I never do Public Reviews just rate with the number of stars. I felt so obligated as the food are exceptional, to say the least. First time trying the place so I ordered the regular Bento Box. I wasn't expecting too much but to fill my stomach. The food came and the quality was surprising, not to forget it was bento box of tempura and teriyaki. So amazingly fresh and so good. You can tell the food was handled and prepared with Care.
K
Karena T
Emerging Expert • 20 contributions
Loved
• 3/25/26
• DoorDash order
I'm confused by someone else complaining about "super sticky rice" in the sushi rolls. Sticky rice is a necessity for good sushi - it helps the sushi not fall apart when you pick it up. Joy Sushi's sushi rice is *excellent*, whether it's in a roll or in a poke bowl as a base - even the brown sushi rice! It's both flavorful and satisfyingly sticky.
All of my family members (parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces) love Joy Sushi. In particular, we love the Poke Bowls. With a myriad of options to customize your own Poke Bowls and no shortage of ingredients provided, the Poke Bowls are excellent value for the money. My go-to: half-half mixed greens/sushi rice base, albacore + salmon for protein, all of the toppings (except onions + green onions), white sauce, add tamago. (Their white sauce is SO GOOD.) 1 Poke Bowl usually makes for 2 generous meals!
I also love their rolls. The Shrimp Tempura Roll deal on DD is super worth it. I also love the Lion King and Sun Shine Rolls.
The menu is diverse and has options for a wide variety of tastes. Highly recommend! One of my fav San Mateo and DoorDash spots.
S
Sheena C
Emerging Expert • 5 contributions
Didn't like
• 1/5/25
• DoorDash order
Was disappointed with the food I ordered. Poke Bowl said it came with mixed greens when it was in reality a box full of spinach with scant proteins. Also the Dragon Ball (5 Pieces) was not in a container that allowed for air flow so they were soft and not at all flavorful. Classic Cheese Cake was the only good thing.
K
Kelly G
2 contributions
Loved
• 3/26/23
• DoorDash order
We have been regulars at Joy Sushi since 2009. We've tried nearly everything on the menu over the years and have zero complaints. Everything is fresh, aesthetic, and presented by excellent staff. For takeaway they often package the food in compostable containers, which is much appreciated.
The Baked Lobster Nigiri (or roll) is insanely good. So is the Baked Scallop Roll. The Giant Roll is a big favorite (soft shell crab+unagi) and the 49ers roll (shrimp tempura, soft shell crab+unagi) .
Their beef teriyaki is the best I've found downtown---cooked medium rare, always tender, always flavorful. My kiddo loves their CHICKEN KARAGE above all the other versions weve tried in the Bay Area. The salad dressing is also really good---good enough that my husband actually eats the little dinner salad ;) They used to have a creamy scallop nigiri that was just a bit spicy and I loved it, but like most restaurants these days they tend to use sriracha much too heavily for my tastebuds (why cover the sweetness of the scallops with pepper sauce? Why?)
If you like spicy rolls though, this is the place to eat! The bento, donburi, and entrees are all large and filling. I wish I liked their ebi and their unagi more, but no restaurant is perfect ;)
Lastly, they carry some desserts imported from Japan. Give them a try!
Go in and sit, or order takeaway --- you will love your meal.
T
Tori M
1 contributions
Didn't like
• 9/16/24
• DoorDash order
All the rolls we received were really just too big with too much rice. Nothing stood out as being really great and we ordered a lot of different rolls. Also the miso soup was not good and the salad in the bento box didnt have any dressing or veg other than just iceberg. I would not recommend this place.
