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Top picks in San Leandro

Japanese food spots

You are looking for Japanese cuisine that stays true to the fundamentals of the craft.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Hanami image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with cute decor reminiscent of mom-and-pop places in Japan but with brighter lighting. The vibe is laid back and inviting, often accompanied by cool music. It suits families and casual diners looking for an affordable, clean, and comfortable spot.

Food features fresh fish, crispy pork, and well-cooked noodles. Dishes come as comfort food with quality ingredients and neat presentation.

Ramen and udon come with rich and savory broth that stands out. Sushi and sashimi are fresh with balanced sauces, while poke bowls feature snappy pickled vegetables and fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and rich."

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

"The food here is delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the restaurant, but no dedicated parking lot exists.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are affordable, typically around $20 before tax and tip.

02
AOI Teriyaki & Ramen image 1

Small, cozy space with nine counter chairs and a few tables creates an intimate setting. Casual vibe with Japanese pop music and an authentic feel reminiscent of Japan. One-man operation offers generous portions of fresh, flavorful ramen that stands out for quality and taste.

Minimal menu offers authentic Japanese food with generous portions at an affordable price.

Ramen here stands out with huge portions and flavorful broth. Options like chipotle ramen and customizable bowls with chashu, noodles, and egg make it easy to get exactly what you want.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, creamy broth."

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, was amazing and authentic."

"The ramen here has authentic Japanese flavors and creamy broth."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred for a discount on orders over $50.

2

The restaurant has limited seating with only 4-5 tables inside.

3

Expect longer wait times as the owner operates the shop alone.

03
Poke Kitchen image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, unpolished space offers fresh, generously portioned poke bowls with affordable prices. Atmosphere feels janky and dingy, with simple paper plates and a casual vibe. Regulars appreciate the family-run, hole-in-the-wall character and variety of made-to-order sushi options.

Food stands out for its freshness and high quality. Dishes offer comfort with reasonable prices in a small, casual setting.

Poke bowls come fresh and fully loaded with a balanced flavor that is neither bland nor salty. The menu includes teriyaki combo plates and vegetable tempura that pair well with rice and salad.

People are saying

"I found the poke bowls to be fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available on the side of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at affordable prices.

3

Expect no wait times during weekday lunch hours.

04
Moana Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small, clean space offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, simple vibe. Food draws a steady crowd, many opting for takeout due to limited seating. Plates feature generous portions of quality Hawaiian BBQ with a focus on tender meats and flavorful marinades.

Food here offers generous portions with high quality and great value. The dishes deliver a refreshing change from chain Hawaiian food and stay consistently delicious and addictive.

Chicken katsu arrives warm and crispy with a large portion that favors meat over rice. The breading offers a good crunch while keeping the chicken tender and moist.

People are saying

"The BBQ portions here are humongous and affordable."

"The food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The Japanese food, especially the chicken katsu, is so satisfying and crispy."

Good to know

1

The portions are humongous, providing great value for the price.

2

Lunch costs around $10 and is served quickly.

3

The price of the grilled salmon plate is reasonable at $17.

05
MINAMI SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a casual, busy atmosphere with a modern, clean decor that feels authentic and organized. The space is cramped and packed, creating a lively but tight environment. Fresh fish and authentic sushi rolls stand out amid generous bento options and a rare sake selection.

Food features fresh sashimi and beautiful presentation. Portions fill quickly, with just a few sushi pieces satisfying hunger.

Sushi here features fresh sashimi and unique rolls like Reindeer and Lion King with baked salmon. Generous portions come with bento boxes and extras like edamame and soup, while veggie tempura, udon, and gyoza offer solid variety.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing and the staff is so welcoming."

"The tempura portions are generous for the price."

"The food here is always fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited due to the restaurant's location in a busy plaza.

2

Dinner prices are higher after 2:45 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

06
Hawaiian Grill Express image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant offers huge portions of crispy chicken katsu and moist BBQ chicken at fair prices. Atmosphere is functional and clean with a reasonable wait time. Menu focuses on hearty, well-cooked dishes without vegetable sides.

Food features quick preparation and error-free orders with consistently delicious BBQ chicken and overall great taste and quality.

Chicken katsu stands out for its great taste and quality at a reasonable price. The menu also features chicken teriyaki bowls and teriyaki salmon that offer solid options for Japanese food lovers.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and tastes great."

"I had the best chicken katsu I've ever experienced."

"I had the best chicken katsu I've ever experienced."

Good to know

1

The portions at Hawaiian Grill Express are huge.

2

For $15, you can get the best tasting chicken katsu.

3

The seafood mix and Hawaiian Sun are popular choices.

07
Original Giant Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Simplistic diner style with a dated look and cozy atmosphere feels like a neighborhood hangout. The place is low key and often busy with people chatting over food. Burgers and Korean fried chicken stand out as distinctive offerings in a varied menu.

Food comes out fresh and fast with a varied menu of burgers and other items. Portions are big and affordable, drawing a steady flow of customers.

Teriyaki chicken appears in several dishes, often paired with stir fry vegetables or served over rice. Options include a Vegetable Teriyaki bowl and grilled teriyaki chicken with fresh cut vegetables and melted cheddar cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were great and made with fresh ingredients."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The teriyaki chicken bowl is my go-to Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Prices for burgers range from $9.95 to $12.95.

2

Small fries and a drink cost $6.95.

3

There are many free parking spaces available at the restaurant.

08
Kakuna Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern, clean space with minimalist decor and open layout creates a calm atmosphere. Menu offers large sushi portions and a wide variety including vegetarian and non-raw dishes. Pricing is affordable, making it suitable for groups and casual dining.

Food features fresh ingredients and high quality throughout most dishes, with prices that remain affordable. Salmon teriyaki stands out as an exception to the otherwise consistent quality.

Sushi platters stand out with fresh sashimi and generous portions like the 9-piece nigiri moriawase. Unique dishes include the cheesus with cheese sauce and hot Cheetos, alongside classics like the Dragon roll and Spicy Seafood Udon featuring shrimp and scallops.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here has huge, generous portions."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and the pieces are thick."

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

Good to know

1

Lunch happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday.

2

Free parking is available in the back.

3

The all-you-can-eat sushi option costs $44.95.

09
Hawaiian POKE image 1

Bright, clean space with a comfortable atmosphere and groovy music playing. Offers fresh poke bowls with a wide selection of toppings, including free avocado. Portions are generous and prices are fair, making it a solid choice for poke lovers.

Fresh ingredients and large portions define the food here, with a wide variety of protein selections and toppings. Bowls come at a moderate price and offer consistent value and quality.

Poke bowls come in great portions and taste delicious. The sushi burrito offers a mix of rice and fish, with one half mostly rice, but the bowls stand out more. Miso soup adds a cozy touch.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The poke here is so fresh and delicious."

"The poke bowls here are delicious and the fish is so fresh."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead through their website; no phone orders accepted.

2

Parking in the strip mall lot is easy and convenient.

3

Avocado is a staple ingredient and does not incur extra charges.

10
Kigawa Bistro image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, modern space offers natural lighting and plays unique C-pop music, creating a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. The setting feels warm and welcoming, attracting those who prefer a quiet, cozy dining experience. Sushi and sashimi stand out for their freshness and expert preparation.

Food arrives in the correct order and on time. Staff are polite and professional, guiding choices well. The dishes are consistently tasty and well-prepared.

Sushi here is incredibly fresh with expertly crafted rolls and a delicious nigiri assortment. The sashimi features generous, super fresh pieces, and dishes like tempura udon, ramen, and chicken katsu stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the food here to be fresh and tasty."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes in the afternoon to prep for dinner.

2

Parking is available and manageable before the lunch rush.

3

They limit orders to 15 dishes at a time.

11
Tsuru Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small space with soft lighting and modern cozy decor creates a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Classic sushi bar tucked in the corner offers a traditional, authentic vibe reminiscent of old Japanese eateries. Quiet and relaxed energy suits casual meals or special celebrations.

Food offers authentic Japanese flavors with generous portions and a memorable bento box. The dishes deliver a delectable and satisfying experience reminiscent of traditional eateries.

Sushi here is consistently fresh and flavorful, with sashimi that tastes authentic and tempura made from fresh ingredients. Service stays courteous and adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is friendly and attentive."

"The sushi here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and tasted hot and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot right next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak dining hours.

12
Joy Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers extensive menu with unique rolls and large portions at reasonable prices. Atmosphere suits casual dining or take-out, with consistent taste across visits. Some dishes feature perfectly balanced spice and fresh ingredients.

Food offers good value with large portions around $14 per entree. Dishes are generally fresh and healthy, but there are reports of food poisoning linked to cooked sushi rolls.

Unique sushi options and an extensive menu stand out here. The spicy chicken donburi features perfect spice and fresh, juicy chicken. Crispy chicken katsu and affordable prices add to the appeal.

People are saying

"I loved the spicy chicken donburi's fresh, juicy chicken."

"The spicy chicken donburi's spice level was just perfect."

"The food here is delicious and a great deal."

Good to know

1

Joy Sushi offers both dine-in and take-out options.

2

The portions are large, providing good value for the price.

3

The price for entrees is around $14, making it affordable.

13
Fat Fish image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant resembles an American diner with quiet atmosphere and self-order touch-screen tablets at tables. It offers affordable prices and large, consistently good sushi rolls served quickly. Seating is ample during off-peak hours, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Food arrives very quickly with large portions and a huge variety including soups, ramen, and udon. The taste is consistently delicious and the ordering process is quick and easy using a tablet at the table.

Sushi here features fresh sashimi and big portions with rolls like California and 49er that come out quickly and cost under $12. The fish eggs and chicken katsu also stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and lovely."

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be really fresh and delicious."

"The miso soup was tasty and served with tea."

Good to know

1

Self-order kiosks are available at each table for easy ordering.

2

Cash payments are recommended, as there may be issues with billing.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

14
Sushi Go Go image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sushi spot operates as takeout only with no indoor seating, focusing on quick service and reasonable prices. Energy is lively and energetic, matching the fast-paced environment. Sushi features fresh salmon as the sole raw fish option, with other ingredients and rice showing mixed quality.

Food features high quality sushi with delicious flavors at a great price. Delivery is available through Grubhub.

Sushi comes with quick service and buy one, get one free deals through the app. The sushi is mostly basic, with salmon sashimi and California rolls available, but the rice can be hard and lack flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and high quality."

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

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

Good to know

1

Sushi Go Go is takeout only with no indoor seating available.

2

Expect to find a buy one, get one free promotion through the app.

3

Prices are reasonable for sushi rolls and combo boxes.

15
Poke star sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Takeout-only sushi spot offers fresh salmon and huge rolls with unique sauces and a wide variety of toppings. The space is cluttered and messy, lacking seating and clear ordering instructions. Prices remain reasonable, making it a casual option for poke bowls and sushi.

Food contains no MSG and shows creative flavors. All dishes are for takeout only, with no dining in.

Fresh, flavorful poke bowls come with a build-your-own option for customization. Sushi rolls are huge and well-presented, with favorites like the Dragon roll and crunchy shrimp roll.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and the rolls are huge."

"I loved that the food had no MSG, which is rare."

"I loved building my own fresh and flavorful Japanese food poke bowls."

Good to know

1

Poke Star Sushi only offers takeout, with no seating available.

2

Prices are reasonable, often cheaper than average for poke bowls.

3

Ordering can be confusing; it's a walk-up and grab-your-order system.

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San Leandro, California

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