We know finding the best Japanese cuisine near Pleasanton, California can be difficult, so we put together this detailed list of the best of the best so you can make your decision wisely. Each Japanese restaurant offers amazing sushi, steak, seafood and more for patrons to choose from that can’t be beaten. We are truly blessed to live in such an amazing area. This list of delicious Japanese cuisine is ever-changing and expanding, so please check back often. If you find another location that should be listed here – or one that should be removed – please let us know!
About: Kimono Restaurant opened its first location in 2015 in Benicia, and then in Pleasanton in 2019. Their mission is to provide teppanyaki favorites like freshly-grilled Hibachi Steak, Chicken, and Shrimp, as well as sushi and sashimi for discerning parties. Besides the freshness of ingredients, what sets them apart is the entertainment, with grill chefs who create masterpieces right in front of you, all with flashes of style and grace that are sure to make any date night a memorable one. A hotspot for families, friends, and coworkers, this modern take on Japanese cuisine is sure to impress.
Cuisine Offered: Traditional teppanyaki cuisine including Steak, Chicken, and Shrimp as well as fried rice and vegetables. Also a plethora of sushi, sashimi, and other hand-made appetizers. Complementing the cuisine is a full bar captained by a professional mixologist creating amazing cocktails that are sure to blow your mind.
What Makes them Different: It’s gotta be the teppanyaki grill manned by their renowned chefs. The Steak, Chicken, Shrimp, and Vegetables are grilled right in front of you by highly skilled and enthusiastic chefs who entertain while grilling in traditional Japanese style.
About: Sato Japanese Cuisine is an authentic family-owned Japanese restaurant. Tucked into a quiet corner of the shopping mall at Hopyard and Valley, Pleasanton’s first Japanese restaurant has satisfied sushi lovers since 1983. Inside this cozy setting with opaque screens reminiscent of those found in homes throughout Japan as well as art prints adorning each wall, regulars have seats while watching their favorite chefs prepare specialties like Shiro maguro (white tuna). For near-perfect diners who prefer not only fresh fish over-processed meat substitutes or preservatives but also simple flavors without any added sauces or spices, there’s no need to worry because these masterful cooks know just what you want before even bothering looking on either side menu.
Cuisine Offered: Sato Japanese Cuisine offers different types of Appetizers which include Yakitori, Gyoza, Kaki Fry, Tempura Appetizer, Cold Tofu, Agedashi Tofu, Edamame, Maguro (Tuna), Hamachi (Yellow Tail), (Salmon), Shiro Maguro (White Tuna w/ grated garlic and green onion), Moriawase (Assorted). They also offer lunch and dinner such as cooked dishes (comes with steamed rice and miso soup) and Nigiri/Sashimi Dishes (comes with miso soup) varied including chicken, beef, and seafood.
What Makes them Different: Ordering a meal at Sato Japanese Cuisine is like stepping into your boudoir. The cuisine here offers sushi, bento box meals, and classic dishes in an airy atmosphere with calming music playing throughout to soothe you on every bite of deliciousness.
About: Ume Sushi is a small Japanese restaurant located in Pleasanton, CA. It’s part of the Restaurants and Other Eating Places Industry with 26 total employees across all its locations. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes and has been around for over thirty years. If you’re looking for a new sushi spot, Ume Sushi Japanese Restaurant is a good choice. This restaurant offers amazing food and service. It has an elegant atmosphere and cozy feel that will make your dining experience enjoyable. Come by to try their popular rolls like the California Roll or Vegetarian’s Delight Roll.
Cuisine Offered: There are all sorts of cuisines offered at Ume Sushi Japanese Restaurant. You can order a bento box with chicken, shrimp tempura, California roll, and miso soup. There are also sushi rolls like the Alaska roll (salmon, avocado, and cream cheese), the Spider roll (soft-shell crab, cucumber, avocado, and tobiko), and the Crunchyroll (a salmon and tuna mix inside out sushi roll). If you’re feeling adventurous you can try snakehead fish or horse mackerel. Whatever your taste may be, Ume Sushi Japanese Restaurant is sure to have something for you.
What Makes them Different: If you’re looking to try something new, then Ume Sushi Japanese Restaurant is the place for you. They have creative sushi rolls and bento boxes that are artfully presented in unfussy surroundings. Also, Ume Sushi Japanese Restaurant is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy some delicious sushi without breaking their budget3
About: Sushi Hanabi is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, located in the great city of Pleasanton. Hanabi which means fireworks has an experience just like that when you visit their establishment. The experience will not disappoint as patrons come to enjoy variety with the freshness that matches its 20 years on the scene for customers who love it as much or more than newcomers do after their first visit.
Cuisine Offered: Hanabi Sushi Restaurant offers the best and freshest sushi around. They also provide signature dishes to go with it. The most popular dishes are bento box, Victoria Secret Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Chuck Norris Roll, California Roll, Grilled Edamame, Big Mac Roll, Burning Love Roll, Chicken Teriyaki, and Green Dragon Roll.
What Makes them Different: Hanabi Sushi Restaurant has the freshness of the fish, the variety of rolls, and the prices. First and foremost, Hanabi sources their fish from local fisheries, ensuring that everything is as fresh as can be. Secondly, they have a much wider variety of sushi rolls than most places. This means that you’re not limited to only a few options but can explore different combinations to find your favorite. Finally, their prices are very reasonable given the quality of food on offer.
About: Kokolo means the heart and mind in Japanese, but it has a much deeper meaning than just that. Their dishes are inspired by their name because they want each guest who walks through Kokolon’s doors to have an enthusiastic experience from start to finish with them.
Cuisine Offered: KoKoLo Donburi & Grill – KoKoRo offers Gyoza, Jidori Karaage, Braised Pork Belly, Kokolo Signature Chicken Wings, Fried Oyster (Super Juicy), Fried Fish Tofu, Ika Geso Karaage, Kibinago Karaage, Vegetable Tempura, Mixed Tempura (Vegetables and Shrimp), Hamachi Kama, Edamame through small plates. And they also offer rice bowls such as Stir-Fry Udon, Sauce Tonkatsu, Curry Tonkatsu, Baked Katsudon, Wagyu Beef Curry, Gyudon (Wagyu Beef Bowl), Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki, Ten Don (Tempura Donburi), Veggie Ten Don (Vegetable Tempura Donburi), Mapo Tofu Bowl, Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Bowl), Unadon (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl), Shiitake Bowl (Assorted Mushroom Bowl), Ikura-Uni (Sea Urchin) Bowl.
What Makes them Different: Donburi is a traditional Japanese rice dish in the shape of a bowl. Its origins can be traced back to around the 1600s-1800s. Kokolo’s rice bowls are made with care and attention to detail, influenced by the donburi dish from Japan. They’re fried or simmered in their signature sauce then carefully prepared using traditional homemade ingredients for a delicious experience that will make you want more.
About: Meiko Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that offers an exciting selection of food in the style served American-Japanese. They are well known for their rolls, sushi, and sashimi creations which will make you want more. Come try out Meiko’s great service when it comes to comfort cuisine because they do what they know is best, making nonbelievers believers by giving them freshly dishes from scratch every day with love.
Cuisine Offered: Meiko Sushi offers appetizers, sushi bars, foods for kids, noodles, desserts, and bento boxes such as California Roll, Chicken Teriyaki, Gyoza, Dragon Roll, Beef Teriyaki, Mixed Tempura, Rainbow Roll, Chicken Katsu, Beef Udon, Tempura Udon, Zaru Soba, Nabe Udon, Chicken Udon, Sansai Udon, Yaki Soba, Hot Soba, Seafood Udon, Ginger Ice Cream, Tempura Ice Cream, Mochi Ice Cream, Green Tea Ice Cream and many more.
What Makes them Different: There are plenty of sushi restaurants that all seem the same but Meiko Sushi is different. Meiko Sushi has something for everyone and is known for its great customer service. They have a variety of fresh fish options and made-to-order rolls so there’s never any hesitation on what you should order next. Plus they also offer takeout. If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant with personality and experience, look no further than Meiko Sushi.
About: Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Kura Corporation that specializes in innovative and tech interactive Japanese restaurants with the revolving sushi concept since 2008. As pioneers of this idea, they’ve improved upon it by developing systems to enhance affordable prices for their customers who want an authentic dining experience at any given time without having to spend too much money on food or drinks. The menu has an array of different types and flavors, all served up with a smile by their friendly staff.
Cuisine Offered: Mini Crab Cup, Mini Eel Cup, Mini Salmon Cup, Miso Soup, Shrimp Tempura Udon, Beef Udon, Kitsune Udon, Spicy Crunchy Taco, Crunchy, Spicy Salmon Crunchy, Spicy Tuna Crunchy, Tempura Philadelphia Roll, Baked Eel Avocado Roll, Baked Crab Cheese Roll, Volcano Roll, Fried Chicken Wing, Chicken Namban, Shrimp Stuffed Baked Avocado, Soft Shell Crab tempura, Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Tantanmen, Tonkatsu Ramen, Vegetable Ten Jyu, Ten Jyu, Japanese Poke, and Beef Ojyu.
What Makes them Different: At Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, they make sure that every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and free from unnecessary additives to ensure the highest quality. Their philosophy muten or nothing added means their food comes straight out of a kitchen without any additions such as artificial sweeteners, seasonings, and colorings so you can enjoy its natural flavors at their best.
About: Wayne’s Sushi Bistro is a great place to go if you want fresh and delicious sushi. They have many different flavors and combinations of the various types of fish, so there will be something for everyone. Whether it’s your first time trying sushi or not, Wayne’s has an option that will be perfect for you. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about all the food they serve. They also provide vegetarian options such as tofu rolls and veggie tempura, which allows everyone to enjoy their food in a way that suits them best.
Cuisine Offered: Age Dashi Tofu, Piece Gyoza, Veggie Tempura, Mixed Tempura, Chicken Kara Age, 4 Piece Baked Mussel, Ankimo, Soft Shell Crab, Miso Soup, Asari Miso Soup, Edamame, Garlic Edamame, Wakame Salad, House Salad, Sunomono, Tako Sunomono, Ebi Sunomono, Salmon Skin Salad, Maguro, Sake, Sake Toro, Sake Toro Seared (2 pcs Nigiri), Hamachi, California Roll, Nagihame Roll, Sake Maki, Takka Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Spicy Scallop Roll, Salmon Skin Roll, Alaska Roll, Seafood Udon Soup, Chicken Udon, Beef Udon Soup, Tempura Udon Soup.
What Makes them Different: If you’re looking for a sushi spot with a unique vibe, Wayne’s sushi bistro is worth checking out. This restaurant has a modern feel and an upbeat atmosphere. Plus, the menu offers a variety of rolls and dishes that you won’t find at other places. If you’re in the mood for some creative sushi, Wayne’s is worth trying.
About: Hana Japan Steak House is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in teppanyaki cooking. Their grills are used for entertaining guests, and they have been known to cook wonderful meals at your table. In 1979, Chef Yoon opened up his first location with an idea, creating meaningful memories by having people connect over food together as family units or groups gather around one another sharing laughter while enjoying fresh ingredients served how you want it.
Cuisine Offered: Tuna Sashimi, Sauteed Shrimp and Mushrooms, California Rolls, Gyoza, Chicken Wings, New York Steak, Teriyaki Steak, Filet Mignon, Calamari, Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp, Scallop, Lobster Tail, Vegetarian (with tofu), New York Steak with Chicken, or Shrimp, or Salmon, New York Steak with Lobster Tail, or Scallop, or Calamari, Filet Mignon & Lobster, Shrimp & Chicken, Kids Chicken, Kids Teriyaki Steak, or Kids Shrimp, Seasonal Ice Cream & Banana Boat
What Makes them Different: If you’re looking for a delicious Japanese experience, look no further than Hana Japan Steak House. What makes this restaurant stand out from the others is its unique Japanese-inspired menu and interactive cooking style. The talented chefs will cook right in front of you on a grill built into your table, so you can be sure it will be cooked to perfection. And don’t forget to save room for dessert, the Hana japan’s signature green tea ice cream is not to be missed.
About: Amakara is a Japanese word meaning sweet and spicy. This brings us to their cuisine, which in March 2008 opened its doors. They aim to provide you with some uniquely Dublin flair on your favorite sushi rolls or fresh fish selections from those around town that are sure not just be ordinary but delicious too. They offer a full-service sushi bar with many different options for you to choose from, as well as take out.
Cuisine Offered: Mixed Sashimi, Tuna Sashimi, Combination Sushi, Sushi, Sashimi Combination, Salmon Teriyaki, Salmon Shioyaki, Saba Shioyaki, Mixed Tempura, Chirashi, Tekka Don, Trio, Unagi Don, Katsudon, Chicken Katsudon, Gyudon, Beef Tomato Curry, Ramen, Chasu Ramen, Maze Ramen, Udon or Soba, Tempura Udon, Cold Soba, Tempura Cold Soba, Spicy Gyoza Soup, Clam Ramen, Chicken Teriyaki, Beed Teriyaki, Sesame Chicken, Tonkatsu, Chicken Katsu, Ribeye Steak
What Makes them Different: They want their guests to feel like they are in a traditional home, not a restaurant. With that being said, they offer an intimate and relaxing environment with the highest quality ingredients served for you by friendly staff members who take pride in what they do. They also work hard to keep their menu fresh with new items, all while maintaining the authenticity and quality of cuisine you would expect.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family for food, fun, and entertainment Kimono Restaurant can’t be beaten! Join us today and experience the Kimono difference. We have a passion for Teppanyaki cuisine and love how it mixes delicious eats with entertainment. First and foremost, we start with the highest quality, freshest ingredients then prepare them right in front of you on our hibachi grills. This preparation is where the entertainment comes in, as we hire the most talented Teppanyaki chefs to chop, flip and generally impress you with an array of tricks to take your eating experience to the next level. With locations in Benicia and Pleasanton, visit us today for an amazing experience!
A simple, thoughtfully chosen menu of 11 breakfast favorites.
From April 16th join us from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and enjoy a relaxed start to your day at Kimono.
Everything you want in a great breakfast, done right.
(Closed Wednesdays)