“New management makes ALL the difference! The hamachi nigiri was so fresh, and I loved my chicken udon soup - especially the broth. My teens loved their teriyaki beef bento box, and unagi Don. The only "miss" was on the easiest thing: the California rolls (which came in the bento box mix) were awful! Like worse than Safeway. How you can mess that up, I don't know. But even so, we'll be back to the new Serika!“
“The sushi was amazing! Loved the quality of food.Here is my ONLY complaint: they had offered miso soup when I had sat down and I thought it was free. They ended up charging me 3$ for the soup when the bill came. This somewhat bothered me because I wasn't warned or else I wouldn't have gotten it. Otherwise, the food and the service is great. Recommend people to try this place out!“
“We both ordered the bento box lunch special. I had 2 orders of vegetable tempura and my wife had the gyoza and sashimi. They charged extra for the sashimi but it was a large serving, thick cut and deep red. I asked for more rice and they charged for it which I thought a bit unusual. Overall very good food at a reasonable price. We would go back.“
“Came here tonight for the restaurant week menu (the set dinner with 5 rolls and chocolate mousse dessert for ~$35 pre tax and tip) for the first time with a party of 2, and boy was it tasty!!! It did not disappoint. I also got a Hana G+T cocktail. The set menu included the cucumber sunomono starter, and the following 5 omaka-set (the OG): zuke maguro (tuna), negihama, salmon, black cod, and snow crab. Our total cost after tax and tip was $60 ish (cocktails are ~$12-15 each) Pros: - SUPER fast service. They had reservations for ~1 hour after we arrived but said if we ate quick we could sit and eat at a window table. The girl who served us also had very corny jokes which we enjoyed haha. - YUMMY HANDROLLS which are very worth it, the pieces of fish are pretty big. My ultimate favorite was the black cod with truffle oil, it was so unique and delicious! Each one was perfect, no cons. - I LOVE the pipet-able soy sauce!! It makes it very easy to get some soy sauce in your hand roll without having the whole thing fall apart when you try to dip it in a soy sauce dish - The Hana Gin and tonic had the perfect amount of alcohol in it (where you can taste it but it's not too strong), and it was such a beautiful looking purple drink too. Definitely a pleasant surprise - Great for parties of 2 since there's multiple tables that can seat 2, but if you have a bigger party it could be a longer wait - I thought the price was very appropriate, and the menu wasn't too overwhelming, very straightforward. Good bang for your buck - they give you way more fish than Kazu Nori in SoCal. - Decent amount of food in the set menu - I didn't feel stuffed, but I wasn't hungry after either. Honestly, no cons other than the fact that it may be hard to find parking nearby and you might have to walk a bit (but also very walkable from 19th st. BART). 10/10 will be back, what a great restaurant week intro! Everything was so beautifully presented too. I can't wait to come back and try the other omaka-sets.“
“Best hidden secret. I have a hard time not visiting this place daily. There are so many options of rolls, rice bowls, and side dishes to-go. I believe most items are raw. Small amount of bon fish options rolls. Kids favorites are the avocado roll and California rolls There are a ton of Japanese snacks like pocky, shrimp chips, chocolate covered almonds, hi chews, wasabi peas a number of drinks. The staff are great, always friendly and have good recommendations . I've been visiting this place since they opened and every time I go they've got something new. Prices are right.“
“Love love love this place, our go to and our happy place Always leave so satisfied and feeling good! The chef has his own specials on the menu that you won't find in other places. Everything is always fresh and clean. Jackie puts so much heart into his food here. See you there“
“Well hidden gem in the heart of Alameda, Utzutzu offers a culinary journey like no other with its exquisite 8-course Japanese dining experience. Each dish is a masterpiece, blending the freshest ingredients with skilled craftsmanship. From delicate sashimi to innovative rolls, the flavors harmonize in a symphony of taste. Impeccable presentation and attentive service elevate the dining experience, making this a haven for sushi enthusiasts seeking a refined gastronomic adventure.“
“Love the Omakase here and come back any time budget allows. The chef and staff are engaging if you want to chat, or happy to leave you alone and let you enjoy your meal.Dietary restrictions: Share ahead of time and (within reason) the chef will accommodate. Obviously not compatible with highly restrictive diets.“
“Instant favorite! Outstanding hole-in-the-wall establishment. Got 3 Uni as part of the generous sashimi lunch special. Fantastic fish protein quality, strongly competitive prices, lovely family-owned environment. Will go here again as soon as I'm nearby.“
“Ordered the katsu & garlic rice. Great customer service on the phone. They were very kind and patient with order taking and giving good directions. Katsu was some of the highest quality I've had in a while. Super thin crispy breading with white meat chicken. Very delicious and the garlic rice paired well. Good flavor and cooked to perfection. Fire“
“This is arguably the best Japanese Izakaya in the Bay Area. I frequently come visit from Canada and I actually make it a priority when I’m in town to visit a minimum of 1 time every 2 months. The food, atmosphere, and the staff make it the best experience- especially Angelina. 10/10 recommend to make time to eat here!“
“This is kind of an out of the way spot which is taking over an old pho restaurant.I flew in late to Oakland airport, I need something warm and homey. Frankly, I was itching for a good ramen. Having lived in the Bay Area many years, I knew I could find something like that.This place wasn't too far off of my path, and it was late and they were still open.Walking in the place is fairly unassuming, yet there is still some customers there. Almost that closing. I asked quickly if it was too late to grab a ramen, the kind gal could be said please have a seat.Looking around, I saw several tables that were covered with dirty dishes and uneaten food. Well that wasn't necessarily a great first impression, at least they had a good rush.Sitting down I received a menu, and a glass of cold water.Looking at the menu there was a variety of ramens to choose from, and so I went to my go-to Tonkotsu. Almost nothing better than a Tonkotsu with Chashu late at night. Done that many times after hours in Tokyo.Anyway I had to add Gyoza as a side to complete it.First come out the gyoza, and their fried on all sides. That is not my first choice, and this is very common when prepared by non-Japanese. I bit in, and while decent, they were not great. But the Ramen came out, and I was very excited. It smelled right, the broth was piping hot, and there was several good pieces of Chashu.First, I sip the broth. It was good and hot. Second, I slurped the noodles, they are firm, warm, and perfect flavor. I grab a little sneak bite of a Chashu, It's warm, nice savory flavor, and a good thick piece. I'm pleased. I dive in. Before I knew it the ramen was gone, Gyoza, pretty much gone, and I was very full. The broth was nice and hardy, with a savory thick flavor, and simply it was a calming experience before hitting the hotel.For me my final question is always "would I go back?" The answer is a definite yes. Though I probably would not get the gyoza. But if you're looking for a good ramen, I recommend.“
“I really like the sushi rolls and the calm atmosphere at Sumo. Hot tea and miso soup to start on a rainy evening. It was my first time having the GoGo roll, with shrimp, avocado, cucumber and DF asparagus... give it a try! The baked scallop roll is a warm savory treat as well.“
“Nori Roll is a great family owned sushi restaurant that I am very happy to have called my “local sushi spot” while I lived in El Cerrito area. The rolls taste fantastic and the fish is fresh. Their tuna and Hamachi dishes were our favorites!A couple of notes: It’s a family run business, and the restaurant is incredibly popular in the evenings during dinner time. They at times are overwhelmed with the number of orders. I’m mentioning this because you must know to have *Patience* when doing takeaway/takeout during peak hours. I’ve seen some very hangry people treat them poorly, and it’s sad because they do not deserve it.“
“Amazing quality for good price!!! The sashimi was so fresh, and some of the best scallop I've had. Service was so kind. They were really sweet, and considerate! The restaurant is a bit small, so I recommend making a reservation if you can! Cute interior and the dishes that they plate the food on contribute so much to the vibes!“
“The Chicken Katsu and Pork Katsu are fried to perfection; I've had katsu at over 40 restaurants in the Bay Area, Japan, and Hawaii, and these are among the best in terms of texture and crunch. Unfortunately, it isn't very flavorful.I picked up this order from a ghost kitchen location.“
“Tried the Kazuo Omakase w Dragon roll, Rainbow roll, Alaskan Roll, Ribeye, and Black cod. Rolls were tight, but on the larger side. Rice tasted slightly sweet, likely sugar added. Ribeye cooked to taste, chopped, and sauced over broccollini. Due to timing, it came out luke warm and likely wasn't rested long enough before sliced. Black cod was tender, cooked in miso sauce. I wish it was marinated longer. The table next to us had a large tempura dish, which I'd be tempted to try next time. Overall, solid food, good service, lovely restaurant.“
“We have been going to Kotobuki for the last eight years. This place is not only delicious, but all staff goes above and beyond to take care of everyone. Outstanding service! Delicious food! We are always looking forward to going. Recommending it to all our friends! Please stop by and support this wonderful business!“
“Great spot!They don't have the variety a fancy place might, but they put out good food and are always very friendly.Shima Aji is my absolute favorite and I almost never see it anywhere, but it was on their special board recently! Ordered 3, no regrets =P“
“AMAZING vegetarian & vegan restaurant!!(⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)❤️?I’ve been wanting to visit this place since my second year in Berkeley, and I’m glad I finally did!You can tell they made their food with great care and the ingredients are yummy and fresh!The staff are very nice; the vibe inside is clean and chill. This is a great place for you to hang out with a small group of friends or come alone to recharge your mental health (I mean seriously, their food is tasty, healthy, and pretty!)I’d definitely come back very often to try out all other creative cuisines! “
“This is the finest sushi restaurant I have ever been to. Their food is fresh and delicious. I’ve been coming here since 2008 and since my 1st visit have never been anywhere else. They are friendly and make you feel like family. I live in Vallejo CA and still travel to Pleasant Hill, CA for their food. Each time I have dined there I come out totally satisfied.“
“Great little sushi place. It's a hidden gem. Ever since I stumbled upon this place, it has been my go to sushi joint. I've eaten sushi all over the bay area. Only a handful of those I would rate it 5 stars. This is one of them in that area. If you are into just rolls like 95% of the people then everywhere is about the same. But if you enjoy nigiri, sashimi and traditional Japanese food then don't pass up on this place.“
“honestly great spot for what it is. if you're expecting really bourgeois top of the line stuff, nah. the inside feels very corner sushi spot with lots of tables, a sushi bar, and the wait staff is super nice. there's also a small parking spot nearby that is great if you're driving since it's on piedmont which is a bit difficult to find parking and is a bustling street. we got the flaming dragon roll and a spicy scallop roll. both were honestly great, and the waiter was super helpful and quick. the prices were a bit more expensive than what I was used to but great nevertheless“
“Asaka is a delightful addition to the North Berkeley restaurant scene! The food is delicious, the service impeccable, and the owner generously donated a few platters of sushi ? to the Japanese American Experience event we held last month at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Come check it out!Vegetarian options: Honestly, I don't know if there are main dishes for vegetarians, but their edamame was delicious!Kid-friendliness: I think children would enjoy the food here.“
“YOU HAVE TO COME VISIT IF YOU ARE A PICKY SUSHI EATER. It's a simple spot that looks like it's family owned, very unassuming but has the best sushi I had in the Bay Area for a while. Very fresh fish, reasonably priced, service is excellent. It's simply outstanding, please give them a try and you won't be disappointed! The sushi literally melts in your month IM NOT LYING TO YOU go“
“The food was the best Japanese food I have had, including in Japan. DelIcious, unique and completely satisfying. A delightful find with excellent service. The only down side was the closeness of the tables and noise. It is now my favorite Japanese restaurant in Berkeley.“
“Best suishi on the island! The kaisin don was excellant. The quality and variety of fish does not disappoint. Sea bream, halibut, uni, golden eye snapper and don't miss out, try the wagyu nigiri! Service is wonderful. I spent $75 for dinner, but I can eat alot of fish. You can definitely get out the door cheaper and still well fed.“
“I wish I had taken a photo because it was prepared in an appealing way, seriously food porn. Now let me tell you... the poke I got with tuna and hamachi was off the charts. So fresh! I had chunky pieces of sushi till my last bite and I only got the small size, the portions were perfect. The sides were delicious, I got the Mac salad and edamame. The shoyu, ponzu and yuzu sauces were so tasty. I also got the spicy mayo and it was perfectly spiced. All of the toppings were fresh as well and they were not cheap on the avocado! The service was fantastic from the moment I walked in. They were busy getting orders ready but did not miss a beat when greeting me. Super helpful in checking in while I was reading the menu and deciding. They didn't forget to check in again and had perfect timing when realizing I was ready to order. Answered all of my questions, I didn't have too many questions but the responses were quick and descriptive. Everyone was attentive, polite and friendly. The ambiance was bright, energetic and perfect for lunch. I came in just before lunch started. Enjoyed my meal at the restaurant and had to give compliments because I was very impressed!!“
“Kid-friendliness: Very kid-friendly in that the staff is so sweet to the kids and thoughtful. Like one employee helped show us where the bathroom was just because he headers me trying to get my 5yo to go, and of course he went faster with the ushering… They have the kid chopstick helpers AND provide warm/cool hand towels upon seating!!!“
“It’s a contemporary Japanese restaurant with an extensive menu. Decor is bright and cheery. Bonus points for big screens showing a winning Warriors game on the night we dined there! ? Personally I had the cheesy katsu on a sizzling hot plate which was quite a sight and tastes pretty good. My party had sushi and ramen which are ok but the broth is not complex flavor-wise. The draft beer in frosted mugs is refreshing and goes very well with the katsu. Service is friendly and lots of drink options from sake to soju to ramunes. Definitely something for everyone.Vegetarian options: There are options even for plant-based diets.Parking: Saw a couple of pay-per-use EV charging spots in the parking lot too. Probably J1772s.Kid-friendliness: Good menu options for kids and they provide little chopstick training widgets for a fun experience“
“I’ve been here a few times and the food and service never disappoints. They have a pretty good size menu with not only rolls but also other options such as bowls and salads. We ordered the Bay Area roll and double spicy ca this time around along with gyoza and tuna nachos all super delicious!Parking: It’s in a the plaza so there’s is always plenty of parking“
“My friend and I wanted ramen and this place has excellent vegetarian ramen. It's as good as Marufuku, without the lines and the noise. One portion is big enough to share, but since a serving has one egg, it's easier to get two portions and take home what you can't eat.“
Japanese • $
“This is the best spot for teriyaki! It is a small restaurant owned by a very sweet couple, so coming in here feels nice and cozy. I am not typical a fan of California rolls but the ones they provide with your meal are just wonderful. And I love that the teriyaki sauce is added after they have grilled your chicken, it gives it a very good taste. And the portions are very generous. Definitely a must try!“
“It was better before they changed their menu :( something about their sushi burritos is off and they're not as good as it used to be2023 edit: they're back to what they were before! Plus they have poke bowls now. Definitely recommend the sushi burritos now, they're so good!“
“Overall great sushi burrito with extremely fresh ingredients but what really differentiates this place from other US restaurants is the taste and quality of their sushi rice. It tastes exactly like much of the sushi rice I've had in Japan“
“This is a wonderful Japanese restaurant. There is often a wait for a table, but the waits are usually short. The rolls are wonderful. My favorite is the Dragon roll. There is a large menu with Japanese salads, sushi, bento boxes, sashimi, noodles and tempura.“
“I walked in with low expectations only because not that many people were in the restaurant. I was proven wrong quickly. The food was amazing and the service was great. I can't stand it when you get giant sushi rolls. These were small and very fresh. The dudes rolling the sushi were bout the business. Tashiko was a great waitress and she made our 10 year old picky eater feel special and went out of her way to make sure she had a good experience. The salad dressing is amazing , the nigiri and rolls were awesome as was everything else. Great little date spot. Highly recommend.“
“I ordered the Mushroom roll and as well as the vegetable gyozas and they were both amazing. It paired nicely with the green tea ? which was topped off periodically. I will definitely be coming back.Vegetarian options: Vegan sushi available“
“Actually delicious. We’ve had a lot of sushi in the east bay and this was easily the best takeout - fish was fresh, cuts were generous, and seasoning was interesting and delicious. A little expensive for normal sushi takeout in my opinion but a nice monthly treat! We’ll be back to dine in!Dietary restrictions: Gluten, dairy, egg free“
“For convenient ready made sushi, this place blew my mind. Didn't know what to expect going in and was met with melt-in-your mouth soft af salmon in their salmon roll. The rolls are a good size too. Perfect spot for someone on the go but also craving sushi. They give you chopsticks, soy sauce, and a napkin too. Thank you for the meal!“
“Look at that fresh, PACKED & beautiful rainbow Chirashi plate . This new addition to Alameda is a must try. There’s Ramen, sushi, bento and boba here, something for everyone! The fish was fresh, they do not skimp on portions. The prices are stellar too. The ambiance is modern with beautiful Japanese touches and a tasteful art piece of the Golden Gate Bridge that somehow all fit together perfectly. Happy to see large parties, couples on a date (seemingly) and then a family came in with a small toddler, the waitress doesn’t skip a beat and brought out a night chair for the little (whom happily ate everything the parents fed her. They shared the same Donburi plate I did plus another roll.) What a great restaurant, I can’t wait to go back. There were so many other sushi choices on Park street, I’m glad I tried this one today. Please come support local and give this place a try next time you are in the area.Kid-friendliness: Has highchairs for the littles“
“I've been coming here for at least 25 years. The staff knows me and my family. The sushi is always fresh and not too much rice, which fills you up, so you can order more rolls! They have all the standard rolls and will customize them if you don't like certain fish. I like the sashimi combination, rose roll, black and white roll, and rainbow roll. They give you some cucumber and crab salad at the beginning of your meal for free. They have a few flavors of Mochi for dessert. They serve very quickly. It may take an hour or less most times we go.“
“Ramen, gyoza, high quality sushi are always in order. This place would make you want to come back again whenever you can. Staff is super friendly, polite, respectful and provides the most outstanding customer service I’ve encountered accross many restaurants. Definitely you’d love this place.“
“This place is great. Dine-in is quick, but we’ve been doing takeout for most of the pandemic. Their food is AWESOME for takeout, and you can tell they take their time to make the food *look* good as well (no smushed sushi or stuff just thrown into a container.) 10/10“
“Exceptional service, polite staff, clean & organized with the best prices around. The Lion king roll was the highlight of my day with the fried bananas for dessert. The spicy seared salmon was gloriously refreshing & the tamago was cut in a heart shape when a chef noticed my husband & I we're sharing every plate New favorite spot & I will be certain to tell everyone I know about this gem of a dining experience.P.S. TIP the staff more than a dollar, they're hard workers & truly deserve it since tips are split between so many efficient individuals.“
“Aki San is a culinary artist. He has been a chef for more than 40 years (47years according to him). $150 omakase is such a good deal for the sushi he made (and his knowledge). I can not say this restaurant has the best omakase in the whole Bay Area, but at least it’s the best in east bay. Please come in and have a try before he retires.“
“Using the TooGoodToGo app i decided to give Bamboo Asia a try sometime late last year. Using this app is a cool way to try different restaurants in your area, but the catch is that the food is a surprise so what I got was unbeknownst to me until I arrived.The first time I came I got a curry of some sort. The second time I got a beef kind of dish. It was good and there was a large portion given both times. Anyway, there is a lot to choose from had I gone here any other time just to order. The interior is cute with plenty of seating. I imagine this being a popular spot amongst those working in the area.“
“This is a place of culture.. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure was playing as we walked in. Everything was good from noodle texture to individual ingredients. Also dig the layout and interior design of the restaurant. Their exterior design is pretty unassuming, which makes the interior design that much better.Side note: The website hasn't been updated so the prices were a bit higher than expected. Still reasonable considering how bad prices are in Bay Area.“
“The folks who run the place are absolute gems, and the food is bomb! The auntie is so kind and often gives food to houseless people. The boats are fun of course! Best time to go for boats is 5-630. There are vegan options too. It is my go-to sushi spot in oakland.“
“I can't believe this place is in Orinda. It is an experience for sure, and be prepared to spend money if you go. Wonderful small sushi place owned by a husband and wife. It's traditional style and no chopsticks or rolls. The wife explains the sushi to you and it was so interesting. As others have said, you must make reservations as they only seat a couple of tables a night. We had the sake sampler and I highly recommend, especially if you're not familiar with sakes. The menu is fixed, no choosing and they bring you what's on their menu for the night. It started with the 18 piece and then you have the option to continue, we each had the 26 piece. The sauces, etc were all homemade and they tell you which ones you can use soy sauce with or not. Everything was delicious. It's definitely a hidden gem for special occasions.“