I Privé

The service and food are superb! Not only are the servers top notch, but they also have some iconic dishes that make this place unique.
There are plenty of Japanese restaurants on b game Abe, but I prive is now my favorite.
Although many of their signature dishes are quite skimpy, their dinner sets are VERY filling. They come with salad, soup, NOODLE soup, rice, AND then your entrée.

I came here for a friends birthday and this place was pretty good!
Not only they have outdoor seating, we can bring our fur babies ! So what my friends and I did was order many different plates and basically did family style .
First plate we got were the oysters ! They were really good and fresh ! Second plate we got this raw fish that was paired with jalapenos and usually I’m not a big fan of spicy but it was good! The tuna was amazing along wit the salmon skin chips ! I definitely recommend place.
The rest of the dishes we ordered rolls which was great, we were kind of bummed they no longer serve the cucumber roll which is basically a cucumber wrap sushi roll not seaweed. We did order Scallop ramen but it wasn’t the best ramen I had, and didnt reeally feel that there was a special taste to it.
All in all the service was GREAT! They were very accomodating with dogs and with us, and they helped us with the menu.

Hungry and didn’t know where to eat at 9pm so the friend suggested I prive again. Ate here once before and thought the food was just okay for the price I’m paying so gave it a three stars. Cause honestly, this place is just way over-​priced for the quality and the style of the sushi is a little too Americanized for my liking.
Second try at I prive, I got a roll with hamachi and avocados on the outside layer with cucumbers and some filling on the inside and then topped with green onions and a sauce. The roll was good but not good enough for $ 16… I also got a glass of wine for $ 15. In total, for two items, I paid $ 40. Overpriced. :\
One thing I do have to say that’s great about this establishment is the ambiance and the staff. The restaurant itself is nice with a full bar and a big flat screen playing a sport channel. The staff were all great and accommodating especially Andy. He was our server and I asked him for some recommendations. He was very knowledgeable when describing the foods on the menu and suggested me a few of their best appetizers as well as rolls. I told him about my crustacean allergy and he was great at recommending other items.
Overall, the food isn’t bad here but just way overpriced. Service wise, Andy was great. Thus the extra star back. He even helped canceled an order for an item that came out by mistake that we didn’t ordered but ate. That was on us! Nonetheless, great location and great servers! Susanna also checked in on us occasionally as well.

2.5−3 stars but rounding down for the high prices. Swanky sushi spot in Downtown Burlingame, and the prices definitely reflect this. I would come here for a nice business lunch/​dinner, or date, but not for a casual lunch if you’re just looking for sushi. They have sushi items here, but they also have a lot of Japanese tapas style items. My coworkers and I made reservations for lunch at noon on a Friday, but the restaurant was only half full so reservations aren’t a must. We were seated right away, and tried:
–Danielle (Hand Torched Kobe Beef Infused w/​Ahi Tuna, Mayo, Scallions, Fresh Wasabi, Lychee Sake Topped w/​Jalapeño Ring, Masago, Creamy Garlic Sauce, $ 17,
): This dish takes 20 mins to prepare, so definitely order this right away if you were hoping for a quick lunch. The beef was seared really well, and I loved all the flavors. However, you only get two pieces, and we had 3 people– I wish they had told us this up front so we could’ve order another piece if that was an option. In any case, this was good, but I’m still undecided on whether it was worth the $ 17.
–Tony & Kathy (Pan Fried Gindara Black Cod w/​Asparagus, Sweet Shiitake, Red Chili Pepper, Miso Sake Sauce, $ 18,
): The flavors of this dish were good, but the skin on the black cod was soggy, and not at all crispy. I also wasn’t sure if the asparagus and sweet shiitake combination quite worked with the cod, so I wouldn’t get this dish again.
–Pilot Jen (Fresh Sashimi on Green & Seaweed Salad, Avocado, Mango, Tobiko, Served w/​Goma Sauce, Vinaigrette, $ 16,
): Pretty disappointing. There was a decent amount of sashimi on here, and it looked pretty fresh, but the cuts of the «sashimi» were really small. Plus, a lot of the lettuce was wilted, which is disappointing to see at a restaurant like this one. I wouldn’t order this again.
–Colombo (Hamachi Carpaccio Served w/​Plum Sauce, Jalapeño in Olive Oil, Red Chili, Flavorful Vinaigrette, $ 18,
): The hamachi was fresh, and this dish overall was pretty good, but the sauce wasn’t my favorite. I wouldn’t get this combination again.
–Pork Chashu Ramen (Served w/​Slices of Chashu Pork, Soft Boiled Egg, Bean Sprouts, Bamboo Shoot, Corn, Veggies, $ 12,
): We ordered medium spicy, but it wasn’t bad at all. The broth and pork were very lackluster and not flavorful, and noodles were more squishy than chewy. I hate when restaurants add ramen on their menu just to add it, and I would definitely not order this again.
–Inferno (Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Basil, Topped w/​Creamy Spicy Crab, Mango, Tobiko, Tempura Crunch, $ 15,
): Solid roll, but nothing amazing, and it needed more tempura crunch. I would prefer going to a sushi roll spot like Joy Sushi for their rolls.
We sat at one of the booths, which was comfortable, but we had neighbors on either side of our booth and could overhear everyone’s conversations very easily. They also have patio seating available, which is a nice option. However, service was on the slow side, and we had to flag down our server a couple of times. Based on the prices, I wouldn’t come back, just because I didn’t feel like the quality of every dish quite matched the prices. Parking is also a nightmare– there isn’t much parking available even though they have some small lots, and street parking is also scarce. The worst part is that their meters only take change, so you have to go into different stores to ask for change if you don’t have any on you.

My boyfriend and I wanted to go to a restaurant that would consider serving us outside since we had dogs. We decided to go here. Everyone else was sitting inside and the waitress, Hannah, and this other waiter never forgot about us. They even considered putting the window screen down and the heater up since it was getting chilly. We had a pleasant experience with their customer service!
The food was amazing! We ordered seaweed salad (so pretty), Chicken Kaarrage (THE BEST CHICKEN KAARRAGE HANDS DOWN!), Chashu ramen, and the charashi bowl.
The quality of food is well presented, well put together, and worth every bite and penny. We definitely will be coming here again.

Dear Unilocal Journal,
Busy — packed — and not worth the wait. Good luck trying to decipher the menu and you won’t be getting any help. Overall, service was slow and definitely lacking. It took a long time for us to get our drinks and after our order was taken it took even longer to put in a food order. Although, it is very obvious if you want a table inside without reservations (and also someone to take your order right away) you should know somebody that works here.
I don’t know anybody and so I’m not a body that will not be returning to this venue. Food was so overpriced for being underwhelming that I had forgotten to mention it the first time around.

Obsessed! Simple word that can’t describe an amazing experience my wife and I had today at I Prive. Attention to detail from the chef, excellent recommendations from the owner, Stanley, made all the difference for us! From sake choice to dessert to Japanese whiskey, we got an incredible experience that will make us visit this place again and recommend it to our friends. Thank you so much Stanley for taking care of us and making sure that our dinner is unforgettable!

I am confident that Unilocal was not created because we are all in complete agreement. I am also confident that Unilocal is worth billions because we, as consumers and customers, feel strongly about our experience. That brings me to I Prive.
We’ve been twice and were given an extra special dose of bad attitude on both occasions. The first encounter was pretty sad. We arrived on a Friday evening, knowing it was unlikely that a table would be available, but that shouldn’t prevent a customer from an attempt right? As we approach the front doors, the hostess opens the door and greets us. Well, I use greet lightly. She throws the doors open and without saying «good evening» «hello» «how’s it going?» or any other of countless acceptable greetings, she asks if we have a reservation. To which we respond with a no and before we can ask a question or check the wait time, she pounces with «sorry! We don’t have a table tonight!» Honey, learn to sing and tryout for The Voice with that nonsense.
We left and I proclaimed that I shall never ever return!
True to form, we were back within a few weeks for a dinner date with friends.
I will give them a full 3 stars for the food because the sushi was fresh, but semi bland. I would say that I strongly agree that it was just ok. Ok in a semi good way though.
Alas, the check arrives and our friends notice they did not receive the discount they expected and mentioned. The waitress stares in the eyes of my friend, flutters her fake lashes, and proceeds to sigh long and hard in our direction.
I understand pretentious attitude problems and I know that attitude problems in Burlingame are a dime a dozen. What I will not do is drop $ 100 for a semi Ok, in a good way, meal knowing damn well that it’s just a matter of time before a hostess or waitress gets butt hurt when customers have expectations that she/​he will be capable of doing their job without giving us an attitude problem.
I guess I’ll just let the hipsters and the Burlingame cool kids enjoy the overpriced mediocrity that awaits at this sushi spot.

Fantastic tasting menu with great service. Stanley, the owner, is extremely visible making numerous stops by our table to ensure everything was to perfection! Loved it, need it, when can I go back?!
Highlights:
— Signature Dish: Josh
— Signature Dish: I Valentino
— Signatuee Dish: Danielle
— Oyster Flight

Amazing Sushi, Full BAR, Happy Hour, Excellent Service, OUTDOOR seating on Burlingame Ave… It’s AWESOME!

Our godparents took my sister and I to this place on the weekend. Parking is a little tough to find but worth it. You definitely need a reservation because there was a line the whole time we were eating. It has a very modern, classy décor and I felt really comfortable since they knew the owner. The Josh dish was one of my favorites of the night-​3 different types of sashimi on one plate. The waiter told us what order to eat it in so you can taste the levels of butteriness as you move to the next piece. There were so many plates of sashimi I’ve never tasted before-​all delicious! And had a beautiful plate of raw oysters and sea urchin too. Everything was plated so beautifully. I was comepletely stuffed by the end. And we didnt even eat any rice! Omg you need to open one in Fremont please! If you want top tier seafood, give this place a try

I had made reservations for 4 persons on a Saturday evening ahead of time. One person in our party was seated before we arrived. But after all of us were there, no one came to take orders or even get us water for more than 25 mins. Also the noise level was unbearable — we could barely hear our own selves. Menu looked great. But we couldn’t stand the noise and service so we left. And they didn’t make any effort to make us stay !

Hands down one of my favorite restaurants along the Peninsula. The food, drinks bartenders and wait staff are all exceptional. Whether dining along or with a group, I Prive does not disappoint.

Ambience is good but that’s about it. Once I arrived with my boyfriend the hostess asked if we’d prefer to sit in the bar or sushi bar. I asked her if there were tables available but she told me the tables there were reserved for parties of 6 or more. However, not even 2 minutes later she seated an older couple at the table! How ridiculous is that?!? At least wait till I leave! That alone already got me prettttty peeved but since this place had good reviews I decided I’d stay and give it a shot. Food was pretty good, nothing spectacular. Presentation was nice but quality and quantity are definitely not worth the hefty price tag. Food aside, service was just crappy. The bartender that served as our waitress was nice, but I constantly felt like I was rushed during my meal.
All in all, safe to say I won’t be returning and I definitely would not recommend to a friend.

I love this place — best sushi in the area (and arguably in the bay area). Great service — we’ve come to know the servers and Stan (owner) pretty well. Every sushi roll is fantastic, fish is very fresh and warm entrees are delicious as well.
One criticism — I wish they had a condensed menu with images. I consume with my eyes before actually eating. The menu is a little overwhelming, even though everything is divine.

I Prive is definitely a more modern and upscale Japanese restaurant. It is located in the midst for quaint and cute Downtown Burlingame and is a great place to dine. We walked in on a Sunday afternoon and was immediate seated. The menu was fun and offered so many interesting dishes as well as several world wines. We started with the Hamachi topped with a sliced Jalapenos and Sashimi Seaweed Salad. The sashimi which as sliced well just melted in your mouth and was incredibly deliciously fresh. The roll was uniquely prepared and served with tempura calamari as the topping. Each dish was truly spectacular in flavors and creativity. Will definitely return for a dinner experience.

Excellent!
The crispy salmon skin crisps with the ahi tuna/​duck egg/​sauce thing was awesome!
I forget the names of the items but we ordered most of the Signature Dishes and they were GREAT!
The Josh was amazing too.
All the portions were great for tasting and sharing. Service was excellent and they had a full bar.
Yum!

Food is delish! Waiters are attentive to customers, the host is accommodating and seated us promptly, we opted for the bar since it was busy, the waiting for food is not long, our order was served fast.

I’ve eaten here twice and the first time the food was excellent, but the service was okay. The second trip the food was even better and the service was impeccable. I will return!

Way overpriced and overrated.
Good: Eric’s Desire (white butterfish, jalapeño, bomb sauce)
Avoid: Valentino

Burlingame is constantly upgrading. New restaurants keep popping up and I Prive is one of them. I Prive adds quite a nice addition to the collection of restaurants.
The prices are at the higher end of the scale. I believe it is partly due to location and demand because Japanese is pretty rare in the neighborhood. They justify the prices by seemingly looking like a high end Japanese fusion place. The décor is modern and plenty of tv’s for customers’ entertainment.
They have different choices of items. Nigiri, Sashimi, Appetizers, Specialty Rolls, and other entrees. For starters, we ordered some appetizers and various nigiri rolls. Then after, some rolls, and some more rolls. I enjoyed the presentation of each dish. For the price of each item, it was quite a headache. Yes, it was fresh, but not sure if I would pay that much for it again. Especially when some of our specialty rolls that contained kobe beef or uni, the amount given versus the amount paid was not worth it.
For sure, I don’t recommend coming here. BUT, I don’t regret not giving it a try. The experience was alright. I would have loved for it to be more memorable. However, great place to come and have a quick bite or to watch the game.
Lastly, they say tamago is a true testimony for a Japanese restaurant. Tamago cannot be bought. Well, let’s say, it can be bought. But the good ones, you make from scratch. Thus, as my last dish of the night, we ordered the tamago nigiri. 2.25 out of 5.
FYI, I believe you can bring your own wine for a corkage fee. Please don’t hurt me if I’m wrong :)

Overpriced and rude service, but decent food. Tried the double lobster roll, Eric & Paula’s roll, and Semper Fi roll. Also got an order of salmon sashimi. I love the creativity in the modern rolls. They were all quite good. It’s hard to go wrong with those ingredients. However, a roll conceals a lack of skill. The salmon sashimi hadn’t been warmed up to temperature. It was good that we were directly beneath the heat lamp or the salmon would have stayed frozen in the middle. When fish is served that cold, it has no flavor.
We were the first people to ask to sit in the patio the evening that we came. I think that threw the staff off because there were still some open seats inside. But part of the fun of the holiday season is watching holiday shoppers go up and down Burlingame Ave. I don’t think they were thrilled by the prospect of having to now go back and forth to wait on our table. The hostess and the waitstaff made sure we knew that we were inconveniencing them by having to come outside. By the time we left though, there were two more parties that had wanted to also sit outside, so I look at it as having started the trend and boosting their business.

Just A-​Ok in my book. Actually, maybe only 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
We called ahead to see if there was a table available. They said yes, we said ok we are on our way. When we got there, they said, no tables, because someone called and reserved it… Um, I called… oh, but you didn’t give us your name. Um, ok. Guess my fault.
The crazy creative rolls we tried were decent, but not Ozumo quality yet still with Ozumo pricing ($ 16-​$ 20 per roll). They also all tasted similar because they had similar saucing.
Service was a bit… less than stellar. We were curious and asked if they have a Happy Hour. She said, it ends at 6. Mind you, it is 5:57 when we walked in, and 6:01 when she showed up with a menu. We said, ok, can we see it? She said, it ends at 6. We said, we understand it is over, but are curious about what’s offered. She begrudgingly went back to get the menu to show us. Not that I expected her to offer me the HH, but most restaurants I’ve been to would have happily done it without prompting.
I do love the location and the ability to people watch if you sit in the patio.

Overall, I like the modern Japanese food at the I Prive, although I do think it is over-​priced for what you get. Here are the dishes that we liked:
* Danielle: Kobe beef wrapped around Ahi tuna and mango with a creamy garlic sauce
* Tony & Kathy: black cod with asparagus and red chili pepper sauce
* Hugito Explosion: spicy tuna roll with avocado, basil, and macadamia nuts
However, the service here is extremely awkward! I have couple stories to share here.
1 star off: When we first arrived, the hostess sat us down. After a few minutes, she came back and told us she was worried that we did not have a reservation. We were confused, as we did have a reservation and we were already seated. We pointed this out to her, she said, «Oh good!» and left. What would she do if we really did not have a reservation — kick us out after being seated?
1 star off: Then our waitress came. She repeated over and over again that the Hugito Explosion is the restaurant’s best-​seller. After about the fourth time of telling us the Hugito Explosion is the restaurant’s best-​seller, we ordered it. When she brought the entrée out, she again had to say, «This is our best-​seller.» The way she brought out the dishes and took them away was awkward. She was obviously not Japanese, but pretended to be Japanese, and was terrible at it. She would say «thank you» in Japanese with a weird accent, tried to bow but almost dipped her forehead into the food, and tried to be overly polite to the point where it was fake.
1 star off: A month later, we looked at our credit card bill and our dinner was charged three times. We called I Prive and spoke with a manager, and she was understanding, but could not find the extra charges on her end. We had to go back to the restaurant and show her our credit card statement. We are still waiting for a resolution about this.
I felt like I was on an episode of Punk’d.

This place is confusing just like Unilocal with their new updated website. FIX IT!
PROs:
— Nice ambiance
— Nice food presentation
— Nice prime location
CONs:
— Sloppy service = staff was arguing with each other over bringing water to us. Oh geesh!
— Food looks appealing but taste wise was a NO NO!
— Overpriced
— Skip the sashimi platter! Trust!
Please train your staff to become more professional and be nice to one another at least in front of patron. Please have more fresh fish. Kthanksbye!

CONTEXT
My date wanted to have dinner/​sit here because they had the game on. He was hoping they would put on the pre-​season basketball games on (unfortunately, he was stuck on the football game Indiana and Texas). It was his real first sit down sushi spot. Due to this fact, I was a bit nervous that he may have an allergic reaction or may not be able to try anything because it would be too raw. I lead the way and played it partially safe. I think he enjoyed it.
LOCATION
Can’t miss it. If you were to drive around Burlingame without having to look for eatery, this restaurant is located right at the corner of a busy street.
PARKING
A small what I consider a downtown of Burlingame, parking spaces is a bit of a hassle during lunch/​dinner hours. You will eventually find one since people tend to come and go pretty quickly. A couple of public parking lots to choose from and if not there is also the wonderful reliable street parking.
OUTSIDE
When you approach the short walk way, notice on the left of you is the patio with high table seating bar tables and stools. Heaters above and dimmed lighting (mind you, I was here for dinner and not lunch). Dark and yet intimate setting. Patio seating is available as well as inside. The date enjoys outdoor seating (as always), so outside we sat. Very squared-​like walls, tables and chairs. Including the décor what seems a bit cold and modern, seems to attract business men and women in slacks, dress shirts, skirts a few inches shy above the knee and a nice blouse.
INSIDE
Upon your through the only entrance and exit into the building, you will find the long bar (from the entrance to the far end of the restaurant) on your left hand side with bar stools. Three (3) screens (but only two was on) available to watch perhaps 3 games or shows of your choosing (just so happened that they decided to put on one game on both… hmmm). On the right along the windows/​wall are lower tables. Bright and illuminating, it’s practically a night-​and-​day ambiance, as it is a bit more hipster like feel with low tables.
SERVICE
Young hostesses and waitresses immediately assist us of offering us a table out on the patio (fast service is a good thing). Slight smirk for a greet, but I guess it’s better than a long face. It seems as though we had came at the perfect time, enough people dining at the restaurant for new customers to find it intriguing and to be seated right when we stepped in their space. The moment we sat down and the moment we left, the service was fast and efficient. Thumbs up on there!
FOOD
Like many Unilocalers, I too have had my fair share of sushi sit down eateries. Unfortunately, this will not be a spot where I would add to my list of «must-​go-​to» spots. I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki bento box which served with miso soup, white rice, salad, a fruit, california roll (I think this roll was given to me by accident) and black noodle soup with an additional Semper Fi roll in honor of my date’s years in the army (now a retired soldier). First was served the Miso Soup, I was rather surprised that the soup came out luke warm and not burning hot. Not that it matters, but I was skeptical of it when I realize there was no humph of smoke coming from me with a scent of sweetness in the air as it was placed in front me. I brushed that off and started to taste it. To my disappointment, it was the most healthiest Miso Soup I’ve ever tasted: bland. I was too hungry to really start complaining, especially in front of my date. He chose this spot, and I can only be thankful for him taking us out to a nice dinner (like he always does). Consideration is definitely something the cooks and waitresses lacks of. I requested that we have the Semper Fi roll to share first while we waited out main course to come out– it was the last thing served to us (after we were in the middle of consuming our bentos). Is it not common knowledge that when a couple wants to share something and orders main courses for themselves is an indication that perhaps the roll that they ordered is something they would like to try first? Anyways, my date’s bento came out first, it was about 2 – 3 minutes later until I was served mine (another consideration that needs to take note of– serve group’s food all at once so that no one is waiting for the other). My salmon was dry (as I was expecting it to be so– sushi spots never get the salmon right and seems to rely on the teriyaki sauce to shield this flaw. Unfortunately for them, I’m one of those people who orders sauces on the side), but I guess at least it wasn’t under cooked (that’s worse!). The California Roll is a California Roll– rice and cooked crab with cucumber bits. The black noodle soup was as bland as the Miso Soup. *sighs* I say about 15 minutes later, our Semper Fi roll finally came out. At least they got the roll right. That, was good.
VERDICT
I wouldn’t recommend the bento boxes again, but I would like to check out more rolls. The Semper Fi got me thinking… :)

So we tried this place on a business trip as we were looking for some good sushi.
I am a huge sushi person so i would liek to think i know what i am talking about.
I went with 2 other coworkers and we sat outside (indoor and outdoor seating however the place isnt huge) on s weekend I would make a reservation.
I ordered a chieveche bowl of assorted fish over rice that came with soup and salad. my friends both got assorted sushi rolls. they really enjoyed their dish however I can not say the same.
my fish was chewy and the rice was hot making the fish a weird temperature.
I would not go back if i was in the area but my friends said other wise so i think for this place sushi rolls is the way to order.

Incredible rolls and oysters — mm mmmm. They also have a full bar, which is great. The flavours aren’t trad Japanese — instead, a gorgeous blend of California fresh, French/​Italian (basil infused sauce on a lobster roll!!) and Japanese.
The service is just ok (sometimes they forget things, and timing is an issue…) More like a diner than a fancy restaurant. And I’m not wild about the TV screens over the bar.
I’d definitely come back for the tasting menus, and the spiciness & freshness of the seafood are a big plus. Overall very satisfied!

Want to be privy to the information I’m about to share?
Well stay tuned because here it is.
I had high hopes for this place when I walked in, and really liked the hostess who was warm and welcoming.
Then it went downhill from there.
I was only one of 3 tables, so tell me why my server, some guy who seemed more interested in chatting with the hostess than taking my order or refilling my tea, was missing in action most of the time???
The prices here are slightly higher than your average sushi joint, and don’t taste any more fresh or spectacular.
My soft shell crab roll arrived lukewarm, though it may have been my slow waiters fault.
I ordered the unagi donburi and wasn’t too pleased at how they torched the eel and rice so that the rice was blackened.
I don’t mind the eel being cooked throughly, but I don’t like burnt rice, even if it’s on the edges and the top.
Not a fan.
And given that I had to flag my waiter down for tea, check, and to order, I can honestly say I don’t feel like returning for another try.

3.5 stars (rounded up)
If this restaurant was part of a plaza or away from the center of downtown I would scale the stars to just three but for location and solid food execution I’ll move that up .5 star.
This is my second visit in one week to I Prive. The staff is attentive and genuine. If you are not walking out smiling because of the cocktails, you certainly will be walking out with one because of the service.
The menu had some unique items. Dishes that were inspired and named after repeating
customers.
Lunch offered a decent amount of specials as well as their main menu offerings. I chose the seafood tempura. The tempura was light and crispy. I liked that they give you shrimp, scallop, fish, crab stick and calamari in the mix. The California roll was using real crab meat, so that was good. Kudos for the 15% lunch discount via Unilocal check in.
Dinner offered omakase and a la carte items. Some unique hit and misses.
Some of the items that stood out were the Portabella tempura, and Crab Tartar & Salmon Ceviche (The salmon chips stood out). I would pass on Spring & Rene –It was not very pretty to look at and the taste was not as cohesive, neither was the bite.
What you need to know:
— Located right across from T-​Pumps
— 10% discount for Y! and Stanford Employees
— Check their website for promotions
— They offer Japanese whiskey tasting
— Cocktails are lovely
— Good place for a quick drink
— Not recommended for large crowds — Seating can be cramped as they get busy
— Lunch and dinner specials are the same, except prices are higher in the evening