35 Best Japanese Restaurants in Oakland

“I got the romano beans and the fried chicken. I didn't know the fried chicken was chicken wings--- which it doesn't say and I don't like, but I ate it anyway. Wanted to try the chocolate cake (which is on the online menu) but it wasn't on the menu anymore. Will come back to try other things another time. Good service and nice ambience.“

“Probably the best meal I’ve ever had, super fun, exciting, every bite was perfect. Intimate and fast process“

“Kuidaore is a wonderful restaurant! I highly recommend including it in your visit to Jack London Square.
Food: The fish is fresh, delicious and high quality. The small plates are creative and have all been really flavorful and well-balanced (I have just 1 more on the list to try). My only criticism is that some of the fish is so tender it can be difficult to get the whole bite from the plate to my mouth. The handrolls are really good, each one is packed with fish and the seaweed is super crispy - exactly what you'd want. They'll let you split them between 2 people if you want to be sure to have room to try a lot of them. There are a few expensive, very fancy ones - think edible gold, wagyu, caviar...incredible to taste and beautiful presentation. Their miso soup is delicious and an inexpensive extra that you should definitely try.
People: The staff are amazing! So welcoming and accommodating. After a few visits, our favorite waitress recognized us and had our drinks started before we even sat down! The chef/owner is friendly and checks in on customers when she can.
Atmosphere: The chairs are awkwardly tall but it gives you a great view of the handroll station. It's an intimate setting that's very comfortable. The only negative is that when it's busy it gets pretty noisy.
To reiterate, I definitely recommend going here if you're in the area!“

“I have been coming to this restaurant since they opened 16+ years ago. The food is always fresh and delicious. My whole family loves it! Abi and Andy are great hosts and the whole crew of peole working there are friendly. I wish they were open for lunch time during the week as it used to be. Still my favorite sushi place!“

“one of my favorite places in the country to eat. whenever I'm in the Bay area, in here“

“Nigiri combo is excellent! I can’t wait to try the sashimi combo next. I came just before they were closing for lunch and people were steadily coming either to pick up or eat-in up until their closing time. It seemed they were regular customers who are keeping this place a secret and happy to say, I am on it already. Can’t wait to go back.“

“Holy crap, I don't have to go to Berkeley for a good Izakaya anymore? Ok good is an understatement this place is stellar.

Super friendly fast service. Absolutely delicious food.

None of the skewers were over cooked. They all had a nice charred taste without being overwhelming. Even their rolls had super unique flavors.

Solid cocktail selection with a broad sake selection.

Would definitely recommend this spot. They've only been open a month and a half but operations are humming smoothly.

Not too crowded, super laid back vibe.“

“The service was great, but the food runner repeatedly brought dishes (3) to our table that were meant for other guests. It created some confusion throughout the meal. Yoshi may want to consider improving the system for delivering dishes to the correct tables.“

“Good authentic Japanese cuisine! Had the tempura udon, beef teriyaki set and double salmon roll. Salmon tasted especially delicious.

Service was great, they accommodated for a party of 8 without reservation with about a 15 minute wait (friday dinner, 6pm). There is a physical waiting list upon arrival, staff was efficient and kind despite the large group inconvenience.

Would 10/10 go again, great value and great service.“

“Lovely little sushi place with very friendly staff, delicious sushi with generous portions and reasonable prices. Everything we ordered was fresh and really hit the spot. Lots of standard options plus some interesting, innovative rolls as well. Kid-friendly place, which is helpful for families. The only tricky part is parking but that’s a Montclair issue, not the restaurants fault.“

“One of the best sushi spot in the bay. The food just feels and tastes fresh. Portions are nice and flavors are there. The sashimi is amazing, the specialty rolls are all really well done. You can tell they care about their craft. Ive had delivery and the food is still amazing. You know delivery sometimes reduces the quality of the food.“

“I was so happy to find this place! It’s a casual Japanese restaurant. This place seems to specialize in takeout, but there’s tables and seating if you want to dine in.

I tried their chicken katsu bento and I was blown away with the quality and portion size. A bento can easily feed 2 if you don’t eat large amounts. Food is definitely on the heavier side.

They also serve sushi. Would definitely come back to try them.“

“Our favorite neighborhood sushi spot! We’ve been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Atmosphere, freshness of fish, flavor, quality of food all very solid and consistent. One note is that it is pretty cozy in there so on a busy night expect to be in close proximity to other diners :)“

“Think of the part last time you ate teriyaki...dried chicken with a bunch of gross sauce. This place perplexed me... the chicken and shrimp are perfectly cooked, with just enough sauce. The care in the prep is beyond anything you'd expect for what you'd think is a simple dish. I honestly can't think of another place that makes food this juicy, and with care. It's been on my weekly lunch rotation for a reason. Shame it's in a dead city bc you can tell they care when restaurants around them only care to make a buck.“

“I wish I could give this place 10 stars, genuinely had the best night with my besties. All credit goes to the owner Z!!! This man is such a gem— he’s so kind, funny, humble, and made us feel so welcomed into the space. The food was 19/10, we will definitely be returning and bringing all our friends/family here! Thank you Z for such an unexpectedly special night <3“

“Quick and affordable made to order onigiri with vegan/plant based options. I like the spicy tofu triangle, the teriyaki tofu and the kimchi tofu triangles are good as well. They usually throw in complimentary edamame if you get a few, and they have other options as well. More of a grab and go atmosphere but they are fast and friendly to me, and the condiment section is loaded with good stuff like free sesame seeds, teriyaki sauce, Japanese spice, Sriracha, shoyu etc. I like this for a nice light meal for some protein and energy after a work out or so.“

“All the food looks amazing! Unfortunately, a most of the fishes on the nigiri was kind of tasteless so it's hard to distinguish between the pieces. I didn't like the fish eggs because it was slightly fishy - this might be my personal palette though. The eel with avocado and cucumbers was really tasty.
Note, I suggest looking at what you're purchasing because the fish pieces might slightly differ in size. And for the price your paying, you probably want the bigger pieces like how I would.“

“Great sushi and sashimi in a loveky setting! the Lion King is the best! Fast and efficient service!“

“e ended up here completely by chance after the place we’d planned on going was closed, and honestly, I’m so glad it worked out that way. Someone suggested we give this spot a try, so we did—and wow, what a find. We went with the filet mignon and salmon plate with fried rice and veggies, and everything came out hot, fresh, and clearly made right then. The flavors were so good we didn’t even touch the sauces. Total hidden gem. Can’t wait to come back!“

“Mijori – A Classic at Lake Merritt!

This little gem has been a mom-and-pop staple in Oakland for over 30 years, and they’re still going strong. The service is consistently friendly, and the food never misses. It’s a must-stop if you’re in the Lake Merritt area.

They offer a variety of weekly specials depending on the fresh fish they receive, so there’s always something new to try. Don’t skip the tuna salad—it’s topped with their house-made spicy Korean sauce, and it’s absolutely delicious.

The sushi we ordered tonight was fresh, sweet, well-seasoned, and simply satisfying. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of sake, and you’re in for a great evening. Come check them out—you won’t be disappointed!

Don’t forget to follow for more Great foodie stops @Only1christinelu“

“I think this could make a fun date spot.

I thought the sets were reasonably priced, but maybe it’s because I’m comparing it to SF pricing.

Every bite was great, but I think next time I’ll ask for less rice or maybe even none.“

“My favorite sushi spot in the whole Bay Area. That's incredible how much food (really fresh and flavorful) you get for the prices they have. The service is always friendly and quick. We normally just walk in and get a table but on weekends dinner time there could be a wait(20-30 min). After discovering this spot a couple of years ago we always eager to cross the bridge to have the best sushi in a non pretentious atmosphere.“

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

“An astonishing 18-course omakase, expertly prepared, sourced in the finest sushi chef tradition of impeccable quality.
Warm and comfortable welcome with a happy-to-share chef who told us stories about his choices in making what has to be one of the finest Japanese experiences stateside.
Tiny space, superbly arranged.

I cannot recommend it enough. Not cheap but value for money if you struggle to “have something you’ve never had anywhere else” (and don’t want the 9+ hour Tokyo flight).“

“Wow!
I just went for date night with my daughter (back from college) and had the best sushi in the Bay Area!!!

The Omakase was superb!!! The highlight was hamachi with truffle and the unagi was the best I’ve ever tasted.

We also had the lion king (because which was “just right”!

Our server was terrific - she recommended the chef special, Ika Sugata (Grilled whole Squid with Jalapeño & Mango 🤩)

We also got the delicious Garlic Edamame and took an order of Matcha Tres Leche to go.

It wasn’t “cheap” but it was soooo worth it!!!

We will be back!“

“Conveyer belt sushi but more fun because it comes on floating boats! Incredible, super festive and fun for kids and adults. Great for birthdays and weekdays. They send a variety of sushi out throughout your seating time, though I recommend arriving closer to 6-6:30 if you want to try things like gyosa or a cheesy scallop appetizer. Otherwise, the sashimi and roll portions are very generous and prices are very reasonable.“

“I have come to this amazing establishment for over 15 years. Delicious. Efficient and amazing staff. Fresh and tummy always pleased. Yes!“

“Very clean, excellent menu with very creative rolls. The nigiri 🍣 sushi is fresh and the best I’ve had to date. Personable, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Japanese beers are on point, cold and priced right. This a “locals favorite” which feels very welcoming and the freshness will be bringing me back. Cheers!“

“I came here with my friends while we were on a field trip and the atmosphere was super cozy, they had good R&B playing and it was lowkey aesthetic. I had the dragon roll, my friend had the sushi bae roll and we both shared the philly roll. We really liked the sushi and we finished it super fast. The staff was super sweet and super awesome, then when they told us about the pictures that they took for their poloroid wall, my friends and I were super excited. We had a really nice experience here and it was very hospitable. I will definitely be back when I have my next field trip in Oakland. Loved it!“

“I like to go with friends to this place with my highest recommendations. I visit this place often. This recommendation is always successful. The dishes they serve are flavorable and the stuff is generous and cooperative. always when we go to this place we enjoy a lovely evening. I warmly recommend this restaurant.“

“Love this place, I go about once a week. All the meats are really good and seasoned especially when paired with the spicy mayo or even extra teriyaki sauce which isn’t needed in just a big back. The stars of the show is the short rib triangle, and the buldock and unagi are ok too.“

“This restaurant has an amazing ambiance, delicious food and friendly and professional staff. I definitely would recommend!“

“Well I wish I could post a photo of delish rolls I ordered but they are already gone.

I think I found the one. The small sushi spot with lots of flavor. Fish is fresh. Service is excellent and prices are reasonable. I knew it was going to be delish when I saw lots of takeout orders being picked up by other locals. So happy to have stumbled upon Judoku. Yummy 😋

I bet my roommate won’t be happy when he realizes it’s all gone already … will be back for more 😋“

“I went with a close friend, and for her, this place is a go-to—but for me, it was pure sushi heaven!

The rolls were fantastic, and the dynamite roll lived up to its name—fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The sashimi was perfectly fresh and absolutely delicious. Every bite was a treat!

It was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday lunch, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The service? Attentive and efficient, with everything arriving just right.

I’m already looking forward to coming back. Thank you for such a great meal! 🤛🏽💗“

“Came here for happy hour as this is one of the only restaurants open in the area after 10 PM

Got the Katsu chicken plate and edamame and it came with a side of miso soup

The edamame was fine, but they could’ve steamed it a little bit longer

Katsu chicken was a little heavy on the breading and one piece of it was slightly undercooked, but overall decent

I pointed this out to the server who came to check in on me. He said since I ate, most of it, he couldn’t get me another order or cancel it from my tab. I said I don’t want him to do either, just would like the kitchen to know. I paid with cash, tipped and left.

Next thing I know the server is coming out with a bag chasing after me: the manager was upset that I didn’t have the best experience and sent some edamame for me to take home. It was awfully kind of them to do so, and I did not ask for this.

Will come back to try some of their rolls

It was a very nice experience overall“