This is definitely my favorite place to eat in SJ Japantown. Think of it as a fancier Gombei (Kubota was started by Gombei’s owner). Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but the food is great and, unlike Gombei, you don’t have to wait forever for a table. The decor is also much nicer than Gombei, making it a pretty good date place. The service is also pretty friendly.

My favorite dish is definitely the beef short ribs, though their sushi combos aren’t bad either.
Kubota also seems to use better quality meat and fish than many of the other Japantown restaurants.
In short, if you’re looking for a nice dinner in Japantown, Kubota is the place to go.

Was introduced to Kubota today by a friend. We originally planned to go to Gombei – its sister casual restaurant around the corner.

We were greeted by a petite, welcoming woman and asked to sit at sushi bar since tables were full for a Friday lunch crowd.

We both selected from the specials menu. My friend ordered the udon special served w/side of salad and spicy tuna. While I ordered a bento box of tuna sashimi, chicken, tempura, and grilled fish combination with miso. Don’t be fooled from the menu that it was your standard, typical Americanized Japanese meal. It was clear the ingredients were quality, unique & carefully selected. Portions were great without overfilling, definitely your money’s worth. We were served the traditional hot tea & spent <$35.

I want to try this place for dinner.