“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.“
“the shared plates and appetizers here are amazing. it's actually very reasonable to have a family style meal here and I would definitely recommend doing so over getting the sushi individually. the eggplant, brussels sprouts, tofu mushroom pockets, and katsu are my go-to.“
“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“
“Delicious food. Amazing service. And great portions. We got the poke bowls; they were great!! We also got the 3 amigos special roll, green tea, miso soup, and salmon nigiri. All amazing!! Our server was nice, quick, and very attentive. Always making sure our tea was hot and we were well covered. A couple outdoor tables, and a good amount of indoor. Tons of take out action. They have cool purple rice as a signature. And the fish was very tasty! Highly recommend. There is a good sized parking lot next to the restaurant. Just be sure to park with caution; the neighboring Ace hardware brings a lot of turn over of large work trucks that have some challenges with the parking lot. This is a great spot!!Vegetarian options: Tons of veg optionsDietary restrictions: Tons of veg optionsParking: Street parking and a lot both free!Kid-friendliness: Yes!Wheelchair accessibility: A bit tight, but I believe it is Ada compliant“
“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.“
“Visited this local Lao spot on a friend’s recommendation and wow, it didn’t disappoint! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was cozy and welcoming - exactly what you’d want from a neighborhood gem. The service was on point too; our server was super friendly, gave us great recommendations, and really knew their stuff.Now, let’s talk food because that’s the real star here. I went for the Pad Kee Mao, and it was absolutely delicious - spicy, flavorful, and just packed with all the good stuff. But the unexpected highlight? Their oysters! Affordable, fresh, and just so tasty, they were a total game-changer for me. It’s not often you find such quality at those prices.Overall, this place is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for some authentic Lao cuisine or just in search of a solid dining experience. Great food, great prices, and great service. I’ll definitely be back!“
“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.“
“Ate here for the first time thanks to the great Yelp reviews! There's not that many spots in the mall that have decent food honestly, so I was looking forward to trying a different spot. It wasn't busy at all (lunch on a Thursday though) but the place was clean and efficient. I ordered a 49er roll and a spider roll, came out to just over 20 bucks with tax which is a pretty good deal for sushi. The rolls were excellent and a decent size. The soft shell crab was fried to order so it was crunchy which I love. No complaints here, I would go back again for yummy sushi at a decent price.“
“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.“
“This is a little hole in the wall that is probably overlooked by many when looking at the strip mall it sits in just as I did but definitely don't be fooled. This place has such good sushi and the prices are worth the size which is big plus for me. There's nowhere to sit inside (guessing because of COVID like a lot of places) but the staff is as friendly as they can be for a pickup order. This is my second time coming here. This time I got a crunchy and dragon roll and the flavor was great, portions were just as great. I can't remember what I got for my first order but it was also really good and enough for me to want to go back. I will definitely be going back for a third time and highly recommend it to anyone who needs a sushi fix.“
“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.“
“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“
“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.“
“Beautiful decor of clean modern lines with a Corporate kind of feel. Cloth napkins though & friendly informed staff. We started with a firecracker salmon roll & then enjoyed our mains . The roll was ok but the bowls were truly tasty. I had the Latin chimichurri bowl with a grilled yellowtail cooked perfectly. Topped with a delicious chimichurri sauce. It was served on a salad dressed nicely. I enjoyed everything in my bowl ,Hubby got the Japanese Wasabi bowl. Very good. We both opted for the regular Size which was a little large but we finished most of it. In hindsight we would share a regular size but double the protein which they will add more or different kinds to the bowl for extra. The coffee was served French press style which was a wonderful surprise & quite tasty. All in all would we go back yes. The service was attentive & friendly. All the food was fresh clean and yummy. 5 stars“
“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.“
“Excellent - would definitely visit again, some of the better sushi I’ve had in a while. Street parking is available on college Ave and surrounding streets.-High quality fish and well constructed sushi-a good selection of menu items-Service was attentive and hospitable** Get any roll with shrimp tempura - it’s so crispy and delicious“
“I am basically a regular customer here. I order ahead on Snackpass most of the time and everytime I come in I am greeted by name and friendliness! I love their food whether it be a poke bowl or an appetizer my stomach is definitely pleased! ?“
“I am pretty picky about my sushi and customer service and I have to say that the experience here was 10/10! The staff was so sweet and quick and the food was AMAZING! I actually think it might be some of the best sushi I have had in a while. The rolls are huge and the flavor combos are fire! Highly recommend!! So glad we got in as the outdoor seating was closed and it's a small spot!“
“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“
“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.“
“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!“
“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.“
“Some of the best sushi I’ve had, especially the salmon nigiri and lion king roll. Such big portions of fish. Not to mention the bowl was also a screaming deal for the amount of food you get and it’s so custom! Also came with some gluten free people and they were very “
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“Sensational sushi experience!! Wonderful service, delicious drinks, tasty tempura, and the sushi rolls were made with fresh fish and fabulously portioned and presented. We had the volcano and spider rolls, works of art (check out the dragon, almost didn't want to eat it!). KYU2 is now our sushi go-to!“
“Every time my girlfriend and I come here we get the absolute best service, the food is just spectacular and so authentic and always fresh. Literally the best salmon sashimi I have ever had. Aside from that, it's just so cozy and inviting and everybody is so friendly, oh and the portions are monstrous! You will love this place if you love authentic Japanese and Chinese food!“
“I had a few things from this menu and for the price the food was very good. Very affordable! The cucumber salad was a bit off as it was sweet pickles with sesame seeds but other than that the food was amazing. The service was great the waitress so so kind and the staff as well. Took well to tips would definitely be back. The dining room is comfortable casual you could dress up to come here but isn't necessary amazing space as well must try for affordable sushi!“
“Ordered the sashimi appetizer over the phone for takeout on a late Saturday afternoon.Very efficient and friendly service.Given the location in a upscale area, I was surprised at the reasonableness of the price and the quality. Also, even though I didn't eat at site, it is a very pleasant intimate environment. If I'm ever in the area I would definitely come here again.“
“First time eating here. Sunday night for dinner. Restaurant was full and as they called our name, they asked if we were ok to be seated at the bar area instead of a table or else we would have to wait more. We opted to be seated at the bar. My partner got the chicken teriyaki entree (salad and miso soup were given prior); large portion of chicken. I ordered sushi. Super fresh and tasty. Looking forward to coming back for more!“
“Stopped by on a Friday evening around 7:00 p.m. and the place was pretty empty. My party of five ordered three specialty rolls, two California rolls, some nigiri, along with a few appetizers to share, including mixed tempura, karaage, and hamachi kama. The food came out quickly. I enjoyed the freshness of the rolls and this ended up being the perfect amount of food. The karaage was a bit dry and the hamachi kama was slightly overcooked but otherwise, everything else was not bad. My friends and I noticed our waiter did a bit too much upselling for our liking, but I can't fault him to much for his hussle. If you're looking for a casual sushi spot, Tomsa delivers. Last things to note: there's plenty of off street parking in the shopping center and 20% auto gratuity was applied to our party of five.“
“Food: Top notch sushi. If you want the luxury sushi experience, look no further. The chef himself studied and worked in Japan. Super intelligent man with a lot of knowledge about Japanese sushi. I highly recommend getting the fish of the day. It will blow your mind by how the fish melts in your mouth. If not, get any black cod dish. I get it every time I come here.Service: Awesome staff who hustles to please all customers. Cant thank them enough!“
“Cute place that serves sushi and boba drinks. Fast service and quick seating on a weekend night. We ordered a caterpillar roll, golden gate roll, and salmon bento box. Bento box was great but the rolls were a little disappointing. Food breakdown - drinks- only water is offered. No complimentary tea. They do sell sake, cocktails, and boba drinks including Thai tea, milk tea, fruit teas. - salmon bento box came with 2 fillets of grilled salmon, 6 slices of California roll, 2 croquettes, 3 dumplings, and a big scoop of rice with a side of house salad. No side miso soup included. The salad was good. The salmon was nicely cooked with crispy skin. The croquettes were light and crispy. I do have beef with their sushi rolls though... -sushi rolls- decent size California roll: had lots of mixed fake crab. A small bit of avocado. But no cucumber... it throws me off. Golden gate roll: dressed up California roll topped with half salmon and half hamachi. Also no cucumber. Caterpillar roll: again, lots of fake crab meat, but the shrimp tempura is very skinny small, guess they use tiny shrimps. And, there was no unagi or cucumber. Tbh, the descriptions of the sushi rolls on the menu are correct.. it's just that I've come to expect certain things in my sushi when I order common rolls like California roll and caterpillar roll. When certain ingredients are left out, it's just not the same flavor profile or texture. Just be aware when ordering.“
“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.“