Kakuna Sushi: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Rolls and Quick Bites in San Jose

Kakuna Sushi Introduce

kakuna sushi san jose

Kakuna Sushi, located at 3095 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA, is a charming and highly-regarded sushi restaurant that has earned a reputation as a true "hidden gem" among local residents. Operating with phone number (408) 708-7781 and mobile phone +1 408-708-7781, Kakuna Sushi offers a delightful culinary experience that prioritizes flavor, generous portions, and efficient service.

While Kakuna Sushi is not a medical facility, its connection to the "Doctor Near Me" platform category can be understood in a metaphorical sense. Just as a doctor provides remedies and care for ailments, Kakuna Sushi offers a form of comfort and satisfaction through its delicious and often health-conscious cuisine. For those seeking a quick, satisfying, and high-quality meal that contributes to their well-being, Kakuna Sushi serves as a convenient and reliable local resource. The availability of carefully prepared gluten-free options, for instance, caters to specific dietary needs, much like a medical professional addresses individual health requirements. In essence, Kakuna Sushi provides a "cure" for hunger and a boost for spirits through its fresh ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, making it a valuable local amenity that contributes to overall happiness and a sense of care.

The environment at Kakuna Sushi is described as unpretentious and cozy. While it might not boast elaborate decor, its modest size contributes to a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. Despite its smaller footprint, the restaurant is equipped with a good number of dine-in tables, making it suitable for those who wish to enjoy their meal on-site. It is particularly noted for not getting "too busy," which means customers can often find a table without a long wait. This makes Kakuna Sushi an ideal spot for individuals looking to grab a quick, delicious meal after work or during a busy day without the hassle of extended waiting times often associated with more bustling establishments. The overall ambiance leans towards a relaxed and casual setting, perfect for a no-frills, satisfying sushi experience.

Service at Kakuna Sushi is consistently praised for its efficiency and friendliness. Customers highlight the speed with which food orders are prepared and served, making it an excellent choice for those with limited time. The staff is noted for being "very friendly," contributing to a welcoming and pleasant dining experience. A significant aspect of their service model is their strong focus on takeout orders, which are evidently "quite popular," with many customers coming to pick up their orders. Kakuna Sushi accommodates these orders over the phone, streamlining the process for convenience. While they operate on a "first come, first serve" basis for dine-in customers and do not utilize a Yelp waitlist, the generally uncrowded nature of the restaurant often ensures a smooth and prompt seating experience. This blend of quick service, friendly staff, and efficient takeout operations caters effectively to a diverse customer base.

Kakuna Sushi's features truly set it apart as a standout sushi destination. A primary highlight is the exceptional quality and generous portions of their sushi rolls. Customers consistently rave about the "perfect amount of ingredients" in their rolls, noting that the restaurant is not "skimpy" with its fillings, providing a substantial and satisfying bite with every piece. This generosity of ingredients, combined with delicious flavors, makes the "price for these rolls… pretty worth IMO."

Specific mentions of the sushi's quality include the excellent salmon and hamachi. While the toro was deemed "alright" by one reviewer, the overall consensus is that the rolls are "tasty" and a strong point of the menu. The affordability is another key feature, with most sushi rolls priced "under $15," making Kakuna Sushi an accessible option for quality sushi without breaking the bank.

Crucially, Kakuna Sushi stands out for its accommodation of dietary needs, particularly for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. A reviewer specifically highlighted that the restaurant was "careful with their cuts and maki rolls" for gluten-free and celiac-friendly requests. This attention to detail for specific dietary requirements is a significant feature that enhances its appeal to a broader audience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience for all. The extensive menu, while not explicitly detailed, offers enough variety to satisfy different preferences, reinforcing its status as a versatile and reliable sushi spot.

Regarding promotional information, Kakuna Sushi primarily relies on the quality of its food, its reasonable pricing, and word-of-mouth recommendations. The consistent praise for its "delicious" food and "worth every time" visits serves as its most potent form of promotion. The fact that it's considered a "hidden gem" suggests that its appeal grows through positive customer experiences rather than extensive advertising campaigns.

The restaurant's focus on quick service and popularity for takeout orders also functions as an indirect promotion, catering to the needs of busy individuals. The attractive pricing of most rolls under $15 is a strong incentive for customers seeking affordable yet high-quality sushi. While there's no mention of a Yelp waitlist, the "first come first serve" policy, coupled with generally manageable crowd levels, acts as a form of "no wait" promotion for those looking for immediate seating. The accommodation of phone-based takeout orders further enhances convenience, encouraging repeat business. The specific attention to gluten-free needs is also a powerful draw, as it directly addresses a niche market and promotes the restaurant as a safe and reliable option for individuals with such dietary restrictions.

In summary, Kakuna Sushi in San Jose offers a delightful and authentic sushi experience characterized by generous portions, delicious flavors, and reasonable prices. Its welcoming, albeit small, environment, combined with efficient and friendly service, makes it an excellent choice for both dine-in and takeout. The strong emphasis on quality, particularly with its well-regarded rolls and accommodating gluten-free options, solidifies its position as a highly recommended "hidden gem" for sushi lovers in the area.

Kakuna Sushi Food & drink

Ramen / Noodles
Yaki Udon US$16.95
Chicken Ramen US$16.95
Chicken & pork broth, scallions, bamboo shoot, corn, sprouts, egg, sesame seeds.
Udon Soup US$16.95
Pork Belly Ramen US$16.95
Chicken & pork broth, scallions, bamboo shoot, corn, sprouts, egg, sesame seeds.

Baked Rolls
The Bay US$17.95
In: Crab, avocado Out: Bay scallops, jalapeño, tobiko, scallion.
Ragin Cajun US$17.95
In: Deep fried shrimp, cheese, avocado Out: Mixed seafood, Cajun seasoning.
Simba US$15.95
In: spicy tuna,crab, onion Out: Salmon, scallion, sriracha.
Ichiban US$17.95
In: Avocado, crab, shrimp tempura Out: Hokkaido scallops, green onion, tobiko.
Kamikaze US$16.99
In: Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura Out: Escolar, jalapeño, sriracha, eel sauce, scallion.
Cheesus US$17.95
Spicy tuna, cheese, crab, avocado, hot cheetos, eel Out: mozzarella cheese, hot cheetos, eel sauce, spicy mayo.
Lion King US$14.99
In: Crab, avocado Out: Salmon, scallion, tobiko.
Volcano US$16.99
In: Shrimp tempura, crab, avocado Out: Salmon, scallion, tobiko.

Vegetarian Rolls
Vegetarian Mango US$17.95
In: asparagus, cream cheese, mango Out: avocado, jalapeño, macadamia nuts.
Zesty US$15.95
In: cucumber, oshinko, mango, lemon. Out: avocado, red onions, ponzu sauce, sriracha.
Potato Head US$13.95
In: sweet potato tempura, cream cheese Out: avocado on top, sauce, potato flakes.
Avocado & Cucumber US$7.50
Herbivore US$15.95
In: mango, cucumber, oshinko Out: avocado, house sauce.
Avocado Maki US$6.95
Weed Eater US$12.95
In: cucumber, avocado, oshinko Out: seaweed salad, avocado sauce.
Futomaki US$8.95
Inari, oshinko, avocado, cucumber.
Spicy Soy US$17.95
In: Soy wrap, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, inari Out: Jalapeño, macadamia nuts.
Asparagus Maki US$5.95
Vegetarian Krunch US$10.95
Cream cheese, avocado, jalapeno, inari, cucumber. Deep fried roll.
Kappa Maki US$5.95
Cucumber.
Veggie Tempura Roll US$10.95
4 kind vegetable tempura.

Sides
Side Kizami Wasabi US$3.65
Side Miso Soup US$3.00
Side Salad US$3.00
Side Rice US$3.00

Hot Appetizer
Mixed Tempura Appetizer US$10.99
mixed veggies and 2pcs shrimp tempura
Deep Fried Calamari US$9.99
Ika Sugatayaki US$14.95
Grilled squid.
Shrimp Tempura Appetizer US$8.95
4 Pieces.
Baked Mussel US$9.95
Jalapeño Bomb US$9.95
Deep fried jalapeño stuffed with spicy tuna, cream cheese, spicy mayo, eel sauce
Gyoza US$6.95
6 Pieces.
Hamachi Kama US$12.95
Grilled hamachi/yellowtail neck
Spam Musubi US$3.45
Pork Belly Bao US$4.95
Pork belly cut, deep fried bao, peanut sauce, scallion, teriyaki sauce
Takoyaki US$7.99
Deep fried octopus balls (5pcs)
Soft Shell Crab US$12.95
Edamame US$6.95
Boiled soybeans
Vegetable Tempura Appetizer US$8.95
Salmon Kama US$10.95
Grilled salmon neck

Sashimi
Albacore Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Scallops Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tamago Sashimi US$2.95
1 Piece.
Salmon Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Ebi Sashimi US$2.99
1 Piece.
Unagi Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tobiko Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Inari Sashimi US$2.95
1 Piece.
Yellowtail Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Spicy Scallop Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tuna Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Escolar Sashimi US$2.99
1 Piece.
Saba Sashimi US$2.99
1 Piece.
Smoked Salmon Sashimi US$3.95
1 Piece.
Ika Sashimi US$2.95
1 Piece.

Cold Appetizer
Salmon Lovers US$27.99
10 pcs salmon sashimi
Japanese Nachos US$18.95
Assorted fish, avocado, wonton chips.
Seaweed Salad US$4.95
Sunomono US$5.95
Japanese style pickled cucumber, seaweed salad.
Sashimi Salad US$17.95
Lettuce, cucumber, seaweed salad, mixed cubed fish, avocado, ponzu, tobiko, green onion, kizami wasabi.
Pepperfin US$24.99
Choice of hamachi, salmon, albacore, tuna, or mixed for additional charge, onion, jalapeño, ponzu, fried onion, cilantro.
Carpaccio US$24.99
Choice of hamachi, salmon, albacore, tuna or mixed for additional charge, olive oil, tomato, sea salt, garlic, basil, fried garlic.
Aburi Nigiri (6 Pieces) US$22.95
Chef's choice, seared nigiri.
Hamachi Lovers US$29.99
10 pcs hamachi sashimi
Albacore Lovers US$26.99
10 pcs albacore sashimi

Donburi
Sake Don US$27.95
Salmon sashimi over rice
Deluxe Chirashi US$39.95
Unagi Don US$25.95
Unagi over rice
Poke Don US$19.95
Seared Sake Don US$28.95
Seared sake over rice
Chirashi US$30.95
Assorted fish over rice

Beverage
Sprite US$3.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Coke US$3.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Diet Coke US$3.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Bottled Water US$2.00

Maki Rolls
Spicy Tuna Roll US$7.99
Spicy tuna, cucumber.
Spicy Scallops Roll US$9.95
Scallop, tobiko, scallions.
California Roll US$6.95
Crab salad, avocado.
Shrimp Tempura Roll US$7.95
Shrimp tempura, cucumber.
Crunch Roll US$7.95
Crab, cucumber, tempura flakes, spicy mayo, eel sauce.
Spider Roll US$11.95
Crab, soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber.
Chicken Teriyaki Roll US$7.95
Chicken teriyaki
Saba Roll US$6.95
Mackerel, ginger, scallion.
Tekka Maki US$6.95
Tuna.
Negihama Roll US$6.95
Yellowtail, scallion.
Salmon Avocado Roll US$8.95
Salmon, avocado
NY Roll US$7.95
Shrimp.
Spicy Salmon Roll US$8.95
Spicy salmon, cucumber.
Philly Roll US$8.99
Salmon, avocado, cream cheese.
Eel, Avocado, Cucumber Roll US$8.95
Yellowtail, Jalapeño, Avocado Roll US$8.95
Salmon Skin Roll US$7.95
Salmon skin, cucumber, scallion, eel sauce.

Nigiri
Ika Nigiri US$2.95
1 Piece.
Escolar Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Albacore Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Spicy Scallop Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tobiko Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Inari Nigiri US$2.95
1 Piece.
Scallops Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Salmon Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tuna Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Unagi Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Ebi Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Tamago Nigiri US$2.95
1 Piece.
Smoked Salmon Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.
Saba Nigiri US$3.65
1 Piece.
Yellowtail Nigiri US$3.95
1 Piece.

Bento
Chicken Katsu Bento US$15.95
Served with miso soup, salad, rice & gyoza.
Salmon Kama Bento US$15.95
Spicy Chicken Bento US$15.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice & gyoza.
Bulgogi Bento US$16.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice & gyoza.
Short Rib Bento US$18.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice& gyoza.
Salmon Teriyaki Bento US$17.95
Served with miso soup, salad , rice & gyoza.
Beef Teriyaki Bento US$17.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice & gyoza.
BBQ Pork Belly Bento US$16.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice & gyoza.
Chicken Teriyaki Bento US$15.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice & gyoza.
Saba Shioyaki Bento US$15.95
Served with miso soup, salad ,rice &, gyoza.

Signature Rolls - Non Raw
Lobster Monster US$23.95
In: tempura lobster, avocado, asparagus Out: crab, ebi, pesto mayo, eel sauce, arare, scallions.
Capn Crunch US$11.95
In: eel, spicy crab, avocado Out: tempura flakes.
O. M. G US$19.95
In: crab, avocado, shrimp tempura Out: deep fried langostino, eel sauce, spicy mayo, scallions.
Bubble US$17.99
in :Crab,avo out :fried scallops , miso ,unagi sauce , green onion
Dragon US$15.95
In: crab salad, shrimp tempura Out: eel, avocado, eel sauce, furikake.
Super Crunch US$12.95
In: shrimp tempura, crab, avocado Out: tempura flakes, spicy mayo, eel sauce.
Black Mamba US$19.95
In: crab, soft shell crab Out: eel, avocado, macadamia nuts, scallion.
Fish And Chips US$13.95
In: crab, avocado Out: tempura white fish, miso honey, eel sauce, scallion, wonton chips.
Caterpillar US$14.95
In: crab mix, deep fried shrimp Out: avocado, furikake.
Bang Bang Shrimp US$14.95
In: deep fried shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber Out: crab mix, ebi, sauced, green onions.
Krispy Kreme US$14.95
In: cream cheese, tempura fish Out: ebi, unagi, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, sweet potato.
Ohlone US$16.95
In: spicy crab, eel Out: ebi, avocado, miso, unagi sauce, wonton chips.
Umami US$14.95
In: salmon skin, cucumber Out: crab, eel, bonito flakes, furikake.

Signature Rolls - Raw
Chainsmoker US$19.95
In: crab, cream cheese, shrimp tempura Out: eel, smoked salmon, torched, scallions, sweet potato, bacon.
Mango Chili US$17.95
In: salmon, ebi, avocado, cucumber Out: mango, jalapeno, tajin seasoning, honey, nuts.
High Roller US$23.95
In: lobster tempura, spicy tuna, crab, avocado Out: tuna, salmon, escolar, yellowtail, arare, house sauce, cilantro.
Oishii US$17.95
In: yellowtail, avocado Out: salmon, sliced lemon, onion, ponzu, sriracha.
49Ers US$18.95
In: crab, avocado, shrimp tempura Out: salmon, scallops, lemon slices, spicy mayo, tobiko.
Charizard US$16.95
In: spicy tuna, real crab, shrimp tempura Out: tuna, escolar, salmon, eel, torched, hot cheetos flakes (soy wrap).
Crunchy Mango US$16.95
In: spicy crab, mango Out: salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tempura flakes.
Sunshine US$17.95
In: hamachi, cilantro, avocado Out: hamachi, fried garlic, house sauce.
Dynamite US$19.95
In: crab, avocado, soft shell crab Out: escolar, jalapeño, sweet chili, miso honey, tobiko, scallion, wonton.
Sumo US$13.95
In: tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, ebi, unagi Out: nori, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tobiko, green onion.
Rainbow US$16.95
In: Crab salad, avocado Out: assorted fish.
Grimmer US$16.95
In: shrimp tempura, spicy tuna Out: salmon, tuna, yellowtail, pesto mayo, eel sauce, tempura flakes.
Boujee US$24.95
In: shrimp tempura, real crab meat, spicy tuna Out: salmon, torched, lobster tail tempura.
Nutcracker US$18.95
In: crab, soft shell crab Out: salmon, unagi, albacore, avocado, pesto mayo, eel sauce, macadamia nuts.
Butterface US$18.95
In : crab, cream cheese, avocado Out: salmon, escolar, lemon, torched, scallions.
Hellapeno US$17.95
In: eel, avocado, cucumber Out: spicy tuna, yellowtail, jalapeño, tobiko, pesto mayo, eel sauce, tobiko, scallions.
Spitfire US$17.95
In: spicy tuna, crab, onion Out: albacore, escolar, sambal, jalapeño, fried garlic, scallions.
Aloha US$19.95
A deep-fried California roll plus Poke Mixed.
Mt. Fuji US$18.95
In: crab, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura Out: avocado, mixed fish & onion torched, scallions, tobiko.
Kakuna US$17.95
In: crab, spicy tuna, onion Out: salmon, spicy mayo, miso, unagi sauce, torched, scallion, tobiko.
Lemon Salmon US$16.95
In: mango, crab Out: salmon, lemon slices.
Gilroy Garlic US$17.95
In: spicy tuna, crab, onion Out: white tuna, avocado, Cajun mayo, jalapeño, eel sauce, garlic chips, sambal.
Mukbang US$21.95
In: spicy tuna, crab, shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber Out: tempura fish, poke mixed.
Citrus US$17.95
In: salmon, cucumber, oshinko Out: yellowtail, avocado sauce, lemon slices, tobiko, ponzu.
Orange Blossom US$17.95
In: salmon, avocado Out: salmon, scallions, tobiko.
Gaijin US$17.95
In: yellowtail, tuna, avocado Out: torched salmon, cilantro, fried onion, house sauce.
Surf And Turf US$20.95
Raw. Inside: shrimp tempura, crab, asparagus, onion. Outside: seared steak, pesto mayo, eel sauce, hot sauce, fried garlic, scallions.
Cherry Blossom US$17.95
In: salmon, avocado Out: tuna, tobiko.
Godzilla US$16.95
In: shrimp tempura, crab, avocado Out: spicy tuna, eel, miso honey sauce, eel sauce, scallions, wonton chips.
Splash Brothers US$17.95
In: spicy tuna, avocado, shrimp tempura Out: white tuna, tuna, garlic chips, Cajun sauce, eel sauce, scallions, tobiko.
Hokkaido US$16.95
In: salmon, avocado Out: Hokkaido scallop, tobiko, green onion.
Fireball US$17.95
In: spicy tuna, crab, shrimp tempura Out: tuna, eel, salmon, albacore, torched, jalapeño, tobiko, scallions, sriracha.
Kb 8/24 US$20.95
In: spicy tuna, crab, shrimp tempura Out: salmon, yellowtail, tuna poke mixed, onion, tobiko.
Phoenix US$14.95
In: crabmeat, avocado, shrimp tempura Out: spicy tuna, spicy mayo plus unagi sauce, tempura flakes.
Skittles US$17.95
In: crab, shrimp tempura Out: salmon, escolar, unagi, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tobiko, scallion.

Sushi Combo
Sashimi Moriawase US$43.99
15 Pieces.
Nigiri Combo US$26.99
6 Pieces nigiri & California roll.
Sashimi Deluxe US$53.99
22 Pieces.
Nigiri Moriawase US$28.95
9 Pieces.

Deep Fried Rolls
Samurai US$11.95
Shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, green onion.
Golden California US$9.95
Tempura fried California roll, spicy mayo, eel sauce.
Warriors US$12.95
In: Spicy crabmeat, avocado, cream cheese, smoked salmon.
Golden Philly US$10.95
Tempura fried Philly roll, spicy mayo, eel sauce.
Triple Tail US$12.95
Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado, cream cheese, spicy mayo, eel sauce, tobiko, scallions.
Ninja US$9.95
Crab, avocado, jalapeño, cream cheese. Cajun mayo, eel sauce, scallion.
Hot Mess US$13.95
In: Golden California Out: Spicy tuna, jalapeño, Cajun sauce, eel sauce, scallions, tobiko.

Kakuna Sushi Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Kakuna Sushi Photos

Kakuna Sushi Location

Kakuna Sushi

California Santa Clara County San Jose Alum Rock McKee Road

3095 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA

Kakuna Sushi Reviews

Atmosphere: The place doesn’t seem really decorative and it’s quite small but it doesn’t seem to get too busy. I feel like this place is more for takeouts but you can dine in if you wanted to. They have a good amount of dine in tables so if you wanted to grab food after work or something with no wait then this place is pretty good.Food: It’s so worth every time I come! They give you the perfect amount of ingredients in your rolls. I feel like they aren’t skimpy with their ingredients and they give you quite a lot compared to other places. The price for these rolls are pretty worth IMO especially when the food is delicious. This is one of those hidden gems place for sushi.Service: Very friendly and best part is the foods come out pretty quickly. Their takeouts are quite popular since so many people came to pick up their orders.Tips: No yelp waitlist, first come first serve. They do take takeout orders over phone.
February 21 · Jess
The sushi was good, especially the salmon and hamachi. Toro was alright. Great place for rolls as the ones we got were tasty.Sushi rolls were priced reasonably as most of the rolls were under $15.We did takeout and had a good experience.For those looking for gluten free celiac friendly sushi, this place was careful with their cuts and maki rolls.
February 18 · A S
The food is fantastic. I love to eat the sushi here. The fish is fresh and they have a special sauce that I love it. Best place to try out.
March 31 · Khoan Vong
We were there a few minutes before 6 pm on a Friday. It was basically empty. People started coming in only after we walked in. Had different kinds of rolls which were all good.
December 21 · Elle Belle
Good place to have some good quality sushi! Came on a Friday night and it looked like they were still getting things together in terms of ambiance and just looked like it was still opening.Seated quickly and order was taken soon after. The sushi was delicious. I wish we had room to try more rolls since they had so many. Pictured are edamame, the kakuna roll, the gaijin roll, the salmon lover sashimi plate, and the orange blossom roll. Can't wait to come back and try some different rolls.
October 26 · Chris Cardema