Japanese Food

My Top Japanese Food Choices in the Bay


Mastuyama Shabu House (Japantown, SF: My most enjoyable overall dining experience) 








Matsuyama Shabu House is a hidden gem that specializes in shabu shabu, the Japanese traditional hot pot dish and is a highlight of Japantown SF. The eating experience where they cook the food in front of you is worth trying, and the food tastes incredible! They even have specials that make it affordable to eat here. The service at this unique restaurant is great.


Kamado Sushi (Berkeley: The swankiest but also possibly the best quality on this list)








Kamado Sushi moderately upscale and completely delicious choice that serves a variety of yummy Japanese dishes in Berkeley! Authenticity meets quality in this quiet but impressive restaurant. The prices are a bit higher here, but they are completely justified. The eating area is very elegant, quiet, and welcoming, and the service is fantastic. 

Moshi Moshi (Dogpatch, SF: A personal favorite with great service that has me coming back a lot)

Moshi Moshi
Moshi Moshi has a large menu full of yummy Japanese favorites, including sushi, sashimi, katsu, tempura, teriyaki, and udon. It is located in the Dogpatch neighborhood of Berkeley, where it brings its unique blend of traditional and modern sushi rolls to the neighborhood. With many mid-range prices, this is one of my personal favorites! They even have nice touches like great rice and miso soup, and the eating area is quiet and beautifully decorated for a very tasteful dining experience. 
 
Kui Shin Bo (Japantown, SF: Most variety and one of the most affordable)
California roll, wakame udon, and miso soup from Kui Shin Bo
Kui Shin Bo is a small and inexpensive restaurant with a lot of cheap but very good Japanese dishes to choose from in Japantown in San Francisco. It's a little-known secret kept by the select few who like to come back for the modern Japanese menu. They have a wide menu of traditional and modern items, including sushi, udon, okonomiyaki, and sushi burritos. Nothing on the menu will make you break your bank, however.

Nijiya Market (Best Japanese supermarket chain in Bay Area)
Gyudon (beef bowl) from Nijiya Market


Nijiya market is not just any supermarket. It's a supermarket devoted to Japanese products that feature some of the best ingredients for cooking Japanese cuisine, and it's available in several locations across the Bay Area. Prices here vary, but they are totally reasonable. They have a small counter where they offer made-to-order options like the gyudon (pictured above).

Best sushi 
 
Sumo Roll (Berkeley: Affordable with a great ambiance)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sumo Roll in Berkeley is a comfortable place where you can taste delicious Japanese and Japanese-inspired cuisine for great prices. The chefs pay attention to detail, and the restaurant itself is beautiful.
 
 
Manpuku (Berkeley: Unique because it's easy, fast, and affordable)
An assortment of maki sushi and miso soup from Manpuku
Manpuku is a small Japanese restaurant with a big menu and low prices that serves many different delicious Japanese dishes in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. You'll never believe how low the prices are given the quality!

MJ Sushi (Palo Alto: Best quality) 
Sake maki, tekka maki, negihama maki

MJ Sushi is a sleek modern restaurant devoted to classic and specialty sushi rolls in downtown Palo Alto. Fresh and expertly crafted, these rolls will satisfy your sushi craving! Prices are moderate, and quality is high.

Kura (Bay Area chain with a spot in Berkeley: Most modern aesthetic)
Negitoro

Kura is a "guru guru" or revolving sushi bar with a great selection in downtown Berkeley. Here you can order fresh or select from the enticing options on the conveyor belt. Because each plate is sold separately, you can decide easily how much you want to spend (assuming you have self control, of course).

Kansai (Oakland: a favorite because it's lively, popular, friendly, and cheap) 

sushi from Kansai

Kansai is a sit-down restaurant in Oakland where you can order a number of classic and specialty rolls as well as their take on many other Japanese dishes, one that always hits the spot and has a special happy hour sale. We are always coming back for more because the prices are great, especially at happy hour!


Sushi Arashi (Downtown Mountain View: Best quality in area)

Bento box with tonkatsu, teriyaki beef, gyoza, California roll, rice, and salad

Sushi Arashi is a high quality restaurant in Mountain View with very fresh sushi and sashimi. It has traditional, savory, and umami vibes. I'd say the prices are moderate, but the food is great! (Start your meal with their miso soup; you won't regret it!)

Araki Sushi (Downtown Palo Alto: Cutest and most affordable in area)
















This is downtown Palo Alto's go-to for affordable Japanese comfort food. Made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes and with a cozy interior, it's a lovely place to enjoy a reasonably priced meal.
 
Best noodles
 
Tsuruya (Downtown Berkeley: BEST RAMEN) 
 
Ramen from Tsuruya

Tsuruya is a  downtown Berkeley restaurant whose simple menu has some of the best ramen in the area! It's a real hidden gem with very reasonable prices! I would rank it as the best place to get ramen that I have tried in the area.


Marugame (Downtown Palo Alto/Berkeley: Best udon/gyudon) 
 
Gyudon and Gyoza
 
Marugame is a Japanese place where you can customize your udon or rice bowl! They have multiple locations in the Bay Area, and they deliver a consistently satisfying product for a low price.

Best rice triangles

Onigilly (Downtown Palo Alto: real value for money)
Spicy miso beef
Onigilly is like fast food, but for onigiri, the small and triangular Japanese treats! Stop by one of the Bay Area locations for an inexpensive and fast small, savory treat!

Oori Rice Triangles (Downtown Berkeley: Fastest)

Grilled salmon rice triangle

Oori Rice Triangles is a small stand selling a variety of different onigiri (triangular stuffed rice balls popular in Japan and Korea) with locations across the Bay Area. Small but packed with flavor, the rice triangles never disappoint.


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