10 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!!!“

“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!“

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

“Love their food Special scallops are amazing“

“Very good food friendly staff pleasant environment.“

“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!“

“Juzco has been around since I was in college decades ago. It has outlived Fuji and Davis Sushi Buffet. It's simple, and it known for their lunch buffet.

The last time I visited, I was surprised by the fish quality. I mean, the service is not lightning speed, and the ambience is not superb- but it's really good sushi! I am not surprised to hear the international Japanese students frequent Juzco- maybe it feels a bit like home.

Anyways, I gotta give Juzco another try as it's been a while, but for the quality- I think Juzco is up there. Huku is another quality option if you want a more comfortable atmosphere, and Zen Toro is also an average option as well.

Enjoy!“

“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!“

“Great quality of food and service“