HITO YATAI: Authentic Japanese Cuisine and Omakase in Carmichael, CA

HITO YATAI Introduce

HITO YATAI: A Taste of Japanese Culinary Artistry in Carmichael

Nestled in Carmichael, HITO YATAI is a local treasure that promises an authentic and exceptional Japanese dining experience. This isn't just another sushi spot; it's a "food stall" in the best sense of the word, embodying the traditional Japanese concept of a welcoming, chef-driven eatery where every dish is crafted with heart and expertise. Owned and operated by a dedicated family, HITO YATAI is a testament to the art of Japanese cuisine, using daily fresh ingredients and seasonal fish, some of which are even imported from Japan.

At the heart of the restaurant's success is Chef Cameron, a master of his craft who blends his own experience with a traditional cooking style taught by his sensei. The result is a menu that is both classic and innovative, with a focus on quality over quantity. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, a perfect blend of a cozy neighborhood spot and a sophisticated culinary destination. This makes HITO YATAI ideal for a variety of occasions, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration.

Location and Accessibility

HITO YATAI is conveniently located at 5938 Madison Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608, USA. Its position on a major street in Carmichael makes it easy to find and access for residents and visitors alike. The restaurant provides ample parking options, with both a free parking lot and free street parking available.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and comfortable. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, making it a safe and inclusive space for everyone. The establishment also prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, further reinforcing its welcoming environment.

Services Offered

HITO YATAI offers a range of services designed to provide a flexible and enjoyable dining experience.

Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience by dining in, complete with table service in a comfortable setting.
Takeout & Curbside Pickup: For those who prefer to eat at home, the restaurant offers convenient takeout and curbside pickup services.
Catering: HITO YATAI can cater to your special events, bringing their delicious and authentic food to your party.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is highly recommended due to its small size and popularity, especially on weekends.
Omakase: A highlight of the HITO YATAI experience is the opportunity for an Omakase dining experience, a chef-guided meal tailored to your preferences and showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Features and Highlights

HITO YATAI is celebrated for several key features that set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area.

Exceptional Freshness and Quality: The chefs use only the highest-quality, fresh ingredients, ensuring that every piece of sushi and sashimi is a delightful and flavorful experience.
Chef-Driven Specials: The menu is enhanced by daily and seasonal specials, which showcase Chef Cam's creativity and expertise. Guests are encouraged to ask about what's fresh and new.
Personalized Omakase: The availability of an Omakase experience allows for a truly unique and memorable meal tailored specifically to the diner.
Cozy and Authentic Atmosphere: The restaurant's intimate and cozy setting, combined with its friendly service, creates a welcoming and authentic Japanese "yatai" or food stall vibe.
Great Tea Selection: The restaurant offers a great tea selection, including Matcha and Leaves Hot Green Tea and a variety of Yuzu sparkling beverages.
Family-Owned and Operated: The personal touch of a family-owned business shines through in the warm service and attention to detail.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or any inquiries, you can contact HITO YATAI at:

Address: 5938 Madison Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608, USA
Phone: (916) 331-7300

What is Worth Choosing?

The menu at HITO YATAI offers a well-curated selection of dishes, each prepared with care. For a true taste of the restaurant's quality, the Nigiri Mix and Sashimi Mix are excellent choices, as they showcase the fresh, high-quality fish that the restaurant is known for.

The sushi rolls are also highly recommended. The Dragon Roll and the Super Spicy Tuna Roll are praised by regulars for their deliciousness and are a great starting point. Another fan favorite is the Soft Shell Crab Roll, which offers a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. Be sure to ask about the chef's specials, which often feature unique and seasonal ingredients.

Beyond the sushi bar, the kitchen offers wonderful cooked dishes. The Mix Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki are classic comfort foods prepared to perfection. The Japanese Sweet Potato Tempura is also a great vegetarian option and a delightful appetizer.

For a drink, consider the unique Yuzu Sparkling beverages, or simply enjoy a classic Matcha and Leaves Green Ice Tea. And if you're looking for an unforgettable meal, don't hesitate to inquire about the Omakase experience. With Chef Cam’s skill and access to locally sourced wild truffles and fresh fish, it is a culinary adventure that is truly worth the price.

HITO YATAI Food & drink

Nigiri Mix
5 Pieces $25.00
10 Pieces $45.00

Sashimi Mix
7 Pieces $25.00
15 Pieces $45.00

Hito / Food Stall
Veggie Tempura $10.00
Tempura assorted fresh veggies of the day.
Agedashi Tofu $9.00
Fried tofu with homemade dashi fish broth.
Sunomono $7.00
Cured cucumber seaweed w/ vinegar dressing topped with shrimp.
Ebi Tempura 3 Pieces $9.00
Fresh shrimp tempura.
Gyoza 6 Pieces $12.00
Potstickers filled with chicken, pork and veggies.
Carpaccio $18.00
Choice of albacore, hamachi or salmon with jalapeño | side of garlic ponzu.
Japanese Sweet Potato Tempura 7 Pieces $7.00

Side
Miso Soup $4.00
Steamed Rice $3.00
Hon Wasabi $3.00
Edamame $6.00
Kizami Wasabi $3.00
Sushi Rice $4.00

Non Alcohol
Yuzu Red Shiso & Apple Sparkling $6.00
Diet Coke $3.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Matcha And Leaves Green Ice Tea $5.00
Yuzu Sparkling $6.00
Coke $3.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Yuzu Sparkling Unsweetened $6.00
Yuzu & White Peach Sparkling $6.00
Original Marble Soda $4.00
Sprite $3.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Matcha And Leaves Hot Green Tea $4.00
Strawberry Marble Soda $4.00

Raw
Chirashi $45.00
Chef Recommended sashimi + homemade tamago + sushi rice.

Roll
Soft Shell Crab $15.00
Breaded tempura soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber and tobiko.
Dream Fish $16.00
Flashed tempura fried, shiso assorted fish and avocado side of garlic aioli and ponzu.
Futomaki $12.00
Yatai $18.00
Unagi tempura, hamachi, cucumber, avocado, topped tobiko and onion.
Rainbow $16.00
Crab salad, avocado, cucumber topped with Chef's choice fish of the day.
Super Spicy Tuna $16.00
Spicy tuna, cucumber topped with tempura crisps and jalapeño.
Kappa Maki $5.00
6 pc cucumber roll.
CA $8.00
Negihama Maki $7.00
Dragon $16.00
Shrimp tempura and cucumber topped with unagi and avocado.
Hokkaido $16.00
Wrapped with sesame soy paper tempura scallop, spicy tuna and crab salad.

Nigiri
Bincho / Albacore $4.00
Sake / Salmon $4.00
Hamachi / Yellowtail $4.00
Ebi / Shrimp $4.00
Tamago / Homemade Egg $4.00
Ikura / Salmon Roe $6.00
Tobiko / Flying Fish Roe $4.00
Unagi / Eel $5.00

Dinner Entrée
Mix Tempura $22.00
Mix tempura shrimp and assorted veggies.
Salmon Teriyaki $21.00
Grilled Atlantic salmon.
Tonkatsu $19.00
Panko fried pork loin with pork bone sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki $19.00
Grilled chicken thigh with homemade teriyaki sauce.

HITO YATAI Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

HITO YATAI Photos

HITO YATAI Location

HITO YATAI

California Sacramento County Carmichael Madison Avenue

5938 Madison Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608, USA

HITO YATAI Reviews

I wish I could give 10 stars for atmosphere, service, and food. Chef Cam’s delivery and expertise of his craft was unmatched — who knew such a gem exists right here off Madison Ave.Oh, and ask if they have Truffle! Sourced wild and locally from The King’s Bolete.
August 16 · Eric
I love coming here! Its a small place but the food is soo yummy! We love the dragon and the super spicy roll! The chefs specials are always just so 👌 and the mini don, I think that's what it's called, I literally dream about it!!
June 01 · LenKa K
A hidden gem for sushi foodies.This restaurant is tucked away like a Carmichael pearl waiting to be discovered. I’d liken Hito Yatai as a place for those who crave not just food, but an experience. After more than five visits, including an omakase, it’s clear this is not your typical takeout sushi joint—this is a place for craftsmanship.Take the “Mini Don,” for example: a bowl of delicate textures and flavors where the briny pop of ikura and the creamy richness of uni come together like a fleeting indulgence. Each bite feels luxurious, leaving you wishing it lingered just a bit longer. The iwashi nigiri, with its unctuous sardine and velvety oiliness, is transformed into something truly decadent. I’ve had the suzuki (sea bass), hirame (flounder), aged chutoro, and blue fin tuna nigiri—lots of varied offerings for fish. For those less inclined toward raw fish, the “Osaka-style” okonomiyaki, a hearty cabbage pancake, is comforting and savory.From tempura to sashimi, I’ve enjoyed the thoughtfulness of my meals at Hito Yatai. Even the presentation feels elevated. The assortment of physical plates feel like a kaleidoscope of ceramic and glass styles—very artful. Speaking of tempura, the chrysanthemum tempura deserves its own applause: light and airy, yet a crunch that gives way to a floral clover-like flavor. It’s served with a dashi dipping sauce (though I personally prefer a splash of soy for a stronger kick).One of the restaurant’s greatest charms for me has been the unprinted menu—conversations, not paper, guide your choices. I’ve spoken about my cravings with Chef Cam who will craft something from the stock of fish and offerings. This approach fosters a sense of trust and anticipation—every visit feels personal and thoughtfully tailored.While this is not the place for those seeking volume-focused sushi (e.g., AYCE), every bite reflects artistry and quality that enthusiasts will appreciate. The portions invite you to savor the extraordinary flavors. The staff are dedicated to authenticity and freshness.If you’re a foodie who finds joy in the subtleties of higher-quality sushi and a curated dining experience, I recommend visiting Hito Yatai.
November 19 · Bradley Seng
I’ve been wanting to try this sushi restaurant for awhile and am glad I finally stopped by. The inside is so adorable and quaint. The service was attentive, warm, and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious. I loved the Hokkaido roll and my friend ordered a customized spicy scallop roll and that was delicious as well. This will be my new sushi spot!
June 29 · Anna Do
The best sushi restaurant in the Sacramento area, period. Expect to be greeted with a smile and seated very quickly. The service is truly fantastic - we always take our server’s recommendations and have never once been disappointed. I cannot say enough about the quality of the food here. You can really taste the difference from any other sushi restaurant. The fish is extremely fresh with each variety having a clean, distinct, and delicious flavor. Highly recommend anything from their special board, especially any items marked “in season”. I love that I can come here and order things that I have never heard of or tried before with confidence. I know that each dish will be prepared perfectly, presented beautifully, and will transport me with intricate and subtle flavors all coming together harmoniously. Love, love, love that this little gem opened up so close to us. We are truly lucky to have it in our neighborhood. Even if you have to drive it’s worth it - a must try for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine.
May 15 · ucsb.alum98