Exploring the Bay Area

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 drin...

Manpuku Manpuku is a delightful, small restaurant located on the corner of Ashby and College Avenue in the Elmwood region of Berkeley, dedicated to serving affordable and delicious Japanese cuisine. The extensive menu is filled with classic Japanese favorites, each served at a very reasonable price. When you arrive, you have a chance to examine this menu, which has a large variety of different types of sushi, sashimi, curry rice, ramen, and udon, among other popular Japanese appetizers and entrees (they have bento boxes, or the meals can be ordered a la carte). Then, you can place your order and pay at the register. Once you have done this, you may take a seat in their small restaurant, and they will bring your food to you. Either that, or you can select a ready-made meal out of their cooler or their food warmer and take it to a table inside the restaurant to eat. There is also the option of takeout. Despite the low prices, this restaurant consistently provides a top-quality eating exp...

Sushi Arashi  Sushi Arashi is one of downtown Mountain View's best restaurants. It serves a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi and sashimi. I like to start my meal with some of their warm and savory miso soup. It's very inexpensive but very satisfying.   Ordering the sushi or sashimi is a safe bet here. You can trust this restaurant will have fresh and yummy fish every time. They also have quite a few vegetarian rolls. Whether you prefer nigiri, makimono, or sashimi, you will be delighted by the number of options offered. The sushi and sashimi are served with their slightly spicy wasabi, quality pickled ginger, and umami soy sauce.  I have also sampled their udon and found it more than satisfactory. The thick, doughy noodles went perfectly with the thin and salty soup they were swimming in. The meat and vegetables balanced each other out perfectly in the udon dish that I sampled. Not to be ignored are their teriyaki dishes. The teriyaki glaze/sauce they use...

 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Walking into Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is like a small trip to Japan. When you walk in, you will be greeted "irasshaimase" by a welcoming staff. The restaurant is brightly lit and immaculately clean. The restaurant has two conveyor belts: one that revolves around the restaurant and one that brings food directly to your table. The revolving conveyor belt carrying a line-up of delicious options through the restaurant offers a fun and family-friendly dining experience that is rarely seen in these parts (revolving sushi bars are more common in Japan). Each table or seat along the bar is equipped with a high-tech touchscreen menu that allows you order what you would like, including items not offered on the main conveyor belt, and the second conveyor belt that brings whatever you order on the touchscreen (which is a feature that I believe to be more or less unique to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar). Every little detail is thought of and made cute. When you first ...