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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Berkeley's best

Nigiri spots

You expect your nigiri to be prepared with precision and respect for the fish.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Itani Sushi - Berkeley image 1
Itani Sushi - Berkeley image 2
Itani Sushi - Berkeley image 3
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Japanese restaurant

Indoor shared space opens to a sunny garden patio with ample seating and open doors. Atmosphere feels cool and cute, suited for quick, fresh sushi enjoyed on-site or to-go. Sushi preparation happens visibly at the bar, highlighting high-quality ingredients and excellent value for the price.

Fresh fish and a perfect rice to fish ratio make the sushi stand out. The crunchy nori, super fresh fish, and well-plated dishes create a quick, tasty Japanese food experience with great value.

Arctic char and toro nigiri stand out with their rich flavors and fresh texture. The nigiri pairs well in combos, offering a tasty balance alongside maki rolls.

People are saying

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and delicious."

"I picked up their sushi takeout and it was so fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is delicious and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Itani Sushi offers quick, ready-made lunch and dinner options.

2

The prices are reasonable for the quality of sushi provided.

3

To-go service is quick and comparable to a fancy omakase.

02
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 1
Sushi restaurant

Grab-and-go sushi spot with a lively atmosphere and cozy window tables. Fish quality is fresh and high, offering affordable prices that stand out in the area. Small space feels tidy and simple, catering mostly to quick pickups rather than dine-in.

Fresh sushi features seared nigiri that melts in your mouth and crunchy rolls with balanced flavors. Prices stay under $10 for quick, grab-and-go meals, with free gyoza and fried chicken sometimes offered.

Huge fish portions make the nigiri stand out, offering good value. Seared nigiri melts in your mouth, paired with flavorful, crunchy rolls for texture.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I was seriously impressed with the Nigiri here."

Good to know

1

This spot is NOT a dine-in restaurant; it's designed for pick-up and go.

2

The prices at Sun Sun Sushi Shop are affordable, with many options under $10.

3

You can request any dish on the menu to be made fresh if it's not in the fridge.

03
Butterfish Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining space with dimmed lighting and light music creates a cozy, buzzy atmosphere. Tables sit close together in a beautifully designed interior featuring thoughtful Japanese aesthetics. The place fills quickly, making reservations advisable for a lively, intimate experience.

Fresh, vibrant fish shines in every dish with perfectly cut nigiri and sushi rolls. The imported wasabi pickles and real wasabi on top add unique flavors, while the miso cod stands out as a recommended dish.

Otoro and bonitoro nigiri stand out with intentional garnishes that enhance each bite. The chef sometimes serves scorched salmon nigiri prepared uniquely, adding variety to the selection.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I'd ever had."

"The otoro nigiri here is stellar and thoughtfully prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect high prices for sushi, with some rolls costing around $20.

3

The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by using minimal plastic.

04
Kirala image 1
Japanese restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a bright, casual setting with a busy, lively vibe that suits all ages. Fresh sushi and cold sake stand out as signature offerings, served with attention to beautiful presentation. The small space fills quickly, making it a popular spot that often requires waiting.

Fresh fish and top-grade sashimi stand out here. Rolls like the Spider, Dragon, and Rainbow come highly praised, alongside crispy tempura and perfectly cooked Salmon Teriyaki.

Beef and unagi stand out among the nigiri options. White tuna appears as an extra choice. The nigiri pairs well with dishes like cha soba and house sake.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The food here, especially the fish, is so fresh and flavorful."

"The nigiri here is amazing, especially the white tuna."

Good to know

1

Kirala opens at 5:30 PM daily and does not accept reservations.

2

Expect a long wait, especially on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Cash is preferred due to a 4% fee on credit card payments.

05
Asaka Sushi & Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with a cozy modern interior and welcoming atmosphere featuring fresh, high-quality seafood. Music plays a bit loud, creating an energetic vibe. Offers environmentally friendly packaging and a broad menu with inventive rolls.

Sushi features exceptionally fresh fish and real wasabi that enhances flavor. Tempura comes out light and not greasy, while inventive rolls and artful chirashi add variety to the menu.

Freshness stands out with fresh fish and flavorful sashimi. Nigiri comes in decent portions alongside combos and bento boxes.

People are saying

"The sushi here is exceptionally fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The nigiri and sashimi here are so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Asaka uses paper packaging instead of plastic.

2

Prices for sushi are affordable compared to other restaurants in the area.

3

The restaurant is located in a quiet part of town, away from the hustle.

06
Mainichi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy and spacious interior with a casual yet luxurious atmosphere suited for groups and casual dates. The menu is huge with many choices, featuring fresh and authentic sushi praised for quality and generous portions. Free miso soup and orange slices accompany meals, adding a simple but thoughtful touch.

Sushi and sashimi come in generous portions with excellent quality. Meals include free miso soup and often end with cold orange desserts. Bento boxes offer fun and substantial options for dine-in.

Scallops nigiri tastes fresh but most nigiri pieces come out huge and lack quality. Many end up uneaten.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The dinner spots here mean waiting forever for your food."

"The nigiri tasted so fresh, especially the scallops."

Good to know

1

Parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers free miso soup with each meal.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Wednesday evenings.

07
AKEMI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with casual yet sophisticated decor. The space suits intimate dining for friends or couples. An excellent sake selection complements the fresh, innovative sushi and tempura dishes.

Sushi and sashimi feature outstanding fish quality and beautiful presentation. The tempura shrimp stands out for its crispness, and the tonkotsu ramen offers a deep, creamy broth with complex flavors.

Unagi nigiri stands out with its rich flavor. The nigiri selection is somewhat limited but includes interesting variations alongside rolls like spicy tuna and rainbow.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I've never had unagi nigiri this good before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times if the restaurant is over 60% full.

3

The average meal costs around $25, including multiple dishes.

08
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks in a modernized sushi boat setting with a playful vibe. The atmosphere feels casual and fun, appealing especially to young adults with interactive screens and prizes. The space combines Japanese tourist themes with a clean, tech-driven dining experience.

Sushi features unique nigiri with toppings like yuzu, garlic ponzu sauce, miso cream cheese, and Japanese mayo. The wasabi is sharp and fresh, and the sushi quality is high with quick service and a revolving sushi bar setup.

Unique nigiri feature yuzu topping and sauces like garlic ponzu, miso cream cheese, and Japanese mayo. Limited-time special nigiri and rolls have a buttery texture but rice sometimes falls apart and beef nigiri can be cold.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi experience here is really fun."

"The revolving sushi experience here is really fun."

"The nigiri here is so fresh, you can really taste it."

Good to know

1

Using the mobile phone app makes ordering easy for groups.

2

There is no wait line for weekday lunches, making it a good time to visit.

3

Parking in downtown Berkeley can be challenging, especially before 6pm.

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