This restaurant is an absolute gem—a true slice of Japan right here at home. As someone who constantly craves the authentic flavors of Japan, I was thrilled to find a place that captures the essence of its cuisine so beautifully. The sushi was nothing short of exceptional—fresh, expertly crafted, and bursting with flavor; especially the Sakura salt! Beyond the incredible food, the owners made the experience even more special with their warm hospitality and genuine passion for what they do. Every moment spent here felt welcoming and wholesome, making it more than just a meal—it was an experience to remember. I appreciate them for making my birthday a memorable one and I can't wait to return!
Mike Z
The best sushi you can find in the Bay Area. Great place for special occasions. We usually order extra when our reservation is confirmed and add on a couple of extra pieces for a larger meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A I
Authentic, Edo style? Only 8 per night. Small but good quality. For the amount of sushi you get, the price is affordable.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Hannah Jin
Great omakase experience offering exceptional value. Initially comprising 18 pieces of exquisite nigiri sushi, additional pieces can be added after the initial serving. Each bite （almost）has its distinct texture and flavor. Standouts include the tako nigiri, smoked salmon with yuzu jelly, fluke seasoned with cherry blossom salt, nodoguro, negitoro hand roll, uni/squid hand roll, and more. They have inventive flavors and deliver a wow factor. I highly recommend sitting at the counter to talk with the chef. He is knowledgeable and kind.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Olivia
Hanazen oferred some of the most delicious fish and housemade seasonings I have ever tasted. The service was incredible and the food was beyond memorable. Be sure to call and make a reservation for a meal you won't soon forget.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yeonhwa Seo
If you want truly authentic Sushi, this is the place to go!I am so happy Hanazen is so close to us. This restaurant is truly a gem of Orinda. I hope they stay in business for a long long time hahaWe went recently for my husband's birthday and we had a blast. Each sushi was delicate and delicious, and the chef and his wife made sure to explain all the dishes to us in detail (what kind of fish it is, what kind of sauce/salt is used, etc.)It was quite a pleasant experience overall and we will definitely going back often. They are a bit pricey but I feel like that's expected with high quality Omakazes.There is a parking lot in the plaza but also a lot of street parking. It's walking distance from Safeway too so parking shouldn't be a problem.Just make sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS. It is a very small shop, run by the chef and his wife only. They only accept people under reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kitling Sit
Delicious. Excellent service. Will definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Roe, Sashimi, Special Omakase Take Away, Oreo, Mackerel, Sushi
Sean Murphy
One of the most unique and personalized experiences in my lifetime. Phenomenal sushi (nothing more and nothing less). Singular focus which pays off for those experiencing the fish. Can't recommend it more highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Michael Chang
Cozy and relaxed restaurant where the food takes center stage. We enjoyed our 18-piece omakase experience. The variety was very diverse. Aji, Tai, Tako, Ikura, Bonito, White Tuna, Amberjack, Scallop, and Uni to name a few.The quality of the ingredients really shined. My wife and I used very little soy sauce. In fact, we only used a small amount when instructed by our wonderful hostess, Coco. The flavors were clean and subtle. Not overpowering at all.Also, the service was outstanding. Coco walked us through each piece and told us how Chef Kenji prepared the dish.I highly recommend giving Hanazen a try if you enjoy omakase. However, this is not the place for you if you're looking for rolls, anything seared, or sushi covered in heavy sauce.
My wife and I had a wonderful experience for our dinner. It's a very quiet and cozy place where you can enjoy the food. We did the chefs choice 18 pieces. I liked all of them, and loved quite a few of them. It was obvious that the chef knows what he is doing and how much seasoning to apply to each piece. It was great trying several fish I haven't had before. Thank you Hanazen for a very nice evening.
Robert Laye
Chef's choice omakase sushi. Rare and unusual fish. Great attention to detail in the preparation and service. My favorite sushi restaurant in the Bay Area.
Kai Lo
Kenji and Koko are sole owners of this sushi restaurant and serve fish flown in from Japan, served in traditional Edomae style. All of the fish were delicious and they're so sweet. Kenji works the sushi bar while Koko is a sake sommelier and can recommend you the right bottle based on your taste.We had an amazing meal and they were so generous and served us extra sake. Please support this small business and go when you can!
This restaurant is an absolute gem—a true slice of Japan right here at home. As someone who constantly craves the authentic flavors of Japan, I was thrilled to find a place that captures the essence of its cuisine so beautifully. The sushi was nothing short of exceptional—fresh, expertly crafted, and bursting with flavor; especially the Sakura salt! Beyond the incredible food, the owners made the experience even more special with their warm hospitality and genuine passion for what they do. Every moment spent here felt welcoming and wholesome, making it more than just a meal—it was an experience to remember. I appreciate them for making my birthday a memorable one and I can't wait to return!
The best sushi you can find in the Bay Area. Great place for special occasions. We usually order extra when our reservation is confirmed and add on a couple of extra pieces for a larger meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic, Edo style?
Only 8 per night.
Small but good quality.
For the amount of sushi you get, the price is affordable.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Great omakase experience offering exceptional value. Initially comprising 18 pieces of exquisite nigiri sushi, additional pieces can be added after the initial serving. Each bite （almost）has its distinct texture and flavor. Standouts include the tako nigiri, smoked salmon with yuzu jelly, fluke seasoned with cherry blossom salt, nodoguro, negitoro hand roll, uni/squid hand roll, and more. They have inventive flavors and deliver a wow factor. I highly recommend sitting at the counter to talk with the chef. He is knowledgeable and kind.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Hanazen oferred some of the most delicious fish and housemade seasonings I have ever tasted. The service was incredible and the food was beyond memorable. Be sure to call and make a reservation for a meal you won't soon forget.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want truly authentic Sushi, this is the place to go!I am so happy Hanazen is so close to us. This restaurant is truly a gem of Orinda. I hope they stay in business for a long long time hahaWe went recently for my husband's birthday and we had a blast. Each sushi was delicate and delicious, and the chef and his wife made sure to explain all the dishes to us in detail (what kind of fish it is, what kind of sauce/salt is used, etc.)It was quite a pleasant experience overall and we will definitely going back often. They are a bit pricey but I feel like that's expected with high quality Omakazes.There is a parking lot in the plaza but also a lot of street parking. It's walking distance from Safeway too so parking shouldn't be a problem.Just make sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS. It is a very small shop, run by the chef and his wife only. They only accept people under reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious. Excellent service. Will definitely go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Roe, Sashimi, Special Omakase Take Away, Oreo, Mackerel, Sushi
One of the most unique and personalized experiences in my lifetime. Phenomenal sushi (nothing more and nothing less). Singular focus which pays off for those experiencing the fish. Can't recommend it more highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Cozy and relaxed restaurant where the food takes center stage. We enjoyed our 18-piece omakase experience. The variety was very diverse. Aji, Tai, Tako, Ikura, Bonito, White Tuna, Amberjack, Scallop, and Uni to name a few.The quality of the ingredients really shined. My wife and I used very little soy sauce. In fact, we only used a small amount when instructed by our wonderful hostess, Coco. The flavors were clean and subtle. Not overpowering at all.Also, the service was outstanding. Coco walked us through each piece and told us how Chef Kenji prepared the dish.I highly recommend giving Hanazen a try if you enjoy omakase. However, this is not the place for you if you're looking for rolls, anything seared, or sushi covered in heavy sauce.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The best omakase around!!
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife and I had a wonderful experience for our dinner. It's a very quiet and cozy place where you can enjoy the food. We did the chefs choice 18 pieces. I liked all of them, and loved quite a few of them. It was obvious that the chef knows what he is doing and how much seasoning to apply to each piece. It was great trying several fish I haven't had before. Thank you Hanazen for a very nice evening.
Chef's choice omakase sushi. Rare and unusual fish. Great attention to detail in the preparation and service. My favorite sushi restaurant in the Bay Area.
Kenji and Koko are sole owners of this sushi restaurant and serve fish flown in from Japan, served in traditional Edomae style. All of the fish were delicious and they're so sweet. Kenji works the sushi bar while Koko is a sake sommelier and can recommend you the right bottle based on your taste.We had an amazing meal and they were so generous and served us extra sake. Please support this small business and go when you can!
The best authentic sushi around.
Simply put - amazing.
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