Kaiseiki Dreams ?I first made reservations at Ranzan in Redwood City over two years ago. Shortly before our dinner, the pandemic shut down indoor dining and our dinner was not meant to be.But because of that reservation, I was on Ranzan’s mailing list and among the first to know of their take-out offerings. Those take-out offerings, in particular their saba sushi, became my favorite pandemic takeout item and I was lucky to order many timesFlash forward to today with indoor dining at full capacity and strict takeout only a memory for many, I had an opportunity to return to RanzanRanzan specializes in Kaiseiki or a style of Japanese dining featuring numerous, small intricate dishes and popular in cities like KyotoHidden on an unassuming street in downtown, Ranzan features the full Kaiseiki experience in ways that made me reminisce about both ryokan and Kaiseiki dinners I had in JapanThe space is quiet and serene with high ceilings and the service is warm and friendly with the servers in full kimono both polite and happy to answer questions about every dishHaving tried all of Ranzan’s takeout offerings, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I can happily share that my meal exceeded my expectations and is one of my best meals this yearThe food is not only beautiful but a labor of love with numerous dishes featuring touches and additions that all amplify and enhance the excellent flavorsEveryone loves the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu and fresh sashimi but I found joy in even the simpler items like corn soup, potato dumpling and asparagus jellyFor those with a special occasion or who wish to be reminded of Japan, Ranzan is very special indeed. Wakuriya and the former Kaygetsu are the best known Kaiseiki restaurants in the Bay Area, but I’d now firmly put Ranzan on that list too? Takao May Menu $228/pp / Asparagus Jelly / Dry Aged Cucumber and Karasumi / Fried Baby Sweetfish, Green vegetables with tofu sauce, Nagaimo and okura / Corn soup / Sashimi ~ Kochi, Hamo, Shimaaji / Potato Dumpling / Ginger Sorbet / A5 Wagyu / Uni So-men / Chawanmushi English Peas / Abalone Soup / Anago tempura / Mozuku with agar jelly and scallops / Hagama rice with octopus / Miso soup with Eggplant and scallions / Minazuki?Ranzan (Redwood City, CA)
From the unassuming front to the subdued dining room, Ranzan hit all the marks of an outstanding kaiseki experience. You have four options to choose from and also different sake pairings to go with your meal. I particularly like that they printed the selection you chose when reserving so that I can follow along with what is being presented. The same went with each of the sake pairings. They had the name and description printed and served along with the drink. It made it so much easier for me to remember which of the dishes and drinks I preferred. I opted for the Takao tonight but asked if I could add on the Kobe a la carte. I'm glad that they were able to accommodate my request even though it was last minute (Thanks, Aika). But IMO the wagyu sirloin steak was more flavorful (first-world problems I know). TLDR: my favorites tonight - turban shell with liver paste, simmered scallop with egg yolk, sakura sorbet, Wagyu sirloin, grilled yaki saba sushi, simmered abalone, deep-fried herring roe abs maitake mushroom, “hagama” rice, and, surprisingly, the shaved ice with strawberry (it was refreshing and had the right amount of sweetness). The sake pairings were good but nothing stood out to me, except the warm Tatsuriki and Shichida (Thanks, Miho). They have a limited selection of wines, so I would definitely recommend BYOB.Parking could be challenging in Redwood City and you most likely will have to drive around a bit but Ranzan is worth the two to three extra blocks of walking.
If you have an opportunity to dine here, definitely do not miss it. The food, drink, and service were all phenomenal. Their drink menu makes it easy to try a variety of sakes without the hassle of choosing specifics, which I really enjoyed.
It was a very amazing experience. The food overall was highly great and creative, and the staff were very friendly. They told us the menu changed every month. Highly recommend!!
First time trying omakase. The food was really good and the atmosphere was also amazing. Each dish was introduced nicely. Definitely worth the money.
I showed up on time but the place was closed for medical emergency without any text or email notification, and no apology is offered the following days either.
I showed up on time but the place was closed for medical emergency without any text or email notification, and no apology is offered the following days either.
We came here to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The restaurant is not big but very well managed. The staff are super friendly and service is top notch. Food is amazing and artistically decorated. I’ve lived in JP before and this place def reminded me of old days there.Highly recommend!
Authentic Japanese food and services. Very similar to what I experienced in Kyoto. We love it.
Authentic Japanese food and services. Very similar to what I experienced in Kyoto. We love it.