Cozy spot with authentic ramen and a lively, family-run vibe. Bar seating and tables create a friendly atmosphere. Black garlic and vegan ramen show real craftsmanship and rich flavors.
Ramen here features detailed craftsmanship with perfect fixings and rich broth. The black garlic and vegan ramen stand out as especially excellent.
"I found the spicy tonkotsu ramen to be phenomenal and deeply savory."
"It's a cozy place with a welcoming vibe."
"I found the ramen broth here to be phenomenal and deeply savory."
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted, and seating is available in a clean alleyway.
Parking can be difficult, so plan to arrive early.
Expect long wait times as Tsuruya gets busy quickly.
Small Japanese spot offers fresh sushi burritos with balanced sauces and authentic rice. Cozy layout and 70s soul music create a relaxed vibe. Friendly, casual atmosphere focuses on local, organic ingredients and quality care.
Sushi burritos here feature extremely fresh ingredients and sushi rice that tastes just like in Japan. Options like the unagi sushi burrito and beef sukiyaki bowl offer balanced flavors with sauces that are not overpowering.
Good to know
Takeout is available, but seating is very limited inside.
You're taking a gamble if you want to dine in due to few tables.
Prices are very reasonable, well below standard Berkeley prices.
Grab fresh sushi with seared nigiri and crunchy rolls under $10. Enjoy a lively spot with cozy window tables perfect for quick bites. Small, tidy space focuses on fast service and affordable quality.
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.
Good to know
This spot is NOT a dine-in restaurant; it's designed for pick-up and go.
The prices at Sun Sun Sushi Shop are affordable, with many options under $10.
You can request any dish on the menu to be made fresh if it's not in the fridge.
Ramen spot serves rich broth with chewy noodles, blending authentic Japanese flavors and a spicy twist. Open, crisp space plays Hawaiian tunes for a calm vibe. Seating fits groups but front seats lack comfort.
Ramen features chewy noodles and a rich, flavorful soup made by boiling bones for hours. The menu includes the Broke Da Mouth ramen and oxtail ramen, offering authentic Japanese flavors with a spicy twist.
Good to know
Reservations are not required, but arriving before 7pm helps avoid long waits.
Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or rideshare options.
Expect some menu items to be sold out, especially during peak hours.
Quaint Japanese spot offers fresh sushi with real grated wasabi and dishes like chirashi don and tempura. Seating varies in a charming atmosphere that feels tucked away. Occasional distractions come from a large screen, but overall it stays quiet and calm.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
Expect some wait times due to the restaurant's smaller size.
There is limited indoor waiting space, so plan to wait outside if necessary.
Dark, traditional izakaya space offers authentic yakitori and a quiet, intimate vibe perfect for dates. An expansive whiskey bar and exceptional sake selection enhance the experience. Fried rice onigiri adds a tasty twist to classic Japanese fare.
Authentic izakaya-style dining shines here with superb yakitori grilled to perfection. The fried rice onigiri also stands out as a tasty option.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.
Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.
You can order at the bar, but seating is not guaranteed without a reservation.
Enjoy authentic udon made from Japanese wheat in a casual, efficient setting with cafeteria-style seating. Fast service and a customizable toppings bar cater to all tastes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Prices stay reasonable in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.
Good to know
Customers need to pay before sitting down, which allows everyone to pay separately.
The place has wheelchair access and is easy to maneuver inside for those with mobility difficulties.
Parking can be difficult because it's mostly street parking nearby.
Hawaiian restaurant offers a laid-back vibe with beachy decor and tropical plants. Crunchy chicken katsu delivers savory Japanese flavor, while teriyaki plates like beef and pork chop are rich and classic. Large portions and varied menu make it a great spot for authentic tastes.
Crunchy chicken katsu stands out with a savory flavor that holds up even without sauce. Rich and flavorful teriyaki plates offer a classic taste, including options like beef and pork chop.
Good to know
The prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes offered.
Expect large portions that are more than enough for one person.
The restaurant maintains a clean environment for dining.
Small space buzzes with Tokyo izakaya decor and lively energy. Grilled meats and smoky yakitori shine alongside rich ramen and okonomiyaki. Communal tables fill with Japanese students, creating an authentic, fun vibe.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.
The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or visit on weekdays.
Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.
Large, airy space with a modern cozy interior and lively, friendly vibe draws a college crowd. Authentic ramen features spicy karaka paste and rich tonkotsu broth for deep umami flavor. Popular pork buns balance quality with bustling energy.
Spicy karaka paste and rich tonkotsu broth create a flavorful ramen with a satisfying kick. Noodles stay supple and the broth offers a heartwarming umami experience.
Good to know
Ippudo is open and serving ramen at 9pm on Christmas Eve.
Parking near Ippudo is difficult due to limited availability and high foot traffic.
The total cost for a meal can be around $40 for one person.
Small local sushi spot offers a quiet atmosphere with pleasant decor and affordable prices. Bento boxes are generous with teriyaki, sashimi, and tempura, served fresh and crispy. Service is fast and friendly, making it a great choice for Japanese food lovers.
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.
Good to know
Prices at Nikko Sushi are affordable for sushi in the area.
The portion sizes and quality offer good value for the price.
The menu is relatively small, limiting choices for diners.
Modern izakaya offers an upscale yet casual vibe with sleek decor and an open kitchen. Enjoy deluxe sashimi featuring fresh seared tuna and toro alongside fusion dishes like chicken katsu. Spacious setting with tall ceilings balances lively music for 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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like New Year's Eve.
Expect to pay around $145 per person for the New Year's Eve prix fixe menu.
Portion sizes are small; plan to order multiple dishes for a full meal.