Semo Sushi
Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
5026 Mowry Avenue(between Blacow Rd & Farwell Dr)
Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 505-0360
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Mon-Thu 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
164 Reviews for Semo Sushi
One of Semo Sushi's Favorite Reviews
After having visited another Japanese restaurant in the area, and being disappointed for their lack of deepfried rolls or even a decent Miso soup for that matter, this place is now even more special to me. I have been here quite a few times and although the service is spotty at times, I have never been disappointed with the food and love their miso soup. I am also very visual with food, so I love the fact that the menu has pictures of the rolls.
This is a haven for the deep fried roll lovers!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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05/29/2006
Every thing was fresh, yummy yummy rolls. The guy behind the bar was funny as hell and he is quite… Read more »
My brother decided to treats us all for his birthday dinner last Saturday night at Semo. We had so much food! The presentation and the sushi rolls are AMAZING!
I am definitely coming back here for the sake (salmon) belly! Their hawaiian poke needs some work.
You actually get more bang out of your buck here..seriously. The servings are huge!
I'd come back here again; I'm a fan.
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This has been my Freakmont spot for many dates, chill dinners with girlfriends, and many intimate conversations over "Sexy Sam" and "Oh My God! So Good!" Rolls. (because...well really, where else is there to go in this so called city?)
Can't believe I've never written a review of Semo yet.
When I first discovered Semo, I've introduced this place to many, many friends. Some of whom have become regulars too.
Last night I brought one of my homies. We were in the mood for something sexy. And I HAD to have Sam. ...Sam is just too sexy ;)
--------------------------------------------
But I still don't see a roll named after me... =( minus one star ^o^
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I'd say this place is about a 3.5. A lot of Americanized sushi rolls and not much of a selection if your in the mood for some nigiri/sashimi style sushi. Very basic. It's kind of in the middle of the road. Nothing over the top or less than...
Semo has some vegetarian selections and I thought the food was fairly good. Miso soup was yummy and so were the cucumber rolls. The food is it's saving grace because service is terrible. I have been there several times and the service is always a roll of the dice. Sometimes the service is okay, but sometimes my party is totally ignored even if the place is not that crowded. Around lunch time you would think they would kick service up a notch because people need to eat and get back to work, but it's all the same.
Semo Sushi will satisfy you if you want rolls or more Americanized japanese sushi, but let me tell you..the nigiri here SUCKS. In fact, I have not returned since my first and last time dining here, and I also got a side of fried fish and that alone was not that great either.
All the nigiri I had, even the basics like the tuna and salmon, tasted like soft bland nothingness, and the rice was bleh...
I think the lunch combos with the cooked food/tempura will be worth it, but please, if you are like a nigiri& sashimi fan like me, this is not the place. Go to Ino in SF...that man has magic hands
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Sushi like a goddess, Service from hell.
My affinitiy for this place might be due to the Nigori Sake and Asahi combo. It could be that or it could be that the food is actually savory. Maybe I'm reviewing this from a "you looked better with your make-up at the bar" point of view. For Fremont though, this spot definitely brings all the boys to the yard. Wow, I just let that slip out my mouth. Forgive me.
.
Review on the Rolls (NOT SASHIMI)
Here, I would only get sashimi but on this night, I decided to do take-out and get the rolls.
Rolls: average and comparable to other places
Looking for Omakase (trying to not have to go in to the City) but I have heard go check out Sakae in Burlingame (100% authentic Japanese).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/26/2008
my gosh, I've been going to the crepe place right next door for the last several months and always… Read more »
I don't know how this place gets fewer than five stars. It's a gem, in Fremont, possibly the most lackluster city I have ever been (definitely the worst place I have ever lived).
When we lived here, we walked 1.4 miles every Thursday night for their rolls and Sapporos. I miss the Sex and the City roll and the Sunrise.
Go to Semo. It's definitely worth the trip.
My hubby and I went here for a late dinner and I was surprised. They have a lot different selections. I order their Dancing Oyster Roll. The Fried oyster was dam good. It was breaded with the stuff they put on the Fried Katsu. I also ordered the Oh My God, so good. Not OMG more like OMFG! That was a must have with a kick. My hubby ordered the Pork Katsu and the meat was very moist and tender. The only thing I didn't like is the seating is a little too close. I felt like I was ear hustling on the table next to us and they were ear hustling on us. Other than that they play good music.
Slightly above average. I decided to check this place out since my friend recommended it after I praised Satomi Sushi (the better sushi restaurant in Fremont).
I went during lunch time, but their lunch specials weren't all that great. I ordered a two item plate with sashimi and pork katsu. Their pork katsu definitely needs more work -- it wasn't too crunchy and the pork was a bit dry. The sashimi was sashimi so that was good and the portion is a decent size -- brownie points for two complimentary gyozas for the lunch special.
What I found good here is their roll. Per the waiter's recommendation, I ordered the soft shell crab roll topped with tuna on top. (I've uploaded a picture of that roll). I found this to be delicious and definitely worth getting when you go here.
Overall, 3.5 stars, but the real deal is Satomi Sushi.
Semo Sushi is the BEST in Fremont! I love sushi and have tried several places before being recomended to Semo. Their sashimi is high grade and fresh-very tasty. But if your a roll fan, they have many to choose from.
My favorite is a new one " Hogan knows best" with tempura, unagi, avo., tempura crunch, and a spicy sweet sauce on top-- mmmm!!
They have an extensive list of warm or cold sake. But their rolls are to die for! They are a little more pricey, but definatly worth it!
I liked the quality of the rolls and the atmosphere of the place. The service has ranged from ok to awesome. Ok being: they simply got us our orders and occasionally refilled drinks, and awesome being: a waitress was down to help us pull a practical joke on our friends sitting at another table.
This isn't really my favorite sushi place to go to, but I did end up eating here quite often because there wasn't anything particularly bad about it.
Semo is the only awesome sushi joint in the east bay. I've tried the following places (below), which will never compare to Semo's fresh ingredients and wide selection of sushi rolls. Everything's so tasty here, but if you go, don't miss the Victoria Secret and the Sex in the City maki!
HAYWARD
- Naked fish: americanized sushi, ghetto crowd, and overpowering dirty carpet smell.
- Ray's: mediocre, long lines during lunch.
- Tomodachi: better tasting items, but the last time I was there a baby mouse was in my tatami...which means there's still the mama and sibling mice lurking.
FREMONT
- Akadai: mediocre but creative sushi
- Sushiyat: better sushi, cute and small place, friendly Korean mgmt.
- Yuri: the most disappointing and horrible-tasting sushi I've ever had; and they like to put carrots in all their rolls.
UNION CITY
- Jiro: mediocre
- Koi: mediocre
- Sushi boat: a sushi chain by the theater, so usually busy; slightly more expensive than other nearby haunts and the fish isn't always fresh.
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I've ate here several times and I can say their sushi rolls are consistantly good and tasty. The workers are friendly and service is good. Only bad thing is that this place is kinda small and you might have to wait for an open table.
One of my main sushi spots!
I think I came back here once since my review. Overall still worth 3 stars.
I doubt I'd come back again, not because it's not good, but because there are different and other places to go to.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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07/03/2007
The place is nice. There is a lady figure standing outside the place that is pretty amusing. The… Read more »
I was trying to find a bento box w/ Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki, but was unable to do so...it was one or the other... so I opted for a Rainbow roll, a spicy tuna hand roll, and a side salad for my evening dinner.
The side salad came out quickly and was tasty. The spicy tuna hand roll came w/o wasabi and ginger, but was later corrected when I informed the waiter. The rainbow roll was so-so in my book as I somehow felt it was missing some "oomph"
Service was excellent throughout the meal as our waiter came by constantly to refill our tea and also came by numerous times attempting to take our order. We also received complimentary Edaname! :)
The restaurant is definitely an Americanized Japanese restaurant as Japanese was nowhere to be found on the menu or heard in the kitchen...except when entering and exiting the restaurant.
Pricing, I was undercharged on the salad. I was charged a lunch salad, $1 cheaper, despite ordering a salad during dinner hours! :)
As there were no 2 item bento boxes, their prices for "1/2 bento boxes" were quite steep...
MMhmmm.. This place has go0od sushi alright. I had the Sexy Sam roll. The fish was sweet and fresh. :) I also tried the Dancing Oyster Roll, equally as delicious. -1, because I think they need more waiters. They were really nice though. =) I really like the inside too. It's casual, but nice. I'd come back here again. All the rolls looked tasty.
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This is my Favorite Sushi restaurant in the East Bay. End of story.
This place is just okay. They have a nice menu (with pictures) with a bunch of specialty rolls. The fish wasn't that fresh. One of the rolls I got had a sauce on it that tasted like ketchup...WTF?!?! Probably won't go back.
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Mmmm mmm mmmm...so good! My hubby and I love japanese food so we were extremely happy to find Semo so close to where we live. Their sushi rolls are really creative and they are all really yummy. The ones that have their "secret sauce" are really good! I remember the very first time we went there I asked what the sauce is and the waiter was like "that's a secret!!" How silly of me to have asked. Our fave roll is the Sunshine Roll, it's a must have for every visit.
Tempura is also good here and we tried the sukiyaki last time which was really yummy as well. It also looks like they are expanding into the space next door and opening a Japanese bar or sports bar or something.
This place was good seeing how it's located in Fremont. So it is a plus having above average quality sushi in such a isolated place.
Service was pretty awesome but then again I would think it would have to be for such a small restaurant.
Afterwards you can always get some crepes right near this place which is pretty awesome...
I love this place, nice waiters, good service, nice small cozy place to get your japanese cravings satisfied. this is weird but i really like their vegetable rolls, mainly because i dont eat seafood... i know i know kind of defeats the purpose, but i still love this place. my bf usually orders their sushi specials and has yet complained about anyof them, they have so many varieties. it is a little pricey here but well worth it. their udon is worth trying but other than that, their beef / chicken teriyaki is yum-o
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They should do something about bad, terrible and lazy service. One time I was there to enjoy my dinner with my friends but the waitress ruined my entire appetite. I am sorry but they are so rude and don't care my empty tea cup until I asked politely 3times, my friend's chicken teriyaki came out first and sushi came out 30minutes afterwards, my friend finished her food already and had to watch me eating sushi alone. The server never informed us our food is still processing or not. when I asked the waitress who took my order she did not even know what our orders were. how pathetic!! the food was ok but because of poor service I rather would choose to go fast food restaurant; Burger king!
I used to love this place (see a former review), but recently when going the service has been really unbelievably rude. Service makes the restraurant as well, and I can't just eat Sushi and ignore the rude waitress.
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Best sushi that I have found in the East/South Bay. I started going during the grand opening, many years ago. Still haven't found anything in the near vicinity better than this place.
Fresh Fresh delicious sashimi, great miso, good sake to drink. Also the rolls are great. There's a lot of variety and they get pretty crazy sometimes and get into a lot of interesting stuff. Pile it on and fry it tempura style!!!
Look on the boards because that's where the specials are and very cool rolls going on at this place. My fav!!!
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I was pleasantly disappointed!
Heres the story...
I read the reviews on Yelp and have been waiting to hit this place up for months...tried once before but there was a 30 minute wait for dinner (place is kinda small), so we decided to go elsewhere, but It looks like they're expanding their restaurant (into the old pet store next door) Theyre gonna name it Semo Sake (i think thats what they advertised.) Anyway...
We get there on a Monday night... 5 other tables are full (not bad),
A huge 250 lb marlin caught in Hawaii back in 1980, hanging on the wall. Wonder if they bought it at a garage sale??!!! ( but if they caught it, I wonder why they didnt cut it up and make sashimi out of it) =/
Place is pleasant and well kept. They have a sushi chef that kinda looks like Mr. Miyagi that made us smile
on to the food..
Ordered the Sakura roll, ebi roll, and dongkatsu.
We get our miso soup... I was expecting it to be hot, but it was cold. "yuck"
The Sakura rolls were falling apart on my plate. "but they looked nice"
The ebi roll was half the size of a normal roll anywhere else but twice the price. "Never buying that again"
Fish quality was good. Tuna had good color, didnt look like it was dyed with food coloring.
Semo sushi has a great sushi roll menu. Nice creativity in the make up of their rolls, and artfully named. Looking at their menu, I wanted to try everything at least once.
Sad thing is, after I recieved my order, my wife said you SHOULD have ordered everything on the menu 'cus with the size of those rolls, you're still gonna be hungry... and she was right. I ate both my rolls, then her salad, and some of her dongkatsu.
I would have given this restaurant a better rating if their rolls were bigger and/or cheaper to make up for the lack of substance.
The dongkatsu was good. Nicely breaded and not overcooked. The portion size was decent, and not overly priced. I'm still wondering how they could serve cold miso soup. =/
Overpriced... and I left hungry. i guess if i wanted to diet I would eat here everynight. Why would I wanna pay more for less in my belly?
Some of the sushi I've found in the east bay. Wouldn't come here expecting great service, which is kind of a downer since it would have gotten the 5th star..because the food is absolutely exquisite (and not too damaging on the wallet).
This place is awesome! Don't let the haters discourage you from coming here; this place is the real deal.
The fish is undoubtedly fresh and delicious, the rolls are creative, mouth-watering, and fun. The service,yes, can be a bit slow, especially when they are busy, but hey, the food is excellent; I don't mind waiting awhile. I split my sushi eating between here and Kaenyama, but I am a faithful customer and have been for a couple of years now. The Oregon Roll and Baked Scallop Roll are among my favorites; YUMMY!!!!! The staff and the guys behind the sushi bar and fun, nice, easy to talk to, and very attentive. You won't go wrong here and anything that you order will be deelish!!!!
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My husband and I came here for dinner last Wednesday. It was a toss up between steak and sushi. I opted for sushi, so we decided to go to Semo since my husband had never been there. All I gotta say is that we should have gone to a steakhouse. Semo was such a disappointment! It wasn't that busy, so the lack of attention is still a mystery to me. I just don't get it. I observed a man flagging down a waitress, just to have his order taken and a couple being treated rudely by another freakin' waitress! How TACKY is that? I mean come on, we are after all, paying customers, right? How dare she roll her eyes at this couple wanting to sit at the counter vs. sitting at a table! These people were already seated at the counter and she made them get up! WTF! Anyway, the fact that it took twenty five minutes to get the check pushed me over the edge! Oh, and the icing on the cake was when I witnessed one of the sushi chefs wipe sweat from his forehead and then continued to make sushi, GROSS! Never again will I patronize this establishment. Trust me, you're better off going to Koi Sushi Boat in Union City!!!!
The best sushi I have ever had, easy!
go here-Now!
I recco
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HIPHIPHURRAY... i hadn't had goooooood sushi in a long time. this was just most excellent. :)
had a sunshine roll which made me soooooooo happy. (we also had the lion king and a dancing prawn something or another. tempura shrimp on unagi/avocado additional happiness) really nice staff too...bonus.
*happy tummies!!!*
So if you're a fan of spicy tuna on EVERYTHING, then you'd love this plus. Otherwise, you lose.
Let me just highlight:
1. Solid sushi place for dinner
2. There are quite a few unique sushi in this place that's worth coming to
3. Delicious menu overall
4. Service is alright, actually there was one really nice waitress - forgot her name though
Give this place a shot!
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Love this place. It's small and cute. Service is great/friendly. Went for Birthday, and the service was great. I went on a Lunch date...and they closed the place down, but allowed us to stay as we chatted it up.
Food's good and not that expensive. Yummy!
Okay so I took some advise from the locals here on Yelp! and Semo Sushi is off the hook! Im a sushi lover so I've been to many sushi places and this is my #1 spot. Try the Lion King Roll, Delish in a roll is what I call it. I Love this place and You will Too!!!!!
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ugh, i hate to give this place three stars because of all the other good ratings that they have but i seriously had such a bad first impression of Semo Sushi.
the moment i walked in the waitress walked by me and yelled "Dude that lady was so jacked up!" how unprofessional. take that ish to the back room, girl. nobody needs to hear the drama of the employees when they're trying to relax and grub.
we got seated at a table next to the sushi bar and apparently the table arrangement here sucks because the waiters kicked my sister's chair EVERY time they passed our table. she was super pissed, making my whole table annoyed because she was in a bad mood.
the edamame skin was dry and white-ish, which means that it was sitting out for probably the whole day. sushi wasn't bad tho, except we made the mistake of ordering the lion king roll and bay scallop roll. how was i supposed to know that both were baked and had the same sauce and cheese melted on top? they tasted the same (but still decent).
also got the chicken teriyaki...it was a really good size and tasted pretty good. thumbs up!
when we finished, our waitress came by and asked, "Aren't you ladies going to order something else?" uh. rude. seriously.
i'd come back for the food, but if Semo Sushi knew what was good for them they'd fire the waitress that works wed nights.
I love that this place is walking distance from my home! (not that I've ever walked there) My go-to Sushi spot is in Newark, but after a long Friday at work, the neighborhood joint will have to suffice!
Hands down the best tonkatsu I've ever had! The dinner specials come with rice, salad & miso soup so definitely plenty of food if you're not in a Sushi eating mood. I've been here several times and highly recommend any of their specialty rolls, I've never been disappointed. The salmon skin hand rolls are also quite awesome as well!
No complaints about slow service, every seat in the house was full on a Friday night and we got our food quickly.
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Came here for the first time today based on the hype of the reviews and...
It didn't quite live up to the hype. It was good but the rolls were small, especially for the price. For $10-$14, I expect to have more substance in a roll. We had 3 rolls and I think I could have had 3 more. The shrimp tempura appetizer was awesome. Fried to perfection. I like that it wasn't over-battered. Some shrimp tempura's have more batter than shrimp. Shit, you can't even tell if you are eating shrimp or batter at some places.
I wouldn't say that I was disappointed but I wasn't "Wowed" either. It was okay... I haven't really found any other sushi spot in the Fremont area that is any better. Maybe that's the reason for the raving reviews?
Yelp needs half stars because Semo Sushi is a definite 3.5 stars.
p.s. - For better sushi with bigger cuts of fish and larger rolls, I recommend Ray's Sushi in Hayward (See here http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
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I've eaten a lot of sushi around the bay area. I won't go anywhere else anymore. After eating here, other sushi places are just mediocre tasting. My girlfriend and I only sit at the bar; the service is always good and friendly. Sometimes it takes a little time to pay the bill. When people tell me they didn't like Semo Sushi I raise my eye brow in confusion about at their sense of taste.
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