Genji

For those of us in California, particularly in the diverse and bustling culinary landscape of Oakland, finding a Japanese restaurant that consistently delivers on both quality and flavor is a true gem. Genji Japanese Restaurant has long been a beloved institution in the East Bay, renowned for its authentic approach to Japanese cuisine. While the provided address references Telegraph Ave, it's important for locals to note that Genji Japanese Restaurant is now widely recognized at its location on Franklin Street in Downtown Oakland. This move has only solidified its reputation as a go-to spot for delicious, freshly prepared dishes.

Genji is celebrated not just for its sushi, but also for its truly outstanding hot dishes, particularly their teriyaki. Many long-time patrons consider their chicken teriyaki to be among the best they've ever had, a testament to the restaurant's dedication to perfected recipes and fresh ingredients. The consistency of flavor, quick service, and the genuinely welcoming atmosphere make Genji a reliable and cherished part of the Oakland dining scene. It's a place where the food speaks for itself, and the focus is clearly on delivering an excellent culinary experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, a hearty dinner, or simply a taste of authentic Japanese cooking, Genji stands ready to impress. It’s a restaurant that has built a loyal following by prioritizing freshness, taste, and a warm, inviting environment, making it a perfect fit for the discerning palates of Californians.

Genji Japanese Restaurant is currently located at 1904 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. While previous mentions may refer to a Telegraph Avenue address, the Franklin Street location is its current prominent establishment, situated in the vibrant downtown area of Oakland. This location offers significant advantages for accessibility for Californians throughout the Bay Area.

Franklin Street in Downtown Oakland is a central and easily accessible area. For those relying on public transportation, the restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of several BART stations, including 12th Street/Oakland City Center and 19th Street Oakland, making it highly accessible for commuters from Berkeley, San Francisco, and other parts of the East Bay. Numerous AC Transit bus lines also serve the downtown core, providing excellent connectivity.

For diners arriving by car, downtown Oakland offers various parking garages and street parking options, though availability can vary, especially during peak hours. Its central location also makes it a popular choice for quick lunch breaks for those working in the downtown business district. Whether you're heading in for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, Genji's downtown Oakland address provides a convenient and practical option for locals seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

Genji Japanese Restaurant offers a range of services designed to provide a convenient and satisfying dining experience for its customers in California:

• Dine-In Service: Genji provides a casual and inviting atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meals directly at the restaurant. It's described as a "nice place" with "great service," suitable for families or groups.

• Takeout/Pickup: A highly popular option, especially for lunch. Customers consistently praise the speed of service, with orders often ready "lightning fast."

• Online Ordering & Delivery: Genji is readily available through major food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. This allows for convenient ordering and delivery directly to homes and offices throughout Oakland and surrounding areas.

• Extensive Teriyaki Menu: A standout feature is their wide selection of teriyaki dishes, including Chicken, Beef, Prawn, Salmon, and Unagi (freshwater eel). These are available as individual plates or in various "Teriyaki Combinations."

• Fresh Sushi and Rolls: While particularly acclaimed for teriyaki, Genji also offers a variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Their menu lists numerous "Special Rolls" like Spicy Tuna Volcano, Super Salmon, and various "Crunch Rolls," along with classic "Regular Rolls" such as California, Salmon Avocado, and Spicy Tuna Avocado.

• Salads and Sides: The menu includes refreshing salad options (e.g., Avocado & Roasted Bell Pepper Salad, Chicken Teriyaki Salad) and classic Japanese sides like Miso Soup, Edamame, Rice, and Seaweed Salad.

• Hot Rice Bowls & Poke: For those seeking a hearty, single-dish meal, they offer various hot rice bowls (e.g., Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl, Orange Chicken Rice Bowl) and poke bowls (Lomi Poke Bowl, Aloha Poke Bowl).

• Family Packs and Platters: Genji provides larger "Family Packs" and "Sushi Platters" (e.g., All Star Family Pack, Classic Platter) designed for sharing, perfect for gatherings or larger households.

Genji Japanese Restaurant in Oakland boasts several key features that contribute to its strong reputation among local Californians:

• Outstanding Teriyaki Dishes: This is a consistent highlight. Customers frequently rave about the "best god damn chicken teriyaki" they've ever had, noting it's "fresh from the grill, not sitting under a heat lamp." The quality extends to beef, salmon, and prawn teriyaki, with a focus on fresh ingredients and balanced, "not overly sweet syrupy sauces."

• Lightning-Fast Service: Especially praised for takeout orders, Genji is known for its incredibly quick service. One customer noted being "barely done signing my receipt when my order was out," making it ideal for busy lunch breaks.

• Authentic Japanese Flavors: Patrons often describe Genji as delivering "authentically Japanese teriyaki" and having a "mom-and-pop vibe," indicating a genuine approach to traditional Japanese cooking methods and taste.

• Fresh Ingredients: The emphasis on freshness is clear, with comments on "fresh and very tasty" food, including "freshly grilled proteins."

• Consistent Quality: Long-time customers attest to the consistent high quality of the food over many years, with dishes like the beef and salmon being reliable favorites.

• Comforting "Set Lunches": Described as making "wholesome Japanese-style set lunches," Genji provides comforting and complete meal options, perfect for a satisfying midday break.

• Diverse Menu Beyond Teriyaki: While famous for teriyaki, Genji offers a broad menu that includes a variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, poke bowls, and hot rice bowls, ensuring there's something to satisfy different cravings.

• Convenient Family Options: The availability of "Family Packs" and "Sushi Platters" makes it a practical choice for feeding multiple people, whether for a casual dinner or a small gathering.

Genji Japanese Restaurant, while highly valued for its consistent quality and quick service, primarily focuses on delivering excellent food at competitive prices rather than frequent, flashy promotions. However, for locals in California looking to find value or special offerings, here's what to consider:

• "This Month Specials": Their menu often features a section for "This Month Specials," which can include combo deals. For example, a past special mentioned "Salmon Gyoza (3 pieces), Chicken Teriyaki (3 oz.), Shrimp Teriyaki (3 pieces) with rice, edamame, and fresh vegetables in vinaigrette" for a set price. This indicates they do offer curated meal deals that combine popular items.

• Lunch Combos and Set Meals: Genji is particularly popular for lunch. Their menu features various "Teriyaki Combinations" (e.g., Chicken & Beef, Chicken & Prawn) that offer a complete and satisfying meal, which can be seen as a form of everyday value, especially compared to ordering items à la carte.

• Delivery Platform Deals: Genji is available on major food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. These platforms frequently run their own promotions that can apply to Genji orders. These might include:

  • First-time user discounts: Often available if you're new to a specific delivery app.
  • Free delivery offers: Platforms may waive delivery fees for orders over a certain amount or for subscribers to their premium services (e.g., DashPass, Uber One).
  • Seasonal or limited-time discounts: Apps sometimes feature general or restaurant-specific discounts during specific periods.

• Family Packs and Platters: While not a discount, the "Family Packs" and "Sushi Platters" offer a cost-effective way to feed groups, providing a variety of items at a potentially better price than ordering individual portions for everyone.

To discover the most current "This Month Specials" or any other in-house promotions, it is always recommended to check their official menu online (if available, sometimes accessible through delivery platforms) or call Genji Japanese Restaurant directly before placing an order. Utilizing delivery apps is also a smart strategy for finding platform-specific deals.

For those in California eager to savor the authentic Japanese flavors and fresh sushi at Genji Japanese Restaurant in Oakland, here’s how you can get in touch and locate them:

Address: 1904 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: (510) 465-9100 (Primary Phone Number based on common listings)

While a previous address mentioned Telegraph Ave, and other numbers might appear in older listings or for various related entities, the 1904 Franklin St location and the (510) 465-9100 phone number are widely associated with the current Genji Japanese Restaurant.

Operating Hours (approximate and may vary):

• Monday - Friday: 10:30 AM - 2:45 PM (Lunch), 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Dinner)
• Saturday: Often open for dinner hours.
• Sunday: Hours may vary or be closed.

Given the popularity of Genji, especially during lunch, it's always a good idea to confirm their current operating hours, particularly on weekends or holidays, by calling ahead or checking their most up-to-date information on major delivery platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash, where their full menu and service times are typically listed.

For Californians, especially those residing in and around Oakland, Genji Japanese Restaurant is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining choice. Its convenient location at 1904 Franklin St in Downtown Oakland ensures excellent accessibility, whether you're commuting via BART, hopping on an AC Transit bus, or driving from various parts of the East Bay. This prime spot makes it an ideal destination for a quick and satisfying lunch break or a relaxed dinner.

The primary appeal for locals lies in Genji's unwavering commitment to authentic Japanese flavors and the consistently high quality of its food. In a state known for its discerning palates, Genji's "top-notch" teriyaki, often cited as the "best god damn chicken teriyaki," alongside their fresh and well-prepared sushi, hits all the right notes. This consistency builds trust and loyalty, making it a reliable favorite for repeat visits.

Furthermore, the "lightning-fast" service is a significant advantage for busy Californians who value efficiency without compromising on taste. The ability to order seamlessly for takeout or delivery via popular apps adds another layer of convenience, perfect for enjoying a delicious Japanese meal at home or on the go. Genji offers both quality and practicality, wrapped in an authentic and friendly atmosphere. It's truly a local treasure that embodies what Bay Area residents look for in a go-to Japanese restaurant.

Genji

5110 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609, USA