36 Best Japanese Restaurants in Berkeley

Iyasare Japanese • $$$
1830 Fourth St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

´Kara-Age´ Japanese Fried Chicken
Dungeness Crab Okonomi Pancake
Vegetable Kakiage Tempura
Ajitama Soft Boiled Egg
Iyasare Kakiage Tempura
Lyasare Kakiage Tempura
Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen
Bacon Wrapped Mochi
Mentaiko Spaghetti
Sashimi Salad

“Great food and great service“

4.2 Good144 Reviews
2

Ippuku

Ippuku Japanese • $$$
2130 Center St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Negi-Yaki Scallion Pancake w Toppings
Buta Bara Kurobuta Pork Belly 10 WA
Hokke Split-Salted Atka Mackerel
Grilled Mochi Wrapped in Seaweed
Dungeness Crab Croquettes
Squid Ink Fried Rice
Bacon Wrapped Mochi
Cabbage Appetizer
Chicken Kara-Age
Maitake Tempura

“EDIT: I felt its necessary to make the amendment that, although walking in without a reservation was a thing previously, we've now had multiple visits where we've stood at the counter for 2 hours never to be seated.

You can still eat the whole menu there, but its generally very crowded.

Getting reservations seems to be catered towards friends, or some type of mysterious system, as we no longer have been able to get a reservation even weeks in advance. The food is still the same.

Original Review: I can’t believe that I haven’t left a review for Ippuku; this is as close as you can get to a Tokyo alley izakaya, from the sasami raw chicken special menu (to do for), to the epic yakitori, to the massive shochu selection.

By far one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in the Bay Area, we’ve been here a good 30 times over the years and it has never once changed at all, thankfully!!! Never want it to change, it does everything so well.

Hokkaido squid, chicken oyster, chicken tartare, agadashi tofu, crab croquettes, these are some favorites.

Make a reservation if you can, but otherwise we often walk in and are seated within an hour. Fun to hang out at the bar and wait.“

4.1 Good125 Reviews
Sushi California Sushi • $$
2033 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Miso Soup
Nigiri
Salad
Fish
Roll

“I ordered a tuna poke bowl. It was tasty fish and tuna. Unfortunately it had no rice, not sure if they ran out or that’s standard for them but I’ve never heard of a sushi restaurant not putting any rice with a tuna poke bowl. I’ll come back but recommend that people mention rice if they want that in the dish.“

4.1 Good29 Reviews
4

Kiraku

Kiraku Japanese • $$$
2566B Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chawan-Mushi w Snow Crab and Matsutake Mushroom
Grilled Tsukune Chicken & Cartilage Skewer
Ankimo Mousse w Sweet Potato Chips
Corn Tempura with Green Tea Salt
American Wagyu Beef Tataki
American Wagyu Beef Nigiri
Maitake Mushrooms Tempura
Scallion Seafood Pancake
Beef Tongue Skewer Box
Black Cod Kama Nitsuke

“Super delicious 👍 I never eat Japan food super good like this before.“

4.6 Superb140 Reviews
Musashi Japanese • $$
2126 Dwight Way, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Bento with Sushi
Unagi and Egg Wappa
Sashimi & Tempura
Salmon Ikura Don
Chirashi Sushi
Pieces of Fish
Agedashi Tofu
Grilled Squid
Chicken Skin
Chawan Mushi

“Always great service and family has gone back here for years. High quality sushi, ramen, and other Japanese entrees. Chiraishi is great and they put great care into the quality of their menu. Highly recommend. Quaint quiet little spot and good for dates too.“

4.7 Superb70 Reviews
6

Kirala

Kirala Japanese • $$
2100 Ward St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Deluxe Sushi Dinner
Green Tea Ice Cream
Tempura Appetizer
Vegetable Tempura
California Roll
Deluxe Sashimi
Nabeyaki Udon
Agedashi Tofu
Tempura Udon
Rainbow Roll

“Love this place, I feel safe and the food is incredible“

4.5 Superb81 Reviews
Mainichi Sushi Japanese • $$
1647 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
Real California Roll
Dinner 2item Bento
Sashimi Sampler
Garlic Edamame
Negihama Roll
Double Double
Golden Gate
Sushi Large
Miso Soup

“The chirashi don comes with a generous portion of sashimi, and the bento box is also quite substantial. Though the flavors are definitely mediocre. It's great value for the price, with attentive service. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.“

4.5 Superb75 Reviews
Sushinista Japanese • $
2235 Milvia St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Portobello Sushi Burrito
Salmon Sushi Burrito
Sweet Potato Tempura
Chicken Karaage
Potato Coquette
Puri Puri Poke
Tofu Nuggets
Salmon Plate
Cucumber

“Outstanding personal service. Sushi Burrito (several to choose from) are my favorite, Miso Soup, and a Beer or Sake. I recommend that you come and get some 🌯“

4.7 Superb23 Reviews
Oori Triangles Japanese • $
2177 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Triangles
Spicy Ahi Tuna Triangle
Double Unagi Triangle
Short Rib Triangle
Edamame
Plate

“Incredibly delicious, affordable, and filling rice triangles. I love stopping by to order here whenever I’m in the area. The food is delicious and a perfect meal. Personally, 2 rice triangles fills me up just right, I get the teriyaki chicken ones personally.“

4.5 Superb38 Reviews
10

Manpuku

Manpuku Japanese • $
2977 College Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Gyoza and Fried Rice
Salmon Bento Box
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Maki
Chicken Katshu
Sashimi Mix
Miso Ramen
Miso Soup
Sushi
Nigiri

“Life without sushi is no fun. That's why Manpuku is so needed. Whether pieced or in bowls, Manpuku brings both traditional and fusion in a delightful and pleasant way.“

4.4 Superb60 Reviews
Daruma Kiosk Japanese •
1300 Fifth St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Japanese Sandos at Broc Cellars
4.7 Superb13 Reviews
Aki's Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $
2505 Hearst Ave C, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Don
Teriyaki Chicken Don
Miso Soup

“Great Japanese & Taiwanese food ?
The portion is satisfying while the price is relatively affordable! They also have free hot green tea and would serve you a cup of miso soup along with your order! (⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)

The waiting might take a little longer than fast food restaurants of course, but you’d know they make your order freshly, and it’s worth it! ?

The vibe in the restaurant is unique and antique. A nice place for people who love hanging out with friends in the special place, or just enjoy yourself ??

# Fried Pork Noodle Udon“

4.5 Superb24 Reviews
Marugame Udon Japanese • $
1919 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Extra Tempura Flakes
Mentai Kamatama Udon
Chicken Katsu Curry
Extra Udon Noodles
Big Chicken Katsu
Potato Croquette
Chicken Tempura
Soft Boiled Egg
Shrimp Tempura

“service and quality are top notch“

4.3 Superb196 Reviews
14

Mitama

Mitama Japanese • $$
3201 College Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Organic Miso Soup
Salmon Sashimi
Nigiri
Sushi
Roll

“Nice and accommodating 😘😘😘“

4.3 Superb28 Reviews
Kuroki Ramen Japanese • $
2309 Telegraph Ave #B, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Black Tonkotsu Ramen

“SO GOOD!!! Everything was of very high quality—I got the deluxe red tonkotsu ramen and every part of it was great. It was actually pretty spicy, good noodles and broth, and the toppings were delicious (especially the braised pork wow!!) I also really enjoyed the jasmine green milk tea I got. This place is a bit pricey, yes, but I promise you it’s worth it!“

4.5 Superb6 Reviews
Ijo Izakaya Japanese • $$
1463 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

California Roll
Edamame
Sushi
Tuna
K

“very good salmon and gyoza. the sashimi were very fresh“

4.2 Good28 Reviews
AKEMI Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $$
1695 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Rock and Roll BBQ Eel Avocado
Avocado Roll and Spider Roll
Premium Sushi Combo
Baked Scallop Roll
Pork Belly Gyoza
Spicy Miso Ramen
Mixed Tempura
Lion King Roll
Okonomiyaki
Miso Soup

“Amazing food and service. Ambiance on point as well“

4.2 Good108 Reviews
18

Genji

Genji Sushi Bar •
3000 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley
3.8 Good6 Reviews
Daruma Sushi Japanese • $$
2215 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Karaage Chicken and Chicken Katsu Bento Box
Avocado Roll and Cucumber Roll
Veggie Tempura Udon Soup
Beef and Sashimi Bento
Salmon Skin Hand Roll
Futomaki Roll
Seaweed Salad
Dragon Roll
Tempura Roll
Sushi Rice

“Very tasty, good quality sushi at great prices. Happy hour prices are even better. We came in to pick up an online order but they didn't receive it due to poor Internet, so they expedited the order and finished it quickly. I would recommend dining in or calling in to avoid this.“

4.1 Good76 Reviews
Hashtag Poki Hawaiian • $
3075 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Large Poki Bowl
Macaroni Salad
Mini Poke Bowl
Edamame Beans
Seaweed Salad
Regular Bowl
Wakame Salad
Green Salad
Spicy Tuna
Crab Salad

“Food was fresh! Service was great. The tables were clean!“

4.1 Good83 Reviews
Sizzling Lunch Berkeley Japanese • $$
1979 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Salmon Pepper Rice
Beef Pepper Rice
Beef Udon
Bibimbap

“Very good quality of food 👍“

4 Good72 Reviews
Muracci's Japanese • $
2428 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Karaage Curry Ramen
Chicken Katsu Curry
Omelette Curry
Beef Curry

“The food is really good and tasty. The staff is very friendly and thoughtful. They provided kids cutlery and kids drinks and were so kind and accommodating to us. We had a great lunch time because of their service. Really appreciate them and highly recommend them!!“

3.7 Good63 Reviews
Alley Kitchens 橫丁キッチン Japanese • $
2309 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Gyu Don Beef & Onion Rice Bowl
Vegan Ramen

“Very good Kale vegan ramen. Very good service. A bit pricey ($15 for a bowl of ramen). Seating in was at narrow counters but the staff's service was good enough to more than compensate for the limited space. All in all a very good experience. Recommended.“

3.4 Good32 Reviews
24

Cha-Ya

Cha-Ya Vegetarian • $$
1686 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Sushi Combo Dinner
Kinoko Miso Soup
Senroppon Salad
House Miso Soup
Cha-Ya Delight
Cha-Ya Roll
Soba Sushi
Vegan Roll
Vegan Food

“This place is in the heart of Berkeley. It has been around for years now and has a refined menu with lots of options. Simply prepared with wonderful flavors. My favorite was the sesame sauce in the broccolini and blanced spinach. As well, the sauce on the sea vegetables was smooth, creamy and delicious. I can't wait to go back. It was 25 dollars each person, and we were happy with that. No leftovers, but satisfied.“

4.4 Superb83 Reviews
Kyoto Sushi Sushi • $
1599 Solano Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

California Roll
Sushi Platter
Tuna Roll
Edamame
Sushi

“Small shop with warm food and an open fridge section of sushi. There was also a wall of snacks. Prices are very reasonable. No verbal communication which I think is fine but the woman dropped my packed sushi upside down and then tossed it into a bag. Sushi rice was a bit too hard for my liking.“

4.5 Superb35 Reviews
Kamado Sushi Sushi • $$
1400 Shattuck Ave. store 1, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

California Roll Rock N Rolls
Smoked Sake Smoked Salmon
Omakase for 4 People
Chirashi Special D
Soup

“经常更新季节性的鱼类…😋新鲜…主要的是老板很帅☺️…😜“

4.4 Superb47 Reviews
Asaka Sushi & Bar Sushi • $$
1580 Hopkins St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Bento Box Sashimi Tonkatsu Chicken Saba Shiyoyaki
Nigiri Combo Special
Shrimp Tempura
Rock & Roll
Edamame
Gyoza

“Great food, great service, great atmosphere with reasonable prices. We had a couple of specialty rolls which were superb. Also the chirashi was not only delicious but artfully presented. The tempura was just right, not greasy at all and also delicious. Are you seeing a pattern here? The plain old salad had a wonderful take on the classic American Japanese restaurant salad dressing over crisp hand torn leaves and was accompanied by a perfectly prepared miso soup as starters. We will be back to this wonderful neighborhood restaurant!“

4.3 Superb70 Reviews
Kiku Sushi Sushi • $$
1316 Gilman St, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Baked Spicy Scallop Roll
Fireman Roll Eggplant
Salmon Skin Roll
Sushi Lunch Combo
California Roll
Sashimi Combo
Seaweed Salad
Sunshine Roll
Rainbow Roll
Fresh Wasabi

“This place takes the “& vegetarian” in their name seriously! So many sushi places have “vegetarian” options that turn out disappointing or limited, but not here. There were more vegetarian and vegan rolls than anywhere I’ve ever seen, and those options were just as interesting and delicious as any roll you could get at another sushi place. Plus, the nigiri was delicious - clearly high quality fish, and well made rice.

Vegetarian options: Most of the rolls were vegetarian or vegan, and they were great! Highly recommend the appetizers as well - the stuffed shiitake mushrooms were great.“

4.3 Superb51 Reviews
Hana Japan Steak and Seafood Japanese • $$
235 University Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Hibachi Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Grilling Vegetables Chicken & Steaks
Lobster Shrimp and Fried Rice
Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice
Togo Filet Mignon Hibachi
Pineapple Chunks Dessert
Fried Rice Show I ♡ U
Aged Ribeye and Shrimp
Chicken Fried Rice
Miso Soup and Salad

“Excellent service, food was great and large portions,“

3.7 Good139 Reviews
Katsumi Sushi Sushi • $
2521 Durant Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Special
California Roll
Chicken Katsu
Alaska Roll
Miso Soup
Tempura
Sushi
Fried

“Small shop, great food, prompt service. If you're lucky you can dine in. Don't let that turn you away it's a great restaurant. Their sushi is delicious, hand rolls hit the spot, and they're combos will satisfy any craving. My go-to's are the Chicken Katsu, Dragon Roll, and their California Handroll.

Wheelchair accessibility: If you're already on the sidewalk, you're good“

4.3 Superb26 Reviews
Nikko Sushi Sushi • $$
2399 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box with Salmon Sashimi
Chicken Teriyaki Gyoza & Tempura Bento Box
Assorted Nigiri
Miso Soup
Sushi

“I value consistency and get the same thing everytime: miso soup and double order of shrimp tempura rolls. Always freshly prepared and easily best of the bay worthy. Sometimes I forget to request chopsticks but the staff is always nice about it when I call. The amount of food for the price/quality is also great.“

4.2 Good67 Reviews
Party Sushi Sushi • $
1776 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Golden Gate Roll
California Roll
Large Miso Soup
Party Roll
Delicious
Sashimi
Sushi

“Excellent foods, friendly staffs! We really love to have dinner here~ Absolutely, I will visit again when I come back to Berkeley!“

4.1 Good37 Reviews
Sushi Secrets Sushi • $
2110 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Gyoza 6pc and Takoyaki 6 PC
Pre-Set Poke and Poke Bowl
California Roll

“A sushirito -like place with cheaper prices. $8 instead of $13. Try the B8, which has both salmon and tuna sashimi inside. Added bonus points for carrying takoyaki.“

4.1 Good64 Reviews
Riceful Onigiri Asian Fusion • $
2435 Durant Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Pork-Boy Onigiri

“Their onigiri is really good! I’m not always in the mood for spam, but they have plenty of options without spam too, and I haven’t had anything I haven’t liked yet. They partner with several delivery services and their food always is packed well and is ready quickly for the drivers. Definitely recommend!“

4 Good38 Reviews
KoJa Kitchen Korean • $
2395 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Short Rib and Ginger Rice
Kamikaze Fries
Ahi Tuna Salad
Short Rib Bowl
Kimchi Fries
Chicken Bowl
BBQ Chicken
Cal Fries
Wings

“A good place to taste Korean and Japanese cuisine with a twist.“

3.8 Good78 Reviews
Poke Parlor Hawaiian • $
2485 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley

Customers` Favorites

Medium Build Your Own
Small Build Your Own
Crispy Chicken Bowl
Seaweed Salad
Miso Soup
Poke

“Great people, fresh ingridients, authentic taste. Love it!!“

3.6 Good41 Reviews

You May Also Like