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Best Japanese Restaurants in Berkeley

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29 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya restaurant
4.2
Awesome(35)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Berkeley
Booked 2 times today
Fish & Bird is a unique izakaya-style restaurant and bar specializing in modern Japanese cuisine, integrating fresh local, organic, and sustainable ingredients with curated traditional ingredients from Japan. The sophisticated interpretation of traditional dishes is a reflection of the current trends in metropolitan Japan. Enjoy dining in a casual yet comfortable dining room or at our full bar with Japanese whiskey and small-batch spirits, unique sake, wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Limited outdoor dining is available on the sidewalk, weather permitting. We are located six blocks from the downtown Berkeley BART station. Ample street parking is also available. Our accolades include Michelin Michelin-recommended list, San Francisco Chronicle's Top Japanese Restaurant in the Bay Area, Eater SF 38 Essential Restaurants in the East Bay, Esquire's Best New Restaurant in America 2021, San Jose Mercury News The Bay Area's Best Restaurants 2022: The Top Ten, and many more.
A photo of Akemi Berkeley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(485)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Berkeley
Booked 1 time today
Opened in February 2015, AKEMI is the latest incarnation of miyuki on 1695 Solano Avenue in North Berkeley (Albany border) in the San Francisco Bay Area.Along with a revamped interior and exterior that includes salvaged wood and upgraded kitchen equipment, AKEMI features an updated menu spotlighting fresh ingredients and well-crafted flavors while retaining customer classics such as our sushi rolls. AKEMI is the new name we bestow upon the beauty that is good food with good people in a good place.For outdoor reservations please call the restaurant.
A photo of Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(444)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Berkeley
Booked 19 times today
Hana Japan Steak & Seafood in Berkeley is a standout destination for authentic hibachi cuisine. Renowned for its "amazing" food and "entertaining" chefs, Hana Japan offers a memorable dining experience. The USDA Choice Black Angus beef and freshly grilled seafood, such as the Hibachi Salmon, are must-tries that diners rave about. The chefs' "fun energy" and showmanship, coupled with attentive service, make every meal special and engaging. Patrons frequently celebrate milestones here, noting the restaurant as "the perfect spot" for family gatherings. With its delightful ambiance and exceptional hibachi, Hana Japan is a top choice for a unique culinary adventure.
A photo of Oken restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(2)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Oakland
Booked 7 times today
OKEN = NEKO backwards (NEKO = CAT in Japanese)OKEN is a contemporary Asian American Restaurant with a strong focus in Korean and Japanese cuisine.Our goal is to highlight the Asian American food experience in a casual yet elegant environment. Where dishes are never authentic or traditional. Oakland diversity and cohesion has given us an even greater sense of pride and a unique perspective when creating our dishes. Nothing is quite Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian, or American. Quite simply, Asian American.
A photo of Kakui Sushi restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(23)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Oakland
The four seasons influence every aspect of Japanese art and culture. At Kakui, we maintain this tradition by creating unique dishes using the freshest local ingredients. As the seasons change so does our menu, taking advantage of the local abundance. In this way, we are creating a contemporary cuisine that combines Japanese traditions with the best the Bay Area has to offer.Kakui Features:A sushi bar stocked with the freshest fish, serving traditional favorites as well as our own creationsAn open kitchen serving a complete menu of Japanese dishesA full selection of sake, carefully selected to accompany our menu itemsWe look forward to having you join us as our guest!
A photo of Yoshi's Oakland restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8381)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Oakland
Booked 46 times today
Yoshi's has served Japan's best traditional dishes to Bay Area patrons since 1972. The menu highlights artfully arranged sushi, fresh grilled seafood, classic Japanese dishes, and vegetarian fare. Patrons can kick off their shoes in the traditional Japanese tatami seating or dine at tables. Expert sushi chefs create sushi and sashimi to order either in the restaurant or in the jazz house. Start the evening in the cocktail lounge before dinner or have a nightcap after taking in a show in the jazz house.
A photo of Cafe Shoji restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(20)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 35 times today
Shoji's cafe program focuses on sharing our love for both traditional and modern coffee, as well as tea, to you. Through carefully curated local and international partnerships, we prepare these special offerings to highlight the producer's flavors profiles. We offer only coffee and tea during our cafe hours. *Reservations are required for indoor seating. Please note that parties of 2-3 guests may expect to be seated with another party in the same booth. For a 60min block period.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(897)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 24 times today
Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA district is a haven for Japanese Speciality cuisine enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional quality and authenticity. Offering a "truly memorable" dining experience, the restaurant is celebrated for its exclusive cuts of Japanese A5 wagyu, expertly prepared over a custom binchotan charcoal and wood-fired grill. "The 6oz filets were cooked and seasoned perfectly," one diner raves, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to precision and flavor. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon, with his impressive credentials, ensures that each dish combines American and Japanese culinary sensibilities, making Niku Steakhouse a must-visit for any discerning palate.
A photo of Sato Omakase restaurant
4.5
Awesome(253)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Tenderloin
Booked 2 times today
Sato Omakase in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood offers an unforgettable Japanese culinary experience that truly stands out. Known for its "incredible Michelin recommended experience," this omakase-only restaurant delivers an authentic taste of Japan right to your plate. The intimate setting allows diners to interact directly with the chefs, who meticulously craft each dish with "buttery and fresh" ingredients that leave a lasting impression. Guests rave about the "spectacular" service, with hosts like Alan ensuring every detail enhances your dining journey. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in high-quality sushi, Sato Omakase promises an exceptional and memorable evening.
A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1408)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 17 times today
Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience, blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, this gem is praised for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats" expertly crafted by Chef Keita Tominaga. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through with seafood flown in daily from Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market, ensuring "melt-in-your-mouth fresh" sushi. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the energetic ambiance that enhances every visit. Pabu Izakaya is not just a dining destination but a journey into the heart of Japanese culinary excellence, making it a must-visit in San Francisco.

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Discover best Japanese restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the essence of Japanese cuisine right in the heart of Berkeley, where a diverse array of Japanese restaurants offers an authentic and varied dining experience. From traditional Izakaya-style pubs to innovative Teppanyaki grills, each establishment showcases a blend of traditional Japanese techniques with local flavors, ensuring a unique and delightful culinary journey. These restaurants not only prioritize freshness and quality, sourcing ingredients both locally and from Japan, but also cater to a range of dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegan options. The dining scene in Berkeley is vibrant and dynamic, reflecting the city's deep appreciation for culinary diversity and innovation. Patrons can expect top-notch service and an atmosphere that ranges from the casual to the sophisticated, making each dining experience memorable. Whether you are a sushi enthusiast or a lover of grilled delicacies, Berkeley's Japanese restaurants promise an enriching and satisfying meal that highlights the best of Japanese gastronomy. This culinary hotspot is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, looking to explore rich flavors and high-quality dining.

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