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Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Akemi Berkeley restaurant
1. Akemi Berkeley
4.4
Awesome(476)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Berkeley
Booked 9 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 Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley restaurant
2. Hana Japan Steak & Seafood - Berkeley
4.3
Awesome(408)
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.
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.
A photo of Yoshi's Oakland restaurant
4. Yoshi's Oakland
4.8
Exceptional(8250)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Oakland
Booked 39 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 Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
5. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2246)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 29 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 Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant
6. Ozumo - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3398)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 24 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 Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
7. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco
4.4
Awesome(1378)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Yokai restaurant
8. Yokai
4.3
Awesome(17)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 8 times today
Yokai, nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, is a beacon of Japanese cuisine that expertly combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. Inspired by the charcoal grills of Japan, Yokai emphasizes the purity of Japanese and Californian ingredients, crafting dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Visitors rave about the "melt in your mouth" salmon belly skewers and the "deliciously mouthwatering" crab broccolini salad, highlighting Yokai's commitment to quality. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented by an excellent selection of Japanese whiskey and craft cocktails, makes Yokai a must-visit for both connoisseurs and newcomers to Japanese cuisine. As noted by a thrilled diner, "Every dish was a delightful culinary adventure," making Yokai a standout culinary gem in San Francisco.
A photo of AKIKOS restaurant
9. AKIKOS
4.8
Exceptional(1609)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 13 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 KUSAKABE restaurant
10. KUSAKABE
4.8
Exceptional(402)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 5 times today
Discover the pinnacle of Kyoto-style dining at KUSAKABE in San Francisco's Financial District, where the art of kaiseki meets seasonal creativity. Kyoto-born Chef Mitsunori Kusakabe, a winner of the Creative Sushi Award from the National Sushi Society, masterfully blends tradition with innovation. Diners rave about the "unforgettable" omakase experience, highlighting dishes like "the best nigiri we’ve ever tasted" and praising the ambiance for its elegance. Each course at KUSAKABE is a testament to the chef's expertise, promising not just a meal, but a culturally immersive experience that honors Kyoto's rich culinary heritage. Whether it's the petite omakase or the full kaiseki, KUSAKABE delivers an exceptional journey through the finest Japanese flavors.
‘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.

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