Udon Miguzo: A Delicious New Udon Spot in Downtown San Mateo
Nabeyaki Udon
I’ve been keeping an eye on the new restaurants popping up in Downtown San Mateo, and recently checked out Udon Miguzo, which opened not long ago. I’ve already been twice, and both times were super tasty! So I figured it was time to share the scoop.
First Visit: Nabeyaki Udon
The first time I went, I ordered the Nabeyaki Udon, which came in a hot clay pot. This was perfect for a cozy meal. The broth was flavorful, the noodles were nice and chewy, and overall it was super satisfying. The dish also came with shrimp tempura, which was a nice touch, though I was a little bummed that it was served inside the bowl, since it started to get soggy pretty quickly. Still, the portion size was generous (even the regular size!), and it totally hit the spot.
I also ordered a glass of their Sequoia Nigori Unpasturized Sake. there is a note on the menu saying it is from San Francisco. This was very light and tasty I really enjoyed this sake. Also the glass was so much more than I thought it was going to be! It was a 3oz pour but I guess in my head I thought that was small.
We went on a Saturday evening, the weekend after they opened, and arrived right when they opened at 5:00 PM. Even then, we had to wait about 15–20 minutes to be seated. I would recommend going early if you are planning to eat here on a weekend.
Tempura Udon (Hot)
Tonkatsu Udon
Tonkatsu Udon, Sake (bottom left) & Beer (bottom right)
Second Visit: Tempura Zaru Udon
The second time, I tried their Tempura Zaru Udon, which is a cold noodle dish served with a dipping sauce and tempura on the side. It was so refreshing! This really hit the spot on this warmer day.
I absolutely loved the presentation of this dish. They give you a mortar and pestle bowl with sesame seeds to grind up for the udon dipping sauce. I have never had this experience with cold udon before but it was so fun. Then you pour the chilled dashi, green onions, and nori into the bowl that the sesame seeds are in.
This also comes with a generous amount of tempura. I ordered a regular size and still had plenty to take home.
In case you’re wondering what time we arrived to eat this time. We actually went on a Thursday evening and arrived around 5:15 PM. No wait at all, which was a nice surprise!
They also have a tablet out front where you can put your name down, and it looks like they’re using the Yelp Waitlist, which is super convenient if you want to plan ahead.
Atmosphere & Aesthetic
Beyond the food, the space itself has a modern Japanese vibe that’s clean, minimal, and inviting. I really appreciated the attention to detail in the ceramic dishware—beautiful bowls and plates that elevated the whole experience. I also noticed they had colorful, kid-friendly options for little ones at nearby tables, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the space feel welcoming for families, too.
Final Thoughts
I can totally see Udon Miguzo becoming a go-to spot for noodles in Downtown San Mateo, especially since they offer both hot and cold options, making it a great choice year-round. I’m definitely planning to stop by more this summer for their cold noodle dishes—perfect for those warm evenings.
If you're a fan of fresh udon, beautiful presentation, a cozy modern atmosphere, and solid portions, give this place a try!