11 Best Japanese Restaurants in Davis

“Prepare yourself for an intimate and personal culinary journey at this Omakase haven in our college town. From the moment you step in, the cozy ambiance wraps around you like a warm embrace, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The chef, a true master of the art of omakase, takes the reins of your gastronomic adventure. As each exquisite piece is expertly crafted and presented, you can't help but feel a personal connection to the culinary magic happening before your eyes. The chef's passion for their craft is apparent, creating an immersive experience where you feel a part of the sushi culture. Seated at the intimate sushi counter, you're not just a diner; you're an honored guest. The chef carefully curates each course based on your preferences and reactions, turning the meal into a personalized expression of culinary art. It's a conversation between you and the chef, a silent understanding conveyed through the language of meticulously prepared dishes. The pace of the meal allows for genuine connection. You're not rushed; instead, you savor each moment, appreciating the textures, flavors, and stories behind every bite. The staff's attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm enhance the feeling that you're not just enjoying a meal, but sharing in a unique and personal experience. In this intimate setting, the boundaries between chef and diner blur, creating an atmosphere where the love for sushi and the joy of sharing it with others take center stage. Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or a newcomer to omakase, this place transforms a meal into a cherished memory, making every visit a celebration of the personal and the profound. This gem is one that must be treasured and appreciated. The chef not only takes to heart his customers but the environment as well- choosing eco-friendly and sustainable fishing practices to make your dining experience guilt free. This is a chef truly passionate about his art. I will forever be a patron of this establishment- encouraging this type of connection and mindfulness for the environment is what Davis is all about. I hope they are here for years to come.“

“Go support Hawai’i fisherman/owner!!!“

“Yummy 👍🏾 the best good service Fast 🍷🍺🥰“

“I come to the area occasionally for work and family and Shabu Shack is definitely a spot I'll be coming to commonly!

The spicy miso and tonkatsu are my soups of choice and the beef belly (and other meats) are absolutely amazing.

It's a cozy spot that's super welcoming and the food just hits great. The service is top notch too with this one girl waitress (i forget your name, sorry! Something with a J ) taking the time to explain the menu and etc for us and super courteous too.

Will definitely be back every time in town. And 100% worth the visit when in the area!“

“Very good food friendly staff pleasant environment.“

“Love their food Special scallops are amazing“

“Nice Japanese convenience store to grab some snacks and drinks that you may not be able to find in regulars stores. They have a refrigerated section for cold/frozen foods. They do not accept cash, only credit cards/contactless payments. They do charge a convenience fee if you try to charge for totals of less than $5.“

“Delicious food for a good price, and great service! They were kind enough to serve us even though we came in shortly before closing. The calamari was crispy and well seasoned, and the Fishing Roll was absolutely fantastic and well balanced. Highly recommend it!“

“I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this place because of how cheap their prices were, but everything was a pleasant surprise! Fish was fresh and had great flavor despite the low price point. Service was kind of slow when we did ayce, but we’re also big orderers and there wasn’t much staff. But they didn’t rush us, service was nice, and the sushi was all great! Also got takeout from them and they were really fast with it! They already had it ready within the 10-15 minutes it took us to order and walk from our apartment to the restaurant. Very pleasantly surprised and super excited that there’s such a good joint near our new place! I don’t know how they aren’t more talked about in Davis! I wish I knew about them sooner!“

“The owner is a good man and good heart with a beautiful family. Me and my girlfriend came right before closing. He kindly accepted service still and provided more than we had paid for. Though he said it was because he “accidentally” made an extra order, we know why he provided more for us. The atmosphere was so inviting. So calm and kind. We owe another visit the FOOD WAS AMAZZZZINGGGG. Thank you if you see this. We appreciate what they have done. Nobody would ever regret coming here the sushi was top notch. I worked as a sushi chef before and this place is incomparable to any sushi I’ve had. Amazing. 11/10.

Edit: my gf said “this the best sushi I ever had in my life”“

“Great quality of food and service“