Frequently Asked Questions
[Need to be updated.]
What's New?
Wearing a mask is optional for customers but all of our employees still wear masks.
We recommend every customer to get fully vaccinated and boosted.
Our official website is changed to
for marketing purposes.
The current google site still has more useful information than the new site.
Birthday discount is valid from 3 days before birthday to 3 days after birthday.
We are doing our best to improve our food quality.
Discounts
Any discount for birthday?
It's free on your birthday with proof of birthday AND 2 paying adults (total 3)
Birthday discount is valid from 3 days before birthday to 3 days after birthday.
(see promotion page for details)
Party Surcharge
What is this party surcharge? Is it legal to charge me this surcharge?
The party surcharge is the tip paid to our service staff including servers and bussers.
When party surcharge is included in the bill, you don't need to pay any additional tip.
This practice is completely legal when we have written notice posted.
[California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Regulation 1603, Section (g)(2)]
Payment
What kind of credit/debit cards do they accept?
VISA and MASTERCARD (we do not accept personal checks).
Please remember to get your card back after payment is processed.
Please sign the "Merchant Copy" of the credit card receipt and return it to Tomi. You can keep the "Customer Copy".
Do I need to pay before eating?
Within 30 minutes before our closing time, we ask ALL customers to pay before eating.
Before that, all customers are not required to pay before eating (unless we recognize the customer is one of our dine and dash customers).
We ask all customers to pay 15 minutes before our closing time because we are closing our cash register.
Customers can still stay after they pay.
Reservation
How can I make a reservation?
When you have a party of 8 and more, you can reserve your table by contacting us.
Online form: https://www.tomibuffet.com/banquet/
Phone: 408-239-1000 (during business hour only)
We need the reservation date & time, number of guests, your name or organization name,
prefer way of contact (phone call, text, or email), and any special request.
We may contact you one day before the reservation date to remind you.
Special requests include the number of high chairs, gift tables, etc.
On your reservation date, please (go to the front of the line and) tell the host/hostess you have a reservation when you arrive.
You do not need to wait in line with other customers without reservations.
How much is the reservation deposit?
Reservation deposit is required for a party of 30 people and more.
$2 per person, cash or Venmo. Must pay at least one day before the party to guarantee your tables.
Full refund of reservation fee if cancel reservation at least 3 days before the party.
Reservation deposit will be returned to the customer on the party day.
Please bring your receipt with you on the party day.
Private Room or Private Section
Are there extra fee for using the private room?
No.
But you need to have enough guests in your party to reserve the private room.
The private room has a seating capacity of 70 to 80 people.
Depending on how busy we are, you may need to share the room with other customers.
Can you put us in a private section?
Maybe. Depends on how many guests you have in your party.
Food selections
How's the selection for vegans?
We have vegetarian foods in our hot entree, salad and fruit sections.
Is the seafood for dinner only or lunch also?
We have seafood for lunch and dinner. But dinner have more seafood selections.
I remember at some point they used to have lobster during dinner, do they still have it?
Yes. Please come early for the best food selections (food selections depend on availability. First come, first served).
Is there any difference between lunch and dinner time? Like, is there food they serve during lunch, but not during dinner.
Yes. Dinner menu is different from lunch menu.
When do you serve crab legs?
We only serve snow crab leg for weekend dinners (food selections depend on availability. First come, first served).
To-Go
Do you know if they have to go ? Like shop by pound ?
We only have sushi to go. Please ask the cashier for details.
Others
When is this place usually not busy?
Weekdays. We do our best to accommodate every customers any time they visit.
Do they allow you to bring a birthday cake from outside?
Yes. We also provide paper plates, candles and lighter for your birthday celebration.
Are they open for Christmas and New Year?
Yes. We open 7 days a week, including major holidays.
How much for dinner on weekday?
Please see our price page.
How is this place open? Weren't they getting sued because they didn't pay taxes and not paid employees?
The lawsuit involves Kome Japanese Seafood Buffet in Daly City.
Tomi has different ownership structure and management from those of Kome.
NONE of our employees were involved in this case.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Workers-win-2-6-million-wage-theft-settlement-15482120.php