Intimate Japanese izakaya with cozy atmosphere and refined design featuring heated patio and creative cocktail presentation. Lighting and lively soundtrack create an electric vibe that blends fun with attention to detail. Signature drinks come in animal-shaped mugs, adding a playful touch to the experience.
An excellent selection of sake pairs well with izakaya food. The menu features special bottles and staff show strong knowledge of sake.
Cocktails feature creative presentation with playful elements like a bear-shaped mug and edible purple flowers. They stand out as amazing and a highlight alongside pressed sushi.
Good to know
Reservations are required for dinner service, especially for peak hours.
A 4% service charge is added to all bills for operational costs.
Street parking is the only option available, and it can be difficult to find.
Sleek, minimalist decor creates an intimate and modern setting with well-balanced lighting. Trendy music sets a relaxed, inviting vibe that suits date nights and special celebrations. Signature cocktails feature playful presentations, adding a memorable touch to the experience.
Sake pairings complement the food perfectly, enhancing the dining experience. Staff provide knowledgeable recommendations and offer a great selection of sake alongside cocktails.
Creative cocktails stand out with unique presentations like the “Bubble Bath” with a rubber ducky and the “Cool Cat” old-fashioned. Drinks offer a great selection and impressive flavors.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
The lunch special is $32 and includes multiple courses.
Happy hour runs from 5-8 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Small izakaya-style space offers an authentic Japanese atmosphere with a warm, intimate vibe enhanced by soothing jazz music. Frequented by those seeking top-tier sushi and an unparalleled sake selection, it feels like a neighborhood gem transporting guests to Tokyo.
An amazing selection of sake stands out here, curated by a true expert. The sake list is unparalleled with high-quality, curated options that pair well with the food.
An amazing selection of sake and cocktails stands out here. Drinks like the yuzu drop sake and the Green Lady mix green tea and plum sake for a refreshing, sweet taste without being too much.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially for parties larger than four.
Parking is free and abundant in the plaza.
Expect to spend at least an hour and a half for the omakase experience.
Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.
Dassai 25 sake appears regularly alongside dishes like miso soup and blue crab handroll. The house sake pairs well with cucumber yuzu, offering a refreshing mint finish.
Sake cocktails stand out with their amazing flavor profiles. The Peach Blossom offers a refreshing touch that complements meals well.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.
Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.
Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.
Small space with Japanese minimalist zen-like decor featuring bonsai trees and bamboo accents creates an airy, elegant atmosphere. Loud environment with sound bouncing around makes it feel more like a club-adjacent scene than a quiet dining spot. Unique ceramic dishes and colorful tableware add a tasteful, intentional design touch.
Sake pairings match dishes well with clear explanations of each flavor profile. Servers provide detailed info on every sake tried, making the experience informative and smooth.
Sake cocktails offer a wide variety that pairs well with sushi. Drinks like the Ane-San and the Aimee-Tini with olive caviar bring unique flavors, while the strawberry matcha cocktail adds a surprising twist.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
The Omakase Bar costs $108 per person, excluding drinks.
A la carte options are available for add-ons after the main dishes.
Interior features floral rose wall and cute decor creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere with pleasant music. The vibe suits dates and outings with friends, filled with laughter and good energy. Generous portions and a friendly, efficient staff add to the welcoming feel.
Hot sake serves well with dishes like oysters and salmon Katsu. Both hot sake and green tea come out warm and smooth.
Cocktails come tasty and strong here. The Lychee Cocktail stands out as a notable option.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during peak hours.
Each entree includes miso soup, salad, and small side vegetables.
Portions are large and suitable for sharing.
Small, intimate space blends classic Japanese aesthetic with modern touches and rustic wood decor. Atmosphere stays tranquil and authentic, inviting relaxation with minimalistic design. Offers outdoor dining and a sushi bar, with a back seating area suited for special occasions.
Excellent sake list offers a variety of options. The Shichida bottle stands out as a highly recommended choice. Cocktail and sake selections are consistently strong.
Omakase cocktail features an old fashioned with curry butter. Whiskey sour uses their own lemon cordial. Bartender crafts drinks like those in top Japanese bars.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.
Curbside pick-up and online ordering are available for convenience.
Seating is not wheelchair accessible for parties less than four.
Interior features life-size Samurai warrior sculptures and fashionable, trendy decor with dim, warm lighting creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Lounge music plays softly, enhancing a unique vibe that sets it apart from typical sushi restaurants. Creative cocktails and beautifully presented dishes add to a special dining experience.
A wide selection of sake options is available, with many choices that are excellent and delicious.
Creative cocktails feature ignited rosemary for fragrant smoke and captivating presentation. Bartender NU crafts beautifully balanced drinks with exquisite taste.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.
Brunch service starts at 10am on weekends.
Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.
Japanese restaurant offers a spacious outdoor patio and live music duo that create a chill, classy atmosphere. The space features beautiful decor and a cool vibe with pleasant music, though volume varies. It suits both dates and groups, with fresh sushi and an excellent sake collection.
Warm sake pairs well with fresh fish and bentos here. The sake collection includes good flights and hot options that complement the sushi.
Creative and visually appealing cocktails pair well with sushi. Chanel crafts finest cocktails that match the enjoyable ambiance and DJ music.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM every day.
Late-night happy hour is from 10 PM to 2 AM.
They offer a buy 1 get 1 special starting at 5 PM daily.
Basement sushi bar with intimate omakase seating around a 10-12 person counter offers a speakeasy vibe and open kitchen experience. Atmosphere stays light and friendly, with a cool, killer vibe that feels like a secret culinary world. Guests interact closely with a young, humorous chef while enjoying high-quality, creative sushi and specialty whiskey cocktails.
A great sake selection pairs well with amazing cocktails here. The sake pairing offers a generous portion that suits those who don't drink much.
Whiskey cocktails stand out with unique flavors and careful preparation. Pairings with sake and omakase sushi highlight thoughtful combinations.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at the counter.
The restaurant is located in the basement of a building with no signs.
Parking is easy inside the building, avoiding poor air quality outside.
Japanese-influenced minimalism shapes an intimate dining space with individual table lighting and handcrafted wood chairs designed for comfort. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, inviting guests to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside a thoughtful, multi-course menu.
Kim, the sake sommelier, provides detailed info about each dish. Every plate comes with a masterful sake pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.
A mixologist crafts incredible cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks with care. The whiskey cocktail made with Rittenhouse Rye stands out as phenomenal. Staff offer attentive guidance on the cocktail menu.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for the multi-course dining experience.
The tasting menu starts at $450 for two people.
Matsu offers a vegan course alongside its main menu.
Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese seating with floor chairs and private tatami rooms that require removing shoes, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The space feels inviting and personalized, with sections including sushi bar and washitsu rooms. Energy varies from relaxing to lively, accommodating solo diners and groups alike.
A wide range of sake options pairs well with the menu. The Nihonsakari Yuzu sake stands out as a notable choice. Overall, the sake selection complements the dishes effectively.
Good to know
Reservations are not required, and the wait time is minimal even during busy hours.
Parking can be inconvenient, so plan accordingly.
The restaurant serves both sushi and pasta, which is unusual for a Japanese restaurant.
Japanese restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a curved bar top for cocktail service. The space feels classy and meticulously maintained, blending trendy lighting with engaging energy. Cocktails feature Japanese whiskeys and sake, complementing fresh sushi and unique vegan options.
Sake offerings include Dassai 45 and Brooklyn Kura #14, noted for their clean taste. Staff explain flavor notes and pairing suggestions while serving sake in a beautiful and fun way.
Craft cocktails feature inventive, fresh, and rootsy flavors with a great selection of spirits. The Spicy Ōwa cocktail stands out, served with intentional pouring and skilled hospitality at a curved bar top.
Good to know
Happy hour is available every day, including weekends, from 4-6 PM.
A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills without prior notice.
Credit card payments incur an additional 3% fee.
Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.
Sake drinks here blend subtle flavors with tropical twists like coconut milk and guava. Options like the Sake Pina Colada and Lychee Colada offer smooth, fragrant tastes that stand out.
Cocktails feature real fruit flavors like lychee and guava, avoiding artificial syrup. Staff are attentive and can create custom drinks on request.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.
Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.
Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.
Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful space with calm, peaceful vibe suited for intimate dining. Loud 90s music and low lighting create a lively yet dim atmosphere. Bar seating provides views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes stand out alongside interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey.
An extensive selection of sake lets you taste a few before choosing. You can pick your own glass, and the staff sometimes offer sake shots for celebrations.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.
Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.
Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.
Ramen restaurant with anime and tropical-themed decor creates a fun, lively atmosphere featuring staff in costumes and a Pikachu mascot. Bright, colorful interior includes pink velvet chairs and detailed jungle decorations. The place draws a crowd, offering unique cocktails and kid-friendly amenities.
Sake offerings include a Sailor Moon sake flight that is both delicious and visually charming. The menu also features sparkling sake and highballs served with random Pokémon cards for a playful touch.
Creative cocktails come with colorful anime projections that add to a super fun vibe. The Noka Ranger blends passion fruit, orgeat, lime, and shichi umami salt for a refreshing, Instagram-worthy drink.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.
Happy hour runs from 5-6 PM, Monday to Friday, with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Parking is available in the nearby Jack London parking garage.
Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.
Drinks focus on sake-based cocktails with options like the Lychee Llama and mango sake. The sake marg offers a smooth, refreshing taste, and only one beer, Sapporo, is available.
Cocktails include a Yuzu Mojito with a sharp bite and a Lychee Llama made with sake that is smooth and refreshing. Staff provide detailed descriptions to help choose drinks.
Good to know
Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.
Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.
Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.
Record-themed cafe blends eclectic modern and retro decor with vinyl records and a listening booth. Atmosphere is laidback and vibey, with live DJs on weekends and space suited for studying or casual conversation.
Sake comes with a flight option paired with small snacks. The drink menu includes beer, wine, sake, and some mixed cocktails but not a full bar.
Cocktails lean sweet with good flavors and mild strength. Options include coffee, beer, and soju cocktails alongside mixed drinks like Nice Melon and Mangolificent.
Good to know
Game night occurs every Monday, attracting many attendees for a fun evening.
The venue hosts various entertainment events on select nights, check the schedule.
There are plenty of seating options available during midweek days.
Japanese restaurant offers an absolutely beautiful interior with a cool, family and romantic vibe. Chill club-style music featuring Martin Denny and jazz creates a unique atmosphere. Quality utensils and fresh ingredients complement the immaculate food and drinks.
Premium sake stands out with options like strawberry nigori and Ozeki Jelly Sparkling Sake that offer fun, unique flavors. A solid selection of alcoholic beverages complements the food well for pairing.
Creative cocktails stand out with pretty and aesthetic presentation. Drinks like the Never Lose Your Smile offer a delicious and light taste perfect for warm days.
Good to know
A lunch special may be offered soon, so check back for details.
The restaurant has a unique menu with vegan options available.
Expect slower service during peak hours if you're in a hurry.
Smallish dining area features warm lighting and real candles, creating a cozy and chic atmosphere. Music plays softly to enhance the experience without overwhelming conversation. The vibe suits intimate gatherings and date nights, balancing lively energy with a welcoming feel.
A limited drink menu includes one shochu cocktail, beer, wine, and sake. Options feature sake, shochu, and soju alongside wine.
A shochu cocktail stands out as the main drink option, offering a refreshing and well balanced taste. The menu also includes beer, wine, and sake, but overall the selection is limited.
Good to know
Reservations are encouraged to secure a spot, especially during peak hours.
Parking is available around the neighborhood, but it may be limited.
The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by Chinese diaspora cuisine in Malaysia.
Modern ramen shop combines stylish decor with traditional Japanese elements and offers live music alongside handmade noodles and a curated sake list. Atmosphere balances relaxed comfort with upscale energy, featuring terrace, bar, and table seating. Crowd enjoys a mix of ramen, cocktails, and Japanese nibbles in a space that feels like a modern izakaya.
A wide sake selection stands out here, with options that pair well with meals. Staff offer samples and help navigate choices, making it easy to find something enjoyable.
Japanese 75 and strawberry highball stand out as memorable cocktails. The bar offers a solid mix of classic cocktails, natural wines, sakes, and beer alongside a modern ramen setting.
Good to know
Jazz Night occurs every Wednesday at 8pm with no cover charge.
Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on busy nights.
Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find a spot.
Open kitchen with direct chef views creates an intimate and rustic yet sublime atmosphere. Spacious interior blends warm, charming decor with a versatile back patio featuring heated lamps. Energy stays calm and serene, attracting diners who appreciate creative, inspired menus and thoughtful wine pairings.
Sake pairs with a variety of dishes like rock cod, arepa, and coconut rice ball. It complements flavors alongside coffee reduction and Franconia wine in creative beverage pairings.
Cocktails feature fun beverage pairings including wine and sake. Drinks stand out for their really great quality and amazing flavors.
Good to know
Reservations are required as tables are often fully booked until late evening.
The tasting menu costs $200 per person, excluding tip.
A vegetarian menu is available if requested in advance.
Tiny sushi bar with about a dozen seats creates an intimate dining experience focused on excellent sushi and unique handrolls. Dim lighting and loud atmosphere make it lively yet low key, attracting those who appreciate authentic, sleek design and craft cocktails.
Carafe of Sake served even during wait times with kind, welcoming service. Sake pairs well with sushi and comes with occasional extras on the house.
Cocktails feature unique flavors like matcha martini and ube horchata. Bartenders Brody and Brady craft thoughtfully made drinks that feel worth the price.
Good to know
Iki Nori does not accept reservations and seating is very limited.
Parking in the building is available for 1 hour free with validation.
Expect to join a waiting list during peak hours.
Triple-storefront restaurant offers modern indoor-outdoor design with a lush garden room and intimate lighting that creates a calm, romantic vibe. Music ranges from live performances to smooth background tunes, supporting easy conversation. Seating includes larger booths and bar areas, making it suitable for both date nights and group dinners.
Sweet and delightful flavors define the sake here. Service includes some snarky remarks about orders, including comments on hot sake.
Cocktails feature thoughtful presentation and well-balanced flavors. Options include classics like old fashioned and margarita.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.
Valet parking is available for $10, as street parking is limited.
Dogs are allowed on the patio area.
Minimalist Japanese design shapes a chic, peaceful space with volcanic rock accents and outdoor seating warmed by heat lamps. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, suitable for conversation rather than traditional omakase formality. High-quality Asian-inspired cocktails complement the refined setting.
Staff offer small tastings and sometimes free glasses of sake to make amends for service issues. The sake served is often described as excellent and generous in portion.
Cocktails stand out for their high quality and well balanced flavors. Options like the Yuzu Margarita and Son of Kyushu offer unique and strong tastes.
Good to know
Parking is street only and very limited.
Valet parking costs $13.
Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.
Small bar with 12 seats offers an intimate, stylish atmosphere featuring samurai movies and EDM music. The vibe blends chill energy with a unique Tokyo-inspired feel. Limited seating creates a cozy, connected space often busy enough to require waiting.
Sake options come with great recommendations and pair well with meals. The selection suits sharing and tasting different varieties during a date.
Bright and creamy pina colada stands out with its balanced sweetness and light texture. Cocktails overall are surprisingly yummy and the menu keeps it simple with a few light options.
Good to know
Reservations are required to sit at the main tables.
Expect a 30-40 minute wait for a table on weekend nights.
The restaurant has limited seating, accommodating only 13 guests.
Modern izakaya style with wooden accents and soft lantern lighting creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere suited for small groups and dates. Seating is nicely spaced to allow easy conversation without disturbance. Energy varies from calm to lively during larger gatherings.
Sake pairs well with skewers and dishes like sashimi and chawanmushi. Options include a Matcha Yuzu Amazake with a mild taste and other excellent sake choices.
Drinks here are refreshing and fun, with cocktails that bring interesting flavors. The yuzu shochu cocktail stands out as a great choice.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Parking is very limited, with scarce street parking available nearby.
Expect to pay high prices for food, which some may find overpriced.
Sushi restaurant offers intimate seating with bright, pleasant atmosphere suited for quiet dinners. Hand rolls feature fresh, generous portions with unique flavors like Black Cod and Truffle Butter. The space feels understated and comfortable, balancing simplicity with quality.
Sake comes in a large jar without a label and is served alongside other drinks like beer. The original bottle is a huge container, making the presentation unique.
Cocktails include a mescal drink, peachy lychee, and a non-alcoholic peach option.** Options cover different budget ranges with a full liquor license. Drinks sometimes arrive after food.
Good to know
The price to adequately feed one person is around $50.
Expect a 10-minute wait during busy times like Friday nights.
Lunch sets offer good value at $20 or $27 depending on selections.
Wall-to-wall glass windows and modern aesthetic decor create a clean, inviting space. Background music sets a pleasant, lively vibe where chefs perform with fire cooking shows near the entrance. Guests enjoy Japanese BBQ and sushi with standout dishes like wagyu and yellowtail sushi.
A wide selection of sakes includes a cold sake from a Berkeley factory that pairs well with sashimi. The menu also features a well curated cocktail list alongside the sake options.
Craft cocktails stand out with a well curated menu and creative mixes. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM offering $2 off cocktails and discounts on select dishes.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with $2 off cocktails and discounts on selected dishes.
They offer an all-you-can-eat brunch option.
Meal options for two people start around $25+ with several dishes.
Space combines Japanese aesthetics with California relaxed vibe featuring glass walls and an outdoor patio with heaters. Atmosphere is lively and vibrant, often loud with music that suits party and date night moods. Seating is tight, with tables close together, creating a bustling environment.
An impressive sake selection complements appetizers and main dishes. The bartender offers food and sake pairings that enhance the experience.
An impressive drink selection features craft cocktails, sake, California wines, craft beers, and whiskeys. The Fusion cocktail is available at happy hour prices even without sitting at the bar.
Good to know
Happy hour runs until 6 pm with great prices on drinks.
Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
Valet parking is available for $13, but can get busy.