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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in El Cerrito

Japanese food

The precision and variety of Japanese cuisine offer a welcome change of pace.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated May 2026
01
Nori Roll image 1
Nori Roll image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Small takeout sushi shop offers fresh sushi and quality rice at fair prices. Friendly, family-owned service creates a welcoming vibe. Efficient, unassuming atmosphere focuses on quick service and great value.

Freshness stands out with consistently fresh sushi and quality rice. The menu features top notch rolls and nigiri at fair prices, backed by friendly, family-owned service.

People are saying

"The takeout sushi here is top-notch, with really fresh, delicious fish."

"You have to try the salmon collars; they're a great value."

"I found the Japanese food here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Nori Roll is primarily a takeout restaurant with a small dine-in table.

2

There was no seating available at Nori Roll.

3

The restaurant is incredibly popular in the evenings during dinner time.

02
Sushi Sho image 1
Japanese restaurant

Tiny space with intimate seating offers a light, jovial vibe. Chef crafts exquisite sushi using traditional methods, focusing on fresh, low-carb nigiri. Only six diners enjoy a single, unrushed service each evening.

Omakase features low-carb nigiri that highlights the fish's flavor with incredible freshness and careful presentation. The setting is intimate, seating only six diners, with a chef deeply passionate about sushi craft.

People are saying

"Chef Aki-san makes Japanese food entertaining and educational."

"Chef Aki-san explains each food item, enhancing the experience."

Good to know

1

Getting a reservation at Sushi Sho is challenging and should be done well in advance.

2

The restaurant is open only on Fridays and Saturdays starting in June.

3

There is only one service per evening, ensuring a relaxed dining experience.

03
Yaoya-San image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small, family-run store offers fresh sashimi and a wide range of ponzu sauces for Japanese food lovers. Shelves hold authentic ingredients and snacks with a mom and pop feel and less cramped space. Known for traditional seasonings and unique specialty items.

Fresh sashimi and sushi ingredients stand out here. A wide variety of ponzu-type soy sauces and many kinds of wasabi peas complement the selection. Natto, udon, and poke bowl ingredients are also available.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a great selection of traditional ingredients."

"This Local Spot has a huge selection of Japanese and Korean specialty products."

"I always find great Japanese food ingredients here."

Good to know

1

They offer a wide selection of authentic Japanese and Asian condiments.

2

The store has a great variety of fresh produce and specialty items.

3

Yaoya-San has a good selection of frozen foods and prepared meals.

04
Sushi Matsu image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot shines with fresh fish and skilled chefs. Enjoy live jazz on weekends in a calm, welcoming space. Menu offers bento boxes and tasty udon, perfect for lovers of authentic Japanese food and relaxed vibes.

Fresh, high-quality sushi stands out with incredibly fresh fish and skilled sushi chefs. The menu includes a large selection of appetizers and bento boxes, plus delicious udon and soba options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, well-balanced, and beautifully prepared."

"The Sushi here is amazing, and the staff are so friendly."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available most of the week after 5 p.m.

2

Prices for sushi rolls range from $12 to $14.

3

The total bill for five rolls and one nigiri is around $80.

05
Waikiki Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot serves chicken katsu with a rich sauce and hearty loco moco. Simple decor keeps focus on comfort food with large portions. Prices stay reasonable for tasty Hawaiian and Japanese dishes.

Chicken Katsu stands out with a flavorful sauce. Other notable dishes include Spam Musubi and Teriyaki steak. The menu also features the Moco Loco and chicken teriyaki.

People are saying

"The chicken katsu here is beautifully crispy."

"I thought the Hawaiian BBQ dishes were above average and flavorful."

"I loved their macaroni salad; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

The meal costs less than $15 and offers large portions.

2

Parking is available in a lot inside the block, making it convenient.

3

They offer both half and full orders, with the full including 2 patties and 2 eggs.

06
Kyoto Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot serves rich broth with unique chicken and vegetarian options featuring fresh vegetables and soft tofu. Casual, clean space suits quick meals with generous portions. Friendly vibe and practical for takeout or delivery make it a solid choice for Japanese food lovers.

Ramen here features rich broth served separately to keep it fresh, with options like black garlic, seafood, and a rare chicken base. Vegetarian ramen includes fresh vegetables and soft tofu with a savory broth that rivals pork-based ones.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is fresh and delicious."

"The ramen here is rich, fresh, and satisfying."

"The BBQ plates are delicious and the portions are generous."

Good to know

1

Kyoto Ramen is not suitable for parties of more than four people.

2

Almost all orders are to-go or delivery despite ample seating.

3

The ramen broth is served separately, ensuring it is fresh when I eat.

07
Yammy Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh sushi like the Treasure Island roll. Staff, including the owner, provide friendly service in a sparkling clean space with unique sauces and reasonable prices.

Sushi here is consistently fresh and well made, with standout rolls like the Treasure Island and super crunchy roll. The place stays sparkling clean and offers quick, friendly service alongside reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be tasty and of great quality."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was quick and friendly."

Good to know

1

Yammy Sushi offers a sizable menu that includes rolls, bowls, and salads.

2

The lunch special includes soup, salad, and rice for a great deal.

3

Prices at Yammy Sushi are reasonable compared to other sushi places.

08
Best Burritos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant serves heaping portions with unique Korean-inspired burritos and fresh shrimp. Teriyaki burritos and bowls bring solid Japanese flavors in a casual style. Family-owned vibe offers comfort food with clean, organized kitchen and fair prices.

Teriyaki burritos and teriyaki bowls feature prominently on the menu. Both options offer a solid take on Japanese flavors in a casual format.

People are saying

"I found the burrito here to be seriously delicious and loaded with fresh ingredients."

"The Japanese Food here is legitimately large."

"I thought the salsa here really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Restroom facilities are currently unavailable for customers.

2

Burritos are reasonably priced despite California's high cost of living.

3

Expect generous portions at competitive prices.

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El Cerrito, California

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