Top Japanese Restaurant in Alameda
Angel Fish Japanese Cuisine
883 Island Dr C-2, Alameda, CA 94502, United States
I have been to every Japanese restaurant in Alameda, many in Oakland, and a few in San Francisco; this place by far has the most authentic feel to a restaurant in Japan. People that have been missing that truly authentic taste of Japan from their travels, work, or studies abroad will immediately find themselves coming back to try everything they have to offer.-Green tea is free-The only restaurant in Alameda that serves hot soba ( that I can recall)
Yojimbo
1221 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
Ive been coming here on and off for the past five plus years as Im originally from Alameda and live not too far away (East Oakland).Yojimbo is like many other Japanese restaurants in that it is run by Koreans, and their chefs are Latino.The decor, though, would make you feel otherwise - a lot of Japanese popular culture from Samurai films to Anime adorn the wall.One thing that this Japanese restaurant lacks is the greeting from chefs (Iraishaimase!), alerting the restaurant of new customers. The chefs just stare at you when you arrive with frightened eyes as if ICE is coming to raid the place - a little off-putting.Sushi is good, Ramen is decent; however, the salads need a bit of work. Food comes out in a timely fashion, and nobody is left waiting for their food.There is only one bathroom. Oftentimes, this leads to people standing around waiting to use it. Its a bit annoying to try to use the restroom with a bunch of people knocking on the door. Also, the restroom apparently had a leak as there is some patchwork near the sink wall. Its not something I like to look at while taking care of business!Alameda has a bunch of sushi options. This place is way better than getting food poisoning from Sushi House near the beach!If youre considering Yojimbo, do it. Its a safe option, and you wont get food poisoning, unlike Sushi House!
Sushi House
2375 Shore Line Dr, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
Stopped going here because last time I brought my family there was so much waste under table my son had to actually ask them to clean after we had been seated.Was having car washed and wanted Japanese food.I ordered an entree soba mackerel. It was so overcooked and actually didnt seam fresh. And restaurant spelt like old fish. I paid for it anyway however the right thing the restaurant could have done was compensate me something. Its ok. I can not recommend this restaurant its embarrassing
Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant
2660 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
Shirashoni Japanese restaurant provided an exceptional dining experience with its authentic cuisine and serene ambiance. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the elegant decor and soothing atmosphere, setting the stage for a memorable meal.The menu at Shirashoni showcased a delightful selection of traditional Japanese dishes. The sushi and sashimi were expertly prepared, boasting freshness and exquisite flavors. Each piece was a testament to the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The tempura was crispy and light, while the udon noodles were perfectly cooked and immersed in flavorful broths. The balance of flavors and quality of ingredients truly impressed.However, one aspect that was somewhat frustrating was the 20% service charge added to the bill. While the service itself was attentive and the staff displayed knowledge and professionalism, the mandatory charge felt a bit heavy-handed. It created an unexpected expense, particularly if one intended to leave an additional tip for exemplary service. This additional charge did detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience.That being said, the overall quality of the food and the ambiance of Shirashoni Japanese restaurant made it a worthwhile visit. The staff remained accommodating and ensured a pleasant dining experience. The flavors, presentation, and attention to detail in the dishes showcased a commitment to excellence.In conclusion, Shirashoni Japanese restaurant is a culinary haven for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience. While the mandatory 20% service charge may be a slight frustration, the exceptional flavors, meticulous preparation, and serene ambiance make it a restaurant worth considering for a memorable meal.
Yellowtail
1332 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
None of our dinner party have any relationship with this restaurant.We stumbled upon Yellow Tail Sushi while searching for. Japanese restaurant near our sons work. It was a little hard to find for a first time visitor, but what a great find!The Miso soup Was presented well and tasted as good as any Miso soup we’ve had before.The salad had a very nice presentation.The Sushi was fresh and very tastyThe Tempura was not over fried and the oil used was clearly new as the Tempura was tasty, crunchy, and not to thick.Offering brown rice made for a great option also.Edamame was included in the box dinners.The hot tea was also very tasty.We all agreed that we definitely would recommend Yellow Tail Sushi to anyone looking for a very good Japanese meal.
Yokohama
1427 Webster St #3824, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
I enjoyed the food from Yokohama but please be aware that the prices on the website are not accurate. I placed the order while looking at the menu on the restaurants website (which seems to really be struggling to even populate every time I visit) and estimated the total for carryout would be about $80 after tax and tip. The order was placed over the phone and it is my mistake for not asking the total to confirm I was in the ballpark. It came out to $93 before tip. I understand inflation is hitting everyone, food is EXPENSIVE, this is a small restaurant (with incredibly friendly staff), and you shouldnt eat out if you cant afford it, but as a customer I would have really appreciated accurate prices on the website. I cant even get the website to pull up the menu at the time of writing this (this is a huge pet peeve of mine; I wish I hadnt closed the tab last night).The nigiri dinner is currently $25 on the website- actual price is $30. The three rolls ordered were priced at about $14, $10, and $8. The actual prices (in that same order- $19, $12, $11. To me, this is kind of a considerable price difference and I absolutely would have chosen different items had I been provided accurate prices. I didnt mention this to the staff because it costs what it costs and Im not going to cause a fuss, but I wont be ordering from here again unless I have budgeted to spend $100+ for carryout dinner.
Izakaya BIZAN
333 S Alameda St #314, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
I have mostly good things to say about this place.Great value, both drinks and food are priced reasonably.I have been to many other izakaya places where only kitchen food (hot food) is good but sushi is very mediocre or the other way around, but this place is good with both sushi and yakitori.Must try food items:Chicken liver $3.5/ skewer - for someone who usually doesnt eat liver because of the bitter taste, i can say that Bizan did very well in making it tasty and I can actually enjoy it!Beef tongue $6/ skewer - so tender, so tasty!Premium beef $7/ skewer - pricy but worth the money!Uni Chawanmushi $13 - large piece of uni and lots of fixings inside. Worth the money, and feels food when you enjoy it as last item of your meal, just warm your body and soul!Kamasu sushi - $10 for 2 pcs. Looks like white fish but with high fatty content, they torched it a bit so the whole piece just melts in your mouth.Sake is priced reasonable too. They actually serve Daishichi Kimoto Honjozo as house cold sake. $9 only, good value and so versatile and pairs well with all kinds of yakitori.Great service, we requested to switch table when the booth became available. Our serve help us to swtich without hesitation.The only area for improvement would be the atmosphere! I have never been to an izakaya so quiet......Usually izakaya is a little bit noisy (with people drinking, chatting) with uplifting music. Perhaps its located in a mall (3rd floor) and the customer base are mostly older people.Id definitely revisit if I am in the area.
Shojin
333 S Alameda St Suite310, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
The Asian food selection and variety of Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles is well known. However, some of the best food you can find there will not be easily located on the main strip. Shojin is one such restaurant which I stumbled upon while meandering in some of the less traveled areas of Little Tokyo. This little restaurant is practically concealed among several other “hole in the wall” shops, but those adventurous enough to wander inside should be prepared for a delightful surprise.As you breach the threshold of the draped entry curtains you are transported into a classy yet casual environment. A dim flicker and soft glow showers down from numerous fixtures providing enough light to read by while still leaving your senses open to the wonderful experience Shojin has worked hard to create. Classical and Jazzy renditions of popular radio songs can be heard over the casual murmurings and dinner chatter of the other patrons enjoying their meals. All around the room you can find tastefully selected art on display to add the ambiance. Walking in off the street you may feel out of place wearing shorts or jeans until you realize that this is the same attire the rest of the patrons are wearing. It’s a rare experience to be able to meld the beauty of fine dining with the comfort of a casual setting.Not to be outdone by your impressions of the incredible dining environment the service is quick to welcome you and make you feel at home. With a finely groomed look and polite manner your waiter will guide you to a table, assist with any bags or jackets, and pull your chairs out for you. Throughout the entire meal it feels as if the waiters are anticipating your’ every need; quick to take your order, refill your drinks, and be on hand before you even realize you had a question or request. This is the kind of service you would expect from highly rated restaurants.While ambiance and service are highly important parts of the dining experience your final opinion of a place almost always rests on the quality of food, and Shojin does not disappoint. Specializing in organic, natural, and vegan foods with a Japanese twist, Shojin creates an array of foods that plays on all the senses of sight, flavor, and texture. This is healthy food that leaves you feeling light and energetic at the end of the meal; all while providing an amazing menu of delectable flavors. I am not much of a health food fanatic, but the selection at Shojin would appease anyone out looking for a wonderful meal.If you are looking for someplace new that will excel in all aspects of the dining experience then a visit to Shojin can’t be passed up. From their stunning setting to their amazing service and incredible menu selection you will be pleasantly surprised at the level of quality that is provided to you. I strongly suggest you stop by to see for yourself all that Shojin has to offer.
Hana Ichimonme
333 S Alameda St 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
I may be mistaken, but surely Hana Ichimonme is the very last remaining name in the beloved Yohan Plaza that currently we know of as Little Tokyo Market Place. Gone is the original bowling alley, the Northface Flagship Store, and many other Japanese eateries however, I am very happy to see this traditional Japanese restaurant still serving many favorites.Their menu continues to deliver your classic Japanese affair with Ramen, Soba, Chanpon, Katsu, Curry, and many other staples. This is comfort food in a sense for many patrons and fans. The quality is good. It isnt the upscale or overly priced gourmet, and this is what makes the approachable nature of having an institution. The service is excellent.The handover of ownership vacated the charm. The pricing is about $5 more than the perceived value. Maybe this is the pricing required to maintain. Parking is validated for 90 minutes, and this shopping center continues to offer many other things to warrant an entertaining and worthy stop.
Aizen (in Bizen Restaurant)
333 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Fairly new restaurant opened in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Food was really good, service was great and attentive. Its a great option for traditional Japanese udon and their new creative versions. Its wonderful to see more restaurants opening in the area.