Kamado Sushi

Kamado Sushi is a moderately upscale Japanese restaurant in Berkeley. 

I came because it was highly recommended by a friend who adores Japanese food and has tried many of the Japanese restaurants in the area, only to note that, although it is a bit expensive, this one stands out. Ultimately, I did not end up disagreeing; the food was top-quality; the environment was extremely pleasant, and the service was fantastic.   

The restaurant embodies relaxation and elegance. It is a small and peaceful restaurant that features comforting instrumental music, big windows overlooking the Berkeley cityscape, and a Japanese aesthetic. You can choose to sit at one of the tables or at the bar, and either way, your dining experience will be amazing.

The menu they bring to your table is extensive, covering many famous Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, sukiyaki, teriyaki, katsu, udon, soba, and more over several pages. They also have a drink menu and an assortment of seasonal items available on their big screen above the bar, which you will see when you enter. Their food reflects their passion for quality and their devotion to giving diners a memorable experience. The menu balances an adherence to Japanese culinary tradition and a devotion to the tastes of their clientele. 

I started my meal with a delicious miso soup that was salty and umami. Despite being a thin, easy to swallow soup, the soup was packed with an intense but not too intense miso flavor. I found it to be warm and comforting, like the environment of the restaurant.

I also tried their sushi, which I had heard by word of mouth was extremely fresh. I ordered a tekka maki and a negi toro maki. As promised, the sushi came with a healthy amount of very fresh fish in the middle. I ate mine slowly, marveling at the artistry that balanced the salty fresh fish taste, the sweet but salty rice, and the simple addition of seaweed to the exterior. The fluffy blanket of rice wrapped around the fresh fish was delightful in particular.

I ordered the yaki udon with beef, which was served hot straight from the kitchen. When my yaki udon came, I took a moment to admire how beautifully it was plated with a bit of pickled ginger in the top corner, a broccoli floret in the bottom corner, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. The beef, noodles, and vegetables came coated in a delicious glaze with a slightly sweet soy sauce flavor. The dish was very flavorful, as the noodles completely absorbed the flavor of the sauce. There was also plenty of meat included in the dish.

Overall, I am very glad to have discovered this wonderful establishment. I hope my readers and friends continue to make great requests like this one!