Japanese Restaurant
Japanese Food BlogJapanese Restaurant Near Me
ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaAlameda CountyBerkeleyNorthwest BerkeleyJapanese Restaurant in Gilman StreetKiku Sushi
Kiku Sushi ico

Kiku Sushi

Sushi restaurant, Asian restaurant ★4.0 (48)·$30–50

1316 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706, USA

4.0
I love this place! I got the Sake oyako don and it was a huge plate of salmon. We loved our dinner here! - Alethea D
Kiku Sushi Overview Intro Vibe Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 48 people$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

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.

Location and Accessibility

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.

Services Offered

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.
Features / Highlights

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.
Promotions or Special Offers

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.

Contact Information

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

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

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 Vibe

  • Vegan Appetizers

  • Veggie Gyoza (Pan-Fried) US$6.25
  • Edamame US$6.00

    boiled young soy bean

  • Spicy Edamame US$6.50
  • Vegetable Tempura US$10.50

    with shrimp add $2

  • Nasu Miso US$6.50

    grilled Japanese eggplant with sweet white miso sauce

  • Okra Tempura US$7.50
  • Stuffed Shiitake Mushroom US$8.00

    Shiitake mushrooms stuffed with tofu, miso and shies served with sweet tamari sauce

  • Vegan Salads

  • Soba Salad US$10.95

    buckwheat noodles topped with cucumber, carrots, broccolini, snow peas, atsuage tofu, shiitake mushroom, pickled burdock, seasoned kanpyo gourd, hijiki sea vegetable, soybeans, yellow and orane peppers, pickled daikon and ginger, kaiware, toasted sunflower seeds, and pineapple. Served with sesame oil vinaigrette dressing.

  • Seaweed Salad US$7.50

    homemade sauce & fresh seaweed

  • Ingen Goma-ae US$6.75

    string beans with sesame seasoning

  • Goma Ae US$7.50

    blanched spinach & broccoli topped with sesame dressing

  • Seasonal Greens US$4.75

    with sesame dressing

  • Hijiki Salad US$7.50

    black seaweed with tahini sauce

  • Tsukemono US$6.75

    Japanese pickled vegetables

  • Vegan Moriawase

  • Veggie Chirashi Special US$17.95

    brown rice, green salad with sesame dressing, tapped with seasoned shiitake, green beans, carrots, tofu pouch, yam cake, and hijiki. Served in a medium bowl.

  • Vegan Cold Noodles

  • Zaru US$9.00

    plain udon or Soba served with a dipping sauce and topped with scallions, kaiware and shredded nori.

  • Vegetable Tempura Zaru US$13.75

    vegetable tempura served with cold noodles

  • Vegetarian Main Dishes

  • Veggie Teriyaki US$15.50

    broccoli, tofu, bell pepper, kabocha, mushrooms, cauliflower, snap peas, snow peas, and onion with teriyaki sauce

  • Veggie Tempura US$15.50
  • Veggie Yaki Soba US$15.50
  • Vegan Maki

  • Avocado & Tempura US$5.95
  • Asparagus & Spinach US$5.95
  • Avocado & Cucumber US$5.95
  • Avocado & Shiitake US$5.95
  • Shiitake & Spinach US$5.95
  • Plum & Shiso US$5.95
  • Vegan California Roll US$6.50

    cucumber, avocado, and tofu

  • Vegan Baked Spicy Scallop US$9.50

    baked king mushroom, with avocado, seaweed pearls & spicy sauce

  • Vegan Spicy Tuna US$7.00

    made with tomato, shiso, cucumber, and 7 spicy powder

  • Kiku Roll US$11.50

    tempura sushi filled with avocado, asparagus, yam and carrots. lightly battered and deep-fried, cut into 8 pieces. served with special house sauce.

  • Vegan Roll US$8.50

    spinach, atsuage tofu, cucumber, broccoli, pickled burdock,seasoned shiitake, kanpyo gourd, and pickled ginger

  • Vegetable Tempura Roll US$9.00

    tempura banana squash, carrots, yam and green beans

  • Lightning Roll US$11.95

    enoki mushroom, pumpkin tempura, asparagus, avocado withchia yuzu ponzu sauce

  • Green Dragon Roll US$12.95

    tempura sweet potato, avocado & eggplant in special sauce

  • Crazy Mushroom Roll US$12.95

    tempura green bean, assorted mushrooms in special sauce

  • Spicy, Crunchy Roll US$12.95

    spicy tofu, sweet kanpyo gourd, avocado, crunchy flakes & special sauce

  • Sunshine Roll US$12.95

    mango, tempura jalapeno, sun-dried tomato & avocado with special sauce

  • Gogo Roll US$12.95

    mushrooms & onions with light smoky flavor on spicy tofu & avocado roll topped with seaweed pearls & special sauce

  • Golden Gate Roll US$12.95

    Pickled burdock, shies & cucumber topped with sweet potato, crunchy potato, green onion & special sauce

  • Emerald Roll US$12.95

    spinach, ginger carrots, avocado, vegan mayo, special sauce & crunchy potato

  • Chef's Surprise Roll US$13.50
  • Fireman Roll US$12.95

    avocado, eggplant, spicy sauce, smoky flavor

  • Gilman Roll US$12.95

    spicy tofu, avocado, smoky flavor, special sauce

  • Pumpkin Roll US$12.95

    pumpkin seeds, avocado, black sesame & vegan sauce

  • Ninja Roll US$11.00

    tempura roll with spicy tofu, green onions, schichimi togarashi, sesame, spicy special sauce & sweet tamari soy

  • Vegan Soups

  • Mushroom Soup US$5.75
  • Vegan Miso Soup US$3.75
  • Kiku Nabe US$14.75

    napa cabbage, spinach, red onion, carrots, mushrooms, kabocha,broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, snap peas, snow peas, silver noodles,and tofu in sukiyaki broth

  • Kobe Soup US$14.75

    potstickers, silver noodles, tofu, napa cabbage, kabocha, mushrooms,broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini in a light broth. Served withponzu citrus sauce

  • Vege-Tofu Curry Udon US$14.75

    curry soup with tofu, kabocha, pearl onions, celery, carrots, broccoli,sugar snap peas, cauliflower, zucchini, and mushrooms.

  • Vegetable Tempura Udon US$14.75

    vegetable tempura served separately with a bowl of noodles

  • Kinoko Udon US$13.50

    made with a variety of mushrooms

  • Plain Udon US$8.50

    plain noodles topped with scallions, kaiware, and shredded nori

  • Vegan Desserts

  • Vegan Single Layer Mousse Cake US$5.00

    cake made from unbleached wheat flour, cocoa, sucanat, canola oil,cocoa powder, lemon juice, pure vanilla extract, sea salt, tofu, brownrice syrup. mousse chocolate chips made from evaporated cane juice,chocolate and vanilla lecithin

  • Sushi Lunch Specials

  • Sushi Lunch Special US$16.95

    1 maguro, 1 sake, 1 hamachi + three more chefs' choices, chefs' choice roll & miso soup

  • Sashimi Lunch US$19.45

    2 maguro, 2 sake, 2 hamachi, + two chefs’ choices, rice

  • Chirashi Special US$16.95

    selected types of seafood over kanpyo, shiitake tomago & sushi rice. 2 maguro, 1 sake, 1 hamachi, white fish + four more chefs' choices

  • "Moriawase" Box US$19.45

    sashimi: 2 maguro + two more chefs’ choice (4 pcs.); sushi:chefs’ choice (4pcs.); roll: futo-maki

  • Veggie Sushi Combo US$15.95

    5 pcs of nigiri + chefs' choice roll

  • Bento Box Lunches

  • Chicken Teriyaki US$13.75

    chicken breast meat, salad & chef’s choice roll (substitute w/sashimi, add $ 2.50)

  • Salmon Teriyaki US$14.75

    Atlantic salmon, salad & chef’s choice roll (substitute w/ sashimi,add $ 2.50)

  • Miso Glazed Black Cod US$17.00

    w/salad, chef’s choice roll (substitute w/ sashimi, add $ 2.50)

  • Black Cod Belly Tempura US$15.50

    w/ salad & chef’s choice roll (substitute w/ sashimi, add $ 2.50)

  • Tempura Combo US$14.75

    w/ salad & chef’s choice roll (substitute w/ sashimi, add $ 2.50)

  • Katsu US$14.75

    choose: chicken or pork

  • Vegetarian Combo US$14.75

    veggie roll & nasu miso

  • Other Lunch Items

  • Yaki Soba US$14.00

    pan-fried noodle w/ seafood, beef, chicken or vegetable

  • Tempura Lunch US$14.75

    vegetable, shrimp or combination

  • Dinner Items

  • Chicken Teriyaki US$16.95

    chicken breast meat, salad & rice

  • Salmon Teriyaki US$18.95

    Atlantic salmon, salad & rice

  • Tonkatsu US$16.95

    deep-fried pork served w/ uster veggie sauce salad & rice

  • Yaki Soba US$15.00

    pan-fried noodle w/ sea food, beef, chicken or vegetable

  • Saba Shioyaki US$17.95

    grilled mackerel w/ sea salt, salad & rice

  • Tempura Dinner US$17.95

    vegetables, shrimp or combination, salad & rice

  • Miso Glazed Black Cod Dinner US$28.00

    truffle dashi, kabocha squash, edamame & toasted nori

  • Moriawase Dinner Combinations

  • Sushi (7 pcs) US$21.95

    AAA grade big eye tuna, yellow tail, blue prawn, king salmon & two more chef choices

  • Sashimi (10 pcs) US$27.95

    AAA grade big eye tuna, yellow tail, albacore & two more chef choices from seasonal items with fresh wasabi

  • Chirashi Special US$24.95

    selected types of seafood over kanpyo, shiitake, tamago, and sushi rice; 2 maguro, 1 sake, 1 hamachi, white fish + four more chefs’ choices

  • Tekka Don US$25.95

    tuna over kanpyo, shiitake, tamago, oshinko & sushi rice

  • Sake Oyako Don US$24.95

    salmon over kanpyo, shiitake, tamago, oshinko & sushi rice, ikura

  • Dinner Soups

  • Miso Soup US$3.75

    dashi, miso & tofu

  • Clam Miso Soup US$6.00

    manila clam, dashi, miso & tofu

  • Seafood Udon US$14.75

    clams, mussel, shrimp & scallop in a soy dashi broth

  • Tempura Udon US$13.75

    tempura shrimp & vegetables in a dashi broth

  • Chicken Udon US$13.50
  • Beef Udon US$14.75
  • Sukiyaki Beef or Chicken US$17.00

    w/ tofu, veggies, clear noodle

  • Appetizers

  • Gyoza US$6.50

    homemade with pork pan-fried

  • Miso Glazed Black Cod Appetizer US$12.00
  • Black Cod Belly Tempura US$10.00

    grilled Japanese eggplant w/ sweet white miso sauce

  • Veggie Tempura US$10.50

    with shrimp add $2

  • Grilled Hamachi Kama

    MARKET PRICE - yellowtail with ponzu sauce

  • Chicken Karaage US$8.00

    fried, marinated chicken

  • Okra Tempura Appetizers US$7.50
  • Crispy Rice & Sweet Potato US$7.00
  • Crispy Rice & Avocado US$7.00
  • Salads

  • Salmon Skin Salad US$7.50

    w/ sesame dressing

  • Ohitashi Salad US$7.50

    spinach salad w/ dried bonito flakes

  • Sashimi Salad US$20.95
  • Sushi or Sashimi Pairs

  • Maguro US$7.25

    (AAA grade) big eye tuna

  • O-Toro or Chu-Toro

    MARKET PRICE

  • Hon Maguro

    MARKET PRICE - blue fin tuna

  • Shiro Maguro US$7.25

    canadian albacore

  • Hamachi US$7.25

    Japanese yellowtail

  • Shima Aji

    MARKET PRICE - king fish (seasonal)

  • Hirame US$7.25

    halibut

  • Sake US$7.25

    king salmon cured with konbu

  • Umi Masu

    MARKET PRICE - ocean trout (seasonal)

  • Aji US$9.25

    Japanese horse mackerel

  • Saba US$6.25

    cured mackerel

  • Bano Ika US$5.75

    squid

  • Ebi US$5.75

    steamed striped prawn

  • Unagi US$8.75

    eel, fresh water grilled

  • Ikura US$7.25

    salmon roe cured with salt and soy sauce

  • Tobiko US$7.25

    natural flying fish roe

  • Tako US$6.75

    steamed octopus

  • Tamago US$5.50

    organic egg omelet with dashi stock

  • Kani Ashi US$7.00

    steamed crab leg

  • Ankimo Sushi US$7.50

    monkfish liver pate

  • Ankimo Appetizer US$12.50

    monkfish liver pate

  • Uni

    MARKET PRICE (DIFFERENT FOR SANTA BARBAR OR JAPAN) - sea urchin Santa Barbara or Japan

  • Anago US$9.50

    salt water eel

  • Iwashi

    MARKET PRICE - sardine

  • Hotate US$7.25

    Hokkaido scallop

  • Amaebi US$8.75

    sweet raw shrimp

  • Fresh Wasabi US$4.00
  • Inari US$5.50

    sweet tofu skin

  • Maki

  • California Roll US$9.50

    real steamed crab, avocado & japanese cucumber

  • Philadelphia Roll US$9.00

    salmon, avocado, cream cheese

  • Baked Spicy Scallop Roll US$10.00

    seven spicy Japanese mayo, tobiko & avocado

  • Crunch Roll US$16.00

    eel, avocado, aonori powder, tempura flakes, spicy crab & shrimp

  • Kaisen Futo Maki US$13.00

    tuna, salmon, inure & three more chefs' choices

  • Negi Hama US$9.50

    hamachi, green onions

  • Salmon Skin Roll US$8.50

    gobo, grilled green onion, oshinko, bonito flakes, shiso

  • Spicy Tuna Roll US$9.50

    cucumber, shies, seven types of Japanese spice & spicy sauce

  • Rainbow Roll US$16.00

    crab, avocado, Japanese cucumber, assorted fish, plus 2 chefs' choice

  • Tekka Maki US$6.50
  • Sake Maki US$6.50
  • Sabagari Maki US$8.00
  • Alaska US$9.00
  • Dynamite Roll US$7.50

    salmon, yellowtail, tuna, cucumber mixed with spicy sauce

Kiku Sushi Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great tea selection
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Toilet
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking

Kiku Sushi Photos

Kiku Sushi Picture 1Kiku Sushi Picture 2Kiku Sushi Picture 3Kiku Sushi Picture 4Kiku Sushi Picture 5Kiku Sushi Picture 6Kiku Sushi Picture 7Kiku Sushi Picture 8Kiku Sushi Picture 9Kiku Sushi Picture 10

Kiku Sushi Location

Kiku Sushi

1316 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706, USA

Kiku Sushi Reviews

More Japanese Restaurant Near Me

  • Asaka Sushi & BarAsaka Sushi & Bar4.0 (126 reviews)

    1580 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA

  • Yo SushiYo Sushi4.0 (463 reviews)

    1107 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Sumo Japanese RestaurantSumo Japanese Restaurant4.0 (306 reviews)

    2009 977 CA-123, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Oori TrianglesOori Triangles4.0 (371 reviews)

    1247 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Daruma KioskDaruma Kiosk5.0 (3 reviews)

    1300 Fifth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

  • Kyoto SushiKyoto Sushi4.0 (118 reviews)

    1599 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA

  • Mainichi SushiMainichi Sushi4.0 (146 reviews)

    1647 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA

  • AKEMIAKEMI4.0 (440 reviews)

    1695 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA

  • Yonsei Handrolls - AlbanyYonsei Handrolls - Albany4.0 (16 reviews)

    905 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Sugata Japanese RestaurantSugata Japanese Restaurant4.0 (206 reviews)

    1105 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Kuriya Japanese KitchenKuriya Japanese Kitchen4.0 (88 reviews)

    809 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

  • Butterfish SushiButterfish Sushi4.0 (92 reviews)

    915 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

  • Categories

    Popular Japanese Restaurant Sites

    Must-Read Japanese Food Blog Posts

    Most Searched Japanese Restaurant Sites

    Trending Japanese Food Blog Posts