, a top-quality Japanese restaurant, opened Feb. 1 in San Carlos, bringing an exciting wave of flavor, craftsmanship and tradition.
The sleek-yet-inviting space, on 1541 Laurel St., blends modern Japanese architecture and a nature aesthetic with a warm atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual diners and those looking for a refined take on Japanese cuisine.
According to Stephanie Zhu, owner of Soko Soko, she opened the restaurant because she enjoys the San Carlos area, and she wants to enhance Japanese cuisine and culture in her community.
“I like the area here [and] the people are very nice,” Zhu said. “That’s why we [Zhu and her partner] opened this Japanese restaurant. Also, I really like Japanese culture. I’m Chinese, but I’ve stayed in Japan long-term, so I like the culture there.”
Upon entering the restaurant, the lively atmosphere immediately stands out, with a steady hum of conversation filling the cozy yet modern space. Given its small size and high demand, securing a reservation beforehand is highly recommended to avoid a 30-minute wait time.
The service was remarkable the entire time; as waiters periodically checked in on us, refilled our water, changed our plates, and made sure dietary restrictions were met. We started receiving our food after just a 10-minute wait even though there were plenty of other diners.
The restaurant attracts a steady flow of diners, with a mix of small groups and couples enjoying the lively yet comfortable atmosphere. The intimate layout with a wooden sushi bar and minimalist Japanese style decor, creates a welcoming dining experience.
“I can focus on my [restaurant’s] quality and I like to make everything more comfortable and relaxing,” Zhu said. “I hope people come here for not just the food, but so they can enjoy the area in here.”
Prices fall in the mid-range, offering good value considering the generous portions and quality ingredients. The well-executed dishes and fresh flavors make Soko Soko a solid choice for those looking for a satisfying Japanese meal with many vegetarian options.
We sat down for lunch Saturday afternoon, and this is what we found:
Vegetable Gyoza – $8 – (6/10)
While the vegetable gyoza had a pleasant appearance with its bright green potsticker skin, the flavor fell a bit flat. The filling, made with corn, carrot and edamame, lacked seasoning and could have used more salt to bring out its natural taste. The texture was also slightly off, with the filling being more mushy rather than well-balanced with different textures. Though the bottom had a decent fry, it didn’t achieve the crispness expected from a great gyoza, leaving it without much crunch. A decent option, but it could be improved with better seasoning and a crispier finish.
Mixed Tempura – $13 – (7.5/10)
The mixed tempura set arrived beautifully arranged, resembling a colorful tower of deep-fried shrimp, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, squash and mushroom. The crispy batter provided a delightful crunch, without being soggy adding a satisfying texture to each bite. However, we found the tempuras bland. This dish didn’t exceed expectations, but it offered a pleasant contrast to the softer dishes.
Vegetable Udon – $14 – (8.5/10)
This vegetable udon had a well-balanced flavor, with a rich umami tasting mushroom based broth that paired nicely with the chewy, bouncy noodles. The steamed vegetables were fresh, and the carrots retained a satisfying crunch. There was only one mushroom to absorb the broth’s flavor well. Despite that, the dish remained a solid and comforting choice.
Rainbow Roll – $15 – (10/10)
The Rainbow Roll lived up to its name in appearance, arriving as a vibrant, colorful dish. The fish on top was incredibly fresh, with a bouncy texture that melted in your mouth, and each piece featured a different type of fish, like tuna and salmon, creating a rainbow effect. The rice struck the perfect balance — not too dry, not too sticky and not too moist — adding just the right texture. The imitation crab inside was a unique combination of savory and sweet, the fish on top was fresh as always and the avocado was perfectly ripe without being too soft. The rolled seaweed inside provided a subtle saltiness without an overpowering briny taste, while the avocado and cucumber brought a refreshing crunch and depth of flavor. With eight pieces in a roll, this was hands down the best dish we tried, and we happily finished every last piece. Absolutely worth ordering!
Crunchy Lobster Roll – $19 – (9/10)
The lobster roll arrived as one of their specials, and it truly stood out — the lobster inside was perfectly sauced, bursting with delicious flavor. At first, we were worried it might be overpowering, with three different sauces, green onion, fish eggs and fried crumbs all on top. However, we were pleasantly surprised. While the overall roll was delightful, finishing the plate became a little overwhelming as the flavors blended together, creating an intense mix of tastes. While the price is quite high due to the many toppings, we definitely recommend trying it if you want a little bit of everything.
Four-Leaf Clover Roll – $16 – (9.5/10)
A beautifully fresh and texturally satisfying roll, the four-leaf clover roll delivers a well-balanced bite with layers of crunch and subtle flavors. The pickled radish adds a crisp texture without overwhelming the other ingredients, while the cucumber and mushroom provide a delicate, earthy touch. Though the mushroom leans slightly overpowering, the avocado brings a refreshing creaminess that balances it out. A surprising yet welcome addition, the lemon contributes a bright sour note and extra crunch, enhancing the rolls without dominating the flavor profile. A standout dish for those who appreciate a mix of freshness and texture.
