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Top picks in Berkeley

Japanese seafood

You want a Japanese meal where the quality of the seafood is the primary focus of the experience.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 1
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 2
Sun Sun Sushi Shop image 3
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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.

Fish comes in thick cuts and generous slabs that are very fresh and high quality. Salmon stands out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and large portions on nigiri.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The seafood here is super fresh and generously cut."

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.

02
Tokyo Fish Market image 1
Asian grocery store

Narrow, packed aisles create a cramped, authentic Japanese market feel. Bright, lively energy pulses through the space, especially on weekends. Sashimi-grade seafood and unique Japanese imports draw a steady crowd seeking quality and variety.

Freshness stands out with sushi grade fish and fresh wasabi root from Half Moon Bay. The market offers a wide variety of sashimi, sushi, and Japanese ingredients like Ponzu Sauce and miso, plus authentic bentos and onigiri for quick meals.

Sushi grade fish and wild-caught variety stand out here. Fresh sashimi, poke options, and authentic Japanese seafood products fill the selection.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be incredibly fresh and high-quality."

"The sushi and sashimi here are incredibly fresh and tasty."

"This market has a huge variety of super fresh fish."

Good to know

1

The market closes at 5pm.

2

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a great selection of fresh sashimi and sushi ingredients.

03
Azure Hot Pot image 1
Restaurant

Bright indoor space features wall murals and cute doodles, creating a cozy and lively atmosphere. Music adds to the welcoming vibe, making it a comfortable spot for groups. The environment stays fresh without lingering steam, enhancing the overall experience.

Miso soup stands out with a perfectly balanced and delicious flavor. The sukiyaki broth offers a rich, enjoyable taste that pairs well with the Japanese dishes served.

Fresh seafood stands out with shrimp that is large and well-sized. The authentic spicy seafood sauce adds a flavorful kick and complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"I found the soup here to be really tasty and flavorful."

"The Japanese broths, especially miso and sukiyaki, were delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the shrimp."

Good to know

1

The price is $41.99 per person for all-you-can-eat hot pot.

2

Children under 5 eat free with a paying adult.

3

The restaurant allows 90 minutes maximum for unlimited ordering.

04
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.

Fresh fish arrives cut perfectly with no extra rice padding, especially on the salmon avocado roll. Oysters on a half shell offer a symphony of flavors and textures using fine seafood ingredients throughout.

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."

"I've enjoyed everything I've ordered here; the seafood is delicious."

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.

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.

Fresh fish stands out with every dish. Seafood is prepared perfectly with well balanced ingredients and fair portions.

People are saying

"The sushi here is exceptionally fresh and delicious."

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's excellent."

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
Itani Sushi - Berkeley image 1
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.

Sushi features super fresh fish with a perfect rice to fish ratio. The Yonsei roll stands out with seared hamachi, shrimp tempura, pickled red onions, and black garlic.

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.

07
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.

Freshness stands out with raw fish as a specialty. Dishes like Uni, lobster tail, and sashimi consistently feature fresh, delicious fish.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the seafood here to be so fresh."

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.

08
Kinda Izakaya image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with Tokyo izakaya decor and walls covered in Japanese anime posters creates a lively, jovial atmosphere. Music and energy feel authentic and fun, attracting a popular, crowded vibe often filled with Japanese students at communal tables.

Grilled meats and yakitori with smoky char stand out alongside authentic okonomiyaki and complexly flavored ramen broth. The menu features deep fried dishes, sukiyaki, and tofu, capturing the essence of Japanese izakaya cuisine.

Fresh fish features in the sushi and grilled dishes. The menu includes deep fried food and rolls alongside grilled fish options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is bursting with flavor and delicious."

"I thought the cocktails here were genuinely fantastic."

"The seafood here is fresh, especially the sushi and sashimi."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or visit on weekdays.

3

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

09
Berkeley Bowl West image 1

Supermarket offers narrow aisles that often feel crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends. It features an enormous bulk section, a large deli and hot food area, and a notable mushroom selection unmatched in the region. The atmosphere balances a farmer’s market aesthetic with a busy, energetic vibe.

Onigiri come in many varieties and prices stay reasonable between $2.80 and $5. Sushi, spam musubi, and local Japanese snacks like Hello Kitty ramune and ramen are available for takeout.

Top-notch fish counters offer a huge variety of fresh seafood. The selection includes fresh mushrooms and a wide range of meat and fish options that stand out for their quality and freshness.

People are saying

"I found it to be the best grocery store."

"I was impressed by the array of unique local goods and produce."

"You can find so many exotic fruits and vegetables for Japanese food here."

Good to know

1

Parking at Berkeley Bowl West can be difficult.

2

Expect to find unique items here that you can't find anywhere else locally.

3

The store is known for its extensive variety of fresh produce.

10
Nikko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small local sushi spot offers a quiet atmosphere with pleasant decor and affordable prices. The menu is limited but focused, featuring fresh sashimi and smooth dry sake. Afternoon visits provide comfortable space away from busy surroundings.

Generous bento boxes come with teriyaki, sashimi, tempura, salad, rice, and soup. Miso soup and shrimp tempura rolls stay fresh and crispy. Service is fast and friendly, with affordable prices.

Fresh fish stands out with every dish. Miso soup and double shrimp tempura rolls come freshly prepared and consistent.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is incredibly fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I'm still thinking about it."

Good to know

1

Prices at Nikko Sushi are affordable for sushi in the area.

2

The portion sizes and quality offer good value for the price.

3

The menu is relatively small, limiting choices for diners.

11
Musashi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Quaint, quiet Japanese restaurant with authentic dishes and fresh sushi made to order. Interior offers varied seating areas and a charming atmosphere with occasional distractions from a large screen. The space feels tucked away, creating a calm dining experience despite its central location.

Fresh sushi and sashimi come with real grated wasabi and are made to order. The menu includes chirashi don with gorgeous presentation, ramen, katsu, and transformative tempura like soft shell crab and broccoli.

Fresh fish stands out with generous portions in combos. Seafood Sampler and fish specials offer variety and great taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and beautifully presented."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I thought it was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect some wait times due to the restaurant's smaller size.

3

There is limited indoor waiting space, so plan to wait outside if necessary.

12
Berkeley Bowl Marketplace image 1

Massive grocery store with intimately spaced aisles and a bustling outdoor-market feel offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful, visually stimulating displays. Shoppers encounter a co-op vibe and thoughtful touches throughout, creating a unique and down-to-earth experience. Well-organized sections include a newly remodeled butcher counter and a wide variety of quality products.

Sushi stands out with tasty, fresh options and sashimi that is consistently excellent. California rolls use salmon instead of imitation crab, adding a unique twist.

Freshness stands out with a wide variety of fish and meat options always available. The seafood selection pairs well with an excellent hot food area featuring burritos and a strong meat and fish department.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best grocery store I've ever seen."

"I found so many great dairy-free options, especially the vegan tacos."

"The seafood here is always so fresh and there's a wide variety."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical grocery stores.

3

The market offers a variety of prepared foods and bakery items.

13
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.

Tasting courses feature very fresh fish. Chirashi don offers a large variety of fish, including some uncommon types, with a reasonable rice portion. Menu includes seafood udon, sushi, seafood ramen, and rolls, though the fish-to-rice ratio can be uneven.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the fish in the tasting course."

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.

14
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style seating with a self-service condiment island creates a casual, efficient dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, though sometimes loud and spacious. Many enjoy the customizable toppings bar and authentic udon made from imported Japanese wheat.

Udon noodles come from wheat flown in from Japan, ensuring freshness and authentic taste. Dishes like curry udon and beef udon stand out for their flavor, with options for vegan and vegetarian diets. Service is fast and prices stay reasonable.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy texture and full flavor. The tempura bar offers a variety including tamago and squid, all served in a self-service setting.

People are saying

"The katsu curry rice was a favorite, with tender meat and crispy coating."

"The Japanese food udon noodles were perfectly chewy and delicious."

"The shrimp tempura here is perfectly crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Customers need to pay before sitting down, which allows everyone to pay separately.

2

The place has wheelchair access and is easy to maneuver inside for those with mobility difficulties.

3

Parking can be difficult because it's mostly street parking nearby.

15
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.

Fresh fish stands out in sushi and sashimi dishes with excellent quality and aesthetic presentation. Tempura shrimp offers a delightful taste and is a highlight among seafood options.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi and sashimi here are excellent quality and beautifully made."

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.

16
Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya image 1
Modern izakaya restaurant

Modern izakaya with sleek decor and an open kitchen creates an upscale yet casual atmosphere. The space feels spacious with tall ceilings that balance lively music. Warm and inviting vibe suits a cozy dining experience.

Deluxe sashimi features high-quality seared tuna, toro, kanpachi, kanpachi belly, and sea trout, all fresh and flavorful. The menu blends classic izakaya vibes with a unique fusion of Japanese and seafood dishes like chicken katsu and grilled salmon.

Fish comes directly off the boats, ensuring freshness and high quality. Dishes include a sashimi platter and black cod collars that balance smokey, acid, and fish fats well.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is amazing and melts in your mouth."

"The fish here is so fresh, it's like it came straight off the boat."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the sashimi platter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like New Year's Eve.

2

Expect to pay around $145 per person for the New Year's Eve prix fixe menu.

3

Portion sizes are small; plan to order multiple dishes for a full meal.

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