50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Albany

“Love love love this place, our go to and our happy place Always leave so satisfied and feeling good! The chef has his own specials on the menu that you won't find in other places. Everything is always fresh and clean. Jackie puts so much heart into his food here. See you there“

“I really like the sushi rolls and the calm atmosphere at Sumo. Hot tea and miso soup to start on a rainy evening. It was my first time having the GoGo roll, with shrimp, avocado, cucumber and DF asparagus... give it a try! The baked scallop roll is a warm savory treat as well.“

“Great little sushi place. It's a hidden gem. Ever since I stumbled upon this place, it has been my go to sushi joint. I've eaten sushi all over the bay area. Only a handful of those I would rate it 5 stars. This is one of them in that area. If you are into just rolls like 95% of the people then everywhere is about the same. But if you enjoy nigiri, sashimi and traditional Japanese food then don't pass up on this place.“

“I’ve been ordering from Oori on Doordash for like five years or something and never came into the restaurant itself until today. It’s small but I waited tops like 7min for my food to be ready. Their quality is always consistent and delicious. I sat outside and it was a super nice vibe, enjoyed my meal and would have taken a pic of the food but I remembered too late and it was all gone ? keep it up yall.“

“I always get the vegetable tempura it comes with rice and we also get the California sushi rolls it’s always fresh and delicious best sushi and Japanese food I think it’s family run everyone there is very nice high quality ingredients and food you won’t be disappointedKid-friendliness: My son n had fun he’s 6 years old they have television and music very nice atmosphere“

“Niku is a Michelin-starred steakhouse and cocktail bar in the Design District that offers an intersection of Japanese and American cuisines. Executive chef Dustin Falcon (ex The French Laundry, Lazy Bear) focuses on products from local famers combined with the best in class American and A5 Japanese wagyu, the highest grade of beef due to its high levels of marbling. If your credit card can handle it, opt for the $265 USD A5 Wagyu tasting, the best steak experience of my life. These exclusive cuts of beef were cooked to perfection on Falcon’s custom binchotan charcoal and wood-fired grill.The cocktails are also on point at Niku, with a short list of Japanese-inspired twists on classics together with well-balanced classic drinks. For dessert, follow Alexis’ lead and order the Chocolate Miso, a spectacular brownie made with wagyu fat! Coupled with wagyu fat caramel and miso ice cream, your taste buds will be overloaded with joy.“

“I went to KEN for my birthday and it was absolutely phenomenal. The fish was delicious; so many new flavors and combinations; the chef was superb - talented and entertaining, with great attention to detail. The service was impeccable. I cannot say enough good things!“

“Ju Ni in San Francisco is an exceptional dining experience that deserves no less than five stars. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, the restaurant offers an intimate and meticulously crafted menu that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary skills. Holding two Michelin stars for two years is a testament to its consistent quality and innovation. The chef at Ju Ni is not only professional but also engaging and interesting, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unparalleled sushi experience in San FranciscoP.S. I believe the dinner menu starts around 200 per person. Adding drink and some other items, it’s around 300$ per person.“

“The star of the show at Akiko's was unquestionably the food, as would be expected at an omakase restaurant. And the food did not disappoint - it was absolutely superb. Every bite was delicious and layered with flavor. The toro nigiri and the lobster at the start were true standouts. The food is reason enough to go to Akiko's but we were also blown away by the warm, welcoming service from literally every staff member! Everyone was friendly and attentive, and this made the evening a really special experience. I highly recommend Akiko's and we cannot wait to go back!“

“It was always pleasant to experience chef making your the nigiri in front of you.My favorite dish from the menu was:Honmaguro Toro Nigiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Anago Nigiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Kamasu Nigiri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Hojicha Ice Cream ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Recommended to visit this restaurant to experience high quality Japanese cuisine!“

“Wow. That's the exact word to describe the entire tasting experience from start to finish. There's not much else to say lol My wife and I are addicted to sushi, especially when it comes to an omakase option. Without giving too much away, the price is incredibly reasonable for the quality and amount that you get. A great bonus is their unique selection of sake (the drink, not the fish) which paired quite nicely with everything we ate. We will definitely be back for another visit!“

“One of my favorite sushi experiences ever, and I've been to Japan. The service was so exceptional that I almost started to feel bad. The food was fresh, innovative, and incredibly fresh. The vibe and ambiance were great. 10/10 would highly recommend if you can afford it.“

“Some really good Sushi here. I enjoyed the presentation and flavor on pretty much all of our rolls. There were a few I wasn't a fan of, but that's a preference thing, I could still appreciate them and they were fresh and flavorful. We did end up ordering pretty much 1 of every roll, so it wasn't cheap, but it was a great night out. Standout for us was the Black Cod and the Snow Crab. Drink menu was decent, my wife liked both her cocktails and I was happy with the Fieldwork IPA on draft.“

“Hands down, this is my favorite sushi spot! The fish is always fresh, and the service is always friendly and on point (I love these guys!). Recently tried the new HaRa roll from the changing list of featured rolls. I used to always get the Ox and Tiger from that list when it was offered, but I think I actually prefer the HaRa now. And if you’re not feeling like having rolls, highly recommend the uni, hotate, maguro, ikura (I always add shizo), or basically anything else haha. I can’t get enough of this place… I’m a little crazy for it.“

“Fantastic date night experience. Definitely sit at the sushi bar, very fun to watch the chefs prep each piece. Every dish was beautifully plated. Fresh and balanced flavors. Nice modern twist to omakase. Appreciated the modern Japanese art, chic and intimate atmosphere.Robin was recommended by a good foodie friend from the Bay. I understand why she and all the foodie lists reference Robin. It’s a great place to eat and savor modern sushi when visiting the Bay.“

“The most impressive of the seven nigiri is the chargrilled medium rare tuna. When you get close, you can smell the strong aroma of chargrilled tuna. The two sides are more cooked, and the middle retains the taste of sashimi, which is very delicious ❤️ Overall, the nigiri was fresh and delicious, with a very rich flavor Their food has a stronger flavor than other Omakase stores“

“The $158 tasting menu is soooooo worth it, even just solely in the ingredients that were used. The chef literally took a whole truffle and shaved it onto our fried rice. This was a first Kappo experience, and we really enjoyed how balanced it was. There was a mix of sashimi and cooked foods. Some of the dishes were quite creative such as the abalone shabu shabu with liver sauce where the sauce was later reused with an uni nigiri. I also loved the personal touch and story of how the head chef incorporated snow crab from a friend from his hometown. Ingredients were alllllllllll very fresh.Atmosphere-wise, it is a 9-seater counter - quite typical of omakase. It is small so you do end up sitting quite close to other people, and there is not much space for intimate conversations but it didn’t bother us.By the way, the restaurant doesn’t have a sign. Think it adds another cool factor to it!!WOULD I COME BACK AGAIN? Yes. The tasting menu is worth it and has a lot of charm to it!! And it’s worth it based on the ingredients that were used. We will be back :D“

“Such an easy 5/5. One of the tastiest and most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in SF. The price is very reasonable for the experience you get. The chefs are incredibly kind and shared their stories about the food. I can’t wait to go back.“

“Went here with my girlfriend for my birthday. The staff was extremely attentive and nice. The atmosphere of the bar downstairs was not bad but the music was a bit too loud in my opinion. The food was amazing and I think it was reasonably priced. Only thing I have to say is that the nigiri was made a bit sloppy on some pieces with the ice being too lightly packed. But overall the taste was amazing and nothing else to complain about.“

“Our favorite bar in the Bay Area by far, and our go-to spot for celebrating special occasions and bringing out of town friends! With Michelin level drinks, food, ambience, and service - all of which have impeccable attention to detail - it's no wonder they're always packed. Drinks - Great selection of cocktails and sake. Cocktails uniquely showcase asian ingredients (e.g. japanese yam, calamansi, yuzu), and they change the cocktail menu from time to time so there's always something new to try. They have a wide variety of sakes, including a number of rare sakes that you can't find anywhere else. Timofei, the bar manager, is an encyclopedia of knowledge, and if you ever get the chance to talk to him, you'll learn a ton about each and every drink! Food - Standouts include the Kaisen-don (w/ uni, roe, hamachi, and squid) - so good I'm still dreaming about it a week later - and the Mochi-age (vegetarian fried mochi). We love what they've done with the interiors since their recent remodel. Service is always so attentive, accommodating, and timely. I'm already looking for excuses to visit again soon - always such a treat!“

“Every meal is delicious!Carnivores must try this! ! It was a great meal.The boss Andy is very kind and seems to be a gourmet. He also pays great attention to the quality of the meat. He grills the meat at the table to avoid being screwed up if we grill it ourselves?“

“The entire evening was perfect - the service, excellent; the explanations of each course was right on; the food, outstanding; the wine list, perfect. In other words, it was an excellent experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the staff went out of their way to make the birthday special - from a hand written birthday card to a surprise additional birthday sweet with candle at the end. In addition the staff was very careful to meet our dietary restrictions. I cannot state more than this: it was noteworthy and will return.“

“Best hidden secret. I have a hard time not visiting this place daily. There are so many options of rolls, rice bowls, and side dishes to-go. I believe most items are raw. Small amount of bon fish options rolls. Kids favorites are the avocado roll and California rolls There are a ton of Japanese snacks like pocky, shrimp chips, chocolate covered almonds, hi chews, wasabi peas a number of drinks. The staff are great, always friendly and have good recommendations . I've been visiting this place since they opened and every time I go they've got something new. Prices are right.“

“What a little gem tucked in the heart of the city! After seeing two Japanese artists exhibits, we wanted to wrap up the day with some yakitori and thankfully we found this place. Really good selection of yakitori but my favorite was the pork belly one. The hubs liked the chicken. I would go back for the crème brûlée any day ?Would love to go here again to try their ramen which are promising based on the reviews as well.“

“Truly for "Friends Only!" Ten seats at an "L"-shaped raw bar. Got to chat and share experiences with all the guests AND the staff. Made a lot of "Friends" tonight and got to share dining at its finest and food of superior quality and taste!“

“They have omakase, which I would very much recommend. It's one bite of everything, and the chef makes it right there. Don't worry, you'll be full by the end lolDietary restrictions: They ask you when about allergies and restrictions when you sit down so you'll be fine unless you have a seafood allergy“

“A phenomenal omakase experience. The customer service and food is top notch. Recommended for either those who fly solo or are looking for an intimate dinner date. Not cheap by any means, but you get what you pay for; which, in this case, is the quality and experience. Reservations are recommended since there are only 12 to 16 seats - walk in without a reservation at your own risk. Will be visiting again at some point.“

“Discover a slice of Japan's exquisite culinary tradition at this premier omakase and Tapas fusion restaurant. Each dish is a masterpiece, blending authentic flavors with artful presentation. The chef's passion for cuisine shines through, promising a truly authentic omakase experience. The Chief, George, adds to the ambiance with a welcoming presence that's attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring a memorable dining experience.“

“The handrolls are very tasty, although quite small. One person could easily eat six alone. The service felt a bit stiff, and the stools definitely work best with squishy butts. Overall I'm happy I finally gave them a try, although I'm not in a hurry to go back.“

“We decided to visit Sura Sushi for a casual workday late dinner. Our experience was nothing short of delightful. We started with Buri Daikon soup, which provided comforting warmth.Opting for a selection of Nigiri and Sashimi, we were thoroughly impressed. Each piece showcased the freshness and quality of the ingredients. From the Chu Toro to the O Tor, Engawa to Sunazuri, and Hotate, every bite was a symphony of flavors and freshness. Highly recommend this place.“

“My server clearly forgot to put in the roll I ordered and blamed the kitchen. My whole family was done eating and my roll arrived after everyone was already done. No apology, no comp. We own a restaurant as well and this is something that would never fly.“

“I took a lot of accidental live photos here, I would have preferred stagnant. I just wanted to capture one moment, I didn't need any of the moments leading up to that one moment. I'll smile for photos because I want to believe I'm happy in most moments of my life. Live photos are showing me that sometimes I look miserable right before smiling. Anyway, at least food doesn't change much with live photos. It looked and tasted great.“

“I can’t believe I never reviewed this restaurant. We eat here regularly at the restaurant and for takeout. The food is delicious for adults and for children. My son really loves the salmon teriyaki and the veggie sushi; I love their unique appetizers / tapas and their sushi. Reliable and one of the best restaurants in Castro and Noe.Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly“

“Rocket Sushi is super fun, the fish is fresh, and I had a wonderful time! You order on a tablet and a model rocket will LAUNCH your food to your table! My favorite you must get is the Blue Fin Toro because the marbling so so beautiful and it tastes rich and salty! Get the Black Angel roll too as it is topped with caviar! You will NOT leave Rocket sushi hungry as the rice and fish ratio is massive compared to other sushi places! Overall, Rocket sushi serves fresh high quality fish that is enjoyable and tasty!“

“the food was spectacular. I have not enjoyed sushi so much in years. Very authentic selection, and high quality products. Just right in every way. I really enjoyed the rainbow rolls and cheese tempura. Staff is very friendly and give you great advice about whatever is the best option of the day.Kid-friendliness: chicken teriyaki is great. portions are generous and staff very friendly.“

“I'm a bit of a sushi snob, so when I saw the reviews I had to visit. They knocked it out of the park, the nigiri was some of the best I've ever had. The salmon and tuna melt in your mouth and are very fresh.What's amazing is the sushi chef and the waitress both remembered me after having not visited for a year! They're so friendly, and truly care about their customers. I'll 100% be back!“

“The new interior design of Otoro Sushi Restaurant! The fresh look combines modern style with traditional elements, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Customers will be pleased by the comfortable seating and elegant decor while savoring delicious sushi dishes. Visit Otoro Sushi Restaurant to experience the tasteful ambiance of our new interior design.“

“MUST visit omakase restaurant in San Francisco!This is a perfect omakase restaurant that deserves a rating higher than five stars. Our chef is incredibly passionate and friendly, and the service staff are also very accommodating. The overall dining atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing.Everything was handled perfectly and the seasoning of seafood, allowed us to taste the natural sweetness of the ingredients.It's a truly amazing dining experience! Would definitely revisit again!“

“My girlfriend and I have explored numerous Japanese restaurants worldwide, and we're delighted to recommend Akari as one of San Francisco's most authentic gems. Not only does Akari excel in authenticity, but its dishes also boast consistently high quality and irresistible flavors. From savory entrees to delectable desserts, every bite is a testament to their culinary mastery. If you're in search of exceptional Japanese cuisine and aiming to avoid disappointment, Akari is a must-visit. Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.“

“It was such a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Roger and the rest of the staff are incredibly loving and friendly. We could not have asked for a more memorable experience. Thank you so much for making us feel so loved and cared for!Ask for the sushi bar seats - you will not regret it! It is your very own omasake experience, but better because in addition to really good sushi, you get to enjoy Roger's company. Highly recommend the aged tuna, Norwegian mackerel, and Wagyu nigiri! Also, make sure to leave some room for their in-house ice cream and desserts!“

“I hosted a private party here, and the chef was so kind to create a special menu for my event. Everything is very fresh, and my guests were amazed by the great taste of their food. We especially loved the uni, o-toro, and oyster. The smooth texture and sweetness of the fresh sashimi were all so amazing.“

“Came here on a Tuesday night with my coworkers without a reservation. Great for large groups and it was walking distance from the grand Hyatt on Stockton. Very walkable and didn't feel dangerous at night. We had 12 people total. Food was good. Overall less than 800 for 12 people which is not bad. They had no issues with separating the alcohol bill for each person.“

“Both the main dish and the side dish are a sure-fire meal every time. I was surprised that the restaurant was empty this time, even though it is difficult to make a reservation. This is the extent of the impact of people not coming to downtown SF. I have to support you!“

“Everything about Gozusf is unique. From the furnishings to the restrooms... yes the restrooms are next level. Every dish is presented as a work of art, and is filled with so much flavor it's hard to describe. You simply need to try EVERYTHING. The service is impeccable and this is an experience that should not be missed!“

“Arrived before our showing to the ballet, the staff was extremely thoughtful with our time, asking for our curtain time in order to bring out the Omakase without delay. We had a delightful series of courses but unfortunately had to run to our show before dessert. Shout-out to Ben who went above and beyond in hosting us after closing, insisting we come back so that we could enjoy our desserts and sake on the house. It really was a warm and amicable end to our night.“

“We tried the combo skewers, millionaire green bacon, and salted egg kombucha. Everything was tasty! It was pretty busy on a Friday night. There was a wait by 6:30pm, but food service was quick. They don’t serve alcohol currently, but you can BYOB for a small fee.“

“This is arguably the best Japanese Izakaya in the Bay Area. I frequently come visit from Canada and I actually make it a priority when I’m in town to visit a minimum of 1 time every 2 months. The food, atmosphere, and the staff make it the best experience- especially Angelina. 10/10 recommend to make time to eat here!“

“3.5 stars - Excellent vibe and drinks. Service was friendly but slow. Food was just ok, and portions are small, so feels overpriced. Joodang is in the tenderloin, so inevitably, the area is a bit sketchy. This didn't stop us because I had been wanting to try this place since it opened! You just have to be careful and aware of your surroundings - nothing surprising if you're familiar with the TL. The exterior is quite unassuming. You could easily walk past it if you're not paying attention. The inside of the restaurant on the contrary is bright, modern, chic and clean. We had an early dinner reservation for 4 people on a Friday night and were cheerfully greeted and seated right away upon arrival. The restaurant quickly filled up, but I appreciated that the tables were comfortably spaced out and it didn't get too cluttered. They have Asian inspired cocktails. We each ordered a different one and they were all both aesthetic and delicious! We also ordered 2 bottles of soju to sip on throughout the meal. Loved how friendly and encouraging the staff was of us keeping the alcohol flowing! :-p Though the food was fine, I'd have to say the drinks were way more memorable than the food. Everything is meant to be shared, but be warned that the portions are quite small. We ordered: - Beef tartar: Tasted fresh, well balanced - Risotto: One of my favorite dishes of the meal. The portion was pretty small though. - Bulgogi tater tots: tbh can't remember what the official dish name was, but it was essentially loaded tots, topped with bulgogi. I enjoyed this dish and its flavors, but didn't find it to be particularly special. - Korean Fried Chicken: Portion size for this was extremely disappointing, as we just received a few wings on a plate. They were flavorful, but not worth ~$18. - Kim Chi Udon: Good flavors. I enjoyed the toppings too - Pork Belly Cheese Doboki - I will not be ordering this again next time. While it sounded promising, this was just way too pricey ($26) for a dish that lacked flavor. And unfortunately, the texture of the rice cake felt like it was microwaved from frozen. I really want to support Joodang still, and I hope they succeed. The staff was super friendly and nice. However, some of our food took a while to come out (which generally is fine), but we had to ask them to check on our order and also for the bill at least 2-3x. With that said, I really hope they can work out the kinks because they have a great concept and a lot of potential.“

“Well hidden gem in the heart of Alameda, Utzutzu offers a culinary journey like no other with its exquisite 8-course Japanese dining experience. Each dish is a masterpiece, blending the freshest ingredients with skilled craftsmanship. From delicate sashimi to innovative rolls, the flavors harmonize in a symphony of taste. Impeccable presentation and attentive service elevate the dining experience, making this a haven for sushi enthusiasts seeking a refined gastronomic adventure.“

“Love the Omakase here and come back any time budget allows. The chef and staff are engaging if you want to chat, or happy to leave you alone and let you enjoy your meal.Dietary restrictions: Share ahead of time and (within reason) the chef will accommodate. Obviously not compatible with highly restrictive diets.“