Best Japanese Restaurants in Albany

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley restaurant

1. Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 11 times today

Hana Japan Steak & Seafood in Berkeley is a gem of Hibachi cuisine, renowned for its delightful blend of entertainment and culinary excellence. Since 1979, this establishment has captivated locals and visitors alike with its teppanyaki-style grill mastery. Diners rave about the "delicious food and great atmosphere," with special mentions of the Hibachi Salmon and New York Steak. The chefs not only cook but perform, making each meal a memorable event. Guests consistently praise the engaging chefs for their "great personality" and "entertaining show," ensuring a unique dining experience every time. Whether it's a birthday or a casual dinner, Hana Japan guarantees an exceptional Hibachi experience, complete with a scenic view of the bay.

2. Akemi Berkeley

4.4

Awesome(476)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 4 times today

Opened in February 2015, AKEMI is the latest incarnation of miyuki on 1695 Solano Avenue in North Berkeley (Albany border) in the San Francisco Bay Area.Along with a revamped interior and exterior that includes salvaged wood and upgraded kitchen equipment, AKEMI features an updated menu spotlighting fresh ingredients and well-crafted flavors while retaining customer classics such as our sushi rolls. AKEMI is the new name we bestow upon the beauty that is good food with good people in a good place.For outdoor reservations please call the restaurant.

A photo of Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya restaurant

3. Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

4.4

Awesome(21)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Berkeley

Booked 1 time today

Dive into the heart of Berkeley at Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya, a gem that's not just a restaurant but a celebration of seafood. This Michelin-recommended haven is praised for its "super fresh" seafood dishes like the fried oysters and miso cod, which one diner raved is "like the fishermen bring the fish directly off the boats." With accolades from the San Francisco Chronicle and Eater SF, it's no surprise that guests are consistently impressed, describing their dining experience as one filled with "excellent service" and "perfectly prepared" meals. Whether you're sampling the sashimi or indulging in the sous vide egg, Fish & Bird delivers an authentic Japanese culinary adventure with every dish artistically presented and bursting with flavors. A visit here is a must for seafood lovers seeking an exceptional meal in a cozy yet sophisticated setting.

4. Yoshi's Oakland

4.8

Exceptional(8248)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Oakland

Booked 70 times today

Yoshi's has served Japan's best traditional dishes to Bay Area patrons since 1972. The menu highlights artfully arranged sushi, fresh grilled seafood, classic Japanese dishes, and vegetarian fare. Patrons can kick off their shoes in the traditional Japanese tatami seating or dine at tables. Expert sushi chefs create sushi and sashimi to order either in the restaurant or in the jazz house. Start the evening in the cocktail lounge before dinner or have a nightcap after taking in a show in the jazz house.

A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant

5. Ozumo - San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(3398)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 23 times today

At Ozumo in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District / Embarcadero area, sushi lovers find an exceptional haven for authentic Japanese cuisine. Established in 2001, Ozumo has been setting the standard with its fusion of sushi and robata cooking. Under the expert guidance of Chef Yukinori Yamamoto, Ozumo offers an unforgettable dining experience. Reviewers rave about the sushi's unmatched quality, with one noting it as "the best sushi we have ever tasted!" Another highlights the "fatty tuna nigiri" for its "remarkable freshness and deliciousness." Ozumo's commitment to quality is further emphasized by its curated selection of top-tier sake, ensuring each bite is complemented perfectly. For those seeking the pinnacle of sushi excellence, Ozumo is a must-visit destination in San Francisco.

A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

6. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2246)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 38 times today

Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.

A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant

7. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.4

Awesome(1378)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, Pabu Izakaya is a gem for aficionados of authentic Izakaya cuisine. Founded by the acclaimed Chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, and now helmed by Chef Keita Tominaga, Pabu delights diners with a modern twist on traditional Izakaya-style dining. The restaurant is renowned for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats from the robata," with seafood flown in daily from Japan's prestigious Toyosu Market and a "signature selection of A5 Japanese Wagyu" that is simply unmatched. Customers rave about their experiences, describing the sushi and sashimi as "some of the best we’ve ever had in SF" and praising the "phenomenal" pear bourbon drink. With its vibrant ambiance and impeccable service, Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers a dining experience that is both "impressive" and "consistently enjoyable," making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

8. Nisei

4.8

Exceptional(73)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Russian Hill

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, Nisei exemplifies the pinnacle of Contemporary Asian cuisine, merging Japanese flavor intricacies and Northern California's freshest ingredients. Chef David Yoshimura, a Michelin-starred talent, crafts a menu that is both a personal and cultural narrative, deeply rooted in his Japanese American heritage. Reviews rave about the "exceptional culinary skill" and "artfully layered flavors" that make each dish a masterpiece. Guests consistently commend the "world class service" and the intimate interactions with Chef Yoshimura, who often explains his dishes personally, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. The thoughtful combination of ambiance, meticulous service, and innovative cuisine at Nisei makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary Asian dining experience.

9. AKIKOS

4.8

Exceptional(1607)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 8 times today

Experience the pinnacle of sushi craftsmanship at Akikos in SOMA, San Francisco, where the traditional omakase experience is transformed with a modern flair. Sourced directly from Tokyo's prestigious Toyosu Fish Market, the fish at Akikos is of unmatched freshness and quality. Diners rave about the "absolutely decadent" signature dishes like the shokupan with toro and golden Kaluga caviar, and the aged, soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri. At Akikos, every dish is a testament to the meticulous care and creativity that defines their sushi, making each bite a luxurious indulgence. Patrons consistently laud their experiences, noting that it is "by far the best set menu Japanese restaurant I have ever been to in the U.S." and celebrating the "phenomenal" omakase that makes Akikos a must-visit destination for sushi connoisseurs.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

10. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(58)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 12 times today

Chotto Matte in Downtown San Francisco near Union Square is a vibrant gem that has swiftly captured the hearts of diners with its exquisite Nikkei cuisine—a tantalizing fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Guests rave about the "truly amazing" dishes such as the duck wagyu butter and the crispy spicy tuna, praising not only the taste but also the presentation. The ambiance, described as "electric" and "vibrant," perfectly complements the top-notch service provided by the friendly and attentive staff. Reviewers consistently highlight the unique dining experience, with comments like "the best Wagyu ribeye" and "incredible manager, Kevin," confirming that Chotto Matte is not just a meal, but a culinary event. Whether it's for a special birthday celebration or a luxurious night out, Chotto Matte delivers an unforgettable experience that makes it a must-visit spot in San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rickvip
San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We have been here 4-6 times. As always the food was phenomenal. The service is discrete but attentive. The tomahawk is cooked perfectly. The bone marrow is unbelievable. The salads are tasty and lightly dressed. The potato stack amazing. We tried pig ears tonight: wow. The deserts have different flavors, different textures and colors. Mainly good. And one does not get bored with it
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Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
•
4.8
G
Ginger
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
A large busy open dining experience before a show is a great way to start the evening. Staff is very friendly & helpful. The menu is sparse but the fish/sushi is fresh but expensive. But you can have a quick bite instead of an entire meal. After dining you line up to find your seat. I like the smaller venue, not a bad seat in the theater, as opposed to thousands of people. I recommend Yoshi’s for a fun night out in Oakland. Take the ferry, drive and park in the huge parking garage next door to Yoshi’s. The Average White Band brought back many memories and continued rocking out the crowd with their soulful band.
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Yoshi's OaklandPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Oakland
•
4.8
R
Robert
California Central Coast •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
One of my favorite Hibachi restaurants. Very affordable. Atmosphere is great, and food is great!
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Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - BerkeleyPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Berkeley
•
4.3
D
Denise
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
We live Fush & Bird! In all of the East Bay it is probably the most authentic Japanese food that one can find. The sashimi is very fresh. The temporary light and the tofu is phenomenal. I always look forward to returning to this wonderful restaurant!
More info
Fish & Bird Sousaku IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• Berkeley
•
4.4
A
Antonella
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 Aug 2024
Great food and service! Glad to have Akemi in the neighborhood!
More info
Akemi BerkeleyPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Berkeley
•
4.4

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Albany

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26 restaurants available nearby

1. Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley

2. Akemi Berkeley

3. Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya

4. Yoshi's Oakland

5. Ozumo - San Francisco

6. Roka Akor - San Francisco

7. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

8. Nisei

9. AKIKOS

10. Chotto Matte San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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