I had called to see if they are open for tasting. The lady didn't tell me you need reservations. I was booked in 1pm and no body helped me after I came back the time for the reservation. I was waiting for 10 minutes and I left. I would not recommend here.
Serena J.
Man, I really like very curated "touristy" experiences like this. It was cool to find one so close to home.The tasting is fun, and very educational - we watched a video at the beginning, and the woman who ran the tasting taught us a lot about what made each pour taste different. A lot more information than a typical wine tasting, and very tasty. Great date idea, but would also be fun with a group of friends or even alone.
Sophie L
Can’t get bored with this place even you go many times! Best service and sake, so worth the price!
Brianna T.
Visiting Takara Sake USA in Berkeley was, hands down, one of the coolest things I've done in the city! I wanted to surprise my boyfriend for our two-year anniversary, and since sake is our favorite, he was over the moon when I revealed our destination.The experience began with an informative video about the sake-making process, and it was fascinating to learn about the intricacies of how sake is crafted. We were grouped up with another couple, and the wooden-style ambiance added to the charm of the place.Our server was not only nice but incredibly knowledgeable, and you could tell she was passionate about what she does. She kept apologizing for talking too much, but honestly, we loved every word from her. She made the whole experience even more engaging.The sake tasting at Takara takes you on a journey from savory to sweet sakes, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can opt for add-ons, which only cost a bit more. My personal favorite from the tasting was the bourbon sake, one of the add-ins. It was a delightful surprise that left a lasting impression.By the end of the tasting, I was happily tipsy, and the best part was that you have the option to purchase the sakes to take home. We left with a few bottles, and it felt like the perfect memento from this amazing experience.What truly sets Takara Sake USA apart is not just the fantastic sake but also the affordability of the whole tasting experience. I highly recommend making reservations, as this place is a hidden gem that's too good to miss. Whether you're a sake connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of sake, Takara is an absolute must-visit. It's an adventure that you won't regret, and it's sure to make any special occasion even more memorable.
Sophie M.
Such a peaceful, beautiful experience. My dad took me here after he had visited around 10 years ago and recommended the visit. The education on sake was delightful and the service was even better. The sweetest woman ran the tasting and made our time there absolutely amazing. I would honestly just go back for her! Highly recommend if you're new to sake or want something fun and new to do!
JC A.
Great tasting, of a wide variety of their sake, and fun stories from the staff. Would definitely go back.
Katie Y.
We had so much fun doing a tasting here. Vivian was great! They start off with a short video and then you move to the tasting - expect to spend 90 min or so! We learned a lot about the sake and took some home! Would definitely bring more friends here
Georgina Salazar
The tasting room & sake museum are a hidden gem of the East Bay! I’m so happy a friend and I got to enjoy them today ?We both lived in Japan years ago, so the display of Japanese culture brought back many fond memories. Even those who haven’t yet traveled to Japan will know a lot about it after touring the small museum’s carefully explained artifacts, viewing its short sake-making documentary, and sampling a variety of sakes with the careful guidance of a friendly, patient, hospitable host.
Tammy K
Great place to learn about sake and go tasting! Small but informative museum on site, and really knowledgeable people in the tasting room. They also have bottles you can only get there. Vivian was the amazing and I'd go back just for her!! Kanpai!
I lived in Berkeley for years and I drove an hour and a half to come here and it was worth it. Why didn't I make the trip before?Make a reservation!
Richard E.
Went for a little Father's day excursion with the wife and had a great time! Paid for about 9 different samples and oh my goodness... I don't even know for sure how many we tried! Our hostess really was knowledgeable about the types and flavor of what we tried while encouraging us to share our thoughts. Even ended our time with her favorite mixture which was a blend of a sweet Plum and their more recent Sparkling Sake. Wish we had brought some cash to tip her.Had another couple end up at our table as they walked in and really just added to the experience. The Lady was very descriptive and had similar opinions as myself while her partner and my Wife saw eye to eye on quite a few flavor profiles as well. Definitely going back for another try and MUST bring a friend or 2!
Kacey Lewis
Did the Sake Tasting and had a blast! So much better than any wine tasting I've been to! They go through the whole history of sake making, the differences between all sakes and their specific sakes, and serving recommendations with exact degrees to heat or chill to! And yes, we walked out with a case of sake.
Chet Shannon
Tour and tasting was very fun! Also prices are reasonable for purchase there too.
Kelly G
Fun place to visit and learn about sake making and try a variety of sakes. The staff are friendly and there is a small store and museum you can visit as well. The tasting was $15 for 5 sakes and took about 1.5 hours.We made reservations but I saw a pair of people walk in and also do a tasting.
I had called to see if they are open for tasting. The lady didn't tell me you need reservations. I was booked in 1pm and no body helped me after I came back the time for the reservation. I was waiting for 10 minutes and I left. I would not recommend here.
Man, I really like very curated "touristy" experiences like this. It was cool to find one so close to home.The tasting is fun, and very educational - we watched a video at the beginning, and the woman who ran the tasting taught us a lot about what made each pour taste different. A lot more information than a typical wine tasting, and very tasty. Great date idea, but would also be fun with a group of friends or even alone.
Can’t get bored with this place even you go many times! Best service and sake, so worth the price!
Visiting Takara Sake USA in Berkeley was, hands down, one of the coolest things I've done in the city! I wanted to surprise my boyfriend for our two-year anniversary, and since sake is our favorite, he was over the moon when I revealed our destination.The experience began with an informative video about the sake-making process, and it was fascinating to learn about the intricacies of how sake is crafted. We were grouped up with another couple, and the wooden-style ambiance added to the charm of the place.Our server was not only nice but incredibly knowledgeable, and you could tell she was passionate about what she does. She kept apologizing for talking too much, but honestly, we loved every word from her. She made the whole experience even more engaging.The sake tasting at Takara takes you on a journey from savory to sweet sakes, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can opt for add-ons, which only cost a bit more. My personal favorite from the tasting was the bourbon sake, one of the add-ins. It was a delightful surprise that left a lasting impression.By the end of the tasting, I was happily tipsy, and the best part was that you have the option to purchase the sakes to take home. We left with a few bottles, and it felt like the perfect memento from this amazing experience.What truly sets Takara Sake USA apart is not just the fantastic sake but also the affordability of the whole tasting experience. I highly recommend making reservations, as this place is a hidden gem that's too good to miss. Whether you're a sake connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of sake, Takara is an absolute must-visit. It's an adventure that you won't regret, and it's sure to make any special occasion even more memorable.
Such a peaceful, beautiful experience. My dad took me here after he had visited around 10 years ago and recommended the visit. The education on sake was delightful and the service was even better. The sweetest woman ran the tasting and made our time there absolutely amazing. I would honestly just go back for her! Highly recommend if you're new to sake or want something fun and new to do!
Great tasting, of a wide variety of their sake, and fun stories from the staff. Would definitely go back.
We had so much fun doing a tasting here. Vivian was great! They start off with a short video and then you move to the tasting - expect to spend 90 min or so! We learned a lot about the sake and took some home! Would definitely bring more friends here
The tasting room & sake museum are a hidden gem of the East Bay! I’m so happy a friend and I got to enjoy them today ?We both lived in Japan years ago, so the display of Japanese culture brought back many fond memories. Even those who haven’t yet traveled to Japan will know a lot about it after touring the small museum’s carefully explained artifacts, viewing its short sake-making documentary, and sampling a variety of sakes with the careful guidance of a friendly, patient, hospitable host.
Great place to learn about sake and go tasting! Small but informative museum on site, and really knowledgeable people in the tasting room. They also have bottles you can only get there. Vivian was the amazing and I'd go back just for her!! Kanpai!
Its s tipsy good tasting for sake lovers.
Restaurantji Recommends
I lived in Berkeley for years and I drove an hour and a half to come here and it was worth it. Why didn't I make the trip before?Make a reservation!
Went for a little Father's day excursion with the wife and had a great time! Paid for about 9 different samples and oh my goodness... I don't even know for sure how many we tried! Our hostess really was knowledgeable about the types and flavor of what we tried while encouraging us to share our thoughts. Even ended our time with her favorite mixture which was a blend of a sweet Plum and their more recent Sparkling Sake. Wish we had brought some cash to tip her.Had another couple end up at our table as they walked in and really just added to the experience. The Lady was very descriptive and had similar opinions as myself while her partner and my Wife saw eye to eye on quite a few flavor profiles as well. Definitely going back for another try and MUST bring a friend or 2!
Did the Sake Tasting and had a blast! So much better than any wine tasting I've been to! They go through the whole history of sake making, the differences between all sakes and their specific sakes, and serving recommendations with exact degrees to heat or chill to! And yes, we walked out with a case of sake.
Tour and tasting was very fun! Also prices are reasonable for purchase there too.
Fun place to visit and learn about sake making and try a variety of sakes. The staff are friendly and there is a small store and museum you can visit as well. The tasting was $15 for 5 sakes and took about 1.5 hours.We made reservations but I saw a pair of people walk in and also do a tasting.