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    Kotobuki

    3.8 (217 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Order Kotobuki Takeout or Delivery

    Kotobuki Photos

    Business Info

    KOTOBUKI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Kotobuki

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    Swamp Roll
    Renee F.

    We stopped in on a friend's recommendation and were greeted with friendly service. Once we ordered we were treated to a complementary spoon size appetizer, of tangy tuna, which was delicious. I had the house hot sake and my daughter and boyfriend has Sapporo beers. Then came the best tasting miso soup and edamame before our main course. We ordered some Gyoza appetizers along with several rolls, including the Swamp roll and Spider roll, plus an order of Toro nigiri . Everything was delicious and fresh. The restaurant itself was clean and comfortable. The staff and servers were all polite and friendly. I look forward to going back and trying more items.

    Combo Tempura Dinner
    Anastasia K.

    This place is pretty good and has decent food. The restaurant is pretty quiet and very spacious. Customer service is good and the staff is friendly! Came here with some family for dinner and we definitely enjoyed ourselves. The tempura is nice and crunchy! Each dish was full of flavor and was pretty good. The tempura roll was good, but was lacking a bit of flavor. The bento combo box was a bit pricy for the flavor in my opinion. It definitely could have been a bit better. This place is a bit pricy, but still good. I'll definitely be back and try some other items.

    Joshua M.

    Phenomenal food and the service was absolutely incredible. I'd come back hear simply because the fatty tuna was incredible. I look forward to having more meals here. The ambiance is very melo and great place to relax. I

    Shane S.

    Kotobuki is humble and dishes up solid Japanese cuisine in the Montclair Village in Oakland. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Two televisions show sports including college football and NBA basketball while we were there. Unfortunately the complimentary miso soup contains fish stock. A good way to order vegan if dining with someone is to do like we did share an order of edamame along with ordering a couple of veggie sushi rolls. We went with the avocado roll, cucumber roll, and marinated radish roll. Nice presentation. Enjoyed the ambiance here. Down to Earth. The vegan offerings here are extensive including a half dozen vegan sushi rolls on offer. Five specialty vegan rolls on offer. A whopping 10 vegan appetizers to choose from. We will return!

    Matsu Rollq
    Peter M.

    Came here on a warm Sunday and their HVAC was down- not ideal but they gave us a couple of free appetizers to make up for it. Good thinking too because it took a painfully long time for the food to come out. Matsu roll was pretty good- but didn't list on the menu that it had tempura which isn't my favorite. The escolar and ikura nigiri were just okay. Too much rice. The real dampener to the whole experience though is the amount of toddlers/children being loud in the place. My recommendation to the restaurant is perhaps play some music or something to drown it out. Anyways between the long wait and the annoying children I probably won't return even though the food was decent.

    Yasai soba
    Sydney J.

    I ordered takeout here and tried the following: Yasai soba: It was alright, but I found it somewhat plain (partly due to the amount of vegetables, and maybe just needed more flavors overall) yet also very dense and heavy. Veggie rolls: I thought these were pretty good, salty and savory, so glad to see they have this as a good vegetarian option since I've had mixed experience with vegetarian rolls at various sushi places. Tempura: Also pretty good, and I don't consider myself to be someone who really likes tempura.

    3 Items Combination Dinner
    Arron P.

    The food portion was great! The service is excellent and very friendly! The ambiance is casual. I'll be making a return. Very good experience for dinner.

    Tanzaru
    Scott H.

    This might be one of our new spots in Montclair Village! To preface, when we first moved to the east bay we ordered delivery from this restaurant our first night in our new house and were a bit disappointed, so we effectively left it off our list of places to go... this was our mistake! The restaurant is no frills, but there's seating for bigger parties and partitions between tables so it feels roomy. There's a huge TV broadcasting sports events too. We happened to go on "customer appreciation night" and were thoroughly surprised by the amount of complimentary dishes they brought to our table. I was already close to full with all this free dishes! I ordered the cold soba dish and that was really good. It even comes with a full order of tempura... we ordered some other small dishes for the kids as well. Overall, we were really impressed by the food and the service; our waitress was so friendly. We'll definitely be coming back here for meals!

    spicy tuna roll, piedmont roll and Negi Hama Maki

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    11 months ago

    Really good take out sushi tonight. Ten single piece nigiri had a wide range and no misses. Good value.

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    2 years ago

    Yummmy and fresh! Love this place! I've only ever gotten delivery and it's always delicious!

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Kotobuki

    Have you gone out of business as your phone number is no longer working?

    They are remodeling and plan to be back, soon hopefully!

    Are you open? Phone rings and rings.

    Sorry! We are closed now due to the kitchen remodel. We will be open soon. Thank you.

    Is this related to the Kotobuki that was on Piedmont Ave but closed some years ago? (If it is, I will do my happy dance!)

    Yes, get ready to dance Lol! Even some of the same waitstaff are there! I have been there several times!

    View All 4 Questions

    Judoku Sushi - Seafood Udon

    Judoku Sushi

    4.0(721 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    The late night ambiance, and the ramen, was fantastic and they serve later on weekends…read more Sedate and quiet atmosphere but can get full on the back patio. The sushi got full approval from my especially picky partner as well. Their Sake collection is top tier, go here if you like sake.

    Judoku is a local, sushi spot located on the corner of Piedmont. When you walk in, you are greeted…read moreby lucky cat statues and various art pieces adorning the walls. The lighting is dim, providing a more elevated atmosphere. We came during lunch and surprising there was only 1 other guest there at the time. The staff seated us right away and we were able to order within a few minutes. The menu has a great assortment of sushi, bento boxes and more so if you're in a larger group, there is something for everyone. As a group of 3, my friends and I decided to split the meal family style and ordered bento boxes and a few rolls. The food came out within just a few minutes. The rolls are visually appealing and very appetizing. They held together nicely, although the spicy scallop roll was falling apart - however I do think scallop is trickier to work with so I didn't mind it. The bento boxes offered a great quantity of food for the price, so it was worth it! What stood out to me was the crisp texture of the tempura and katsu - only callout here is that the katsu was cut into thinner slices which you might not prefer if you like thicker slices. Overall, I'm glad I found this gem and I'm looking forward to a future visit!

    Photos
    Judoku Sushi - Super cute patio

    Super cute patio

    Judoku Sushi - Honda Roll

    Honda Roll

    Judoku Sushi - Courtyard

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    Courtyard

    Mensho - Signature Smoked Toripaitan Ramen

    Mensho

    4.5(642 reviews)
    2.2 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
    $$

    Stumbled upon this ramen place that happened to have a michelin star/ guide for the last three…read moreyears! The wait was about 30-45 mins for a party of two at 7:30pm on a Saturday. Considering other reviews, I don't think we waited too long. We ordered two of their top ramens, although the matcha duck one was enticing, I did like the Garlic overload on my ramen. The fried enoki mushrooms were also good, I just wish the portions were a bit bigger for both dishes. Staff was also quick and helpful going through the menu with us first timers. We sat at a shared table but I like how they had a divider to separate the spaces. Pretty small restaurant and they only have street parking so if you want to try, I recommend going early! We were lucky to snag a spot right in the front!

    Yummy ramen would recommend the chain…read more I've tried this ramen chain at their Houston location. This time I ordered the signature smoked & Black Vinegar Karaage. The noodles are the highlight for me. They're bouncy and have a nice texture. The bowl is packed with flavor. The Karaage was good, crispy, absorbed the sauce well, there were also pieces of soft eggplant as well. I would go lighter on the sauce or have the excess on the side. The sauce became overpowering the more chicken I ate. I think the Houston location had better service. This location felt cramped, loud and cold. There is only street parking at this location, there is Fentons a few doors down but there's more parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Chicken ramen at Mensho is the best I've tried in the U.S thus far

    Photos
    Mensho - Waiting area

    Waiting area

    Mensho - Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken

    Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken

    Mensho - Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

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    Hokkaido Uni Mini Rice Bowl

    Khatan Sushi

    Khatan Sushi

    4.4(71 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Was craving sushi/omakase and found this spot on Yelp. Came on a weekday and was able to find…read moreparking on the same street. It wasn't busy during the time I came which was nice. Server and Chef were super friendly and welcoming. While I waited, the chef brought me a nice little sample to try. Really refreshing and delicious. I ordered a lychee lemonade and edamame to start. Both really good. I had to refrain from drinking and eating it all so I didn't get full before my food came. Would order both again. (Maybe add some liquor in the lemonade lol ) For my main dish, I went with the 10 piece nigiri omakase and upgraded $10 to include toro. Pieces of fish were huge and delicious. Surprisingly the toro wasn't my favorite but still was really good! The shrimp head was a nice treat! I ordered dessert even though I was stuffed cause I couldn't help myself: matcha tres leche (which I was told was their most popular dessert). It didn't disappoint! Restaurant was clean and well taken care of. They were updating the signs on the window as well which I'm sure is going to look great. If you're in the area, give them a try. Already looking forward to my next visit!

    Don't sleep on this spot!!! Small local corner shop with biiiiig flavor. My partner and I were…read morelucky to find Khatan on Yelp while browsing Japanese spots we had yet to visit. The space is very cozy, quiet, almost unassuming. For a Saturday evening, there were only 3-4 parties around us. I was relieved as some of our favorite sushi spots in this area tend to require reservations. We were welcomed graciously and were happy to hear the staff's recommendations. SALMON SPECIAL: !!! Pretty unique! I loved the beet-marinated salmon, this was nice and sweet. The green curry was interesting, though outshone by the former. TUNA TATAKI: A LOT of topping for a tataki...! Like overflowing! I liked it ^_^ But a lot of onion and texture. I mainly was curious towards the ponzu soy mayo, which didn't fail to be bright and flavorful. BACON OF THE SEA: My partner is the BIGGEST fan of salmon skin so this was a must-have. SO good. Crispy outside, tender inside, plus all the fatty goodness throughout. SAKE DON: Supa fresh!! With thick cuts. The rice is seasoned well, not too sour. I could've done without the lemon slices, but it might be someone else's cup of tea. Overall, pretty solid sake don :3 We got lucky with parking and found a spot across the street... But I'd come a bit earlier to scout out the area if you've driving.

    Photos
    Khatan Sushi - Dining area.

    Dining area.

    Khatan Sushi
    Khatan Sushi - Chirachi bowl

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    Chirachi bowl

    Kuidaore Handroll Bar - Hotate (scallop) Crudo - fresh, zesty, hint of chili

    Kuidaore Handroll Bar

    4.5(130 reviews)
    4.3 miJack London Square
    $$

    I pass by Kuidaore every day during my lunch break and walk around beautiful Jack London Square…read more Very unassuming restaurant that specializes in hand rolls, small plates, sashimi, and other sides. Their restaurant philosophy is to provide an optimal dining experience with fresh ingredients and a simple menu that spotlights their strength. Since they are only open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays for weekdays, I made a plan to come here on one of those Thursdays. Having scouted through Yelp (like a true Elite does), I was all set to order my Bara Chirashi ($24) which is cubed slices of mixed sashimi and ikura over a bed of rice. It was beautifully made and took an appropriate amount of time since it was made to order. Very delightful and something that I would order again, but definitely eyeing the Best Catch Box ($29) next time for their beautiful presentation of negatory, uni, scallops, ikura (take a look at the Yelp photos if you haven't!). I originally wanted to get a hand roll or two but ended up impulse ordering the Matcha Affogato ($6). It was a surprising yet very well thought out combination of Strawberry Pop Tart Ice Cream (right???) with well prepared matcha poured over. Service was polite but not overbearing and there were a few other people also indulging in an elevated lunch experience. All in all, so thrilled to have tried it; will be back again, and think that it's a must-try place within the Oakland area!

    We went to Kuidaore Hand Roll Bar for dinner and overall had a really nice experience. The staff…read morewas incredibly sweet, welcoming, and especially considerate about my allergies. I had a few dietary restrictions, and they were patient, accommodating, and made me feel comfortable ordering, which I really appreciated. The food was fresh and enjoyable, and the overall atmosphere felt relaxed and inviting. You can tell the team cares about creating a good experience for guests. The only challenge during our visit was the speed of service. It seemed like one person was handling both drink service and taking orders, even though there were additional staff members working besides the sushi chef. I think dividing responsibilities a bit differently could really help improve the flow of service and make the overall dining experience even better. That said, everyone was kind throughout the night, and we still enjoyed our dinner. With a few small adjustments, this place could really shine even more.

    Photos
    Kuidaore Handroll Bar - Sake cocktails

    Sake cocktails

    Kuidaore Handroll Bar - Salmon King (seared salmon, jalapeño, spicy aioli, unagi sauce, tobiko)

    Salmon King (seared salmon, jalapeño, spicy aioli, unagi sauce, tobiko)

    Kuidaore Handroll Bar - Truffle salmon

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    Truffle salmon

    Kirala - Lunch special Bento box

    Kirala

    3.9(1.9k reviews)
    3.8 miSouth Berkeley
    $$

    Kirala isn't just another Japanese spot for us--it's a reminder of how far we've come. My wife used…read moreto only treat herself to Kirala when she was younger--on special occasions when a bonus check came in. Now, we get to dine here as a family, and that nostalgic treat feels all the more satisfying. Food (4 stars) + Ribeye teriyaki was a hit--tender, cooked to perfection, and the kids loved it! + Lamb chop was a standout--one piece, but perfectly grilled, juicy, and tender. I could eat 2 of these with a bowl of rice and it would be a hearty meal! + Chicken karaage was solid--crispy, good portion, and a nice appetizer. It's basically a Japanese version of chicken strips that is way better than nuggets. + Salmon sashimi for the kids never disappoints. ~ Chirashi bowl was fresh and filling, though standard compared to other spots. There was a lot of rice which if we knew that we probably would've skipped the extra bowl I ordered to eat with my lamb chops. For the somewhat premium pricing, I wish they provided fresh chopped wasabi. ~ Stuffed mushroom skewer was just okay--tasty but nothing special. I guess for mushrooms it does taste kinda like a chicken meatball which could be a good thing. Service/Ambiance (4 stars) + Attentive and thoughtful service, especially accommodating a broken foot. They let my family wait at the bar instead of standing. + Ambiance is that classic Japanese vibe, busy but comfortable. Maybe not high-end, but definitely a place that feels special--especially now that we can afford it!

    Saturday night dinner for a group of 3. The place opens around 5. There are no reservations, so you…read morehave to wait in line. The wait wasn't too long though. We ordered a few different items - tempura, sushi dinner, shisito peppers, miso eggplant and croquettes. Most were decent, eggplant was meh. Service was prompt. Prices are reasonable. Note that they do tack an extra 4% fee on credit card payments.

    Photos
    Kirala
    Kirala
    Kirala

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    Kotobuki - japanese - Updated May 2026

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