Kamado Sushi
1400 Shattuck Ave,Ste 1A, Berkeley, CA, 94709
Kamado Sushi Menu
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Address :
1400 Shattuck Ave,Ste 1A
Berkeley, CA, 94709 - Phone (510) 540-5000
- Website https://kamadosushi.byethost7.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Khalid N.
I was beginning to worry the east bay didn't have good sushi. Whew! Perfect fish, best chowamushi ever, friendly Japanese staff. This will be one of my Berk staples.
(5)Elsa L.
We decided to try Kamado on a whim and it was a very pleasant surprise! The tempura calamari appetizer was very tasty. We ordered the prime rib and chicken terriyaki. The prime rib was mouth watering tender! The chicken was very moist. The portions were huge! Definitely a great addition to Berkeley! I can't wait to go back and sample from their sushi menu!
(4)Aj C.
By far one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to! There's ample parking so you don't have to worry about fighting for one because this is near a college and luckily, it was during summer when we went and it wasn't as busy. Came here around dinner time and there was no wait time, thank God. We were seated quickly and it was cute how they had paper stands for the chopsticks. If you don't understand what I'm saying, you need to go to this place to experience it yourself! First time I've been to a restaurant that did that. They also give you hot, wet towels so you could clean your hands before eating. The roll I got was amazing. It was perfectly made and you could taste all the ingredients. I love tempura so my sushi roll had crumbs of it so I could still taste the sushi wrapped in tempura. Ate through my roll quickly and wanted to get more but I decided that getting another roll would just be too much and I'd end up not eating all of it and just wasting it. The staff was nice and the atmosphere of the restaurant was aesthetic. We were seated near the windows and the location was perfect since it's between two roads. Would I come back here again? YES! Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely!
(5)Chiara A.
Bel Forno Cafe and Bakery RIP. When this address was Bel Forno Cafe and Bakery, many St. Mary Magdalen parishioners used to stop by for a post-church coffee and pastry. Kamado Sushi has taken over the old Bel Forno spot, it sure has been unoccupied for quite some time, and it is sure nice to see life back in there. I have been eager to try Kamado Sushi since reading (my fellow Yelper and Golden Bear) Brittany N.'s glowing golden review. I was greeted by a hostess and sushi chef Chef Jin. I only had time for takeaway sushi, so I ordered my usual litmus test of Tamago, Tempura, and Kappa (cucumber) sushi. I asked how long it would take as I had a bus to catch. I was informed that it would take about ten minutes as there were no orders ahead of me. I got there about 15 minutes to closing time, which is 2:30. I walked around a bit before Chef Jin invited me to sit down and wait for my order. I was impressed with the minimalist decor. And the chopstick rests are origami cranes. There was origami sculptures at the sushi bar. I definitely want to come back here to enjoy a leisurely meal. My order was ready in under ten minutes, and enough time to catch the bus. I was able to eat the sushi before the bus for home at the designated bus stop. I really loved the Tamago, moist and sweet in every bite. The tempura sushi roll was drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce as well and covered with a lot of tobiko. And the kappa maki was totally mighty fine. Cucumbers were fresh and crisp to the teeth. Oh yeah, I shall return for a nice leisurely lunch. I shall return.
(5)Chris R.
Fresh fish, attentive staff, chef who is not only nice but genuinely excited about his restaurant and the seasonal fish he offers. Will definitely be back.
(5)Brittany N.
Kamado Sushi is my new favorite Japanese restaurant in Berkeley! I've come here 3-4 times since their opening day and have enjoyed every meal. It is situated across the street from Safeway, right where Shattuck turns into Henry Ave. When you first walk in, you are warmly greeted by the sushi chef himself (Chef Jin) as well as the friendly servers. The lighting is soft and warm, with dark woods and grey tiles on the floor. There are folded origami chopstick holders perched atop square wooden tables. Service has always been very accommodating and amiable. Each dish mirrors the excellent service - delicious to the last bite! My favorite dish is the sake oyako don, which I've ordered twice already! Thick slices of high quality, fresh sashimi salmon are arranged on top of a thin bed of sweet vinegar rice. The sashimi rose has seared edges so the rose petals have a unique and delicate look. Radish sprouts, daikon, salmon roe, and yellow tamago triangles accent the bowl with appealing colors. I've also had the pleasure of enjoying the tekka don bowl, which is the same idea as the salmon bowl but with tuna instead of salmon. One of the great things about these bowls is that they use the right amount of rice. There is never too much rice, which is often what happens with these types of bowls when I order them at Japanese restaurants. Every bowl also comes with a 5-star, deliciously fragrant, miso soup! We've also thoroughly enjoyed ordering the agedashi tofu for appetizer, as you get a generous amount of lightly fried tofu squares with savory broth. Others have told me that they've really liked the assorted seafood tempura as well. Kamado not only has excellent quality sashimi, they also know how to expertly fry a thin skin over their tempura and tofu. This wonderful restaurant brings the warmth of a home to a table full of skillfully crafted Japanese dishes. I'll be back many, many times! =D
(5)Jerry P.
Master sushi chef Jin has opened his own place at the North end of the gourmet ghetto (after establishing the reputations of other restaurants here and across the bridge), and it is a welcome addition to the local scene - if you love fresh, creative, and delicious Japanese cuisine served with the heartfelt warmth of a team dedicated to ensuring a wonderful dining experience, this is where you need to be. I am sure this will become an East Bay destination as his team gets into the groove and word gets around. Thoughtful details include hot steamed towels as you are seated (in Japan you eat nigiri sans chopsticks, the towels facilitate), origami chopstick holders, excellent presentations, abundant smiles, and gracious greetings. A great indicator is the miso soup - this is house made fresh daily with the dashi stock started in the morning as the base. They use two kinds of miso as well so the result is a very rich and layered flavor - not that out of the box broth that other restaurants sometimes use. The lunch specials are also really great - $12.50 for amazing quality sushi or sashimi assortment with miso soup. The spicy tuna roll is very good - big strips of tuna with spicy sauce. If you are a seasoned sushi enthusiast I recommend sitting at the bar and asking Chef Jin to treat you to an Omakase evening. He selects his ingredients from multiple vendors and always has something intriguing that you won't find elsewhere. Yes you can drive across the bridge and pay an inordinately high premium to feel smugly exclusive (I am guilty) or you can come here and feel like you are a part of a family that cares about you and leave with a smile and warm feeling in your heart.
(5)Maggie W.
Kamado Sushi has got some serious potential. It's a cozy restaurant with a more sophisticated feel to it. Each of the 10-12 tables inside is set with an origami chopstick holder, and it's beautifully furnished. (And I rarely talk about a restaurant's decor.) The sake oyakodon is fantastic: thick slices of raw salmon, with a scoop of salmon roe, two pieces of tamago, with mushrooms and pickled radish over rice. The meat-to-rice ratio isn't deceiving like it can be at other Japanese places, so it was worth the $16. Although the entrée was delicious, I wasn't impressed with the appetizers. The calamari rings come with about eight rings and ponzu sauce, and they were too breaded for my liking. The chawanmushi (Japanese custard with shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms) comes in a super small container and tasted like mushroom soup. The service here, unfortunately, left a lot to be desired. They completely forgot that we ordered agedashi tofu and forgot to bring our miso soup twice. Still, I give them the benefit of the doubt. Kamado is a new restaurant, and once they work out some of the kinks, I think this could be a great place in Gourmet Ghetto.
(3)Samantha W.
This was by far the best sushi I've had in the east bay period. Comes high on the list compared to SF sushi joints. Ordered about 15 kinds of Nigiri including specials from the board. All the fish was super fresh and I really like that they use less rice so you can really taste the fish. Service was quick and attentive, sake was flowing. I'll be back - and soon- especially to try lunch .
(5)Zoey A.
Service was excessive, but not considerate. Food was good. Strongly recommend the tempura, although the tempura dip has a gingery taste. Tuna is very good. Scallop was excellent.
(3)Bill P.
We discovered Chef Jin when he worked at another sushi restaurant in Berkeley. We fell in love with his sushi, and we would go there whenever anyone in my family had a birthday (to enjoy Omakase -- chef's choice -- at the sushi bar). Then, one day, he was gone. "Maybe he's sick," we thought. The sushi was OK with his substitute. Clearly, he could prepare sushi, but the quality of the fish he picked out just wasn't at the quality of what we'd become used to with Chef Jin. We returned again a few more times over the next few months, only to discover that Chef Jin was gone for good. How would we find him again? I tried googling him but that didn't help. I considered hiring a private detective to track down where he went to (seriously), but I just never got to that point. We settled for what we could find and continued to try new restaurants. Then, last Friday night, we tried a new sushi place for my son's 7th birthday: Kamado. You can imagine my surprise and joy to see Chef Jin behind the sushi bar. We caught up, and I found out that he finally started his own restaurant. We ordered the omakase and I proceeded to ruin any other sushi restaurant for a close friend who'd joined us. Thank you, Chef Jin, for raising the expectations and standards of the many people who once again have the good fortune to sit across from your sushi bar. I'm happy you have your own restaurant and look forward to returning often.
(5)Lily L.
Kamado is just seven months new, which is probably why there aren't more reviews. Sit at the sushi bar for attentive service by Chef Jin. This is a traditional sushi place, where the nigiri truly sings. We asked for recommendations and Chef Jin rec'd the smelt and aji. It was spectacular. It was so good, we got an extra order. The mackerel and hokkaido scallops were also on point. Very reasonably priced. We ate like kings and had a bottle of sake and the total was still only around $100. Definitely my new favorite sushi place. Can't wait to come back.
(4)Deborah N.
Delicious! Attention to detail, fresh fish with much variety, lovely surroundings.
(5)Katie M.
Came here on a Friday night at around 8 pm. Restaurant was pretty full but we managed to get a table right when we get there. Service was meh, we waited for 10 min to get our tea and to order food. Food took a long time to serve. We actually see our food waiting next to the sushi bar (for like 5 min) and but the waiters were too busy to serve them to us. We ordered a rainbow roll and the sake oyako don. Both were okay... I have had better. We also ordered fried calamari legs as appetizer. But the appetizer actually came out after the sushi and after the first bit, I realized that it was ice cold. We told the waiter about it, and she came back with a hot sizzling one (probably refried it) . It was much better. We also ordered the yosenabe. In the description they claimed to have oysters, but it turned out to be mussels -_- Food does not really worth the price. 2 stars cause of the service but the food was worth 3 stars. Overall, I think this place is with great potential, may come again sometime soon.
(2)Ãngela J.
My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary and we loved it!! We started off with sake and calamari rings. The sake came in a giant bottle and as a cute touch we got to choose our sake cups from a nice selection. The calamari rings were by far one of our favorite things! They were crispy and delicious! The sushi was also really good. My favorite was the shrimp tempura roll. To top it off, the waitress was very nice and helpful. Definitely looking forward to come back soon!
(5)Victor G.
Kamado Sushi is open for lunch! relatively small spot. single diner, given choice of bar or table. either one ok, went for table by window. (almost all of them by window, this space is that small) menu: typical, ramen, udon, appetizers, rolls, 3 kinds of izakaya. browze menu looking for chirashi, sashimi deals. eats: -chicken breast skewer @3.50 not a lot of flavor, fresh breast meat...3ish stars -chirashi (lunch) special (13.50) couple set pieces plus chef's choice...... tuna(2), hamachi, seared tuna, grilled mackeral, tamayo(2), ebi, salmon eggs, seaweed, sliced mushrooms, suzuki *every item fresh, flavorful, even the tuna. 5 stars, quality, value. temaki: -have no idea where Master sushi chef Jin hails from (Ochame?), he's GREAT! -nice paper origami chopstick holders on each table. -service is what u get with one waitress.on duty. (no pretensions however). -go for the sashimi here at the minimum.
(5)Shannon N.
Lo and behold I've gone back to Kamado and it's been such an improvement! On a busy night where almost all tables and the bar were full, service was pretty on top and we didn't have too much of a problem getting food in a timely manner. Our server forgot to get my boyfriend a plate at one point but everything else was pretty on point--I'm impressed how much they improved from the last time I went here a couple weeks ago. WHAT WE GOT: 1) flying fish, ocean trout, sardine, and firefly squid nigiri: mmm you won't be disappointed with the selection of fresh, seasonal fish! (it's listed daily on a screen near the bar) 2) crunch roll: love the crunch--it's not over the top, but they do not skimp on it either. I loved that there's crab, shrimp, and eel in this roll 3) miso soup: always good, not overly salty or bland like I've had in several places. My bf has gotten the clam miso soup and he is in love! Clams are in the soup with the shell, so it makes for a great broth. 4) Salmon skin roll: crunchy and oh so yummy--there wasn't too much rice in this roll and we both liked how crispy the skin was. 5) Bay scallop roll: mm! I, for some reason, stray away from scallop rolls but my bf ordered this and we both really like this! There's a creamy element to it and you definitely taste the sweetness of the scallop 6) Chirashi: always always always my favorite. Great selection of fresh fish!! SERVICE: Jin is by far the best chef! He's always super friendly, especially with the eccentricity of my bf, and he's given us good suggestions when we can't decide what to get. We will definitely be back (probably weekly!). Servers are also so attentive and incredibly nice!
(5)Mariah P.
I did not enjoy my meal here. It was hot and there was no AC. They had the door opened but it did not help. The fish was ok and not as fresh as I expected. The spicy tuna roll was very odd with spicy flakes on the roll. Did not like it. All I could taste was the powder chili burning in my mouth. Tempura was greasy. Not coming back.
(2)Judge F.
Came with a friend. Friend ordered sansai udon and salmon maki. I ordered futo maki. We weren't impressed. According to friend, soup did not leave much of an impression, though she very much appreciated the generous serving of vegetables. Futo maki contains pickled radish, eel, egg, fish eggs, shrimp, carrots, and something else of which I do not know the name, all wrapped in rice and nori. With all these components, I was hoping for a flavor fest, but I mostly tasted the pickled radish. Disappointing. There are places in Berkeley that sell more maki pieces for cheaper prices; however, it seems to me this is the only sushi restaurant in Berkeley that sells monk fish liver, bluefin belly, ocean trout, and other unique specials. I should have brought more money to try these interesting creations instead.
(3)Kenneth R.
I've been to Kamado Sushi on several occasions, each time for lunch. The quality is sensational. The quality/price ratio is really high. I look forward to returning often. Most of the lunch specials come with a large cup of miso. The miso is great -- don't pass it up! Kamado Sushi has soba and udon dishes in large bowls of broth. Dishes like this were mainstays at Ochame, and it's great to have access to them again. I ordered the seafood bowl with soba from the lunch menu. It was excellent (and copious), though next time I'll try this dish with udon, instead of soba. There's a chirashi lunch that got me hooked on Kamado Sushi. You can order it any time (for lunch), and you'll be very happy. The moriawase box for lunch was fine, but it left me slightly hungry. Maybe I was just especially hungry that day. Ask for tea and you'll get a piping hot cup of delicious green tea. Kamado Sushi is a great addition to the neighborhood. It's great to have this new sushi place two short blocks away from Kirala 2. The two complement each other very well: I think of K2 mostly as a takeout source and K.S. as a sitdown restaurant for meeting friends. K.S. is no longer a secret -- its dining room is never empty. The Yelp app says that K.S. is "new and hot". I recommend that you bookmark it immediately.
(5)Tommy C.
A tremendous disappointment. The dining area is cozy but clean, simple, and nice. The staff gave us a prompt greeting when we entered. There was a 10min wait. However, things made a turn for the worse after we were seated. We started by ordering some appetizers and beer. The beer was served relatively quickly but the appetizers took 30-45min. When the partial order was brought out we were not given any plates or bowls to eat from even after asking for them twice. After a long wait our appetizers came. - Gilled Miso cod: good texture, fresh, very mild miso taste - Agedashi tofu: undercooked with too much mochi batter, felt like melted gummy - Miso soup: average - California roll: average - Crouquette: crunchy exterior, undercooked interior I've had dozens of Agedashi tofus before. This was the first one I was ever served that had a texture of melted mozzarella. When I sent it back, the sous chef and watiress came back to the table to explain that the texture had turned to mush when the cornstarch batter is soaked in the sauce. Another 10-15min went by. We ordered more drinks and continued to wait patiently and then I notice people that were seated just minutes go all being served their entrees. At this point, we requested to cancel the rest of our orders and go elsewhere. The attitude of our waitress went from amicable to defensive and indifferent over the course of the evening. At no point was there an apology or an attempt to make things right. Even the sushi chef and sous chef were indifferent. When there are people lined up for the next seat they can afford to have that attitude for now. Sake, beer, and shochu selection were subpar for a real Japanese restaurant. It's okay if you're getting hot sake in a carafe or a bottle of Asahi. It's a shame we didn't get to sample the nigiri. With the poor service experience and the number of other sushi restaurants in the area it would be difficult to give this place a second chance. Maybe were were just the unlucky ones whose orders were put in late. It's hard for believe all the glowing 5* reviews. In the end it's just another Korean sushi restaurant in disguise.
(1)Anna H.
Wonderful first experience. We went for an early dinner on Sat. We sat by the sushi bar and from the beginning we had a great engaging conversation with the sushi chef, who showed us all kinds of seasonal fish and explained the flavor and consistency. We have ordered bunch of stuff and everything tasted super fresh. We have tried Uni, our first time eating it and it was the BEST thing we have ever tasted. Looking forward to come back and try new things again soon.
(5)Yvonne H.
My friend and I were studying at Philz one night and had some sushi cravings. We were surprised to find that Kamado was super close and seemed to be within a reasonable price range. When we first walked through the door, we were instantly greeted by someone and managed to get a table. The ambience is quite nice and the staff was really friendly. They also give you a nice hot towel before you start off the meal and some nice hot tea. One thing that stood out to me was the origami chopstick holder! Not sure if I was the only one amazed with it, but hey it's the little things that can make or break any dining experience. In terms of food, go for the sake oyakodon (salmon rice bowl - $16.50) or the tekka don (tuna rice bowl - $17.50). Those two items really give you the bang for your buck. Both the bowls come loaded with FRESH fish, rice, vegetables, egg, fish eggs, and some other surprises that I probably can't even name. Aside from the bowls, we got a rainbow roll, which I wasn't too impressed with. It's about the same roll you can get at any comparable sushi restaurant with probably a smaller portion. All in all, it was an enjoyable sushi night after an afternoon of studying. And though I wouldn't particularly go out of my way to visit Kamado on a regular basis, it's a pleasant place to dine at if you're in the area. My Executive Summary: -4 stars for the food -4 stars for the service -3.5 stars bang for your buck
(4)Tracey M.
Well what can I say other than this place was AWESOME. First off, the boyfriend and I came here because we had just been to the Takara Sake brewery off 4th street and it gave us a hankerin' for some sushi. Though we both have worked/lived in Berkeley, I had to admit that I had never been to sushi in Berkeley- so we checked out Yelp and Kamado came up as a mom-and-pop kind of traditional sushi bar, and we decided that traditional had more of a chance of practicing gluten-free cooking, as I am Celiac, and deep fried Tempura dripping sushi rolls are pretty much death to me. When we arrived, we noticed that the bar was pretty empty, so we opted for that as appose to a table. It was right when I sat down that I realized I forgot my little plastic fishies filled with Soya Gluten Free soy sauce. DAMN IT! Plans of sushi, FOILED! The three chef's overheard me, and I asked them what type of soy sauce they used, because they were a bit confused as to my distress. They told me the brand and I started to look it up after exclaiming "I have to check if that's gluten free..." and was met with "WAIT! We have Tamari!" which is naturally gluten free and tastes better than actual soy sauce in my eyes- and that was it... I was in heaven! A sushi place that accommodates Celiacs is hard to find, and I have found it in North Berkeley. Rolls were very fresh; in fact, all the fish was fresh. There was not a bad cut of fish in the joint- I especially liked the Octopus and the Salmon that day. The new Sous Chef (It was his first day) was attentive and was knowledgeable about what was considered glutenous and showed me the fish and explained that the only thing that is deep fried is the vegetable tempura; that all rolls were baked. If you enjoy the Americanized sushi that's deep fried, this is not the place for you. This is traditional Japanese sushi at it's finest. The Sake was well priced and they allow you to choose your Sake glass, and the Sake jar has a hole on the side of it where they put ice cubes so your Sake stays cold (if you are into Nigori like me). Just the fact that they had Tamari was good enough for me- but they just went above and beyond on their customer service. I saw lots of reviews regarding service being slow- but consider that this is traditional not mainstream. If you want your sushi on a conveyor belt that was made hours before because you can't wait patiently for art, then go someplace else. Don't slam a brand new business because they are working out the kinks.
(5)Jason M.
Just had an excellent dinner for two at the sushi counter at Kamado. Ordered nigiri off the specials board, miso soup and a few appetizers. Sake, too. So nice. We are kind of picky, a Japanese national and past resident, and we did not have even a moment of doubt during dinner. Highly satisfied, three time customers.
(5)Augusto T.
Cute new sushi place with potential. This new restaurant caught my eye on a hungry evening stroll to the pharmacy. The place was busy, so I had to wait around 20 minutes for a spot at the bar. The decor is classy, yet cozy. Great for a date or small group dinner. Overall I had a very pleasant dinner, but they definitely have a few kinks to work out. To start, service was definitely not smooth. The wait staff definitely needs more practice or training as the chef himself had to regularly attend me, including having to ask for my check. The chef was extremely friendly, but the wait staff seemed to prioritize cleaning tables and spend time in the kitchen than attend customers. The place is new, so they should improve. The miso soup was very tasty. The gyoza had a very homemade taste. Unfortunately, they were way too blackened on the bottom. Luckily, they actually did not taste burnt, but I was honestly taken aback when they were served to me. I might have even sensed some hesitation in the waitress. The chirashi bowl was good. Everything tasted fresh. I washed everything down with a light and refreshing Japanese Hefeweizen. I was honestly surprised at how inexpensive the menu was. $5 for the gyoza and $20 for the chirashi bowl, not bad at all. I will definitely be coming back.
(3)Pam S.
I happened upon Kamado after driving past it on Shattuck Ave. Decided to sit at the bar, and sushi chef Jin was welcoming and made several recommendations of fresh and unique fish. We particularly enjoyed the seasonal sayori, fresh scallops, and uni (the best I've ever had)! He clearly cares about the quality of the fish he chooses. The servers were warm and attentive. In general, where Kamado will shine is the fresh fish - preferably omakase, which I will be sure to have next time. Chef Jin was great about explaining the different types of fish and flavors. It's nice to see someone so passionate about their work. I can't vouch for any of the rolls or other items, but honestly - why waste room on those things?! I've tried a lot of Japanese restaurants in the area, and this is one I can be sure I'll visit again.
(5)Max T.
Don't be fooled by the modest exterior of this new North Berkeley restaurant. Only a few days has passed and my girlfriend and I are going there again for dinner tonight. Last we were there, we had the Salmon Skin Roll and the Dragon Roll which were far from ordinary in flavor while still keeping to a traditional approach. We also enjoyed a couple of noodle soups which had great fresh ingredients and a homemade broth which they prepare daily. The Chef was very friendly, and we look forward to trying more of his delicious creations.
(5)Heather T.
This is a long overdue review for my favorite sushi restaurant. Chef Jin is awesome, a lovely human and a talented sushi chef with high standards. The fish is beyond fresh, everything is consistently made with care, delicious, and beautifully presented. It is a complete pleasure to dine there. I always walk away with a smile on my face.
(5)Travis C.
I love this place! I have been to this restaurant five times and it never disappoints. Their items are very fresh, well-portioned, and they have great serving staff. It is definitely my go-to Japanese restaurant in Berkeley!
(5)R D P.
Simply stated: EXCELLENT Yes, they can get overwhelmed at times when crowded. But, patience is a virtue. If you want sushi-in-a-hurry the try the sushi boat. If you want great food, this is the place for you.
(5)Allison C.
One of the main reasons I tried this place out was because it was conveniently located right across the street from Safeway and it was raining so I was able to just cross the street after grocery shopping for dinner. I could tell the restaurant tried to be more innovative with its cute origami chopstick holders and warm, steamy towels for cleaning our hands before digging into the meal. My sushi, the crunch roll, was pretty good and I liked the seaweed they sprinkled on top of it. Overall, I thought this restaurant was okay.
(3)Jason W.
Not really a sushi guy myself but popped in and was pleased. No line, fast service, fish/sushi was fresh which is all you can ask for at a sushi bar. Someone with a more experienced taste for sushi likely has an opinion which carries more weight than my own but I'll likely be back if I'm in the area and that's something I rarely say, especially for raw fish. The staff is personable which is a bonus.
(4)Sarah B.
My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our first of, what I anticipate to many meals here. The space really translated well from the breakfast-type place it was before into the sushi restaurant that it is now. My one complaint about the atmosphere was the lighting...the lights seem to be those energy efficient bulbs which is great, actually, (good on ya Kamado) but that cold light they give off tends to give me that oh-so-lovely washed out look which is not the most flattering for a romantic evening. Vanity aside, I wasn't really thinking too much about it once the food started arriving, because everything was delicious. The miso soup was really excellent, as was the salad. The dressing was miso-based, rather than the usual Kewpie-based fare (not hating on the Kewpie, which I love, but it was a nice change up!). I got the sushi dinner, and my boyfriend ordered pork katsu. Between our two meals, it was pretty clear that the restaurant's strength is sushi, however, the katsu was decent enough that if you have any fish-haters in your party, they won't go hungry. In a sea of Americanized rolls (which can be quite delicious, don't get me wrong), I was really pleased with the traditional approach to nigiri sushi here. Vinegared rice, touch of wasabi, skillfully cut fish--- everything was delicious and well prepared. And, if rolls are more your thing, they do have a selection of rolls suiting all tastes that look really good. Also, the noodle soups look AMAZING. I can't wait to return and eat my way around the menu. Worthy of special note, the dishware is really beautiful! Each course came out on a different patterned stoneware, glass, or ceramic dish, and my boyfriend and I really enjoyed admiring them all. Also, the chopsticks were nice! None of those disposable wooden or worn out plastic ones. The wait staff seemed, admittedly, a little inexperienced, but it didn't really effect our experience. It's one of those things where I really feel like what you put out is what you get back... There were some *ahem* demanding tables near to us, and it seemed like the waitress got a little flustered, irritating the diners even more. However, we had the same waitress, and she was incredibly nice and accommodating. Service was maybe a little slow to typical American standards (which I find excessively rush-y and impatient, but anyway). My recommendation would be to enjoy the experience, savor the food, and admire the pretty dishware! Overall, we had a lovely time and look forward to returning!
(5)Kourosh F.
The food is very good. And waitresses are nice. The place is also very nice and clean. Really recommend. Had the dragon sushi and my date had the rainbow sushi and they were perfect and very fresh. Will definately come back again. Everything was perfect here except my date. ;)
(5)Nina K.
Been there 3 times within the last 2 weeks. This restaurant is much better than Kirala: no line up AND the quality is much better. When I went there for the first time, I wasn't expecting anything but the food is elaborate and well presented. This give to the place a personal touch, the feeling that the chef really enjoys preparing fish and knows a lot about it. The team is extremely nice and polite. The chef (who worked at Kirala), very friendly, likes to introduce the type of fish, what he is doing, giving details of what is on the menu. I'm a found of mackerel and there is several choices: I tried iwashi (sardine) and the waitress also bring me the small fried carcass: surprising and delicious! I tried (maki) the Baked spicy scallop roll (excellent) and Battera sushi (Osaka old style box pressed fish), not my favorite one but good. My friend has several kind of sushis (the classical tuna & salmon but the the choice of different type) and it was perfect. We tried a bottle of Sayuri unfiltered sake: pretty good, creamy... a bit to easy to drink! Well, to me Berkeley best japanese restaurant.
(5)Elizabeth J.
My review mostly has to do with the customer service. When we got there, we (my boyfriend and I) put our names on the waiting list. There were 3 tables in front of us, two of them were 2-tops, and one was a family of 4. During our wait, about 3 tables opened up in the restaurant, but no one bothered to clean them up so that new customers could be seated. We ended up waiting about 15 minutes past when tables actually opened up before we were actually seated. The food itself was ok, but everything took way too long. We waited about 20 minutes for our appetizer to arrive (assorted tempura), waited an additional 20 minutes for the sushi to arrive, and then waited about 20 minutes after we finished eating to actually get the bill. The restaurant wasn't very busy after we had ordered food, so I'm really not sure why everything was taking so long. The entire meal ended up taking us almost 2 hours, when it should've taken no more than an hour.
(2)Anthony M.
Highlights are at the bottom... For those who care: I went here with my girlfriend last Friday not expecting much. The place started off with a good first impression; it was about 10 or 15 min before opening but they still seated us promptly and without question. This spot is extremely quiet and picturesque with lots of windows. It was a very nice setting for our random excursion. As for the food and presentation, this place blew me out of the water. Before serving our dishes, they gave us warm towels (which we greatly appreciated). The food came out promptly and we were greeyrd by an exceptionally friendly waiter. I ordered the seafood udon and my girlfriend ordered a california roll with a bento box (teriyaki salmon). I definitely agree that the salmon was quite possibly the best ive had in a while but my udon was a bit under par. Regardless of my dish, i have to say, the restaurant goes above and beyond to accommodate for its customers. Highlights: Amazing serivce Cute setup (oragami chopstick holder, clean furniture, clean restaurant) Amazing miso (homemade taste) Hot towels Good hot dishes Decent udon Cute location
(4)Debora L.
Impromptu dinner date. We were seated immediately, around 7pm on a Sunday night. Some of the best sashimi in the area, really fresh - and the chef's choice of raw scallop won my husband over, he doesn't even like scallops. I'm vegetarian, so my options were more limited and ordinary: veggie tempura dinner (well fried, pretty good portions), some smaller veggie maki rolls (asparagus, avocado, etc.), and an assortment of appetizers (agedashi tofu for $5). Service was cute. The details were nice too: origami chopstick holders, warm towels, chipper service, cozy atmosphere, tasty miso soup.
(5)Albertino M.
Time: 12:17pm/57° clear Purpose: Been eyeing this place ever since putting them on the map several months ago. Today day after Christmas, I wanted to see if deals can be found at IKEA. After a quick walk through Bay street nothing. So I went to eat lol! Ambiance: Located on Shattuck ave across the street from Safeway almost near the end of the shopping district for that stretch. Inside three tables set up for two, three closed together tables, 6 more inner back. All table set up comes with wooden stained chopstick, paper napkin, soy sauce bottle, and origami chopstick placement. Wooden encased light structure above sushi bar for glowing warmth with three tone slender tiles on walls behind chefs. Sushi bar counter sits ten comfortably. Cashier counter with regular eating table along the side holding to-go menus, sake cups, to-go utensils area looks so tacky. Couple of CCTV with press on wall paper to form a calming vibe. Natural ceramic floor tiles, window trimming looks worn out just painted over. Since it's a small place it can get noisy at times. You want to speak at a low tone? Forget it! You'll be yelling at your significant other making them uncomfortable. First dates? Skip it. Too loud as echoes after echoes bounces off the walls. Staff: Cashier/host a guy and girl about mid 20s. Both seems to perform the standard greetings while the two sushi chef calls out greeting in Japanese when ever someone comes in. That's why most sushi counter are facing the entrance as the chefs are traditionally the ones that greets first. My host seems to know what he was doing but, when it gets busier occasional spotty service can be seen. The girl just listen to the kitchen for one touch service bell going back and forth bringing food out, filling tea cups. Didn't dealt with her on any occasion only when my food came. Cleanliness: Grade B+, some area needs to be address like the corners and window area. Shows some particles and dust minor but, still... Eats/Drinks: For apps, I went with hiya yakko tofu $3.75 about 24pcs respectively, robata grill kurobuta pork belly $3.75, tempura udon $10, ginjo chilled sake $6/glass. Went after the pork belly right away since it's hot itme. You get about 4-5 pcs on the skewer. First bite nice and tender although, I wanted it just a tad more on the burnt side. Fat to meat ratio was perfectly balance to say you'll get half and half of what you pay. Tofu served chilled was good medium firmness comes with ponzu sauce, dried green onions/scallions. I like it some may same bland but, that's what the ponzu is for. Looks bland but, can taste some of the flavors of tofu. Udon was a bit of a disappointment. Here's why lots of frozen type of veggies and 3pcs of shiitake mushroom not meaty types. Crinkle cut kamaboko (fish cake) had a weird taste off putting. Broth was kinda bland may be flavoring packet was dump and stirred in but, not enough use. A small basket of tempura shrimp/mixed veggies comes with order too. Whole basket was soggy and below luke warm. I was even lied to when they ask if, I wanted tempura all veggie, shrimp only or combination? One shrimp along with 5-6 pieces of veggies is not consider combination. Definition of combination should've been evenly distributed together. Better yet don't ask, as it hurts more to get that feeling of being taken advantage of. Wanted to say something but, all those disgusting horror stories people say when you return a dish. Forget it I'll take it this time and not return that's all. Hit em were it hurts, in pocketbook that is. Sake was good, as I enjoy paring it with the tofu as both are served cold. Products/Services: Special app dishes, apps, soups, robata items, salads, sushi/sashimi, tuna, salmon, white fish, rolls, bento boxes, maki, mori-awase, sushi platters, combos, cold/hot tea, sake, beer, lunch/dinner specials, AAA big eye tuna use. Catering available at least 48hr notice. $50 deposit for platter returned with 36hr. Punch Lines: Close-together tables, decor leaves something to desired, modest cost, harried staff, deafening, quirky, wood paneling, kitschy decor, light bites, business lunch, loud and busy, nothing out of the ordinary, California influenced, take out of town guest, quite bland, plethora of sakes. Takes plastics, street parking, no booster seats, no desserts. Tradeoffs: Just like a baby having it's first tooth. Needs to give it some time for it to mature up across the board here. Not ready to go all out just yet. Final Thoughts: Sometimes reading other reviews makes you say wow really? Not saying that others are first timers in Japanese food. It just makes you wonder what kind of Japanese food they were exposed to before. This is what's happening on new places when people just feels like it's worth it and such. I truly want this place to make it but, just seems like oh well, it's none of my beesiness. Will give it another shot somewhere in the foreseeable future.
(3)Jenny M.
First time here today for lunch. It was good! Nice atmosphere and service, beautiful plates and bowls. The mushroom miso soup was delicious! The crunch roll was just ok. I'd give it another try if I'm in the area again.
(4)John V.
Wow! I had an amazing time tonight. I normally go to Kiraku or Kirala when in the Berk area to give you a frame of reference on what I personally like. I had the blue shrimp sushi, sweet and delicious as promised I had a seasonal beak fish that was insanely good, reminded me of Aji - plus they deep fried the bones and head and they tasted like FISH BACON!! YUM Himanchi Toro, BlueFin Toro, Cali Roll for my lady and a great spicy baked scallop roll that I'd order again and again and again. Like sushi, give this place a try!
(5)Jasmine M.
Absolutely amazing ! I sat at the bar and talked to the chef. He was extremely knowledgeable about the sashimi there and recommended fish to my taste. A great traditional spot without all the crazy fancy rolls.
(5)Amy C.
I had a wonderful experience at Kamado and look forward to returning...many times. I've done the usual sushi circuit in Berkeley and am pleased to say that this place is high quality and won't scoop your wallet. I had miso soup and most of the special sushi selections. The baked scallop roll was a little heavy on the mayo, but that didn't extend to the spicy tuna and salmon rolls. All of the sushi was high grade. Why are you closed on Monday, Kamado?! Next time I'll do the omakase and update my review.
(5)PamelaFrank J.
This food is amazing....great service We will be going back soon. If you come here you have to try the calamari at least once.
(5)Chester R.
High quality food from a chef with high standards and deep passion. If you go before I get there, DO NOT order the Toro sashimi. I am very unhappy when they run out.
(5)Sharon K.
This place has exceeded all expectations, and we are reeling from the experience. Sit at the bar and ask questions, this will get you the best meal you will find outside of Japan. I am Japanese and eat sushi rarely, preferring high quality, beautifully prepared fish. Kamada specializes in seasonal, fresh fish and had specials I'd never heard of, and we tried several from the list. The food was intoxicating, service genuinely friendly and efficient, and everything was received quickly. We are grateful for this experience and would recommend that true sushi lovers try this wonderful new restaurant.
(5)Joe D.
Extremely high quality fish, explained by a thoughtful, passionate staff. Easily, the best sushi I've had.
(5)Jabez L.
My girlfriend and I have walked past this place for months anxiously hoping the fish would be fresh, place clean, and prices reasonable...mission accomplished. We had a chance to speak with the founder of the restaurant and this is why the place gets five stars; there is no doubt that the owner values quality over profit. When it comes to sushi fresh is what matters. Of course cut, price, etc matter, but in the end if it is priced right and fresh you have a winning five star sushi location. Sake list: awesome Rolls: simple and straight forward Fish: super high quality Price: fair, ($$) Service: super nice, new, but quick Beer: could use some craft beer selection Not open between 2:30 - 5:00. Phone number 510-540-5000 Great place, great food, five-stars no doubt.
(5)Rancy T.
Great Japanese food in Berkeley! Even though there is so much competition among Japanese cuisine restaurant in Berkeley, I would still recommend Kamado to my friends. Not only the food is pretty authentic, but the environment and service are Japanese as well. Loved the towel given along with the tea. I had the Tuna bowl which definitely worth the price. It was A LOT of Tuna! Everything went along with the bowl, the egg rolls, ginger, and other stuff was also great. One thing that might be improved is the taste of the sushi rice. It was a bit too sushi-riced. I would like the taste to be a little light or a little more like regular white rice with just a light taste of the sushi vinegar. But it really depends on one's personal preference.
(5)Andrew H.
Good food, promptly served. Grilled Edamame was good. The part that stood out most to me was the service. Friendly server described menu items, provided recommendations and was overall a delight to interact with. :)
(5)Daphne H.
Fresh, delicious, unique creations. The Chef is experienced and innovative. Try the Cod with truffle oil for something cooked. Sashimi, rolls and sushi are all quality grade. Solid sushi experience.
(5)Jac L.
I like their decoration and clean environment in the restaurant. we ordered a roll, tempura, and sashimi, everything is pretty good but because of the location, the price is not too bad .... would come back again and hopefully next time they will have uni for us.
(3)Chris H.
Great place, authentic very high quality. I learned that the guy that started or main chef used to work at Kirala my other favorite place.
(5)Caroline C.
2-1/2 stars. I wanted to like this place, and was really impressed the first 10 minutes into our meal, but left disappointed. The salad and miso soup were prompt, generously-sized, and delicious. They even brought out kid-friendly platters for our little ones. And the hot towels in the beginning were very nice. Since this was our first time trying out a new place, we decided to try a little bit of everything (or at least as much as 2 adults and 2 toddlers could eat): - House Specialty: Glazed miso cod in truffle broth and clear noodles (delicious, but for $25 I expected a little more) - Sushi Dinner: *Meh* Thought the quality of fish was just okay. Scallop was incredibly fresh. But the maguro was tough and veiny. I thought the sushi was better at Kiku Sushi (which is ironic because apparently the chef here came from Kiku). And the rice was a little hard. Maybe because we dined on a Sunday night? - Assorted tempura: We got this for the kids, who didn't care for it at all. Not your regular shrimp and veg temp -- their assorted version included beef and salmon, but the breading wasn't crunchy and sub-par at best. Things I wish I had gotten instead: Robata pork belly, udon or yosenabe (since the broth in the miso cod was excellent). Overall, 2-1/2 stars (rounded up to 3 for the nice service) but most likely we will not be back.
(3)Trent R.
I have resisted reviewing Kamado because selfishly I don't want anyone to know about it. This is by far the best straight ahead sushi you will get in the Bay Area. Chef Jin knows good fish and only buys the best for his customers. Great friendly staff as well.
(5)Ann S.
I was very good during my pregnancy and managed to avoid my favorite food (sushi) since raw fish isn't recommended to eat during that time. After my baby was 4 weeks old & more manageable. I was ready to finally satisfy my craving. Luckily the timing coincided with Kamado's grand opening! The service was a little slow as they were still working out their kinks. But the servers were very friendly and warm. They patiently explained the different options and happily substituted another salmon instead of the yellowtail. The sushi chef really knows his stuff and seems to have a cult following. I overheard folks sitting at the bar saying that they've followed him to 3 different restaurants! The fish was very fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the crunch roll. The broth for the udon was a little on the salty side for my tastes but the consistency of the udon was perfect and the tempura on the side was fried to perfection. The rainbow roll was very pretty and very tasty. The ambiance was low-key. Not necessarily kid-friendly but I brought my 4.5 year old and 4 week old and the server was very sweet towards them. Parking was convenient. This has become my new go-to place for delicious sushi!!
(5)Greg C.
Bad service: I can't comment on the food because we walked out before we were served. We waited 20 minutes in our seats before they took our order. In fact, it took about 15 minutes before anyone even came to our table to greet us and bring us a menu. That's poor service and longer than we were willing to wait. And the place wasn't even that crowded!
(2)Slava L.
Hm, from the looks of it and reviews I expected to like this, but ... So again, looks are good, it is a nice cozy place. Service also is fine, hot towel to wash your hands is a nice touch. I also like their chopsticks, nice quality wooden ones. Now, tofu and eggplant appetizers were pretty good. And here come the but, BUT the rainbow and spicy tuna rolls were on an awful side. Rainbow had some weird tasting fish. Was it about to go bad or just bad tasting I don't know. Spicy tuna had some very weird strong spice, totally killing, or maybe masking the taste of tuna. I'd think twice about going here again for sushi. Maybe I should try their other dishes as sushi does not seem to be their strong suite.
(3)Patale M.
First meal there was average. The sushi special had a pretty selection but nothing was extraordinary tasting. Prices are fair. The service is slow and awkward. e.g. I asked the server for a glass of water mid-meal. She left and started rearranging the chairs around tables, dragging them with a huge racket. No water until I asked again. She had not forgotten. She was just moving slowly. Exchanges were odd. Simple requests and questions were misunderstood. She had a hard time understanding the other patrons' requests as well. The tables did not look very clean either. The whole thing was disappointing. Will try again in a few months as the location is convenient.
(3)Josh K.
Great sushi. Attentive servers. Fresh fish. I usually get the chef's sashimi plate, and it has yet to disappoint. The lunch specials are quite reasonable as well. I'd still say Kirala is slightly better quality, but the service here is spot on and it's way easier to get a seat. I'd only rate it a half star less than Kirala for Berkeley sushi spots, but still 5 stars. Nothing bad to say about Kamado. And the head sushi chef is genuinely nice! Friendly guy that always remembers your face and says hello.
(5)Joy W.
Kamado Sushi is definitely a great place for authentic sushi. My friend and I were greeted warmly by the hostess and given adorable warm, rolled hand towels to wipe our hands. I ordered the agedashi tofu and I expected the tofu to be slightly firmer, but I didn't mind at all. The tofu seemed to be a good quality and had a fragrant soybean aroma to it. I also got the Kaisen futomaki roll which had salmon, tuna, hamachi, roe, and maybe other fish but I don't quite remember. Kamado had a board of the daily fresh fish and udon, chirashi, bentos, nigiris, and rolls on the menu. There are no crazy rolls that are fried or come drenched in sauces. They have mostly tradition rolls that are simple. But I love the simplicity because their sushi is simple, but fresh and of great quality. Service was great and I never felt rushed to order or anything. Come for some quality, authentic sushi!
(5)Vanessa G.
I went an hr in a half before closing and they were friendly and welcoming. I asked about some dishes and the waitress tried her best to explain and also tell us the specials but I could not understand her. I ordered the mackerel dinner and it was very good, lots of flavor. Salty too but I like salt. I also had a sake (salmon nigri pair) of sushi and I must say it was one of the best I ever had! The décor was kind of plain in the place but no big deal. My only complaint is that I was surprised they didn't offer me tea as I waited, just about every place does.
(4)Kevin E.
Got in just before closing on the first day of business, having seen the work in progress the past two weeks. I kept my order simple as it was a late snack/meal - hamachi sashimi, dragon roll, and a 6 oz sake, which came from a wide selection. The hamachi was tasty, great texture, and generously sliced. The dragon roll was ample, nice blend of textures and tastes, and appreciated the presentation. The sake was smooth and refreshing, as it was presented on the menu (I don't remember which one I selected - I'll do better on a follow-up review. ) Excited to have a new option in the neighborhood and will definitely be back.
(4)becky b.
Very impressed with the quality and chefs knowledge of fish. Finally a delicious, down to earth and traditional sushi place in Berkeley! We've been waiting a long time for this... Impressive sake menu and you get to choose your own glass. A note to the newcomer: The staff is still in transition to the new busy restaurant, so please exercise patience. It's so worth the wait!
(5)ken s.
I really wanted to like this place as it was in the 'hood, but the food just didn't hold up. the good: Sushi (nigiri) was pretty good, though you could tell an amateur was making the sushi as the rice totally fell apart in your hands. Service was good, very attentive Tempura Udon was a ton of food. Noodles were cooked correctly and the tempura was crisp. The soup broth was lacking , just plain salty. The not so good: Black Cod appetizer with truffle oil. The cod was cooked spot on, but was ruined by a ton of truffle oil. This stuff is pretty powerful and a few drops is all that is necessary. At times the whole restaurant smelled of truffle oil as other plates came by. Chicken teriyaki was a nice portion, but not cooked at a hot enough temperature. Looked more like it was steamed, no char. Other dishes ordered were just underwhelming. No taste. 2 of the cooked appetizers were delivered at room temperature suggesting they had been sitting around for a while. No way this place should command the same number of stars as Kirala, they are not in the same league. With a few tweaks and some more attention to detail they could definitely up their game.
(3)Rebecca K.
Woah. My roommate and I had this place for the first time tonight and our jaws dropped at how fresh and delicious the sushi was. We ordered the rainbow roll, hamachi roll, and another roll (I forgot the name but it calls for chef's choice of fish) and yellowtail nigiri. Everything was delicious and was mostly fish whereas other places rely on rice and other fillers. There was no sauce on any of it ( though he nicely offered to include some in the side) and it was so great that I didn't even feel the need to dip it into anything. The chef was really nice and knowledgable and I absolutely love the fact that they don't use imitation crab! We will be returning very very soon!
(5)Helen L.
Appetizing Agedashi tofu, seaweed salad and small sampling of their special codfish. It made our group wonder how the other appetizers tasted like. Fresh sashimi cut of bluefin fatty tuna, sushi orders of tamago, ikura and unagi (very little rice so we really savored the flavor of the egg, salmon roe and eel), crispy mixed tempura and their rolls have a twist that makes it their own but we can't quite describe what it is....just delicious! Very attentive staff, genuine smiles. Cozy place with decors of kimonos and Japanese paintings. Will definitely come back if we visit Berkeley again.
(4)Nicole W.
This was tasty, not amazing, but definitely on the better side by Berkeley's (low) standards when it comes to sushi. I came here with the boyfriend for a rather late night dinner, about 45 minutes before closing on Sunday night, but the restaurant was not completely empty--not busy mind you--but inhabited. So, first things first: make sure you accept their offer or go out of your way and blatantly demand the green tea! I am very partial to the beautifully toasted senchen or other varieties of green tea usually served at Japanese restaurants, and this is no different! After scalding your tongue delightfully slurping your tea, I recommend ordering the miso soup, which is rather flavorful and is served in generous portions. Pair that with some calamari and you have a delicious appetizer perfect for sharing. Calamari is a weakness of mine, and no matter where, if I see it on the menu, I order it. As such, I have a range of calamari from amazing to downright displeasing, and I definitely think they did justice to it at Kamado. For our main course, my boyfriend and I split the sashimi variety platter (very fresh and tasty) and a dragon roll. The roll was tasty but nothing out of the ordinary that blew my mind, but the sashimi was nice and fresh (fresher than I had gotten last time I ate sushi in Berkeley!) and was beautifully presented. To end: Service was also great, very attentive and polite, and our food was prepared quickly--keep in mind, it was later in the evening so the servers definitely weren't bogged down with hungry customers every which way. All in all, I recommend coming here, especially as a get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Berkeley and to experience the quintessential tranquility of the gourmet ghetto.
(3)Maron S.
What a ridiculous restaurant. The servers couldn't treat us any worse and i had the WORST japanese dining experience in Kamado restaurant. Me and my bf waited for 30 min to be seated but no one even asked us how many we were or how long we should wait for first 30 min. We just stood at the door and should watch what's going on in the restaurant. Ok, they might be too busy. But when we got barely seated, we ordered 4-5 pieces of sushi from today's special, udon and agedashi tofu. We waited for an hour (I'm not exaggerating. It was literally an hour) but foods never came out. Even one piece of sushi or agedashi todu. Why sushi takes so long??? At that moment, my bf found out the people seated later than us having their sushis and just finished their foods from kitchen. What the heck? I immediately asked the server, how come they got their food earlier than us, the server said the ticket was changed accidentally. Excuse me? but how come he could answer my question immediately? it is because somebody might change the ticket on purpose i guess. We spent a half hour to be seated and waited ANOTHER hour for foods, and people who came behind us were already having their sushi! We couldn't stand anymore. We ended up leaving the restaurant with madness. Our dinner dating was totally messed up because of Kamado restaurant. I will never go back and never recommend my neighborhood to go Kamado sushi.
(1)Musetta S.
the food was flavorful...but the miso cod appetizer came out undercooked. everything else was good but not spectacular. the service was decent. not a new fav, so we are unlikely going to be back.
(3)david l.
I am a huge sushi fan and have been waiting for great sushi to reach the Gourmet Ghetto. Sushi places tend to be nigiri or roll-centered. This place is highly focused on nigiri and sashimi: all about the fish. The chef at Kamodo obviously knows his stuff. VERY high quality. Good portions. Elegantly served. ...and (if that were not enough) at reasonable prices. He carries the basics, but also has seasonal items. (and the owner/chef indicated that theme will be central to the restaurant.) I am aware it just opened and am hoping over time that the ambiance will move up a few steps (the painted wood seems out of place) but the place is clearly about the food, which is where my heart lies, so I still give it 5 stars. Some other points I like: Quiet, no TV, easy parking (!)
(5)Thomas B.
The service was great but I thought the food was a bit odd and expensive. I got a spider roll, which had asparagus and lemon in it...?
(3)Marina B.
Best sashimi I've ever had! My husband and I ordered appetizers and a main course and shared both. The eggplant was fabulous--rich and tasty and huge! He wanted squid but not fried. It was a very generous portion, but he said it was bland. The waiter brought wasabi and that made it just fine. I had saba shoyoyaki and it was excellent. 2 large fillets, juicy and very flavorful. We were joking about the non-Asian waiter, but Kevin turned out to have lived in Japan and not only could answer all our menu questions (and explain the sake service--a glass in a tiny wooden box) and how to navigate a large fish fillet with chopsticks, but gave us a few great tips for our upcoming Japan trip. Not an inexpensive meal, but totally worth it. The portions are large and we left feeling well fed. We'll be back.
(5)Abby P.
My boyfriend and I just tried this place out for the first time-- and it was delightful! I am so excited to have a new sushi place in the area. It's delectable, and you've got to try it. We decided to get a little bit of everything, just to make sure that this place was one we could count on. They have lots of sake options, and the basic beer and wine selection you'd find at most Japanese restaurants (a mix of Japanese and American offerings, Asahi, Kirin, etc.). We got some pan-fried gyoza for our appetizer- some of the best I've ever had! They were lightly crunchy on the bottom, and steamed perfectly on top. For our entrees: boyfriend got the sashimi dinner, which comes with five different fish. It was beautifully plated, and tasted as good as it looked! The fish is some of the freshest I've ever tasted. One good test of a fresh fish place is how well they do their scallops, because they are so easy to mess up. They were perfect! All of the fish was high-quality and delicious. I got the chicken teriyaki, and I was so jazzed by it! The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was so yummy. You could tell it was homemade, because it wasn't super goopy like it can get when it comes straight out of the bottle. It's served with a nice salad and miso soup, both of which impressed me. The decor is so wonderful. It's a calming atmosphere, and you can tell they take great pride in that restaurant. There's little origami pieces on each table setting, and they serve a hot towel before your meal. So fancy! I also heard another customer ask if they had gluten-free soy sauce, and they did, so that's a plus for you gluten-free people out there. So happy to have a new, delicious spot in the Gourmet Ghetto. Welcome to the neighborhood, Kamado Sushi!
(5)Markus S.
A bit expensive, but incredibly good fish and surprisingly generous portions on the sashimi platter. The sukiyaki was a better deal and quite good too.
(5)Daniel P.
Food - Excellent, Service - not too bad, but the kitchen runs the place. Messed up on our reservations (but they did manage to put together a table for us). We ordered and were brought our soup very quickly. Then things got bad. Waited the better part of 50 minutes for any other food (this was after talking to the waitstaff several times). Appetizers and 3 of the 4 main courses came at once. The 4th dish didn't arrive until we tried to cancel (as we were ready to leave). We did talk to the owner - who said that the kitchen was backed-up (really - an hour?) In a 'higher end' restaurant they might have either compt'ed the full meal or just the 4th main course (but this owner did neither). Again, the food was great, but the overall lack of attention in the kitchen to get the food out in a timely manor was very poor. I'll give it another 6 months - if they are still in business, it means they were able to fix the kitchen management problem (I really hope that they can get this worked out) and we will give it another try. BTW: this was not our first time here - first visit was pretty much the same.
(2)Foster B.
Food was excellent, service very slipshod. The sushi chef - I'm told - opened this place after leaving Kiku on Gilman, which we loved after it first opened. His menu here is similar and of equally high quality. Unfortunately, the service was poor. A sake order was forgotten, as was part of a sushi order. Water glasses weren't refilled. Plates weren't brought for 10 minutes after the appetizers were on the table. The staff were apologetic, but so what? One mistake is understandable, but a whole succession of them is a basic failure. Decor also needs improving. My wife sat facing north, where her view was of the back hallway and out a dirty window at the sidewalk. Some screens or curtains would help a lot to make the space feel warmer. I'd go here again, but probably not on a busy night.
(3)David S.
Outstanding!!! This place is absolutely top notch! The food is fresh and delicious, all of it, from the miso soup and salad all the way to the sushi. PS great soba noodles too!
(5)Mara C.
We were so excited to stumble upon this restaurant right after it opened! I highly recommend the seaweed salad, definitely several steps above the seaweed salads I've ever had before. I had salmon sashimi with rice and vegetables, it was very fresh and a generous portion. The vegetables were delicious. I wish I was still eating. The service was very friendly but a bit slow- but that's to be expected when they've been open less than a week.
(5)Rhodora V.
Delicious! Freshest fish & best sake....I recommend sitting at the bar and chatting with the sweetest owner!
(5)g g.
Fresh Fish. Large portions. Simple clean space. We will be back!
(5)Micky T.
From the kitchen we had black cod as an appetizer, and seaweed salad and sunomono with Tako sashimi. Black cod had a delicate texture and a distinct miso flavor. Seeweed salad had an amazing dressing that I have never tasted at any other Japanese restaurants. Sunomono is also different from an ordinary one that we always had before. Tako sashimi was so tasty. All three items were just amazing and dreamy. I was already in heaven at this point. From sushi counter we had four different sashimi from today's special: Tairagai, Sayori, Hotate, and Umi Masu. Chef showed us the fish before cutting into sashimi and explained about each items. Presentation was so beautiful, and we hesitated to touch! We also had Tamago that was cooked so delicately and silky. All are exceptional! I don't know the right word to express how much we enjoyed it. Best quality food you can find anywhere for sure. And good customer service too. Kamado is our must-go place from now on. Thank you Chef Jin!
(5)M E.
Service was great. California roll had fake crab. Chicken and pork dishes were tough as nails. Bums stare at you when you eat. Never again
(1)Braudy bro-dee B.
Some of the best most delicious fish you will ever find! Jin was the original chef at Kiku sushi and has now opened his own place here. If you went to Kiku early on, you will recognize him. Since he left, the quality has gone down substantially at Kiku. The fish used is of the highest quality and so is the rice. Do not hesitate to go here you will not be disappointed. I hesitate to write this review because I don't want a line when I Come in but I am sure it is inevitable once everybody tries the sushi here! Best Sushi in Berkeley!!!!!!!!
(5)mary b.
We live near Kamado Sushi and we were thrilled to find a really GOOD sushi place so close to home. The only place I really ever want to eat sushi in Berkeley is at Kirala but I am not willing to stand in line and wait to get in. The fish at Kamado is as good as it gets: fresh, sweet, excellent texture. Reasonable prices and friendly service. We sit at the sushi bar and Jin is always attentive and gracious. Highly recommended.
(5)Henry A.
Had the Tempura appetizer and some selected sushi. The Hokkaido scallops were great as was the Bluefin Tuna, and they had fresh Wasabi which is very unusual here in California. But most importantly, they know that an authentic sushi bar serves ice cold beer. Very good. Pundits be damned.
(4)Nancy T.
WOW! So fresh! So succlent! So flavorful! I've eaten sushi for years but never like this! Explosion of culinary experience in your mouth.
(5)