If it's late (although their hours have changed due to covid) I would go here. The prices are a bit high for the quality but also nothing was terrible. I got a white tuna tataki sashimi salad, and a couple of rolls. The husband liked the salad but wasn't crazy about it. The rolls were okay, but almost $16 each for 8 pieces and I ordered pretty basic rolls. Take out only pretty much even pre-covid due to a super tiny building.
Christina Ma
Even though the restaurant itself is small, the quality and taste of the food is way better then a lot of the big restaurants. This is the perfect example for the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The place is clean, the food taste super fresh, and the lady at the cash register is super sweet. I don’t normally write reviews for take out but I had to when I saw the words written on the box. It’s now my favorite restaurant in this area.
Christina M.
Even though the restaurant itself is small, the quality and taste of the food is way better then a lot of the big restaurants. This is the perfect example for the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover". The place is clean, the food taste super fresh, and the lady at the cash register is super sweet. I don't normally write reviews for take out but I had to when I saw the words written on the box. It's now my favorite restaurant in this area.
Victor Wang
While the food is absolutely delicious, I can't seem to overlook the price. The Unagi Donburi bowl was over $20 on Doordash Pickup and while the unagi was a good portion, there wasn't much to go along with the very small portion of rice and veggies. I would have expected a larger bowl with more rice, even a larger on the side to complement the high price point. The spicy tuna roll is also quite pricy at $6.75 and it was extremely tasty but 8 small pieces of a roll would not have been enough for an appetizer unless you wanted a snack. Overall it's a nice place to grab some great food every once in a while if you can swallow the price.
Anica Whitfield
After receiving royal status at Cardinal Sushi, how can I neglect to review it?As a Cardinal myself, I have special motivation to give this place business. My sake sashimi cravings have resulted in trying a number of different sushi restaurants in the area. Cardinal delivers on numerous accounts and wins out!This is not really a dine in place unless you want a really casual intimate dining experience. Don't come here on a date. It's a perfect place to order out from. Some things that make it the best take out sushi restaurant in the area are fresh, well prepared and packaged food. They will be generous with the extra ginger or low sodium soy sauce. The miso soup is wrapped in Saran Wrap thereby eliminating potential spills. They provide a small container to mix soy sauce and wasabi in. They also provide chop sticks and a napkin. The container and wrapping are exceptional from a service point of view.The sashimi, soup, rolls and nigiri are all excellent. The prices are quite reasonable for sushi standards. (This isn't McDonalds people!)Another MAJOR bonus is it's open late! This is a shock considering we are in a college town and one would expect many establishments to stay open late. Not so! Palo Alto is a notoriously sleepy town. If dinner means eating past 8:30 pm, you might be out of luck. Lucky for you Cardinal Sushi is open!If you're in the Stanford/Palo Alto area and have a craving for sushi, make Cardinal Sushi your choice!
Yara Y.
unrealistically delicious rolls! fresh fish, big portion! I'm delighted! this was my first order and now I will be your regular customer!
Vik B.
If I could go lower I would. Their food is not worth waiting for. The dude making the sushi helped out his Japanese buddy while not even starting my order, even though I walked in and placed my order before his buddy did. Meanwhile the lunch window for my wife for whom I was delivering food finished. I got an insincere "sorry for the wait" by the woman who walked in. He completed other orders before mine and I watched the tickets up on his board. Not going there again.
Anna Lujano
Never open. I just placed an order online and went to pick up during the pick up time, and it wasn't open. I work down the street, and every time I try to order, it's closed.
Juan Martinez
Best sushi in Palo Alto. I know the place looks like a hole in the wall, where you'd get food poisoning. But the sushi is pure joy.
Yining Chen
Great portions and service. The awesome roll was awesome.
Are they still in business? I tried calling at 9:15 on a Tuesday, no answer. (Frustrating, because nobody else who has sushi who says they're open now is open either.)
Joe B.
I ordered a soup from this place the other night thru Ubereats. The soup had worm/maggot inside. Sad to say I didn't eat any of it. Looked good tho
Gabriel C.
Y'know, maybe getting Sushi an hour before closing isn't the smartest idea???...and that thought hit me AFTER I had already ordered haha. Some places with less integrity will serve old, sweaty fish and mask it with lots of sauces. Not this place though.I ordered the Sushi & Sashimi plate which came with Miso Soup and a Salad * No late night Fast food* I also ordered the Boogie Woogie Roll. The spicy rolls are the way to go, they have a little kick but shouldn't scare anyone off. Half way through eating, I started getting full but pushed through and finished the meal. Sashimi isn't my thing but it was good when I ate it with the Wasabi, Soy Sauce, and Ginger. I would order it again. The chef was a real pro, no shortcuts with him. The young Japanese woman has outstanding work ethic. I was only there for 30-40 minutes and seen her deal with phone calls, Grub Hub drivers, customers, online orders, and she helped out in the kitchen too. I'm glad I decided to give Cardinal Sushi a try. I love small businesses. Really good food and great staff.
Debbie D.
Only come here if you are desperate! Like me! Came here super late because nothing else is open, and left disappointed. Should've just went to L&L Hawaiian bbq or happy donuts. The nigiri was rock hard, fish looks old and tasted very fishy. If you really have to eat here, just get California rolls to be safe. Very limited seating inside, they take card.
Keith Brown
Amazing vibes and super affable service. The menu was fresh and delightful. Will easily recommend this restaurant to others. Fair prices and large portions. Great work.
If it's late (although their hours have changed due to covid) I would go here. The prices are a bit high for the quality but also nothing was terrible. I got a white tuna tataki sashimi salad, and a couple of rolls. The husband liked the salad but wasn't crazy about it. The rolls were okay, but almost $16 each for 8 pieces and I ordered pretty basic rolls. Take out only pretty much even pre-covid due to a super tiny building.
Even though the restaurant itself is small, the quality and taste of the food is way better then a lot of the big restaurants. This is the perfect example for the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The place is clean, the food taste super fresh, and the lady at the cash register is super sweet. I don’t normally write reviews for take out but I had to when I saw the words written on the box. It’s now my favorite restaurant in this area.
Even though the restaurant itself is small, the quality and taste of the food is way better then a lot of the big restaurants. This is the perfect example for the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover". The place is clean, the food taste super fresh, and the lady at the cash register is super sweet. I don't normally write reviews for take out but I had to when I saw the words written on the box. It's now my favorite restaurant in this area.
While the food is absolutely delicious, I can't seem to overlook the price. The Unagi Donburi bowl was over $20 on Doordash Pickup and while the unagi was a good portion, there wasn't much to go along with the very small portion of rice and veggies. I would have expected a larger bowl with more rice, even a larger on the side to complement the high price point. The spicy tuna roll is also quite pricy at $6.75 and it was extremely tasty but 8 small pieces of a roll would not have been enough for an appetizer unless you wanted a snack. Overall it's a nice place to grab some great food every once in a while if you can swallow the price.
After receiving royal status at Cardinal Sushi, how can I neglect to review it?As a Cardinal myself, I have special motivation to give this place business. My sake sashimi cravings have resulted in trying a number of different sushi restaurants in the area. Cardinal delivers on numerous accounts and wins out!This is not really a dine in place unless you want a really casual intimate dining experience. Don't come here on a date. It's a perfect place to order out from. Some things that make it the best take out sushi restaurant in the area are fresh, well prepared and packaged food. They will be generous with the extra ginger or low sodium soy sauce. The miso soup is wrapped in Saran Wrap thereby eliminating potential spills. They provide a small container to mix soy sauce and wasabi in. They also provide chop sticks and a napkin. The container and wrapping are exceptional from a service point of view.The sashimi, soup, rolls and nigiri are all excellent. The prices are quite reasonable for sushi standards. (This isn't McDonalds people!)Another MAJOR bonus is it's open late! This is a shock considering we are in a college town and one would expect many establishments to stay open late. Not so! Palo Alto is a notoriously sleepy town. If dinner means eating past 8:30 pm, you might be out of luck. Lucky for you Cardinal Sushi is open!If you're in the Stanford/Palo Alto area and have a craving for sushi, make Cardinal Sushi your choice!
unrealistically delicious rolls! fresh fish, big portion! I'm delighted! this was my first order and now I will be your regular customer!
If I could go lower I would. Their food is not worth waiting for. The dude making the sushi helped out his Japanese buddy while not even starting my order, even though I walked in and placed my order before his buddy did. Meanwhile the lunch window for my wife for whom I was delivering food finished. I got an insincere "sorry for the wait" by the woman who walked in. He completed other orders before mine and I watched the tickets up on his board. Not going there again.
Never open. I just placed an order online and went to pick up during the pick up time, and it wasn't open. I work down the street, and every time I try to order, it's closed.
Best sushi in Palo Alto. I know the place looks like a hole in the wall, where you'd get food poisoning. But the sushi is pure joy.
Great portions and service. The awesome roll was awesome.
Restaurantji Recommends
Are they still in business? I tried calling at 9:15 on a Tuesday, no answer. (Frustrating, because nobody else who has sushi who says they're open now is open either.)
I ordered a soup from this place the other night thru Ubereats. The soup had worm/maggot inside. Sad to say I didn't eat any of it. Looked good tho
Y'know, maybe getting Sushi an hour before closing isn't the smartest idea???...and that thought hit me AFTER I had already ordered haha. Some places with less integrity will serve old, sweaty fish and mask it with lots of sauces. Not this place though.I ordered the Sushi & Sashimi plate which came with Miso Soup and a Salad * No late night Fast food* I also ordered the Boogie Woogie Roll. The spicy rolls are the way to go, they have a little kick but shouldn't scare anyone off. Half way through eating, I started getting full but pushed through and finished the meal. Sashimi isn't my thing but it was good when I ate it with the Wasabi, Soy Sauce, and Ginger. I would order it again. The chef was a real pro, no shortcuts with him. The young Japanese woman has outstanding work ethic. I was only there for 30-40 minutes and seen her deal with phone calls, Grub Hub drivers, customers, online orders, and she helped out in the kitchen too. I'm glad I decided to give Cardinal Sushi a try. I love small businesses. Really good food and great staff.
Only come here if you are desperate! Like me! Came here super late because nothing else is open, and left disappointed. Should've just went to L&L Hawaiian bbq or happy donuts. The nigiri was rock hard, fish looks old and tasted very fishy. If you really have to eat here, just get California rolls to be safe. Very limited seating inside, they take card.
Amazing vibes and super affable service. The menu was fresh and delightful. Will easily recommend this restaurant to others. Fair prices and large portions. Great work.