Katsumi Sushi

For Californians, especially those navigating the vibrant, often fast-paced, and diverse culinary landscape of Berkeley, finding a Japanese restaurant that consistently delivers on freshness, flavor, and value is a true win. Enter Katsumi Sushi, a beloved local spot that has become a go-to for students and residents alike. This establishment stands out not just for its delicious sushi, but also for its hearty cooked dishes and an overall commitment to affordability without compromising on quality. Katsumi Sushi is the quintessential neighborhood gem, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a satisfying meal every time.

Katsumi Sushi has cultivated a reputation as a reliable and accessible choice for Japanese cuisine in Berkeley. It's the kind of place where you can grab a quick, fresh lunch or settle in for a relaxed dinner with friends. What truly sets Katsumi Sushi apart is its dedication to providing great food at competitive prices, a factor highly appreciated in a city like Berkeley. From the moment you step in, whether you're ordering at the kiosk or the cash register, the friendly service and efficient preparation make for a seamless dining experience. With a menu that spans from meticulously crafted sushi rolls and fresh sashimi to comforting katsu dishes and flavorful fried rice, Katsumi Sushi ensures that there's always something to satisfy your craving for authentic Japanese flavors, proving that quality and value can indeed go hand-in-hand.

Katsumi Sushi is conveniently situated at 2521 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA. This address places it right in the heart of Berkeley's bustling "Asian Ghetto" area, a vibrant and popular district especially favored by students from the nearby University of California, Berkeley. Durant Avenue is a well-known street, making the restaurant easy to locate for both local residents and visitors.

The restaurant's location on Durant Avenue provides excellent accessibility. It's within comfortable walking distance for many UC Berkeley students and faculty. For those using public transportation, numerous AC Transit bus stops are located nearby, ensuring easy connections to other parts of Berkeley and the wider Bay Area. While street parking can sometimes be a challenge in this densely populated area, the central location makes it highly convenient for those arriving on foot or by public transit. Katsumi Sushi offers both indoor and a good amount of outdoor seating, providing flexibility for diners to enjoy their meal, whether they prefer the cozy indoor ambiance or the fresh air. Its prime spot ensures that it’s a quick and easy stop for a satisfying Japanese meal.

Katsumi Sushi boasts a comprehensive menu that extends beyond just sushi, offering a wide variety of Japanese culinary favorites designed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

• Sushi Rolls: An extensive selection of classic and special rolls. Popular choices include California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Alaska Roll (salmon, cucumber, avocado), and unique creations like the Anna Roll (shrimp tempura, cream cheese, wrapped with white tuna, avocado) and the Katsumi Roll (salmon, avocado, cucumber topped with unagi and mango). They also feature cooked rolls like Baked Scallop Roll and Crunch California Roll.
• Nigiri & Sashimi: Freshly prepared nigiri (fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced raw fish) with options such as Tuna (Maguro), Salmon (Sake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), Shrimp (Ebi), Scallop (Hotate), White Tuna, and BBQ Eel (Unagi).
• Bento Boxes: A highly popular and generously portioned option, bento boxes often include a variety of items such as teriyaki (chicken or salmon), tempura (shrimp and vegetables), sashimi, salad, rice, and miso soup, offering great value for a complete meal.
• Katsu Dishes: Crispy, breaded and deep-fried options like Chicken Katsu and Tonkatsu (pork chop), often served over rice with special house sauce.
• Teriyaki Rice Specials: Grilled options such as Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, BBQ Beef Short Rib, and BBQ Pork Chop, served with rice and a special house sauce.
• Fried Rice & Noodles: Various fried rice options (Veggie, Chicken, Salmon, Unagi, Shrimp) and Yaki Udon/Soba (stir-fried noodles with choice of protein and vegetables).
• Appetizers: Starters include Edamame, Seaweed Salad, House Green Salad, Gyoza (pork & vegetable or vegetable pot stickers), Miso Soup, Age-Dashi Tofu, Vegetable Tempura, Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura, and French Fries.
• Poke: Offers a Poki Roll with spicy tuna inside topped with seaweed salad.
• Beverages: A selection of drinks, including Mexican sodas.
• Flexible Ordering: Customers can order efficiently at a self-service kiosk (for card payments) or at the register (for cash payments).
• Dine-In & Takeout: Offers both comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for those who wish to dine at the restaurant, as well as convenient takeout services.

Katsumi Sushi has earned its reputation in Berkeley through several standout features that resonate strongly with its local clientele.

• Exceptional Value & Affordable Pricing: This is arguably Katsumi Sushi's strongest highlight. Customers consistently rave about the "love the prices and quality of food." Many items, especially the bento boxes and certain rolls, are noted for being "reasonably priced for Berkeley" and a "good value" compared to other options, even in nearby cities like San Francisco.
• Cash Payment Discount: A unique and highly appreciated feature is that cash payment options are explicitly stated to be "cheaper," providing an immediate discount for those paying with cash. This directly benefits customers.
• Fresh Ingredients & Quality Food: Despite the affordable prices, the quality of food is not compromised. Reviewers consistently note that "the ingredients taste fresh," and dishes like the miso soup are "so good." The fish in sushi is praised for being fresh, and cooked items like chicken katsu are described as "tasty."
• Friendly and Attentive Service: The staff at Katsumi Sushi receives high praise for being "very friendly," "kind and attentive," and providing "excellent, fast and friendly" service. This welcoming atmosphere significantly enhances the dining experience.
• Generous Portions: The "good size portions," particularly for the bento boxes and katsu dishes, ensure that diners receive a satisfying and fulfilling meal, adding to the overall value proposition.
• Efficient and Quick Service: Meals are "served fairly quickly," and orders are often "out in a heartbeat," making it an ideal spot for those looking for a delicious yet fast meal.
• Convenient Ordering System: The option to order at a kiosk for card payments or at the register for cash provides flexibility and efficiency.
• Indoor & Outdoor Seating: The availability of both indoor and a good amount of outdoor seating offers flexibility and comfort for different dining preferences.

Katsumi Sushi's approach to "promotions" primarily revolves around its inherent value proposition, particularly for cash payments and its generously portioned offerings.

• Cash Payment Savings: As a distinct highlight, Katsumi Sushi offers lower prices for orders paid with cash. This is a direct and continuous "promotion" that provides an immediate saving to customers choosing this payment method. It's a significant draw for locals looking to maximize their value.
• Value-Oriented Bento Boxes: While not a temporary special, their bento boxes are consistently noted as offering exceptional value. Packed with a variety of fresh components (sashimi, tempura, teriyaki, rice, soup, salad), these provide a complete and substantial meal at a very competitive price, effectively serving as an ongoing "deal" for a comprehensive Japanese dining experience.
• Affordable Pricing Across Menu: The overall pricing structure of Katsumi Sushi is designed to be affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for daily dining. This accessible pricing, especially for the quality and portion sizes offered, can be seen as a continuous promotion in itself within the Berkeley market.
• Student Flex Dollars: For UC Berkeley students, Katsumi Sushi has been noted as a place where student flex dollars can be utilized, making it an even more convenient and economical choice for the university community.

For any potential limited-time specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific discounts, it is always recommended to check their physical menu, inquire at the counter, or consult their listings on popular food delivery apps. However, the consistent value offered through cash discounts and well-priced portions remains a strong and reliable draw for patrons.

Ready to experience the fresh flavors and great value at Katsumi Sushi? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 2521 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA

Phone: (510) 529-4799

Mobile Phone: +1 510-529-4799

Hours of Operation:

• Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Hours may vary, especially for pickup, some sources indicate 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM for pickup. It's best to confirm directly with the restaurant.)

It's always recommended to verify current operating hours directly with the restaurant or through reliable online platforms, especially on holidays or for specific pickup/delivery times, as these can sometimes vary.

For Californians, especially those in the vibrant and student-heavy community of Berkeley, Katsumi Sushi is perfectly suited to local preferences. Its consistent delivery of fresh, tasty Japanese food at remarkably affordable prices makes it an unbeatable value proposition. The unique incentive of cheaper prices for cash payments directly benefits the budget-conscious, including many students, fostering a strong sense of local appreciation.

The restaurant's friendly service and efficient order-to-serve time cater to the fast-paced Californian lifestyle, ensuring a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you're craving classic sushi, a generous bento box, or a comforting katsu dish, the diverse menu has something for everyone, providing plenty of options for repeat visits. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating adds to its appeal, offering flexibility for different dining preferences. Located conveniently on Durant Avenue, Katsumi Sushi is not just a place to eat; it's a reliable, friendly, and economical go-to spot that truly understands and delivers on what Berkeley locals value in a neighborhood Japanese restaurant. It’s a definite recommendation for anyone seeking quality, value, and a warm welcome in the heart of Berkeley.

Katsumi Sushi

2521 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA