My partner and I went for our anniversary on a Wednesday night for the 8 PM seating and were lucky enough to be the only patrons for that night. It made the whole experience so much more intimate and memorable, as Chef Shiro is a charming person to chat with and get to know along with David who was the waiter for the night. Chef Shiro is also very willing to substitute any of the nigiri for another piece of your choice, as my partner does not eat beef and went for the Toro (fatty tuna) in place of the wagyu beef nigiri. Incredibly unassuming no frills ambiance as others have mentioned. The courses served were definitely less flashy and 'instagram worthy' than other omakase experiences, but that's because all the emphasis was on the quality and preparation of the food. Whereas other omakase spots try to grab your attention with wild creations, Chef Shiro at Utzutzu likes to keep it more traditional but takes so much care in putting delicious food in front of you. He thoroughly explained each part of the course as well as each piece of nigiri that he served and was always waiting in excitement to see our reaction to each bite. No gimmicks, no distractions, just some of the best nigiri you'll ever have. To top it all off the mango sorbet at the end had a cute little "happy anniversary" decoration and Chef Shiro wished us a heartfelt happy anniversary many times throughout the night. We even got to take home the printed and handwritten menus for the night. Overall such a fantastic experience and would definitely recommend to any sushi lovers looking for a special dinner experience. Unfortunately only got pictures of our dessert as we were very engaged and off our phones during the rest of the experience lol! read more

Utzutzu - Mango sorbet, bottle of Sake, menus we got to take home with us. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

this place was so underwhelming - WOW. i guess it's nice to have an omakase place in alameda, but that's sort of where the good ends, especially if you're used to NYC or SF omakase restaurants. the fish quality was mediocre, slopped with tons of sauce to mask the likely day old fish. you can also see from the photos that a lot of the pieces included the skin and scales, a sloppy job at cutting the pieces. certainly nowhere near worth the $145/pp. lastly the place was super small - 8 tight seats. totally fine, but the acoustics made it such that you're basically at a big communal dinner. it's impossible to have a 1:1 conversation, definitely wouldn't recommend for a date. read more

Utzutzu - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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My mom and stepdad used to have their Sushi bar restaurant called Sushi Sue at this location I so miss their restaurant. I was just in California and drove by when I visited Alameda my heart will always remember Sushi Sue I wish I could have tried Utzutzu when I was in Alameda next time for sure Mahalo read more

A set of old tile stairs from an unmarked entrance will take you into a small intimate 8 seater space filled with nice 80s pop makes for a nice vibe. Service through out the evening was friendly and timely without being overbearing. Everything offered from the set menu was executed with perfection, from the temp of the sushi rice to the thoughtfully curated seasoning went in or on each piece of the nigiri. We had the opportunity to order more extra new nigiri or revisit favorites, we did both with zero regrets. Only thing could have been better was the shiso mango sorbet, the ice crystals were noticeable and made the sorbet texture less than creamy, but the flavor was still very yummy! 10/10 recommend, and I look forward to coming back! read more

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Utzutzu made me feel like I was in Japan because the place is so high quality but humble - in fact, there was no sign for the place so we spent a good few minutes observing the sidewalk before deciding to walk up some stairs with the feeling that what we're looking for might be on the other end. And it turns out we were right. As my boyfriend and I entered the waiting area, another couple was already waiting on the velvet settee, and it wasn't long before we got our temperatures checked and led to our seats. The night was definitely very intimate - there were just 3 couples including ourselves, and the only people to serve us were the chef at the bar and the server. There were small slips of paper in front of us that showed the menu for the day and a fact sheet about the wagyu and house sake. As someone who's been to omakase a few times I won't add too much to the conversation. Of course the fish was delightful, sometimes basted with an additional thin layer of flavorful sauce or topped with a few expertly tweezed garnishes. The funniest part of the night was when my boyfriend realized to his surprise and delight that each course labeled "nigiri" on the menu was not just one piece of nigiri, but rather a series of many nigiris, served one at a time on the stone tablet in front of us. "The price makes more sense," was his awed remark. As a drinker I was also quite delighted by the lightly sweet junmai daiginjo they served to me in a goblet etched with delicate florals. Our favorites of the night were the chu toro and wagyu. I'm finding more and more that having a delicious attentive meal while the rain beats on the windows outside is so cozy and wonderful. The weather outside was frightful but the omakase was so delightful. And since we'd no place to go, shishito tamago chutoro! read more

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Wow! This place is comparable to Jūni - its fish choices and quality. Just amazing for the price. Came here for our anniversary, my husband has been wanting to book this place for the longest time, and they finally had a cancellation. The place itself is very hidden and secretive, can easily be missed. Reminds me of Japan! There are only 6 seatings with 2 staff (including the Chef). We really enjoyed our dinner here and were impressed at the quality and quantity. We added the Chef's hometown sake to pair with our meal and it was delicious. I am not a Sake person at all but hearing this from me... that's something! The server was really good with service at the beginning but after about 15 minutes, he disappeared in the kitchen and we had to ask the Chef twice for tea and Sake refills. I would definitely recommend getting your Omakase fix here. read more

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Place is unique, it's like stepping into someone house. We kinda confused to find the entrance door but there is stairs up to halls and they got big sofa and seatings to just chill around and socialize, the dining place is more on the left side of it near the windows. It's quite and intimate vibe. Services know their timing and kept it very neat and well mannered. Food and experience with the chef story 9.6/10 However, omakase is for the experience. So after the dining, we get our asses to irish pub for some fish n chips lol read more

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The best omakase and sake I've had in the bay. The place is amazing, intimate and the servers are so attentive. I cannot wait to go back.

Great value for high quality sushi in the bay. First thing I want to disclaim is that it's super intimate, like shoulder to shoulder with other patrons. The food and service are fantastic but other company can make or break your experience (patron next to me got drunk). Other than that, an amazing experience. The omakase was still amazing, definitely more traditional and simple. We had a memorable night and left satiated. read more

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Best affordable omakase in the Bay Area. The fish quality is high while the price is amazingly low. It only has 6 seats so it is so hard to get a reservation. But once you get to try this place, every cent is worth its value. The environment is intimate and it is hidden on the second floor of residential area so it might be hard to find. Will definitely eat here again, if I can get another reservation read more

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We had a wonderful, reserved birthday dinner, but the chef lambasted us after service, on the street, for bringing a newborn child to the venue. If you do not want a child at your restaurant, refuse to serve us, or post proper signage. Don't wait until after we have paid you! Complete lack of respect. read more

A wonderful experience, atmosphere Quaint, food amazing, Chef entertain guests and answers question and explains where and about the fish. The amount of food served was just right couldn't have eaten more even if I wanted. The meal is Expensive $145 per person, but worth it, however if anyone needs drinks a meal for 4, cost us $1000 with tip and tax a bit much even for a special celebration. Service is above and beyond. Door to restaurant is unmarked no elevators, lots of small stair steps great for working up an appetite and later walking off the meal. This was an experience of itself. read more

Had a great Omakase dining experience with Chef Joji. I was surprised this little hidden gem is in Alameda bc we always drive past it but never noticed it. PROS -Incredibly fresh & melt in your mouth sushi -simple but beautiful presentation -enjoyed the menu and chef's selection of fish -This is probably one of my favorite spots for Omakase -I liked the limited seating arrangement -great location -everything was perfectly balanced and didn't feel heavy/rich tasting. It was just the right amount of food and I was content. :) read more

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Each piece served was carefully cut and prepared in front of our eyes. More than just an amazing journey in subtle taste profile varieties, we were delightfully introduced to the most amazing textures that betray the top quality and freshness of each fish and ingredient. The shrimp was perfectly buttery, springy, and sweet. The toro and amberjack melt on contact with your tongue. On top of this, service and chef were really friendly and eager to explain recommendations and origins of everything on the menu. The ambience was nice and intimate. For an omakase meal there we came away from the experience full and well satisfied. Highly recommend. I don't know if this place is handicap accessible. There's a steep flight of stairs that leads to the nice dining area. read more

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Reservations are hard to come by so definitely recommend setting up notifications on Resy for cancellations or to basically stalk the site for when new dates open up. Looks like usually booked out 1 month barring cancellations. **As of August 2022 Proof of COVID Vaccination Required** As others have mentioned there is no sign outside, you just find the address and walk up the stairs (which are a little steep so be aware if you have any mobility needs.) There's a nice lounge area to wait until you are seated. Service was exceptional, very friendly, helpful and courteous staff. The chef was also very friendly. This was my friend and I's first omakase experience and it did not disappoint. While I'm sure I misheard the chef explaining a couple of the nigiri it didn't matter because everything was delicious and fresh. They offer selection of imported sake and other beverages to go with your meal. Every piece of fish was very fresh, pieces that were scorched were done so perfectly with just the hint of the char. Nothing was overwhelming at all. The uni was amazing and imported from Hokkaido. Dessert was quaint but also perfect portion. With individual pieces you don't notice that you're actually eating enough to be full (15 pieces of nigiri total as well as starter dishes and "intermission" dishes) but we left very satisfied. Highly recommend the experience either for a special occasion or just to have the experience if you love fish. read more

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I took my husband here for his birthday. It was a major disappointment. First off, the entrance is unmarked portions are tiny! very thin, small pieces of fish. half were bland or very fishy. example, hotate nigiri was 1/3 slice of a whole scallop. chef was kind and service was great. but for the price i paid ($145 pp), not worth it. read more

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This place only takes 7 people per seating (2 seatings/night) so getting a reservation can be tricky, one tip is to join Resy's wait list, I've successfully booked it twice using that. Food was outstanding and service was very personable and attentive, very reasonable price for omakase (currently $125/person) but you get so much food - 19 pieces in total! I actually left this place feeling full. A must try!! read more

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There is no language to describe this experience. Save up for a splurge but you will not be disappointed. All gaijin style, roll oriented sushi pales like Top Ramen compared to this spot. Wish the patrons made an effort other than Bro sweats & baseball hats but youth is wasted etc. Service is amazing, ambience funky which I love. Life changing. read more

My friend organized a birthday party for his wife and rented out the place. Luckily, I got an invite! We all had dinner here on Thursday, June 6th at 8pm. Below is the omakase menu we had. June 2019: Okimari $105 per person *Surinagashi *Sashimi *Chef's Sushi Selection *Shishito, Akaebi *Chef's Sushi Selection *Miso Soup *Mango Sorbet So from my notes (yes, I take notes!), we had: corn soup, kampachi (amberjack), sardine, sea bream, lean blue fin tuna, carrot (which I believe looked like uni), torigai (cockle), tiger prawn, saba (mackerel), okra, copper river salmon, a hand roll, matcha, tamago, etc. And of course, I ordered extra servings of uni! And I believe otoro as well. Everything was so fresh and so pretty! The sushi chefs were also very fun and informative. I was that girl that kept asking what is this, so I could recap in a review. We also ordered 3 bottles of sake which I enjoyed. Alcohol always makes the party more enjoyable right? I believe we had the following bottles below, all 1.8L. *Daiginjo: Kokuryu "Ryu" Fukui pref ($27/$81/$250) *Daiginjo: Dawazakura "Yukimanman" Yamagata perf ($32/$95/$185) *Ginjo: Kokuryu "Junmai Ginjo" Fukui pref ($16/$47/$90) Great spot to have an intimate birthday dinner. And wonderful food and service! What more can you ask for?! read more

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Great food... awesome service. Very small little place but so intimate. It can be remodeled a bit as it feel a bit dates and old... but you will love the food read more

No idea why yelp says they're closed on Thursday! Amazing luck for my party though as we had a private seating tonight! Tonight, as with the the other times we've visited, the food and service were among the best we've had in the Bay Area. Add the opportunity to have a casual chat with the chef and staff over the remnants of our sake helped elevate this night to another level. read more

A very decent omakase place located in Alameda. We made reservations about a week or two in advance. To actually get to the restaurant, you actually need to walk up a short flight of stairs since it's on the second floor. The interior is really interesting as if it's a 1 bed/1 bath converted into a restaurant. There's a small living room that you can sit in while you wait and the room/atmosphere in that area is dark but the actual space you sit in is super well lit. It's a mood and I enjoyed it. When your sitting at the chef's counter,there's only 7 seats and they have petitions between you and the chef and even between parties! The food: it's fantastic! The fish is so fresh and delicious. The chef is great and checks in with you as the meal goes on. Each bite is a bit small but in part because you eat 15+ bites. I was so full at the end and I didn't even eat the dessert. The only reason I knock down this place one star is actually the dessert. The flavor just wasn't my cup of tea. It was a mango coconut shiso sorbet. It just wasn't my jam and it led me to have bias as it was the ending of the meal. With that being said, I love this place and definitely will be coming back. Everything else was impeccable - service & food. read more

Utzutzu - A few of the nirigi, a hand roll, uni chawanmushi and squid cucumber salad - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

If I were to have the gift of omakase, I'd go every week. Nina S. and I were on a mini omakase frenzy around May and we decided to hit up the obscure and highly-rated Utzutzu in Alameda. When you arrive, once you see a green awning just go through it and upstairs- you'll find the small intimate space that only seats around 8. Reservations are required. $105/pp for around 8 courses, with a couple of chef freebies. We were seated after nursing some soju and cider in the waiting area. Chef Joji was expertly cutting some delicious pieces of fish and preparing our first courses. We had a fun group - blame it on the a-a-a-a-a alcohol. Sometime during the meal there were some Beyoncé references. Anyway, on to the food- I thoroughly enjoyed the overall meal, highlights were the medium fatty toro, toro handroll, amberjack, - I wish I can remember the rest but trust me- the quality and freshness were on point. There is even an option to order more a la carte pieces if you're still hungry. I was pretty satiated, but who can say no to another toro hand roll? Chef Joji was nice, attentive and humored our inquisitive group. I plan to take my family here sometime- super hungry now! read more

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What a hidden gem in Alameda downtown! The environment in restaurant looks like Yokohama at 1980s. We are impressed by the outstanding meal and sushi selections. $125/ppl including 3 appetizers, 16 pieces nigiri, 2 sides, 1 soup, 1 Tamago, and 1 dessert, which is super valuable for omakase in the Bay Area. Every single bite is very enjoyable! We love it! read more

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I came here because the reviews were phenomenal. And while the experience wasn't bad, it was upstairs, intimate, small, parking was fine, getting the reservation wasn't too bad ... the food itself left something to be desired. Perhaps I'm a bit picky, but when you're paying these prices for the omakase meal, I feel like you have the right. To me, Utzutzu was a bit glorified Amami. Amami is famous for its $39 (now $44?) omakase of 9 or 12 pieces (I can't recall...) however, most of the pieces, I'd say 90% were white fish. A white fish variety. Utzutzu was the same. Except much pricier. Every piece was some kind of white fish, while it was seasonal, there was a distinct lack of variety in the offering, and flavor wise it was a little more plain. I think the craft is good, the experience is unique, but I would not come back based on the offering alone. read more

This is a true experience among experiences. The food and drinks were beyond delicious and carefully handcrafted for each person. Highly highly recommend. read more

What was once just a dream...just a distant memory of sushi heaven in my backyard...is back! As I pay homage to "the dream" (Japanese for dream is "yume"), I hope the ole chef is doing okay after his health concerns. But awakening from the dream is a new reality... Through the darkness now comes "Utzutzu" which in Japanese means "reality"...it is as if owner Chikhara of B-dama and Delage restaurants has paid his respects to the locations ancestors. He now brings a new updated experience on what previously was awesome. Today the sushi goer can now enjoy a blend of yesterday's sushi tradition blended with today's chic. Gone is a wall which now is open as a waiting area overlooking the 8 front row seats to a spectacle unseen in the East Bay until now. The seasonal menu displays the traditional sushi pieces of tender sashimi over warm vinegar rice. Petite bites of heaven! But in between are a couple of unusual offerings. On our outing there was a sushi piece that disguised itself as a uni nigiri but was actually carrot puree inside the walls of crispy nori ("seaweed"). We also had a shishito pepper stuffed with shrimp...trust me. I cannot described adequately what the it looks like. Do not let your mind fill in the gaps. Just come and feel! Another was a sushi of okra. It sounds odd and disingenuous. But I was pleasantly surprised when I devoured it! The waiting at present is long and distinguished. But do-able during mid-week when you will still need a reservation. I take cannot describe the pain staking attention to detail by Chef. But I will give ONE example. As he was making negi-toro hand rolls for each member of our group, he deliberately removed the seaweed sheets from his air tight container only 2 sheets by 2 sheets. Most places would have taken out 8 total sheets of seaweed once and then proceeded to make the te-maki. But here?...NO! To preserve the seaweed's freshness and crisp texture, he exposes them to the environment as little as possible before wrapping them around toro and rice. He then hands it over to your warm grasp for your enjoyment! It IS MY definite highlight of the night because I love negi-toro in any form! This ~2 hour experience is wonderful but NOT cheap. Expect ~$150 per person if you are going to also imbibe any bit of alcohol to accompany your night of indulgent pleasure. So do I recommend this experience? Yes. But save up and be ready. read more

Utzutzu - Old school register! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Omakase that's definitely on the pricier end but definitely worth every cent. It's always wonderful to be able to sit and watch a master at work. read more

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Came here as a birthday celebration and this is definitely one of the coziest omakases I've been to. It's tucked away on the second floor in downtown Alameda and the staff and chef were all so friendly. Dishes were mixed between traditional and non-traditional (e.g. okra) but I appreciated the meticulous thought behind each dish. This chef definitely takes you on a fun creative ride. Dishes were lighter on the front end but I was so stuffed by the end (there were 15 nigiris alone not including the other dishes like the salad or soup). Really loved the cozy and intimate vibe and overall definitely recommend as an omakase in the Bay to try. The price is also comparable (if not more affordable) than others in the SF Bay Area. read more

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One of the most memorable omakase meals I've ever had. The variety of dishes is fantastic because you're not stuck with just nigiri. It's a great balance of flavors and textures. Book your reservations early! They're usually booked 1-2 months in advance. In addition to the omakase, we ordered otoro and it was phenomenal. Since it was my birthday dinner, they gave me extra desserts with a candle! The service is top-notch and the setting is very intimate. I can't wait to come back! Chef's selection: Appetizers: asparagus shiraae + sashimi 1. Olive Flounder 2. Baby amberjack 3. Bluefin tuna 4. Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) 5. Mackerel 6. Kohada (Gizzard Shad) 7. Carrot 8. Grilled yellowtail 9. Baby seabream 10. Seabream 11. Japanese tiger prawn 12. Uni 13. Japanese eggplant 14. Cherry blossom trout 15. Negi toro handroll 16. Tamago 17. Otoro (extra cost) 18. Kinoko miso soup 19. Matcha kuromitsu read more

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Was a wonderful experience with attentive service. The only thing my partner and I didn't like was the Mango dessert. It was inedible. read more

Utzutzu - Mango dessert - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Came here for my birthday and I have to say, I will be coming back! This place offers a set course of omakase for $100+. Most of the selection will be chefs choice or whatever is in season( Their menu changes every month!) This place is in a tiny and intimate location in the 2nd floor of a building in Alameda. They serve 8 people per session and have 2 sessions a day. You need to make reservations 1-2 months in advance!(reservation only place) Now, down to the food...the sushi was fresh and delivered perfectly. Most of the fish were from japan and the Uni was melt in your mouth delicious. The 3 items that stood out to me the most was the Toro, Cherry Blossom Trout, and the Japanese Tiger prawn. At the end of the course, if you are still hungry, you may order more of the sushi, but it will be an additional cost. Besides the chefs selection the course comes with an appetizer, soup, and dessert at the end. Atmsphere: Like I mentioned before, this place only seats 8 per session and most of the time they are groups of 2. We were lucky and able to meet some very friendly couples that were there to enjoy the food and talk to the chef as a group. The chef isn't as strict as some other locations may have their chef to be. He is willing to chat with us and make accommodations to our requests. The service was a 10/10. There is one waitress/hostess there and she was always ready to refill drinks and clear out each person's area after they were done. When she found out it was my birthday she gave me extra ice cream!(bonus) I would definitely recommend giving this place a try if you don't want to drive all the way to SF for Juni and live in the East Bay. read more

Utzutzu - Couldn't take a picture of all the fish, but it was amazing none the less! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

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It is a great place to celebrate special occasions. The food and the service are excellent. We will definitely come back in the future. read more

Utzutzu - Dessert - Sushi Bars Near Me - Alameda, California

Booked through Google Which the restaurant says they don't use. Restaurant turned us away. Then called us a month later to tell us that we had a Resy reservation and charged us $400 for not showing up. Clown shoes read more

I had my eyes on trying this restaurant since I first accidentally found it while looking for "omakase" in East Bay. Reservations are a month out and I couldn't commit with a busy school and work schedule. Fast forward and my friends and I want to reserve all 7 chairs for our party. For parties 3 and up, you're required to call them to reserve instead of easily reserving through their application. They have two seatings each night they're open: 5:30PM and 8:00PM. It was a mission calling for an hour with no pick ups but I finally got the reservations. People are fast, I called first day possible for the date I desired and reservations were already made for the 5:30 seating. The restaurant itself is not obvious. You'll have to find a door with a flight of stairs going up with the numbers 1428 overhead. Up the flight of stairs and you see the restaurant opening at the right. The sushi bar area is a small corner seating the max 7 people. Across from the sushi bar is a little lounge area where we waited while the chef was getting ready for our dinner. Low lighting and good choice of music. Dinner time arrives and we're served some of the best sushi. There was definitely some unique nigiris like the eggplant and okra nigiri, both super delicious. I also don't think I've had sea brim before, and it was super good. We were able to talk with Chef Joji, who is extremely talented and charming. Something about being able to communicate with the chef makes the experience much more relaxing and home-y. He's super detailed with her work and my party and I truly enjoyed our dinner. Come here if you're okay with spending a hefty bill but with a yummy, intimate, sushi experience. Service - 5 / Ambiance - 5 / Food - 5 / Price - 4 read more

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Fills the gaping sushi hole that was left on Park. Love the loungy waiting area they have created. And bless the heavens for reservations! Favorites evening: *housemade tofu, luscious and interesting balanced flavors, fiddlehead was an exotic touch *spring salad, super fresh, nutty textures and the umeboshi vinagrette made me to want to lift the plate up and lick Nigiri favorites: *black sea bream skin - smoky and rich *aji, ginger, scallion perfection *iwashi, melted *chutoro, buttery, more please! *shima aji, subtly sweet *japanese eggplant, beautifully fried Most of the fish is from Japan, with the exception of the Scottish trout. Wasabi and rice ratios were good. The pickled ginger pieces are strong. Nice variety of sakes, but currently there is only one rice beer. Chef Joji and his staff are very warm and hospitable. Good pace to the meal - just under 2 hours. Solid sushi on the island for a special occasion or if you just want to enjoy artistry. read more

Blue fin, Toro are definitely highlights. They are best of all. Others I like are Hokkaido Uni on steamed egg. Uni is fresh and sweet. Canada shrimp? Is also good. Sweet and creamy. Peach jelly dessert in good! Rest I don't have too much impression. Something I don't like. Tamagoyaki, the serve is too much... made me super full... and I don't want that much sweet food. Unagi. It is not chewy, kind of creamy. I kind feel like because it is not fresh... read more

Incredible craft and fresh ingredients and absolute joy. The setting is very intimate and you can chat with the sushi chef and staff to learn more about the food and its sourcing in a way that felt genuine and difficult to come by. The attention to detail in the food and service is impeccable (like imperceptible movement by staff to not distract you from your food or conversation). read more

Another restaurant opened by Chikara Ono. I went to the pre-opening for this place tonight and had an excellent time. There are only seven seats surrounding a sushi bar and you share the experience with the other patrons. Being social is encouraged and definitely adds to the experience. Okimari (prix fixe) option @$100 per person and only two seatings a night (5:30pm and 8:00pm) Sushi was high quality and served with skill. Food from the kitchen was executed well with artful plating. Most importantly, everything was delicious! The staff is friendly and attentive, checking in on each person frequently. Other details: There is a room off to the side that has a couch and a few other seats that serves as a waiting area in case you get there early. Go here if you're looking for high quality food, a social atmosphere, and a unique setting. read more

Amazing food, service and ambiance. The fish were great quality and the experience overall was top notch. read more