What a hidden gem! We wanted Sushi and decided to try something close to home. This place was sooo amazing! The food was spectacular. The service was amazing everyone was so nice you felt like family! The ambiance was so relaxing and they all made you feel like they wanted you to be there. Highly recommend read more

Everything we ordered were super delicious. Highly recommend the special chirashi. The Linda roll was also very fresh with plenty of scallops. read more

Yui Marlu - Special Chirashi, super recommend! - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Authentic, delicious Japanese food! There are many "Japanese" restaurants, but there are very few places that are not poor imitations of actual Japanese food. A friend of mine highly recommended this restaurant, so I decided to come here even though the location is out of the way for me. I ordered the chirashi and mixed tempura. The fish tasted fresh and the presentation of the chirashi itself was so pretty! Preparation of the food takes a while, but in my opinion that's to be expected. It's a small restaurant with not many staff. The quality of food is worth the wait. read more

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Came here for the first time. We got there right at closing time. I asked if they can make an exception seeing we drove 25 minutes and it's my son's bday. They allowed our family to sit (we had 6 in our party-4 teens and wife/me). In short, this was one of the best Japanese restaurants we've eaten in several years. Our family eats lots of Japanese food. And I must say this rivaled restaurants in both SF and NYC. We ordered 10 rolls, a bunch of appetizers and several other small items. All our items tasted super fresh--other flavor profiles that come to mind are--clean, crisp, cold, satisfying. I can not believe this place existed not too far from us. If you're craving Japanese food, don't miss out on this hidden jem! You will not be disappointed. Excellent everything! read more

This spot is real local jewel! The service is top notch. The food is so authentic and delicious! My partner and I dine here several times a month. If you want real Japanese food and amazing Sushi check them out. Call ahead and make a reservation as it's an intimate family owned spot. It's the best Japanese food and sushi I've had. read more

Realy good quality sushi and all items I had were great. Make reservations the night before so you can guarantee seats. Small but quaint.

One of the hidden gems for Japanese food. My first experience here was 9 years ago, and that amazing first impression has never left me. The eggplant they have is amazing and the sushi, while simple, is fresh and tasty. I've been back a few times and it certainly never disappoints. read more

Yui Marlu - Eggplant - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Yui Maaru means (in Okinawan dialect) everyone takes care of everyone : ) what a cute meaning. Cute clean family owned Japanese restaurant. This is our first time here and it was a welcoming experience. I liked this restaurant for it's warm hospitality. The waitress/co-owner treated us very well. She was attentive and super friendly~! So welcoming I didn't mind for the food. The food here is generic set of Japanese food, and slightly on the pricer end. For example, Japanese food used to be $12 and I thought $15 was expensive, I guess with inflation and that time has changed so did pricing. I ordered nabe udon and I think it was $20-26? I can't remember but it was in the $20 range. The taste was fine and I felt full after finishing my nabe. You should give it a try if you want to have decent generic Japanese food. The hospitality here is top notch : ) read more

This is the best sushi spot in Northern California. Everything is so fresh and flavorful and the owners are so kind. This place is a true gem. Make a reservation and be patient if food takes awhile. It's a small family owned place and worth the wait. read more

I came here a week or so ago and this was one of the most authentic real Japanese restaurant experiences I've had locally. No, I haven't been to Japan, but it seemed more authentic than Mikuni does or Ninji Sushi in Roseville that's for sure. If you like those Americanized rolls with sauce sprayed all over and deep fried and spicy innards, this is not the place for you. Don't be in a rush, make this your main event of the evening, instead of rushing to make a movie after some sushi rolls. This is definitely not AYCE sushi kinda place. One real Japanese sushi chef here with decades of experience, so no young bucks behind the sushi bar you can try your Spanish here. The wife is the server and speaks English just fine. The inside looks just like a mom and pop Japanese restaurant old school. We ordered goyza to start. They were so delicate, not like Chinese pot stickers at all. My friend had sukiyaki, which seems rare to be served anywhere nowadays. I called one other "Japanese" place and a younger girl answered with some slight Asian accent, and she never even heard of Sukiyaki ...and you work in a Japanese restaurant! Yes, I guess Sukiyaki is old school now. I ordered some sushi nigiri and they were wonderful, so artfully assembled, not some slap together job. The tobiko was fresh and had a nice pop to the eggs. The chef made a special salmon nigiri for me, topped with some exotic fish and ikura eggs. I just let the chef make me whatever he wanted, it was incredible. I'll come back here when I can and know that this is the best I can get in this area. Yeah, there may be better in SF like some place that costs $300 per person, but this is perfect for me. The sukiyaki was wonderful too, with broth seasoned just right with the perfect sweetness level. read more

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This is hands down the best sushi I've ever had in the US... and just as good as the places I've eaten in Japan. The fish is fresh and beautifully presented, and the service is far better than the other sushi restaurants in the area. It's ridiculous to see people give negative reviews on here about waiting a little longer for a table or for food, or not having enough sauce (seriously?) - those people should go to McDonald's. If you appreciate genuine Japanese culinary excellence and hospitality, this place will be your new favorite restaurant. Even if you wait a few extra minutes, it's a lot shorter than a flight to Japan. My wife and I have been here 5 times now and we stopped even considering going to other sushi places. The server/owner is the sweetest lady, always recognizes us, and goes above and beyond to make sure we enjoy our meal. read more

Yui Marlu - Chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Wonderful food. Best Japanese food in Sacramento. My wife and I go every two weeks. Their rolls are delicious and beautiful. Masa is a true artist. This is small restaurant, so don't be in a hurry. read more

Always superb quality, always great service, and always leave totally satisfied! My biggest worry is about when they will retire... this is by far the best Japanese restaurant in sacramento area. Wishing them much health so they can stay open for years to come. read more

Shhh... We found it! Northern California's best sushi. Small quaint restaurant (7 tables!) with great quality, fresh sushi, nice presentation, and very fair prices! We will be back again very soon! read more

Great sushi with great artistry in how it is presented. But must make reservation I order to get a table. I think the limitation is the lack of servers. But in these financial times, they can't be blamed. read more

The sushi was super fresh. The chef and the staff were very nice. The place also has a really nice ambiance.

Best sushi I've had anywhere!! I dream about this sushi!!! Reservations only, but so worth it!!

This is a favorite of my parents, particularly for the beautiful chirashi. This is a cozy, family run restaurant with simple decor and a small menu. That's a good formula for focusing on things you do well! All the dishes were had were nicely prepared and beautifully presented. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. I hope to return the next time I'm in Sacramento! read more

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Such high quality sushi and so affordable! You have to book ahead bc it's a small kitchen. Staff are all very nice. The negihama and agedashi tofu were our favorite. Super flavorful. Definitely best place if you want simple rolls where you can taste the fish. We will definitely be back! read more

Delicious and fresh. Looks from the patrons as to how "I" might have found the place; goes to authenticity. Takes a while to get the food, but you see it fresh-made with pride. Attentive service. Good food. read more

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This place deserves more than 5 stars across the board! I would highly recommend being one of the first customers to dine in when they open for dinner. It's a one man chef, so the later you come in, the longer the wait time will be for your food. Luckily we were the first patrons in and our order was first in line. Other diners coming in after us had to wait up to 1 hour for their food. Some refused to wait and left. With that being said, the food is well worth the wait! The sashimi literally melts in your mouth. Everything is FRESH! The blue fin tuna was ahhhh-may-zing! Might I add that it was $8 for ONE, but nonetheless worth trying. Service here is impeccable; they really treat you like family here. They were very attentive and replenished our drinks often. read more

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Actual, authentic Japanese food. Please be aware of the fact that they are a cash place and have limited hours but if you're looking for an amazing place to have some Japanese food that makes you feel like you're in Japan, this is the place for you! read more

Took my out of town friend for sushi and found this place via Yelp. I am so glad I did. This place is so "hole in the wall" like, and the food is awesome. The decor and the crammed room reminded me of very authentic Japanese eateries. We had gyoza and croquette as appetizers, and the fried croquette is excellent - crunchy outside and creamy inside. We ordered Charlie and Little Italy from their special rolls menu, and Charlie is the clear winner of the two although both were very good and fresh. I think the unagi really brought a deep favor to Charlie. Staff were polite and pleasant. My friend and I both agreed that we'd come back soon without a doubt!! read more

Yui Marlu - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Eureka! I've found the mother lode. Unassuming little Japanese restaurant in a typical suburban corner strip mall. Jasper's and a florist on one side and Adalberto's on the corner. Once inside, there is a small sushi counter on the left and cozy seating throughout. On the smaller side, you really get the authentic vibe here. All the customers - except one table - were speaking Japanese (good sign for a Japanese restaurant in my opinion). Here for lunch, I had the C combo ($10) which included a choice of aji fry or broiled, four pieces of sushi, hiyayakko (cold tofu w/ fresh daikon), rice and hot miso soup. When I lived in Japan, I used to eat aji all the time (Spanish mackerel) and it brought back memories of being in Matsudo. Mom had a different lunch combo for $9, it came with miso, California roll, rice, vegetable tempura and saba (mackerel). In Japanese restaurants, the sushi and tempura are my barometers of authenticity. The tempura was delicate and not oily. I have to admit, I have had fresher sushi (the live fish is diced up in front of you, cruel I know, but tasty), but this was good. Service is authentic and warm. I noticed a few reviews complaining about the slower service, don't come here if you are pressed for time. You're meant to sip the complimentary hot tea, brush up on your Japanese and get your wasabi high on. The bathroom boasts a Toto toilet, which means that the seat is not only heated, but offers the option of a "feminine wash." I wasn't in the mood for that option, maybe after a few shots of sake. read more

5 stars *OISHIIII* An authentic Japanese restaurant. However, if you come here be prepare to wait 40-45 min because there is only one chef. I'm usually a complainer about that, but it's definitely worth the wait! Grilled squid !!! freaking amazing the soy sauce and garlic brought the flavor out, it's probably my favorite dish there. Chirashi - what the freak the chef carved a flower out of a cucumber?!?! and put ahi poke in there with taro chip to dip freaking amazing. The salmon melted in my mouth, it was just the best salmon I ever had. However the rice half of it was perfectedly seasoned with vinegar, while the other half had a little too much maybe just bad mixing? The roll with eel and fried oyster, I really wanted fried oyser and I really wanted a sushi roll, this was the best combo ever. A little on the plain side, but I really loved it. The waitress is really cute she talks in this high pitch kawaii japanese tone. However beware it is COLD inside bring a jacket. This is the only other sushi place I would like to routinely come back to other than Mikuni. read more

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A small, family run restaurant. Excellent authentic Japanese food! Highly recommended! The restaurant is small and open for only a few hours so reservations are a must. read more

This place is legit a gold in the middle of nowhere. The person who makes sushi really puts in his time and creativity into. I've tried omakases before, but never one with each piece before a different explosion of flavor! The best sushi place ever read more

Yui Marlu - Omakase - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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We went for dinner and we were told they didn't have any tables... no mention of a wait time. This was a solid place a few years ago but the service this night has made me never want to return. read more

Best sushi in town, mom and pop place, the service was berry good and friendly the shrimp tempura is delicious, my mixed sashimi very good

My husband and I have made this our go to date night place every other week. Considering we only get 1 date night/week, that's saying a lot, especially since it's a 30 minute drive for us. Everything is exceptional: the quality, the service, the atmosphere, etc. The place is small, so it's best to make reservations, but the care in making beautiful delicious creations while also making you feel at home, is well worth planning ahead. The grilled eggplant is my personal favorite, but we enjoy sharing the special chirashi bowl, agedashi tofu, fair oaks roll, and the takoyaki. read more

Arguably the best Japanese restaurant you will find in Sacramento/Bay area. The fish here is SO fresh and chef Masa has the best knife skills I have seen in over 15 years. His craftsmanship and attention to detail is what truly makes this place special. Please do not come here and expect a quick dining experience like some "chain" sushi establishments, there is only one chef and he truly takes pride in the dishes he puts out and for that reason I have no problem waiting a bit longer understanding that this his form of "art" and each dish is truly a masterpiece. Chef Masa goes to the fish market daily and personally picks out his fresh fish and for the reason the sashimi is to die for and some of the nicest cuts of fish I have ever seen. The server is sweetest woman in the world (wife of Chef Masa) and is a very hard worker she truly makes you feel at home and always has the biggest smile on her face. If you are a fan of authentic Japanese cuisine and appreciate presentation matched with freshness then Yui Marlu is the place for you. I promise you will not be disappointed, everything I have tired on the menu (which is a lot) has been delicious with presentation that amazes me every time! read more

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Hands down best sushi around. Family owned small business. Cozy traditional Japanese setting with skilled sushi chef. Call a day prior for reservations and take out orders. read more

The food was amazing!!! One of the best sushi spots we've been to! The staff is so friendly! We'll definitely be coming back.

I initially learned of Yui Marlu in Sac Mag, which ranked it the best sushi restaurant in Sacramento a few years back. I've been a few times since and really enjoy this restaurant. The fish is super fresh, prices are reasonable, and the owner, Kazumi, is very sweet and attentive. The actual restaurant is no frills, but I actually kinda like the laid back vibes. Don't plan to walk-in though - call a few days before to make a reservation. You'll have to leave a voicemail with you date and time, but they'll call you back to confirm; it's definitely worth it! read more

The raw fish here are super fresh. Would definitely come back for their raw fish options. Knocked off 1 star for the slow service. Took forever to get our food and not only that, the waitress forgot my beer until I reminded her. read more

One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants. Amazing food. Very nice staff, good service. Such a gem of a place. We will be back and hungry for more :) read more

I LOVE Yui Marlu. It's unfortunate that it's so dam hard to actually eat there! WHY, why oh why is the best sushi in this area so freaking hard to eat. I call and the phone is constantly busy. you have to order a to go order a day ahead of time. Half the time they aren't even open when they're supposed to be. It's absolutely infuriating to me. Do better Yui MArlu, or start having crappy food so I don't feel so bad that it's so hard to actually purchase and eat it. read more

A truly amazing Japanese restaurant! By far the best Japanese restaurant and freshest sushi I have had outside of the Bay Area. You can only enjoy the sushi if you reserve a table in advance (I believe it is because they purchase an allotment of fish for that day). Thus, you are rewarded with super fresh fish. I have had the chirashi (photo) each time and have never been disappointed! It is a sushi masterpiece. A definite must stop every time I am in Sac area! read more

Yui Marlu - Chirashi Masterpiece - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Yui Marlu is amazing. A really cute hole in the wall place that serves amazing sushi. I have not found anything I did not like here. Also, the owners (husband and wife) are so nice and welcoming. I loved everything about this place. This is now my go to sushi place. read more

Best fresh sushi in the greater Sacramento area. A little small but full of big hearts.