Diner Japonica

Reviews

• Wern Li T.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  An absolute gem! My go-to place for lunch. I have brought so many coworkers there and every one of them loves it too.
  It is owned and run by a very friendly and cute Japanese elderly couple. You can expect authentic Japanese food from this place.
  Their Japanese Curry Katsu is really really good, as good as CurryHouse in Cupertino (big call, yes)!
  And my other favorite is their cold soba noodles that is kinda hidden on their menu, called Tenzaru - a must try!

• Edwina D.

  star star star star star 9 June 2026

  Great value Japanese diner owned and run by a friendly couple. While service was a bit slow upon being seated, the wait is worth it considering how everything is freshly prepared. Water, utensils, soy sauce, and other condiments are available for self-service by the front counter.
  
  I ordered the Katsu curry chicken which was delicious and paired perfectly with the pickled ginger. The portion is just right and the chicken is served crispy on a bed of rice. My sister ordered the bento box and while she wasn't a huge fan of the chicken teriyaki, she was impressed by the sushi and fresh sashimi. Parking can be tight in the lot, but you can try to park on the side street. This place is cash only as well. I'll definitely be back to try the hamburger steak and omurice!

• Tori G.

  star star star star_border star_border 7 June 2026

  Small place, seems like your 'run-of-the-mill' mom and pop place.  The nice japanese woman and husband run this restaurant together (i'm amazed it's only the two of them running the entire business, i've never seen anyone else work here before.)  
  My experience overall was pretty average, there's not anything amazing about this place nor was I necessarily disappointed.  They serve a variety of japanese comfort foods for fairly affordable prices.  
  I definitely recommend ordering or taking out,  there's no AC inside the building and with the nice woman being the only server, sometimes she gets overwhelmed it seems.  
  Initially, when we were sat down, we were helped and served quickly.  But as it started getting more and more busy, it took our server nearly 15 minutes after we were done eating to get our check, she was just so busy.  I did notice a ton of people calling ahead and taking out though, so maybe next time i'll do just that.
  Got a Bento box and a chicken katsu curry, both were tasty and satisfying.  Just nothing tooo special about it though.  
  I'd recommend trying them out and support a small business!  By reading the reviews, everyone seems to have a different experience.

• Jason F.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Nestled in between a bar and a tattoo parlor, you'll find Diner Japonica. Despite it's location on Woodside road in Redwood City with next to no parking, this little Japanese style resto serves great food with love. Bento Boxes, Rice dishes , Sushi , Ramen , Sashimi , Beer. , Sake desserts and much more. Mom and Pop style diner with essentially one nice lady taking orders and serving dishes/waiting tables. My fav is the Teriyaki Salmon, Chicken Katsu Bento. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cash only!

• Matthew G.

  star star star star star_border 16 May 2026

  always love searching for japanese places with curry katsu.  even more so they have chicken omu rice.  nearly nowhere offers that on the menu.  as the name indicates, it really is a diner.  its small and has a diner feel to it.  run by an asian lady and a dude in the kitchen.  very friendly people.  sat ourselves down and she took our order.  got to try the curry, omu rice, and bento box with 2 types of salmon.  first came the miso soup and salad.  both were decent.  the omu rice came out and it was huge.  a bit salty though.  the curry was delicious and it came with just enough curry to sauce up all the pork and rice.  the 2 salmons were good portions.  the lady was impressed that we didnt need a to go box.  good meal but the downside is it is cash only.  booooo.