I'm so glad to see that this wonderful Berkeley Japanese restaurant is still in business after the devastation of the COVID lockdowns. When I lived in the Bay Area I came here frequently and was always pleased. I came back recently and felt hugely relieved that they remain in business. If you like sushi, sashimi, robata grill, etc. this well loved place is a must. In addition they have a rather large (and very tasty) selection of Sake. They don't take reservations so get there at least 20 minutes before opening to secure a good seat. These folks have a dedicated bunch of customers and they're always busy. That said, the wait staff are very efficient and professional as well as friendly. The place is relatively small and can feel crowded but I haven't experienced any issues with their clientele on my visits. My hat is off to the fine chefs, excellent wait staff, and dedicated owners who make this one of the finest quality Japanese restaurants in the area. They do much to support the fine foodie culture of the east bay. You've made my life happier. read more

Ordered takeout by phone. First time ordering here for me and recommended by son. He has been here numerous times and enjoyed the food very much. There's no restaurant parking lot. You need to park on the street. Benefit with the pandemic is that with lack of people driving and dining out, there are plenty of parking spaces near the restaurant so you don't have to walk too far to get there. We ordered chicken teriyaki, salmon teriyaki, agedashi tofu, chicken yaki udon, rainbow roll, caterpillar roll, mixed tempura, chirashi, and rock'n'roll roll. Portion sizes were great. All items tasted very good. The chicken in the teriyaki was a little dry. The chicken yaki udon was huge and could've served two people. The staff was very pleasant and prompt in having our order ready for pickup in a timely fashion. No wait and it was clear that they are very popular and good. There were lots of to go orders ready and people were outside waiting for their orders, too. read more

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We were able to get a reservation on a Saturday, that was amazing and the place was packed when we got there. Food were delicious and the service was excellent! read more

My fav Japanese restaurant. The food is so good. We love it. If you arrive before they open, you're likely to get seated easily. It's so popular that the wait can be a while. It's worth it! read more

This is the best sushi in the East Bay. The staff is incredibly friendly, and they always remember me. I highly recommend the uni nigiri. Incredible. read more

I was visiting my son in Berkeley and we decided to get sushi. Kerala was great! The sushi was fresh and flavorful. Despite being busy, the service was quick and friendly. read more

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Went here for an early dinner. The place is pretty busy and doesn't take reservations, so if you don't want to wait try to show up early. We got there around 6pm and there was still an open table for two. Ordered beers, a dragon roll and the deluxe sushi dinner. It did take quite some time for the food to come out, but was well worth the wait. Sushi quality was excellent, each piece of the dinner and the rolls was tasty and fresh. Some of the best sushi I had. Staff was friendly and attentive. Place is a bit pricey, but you get great quality sushi, so highly recommended. read more

Kirala - Deluxe Sushi Dinner and Dragon Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place was great good food and nice company. I came here with my fiance and we have such a great time having dinner with friends read more

Kirala - Lobster - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Food is consistently good. This place is a part of Berkeley. It is always crowded but you will not be sad you are there.

Great food, and friendly service. Real crab! Always a plus when the staff are actually Japanese.

Kirala is one of my favorite places to have sushi. Whenever I like to have some great sushi or barbecued fish or meat, I will go to Kirala.

The food here is delicious and fresh! Definitely a treat I wish I could enjoy more often. The people who work here are lovely It would be great if the customers were more aware and considerate of their parking options. There are spaces in the Honda parking lot across the street. Maybe if there was a fresh coat of paint to let patrons know it's for them? The note in the window of the restaurant seems to be ignored by many. read more

It was my first time dining here after years! This restaurant is busy, but each guest is acknowledged and provided exceptional service. The food is fresh, delicious, and the perfect portion. I was lucky enough to sit in front of the grill, thanks to my boyfriend and in law. Gabby, our server was attentive and so friendly. Can't wait to come back and enjoy more menu items. read more

One of my very favorite restaurants!!! I have been coming here for more than 20 years, and the food is consistently outstanding. The sushi is super fresh and delicious. The shitake mushrooms from the grill are super tasty. Great selection of sake. It is now my 20 something kids' favorite as well. Owners, chefs, and staff are all exceptional! read more

I've been told a few times that this is the best sushi spot in Berkeley. Housed in an unassuming warehouse near Berkeley Bowl, it's easy to miss if you're just milling about. The interior is nothing flashy (and a little drafty), but we were seated and served quickly. Despite what it says outside, they don't have cocktails. They were out of Draft Kirin, so I tried the Draft Aisha, which was alright but too light for my taste. We got the Dragon Roll and Spider Roll. Both were well prepared, fresh, and good, but nothing out of this world (and quite expensive for what you get). The noodle soup was a bit better, but in the same lower-level stratoshphere. Glad I checked it out, as I love sushi, but will probably be getting my fix somewhere cheaper! read more

Kirala - Dragon and Spider Rolls - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lively atmosphere, great selection of sashimi and reasonably priced sake. Will try some cooked items next time.

Our friend Suzy invited us to dinner and we met her at the restaurant at opening time on a Saturday night. We were seated at the end of the bar in front of the grill area. Perfect as our friend orders most of her meals from the Robata Grill. Because Suzy is a regular here, the entire staff seems to know her and she seems to know everyones name. We ordered food to share. Everything was flavorful. Service was excellent. The reason that I didn't rate it higher than 4 is the same reason that we usually don't go to Kirala. Their food is always good and we've never had bad service here. But they lack the types of combinations that we enjoy and the prices tend to be on the higher side for the portion size. By the time I order Chawan Mushi, Assorted Tempura, Agedashi Tofu, and Deluxe Sashimi Dinner, I'm up to nearly $60. Even with just Tempura and Sashimi, I would be at $44.25. And the Deluxe Sashimi is 3 pieces each of 5 different fishes. I gotta have more flavors than that! read more

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We have been going to Kirala's for over 36 years and still enjoyed the best in Japanese dining! Our meals were delicious and the service outstanding. read more

Once again, Kirala treats the solo customer terribly. Not only did the front end guy argue with me because I didn't want to be shooed back to the drink bar, instead choosing to stand out of the way (there were no other customers lined up), but when a two person table opened, I was not offered it (seated at a table doesn't hurt my back, but they want you to sit at the sushi bar). The customer that came in after me was waiting for her companion and was given the table, even though I arrived first and her party was not completed. I said, you obviously don't want me as a customer, noted this has happened many times and left. I will not give them another try. For literally decades, they have been rude to solo customers who would, like me, spend more than most couples. Their loss. read more

Went on a Friday night and the place was packed! Almost walked past it too due to lack of signs and our own obliviousness haha. Ordered the sushi dinners + tempura (not pictured because I was waiting for my gf to return from the bathroom and as soon as she got back I wolfed down 2 of the crispy shrimpy bois). We also got miso soup which was a nice add. Sushi was fresh and expertly sculpted. Slices of fish were not only fresh but generously long. Roe was roe and eel was not my favorite. Have to ding one star down as we didn't get a description of all the sushi and the wasabi that was already pre-packed onto the rolls was too much for my gf to handle so she started disassembling them and scooping out the wasabi. Definitely would return and try other items! read more

Kirala - Deluxe Sushi Dinner - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This place has the best sashimi and robata grill in the SF Bay Area. Their Black Cod is to die for: tender, and buttery on the inside with a slight crisp along the edges. Their sashimi slices are cut thick and tastes fresh with every bite. We love sitting at the sushi bar. My toddler loves to watch the chefs grill the seafood and meat. It keeps him entertained. My Star Rating: 5 stars: Blew my mind, had a wow factor, will return 4 stars: I liked it but didn't love it, no wow factor, will still return 3 stars: I didn't hate it, but didn't like it either. Will not voluntarily return 2 stars: I did not like it, I would not return 1 star: I absolutely hated it, I would not return read more

Kirala is always a step above in Japanese food. Their quality is top notch. Even my daughter forgot how good the food is. We now only go here for Japanese food. read more

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I have been going since they opened over three decades ago. The sushi is always outstanding, as is the fried eggplant. We also had the beef and pork rubs. The pork ribs in the past were seasoned with garlic salt and lemon juice and were excellent. Not sure what they put on them this time but we're not very good and took forever to get. Service at the bar was not great, never cleared dishes or filled our glasses. read more

One of my best dining experiences in a while. I don't normally dine at the bar, but I felt like I had the best seat in the house watching the chef grill up lobsters, calamari tuna and everything else people were ordering that day. An authentic dining experience. I enjoyed the ginger beef and a sushi roll with sake. It was so good, I can't wait to go back and hopefully get the same seat. read more

There was a line before we entered at 5:30 when they reopened but we moved right in. This place gets really packed. More and more people came. We were served pretty quick. Miso soup, it was good. I ordered chicken teriyaki and rice. It was really good. No complaints. I give it a four stars because I just wasn't amazed. But it was good. My sister ordered sushi rolls and got four. We've been to many Japanese restaurants that give you 6. The rolls were good they just didn't amaze me. . The decor was meh. Bathroom was clean. I heard so much about this place I guess I just expected much more. read more

Kirala - Miso soup - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Came back for another visit and I needed to update my review to let ya'll know that the whole squid ($15) is a MUST order. The squid is grilled well without being overcooked and they pair it with two sauces 1) their tartar/cream sauce 2) soy sauce mixture? We shared this between 3 people and it was plenty! read more

My new favorite sushi restaurant in Oakland!!!! Chef Aki and Ogi, along with Konrad were amazing. Compliments to chef Aki for making me and my date beyond welcomed and offering us to try new things at the bar. The restaurant has friendly quick staff, fresh fish, good rice, and a wide saki selection. I highly recommend sitting at the bar. Don't be shy to interact with the chefs. We tried everything from the grilled lamb chop, to the sashimi, to the various sakis. We went all out and had an amazing culinary experience. See photos :) Easy parking and clean restrooms. Love this spot. Will def come back. read more

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I just had lunch for my birthday and Kirala did not disappoint. I enjoyed Chrishi and it was impressively well prepared and delicious! If you've never tried this premiere Japanese local spot treat yourself and be prepared for one your most memorable dining experiences! read more

Kirala - Kirala's Chirashi Don - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have been coming here for years and it never disappoints. The food is all fresh and high quality with good portion size. My favorites are the fried miso eggplant, the baby lobster tail, and the gyoza always to go along with some sushi or sashimi. This is an all around great place and you should check it out read more

Whenever yummy Japanese presents itself, I'm there! I haven't been to Kirala in years but I had remembered that there was always a line to get in and the food was delicious. The last meals I remember are a bomb unadon box and sushi rolls. David N., and I had a foodie meet up and being the esteemed regular that he is, ordered a bunch of simple and delicious Japanese fare, which included a fresh assorted sashimi appetizer, comforting chawanmushi (savory egg custard with seafood and veggies), flaky hamachi kama, tender mini squid skewers, and to die for baby tako (octopus) nigiri. Wow- each dish was executed expertly by Chefs Gregory and Aki. I recommend all of them! If you want more recommendations, ask David N. Sitting at the bar was really cool to see the masters at work. I really love supporting family owned restaurants and Kirala is such a gem in Berkeley. Will definitely return - I have to go right when it opens at 5:30p so I am guaranteed a seat! read more

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Have been here a few times, and the food is indeed excellent. Last visit, we were told 45 minute wait so we were lucky to get a seat at the bar to wait it out with a drink and appetizer. 2 1/2 hours later, and closing time for most restaurants we left. Unfortunately this was enough to take it off our list. Sad to say. read more

The freshest maguro, yellowtail, sake - melts like butter on your tongue: Excellent Spider Roll, Dragon, Rainbow rolls - the 5-piece sashimi orders are a great value, all Top Grade. Service is fast and friendly and ambiance is fun for young and old alike. Try the buttered corn appetizer, only $4.95 - We'll be back over & over :-D read more

From Saturday Jan 15th: Always excellent sushi, even through the pandemic. This evening with Conrad as chef caring for us we had the tenderest slices of fish and intricate accompaniments that made the fish sing, or zing! A simple introduction of spicy tuna handroll git the tears of Wasabi joy rolling. Nigiri of sake, hirame, suzuki and sea trout were perfect. We could not have asked for better. read more

BEST JAPANESE FOOD IN THE EAST BAY: Just looking at the menu and you know this is an authentic Japanese restaurant. I mean any place that serves natto (fermented beans) is for REAL! But everything about this place is authentic. Most especially the food. Parking is difficult (but where is it not in Berkeley) but I love that you can waitlist through Yelp now! The service is next to none. I love how polite everyone is and how quick they are to serve you in such a kind manner. Most Japanese places don't focus on some of the more traditional dishes like Kirala does. If you want to focus on sushi it's good but they don't have an extensive sushi menu. FOOD: Delicious. Some dishes are better than others but overall it still stands up to my expectations. We came back as promised to try more things and was not disappointed. My wife had the unagiju (unagi over rice) and it was plentiful and awesome. My daughter had the gyoza (excellent - I had to steal some) and the Dragon Roll again this time without tobiko (fish eggs) and loved it. I got the sukiyaki and saba from the grill. Saba was just what you'd expect and a nice portion too. The sukiyaki was very flavorful but different than I expected. The meat wasn't the small pieces most sukiyaki has but instead larger ones (still sliced thin). The noodles weren't glass noodles but a mix of soba and udon noodles and there were about six different veggies in the mix. The broth was fantastic though and even though different was still really good. SERVICE: As before excellent. Never rushed but quick to serve and always filling up the water glass! So cool. Plus super polite and helpful. You feel like a guest in their home. COST: Still a bit on the high side but for authentic Japanese food it's worth it. That's why it's so busy here. read more

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This review is for both during and pre-Covid times. Kiraku is one of the places I had avoided for many years due to the long wait times. One night we had a taste for Sushi and decided to give it a try. There were the usual crowds, so we said we would sit at the Sushi bar if it became available. We were lucky and had a relatively short wait. I actually prefer to sit at the bar and watch all the hustle and bustle. You can order other dishes too, but your eating space will get crowded very quickly. During Covid my friends treated me to a black cod bento box that was perfect! The fish was cooked to perfection and I still salivate at the thought of the flavor packed into the croquette! They also have some great noodle dishes. This is one of few Japanese restaurants that has an extensive Sushi selection and a good variety of Japanese dishes. read more

Kirala - Seafood - Yaki Soba - Sushi Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's decent, but not worth the hype. The reviews are misleading. This isn't the BEST sushi I've had, but maybe in Berkeley. The place is so busy that you lose the lack of superb customer service because they're trying to turn tables as quickly as they can. We waited for a hour and I guess the new thing is you can see how far you are on the waitlist on Yelp which was very helpful. We shared the sushi deluxe plate, a spider roll, bacon asparagus, and beef teriyaki. My pictures look better than what it tasted like. The waitress didn't explain the sashimi plate, which if you go to many Japanese restaurants they will tell you the types of fish on the plate. The fish wasn't melt in your mouth buttery. It wasn't chewy either, just kind of blah. The beef looked and smelled promising but it was very chewy, not one piece was tender. The sushi roll was average. Our bill came out to be around $125 for 3 people. At least I can say I tried this place, but I definitely wouldn't wait for this place. read more

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When we go north. We always make sure to have a meal here - like be the care that goes into the dishes they offer!

My wife and I first went to Kirala more than 25 years ago as students. Recently, we were in Berkeley looking for good Japanese food and we considered going to Kirala again. "Would it still be good after all these years?" we asked ourselves. After now going back five times, the answer is a resounding "YES!" The first thing to know about Kirala, however, is that the place is always packed. People line up for about 15-30 minutes prior to opening. As such, if we cannot make it prior to opening, our strategy has been to put our name in line and then walk to the Berkeley Bowl to do some grocery shopping before returning back to the line. We have only ordered the standard Japanese fare here (i.e., sushi, tempura, teriyaki beef, saba (mackerel), etc. But the thing that sets Kirala apart -- I think -- is not that they serve some dish that no one else does. Rather, the thing that sets them apart is the quality of the food. All of the sushi that we've ordered has been really fresh. The tempura is crispy and light and not oily. The teriyaki beef was tender but not overly fatty. Basically, Kirala is probably our favorite Japanese restaurant in the Bay Area. read more

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My favorite dish here would definitely be the Sukiyaki Udon (I might've mispelled, but it's the one with beef slices). I don't think I've had this kind of udon at other sushi places before! Noodles seem to be handmade and fresh, it's mixed with this other clear-ish noodles too. Flavor is sweet and flavorful! Second favorite would be the uni nigiri with quail eggs. You get two with a quail egg (raw) placed on each. Very creamy, if you like uni, I'd recommend trying this. I didn't enjoy much of the bbq dishes like baby octopus, wings, or beef sticks because it were a it too burnt for me - it had bitterness in all of them. I'd pass on this next time I come here. Rainbow rolls were alright, I feel their specialty must be sashimi and nigiri. In addition, the owner acknowledges and cares for his customers - he made sure we didn't have to wait long because we had a 17 months old baby. Thank you! read more

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Went there few night ago with son in laws. It is kind of hard to find a sushi bar these days who still has kept high quality. Sashimi and sushi were fresh and soft to chew. Broiled geso and other veges up to our expectations. Been there weeks ago for chirashi, that was filled with fresh sashimi and well prepared rice with enough texture. Will go back soon read more