I was so impressed by this place. Great service, very cozy & beautiful ambience. Love all of the wood interior. I loved the eggplant soup I got especially. I like the flavorful yet also light broth. Very unique menu with many authentic Japanese dishes you never see at other restaurants. We will be back this was immediately a favorite! read more

Hachi Ju Hachi - Hotate nigiri & tekka maki - Japanese Near Me - Saratoga, California

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Hachi Ju Hachi is genuinely one of a kind. I'm a Japanese food connoisseur, and Chef Suzuki stands out as something rare in the restaurant world. He and his wife run this place with real intention and pride. If you take a moment to read the handwritten notes on the walls from past customers, you'll see exactly how much his work means to people. He treats every guest with true care, and the service feels personal in a way most places never reach. The menu is deep with authentic Japanese dishes that go far beyond the average sushi spot. Everything is prepared with precision, and the flavors reflect real craftsmanship. All of the fish is imported directly from Japan, and you can smell that freshness the second you walk in. Every detail of the experience shows the pride Chef Suzuki puts into his work. This restaurant is the definition of exceptional. Chef Suzuki is not only an amazing chef, he is a one of a kind individual and friend. read more

Had reses for Valentine Day's and the place was busy as expected so the service was a little stressful. Yu-Dofu - this delicate silken tofu steamed with kombu and greens and served with a ponzu sauce was a nice starter on a cold day. Chawanmushi- Their version felt more like tofu then egg but still an ok dish as there were a couple of pieces of poached salmon which paired well with the softness of egg (or was it tofu?) Pressed Box Sushi- just like in Japan this style of pressed unagi over slightly warm rice was a nice surprise as this particular type of sushi is not easily available in the Bay Area Nigiri Sushi- A selection of Uni, Hotate, Snapper, Mackeral, Salmon and Ama-Ebi were all clean and very well prepared with minimal rice so each bite was well balanced. Usually when ordering Ama-Ebi the fried shrimp heads accompany the dish but when I asked about it the server said they were too busy to prepare it so disappointing to hear that excuse. Overall, the dishes are very traditional and reminiscence of joints in Japan but given the prices and the hectic service I may pass on another visit. read more

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Service was amazing, they made saba shioyakii for me, it wasn't on the menu,. Only thing of note was that portions are tiny and the ama ebi didn't come with the fried head. There just wasn't anything of note in the sushi we ordered read more

We tried the Kaiseki experience at Hachi Ju Hachi, and it was phenomenal. Chef Suzuki and his team were wonderful hosts. Our small room was next to the kitchen, connected by an open pass-through where the chef worked on a beautiful wooden block and chatted with us throughout the evening. It made the whole experience feel personal and special. Every dish was beautifully crafted. The smoked cod completely surprised me--I'm not even a cod fan, and it ended up being one of the highlights. Even the "little things," like their aged gari and miso soup, were outstanding. We also had a snapper soup with matsutake mushrooms (my first time trying them), and it was unforgettable. The pacing was perfect: each course arrived with a gentle pause, letting the evening unfold at a calm, elegant rhythm. A truly memorable meal. read more

Thank you for an incredible birthday dinner!! It was like being transported to someone's home in Japan! read more

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Enjoy the slow moments and dining experience with authentic Japanese flavors here. Chef Suzuki is a master chef. They have been around 10+ years and have loyal customers. Make reservations as it is a small setting, you are not likely able to just walk-in. Here is what I tried and I recommend them as representative and rare dishes in the Bay Area: mentaiko isobe maki assorted tempura karasumi zosui amaebi, otoro, uni nigiri tomoshichi nigori junmai Saba no aka-miso ni hirame sashimi purin w/ a candle for a bday On the menu, it says you have to be invited to try a omakase experience from the chef. Somehow, someday I will get there. They earned a michelin bib gourmand recommendation and have been around for many years. read more

The best kept secret in Saratoga in my opinion. I was introduced to Hachi ju Hachi several years ago, but never took the time to review. Every dish is expertly prepared and crafted by the cuisine artist, and great care and precision is given always to ensure the four culinary disciplines: heat, cutting, pallette, and texture are all practiced. While you won't find the typical pomp and circumstance of a triple Michelin star restaurant, the place abounds with careful attention, excellent taste, and a simple focus to the art of food. He is a master of his craft, his care and attention to detail is amazing and evident in all he does. If you ever get a chance to visit this unassuming venue, trust me you will not regret it. read more

A truly homey, comfort food feel, informal, artisan atmosphere. One of our party had lived in Japan for ten years and was totally impressed by the dishes, many of which cannot be found in most Japanese restaurants but what you might find in a Japanese family meal. Reasonable prices as well. Perfect for a cold winter night. Not that crowded, and deserves more customers given the unique country inn feel and excellent food. read more

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Hachi Ju Hachi feels like a small family run place you would find on any street in Japan. Nothing blows you away but that's not a bad thing. All the flavors are delicate and nuanced so you can really taste each ingredient. The gyozas are handmade. The thinly sliced daikon roll is lightly vinegared to bring out the flavors of salmon. The katsu curry is made from scratch - not the boxed curry like most places. Probably priced a little high for what you get so this will never be a weekly go-to place for us. The nigiri/sashimi will definitely add up if you order multiple pieces like we did. But when you crave home cooked Japanese that is well prepared definitely give it a shot. read more

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I always remember Hachi Ju Hachi with deep fondness. Suzuki-san is an artist at making every dish delicious and memorable. Also, I am not a big fan of seafood and steer away from raw fish (including sashimi), but all of the grilled dishes I've tried have been amazing. When folks ask me where to eat great Japanese food, I always recommend Hachi Ju Hachi! Suzuki-san and his wife make a wonderful duo, and I always enjoyed conversing with them when I visited this little slice of Japan right in the heart of downtown Saratoga. A must visit for those who like Japanese food! I've never had difficulty finding parking in the lot behind the restaurant. read more

Really wanted to like this place but quality doesn't warrant the price. Best dish was the chawanmushi imo. Yam cake in yuzu was fine but looked very easy to make at home. Steak was small and tough and not worth the $28 price tag. 8 pieces of nigiri were unfortunately all fishy. Total bill came out to ~$170 and we left hungry. read more

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Wow what a fun food adventure. I could tell Immediately that this family began the business to share their culture with you. This isn't a sushi restaurant, though they have a few rolls. They want to share traditional Japanese food with you. And to that, they prepared a "set" list of dishes for you to try based on the amount of people in your group that feature, I'm guessing, their best recommendations of their creations. And it did not disappoint. Knowing I don't know what I like or what's good, we went for that option. Two of us shared the 2 person set, and had a nice sake to go with it. They have a great little sake menu! Also not knowing what I'm into there's she had great recommendations. So many flavors I've never had and I loved every bit of it! read more

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I went in for dinner at Hachi Ju Hachi and had zero expectations. Growing up in saratoga meant that this restaurant was a known staple but somehow I had never been. I brought a friend who has also been exposed to some of the finest dining globally and we were both blown away by the quality of food and service at this restaurant. The chef not only dedicated time to explaining each dish to us, but even went out of his way to create a complimentary dish that was exquisite. Frankly this experience was mind blowing and you can sense the chef's passion and love for his craft. It was intimate and welcoming immediately and we maintained ear to ear grins throughout the whole meal due to the impeccable quality of food. We walked out with an even bigger smile contemplating the likelihood of this place catering for our future weddings hats off to the team at Hachi Ju Hachi. read more

Hachi Ju Hachi - Yellowtail toro, otoro, fried tuna belly, fatty salmon - Japanese Near Me - Saratoga, California

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Food is excellent. Authentic Japanese cooking. Chef is well trained. Spacious dining area. Good for a couple or in a group. read more

The food has been amazing since we first ate there around 2012. The quality of the food is excellent, flavors are delicate and so well considered. Don't expect big, bold and loud flavors like other Japanese restaurants. The dishes here are subtle, quiet, and more like a gentle stroll through the woods with the occasional bursts of delight. They are always kind and cheerful. I wish we lived nearby so we can go more often. read more

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Japanese food is not just Sushi... We like everything about hachi ju hachi: the food, the chef, his wife and the atmosphere. read more

Best authentic Japanese restaurant in the South Bay!! Chef Suzuki is the best! Such delicious high quality food made with love. Every customer is treated like family. It's been a while since I've last eaten there, but I definitely will be back. read more

This is one of the best food experiences I had in a while. I think this just happen every time you let the chef decides... This was a quiet evening, with only a very few customers, making the atmosphere enjoyable with good attention from the chef and the waitress. We had the chance to try all their fatty fishes in sashimi, including some secretly kept pieces of fishes that even the waitress didn't know about! The appreciations notes on the wall are all deserved. Great sake, absolutely fantastic fish, and great company but for that, you'll need to bring your own:) read more

Tried out their New weekday special, Duck Ramen! Pan-seared duck breast over a clean, light broth and bouncy noodles. Perfect for summer honestly, eating heavy flavor based ramen isn't too appealing in such hot weather so this really hits that sweet spot. Comes with lovely house marinated shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots as well. A very well composed dish from Chef Suzuki once again! Drop by the restaurant Tuesdays and Wednesdays to dig into it! Order some of their homemade gyoza to go with it for a lovely meal. read more

Hachi Ju Hachi - Duck Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Saratoga, California

This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area. If you're looking for REAL Japanese food, this is where you'll find it. If you're looking for a dynamite or Philadelphia roll or anything American-born, you won't find it. Hachi Ju Hachi is top-notch true Japanese treasure. I lived in Japan for nearly 3 years. I love Japanese food. And I love Hachi JunHachi! read more

Hachi Ju Hachi is a quaint Japanese restaurant in the quaint Saratoga town. Came with a reservation for a Saturday night and came with lots of excitement. The octopus appetizer, mushroom, and pork belly stew were so so good and if it were just that, I'd give this place 5 stars. The octopus was well cooked and the flavors matched the veggies and sauce. The mushroom soup was clean and the broth . The sushi was just alright, and the mackerel was actually not that good and that lowered our experience alot actually. That plus the pricing was really high for the mackerel... Overall, don't expect a sushi place, it's actually more of a Japanese other foods restaurant. And please do not get the mackerel. read more

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Hachi Ju Hachi serves really nice, light, authentic Japanese food (food.. not just sushi!) in a homey environment. They exude a family feel with their plain but warm decor, and tidy, open kitchen. It's not a busy place -- there was only one other party of 2 by the time my husband and I left at 6:30pm after an early dinner on a Saturday night. My husband and I ordered Set A, with the addition of 4 nigiris, their tempura moriawase, and shime-jake no kinuta maki. Overall, I'd say their food is very good, nicely nuanced, but has imperfect seasoning (just enough that I noticed it with almost every dish). Specific dish comments below: - Maguro Okura Yamakake (tuna sashimi and okra in wasabi soy sauce): really enjoyed this appetizer, even with the flavor being a tad strong & salty - Uzaku (eel & cucumber): good, but not special - Chawan mushi (steamed seafood egg custard): a little too much seafood, and slightly salted - Agenasu Yanagawa hu (fried eggplant and scrambled egg in a light broth): good, but not special - Yasai Yoshino Ni (cooked vegetables served in a light broth): a little too plain for my taste, and undersalted - Buri Tororo Mushi (cooked yellowtail served in a light broth): nice and light, not too fishy - Lean Tuna Nigiri: Veryy good and fresh, chef mentioned he just had it flown in from Japan! - Fatty Tuna (Toro) Nigiri: Good and fresh, but I actually liked the lean tuna more! - Tempura Moriawase (tempura medley): wasn't a huge fan - I tend to like a lighter tempura batter - Shime-Jake No Kinuta Maki (salmin sahimi wrapped in vinegared diakon): nice and refreshing! Closing thoughts: I would come back, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it to everyone. It's a little pricey for homey food & environment (as good as it is), which I don't think most folks are looking for. read more

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Great food. Didn't realize it was an izakaya type place but all good. The smoked salmon was absolutely delicious!! The mackerel app was really good too. Will def come back but was surprised when we got the bill and they charge for rice!! We had 2 bowls each (total of 4 bowls) and was charged 15.50!! This is the first Japanese restaurant I've been to where they've charged for each bowl of rice!! Understand an initial charge but for each one?? I also recognize that rice prices have gone up but $4 for a small bowl. Com'on now. read more

We just had Sushi Night this past Thursday and every time, his food hits the spot. He has his fish delivered fresh from Japan the night before or day of Sushi Night. Quality fish like no other. Hachi Ju Hachi has special Sushi Night every other Thursday and it's by reservation only. We also love to visit on non-Sushi nights where we get to enjoy some soul foods. My husband and I found Hachi Ju Hachi over 12 years ago after it was noted that the Chef Suzuki earned one of his several Bib Gourmands over the next years. Chef Suzuki is known for making traditional Japanese foods, foods you will not see at the "other" Japanese restaurants. He loves his trade and you can tell by how much thought and time he puts into making his dishes. The restaurant, itself, gives off lovely vibes as noted by the attentive, knowledgeable wait staff and heartfelt messages and drawn pictures left by hundreds of patrons on their walls. Chef Suzuki is the real deal and his artistry always puts us in awe, satisfies our palettes and fills our tummies. It's as if every beautiful ingredient in his meals are showcased and not blurred and subdued. We have yet to find another restaurant that equals his exceptional quality and mastery. I highly recommend this Japanese restaurant for those who are really serious about "Japanese Food" and not Americanized sushi places. Before our very first visit to Hachi Ju Hachi those many years ago, we knew this was a legit traditional Japanese restaurant. We made sure to understand how sushi and Japanese food is supposed to be eaten as it is in Japan by YouTubing it, lol. So yes, we were very intimidated and hoped we wouldn't be thrown out. So when we first walked into Chef Suzuki's restaurant, not sure what to expect, he welcomed us as if we were old friends from years past. It's been like this since we first walked and aw, we love this guy!! If he's not too busy in the kitchen, he's super fun to talk to and ask questions. He's just a really cool guy who enjoys making delicious foods. :) read more

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Came in on a Saturday night at 6:30, and we were immediately seated for my party of 2. The hostess was very kind and allowed us to take a large table instead of the smaller one since it was available. The food was delicious! This place is truly a gem, I was shocked at how beautifully the flavors were showcased. We went with Set A, which is 6 courses featuring various fish/eel in broth, veggies, and steamed egg. Everything tasted extremely authentic, reminded me of the catered breakfast from my recent trip to Japan in March. Parking was very convenient, we easily found a spot a short walking distance away. Such a special spot, would love to visit again! read more

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Delcious food and sake. Traditional and yet creative. Attentive service. We will be back.

Best Japanese food in the area. Amazing quality ingredients. Very talented chef. Very friendly casual ambiance.

Hadn't been in probably over a decade, pre-kids. Decided to take the whole family tonight and we all said we couldn't believe we hadn't been coming on a regular basis as a family sooner. My chawanmushi, house favorite mackerel and sashimi were amazing. Real wasabi was such a nice touch. Family really enjoyed their gyoza, udon, boxed salmon sushi and gyudon. Can't wait to come back to try the duck ramen! Service was so welcoming - traditional comfort food to the max! read more

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If you 'get' Japanese food you will love this place. Incredible ingredients expertly done. Some may look simple but the work and technique behind the dishes are outstanding and took many years to perfect. Chef is an extremely talented master of his craft. If you want to be impressed do not order off the menu and have chef make what he thinks is best. Cannot wait until next time. read more

This is one of the old school traditional Japanese restaurant that serve the type of Japanese food back in Osaka. Remember some of the dishes and type of food that go beyond just Sushi. Here is my scoring card for this restaurant: 1) Location: ( 5 Point ) - Great location for customer to see and find. Great parking for street parking and side parking. 2) Decoration : (4 Point) - They still have the original decoration. Clean and traditional. 3) Price: ( 4 point)- The price is competitive but still a little bit pricey compare to other same stars and type food they serve 4) Quality and Taste : ( 4 point)- The quality is great, food taste is good and portions are below average . 5) Type of cuisine standard : ( 5 point) - The style of Japanese food they serve is pretty close to the way it was prepare back in Japan. Not bad! And no dishes were compromised to cater new customers. Overall it's not bad and I thinks it's great to give it a try and let me know what you think. Go foodies Total max is 25 Score 22 Stars = 88% round up to 5 stars read more

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We were excited to try this restaurant after seeing the menu and found that there is a good variety of unique Kaiseki dishes that aren't commonly found in US Japanese restaurants. We really enjoyed the assorted tempura, grilled citrus-soy marinated mackerel, and steamed seafood egg custard. The salmon chazuke was a highlight for me! So simple and yet so flavorful, definitely a dish I'll recreate at home. The one miss was the salmon box sushi. Perhaps it's because I haven't had it before but I found the rice too mushy and the flavor profile way too sweet and sour. Overall a great restaurant to try and keep an open mind to order dishes you haven't tried before! read more

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Not just a meal, a religious experience... Took my wife here for an anniversary dinner reserved the Omakase room. After 2 hours of the best sake and authentic Japanese cuisine I've ever had (including in Japan), I was on absolutel cloud nine. You should make a reservation today..... Incredible food with the absolute highest-quality ingredients. This is NOT California rolls and your ordinary nigiri. Try it, you'll like it. read more

The portion was super small and price was very big . We ordered hotpot and broth was only water with a piece of kale. There was no flavor , very disappointed. read more

Really enjoy eating here. It's impossible to find authentic Japanese dishes in the South Bay. This is a true hidden gem in Saratoga. We ordered Set A and Shabushabu with beef. I think the people writing negative reviews prefer American style "Japanese" food. Japanese flavors are subtle, not overpowered by salt and soy sauce. If you are looking for a truly authentic Japanese dining experience by a great chef you should try this restaurant. read more

What an amazing gourmet restaurant!We feel like we are dining in Japan, can't believe it's few minutes drive from home. Foods are authentic family style with quality and specialty. Love every dishes we ordered and we will be back again soon. read more

Hachi Ju Hachi - Japanese Near Me - Saratoga, California

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My friends who came all recommended this place. Personally my experience was very disappointed. Due to pandemic policy, we had to sit outside. It was cold so all the dishes came out were either lukewarm or not freshly hot. Even the tea was cold before we finish the meal. The soup and the egg was the exception given that we jumped on it right away knowing everything will be cold soon. As for the Omakase dishes, I was not impressed with the selection/varieties. Definitely didn't feel special however, it did feel very homemade. We have been to Japan countless times and the food is similar to some of the small villages homemade dishes. All in all, we were expected high level Omakase but were not impressed here and probably won't come back. read more

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We dined here for my birthday after making a reservation a few days earlier. The food was spectacular. The best chawanmushi I've ever had! The vegetable dishes we ordered were delicate and fresh. The nigiri was buttery and the rice was the perfect amount- not too much! We enjoyed our conversation with the chef and he even personally brought out our complimentary birthday dessert and wished me a happy birthday! What a lovely meal- we cannot wait to come back! read more

This place is a gem nestled in Saratoga. We initially came because a friend mentioned how good the fish was, but we came back a second time to try the omakase. Please note that you need to be invited to omakase. Let your server know that you're interested and they'll request your contact information. You'll get a notification whenever the next omakase night is. We went on a Thursday evening with another couple friend. It started at 6:30 pm and we were out around 10 - 10:30 pm. The fish was on another level! Everything tasted fresh and it was a very intimate experience. There were at most 10 other patrons present (which was reflected in the price tag). I would recommend you come try out the omakase for a special occasion because you will be impressed! There's plenty of parking on the street and in the lots behind the stores. It's a nice place to walk around too (assuming it's light/sunny out). We will for sure be coming back! read more

It is an interesting and delicious place. Tasted something I have never tried elsewhere. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Saratoga, next to a lot of other restaurants that you can choose from. It is really relaxing walking in the street after having dinner on a summer night. read more

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