“Stopped by for a quick bite to eat. We've had take out once in the past and it was good so we decided to sit and eat. NFL playoffs going on, but not on the TVs so that was a bummer. Our order was taken quickly and we received our food in a timely manner. My wife got a miso soup and she said it wasn't the best, but she ate it. We received the 49ers roll and Philly roll first and both were good. It's hard to go wrong with these rolls. Really no complaints here. We received the tempura combo next and the tempura batter was crispy and flavorful. The dish was presented well, but on closer inspection I think the containers used to serve the dish have mold growing in them. At least that's what it looked like to me. (See photos) In the future we'll probably just stick to our favorite spots, but the sushi hit the spot. The service charge was unexpected and I really don't like that. Just add it to the food prices because it really does make you want to leave a smaller tip. For what we order it was $57, so fairly pricey in my opinion.“
“This sushi place is simply outstanding! The food is spectacular! It’s an authentic Japanese sushi, not an American version of sushi. The place is not cheap but it’s worth every dollar! Great place for a special occasion! Highly recommended!“
“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.“
“Wow. An incredible omakase experience! Had the 18-course dinner, sitting at the chefs counter and I could not be more impressed by the quality and creativity of the food presented!Each course was distinct, delicious, flavorful, and there was nothing “basic” or “common” that was served. My favorites were the chawan-mushi, otoro, uni on uni, Hokkaido scallop and uni, Kyoto-style pressed saba, kelp-cured flounder fin… and more!A few minor critiques: the wagu sukiyaki was tender and delicious, but tasted too sweet. The miso soup was overly salty. And the yuzu sorbet had nice flavor but was served hard like an ice cube.Would definitely return to dine again. Recommended.“
“The entire evening was perfect - the service, excellent; the explanations of each course was right on; the food, outstanding; the wine list, perfect. In other words, it was an excellent experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the staff went out of their way to make the birthday special - from a hand written birthday card to a surprise additional birthday sweet with candle at the end. In addition the staff was very careful to meet our dietary restrictions. I cannot state more than this: it was noteworthy and will return.“
“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.“
“I had an enchanting evening at Bar Iris, where the cozy and intimate atmosphere set the stage for a memorable experience.The attentive waiter staff added to the overall enjoyment. Although we missed out on snacks, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly the exquisite cocktails.I indulged in two rounds of the LEVEL UP! drink, a delightful blend of strawberry juice, pandan, rhubarb, awayuki gin, lemon, egg whites, and the flavorful combination of shichimi powder, which truly enhanced the overall flavor profile. Its smooth not spirit forward which, I truly enjoyed.Additionally, my friend ordered the SORRY, NOT SORRY with a whiskey base, compliments the creative craftsmanship of the cocktails.The creativity and balance of flavors in both cocktails were truly exceptional. Looking forward to returning for a more comprehensive tasting experience, including the tempting snacks we missed out on.I’m back for the holiday drinks and have this "PUMPKABOO" is a warm, comforting cocktail with Kabocha's “Japanese Pumpkin” sweet richness, Pandan's fragrant sweetness, and Oolong's complexity. Iwai 45 whisky and Mugi Hokka shochu provide a spirited kick and depth. Gran Classico adds balanced bitterness, while milk contributes creaminess. Topped with a marshmallow garnish, it's a cozy, indulgent richness. I enjoyed the unique blend of flavors!Cheers to Bar Iris for an evening well-spent!“
“Went here with my girlfriend for my birthday. The staff was extremely attentive and nice. The atmosphere of the bar downstairs was not bad but the music was a bit too loud in my opinion. The food was amazing and I think it was reasonably priced. Only thing I have to say is that the nigiri was made a bit sloppy on some pieces with the ice being too lightly packed. But overall the taste was amazing and nothing else to complain about.“
“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“
“My server clearly forgot to put in the roll I ordered and blamed the kitchen. My whole family was done eating and my roll arrived after everyone was already done. No apology, no comp. We own a restaurant as well and this is something that would never fly.“
“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.“
“It was such a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Roger and the rest of the staff are incredibly loving and friendly. We could not have asked for a more memorable experience. Thank you so much for making us feel so loved and cared for!Ask for the sushi bar seats - you will not regret it! It is your very own omasake experience, but better because in addition to really good sushi, you get to enjoy Roger's company. Highly recommend the aged tuna, Norwegian mackerel, and Wagyu nigiri! Also, make sure to leave some room for their in-house ice cream and desserts!“
“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!“
“Came here for a quick bite for my kid before camp and after the eclipse! What a hidden little gem!!! Not a place to come and sit and eat. It is a TO GO place but there is one little table with two chairs. The couple are so amazing, welcoming, and caring!!! The food is delish and ready to go in just seconds! My daughter got the half teriyaki chicken and we got two orders of gyoza. The total was $12!!!! Then because they are so sweet they gave me a small sample of their beef curry. It has a little to good kick depending on your threshold for spice but the flavor is really good and the beef is super tender!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you stop by!!!“
“We had an amazing time at sushi ran, one of the best sushi places we have been to, great ambience and service, highly recommend it.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian Maki , edamame, seaweed salad, agedashi tofu veg , no miso soup add that had fish broth, lots of vegetables options.“
“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.“
“Atmosphere was awesome, such great vibes. Food was delicious, high quality and very very well made. Obviously the sushi rolls were good, but the appetizers were awesome too!We came as a part of four, were seated immediately at the bar and had an awesome time enjoying wonderful food!“
“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.“
“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!“
“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.“
“We had such a fabulous experience last night on our first visit to Elephant Sushi. The food is amazing--innovaative, delicious and presented so beautifully. We had the flaming sea bass (of course!) Be sure to order that. Also Hamachi kama (collar), salmon miso soup, albacore tatami, Walu Sashimi. The fish is unbelievably fresh! We can't wait to go back to try other dishes. Our server and our hostess were lovely, incredibly helpful and attentive. And the ambience was special--plenty of large windows with light and air and a fresh decor with vibes of fishing boats. All in all, a really wonderful evening that we will repeat many times. Don't miss this place!“
“The food here was amazing! Highly recommend. We came in for a late seating so it wasn’t overly busy.The maki rolls were very unique and extremely delicious. Get the bluefin tuna sashimi, this is the best dish I’ve had at any sushi restaurant.“
“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.“
“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!“
“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! “
“Amazing find! Quick counter service or grab and go items available (bento, rice balls, bowls / donburi). Selection features many classic Japanese flavors using local ingredients.Combinations vary or you can pick out items à la carte, but everything is worth it and delicious. We got combos and added items to have a feast that did not break the bank. Our meals easily could have cost $30.I highly recommend the agedashi tofu (veg main), mapo eggplant salad (with chicken or the vegetarian version), potato croquette, shrimp cake (huge but with whole shrimps and cooked to perfection). I would definitely return to try out their curry ? options (beef or mushroom) and possibly any seasonal changes.Service was amazing with all condiments and utensils provided with proper packaging. Service was quick despite a slight lunch weekday rush.No seating in the space itself, but plenty of shared outdoor tables or a few chairs near windows inside near Cholita Linda.Vegetarian options: At least one vegetarian salad (Japanese side dish), soup, or main available. On my visit, they were vegetarian mapo eggplant salad (possibly other options, I did not look closely at selection), ginger carrot soup, and agedashi tofu main (cold tofu with soy based and mushroom sauce). Mushroom curry was also available.“
“Still a family favorite, since before we had kids, right??? Posted some photos of the rolls with fish the ladies got, creative and lots of yums and dividing of favorites. My veggie rolls were excellent! Smashing Pumpkins (tempura pumpkin) and the Garden Roll. Request the Avocado roll inside out! Pro tip: Happy Hour has legit deals and Bingo!!! The fries are in the picture because, they are delicious.“
“I have visited this restaurant twice, and each visit was incredibly delicious. I'll be visiting many more times in the future as they might serve the best sushi I have ever tasted. The service is excellent as well. Tonight I found myself using the Shazam APP to save several of the songs that were playing in the restaurant. If you are ever in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Marina Sushi Bar. You will not be disappointed! 我喜欢这家餐厅。服务非常好，食物也令人印象深刻。“
“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“
“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!!“
“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.“
“Saru is my neighborhood go-to spot for the best handrolls with the freshest ingredients. The team gives 101% to provide amazing service, and the sleek setting provides the perfect ambiance for a date night or catch up with a friend. Do yourself a favor and try the yuzu mocktail! It's refreshing and delicious.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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“
“The best sushi I've ever had! I went during my vacation to SF, and you can definitely taste the difference compared to some of what is served back east. It was quiet when my family and I went, and they provided a cozy, friendly experience. The owner was very kind. I greatly recommend visiting if you're in the area.“
“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.“
“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“
“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.“
“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!“
“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!“
“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.“
“OMG I'M STUFFED! All of these dishes were so yummy. My fav was the potato croquettes with the curry sauce. Prices were VERY REASONABLE for four pieces per dish; just right to share. DEFINITELY I will go back. They cook to order and give you a buzzer when your dish is ready to pick up and bring to your table. We sat outside in the covered patio which was clean and tables spaced nicely. There are tables outside with no cover as well as booths inside.“
“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 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.“
“Solid quantity and quality of food for its pretty reasonable price. Ordered a shrimp udon and though the noodles were not true udon, it was a solid quantity of food and came with six shrimp. And a bowl of miso soup. A nice environment too. Tastes pretty good.“
“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“
“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.“
“Absolutely thè best hibachi I've had in a while!! Everything taste so fresh and good! Had work one time and but was craving them real bad but l wouldn't get out before they closed, in the kindness of their heart they held the food for me till like 9:40!! I love them so much AND their prices are amazing! So food is amazing, people are amazing, and service is amazing, overall an AMAZING place!“