Eat in Berkeley: C U Sushi

Smoked salmon nigiri


Orgasm Salad with seared tuna and spring mix




Dynamite with scallop, mushroom, onion, and masago




Energy roll with fresh water eel, yellow tail, gobo, masago, green onion, and avocado




Lion King roll with crab, avocado, baked salmon, and masago on top

I've been visiting C U Sushi for about a year and it never ceases to impress me. Okay, I'll just come clean and say it: it's my favorite sushi spot in Berkeley, located on Center smack-dab between Oxford and Shattuck in the city's downtown.

The roll that won me over was the Lion King. Not only does its name blanket me with nostalgia for one of my favorite movies as a kid, it changed everything I thought sushi was and could be. As a sushi novice, I was under the impression that sushi is either raw or cooked. I didn't know that sushi could be, dare I say, baked. And not just baked, but rich and buttery. This is where the Lion King comes in. This roll is filled with crab and avocado, and then topped with pieces of freshly baked salmon that are sprinkled with masago and green onion. In short, it's a little piece of heaven. The first bite is so warm and filling that I often try to drag out the moment, wondering how something could be so darn good.

Of course, the Lion King is just the beginning. They have a great selection of fresh sushi and nirigi as well as more decadent rolls like the Energy roll with its fresh water eel and yellow tail. If you're looking for something warmer, they serve very tasty udon soups. In all, everything I've tried has been pretty good and quite affordable, which is a big plus.

C U Sushi
Website | Facebook | Yelp
 2152 Center St., Berkeley, CA 94704
Open: Monday - Thursday 11 - 10, Saturday 11:30 - 10:30, Sunday 11:30 - 10

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Eat in San Francisco: Godzila Sushi

Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki, California roll, miso soup, salad, and rice

Rock'N Roll sushi roll made with barbecued eel, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko

Udon soup


Tempura

My dining companion and I visited Godzila Sushi, a Japanese restaurant located on the corner of Divisadero and Bush in Lower Pacific Heights, for the first time for a weekday lunch in late August. They have an expansive menu featuring favorites like sushi, bento boxes, donburi, and udon.

We tried a few things. My dining companion got a Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki, California roll, miso soup, salad, and rice, while I got the Tempura Udon and a Rock'N Roll sushi roll — made with barbecued eel, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko. Everything was quite good. The chicken had the sweet teriyaki flavor we like, while the rolls were perfectly made and the flavors well-balanced. The udon was the warm salve I love on an overcast day and the tempura pieces, including the classics like sweet potato and shrimp, were sizable.

Godzila Sushi is a great, casual restaurant if you're looking for delicious Japanese restaurant at affordable prices. I will be sure to return when I'm in the area.

 

Godzila Sushi

Website | Yelp

1800 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Open: Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5 - 9pm, Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5 - 9:30pm, Saturday 5 - 9:30pm

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Eat in Oakland: Shimizu Sushi

Shrimp Tempura Roll


Lunch Bento Box with chicken teriyaki, tempura, and California roll

Although I haven't posted a restaurant review since late August, I have been saving up photos from places I've tried since then. Although it may be hard for me to fully review places I've visited months ago, I'll try my best.

I've been to Shimizu Sushi, a local Japanese restaurant on Piedmont at Echo, a few times. They serve a well-priced selection of bento boxes, sushi rolls, nigiri, and favorite entrees like teriyaki. When I stopped by with my friends in early September, we ordered a few things: namely a Shrimp Tempura Roll and a Lunch Bento Box with chicken teriyaki, tempura, and California roll. I love how bento boxes come with all the faves and this one did not disappoint. I remember enjoying it from the start of the miso soup to the finish with the various entree items. 

I would definitely return in the future. Shimizu Sushi is a great option if you're looking for Japanese food in a relaxed environment around Piedmont Avenue. If you've visited Shimizu Sushi, what do you recommend?

Shimizu Sushi

Website | Instagram | Yelp

4290 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611

Open: Monday - Friday 4 - 8:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 12 - 8:30pm

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Eat in Berkeley: Manpuku

The California roll with added tobiko and the Spider roll

Manpuku, or what I like to childishly refer to as "Manpoopoo," is a staple for Berkeley sushi fiends. Nestled in between College Avenue's own restaurant row, Manpuku is known for having a pretty good selection of sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fixins at even better prices. I've eaten here several times and would highly recommend the spicy hotate (scallop) nigiri, the unagi (BBQ eel) nigiri, and any of the udon soups. As a sushi novice, I'd suggest bringing a sushi-head who can highlight which pieces to try. 

While the restaurant looks very narrow from the front entrance, there's actually a lot of seating space and I've always been able to get a table or a spot at the counter. I'd recommend ordering your favorite rolls and sipping on a cup of hot tea, while watching the sushi master work his magic.

Manpuku
Website | Facebook | Yelp
 2977 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705
Open: Monday - Saturday 11 - 10, Sunday 11 - 9

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Eat in Mexico City: Wabi Sushi

Fried Tofu made with silken tofu, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, and mirin 


Korean Spicy Tuna made with masago, avocado, and cucumber

Spicy Tuna & Unagi Tempura Maki


Gyu Gyozas made with rib eye


Left: Shiso Sour made with Sake Junmai, shiso, yuzu, ginger syrup, egg white, shochu, and sansho

Right: One Lychee Nigiri Please! made with Tanqueray London Gin, sake, lychee, pixtle syrup, rice vinegar, and orange bitters

Last March, my dining companion and I had a wonderful meal at Wabi Sushi — a sleek sushi and sake restaurant on Orizaba and Colima in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City.

We started with a couple of cocktails: the Shiso Sour (made with sake Junmai, shiso, yuzu, ginger syrup, egg white, shochu, and sansho) and One Lychee Nigiri Please! (made with Tanqueray London Gin, sake, lychee, pixtle syrup, rice vinegar, and orange bitters), both of which were dynamic and delicious. 

We then had the delicately Fried Tofu, made with silken tofu, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, and mirin, and beautifully pan-fried Gyu Gyozas with rib eye. We shared a couple of sushi rolls: the Korean Spicy Tuna, made with masago, avocado, and cucumber, and the Spicy Tuna & Unagi Tempura Maki. Although it's been a while, I remember that everything was as flavorful as it is photogenic.

I would definitely stop by again in the future, perhaps trying another amazing cocktail, the Tuna Drum, or the Mango Sticky Rice.

Wabi Sushi

Website | Instagram | Yelp

C. Orizaba 76, Centro Urbano Pdte. Juárez, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Daily 1pm - 10:30pm

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Eat in Oakland: Swan's Market

B-Dama: Sanma Bou saury pike sushi roll


Hen House: Calabrian pepper pork belly, sweet peppers, eggplant, and capers


Cosecha: Crispy Fish Tacos with rice and black beans

A few weeks ago, I met up with the lovely Jessica of Thread and Bones to explore Downtown Oakland and try some of the city's finest eateries according to Bon Appétit. We started out at 12th St. BART and made our way through Oakland Chinatown, where we saw murals of metallic gold dragons on the walls and watched as the warm light of golden hour took hold of the city. We then made our way to the incredibly adorable, movie set-like neighborhood of Old Oakland. We stopped by Swan's Market and tried food from three different stalls in the upscale food court.

First we tried the Sanma Bou saury pike sushi roll (a daily special) from B-Dama, a Japanese Izakaya style restaurant. With its shiny silver fish skin, this was the most beautiful sushi I've ever tried. It was topped with green onions and ginger, the latter of which was the roll's most prominent flavor. Although the sushi was photogenic, it wasn't very flavorful. For a thorough take on B-Dama's menu, I'd recommend reading Ben of Focus: Snap: Eat's review.

We then tried the Calabrian pepper pork belly with sweet peppers, eggplant, and capers from Hen House, a food stall known for their pizza. This was my favorite dish of the three. It reminded me of bruschetta made with pork belly instead of bread. It was crispy and the peppers, eggplant, and capers on top added a dynamic flavor.

The last dish was the Crispy Fish Tacos from Cosecha, an eatery specializing in home-style Californian and Mexican food. I believe the tacos were made with ling cod and came with a side of rice and black beans. They were as crispy as expected. It was a solid dish all around.

Swan's Market provides a wide selection of restaurants that any foodie will enjoy. The next time I stop by I'd like to try Miss Ollie's Skillet-Fried Chicken at Miss Ollie's. If you've visited Swan's Market, what do you recommend trying?

Swan's Market
Website | Facebook | Yelp

538 9th Street., Oakland, CA 94607
Open: Varies

B-Dama

Website | Facebook | Yelp

Open: Monday - Saturday 11:30 - 2 & 5 - 10

Hen House

Website | Facebook | Yelp

Open: Tuesday 11:30 - 2, Wednesday - Saturday 11:30 - 2 & 5- 9

Cosecha

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

Open: Monday - Wednesday 11 - 3:30 & 4:30 - 8:30, Thursday - Friday 11 - 3:30 & 5 - 9:30, Saturday 10:30 - 3:30 & 5 - 9:30

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Eat in San Francisco: Ozumo San Francisco

Yaki Tako: olive oil poached baby octopus, confit fingerling potatoes, watermelon radish, satsuma supremes, grilled endive, and red yuzu kosho chimichurri 


Special tasting from the chef: Hanabi made with hamachi, avocado, and a ginger jalapeño ponzu


Cherry Blossom (left): brandy, lemon juice, creme de violet, and egg white
Invitation Only (right): Nikka “Taketsuru” Japanese whisky, Cynar, Lillet Rouge, black walnut bitters, and tobacco foam


Hamachi (yellowtail), Maguro (Bigeye tuna), Buritoro (yellowtail belly), and Sake (Scottish salmon) nigiri


Haru-Maki (left): fried asparagus, avocado roll, cherry blossom edible flower, halibut, and yuzu kosho
Hotate (right): prosciutto-wrapped seared day boat scallops, kabocha, red endive, poached quince, and bacon hash with truffle compound butter


Bronzini: pan-seared bronzini, yuzu kosho, beurre blanc, cherry blossom, kimchi apples, crispy kale, compressed orange, and pea tendrils


Choco Chan: flourless chocolate cake, green tea ice cream, and shiso syrup

This past Thursday I was treated to an incredible dining experience at Ozumo San Francisco. Located on Steuart between Howard and Mission in the Embarcadero District, this Japanese restaurant boasts an amazing selection of sushi, grilled meats and seafood, and desserts very similar to what they offer at their Oakland location. I was invited to try their Cherry Blossom Festival menu, which included three of the items above.

We began our wonderful meal with a special tasting from the chef of the Hanabi, which is made with hamachi, avocado, and a ginger jalapeño ponzu. This had a nice crunch, starting the meal on a fresh note. We then tried the Yaki Tako made with olive oil poached baby octopus, confit fingerling potatoes, watermelon radish, satsuma supremes, grilled endive, and red yuzu kosho chimichurri. This was a standout dish. The octopus had a great chewy texture without being rubbery as well as a nice smoky flavor. A lot of attention was put into the sides as well, which created a dynamic set of flavors. I would definitely try this dish again.

Our next course included four types of nigiri: Hamachi (yellowtail), Maguro (Bigeye tuna), Buritoro (yellowtail belly), and Sake (Scottish salmon). Every piece was oozing with flavor. The Scottish salmon was particularly buttery. This really cements Ozumo's standing as a must-try place for sushi. We then had the Haru-Maki, another roll prepared for the Cherry Blossom Festival. This roll was made with fried asparagus, avocado roll, cherry blossom edible flower, halibut, and yuzu kosho. My dining companion described it as the most interesting roll he's had in his entire life. I agree completely: the fusion of so many different flavors and textures was very intriguing. There was a spiciness from the yuzu kosho, a crunchiness from the fried asparagus, and a softness from the halibut. It's a must-try roll.

The next dish was equally awe-inspiring: the Hotate made with prosciutto-wrapped seared day boat scallops, kabocha, red endive, poached quince, and bacon hash with truffle compound butter. The prosciutto-wrapped scallops had a richness and decadence that was amplified by the very flavorful hash it was surrounded by. We made sure to finish every morsel of this dish. The Bronzini, the final item from the festival menu, included pan-seared bronzini, yuzu kosho, beurre blanc, cherry blossom, kimchi apples, crispy kale, compressed orange, and pea tendrils. The bronzini, a buttery white fish, was complemented by the tangy kimchi apples, crispy kale, and delicious sauce. We finished a truly incredible meal with an equally delicious dessert. We ordered the Choco Chan, a flourless chocolate cake with green tea ice cream and shiso syrup. The chocolate cake was as chocolaty as expected and tasted great with the green tea ice cream.

We tried a few of their highly recommended drink options with our meal. We had a shot of sake that was made specifically for Ozumo. It was very smooth. We also tried a few of their specially made cocktails. I had the Cherry Blossom, a part of the festival menu, made with brandy, lemon juice, creme de violet, and egg white. It had a great flavor and the egg white gave it a nice foamy texture on top. My dining companion tried the Invitation Only, which was made with Nikka “Taketsuru” Japanese whisky, Cynar, Lillet Rouge, black walnut bitters, and tobacco foam. He described the taste as full-bodied with a rustic finish.

The interior of the restaurant is very similar to the one at their Oakland location. They have the same sleek decor with the added bonus of an excellent view of the bay. As before, we were helped by the very friendly and knowledgeable staff and were graciously introduced to the incredible people in charge of every aspect of the restaurant from the food to the sake, hospitality and more. I'd like to thank Ozumo San Francisco, Mel Collins, the Director of Hospitality, and Olivia of DKC for the wonderful evening.

If you've visited either Ozumo location in Oakland or San Francisco, what do you recommend trying?

Ozumo San Francisco
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

161 Steuart St., San Francisco, CA 94105

Open:
Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:30 - 10:30pm, Friday - Saturday 5:30 - 11pm
Sake Lounge: Monday - Friday 11:30am - 12am, Saturday - Sunday 5:30pm - 12am
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 4 - 6pm

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Eat in Oakland: Poke Zone

Medium Poke Bowl made with sushi rice, spicy crab meat, salmon, yellowtail, green onion, corn, edamame, oshinko, tamago, cucumber, masago, furikake, and poke sauce

Earlier this week I tried poke for what I believe was my first time at Poke Zone with my pal Anisa. Poke Zone is a new spot in Oakland's Chinatown that specializes in poke bowls filled with raw fish, like salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, along with various types of rice and fresh vegetables.

I ordered a medium-sized Poke Bowl made with sushi rice, spicy crab meat, salmon, yellowtail, green onion, corn, edamame, oshinko, tamago, cucumber, masago, furikake, and poke sauce. It was really good. They give you a lot of food for a good price -- about $9 -- and it even comes with miso soup on the side. The ingredients tasted very fresh and it's a light meal overall.

I would definitely return to Poke Zone in the near future. If you're a fan of poke, what are your favorite spots?

Poke Zone
Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

329 11th St., Oakland, CA 94607
Daily: 11 - 8

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Eat in Oakland: Mujiri

From left: Negi Hama Hosomaki (yellowtail roll), Salmon nigiri, Iwana (Arctic Char) nigiri, and Spicy Tuna maki

Kaisou Salad

I visited Mujiri for the first time for dinner with a friend in mid-July. Located on San Pablo at 65th in North Oakland, where Home Grown Oakland used to be, Mujiri is known for selling high-quality sushi for quite a deal. (They boast a Nigiri Combo with seven pieces of nigiri and one maki roll for only $25.)

We ordered a few things to share. We started with the Kaisou Salad, a seaweed salad that was equally fresh as it was vibrant. We then had Yellowtail and Spicy Tuna maki rolls as well as Salmon and Iwana (Arctic Char) nigiri — the latter of which was a first for me. Although I'm no sushi expert, it was clear their ingredients are high-quality and they care about their craft. 

Since Mujiri is popular and rather small in size, I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time and potentially eating inside, if you're comfortable, where it should be quieter than on the sidewalk of the busy street. 

Next time, I might try the Nigiri Combo so I can try even more of their offerings. If you've been to Mujiri, what would you recommend?

Mujiri

Website | Instagram | Yelp

6501 San Pablo Ave., Unit B, Oakland, CA 94608

Open: Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5:30 - 9pm

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Eat in Berkeley: Kaze Ramen

Kaze Black Garlic Oil Ramen with chashu, egg, green onion, black fungus, bean sprout, and dried seaweed

After passing by Kaze Ramen the past few months, I finally visited a couple weeks ago. Located on Shattuck at University, this new ramen spot serves a variety of ramen and sushi in Berkeley's Downtown.

I ordered the Kaze Black Garlic Oil Ramen, which came with all the traditional ingredients like chashu barbecued pork, an egg, green onion, and more. Overall, it was a solid bowl of ramen. The pork was very tender. The broth had a great taste that was accentuated by the garlic oil, making it a garlic lover's dream. It was also pretty filling and only cost about $10.

I would definitely return to Kaze Ramen the next time I'm craving a warm bowl of noodles. If you've given Kaze Ramen a try, what would you recommend? 

Kaze Ramen
Yelp
1956 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Open: Daily 11 - 1

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Coffee in Berkeley: Philz Coffee

Mint Mojito Ice Coffee

I've been craving the Mint Mojito Ice Coffee from Philz ever since I heard about it from Anisa of Young and Seamless (and most likely every other fashion blogger or bougie caffeine addict in the Bay Area). I finally tried it last weekend and it was certainly worth the hype. It was minty, sweet, and frothy. These flavors covered up any hint of bitterness coffee is known for, which is A-OK by my cavity-filled sweet tooth.

What should I try at Philz next? I've heard good things about their teas as well.

Also, a poll: Should I title posts about coffee and other drinks as "Drink in [Location]," rather than "Eat in [Location]"? In other words, should the post titles reflect the subject matter or should the current title format indicate an ongoing series?

Philz Coffee

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1600 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
Open: Daily 6:30am - 8:30pm

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I just had the scallop nigiri and Lion King roll from C U Sushi. Talk about nom.

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Eat in Oakland: Hella Bagels at Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Everything bagels with Nova Lox (left) and Scallion (right) cream cheese

In early September, I tried Hella Bagels — a bagel pop-up in the East Bay and San Francisco — for the first time at Xochi the Dog, Cafe in the Clinton neighborhood of East Oakland. Started by Blake Hunter in 2020, Hella Bagels sells a variety of bagels and cream cheese in both traditional and novel flavors. They can be purchased for delivery throughout the East Bay and San Francisco on Fridays and Saturdays or at occasional pop-ups in Oakland and Berkeley.

Blake offers a few bagel options and an even wider selection of cream cheese spreads at each pop-up. My dining companion and I both got an Everything bagel, mine with lox and his with scallion cream cheese. They were quite good and worth the hype. The bagels have a nice consistency and were covered in all the seeds, garlic, and flavorful goodies that make the everything bagel... everything. The cream cheese was generously smeared on and had decent amounts of lox and scallion within. We enjoyed our bagels with Xochi's delicious coffee as a part of our low-key brunch.

I will definitely stop by the next time Hella Bagels is in the neighborhood, perhaps opting for something like the Lil' Kipper or Sushi Bagel, if these enticing specials are available.

Hella Bagels

Website | Instagram | Yelp

Deliveries: order on Fridays and Saturdays through their website

Pop-ups: see Instagram for details

Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1038 E. 21st St., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 1pm

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Eat in Oakland: Fresh Catch Poke

Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl with seaweed salad and imitation crab salad

In late April, my friend and I tried Fresh Catch Poke, a poke food truck based in the Bay Area, for the first time at the Off the Grid food truck event that occurs every Friday at the Oakland Museum of California on 10th and Oak Streets. 

I ordered the Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl with seaweed salad and imitation crab salad. Every bit of it was incredible. The tuna was fresh, high-quality, and dressed perfectly in the tangy, mayo-y, salmon roe-covered sauce; the poke was complemented well by both of the salads and sushi-grade rice. This was the perfect elevated food truck meal. I've eaten many a burrito on the sidewalk from a truck, but appreciated being able to order something I could enjoy at one of the many picnic tables set up along 10th Street.

We were not only happy to see that the truck had fantastic food, it also had a short line. (Pro-tip: arrive early so you don't have to wait 30 minutes for the scraps that other food trucks haven't sold out of.) The next time I'm at OMCA on a Friday night, I will definitely order the poke from Fresh Catch Poke again.

Fresh Catch Poke

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

Open: see website

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