Kiku Sushi Introduce
For those residing in or exploring the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Berkeley, California, finding a sushi restaurant that consistently delivers on both flavor and hospitality is a true delight. Tucked away on Gilman Street, Kiku Sushi has quietly become a cherished local gem, known for its delectable Japanese cuisine, generous portions, and an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere that makes every diner feel right at home.
Kiku Sushi is more than just a place to grab a meal; it's an experience that combines the traditional artistry of Japanese cooking with genuinely friendly service. Patrons consistently express their love for this spot, highlighting not only the deliciousness of the food but also the polite and accommodating nature of the staff, even when arriving close to closing time. Whether you're craving a substantial plate of fresh salmon, like their popular Sake Oyako Don, or an assortment of expertly prepared sushi rolls, Kiku Sushi prides itself on delivering dishes that are both satisfying and made with care. It's the kind of place where the fish is consistently "delicious" and the staff ensures your dinner experience is truly enjoyable, making it a beloved go-to spot for many in the Bay Area.
Kiku Sushi is conveniently located at 1316 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706, USA. This address places it in a well-established and accessible part of West Berkeley, a neighborhood known for its diverse local businesses, unique shops, and a more relaxed, community-oriented vibe compared to the bustling downtown. Gilman Street itself is a significant east-west thoroughfare, connecting various residential and commercial areas of Berkeley.
The restaurant’s location offers practical accessibility for various modes of transportation. For those arriving by car, street parking is generally available in the vicinity of Gilman Street, which can be a significant convenience in Berkeley. Its position makes it easily reachable from different parts of Berkeley, as well as from neighboring East Bay cities like Albany and El Cerrito. While specific public transport stops are not detailed, Gilman Street is served by various AC Transit bus lines, providing options for those relying on public transit. The relaxed atmosphere of the neighborhood, combined with the restaurant's welcoming nature, makes it an easy and appealing destination for a quality Japanese meal in Berkeley.
Kiku Sushi offers a straightforward yet comprehensive range of services designed to provide a comfortable and satisfying Japanese dining experience.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in the friendly and accommodating atmosphere of the restaurant, perfect for a casual dinner or a relaxed gathering.
- Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes at home or on the go, Kiku Sushi provides efficient takeout services.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant typically operates for both lunch and dinner, accommodating various dining schedules. Customers have noted their accommodating nature even close to closing time.
- Sushi and Rolls: A wide selection of fresh sushi and various rolls are available, catering to classic preferences and potentially unique creations.
- Donburi Dishes: Popular rice bowl dishes like the "Sake Oyako Don" (salmon and salmon roe over rice) are a highlight, known for their generous portions.
- Sake Selection: As a Japanese restaurant, they offer a selection of sake to complement your meal, as noted by customers enjoying "saki" with their rolls.
- Friendly and Polite Staff: The service is consistently praised for being "very polite and accommodating" and "very friendly," contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.
Kiku Sushi has earned its reputation and loyal customer base through several key features that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine in Berkeley.
- Delicious and High-Quality Fish: Customers consistently rave about the "delicious" fish, emphasizing its freshness and flavor. This commitment to quality is evident in every sushi roll and sashimi slice.
- Generous Portions: Dishes like the "Sake Oyako Don" are highlighted as "a huge plate of salmon," indicating that Kiku Sushi provides satisfying and hearty portions, offering excellent value.
- Exceptional Hospitality and Accommodating Service: A strong point is the staff's "very polite and accommodating" and "very friendly" demeanor. This is particularly noted even when customers arrive close to closing, showcasing their dedication to customer satisfaction.
- Welcoming and Friendly Atmosphere: The overall ambiance is described as "friendly," making it a comfortable and inviting place for diners to enjoy their meal.
- Reliable and Consistent Experience: Patrons express a deep affection for the place, with one stating, "I love this place!," indicating a consistently positive dining experience that encourages repeat visits.
- Variety of Popular Japanese Dishes: Beyond just sushi, the menu includes popular donburi options like the Sake Oyako Don, ensuring there's something to cater to different cravings and preferences for traditional Japanese fare.
- Sake Availability: For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages with their Japanese meal, the availability of sake adds to the authentic dining experience.
While specific, ongoing promotional offers or happy hour deals are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews or general public information for Kiku Sushi, their commitment to providing "delicious" food with "generous portions" at what is implied to be a reasonable value serves as a continuous draw for patrons. Many neighborhood sushi restaurants focus on consistent quality and satisfying portions as their primary value proposition rather than frequent discounts. Any special promotions, seasonal menu items, or lunch specials would typically be communicated directly at the restaurant, or potentially through their online presence if they maintain a website or social media. For the most current information on any limited-time offers or new menu items, customers are encouraged to contact Kiku Sushi directly via phone or inquire during their visit.
To experience the delicious food and friendly service at Kiku Sushi, you can reach them through the following contact details:
Address:
1316 Gilman St
Berkeley, CA 94706, USA
Phone:
(510) 525-5458
For residents across California, and particularly those in Berkeley, Kiku Sushi stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local dining establishment. Its convenient location on Gilman Street integrates it seamlessly into a charming and accessible neighborhood, making it an ideal choice for a casual dinner or a spontaneous meal without the hassle of extensive travel. The availability of street parking further enhances its practicality for daily visits.
What truly makes Kiku Sushi a local favorite is its consistent delivery of "delicious" and high-quality fish combined with "generous portions." In a region that values fresh ingredients and satisfying meals, Kiku Sushi truly excels, as highlighted by the popularity of their "huge plate of salmon" in the Sake Oyako Don. This commitment to both flavor and value ensures a fulfilling dining experience every time.
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s "very friendly," "polite," and "accommodating" staff create a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere that makes every diner feel valued. This genuine hospitality, even when guests arrive close to closing, transforms a simple meal into a truly enjoyable occasion. For anyone in Berkeley seeking a reliable, high-quality, and friendly sushi restaurant that genuinely cares about its customers, Kiku Sushi is undoubtedly a top choice. It’s the kind of local spot that quickly becomes a beloved "go-to," promising delicious food and a consistently pleasant dining experience.
Kiku Sushi Photos










Kiku Sushi Location
Kiku Sushi
1316 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706, USA
Kiku Sushi Reviews
I love this place! I got the Sake oyako don and it was a huge plate of salmon. We loved our dinner here!
Apr 12, 2025 · Alethea DIt was thirty minutes before closing and we really wanted to eat here. It was no problem and they were very polite and accommodating. Had saki and some rolls. Fish was delicious and staff was very friendly.
Apr 15, 2025 · SmallshaunThis place takes the “& vegetarian” in their name seriously! So many sushi places have “vegetarian” options that turn out disappointing or limited, but not here. There were more vegetarian and vegan rolls than anywhere I’ve ever seen, and those options were just as interesting and delicious as any roll you could get at another sushi place. Plus, the nigiri was delicious - clearly high quality fish, and well made rice.
Jan 21, 2025 · Edie SussmanCute little shop, went on a Tuesday night. We liked the Sunshine roll and Gilman roll the most. We also liked the pumpkin roll which had a sweet sauce. The emerald roll had a large chunk of squash/potato on top that was very filling and overpowered the rest of the flavors. We had the veggie gyoza as an app but didn’t enjoy it as it was very crunchy. We would definitely come back again.
Jul 13, 2022 · Anand PatelGreat little restaurant in an unassuming part of town away from the hustle and bustle. Plenty of parking nearby as well which is quite rare for restaurants in this area. Everything looks very traditional Japanese style and the decor and staff are top notch. The food in general tasted good but a couple things missed the mark.The miso soup was great. Piping hot almost couldn't even touch it. Flavor was rich and complex. The soba salad was a slight miss for me. While it looked extremely impressive with tons of ingredients, it wasn't very cohesive for me and there wasn't enough soba noodles. The 10pc sashimi platter was quite expensive but they give you a lot of fish. However each piece of sashimi was massive and really could have been cut in to three or more pieces to make it bite sized. The freshly grated wasabi was fantastic and traditional.
Aug 02, 2018 · Victor Wang
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