So yummy and fresh! Super Food and easy peaceful food! you just can't beat a great neighborhood place to eat some sushi read more

UPDATE: I had diarrhea last night about 4 hrs after eating here, and then again this morning. Unfortunately, will not be returning to Kiku Sushi. We've driven by this place for over 14 years and have never eaten here and we were super excited to try it out tonight, especially given our cat's name is also Kiku! Unfortunately, our first experience fell way short of our expectations based on the volume of 5-star reviews here. We came in on a Sunday night around 7pm. We were seated immediately. I'm splitting the rating between food, service, and atmosphere: FOOD: 2.5/5 -Hamachi Kama: 5/5 -Miso Soup: 2.5/5 Came with seaweed, green onions, and tofu which was good but the tofu was super firm and the miso broth was "cinnamon"-like. Not bad but not something I'd order intentionally again. -Geen Salad: 2/5 Not the traditional sesame/goma dressing. Tasted more like over ripe avocado. -Plain Udon: 2/5 Ordered this for our younger kid. Noodles were good, but the broth was unusual. My wife thought she tasted soap so I tried it. It was definitely not soap, but I think what she was picking up was a seasoning that wasn't dashi - it gave off a bullion vibe. Flavorful but not traditional. -Dragon Roll: 3.5/5 This review is from my older kid who has a trustworthy palette. -Salmon Skin Roll: 3.5/5 So/so. I probably wouldn't order again but the salmon skin remained crunchy. The shiso leaf was a nice touch. I really wanted to like this roll but it fell flat for some reason. -Sunshine Roll: 4/5 Great flavors and fun combinations, but the tempura was chewy. -Hamachi Toro Nigiri: 3/5 Tasty with great texture. But each slice was very thick. Some people might like the thicker cut, but for me it lacked the elegance of a more "traditional" (one bite) size. The deal breaker here was the rice. It fell apart. It was dry, a little al dente, and lacked the vinegary seasoning I was expecting from sushi rice. -Aji Nigiri: 2/5 I love mackerel and this fell short. Its thick slices made it incredibly difficult to chew - it made me gag. As with the Hamachi Toro, the rice completely fell apart and felt undercooked. SERIVCE: 2.5/5 Server was nice but this is obviously a first time summer gig between semesters or something. We eventually got everything we asked for but this young guy is still getting his footing so I don't think it's fair to harp on every small detail. Though it would have been helpful if another staffer gave the fella a hand tonight or if crew spent a little more time training its newer staff. ATOMSPHERE: 3/5 Aesthetically, it looks like your typical Japanese restaurant - no notes. But the music was... odd - it was like a pop hits playlist. When we first sat down, we laughed because Sean Paul was playing and I joked, "Ahh, the traditional sounds of Japan." The Sean Paul track was followed by Lush Life by Zara Larson, Ophilia by Taylor Swift, etc. Just an odd choice, read more

my wife and I go here every month. best sushi in Berkeley. neighborhood favorite. negihama fresh fish is the best read more

Everyone is so friendly and the food is amazingly fresh! I always come back. Great and clean ambiance too.

I drove by this place so many times finally decided to try it out. The service is great. The food was ok and I say that because to me didn't seem like it was fresh. The tuna pieces had lots of vain and not enough rice at the bottom. The edamame was dry like it was microwaved. My favorite thing to eat is sushi is the cooked ill hand roll and that really wasn't good too fatty and I couldn't bite into the seaweed roll. It's too stretchy. read more

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Kiku Sushi needs no press to bring business through the door; on a completely unassuming, undistinguished Tuesday, wait time can stretch well into the darkness of night, no matter when you arrive. Well known for their commitment to quality, what potential patrons may not realize is the utterly innovative vegan menu. It never turns up on lists for the best plant-based dining options, and yet it's far more deserving of the honor than many predictable staples. We're talking about more than the usual suspects here, with cucumber maki giving way to sumptuous specialty rolls that are every bit as creative as their fishy brethren. That said, there's plenty to relish from this bill of fare, starting with a number of truly killer apps. Don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy impossibly rich, savory spoonfuls of Mushroom Miso Soup, or meltingly tender Nasu Dengaku, without the fear of bonito lurking in the background. Spicy Tuna takes shape from chopped tomatoes, of all things, generously seasoned with fiery shichimi togarashi. A hint of cumin-scented shiso leaf and the crisp bite of crunchy cucumbers creates a well-balanced, fresh composition that's distinctly different from the typically mayo-laden approach, and dare I say, far better. Made of mushrooms instead of mollusks, the Baked Scallop Roll is an umami explosion in a rice-wrapped package. Creamy avocado adds richness without smothering the nuanced, shockingly authentic oceanic flavor. Though your eyes and mouth may try to tell you differently, that's not tobiko on top, but finely grated carrot that somehow becomes an unbelievably convincing imposter. If neither seafood nor any vegetable-based facsimiles ever did appeal, then the Kiku Roll was made for you. Take futo maki to the next level, and one step beyond, and you'll have some idea of the behemoth about to descend on your table. Fully deep-fried in a light tempura batter and drizzled generously with sweet soy and ginger sauce, one order alone could become a wholly satisfying meal. In a similar vein, the Spicy Crunchy Roll should have wide appeal across all dietary preferences and tastes. Toothsome marinaded kampyo meets yuba and decadent piles of tempura flakes, impossibly grease-less and, as promised, resoundingly crunchy. The spice level is gentle yet bright, clear, and distinct, perfectly cutting through the indulgent topping. Kiku Sushi clearly isn't hurting for business, and while I fear jeopardizing my own chances at getting in the door, such edible artistry needs to be celebrated. For a restaurant that never sought vegan accolades, they certainly do treat their plant-based diners to a royal sushi experience. read more

I've been coming here on and off for years, and the fish is consistently fresh. One of my go-to orders is the kaisen futo-maki, a 5-piece roll packed with an assortment of raw fish. It's simple, clean, slightly on the pricier side, but worth it in my opinion. The staff have always been friendly, though there typically only seems to be one or two sushi chefs working. During peak hours, that can mean a bit of a wait for your food, so I recommend avoiding the lunch or dinner rush whenever possible. read more

Kiku Sushi - Kaisen Futo-Maki - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food was good quality. We ordered two dishes--a Dynamite roll and black cod miso--for two people and it was enough food. The black cod was a little two sweet. It tasted more like a Korean-Japanese fusion dish and not really authentically Japanese. The Kabocha--Japanese squash--that came with it was fresh and delicious. It also came with a salad and miso soup; both good. The dynamite sushi roll was spicy as specified. Next time, I'll try something else. They allow you to bring your own drink and there's no corkage fee. That saves a little money. read more

Kiku Sushi - Black cod miso - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Super fresh & delicious sushi and other Japanese foods. This neighborhood gem has very friendly staff, outdoor seating, and is efficient when you need takeout too. With many East Bay restaurant choices, Kiku Sushi stands out as excellent. read more

Heard about this place on check please and it didn't disappoint. They close between 3pm-5pm. We got there at 2:30pm and they still sat us and didn't rush us at all. Our server was very welcoming and friendly, and checked on us regularly. It was relatively quiet, only one other table, but it gave a family restaurant vibe. The lunch specials were a great deal. The quantity of the sashimi at that price was a deal and the quality was great. The miso black cod was also very tasty, one of the better I've had. They also have a lot of vegan options on the menu. read more

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The service is always amazing, every encounter I have had with a employee has been an amazing one! Everyone should come if they are in the area, I highly recommend. There are so many food and drink options! read more

Kiku Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best sushi and Sake I've had in Bay Area it was delicious and I loved the unagi and the rainbow roll.

I've been coming here for years, and it has never disappointed. The sushi is genuinely some of the best I've ever had--everything is incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared, and absolutely delicious. Every time we come, we're reminded why we keep coming back. What makes this place even more special is the people. Duma is one of the kindest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet. She always goes out of her way to make everyone feel at home, and shes especially wonderful with kids. We brought our children, and they were treated with so much warmth and kindness that it made the entire experience even more memorable. Amazing food, amazing service, and genuinely wonderful people. This restaurant has been a favorite of ours for a long time, and I couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

A cozy corner neighborhood restaurant. Good quality fish, everything prepared quite well.

Great food, local spot, mom and pop service. Love walking to this spot in our neighborhood.

Kiku is such a delight every time. The fish is always so fresh and tender, and the flavor is great! We've gone a million times and there's never a dip in quality. The service is awesome and it's such a nice space! This time, I got the miso black cod lunch bento, and it was delicious! (Obviously.) The cod was so meaty and had a nice miso flavor. The sushi was half California roll and half Dynamite, both great! The meal came with so much food which was an added bonus! I highly recommend popping in midday for the lunch special pricing, it's really a great deal for great food. read more

Kiku Sushi - Miso Glazed Black Cod Bento Box Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Delicious food. Super fresh sushi. The black cod tempura is outstanding. Nice location as well. read more

Kiku Sushi - Kaisen Futo-Maki Dragon Roll - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great local sushi place. They have amazing vegan options. You won't be disappointed!!

I've been coming here for years (probably over 20!) as it's a centralized location to meet up with some family and we all like Japanese food. I've tried most of their menu and have never really been disappointed in the food here. The service is good, but not excellent. Parking right near the restaurant can sometimes be difficult to find however if you drive up Gilman a block or two, you can always find a space to park in the residential area. read more

Amazing vegetarian options, fresh fish and authentic Japanese food! It was our first time here and we loved it. Definitely coming back as soon as possible read more

Delicious food! Love this place and always try to stop here when I'm in town. Yummy sushi

Love the variety of vegan selections: soups, sushi, salad, entrees & appetizers! Very veggie -full & attractively presented & so delicious! Our server was very pleasant, patient & knowldgeable ! The green tea was very earthy & robust (with matcha residue in the cup? ) We sat by the window ...but there's a lot tables packed into this small space & even outside along the sidewalk ! The service was very personal & friendly, the waitress commended us on our choices & we agreed & enjoyed our soups, which came out piping hot ! We also ordered the vegan roll & a mushroom/tempura green bean roll, the ginger was very spicy but good! read more

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Cozy space for fresh sushi and friendly service. The spicy tuna roll was on point, as well as the seaweed salad. Hope to have dinner again here when I am back in town. Reasonable prices. read more

My partner is vegan and I'm not, but we regularly share a number of vegan rolls and they're all outstanding. Some fav's include the spicy crunchy roll, the ninja roll, and you NEED to order the crispy rice!! read more

Great sushi! I love sitting at the sushi bar, the fish is truly delicious. I've been coming here with my family for about 10 years. Never disappoints and very family and date friendly. read more

Great food. The worst, most frustrating service ever! Waited over 45 minutes to be served.

Returned to Kiku after a short break (we had just forgotten about them) and it was as good as -- or even better than -- before! We had delicious sushi and tempura. The tempura wasn't greasy at all -- just fresh vegetables in a light batter. The staff were really friendly. They will even make the Sukiyaki, which is no longer on the menu, if you ask. It was just as delicious as we remembered, and we'll definitely be coming back more often. Thank you, Sophie and everyone! read more

Cute Japanese spot with a full vegetarian menu (4/5 green stars) Kiku Sushi in Berkeley has a sister restaurant in Lafayette - I enjoyed eating at both of them - service, food, and ambiance were solid in both branches. Most memorable dish: Crispy Rice & Sweet Potato ($9.25). For those looking for a fully vegan Japanese restaurants in Berkeley, I can also recommend Cha-ya or Tane Vegan Izakaya, both of which are on Shattuck Ave. Cha-ya is usually listed as a vegetarian Japanese restaurant but it's actually fully vegan. Of these three, I've been to Cha-ya (the oldest) most often, but I can recommend all three of them for different situations. For example Cha-ya for comfort food favorites (e.g., Taku-sui), Tane Vegan for its inventive food and bustling atmosphere, and Kiku for a quieter meal in a cute location. Both branches of Kiku score well on the cuteness scale, in terms of both the restaurants (Berkeley perhaps has the edge, here) and neighborhoods. I'm also giving Kiku Sushi 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. * Both branches of Kiku have an emphasis on vegetarian items with a fully vegetarian menu that helps avoid any confusion or mistakes while ordering. * The menu does feature fish and a couple of chicken or pork dishes, but avoids the most climate-unfriendly meats - beef and lamb. * Fyi, if you want to choose climate-friendly fish, then small pelagic fish (sardines, mackerel, anchovies), farmed bivalves (oysters, mussels, scallops), and some wild salmonids (salmon and trout) are your best bets. Avoid crustaceans such as shrimp, prawns, crabs, and lobster. https://greenstarsproject.org/2023/12/16/whats-the-most-sustainable-kind-of-seafood/ * Kiku doesn't provide any information on sourcing of fish or other ingredients. Please join in and include a Green Stars rating with your own reviews! read more

Kiku Sushi - Crispy Rice & Sweet Potato ($9.25) - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Attentive service, quality sushi. Family-friendly for a Friday night. Top knotch dinner out.

My favorite sushi place I've ever been to - incredibly fresh fish and generously large cuts. Vegetarian options are also delicious. Would recommend! read more

Excellent service and great fish! The restaurant was very busy but the sushi came fast!

Wonderful selection of vegan sushi and other dishes! Great flavors and service. A lovely environment with some outdoor seating. You will be sure to have a good meal here read more

Really good sushi, we got rolls, not Nigri, love the service, the lady working there is the best!!!

Everything was Very good service was amazing and the portions were very generous. Everything was super fresh!

We absolutelty love this restaurant. The food is amazing. We have been coming for years. Highly recommend if you are in the area!

The food was wonderful! The staff was friendly as well as professional. Enjoyed eating here.

Delicious! Delicious! The owner is a bubbly, smart, friendly, knowledgeable woman. I highly recommend this place. The O-Toro was so buttery and amazing! read more

Delicious food. Great neighborhood hidden gem. Lots of rolls to try. My favorite was the veggie Green Dragon Roll!

This wonderful neighborhood spot has excellent fresh sushi and great service. my favorite it the salmon skin roll.

great food great service. the chirashi bowl was our favorite. Add some ozeki nigor saki and for a great meal