Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine: Sacramento's Premier Dining Experience

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine Introduce

kru contemporary japanese cuisine reviews

For California residents with a refined palate and a desire for an unparalleled dining experience, Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine in Sacramento stands as an absolute must-visit. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Billy Ngo, a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in California, Kru offers more than just a meal; it's a meticulously crafted culinary journey that pushes the boundaries of imagination and possibility. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a world where incredible food, impeccable presentation, and a lively atmosphere converge to create an unforgettable evening.

Kru prides itself on its commitment to regionality, sourcing the freshest and most local ingredients whenever available, while also flying in exceptional fish from global markets to ensure unparalleled quality. The menu is a testament to Chef Ngo's innovative approach, blending traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary flair. Whether you're indulging in a chef's choice nigiri plate, savoring the richness of Wagyu beef, or exploring their creative small plates, every dish is designed to be a work of art, both visually stunning and exquisitely flavorful. It's a testament to why many consider Kru to offer the "best sushi I've ever had anywhere."

Beyond the exceptional food, Kru cultivates an atmosphere that is both fun and lively, yet seamlessly organized. The dedicated and friendly staff, like the often-praised David, contribute significantly to the seamless dining experience, ensuring that every guest feels cared for and informed. This combination of culinary excellence, engaging ambiance, and attentive service firmly establishes Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine as a premier destination for those seeking an elevated and truly special Japanese dining adventure in the heart of California.

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Location and Accessibility

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is conveniently located at 3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA. This address places it within a vibrant and easily accessible area of Sacramento, appealing to residents across California, especially those in the Sacramento region. Folsom Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant simple to locate whether you are driving from within the city or from surrounding communities. The restaurant is situated just a block away from Alhambra Boulevard, further enhancing its accessibility.

One of the notable advantages of Kru's location is the available parking. Unlike some urban dining spots, Kru offers both street parking around the building and has two dedicated lots for its customers. One lot is directly behind the building, and there's also a free shared parking lot with OBO' Italian Table & Bar on Seville Way off Folsom Boulevard. This abundance of parking options significantly reduces the stress of finding a spot, making it a convenient choice for diners. Furthermore, Kru's proximity to Sutter Medical Center, Midtown Sacramento, and the I-80 Business/Capital City Freeway ensures easy access for a wide range of patrons looking to enjoy a special meal or celebrate an occasion in the California capital.

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Services Offered

Upscale Dine-in Service: Enjoy a refined and lively dining experience in Kru's contemporary interior, with seating options including the highly sought-after sushi bar where you can interact with the chefs.
Omakase Experience: An exclusive and immersive chef's tasting menu available at the sushi bar, offering a personalized culinary journey guided by the chefs. Reservations are strongly encouraged for this experience.
Takeout Service: Convenient options for picking up your favorite dishes, allowing you to enjoy Kru's cuisine from the comfort of your home.
Delivery Service: Kru offers delivery through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, providing a convenient way to enjoy their exquisite food at your location.
Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A wide selection of incredibly fresh nigiri, sashimi, and innovative special rolls, including Chef's Choice nigiri and sashimi plates, and popular rolls like the Sunshine Roll, Firecracker, and Spicy B.
Unique Small Plates & Appetizers: A diverse range of starters such as Mary's Wings (spicy miso glaze), House Made Pork Gyoza, Potato Croquettes, Wagyu Tsukune, and Brussels sprouts.
Chef's Table Experience: For those who enjoy watching the culinary artistry unfold, sitting at the sushi bar provides a unique opportunity to engage with the chefs.
Full Bar with Innovative Cocktails: An expansive beverage program featuring creative cocktails (like the "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Pastrami on Rye"), a curated wine list, and an impressive sake selection.
Private Events & Reservations: Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends, indicating the restaurant's suitability for planned special occasions.

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Features / Highlights

Exceptional Food Quality: Consistently described as "incredible," "amazing," and "the best sushi I've ever had," with emphasis on incredibly fresh fish, melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and inventive flavors.
Chef Billy Ngo's Expertise: Led by James Beard Award finalist Chef Billy Ngo, ensuring a high level of culinary artistry, innovation, and commitment to quality.
Impeccable Presentation: Dishes are known for their "gorgeous" and "beautiful presentation," with elements like ginger soup being poured tableside for a dramatic effect.
Unique and Creative Menu Items: Beyond traditional sushi, the menu features standout dishes like Waygu Tsukune (praised for "out of this world" flavor), Hamachi Kama, Wagyu Nigiri with quail egg and truffle, and innovative cocktails.
Lively and Fun Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as "fun and lively," providing an energetic yet comfortable setting for dining.
Attentive and Friendly Staff: Patrons consistently praise the "seamlessly organized," "helpful," and "friendly" waitstaff, with specific shout-outs to exceptional service.
Reasonable Pricing for Quality: Despite being considered "on the pricier side," many reviews highlight that the pricing is "super reasonable for the quality and innovative flavors," making it "well worth the spend."
Diverse Dietary Options: Offers a variety of vegan options and a creative menu that can cater to different preferences.

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Promotions or Special Offers

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine offers a highly popular Happy Hour, which is a great opportunity for California locals to experience their exquisite offerings at a more accessible price. The Happy Hour is available daily from 4 PM to 6 PM (some sources indicate Monday to Friday), and features special pricing on select drinks and bar bites. While the provided information mentions specific items like $5 bar bites, $7 cocktails, and specials on Sapporo beer and sake from an older source, it's always best for patrons to verify the most current Happy Hour menu directly with the restaurant or on their official website, as these offerings can change. Given the restaurant's high quality and popularity, their Happy Hour provides excellent value and is a fantastic way to sample a variety of their renowned dishes and beverages.

Beyond the regular Happy Hour, Kru also offers a specialized Omakase experience, an 18-course tasting menu at the sushi bar priced at $200 per person (as per their website, from a previous menu update), with an optional beverage pairing. While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, this curated experience is a unique feature that allows diners to fully immerse themselves in Chef Billy Ngo's culinary vision. For any additional seasonal specials, holiday menus, or unique events, Sacramento residents are encouraged to check Kru's official website or social media channels.

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Contact Information

To make a reservation or for any inquiries regarding Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
Phone: (916) 551-1559

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Conclusion: Why Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is Suitable for Locals

For California residents, particularly those in Sacramento, Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable dining destination. It's not merely a Japanese restaurant; it's a culinary institution led by a James Beard Award-nominated chef, Billy Ngo, guaranteeing an experience that is consistently innovative, fresh, and profoundly delicious. The high praise from patrons, describing it as one of their "absolute favorite dining experiences ever," underscores its status as a must-visit for anyone seeking top-tier Japanese cuisine.

The combination of incredibly fresh fish, meticulously crafted dishes with stunning presentation, and a menu that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary flavors ensures that every visit is a memorable one. The lively and engaging atmosphere, coupled with the attentive and friendly staff, creates a welcoming environment perfect for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a gathering with friends. Furthermore, the convenient location with ample parking, including dedicated lots, adds to its appeal for local diners. While it's an investment, the consensus among patrons is that the "pricing is super reasonable for the quality," making Kru a justifiable indulgence and a standout choice for those in California looking for an unparalleled Japanese dining adventure.

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine Photos

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Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine Location

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

California Sacramento County Sacramento East Sacramento Folsom Boulevard

3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine Reviews

This was one of my absolute favorite dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible. The staff were helpful and friendly. I loved sitting at the sushi bar and talking to one of the chefs and watching them cook food.I went a little overboard on food orders for one but knew this place was special. I started with a 15 piece chefs choice nigiri plate. The presentation was gorgeous. The wasabi it came with was incredibly flavorful and the fish was incredibly fresh.The ginger soup was beautiful and full of flavor. This place really is about the presentation. When they bring it out to you the plate has all the fixings without the soup and then slowly pour the soup into the bowl in front of you in a beautiful presentation.I then ordered the Waygu Tsukune. The flavor of the beef was out of this world and one of the best things I've ever tasted. The chef saw I enjoyed it so much he suggested I order a piece of Waygu nigiri with quail egg and truffle. The truffle was shaved off inches high and the combination was delicious. As I was eating the meat I was sipping on a Waygu bourbon cocktail that perfectly matched the flavor profile of the food.Finally I decided I wanted to end the night with a basic spicy tuna roll just to see if I could come back and enjoy this place on the cheaper end. The answer was "absolutely yes."The atmosphere is fun and lively. The food is incredible. The presentation is impeccable. I waited too long to come here. Don't make the same mistake.
Apr 28, 2025 · David Sforza
This place was INCREDIBLE! My brother and his fiancé brought my aunt and I who were visiting on the last night of our trip. The atmosphere was very cool and lively, the waitstaff were seamlessly organized and friendly, and the food was so amazing that I could shed a tear. We ordered a ton of stuff, included the Brussels sprouts, karaage, pork belly, hamachi kana, wagyu burger, tuna scallion hand roll, sunshine roll, and cocktails. I particularly loved the sunshine roll, karaage, and the hamachi Kama. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this. My special cocktail was the “green eggs and ham” and was bright and crisp. My brother’s outlandish “pastrami on rye” cocktail, while sounding strange, was also perplexingly delicious. If I had the money I’d go here for dinner every night. That being said, the pricing is super reasonable for the quality and innovative flavors of this food. It is well worth the spend. Shout out to our incredible waiter, David. He was awesome and I hope they pay him $1million dollars every day.
Mar 01, 2025 · Sophie Aronson
We've been here 5 or 6 times and it only seems to get better. Arguably the best restaurant in Sacramento, though I haven't tried Ella or Kitchen. The gentleman who served us at the bar tables Sunday night, March 2nd, was the best server I've had at a restaurant ever. He knew everything about every dish, had recommendations, and was seemingly always available despite taking care of all the bar tables.We were served drinks while we waited for our table to open up, which was a nice surprise. Their special drink menu is very fun, this time it was a variety of drinks that tasted like various foods. The Krabby Patty tasted exactly like a hamburger; can't say I love that, but it was fun and well executed (see pic).Sushi was great. Their ngo burger is incredible. Loved the fried lobster kakiage. The Hot Honey Kara-age was super crispy and tasty.I could go on, but let's just say it is worth stopping by if you can. I'd encourage having a reservation, otherwise you'll be waiting a long time.
Mar 04, 2025 · Chris
Great place. I enjoyed my dining experience here. The drinks were very creative and delicious. The atmosphere was a good vibe. Service exceptional.I enjoed the Wagu Ramen and it was a delicious and satisfying experience, The rich, flavorful broth and tender slices of Wagyu beef elevated the dish. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the balance of seasoning made each bite enjoyable.
May 25, 2025 · Kat Girl
Overall: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars) - An absolute must-try!Atmosphere: From the moment we stepped inside, Kru radiated a chic and lively energy. The buzzing atmosphere created an exciting and vibrant dining experience.Service: The service was impeccable from start to finish. Our server, Quinton, provided truly five-star service, making us feel incredibly well taken care of. His attentiveness and professionalism elevated our entire experience.Food: The food was the star of the show – absolutely excellent and above par. We sampled a variety of dishes, including several of their signature rolls, their unique take on a Caesar salad, sashimi, and the pork belly skewers. Every single item was fantastic, showcasing culinary skill and fresh ingredients. The generous portion sizes were also a pleasant surprise.Highlights:* Excellent Service: Quinton's five-star service deserves special mention.* Chic Atmosphere: A lively and buzzing vibe creates a memorable dining experience.* Exceptional Food: From sushi rolls to pork belly skewers, every dish was delicious and expertly prepared.* Generous Portions: You definitely won't leave hungry!Recommendation: Kru is not to be missed!Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a fantastic meal, Kru delivers on all fronts. We highly recommend it and can't wait to return.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feb 09, 2025 · Cheryl Cardamon