Sushi California - Berkeley

Sushi California never disappoints !! The nigiri sushi we ordered were all fresh as always!! The fish were cut at the right thickness, right level of moist. The sushi rice for the nigiri is plumped and balanced with the right amount of sweet and vinegar, thus bringing out the natural umami in the fresh fish. Every bite is to die for. My most favorite (my husband's too is the Hokkaido nigiri, and amaebi and then hamachi, saba, hotate, in that order, but we love everything here. The Hokkaido is salmon sake on Shiso leave topped with a mountain of Ikura--it's their special. The amaebi is big and sweet; comes with the head fried tempura style and you can eat the whole thing. When you bite into the shrimp's head covered in the fried tempura batter, you get hit with all the shrimps yummy insides (which maybe isn't for everyone, but for those looking for that, come here now! My two kids love the fresh dungeoness crab California roll and purple potato croquette the most, but they love everything! The service is just awesome! You'll always be greeted by the chefs and everyone working there when you walk in. The ambiance is perfect with the lights dimmed and relaxing beautiful live music, even my three year old boy was relaxed and happy to sit through dinner! My seven year old daughter loved the food. She was eating and humming to the music. It was a great night!!

The definition of a hole in the wall. Or maybe hole in the ground is more apt. Half embedded in concrete, flush with the sidewalk, Sushi Cal might be mistaken as an abandoned lot nope, this humble restaurant is fully open and has been for the past 30+ years! After visiting both pre and post pandemic, I still think this is the best spot for budget sushi. Prices have somehow stayed low without undermining quality. Their cooked dishes tend to run a little bland; the sushi is what you should be coming here for. I've had a variety of rolls and nigiri here with no complaints Fish is good quality, veg is fresh, portions are good. And the service is excellent, their staff are always welcoming and highly attentive. Every so often, they have live musicians playing to add to the cozy atmosphere. Very pleased that this local favorite is still going strong.

Our go to sushi spot for eat in or to go. The sushi is very fresh and gives you great portion size. Also the price is right.

When you want an authentic nod to a Japanese neighborhood Inn with cooked foods and sushi come here. Simple not glitzy, aged decor not sleek, homey not minimalist, serene with the background chatter of families. Always a satisfying experience.

Passed by this gem on the way to Trader Joes. Sushi California is an amazing restaurant that deserves more attention. The staff are super friendly and welcoming and always on top of their stuff. The food is fresh and tasty as well as affordable. The fried calamari and fried purple potato croquette are must order appetizers. Highly recommend!