Best Japanese Restaurants in El Cerrito

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Akemi Berkeley

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 10 times today

Opened in February 2015, AKEMI is the latest incarnation of miyuki on 1695 Solano Avenue in North Berkeley (Albany border) in the San Francisco Bay Area.Along with a revamped interior and exterior that includes salvaged wood and upgraded kitchen equipment, AKEMI features an updated menu spotlighting fresh ingredients and well-crafted flavors while retaining customer classics such as our sushi rolls. AKEMI is the new name we bestow upon the beauty that is good food with good people in a good place.For outdoor reservations please call the restaurant.

A photo of Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley restaurant

2. Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley

4.3

Awesome(408)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 35 times today

Hana Japan Steak & Seafood in Berkeley is a gem of Hibachi cuisine, renowned for its delightful blend of entertainment and culinary excellence. Since 1979, this establishment has captivated locals and visitors alike with its teppanyaki-style grill mastery. Diners rave about the "delicious food and great atmosphere," with special mentions of the Hibachi Salmon and New York Steak. The chefs not only cook but perform, making each meal a memorable event. Guests consistently praise the engaging chefs for their "great personality" and "entertaining show," ensuring a unique dining experience every time. Whether it's a birthday or a casual dinner, Hana Japan guarantees an exceptional Hibachi experience, complete with a scenic view of the bay.

A photo of Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya restaurant

3. Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

4.4

Awesome(21)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 7 times today

Dive into the heart of Berkeley at Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya, a gem that's not just a restaurant but a celebration of seafood. This Michelin-recommended haven is praised for its "super fresh" seafood dishes like the fried oysters and miso cod, which one diner raved is "like the fishermen bring the fish directly off the boats." With accolades from the San Francisco Chronicle and Eater SF, it's no surprise that guests are consistently impressed, describing their dining experience as one filled with "excellent service" and "perfectly prepared" meals. Whether you're sampling the sashimi or indulging in the sous vide egg, Fish & Bird delivers an authentic Japanese culinary adventure with every dish artistically presented and bursting with flavors. A visit here is a must for seafood lovers seeking an exceptional meal in a cozy yet sophisticated setting.

A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

4. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2245)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 40 times today

Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.

5. Yoshi's Oakland

4.7

Exceptional(8243)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Oakland

Booked 61 times today

Yoshi's has served Japan's best traditional dishes to Bay Area patrons since 1972. The menu highlights artfully arranged sushi, fresh grilled seafood, classic Japanese dishes, and vegetarian fare. Patrons can kick off their shoes in the traditional Japanese tatami seating or dine at tables. Expert sushi chefs create sushi and sashimi to order either in the restaurant or in the jazz house. Start the evening in the cocktail lounge before dinner or have a nightcap after taking in a show in the jazz house.

A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant

6. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.4

Awesome(1378)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, Pabu Izakaya is a gem for aficionados of authentic Izakaya cuisine. Founded by the acclaimed Chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, and now helmed by Chef Keita Tominaga, Pabu delights diners with a modern twist on traditional Izakaya-style dining. The restaurant is renowned for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats from the robata," with seafood flown in daily from Japan's prestigious Toyosu Market and a "signature selection of A5 Japanese Wagyu" that is simply unmatched. Customers rave about their experiences, describing the sushi and sashimi as "some of the best we’ve ever had in SF" and praising the "phenomenal" pear bourbon drink. With its vibrant ambiance and impeccable service, Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers a dining experience that is both "impressive" and "consistently enjoyable," making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant

7. Ozumo - San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(3397)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 27 times today

At Ozumo in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District / Embarcadero area, sushi lovers find an exceptional haven for authentic Japanese cuisine. Established in 2001, Ozumo has been setting the standard with its fusion of sushi and robata cooking. Under the expert guidance of Chef Yukinori Yamamoto, Ozumo offers an unforgettable dining experience. Reviewers rave about the sushi's unmatched quality, with one noting it as "the best sushi we have ever tasted!" Another highlights the "fatty tuna nigiri" for its "remarkable freshness and deliciousness." Ozumo's commitment to quality is further emphasized by its curated selection of top-tier sake, ensuring each bite is complemented perfectly. For those seeking the pinnacle of sushi excellence, Ozumo is a must-visit destination in San Francisco.

8. KUSAKABE

4.9

Exceptional(401)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 1 time today

Discover the pinnacle of Kyoto-style dining at KUSAKABE in San Francisco's Financial District, where the art of kaiseki meets seasonal creativity. Kyoto-born Chef Mitsunori Kusakabe, a winner of the Creative Sushi Award from the National Sushi Society, masterfully blends tradition with innovation. Diners rave about the "unforgettable" omakase experience, highlighting dishes like "the best nigiri we’ve ever tasted" and praising the ambiance for its elegance. Each course at KUSAKABE is a testament to the chef's expertise, promising not just a meal, but a culturally immersive experience that honors Kyoto's rich culinary heritage. Whether it's the petite omakase or the full kaiseki, KUSAKABE delivers an exceptional journey through the finest Japanese flavors.

9. Noka Ramen

4.7

Exceptional(153)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Oakland

Booked 15 times today

Noka Ramen in Oakland is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese Ramen that captures both the palate and the heart. Specializing in “Hakata” Tonkotsu style, the restaurant offers a rich and creamy pork broth paired with homemade artisan noodles that are smooth, firm, and bouncy – a true testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity. Customers rave about the "amazingly good ramen" and the "super high quality soup," which together provide a golden dining experience. The ambiance is equally praised, creating a playful and inviting atmosphere. Whether it's the spicy miso or the black garlic tonkatsu, every bowl is a delightful adventure. As one enthusiast puts it, Noka Ramen is "definitely one of the best ramen spots in Oakland," where the food is not only delicious but also served with exceptional warmth and speed.

10. Shirasoni

4.3

Awesome(557)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Alameda

Booked 23 times today

Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant in Alameda provides an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its fresh ingredients and delightful Teppanyaki dinner shows, Shirasoni offers both entertainment and culinary excellence. Guests consistently rave about the quality, with one noting, "Absolutely love this place! Service was great and the food is amazing!" The restaurant's engaging chefs, like the praised Chef Memo, add a personal touch that enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the perfectly prepared sushi or the entertaining cooking performances, Shirasoni stands out as a top destination for genuine Japanese fare in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Autumn
Columbus •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing! Sitting at the chef’s table is a must! All the workers were friendly, amazing, and very personable! Food was spectacular! A definite SF must!
More info
Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
•
4.8
G
Ginger
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A large busy open dining experience before a show is a great way to start the evening. Staff is very friendly & helpful. The menu is sparse but the fish/sushi is fresh but expensive. But you can have a quick bite instead of an entire meal. After dining you line up to find your seat. I like the smaller venue, not a bad seat in the theater, as opposed to thousands of people. I recommend Yoshi’s for a fun night out in Oakland. Take the ferry, drive and park in the huge parking garage next door to Yoshi’s. The Average White Band brought back many memories and continued rocking out the crowd with their soulful band.
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Yoshi's OaklandPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Oakland
•
4.7
R
Robert
California Central Coast •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
One of my favorite Hibachi restaurants. Very affordable. Atmosphere is great, and food is great!
More info
Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - BerkeleyPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Berkeley
•
4.3
D
Denise
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We live Fush & Bird! In all of the East Bay it is probably the most authentic Japanese food that one can find. The sashimi is very fresh. The temporary light and the tofu is phenomenal. I always look forward to returning to this wonderful restaurant!
More info
Fish & Bird Sousaku IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• Berkeley
•
4.4
A
Antonella
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 Aug 2024
Great food and service! Glad to have Akemi in the neighborhood!
More info
Akemi BerkeleyPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Berkeley
•
4.4

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El Cerrito

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Best Japanese Restaurants in El Cerrito

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Akemi Berkeley

2. Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley

3. Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

4. Roka Akor - San Francisco

5. Yoshi's Oakland

6. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

7. Ozumo - San Francisco

8. KUSAKABE

9. Noka Ramen

10. Shirasoni

See what locals rave about

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