Butterfish Sushi

For California locals seeking an exceptional sushi experience that combines exquisite flavors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Butterfish Sushi in Berkeley is quickly becoming a go-to destination. While it presents itself as a cozy, intimate spot, the culinary delights that emerge from its kitchen are anything but small-scale. Praised for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and artful presentation, Butterfish Sushi offers a curated selection of nigiri, specialty rolls, and unique small plates that consistently impress. It's a place where every visit feels special, enhanced by genuinely friendly staff and a dedication to making diners feel truly welcomed. If you've been searching for that perfect sushi spot since moving back home to California, many locals believe you've finally found it at Butterfish Sushi.

Butterfish Sushi is conveniently located at 915 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA. This easily accessible address places it strategically in Berkeley, making it a convenient stop for residents across the California region, particularly those in the East Bay. Situated on University Avenue, a major thoroughfare, the restaurant benefits from high visibility and straightforward navigation.

Accessibility to Butterfish Sushi is generally good. For those relying on public transportation, various AC Transit bus lines operate along University Avenue, providing direct routes to the restaurant. While parking directly at the location might be limited due to its urban setting, there are often metered street parking options and public parking garages within walking distance in the surrounding Berkeley area. Its proximity to downtown Berkeley and major arteries allows for relatively easy access from different parts of the Bay Area, whether you're coming from Oakland, San Francisco, or other nearby communities. This central location ensures that enjoying Butterfish Sushi's delectable offerings is a convenient outing for any local in California.

Butterfish Sushi offers a focused yet diverse menu, specializing in high-quality sushi and nigiri, alongside a selection of complementary Japanese dishes. Here's what you can expect:

• Dine-In Experience: Enjoy your meal in a "cute little spot" with a cozy, modern, and inviting ambiance. Given the "limited space," reservations are highly recommended to ensure seating, especially for date nights or peak hours.
• Premium Nigiri and Sashimi: A highlight of their menu is the exceptional quality of their nigiri and sashimi. Customers rave about options like Salmon Belly, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and Uni (sea urchin), often noting the generous portions of uni. Other popular choices include Otoro Bluefin Tuna, Hamachi (yellowtail), and Hokkaido Scallop.
• Specialty Sushi Rolls: Butterfish Sushi features an array of creative and delicious specialty rolls. Popular mentions include the "Dynamite Rolls" and the "Deep Fried California Roll," indicating a mix of classic and unique options. Other listed specialty rolls include Arctic Rolls (with Hokkaido scallop), Indian Rolls (with shrimp tempura and hamachi), Oceania Rolls (with real crab salad), and Polynesian Rolls (a vegan option).
• Unique Small Plates and Appetizers: Beyond sushi, they offer a selection of well-crafted small plates designed to tantalize the palate. The Tuna Tartare is highly praised for its amazing taste and cute presentation. Other appetizers include Crispy Fried Capelin, Chicken Bites with gochujang sauce, Miso Soup, Edamame (including spicy garlic edamame), and various salads.
• Donburi and Main Dishes: For those looking for a more substantial meal, Butterfish Sushi offers various donburi (rice bowls) such as Otoro Don (bluefin fatty tuna), Chirashi Bowl (assorted fish), Unadon (eel), and Japanese A5 Wagyu Don. Main dishes include Salmon Teriyaki, Black Cod with Miso, and Hamachi Collar.
• Beverage Options: A selection of beverages is available to complement your meal.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Butterfish Sushi provides takeout and delivery services through popular platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This allows customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes.
• Attentive and Warm Service: The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, warm smiles, and attentive service, making guests feel welcomed and well-cared for.

Butterfish Sushi distinguishes itself in the competitive California sushi scene with several key features that garner high praise from its patrons:

• Exceptional Quality of Fish and Ingredients: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Customers consistently rave about the freshness and superior quality of the fish, specifically mentioning delicacies like Salmon Belly, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and particularly the Uni, which is noted for its generous portion ("SO MUCH uni!"). This commitment to high-grade ingredients elevates the entire dining experience.
• Warm and Welcoming Hospitality: A standout feature is the friendly and attentive staff. Reviewers frequently comment on the "warm smiles" and how "everyone gives warm smiles all the time," creating an environment where diners "felt welcomed." This genuine hospitality significantly enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal.
• Delicious and Diverse Menu: While specializing in sushi, Butterfish offers a variety of "delicious items" that appeal to a broad range of tastes. From the "amazing" Tuna Tartare with its "cute presentation" to popular rolls like the Deep Fried California Roll and Lion King Roll, the menu consistently delivers on flavor, ensuring that "nothing was a disappointment."
• Attention to Detail and Thoughtful Touches: Small gestures, such as bringing a "cute little dish around for you to wash your hands after you sit down with a coupe glass with some snacks," are noted and appreciated by customers. These details contribute to a feeling of being valued and pampered.
• Ideal for Date Nights: Despite its small size, Butterfish Sushi is highlighted as a "great place to have a date night." The intimate setting and focus on quality food make it perfect for a special evening for two.
• Chef's Skill and Efficiency: The efficiency of the operation, even with a "single chef doing a great job getting the orders flowing," is commendable. This ensures that while the food is freshly prepared, the service remains "super fast."
• The "Perfect Sushi Spot" for Many Locals: Several reviews express a sentiment of having "finally found" their perfect sushi spot after moving back to the area, indicating Butterfish Sushi fulfills a significant desire for high-quality, reliable sushi in California.

Based on the available public information, Butterfish Sushi primarily focuses on delivering exceptional value through the high quality of its ingredients and the overall dining experience, rather than through frequent, widely advertised promotions or discounts. Customers highlight that while it can be a higher price point (e.g., "$200 for two people"), the quality of the "special menu dynamite rolls," nigiri (salmon belly, wagyu, uni, scallop), and other dishes justifies the cost.

However, it is always advisable for California locals to directly check with Butterfish Sushi for any current specials. They may have unadvertised daily specials, seasonal offerings, or unique chef's tasting menus that are not broadly promoted online. You can contact them directly at (510) 356-4814 or check their official website or social media channels, as well as popular delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, which sometimes feature exclusive deals.

To experience the highly-rated sushi and warm hospitality of Butterfish Sushi, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 915 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

Phone: (510) 356-4814

Butterfish Sushi typically operates for both lunch and dinner services from Wednesday through Sunday. They are generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Given its intimate size and high demand, especially as a popular spot for date nights, making a reservation is "definitely recommended" to secure your table and ensure a smooth dining experience. You can usually make reservations via their website or by calling them directly. It's always a good practice to confirm their most current operating hours before your visit.

Butterfish Sushi stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for California locals, particularly those in the Berkeley area, who are searching for a premium sushi experience. Firstly, its unwavering commitment to sourcing and serving high-quality, fresh ingredients is paramount. Patrons consistently rave about the caliber of their nigiri, from the rich salmon belly and luxurious A5 Wagyu to the surprisingly generous portions of uni, setting a high bar for sushi excellence in the region. For discerning palates, this dedication to quality makes every visit worthwhile.

Secondly, the restaurant's warm and genuinely welcoming atmosphere, driven by its friendly and attentive employees, creates a truly pleasant and inviting dining environment. Customers feel "welcomed" and appreciated, transforming a meal into a delightful experience, perfect for a casual outing or a special date night. The personal touches, like the hand-washing ritual and thoughtful presentation, underscore their dedication to customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, despite its relatively small size, Butterfish Sushi's efficiency ensures that delicious, freshly prepared food arrives promptly. The ability to make reservations is a significant advantage for locals, allowing them to plan their visits to this popular spot. Its convenient location on University Avenue, with reasonable accessibility options, adds to its appeal. For any Californian who has been on the hunt for "the perfect sushi spot" and values exceptional food, heartfelt service, and an intimate setting, Butterfish Sushi in Berkeley is undoubtedly a local gem that promises to satisfy.

Butterfish Sushi

915 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA