Sumo Roll

For California locals craving fresh, delicious, and expertly prepared sushi, Sumo Roll in Berkeley is a must-try destination. While it may be a fairly small and intimate spot, this restaurant consistently delivers on flavor and quality, making it a beloved choice among discerning diners. Sumo Roll offers a diverse menu that goes beyond just traditional sushi, featuring tempting appetizers and comforting Japanese entrees like chicken katsu. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and efficient service, Sumo Roll provides a satisfying and memorable dining experience for anyone in the Golden State seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

Sumo Roll is conveniently located at 2173 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of Downtown Berkeley, making it incredibly accessible for residents across the California region, especially those in the East Bay. Its central location near the UC Berkeley campus ensures it’s a popular spot for students, faculty, and visitors alike.

Accessibility to Sumo Roll is excellent due to its downtown setting. For those utilizing public transportation, the Downtown Berkeley BART station is within easy walking distance, providing a direct connection from various parts of the Bay Area. Multiple AC Transit bus lines also serve the immediate vicinity, making it simple to reach. While street parking can be a bit challenging in busy downtown Berkeley, there are several public parking garages nearby, such as the Center Street Garage, offering convenient paid parking options for those arriving by car. This central and well-connected location ensures that enjoying Sumo Roll's delicious offerings is a hassle-free experience for any local in California.

Sumo Roll is dedicated to providing a quality sushi and Japanese dining experience, focusing on fresh preparation and efficient service. Here's a look at what they offer:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their cozy, albeit fairly small, restaurant space. While it can get busy, the intimate setting allows for a focused dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and popularity.
• Extensive Sushi Roll Menu: Sumo Roll specializes in a wide variety of sushi rolls, from classic favorites like the California Roll (including deep-fried options) to popular special rolls like the Lion King Roll, Rainbow Special Roll, and Dragon Roll. They also offer traditional Maki rolls.
• Appetizers: A selection of well-loved Japanese appetizers to start your meal, including crispy Shrimp Tempura, Edamame (including spicy garlic edamame), Takoyaki (deep-fried octopus balls), Gyoza (potstickers), Agedashi Tofu, and Japanese Croquettes.
• Bento Boxes and Donburi: For a more substantial meal, they offer various bento boxes (e.g., Chicken Katsu Bentobox, Salmon Teriyaki Box, Unagi Box) and donburi (rice bowls) like Chicken Teriyaki Don and Unadon.
• Chicken Katsu: Their chicken katsu is a highlight, praised by customers for its delicious crispiness and flavor, available both as an appetizer and in bento box form.
• Sushi Burritos: Sumo Roll also features a selection of popular sushi burritos such as the Oki California Sushi Burrito, Hawaiian Sushi Burrito, and Sumo Salmon Burrito, offering a unique and filling way to enjoy sushi flavors.
• Donburi and Noodle Dishes: Beyond sushi, the menu extends to various donburi (rice bowls) and noodle soup options, providing diverse choices.
• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Sumo Roll offers both takeout and delivery services. Customers can place orders online through their website or popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Seamless, allowing for easy enjoyment of their delicious food from home.
• Super Fast Service: Despite having a single chef managing orders, customers frequently commend the "super fast service" and efficiency, especially for food preparation.

Sumo Roll distinguishes itself in the competitive California dining scene with several key features and highlights that make it a favorite among locals:

• Exceptional Sushi Quality: The foremost highlight is the consistent quality and deliciousness of their sushi. Customers consistently rave about the taste of their rolls, with specific mentions of the crispy Shrimp Tempura, the flavorful Deep Fried California Roll, and the beloved Lion King Roll. The fresh ingredients contribute significantly to this high quality.
• Efficient and Fast Service: Despite its small size and often busy nature, Sumo Roll is praised for its "super fast service." The ability of a single chef to keep orders flowing efficiently is a testament to their dedication and skill, ensuring that even with a wait, the food arrives promptly.
• Friendly and Patient Staff: Customers frequently commend the "amazing" service and the sweetness and patience of the staff, particularly when answering questions. This welcoming demeanor enhances the overall dining experience, making customers feel valued and well-cared for.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Just Sushi: While sushi is their specialty, Sumo Roll offers a broad menu that includes delicious appetizers like crispy Shrimp Tempura and hearty entrees such as Chicken Katsu, Bento Boxes, and Donburi. This variety ensures there's something for every palate, appealing to both sushi aficionados and those looking for other Japanese comfort foods.
• Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Despite being described as a "fairly small place" and a "bit cramped," the atmosphere is generally perceived as positive, contributing to an intimate dining experience. The focus remains squarely on the quality of the food.
• High Recommendation for Food Quality: Repeat customers and new visitors alike consistently recommend Sumo Roll for the "quality of food," indicating a strong reputation for delicious and satisfying meals.
• Popularity and High Demand: The fact that reservations are "highly recommended" and that they often "limit the number of people" speaks volumes about Sumo Roll's popularity and the high demand for their food, signaling a trusted and sought-after dining spot.

Based on available public information, Sumo Roll in Berkeley primarily focuses on providing excellent value through its consistently affordable pricing and generous portions rather than frequent, widely advertised promotions or special offers. While there aren't specific "happy hour" deals or ongoing discounts explicitly mentioned, their menu features various combos and bento boxes that offer comprehensive meals at a reasonable price point, which can be seen as a form of consistent value for their patrons.

For the most current information on any seasonal specials, new menu additions, or potential limited-time offers that might not be broadly advertised, it is always recommended for California locals to directly contact Sumo Roll at (510) 841-9000 or check their online ordering platforms (like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Seamless) where special deals are sometimes highlighted for delivery or pickup.

To experience the fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine at Sumo Roll, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 2173 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA

Phone: (510) 841-9000

Sumo Roll is typically open for lunch and dinner services from Wednesday through Sunday. They are usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Given their compact size and popularity, particularly during peak dining hours, making a reservation by phone is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid a potential wait. You can also explore their menu and place orders for takeout or delivery through various online food platforms.

Sumo Roll is an exceptionally suitable dining spot for California locals, especially those in the Berkeley area, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its unwavering commitment to producing delicious and high-quality sushi and Japanese dishes makes it a standout choice. Customers consistently rave about the freshness of the food, from their popular Lion King Roll to crispy chicken katsu, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience every time. For locals who prioritize taste and quality, Sumo Roll truly delivers.

Secondly, despite being a relatively small establishment, Sumo Roll's service is remarkably efficient and friendly. The "super fast service" is a significant advantage, particularly for those on a tight schedule or simply eager to enjoy their meal without long waits. Coupled with the sweet and patient demeanor of the staff, it creates a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. This blend of speed and hospitality is a major draw for the local community.

Furthermore, its central location on Allston Way in Downtown Berkeley makes it incredibly convenient and accessible, whether you're coming from the UC Berkeley campus, local businesses, or nearby residential areas. The availability of both dine-in (with recommended reservations) and robust takeout/delivery options through popular apps adds to its versatility, catering to various dining preferences. For any Californian seeking a reliable, delicious, and well-served sushi experience that balances quality with value, Sumo Roll in Berkeley is undoubtedly a local gem worth discovering and frequenting.

Sumo Roll

2173 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA