Really Good Japanese ramen. A must try. Great service. Relaxing ambiance. Great for any size party and occasion. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Nice shrimp starter soup. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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What can I say, when my go to sushi restaurant of many years went down hill , i was forced to find another restaurant. 5 stars later this was the best thing that could have happened! we always order delivery and everything was packaged beautifully and very well. they were very generous with the soy sauce and chopsticks. The sushi was sooo much better and fish was fresher and tastier and delicious. The rolls were well made absolutely the best I have had in east bay !!!! the Rainbow roll was outstanding. Salmon , escobar ( white tuna) and tuna were so creamy and made my mouth sing ! The gyoza was great! everything we ordered was superb! read more

First and foremost Muji is an amazing and accommodating server. He was attentive and communicated some of my particularities to the chef, and I got exactly what I wanted. For a few bucks more I recommend requesting freshly grated and prepared wasabi it makes such a huge difference!! I didn't take a picture of the tempura appetizer but it was delicious!! Every roll ordered delivered in freshness and quality. I will most definitely return. Everything you see here plus four large Kirin and the tempura appetizer for $120- worth every penny read more

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I was craving some ramen and there just aren't too many options around Albany for that, so I decided to return to Kuriya to try it. It was unfortunately mediocre, what you'd expect from a restaurant where it isn't their main specialty. The (tonkotsu) broth was on the thin and bland side, and the noodles looked and tasted store-bought rather than housemade. The noodles did not absorb the flavor of the broth well at all. The best part of the bowl was probably the egg which was well marinated, but unfortunately also a bit overcooked. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

The sushi is the best I had. So fresh and tasty! It is a small family restaurant. Very friendly! Highly recommended!

by far the best sashimi in the East Bay. Incredibly fresh, amazingly generous portions, and phenomenal home-blended soy dipping sauce Plus the best seaweed salad, great honey walnuts, really fine miso soup, and wonderful rolls and appetizers. My very favorite Japanese restaurant by far. read more

Super friendly sushi chef, Jackie. Toro was cut just this morning he said and it was really buttery and delicious. Ikura egg custard with shrimp and crab was really creamy and refreshing in a cold rainy day. Lastly their bathroom is the first I've ever seen with a little toddler potty. Would have loved this when my kids were younger and needed something like this at times. read more

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Kuriya out of pure coincidence -- we were supposed to go to another sushi place in the area but found that it was closed. We ended up walking around for about 10 minutes and ended up inside this quaint little restaurant along San Pablo Ave. With a good amount of indoor seating, we nestled at a table by the entrance and appreciated the attention and patience offered by staff here. After a few minutes browsing the menu, we got the following: - SF Giants - Hot Night - Bluefin Toro All of the dishes were yummy and flavorful, leaving us happily full but not groggy! My boyfriend and I fell in love with this spot on the first try because the freshness, flavor, and quality of the fish here reminded us of that of which we've had in Japan! We were very fortunate to stumble upon such a gem! Can't wait to come back again! read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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My favorite place! Everything is so delicious! People are nice and service is great. I love the food here. read more

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During my current stay Albany we were in the mood for sushi and this place popped up. The smell upon entry was a little misleading. Not a bad smell but fried which we aren't used to when frequenting a sushi spot. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with any questions we had and anything we needed. A small quaint dining area with uneven tiles made it a "rockin'" place to eat! read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

A delicious meal as always. This time we got the Chicken and Fish Katsus, and the San Pablo/Kuriya/Dreams Come True Rolls. Everything was great and appropriately portioned. FYI: they're closing for the holidays from 12/22 to 1/14 to visit family read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Menu (1/2) as of 12/20/25 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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We were looking for a family friendly sushi restaurant and decided this fits the bill. On a Friday evening, Kuriya was packed and for good reasons! We waited maybe 20 minutes but the staff were friendly and helpful. They got us a high chair quickly for our baby and we ordered a bunch of amazing rolls. Everything was fresh and we got some sides and appetizers as well for the little one. We really enjoyed everything and appreciated everything going smoothly. Lots of families and even though they are very busy, quality of food was excellent and service didn't suffer. Definitely would come back again! read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Kuriya Roll and Tim roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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Delicious sushi and great service here. Consistent every time we come. We forgot about previous sushi places we have been before. The ramen is also amazing. Our favorite rolls are the phoebe & kuriya roll!! This restaurant is a must visit. We are grateful this is near our neighborhood so no need to commute to other large cities. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

Came here on a Sunday afternoon. This is a small family run establishment. They are friendly with all of the diners and people seem to enjoy the food. Normally I'd be wary of sushi restaurants also serving ramen and curry, but we all gotta risks here. We ordered their kaki fry and nigiri combo. The kaki fry is a must-try! The texture and juiciness were noteworthy. We were disappointed in the nigiri combo though. They were only $30 and came with salad and miso soup, but it was all basic and repeating pieces. read more

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We had a deeply disappointing and distressing experience at this establishment and, based on it, I would not recommend visiting. In short, on Mother's Day, our blind family faced an inequitable waitlist process, inconsistent and dismissive treatment, and were ultimately yelled at, physically nudged, told we could not take photos for an online review, and had the police called on us by staff. On Mother's Day, my partner, our toddler, and I chose to celebrate at this location. Upon arrival around 5:50 PM, we were informed there was a waitlist. Staff pointed us to a sign-up sheet and told us there were three parties ahead of us. We waited outside in the cold for nearly 50 minutes. During that time, we overheard the front staff receiving a call about a large party. Shortly after, a group of eight arrived and was seated immediately. Others in line waiting outside with us mentioned tables were being combined to accommodate them. This confused us, if tables were available, why hadn't we been seated earlier? We asked to speak with a manager inside to better understand the seating policy. While waiting near the entrance, three staff members gave inconsistent explanations: first claiming there was no separate reservation system, then stating that the large party had made a reservation two weeks in advance. As we tried to clarify, the interaction escalated. A male staff member began yelling and physically nudged my wife out the door, saying they had the right to refuse service and we can't take photos of their entrance for online review. Shortly after, they threatened to call the police. We remained outside to communicate our side of the story to the Albany Police. The officers listened to both sides and expressed empathy but explained there was little they could do since no crime had occurred. They confirmed the establishment name and address, then suggested we share our experience in writing. This is that review. We want others to be aware of what we experienced: an inequitable waitlist process, dismissive treatment, and an encounter that left us feeling torn down, especially on a day that was supposed to be celebratory. We lost over an hour and a half of our day and had to rush home to get our toddler to bed. The only bright moment came as we were leaving, when a kind person who witness the incident ran up to us and expressed sorrow for our experience, and handed our child a small toy, noticing he was hungry and growing restless. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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Food: 3.5 - 4.5 stars Service: 4 stars Ambiance: 3.5 stars Value: Average - Expensive Kuriya offers more variety of fish (sashimi/nigiri) than the typical Japanese restaurant and the chef was kind enough to point out the freshest offering on the menu, including fresh Scallops from Hokkaido. We ordered what we thought was plenty of food for the two of us but twice we we ordered more food as we didn't get full. First round included: 1 Sushi Taco appetizer which was ok. Four pieces of tempura base with rice, crab salad, avocado, chopped fish and tobiko. We noticed a strange, slightly unpleasant taste that seemed like the crab salad came out of a can but it was hard to pinpoint. It was not something we'd order again. 1 Kuriya Roll - This was one of the best thing we had! Delicious! How can you go wrong with Toro? Yumm! 1 Bay Bridge Roll - It looked good on paper and as presented but the flavor was forgettable. Unlike the Kuriya roll, nothing about it stood out or made us want to savor each bite. 1 Super Spider Roll - I love soft shell crab and spider rolls. Kuriya's version is generous. The portion is big but flavor wise it was ok. 1 Hotate Nigiri (the fresh Kokkaido scallop). WOW!!! it was sublime! The freshness and sweetness of the scallop shined! I loved it! 1 Kanpachi (amberjack) nigiri - I've enjoyed lots of Kanpachi in Japan. This was not at that level. I should have gone with one of the Chef's suggestions of fresh catches. After all that we went back for the Tim Roll (half seared, half not) which we enjoyed and the Chawamushi (I liked it, my partner did not care for it). Ambiance: It has a family (owned) vibe to it. The employees had their toddler settled in the area between the sushi bar and kitchen. It is clean and inviting but not a true Japanese vibe (the owners/employees are not Japanese, not that it matters to me). The employees were attentive and nice. All that food plus 2 large beers were satisfying. We left satisfied even though the meal set us back about $175. TBH, if I'm going to spend that much for two people, Kuriya wouldn't be my first pick. read more

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Ambiance is great, very sweet and kind staff, has a comfortable feel. Always reliable quality of fish and dishes. Unique flavors and delicious rolls. read more

This location would easily fall into the top 3 sushi I've had in California, maybe even #1. I could actually taste each type of sushi in the rolls (instead of it all blending into each other like other places). We got the Kuriya roll and 1 more (can't remember the name). We got our food within 5 minutes of sitting down which is AMAZING. Potato appetizer was to die for, and their tea is SO fragrant and delicious. I don't like oysters but their fried oysters were delicious, even to me! We also got curry which was really good but pales in comparison to the sushi. We preferred the fish curry over the katsu curry. I would eat here everyday if I could, seriously! Staff was so kind as well. It really doesn't get any better than this! read more

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Kuriya Japanese Kitchen is one of those rare casual spots that nails both quality and consistency. Whether you're craving comforting ramen, fresh sushi, or something quick and satisfying, Kuriya always delivers. I've eaten here several times and have yet to leave disappointed. The karaage is the star of the show--crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. It's fried fresh to order and comes out hot with a flavorful dipping sauce. Easily one of the best karaage dishes I've had locally. It's a must-order every time. Their garlic miso ramen is another standout. The broth is rich and savory, with a deep garlic flavor that enhances every sip without overpowering. The noodles are chewy and hold up well in the soup, and the toppings are fresh, especially the soft-boiled egg and tender chashu. It's the perfect comfort dish and incredibly satisfying. Kuriya also shines with its sushi and sashimi offerings. The fish is fresh, clean, and sliced just right. Their nigiri is well-balanced, and the sushi rice has the perfect texture and seasoning. The rolls are creative but not overdone--you'll find both classic options and chef specials. It's a great place for people who want fresh sushi without the fuss of a formal omakase spot. The menu is diverse, with options ranging from ramen and sushi to donburi bowls, bentos, and small plates. That said, it does lean slightly toward fried and heavier dishes. If you're looking for lighter, more veggie-forward options, there aren't quite as many, but what they do serve is top-notch. Service is quick, friendly, and efficient. Whether you dine in or order takeout, the staff is courteous, and the food always comes out fast and hot. The restaurant is clean, casual, and comfortable--great for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Prices are fair considering the quality and portion sizes. You get fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes without breaking the bank. Parking is usually manageable, and takeout is packaged thoughtfully if you're on the go. Overall, Kuriya Japanese Kitchen is a hidden gem. The food is fresh, flavorful, and consistent. Whether you're in the mood for crispy karaage, a rich bowl of ramen, or fresh sushi, it's a place that satisfies. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good Japanese comfort food done right. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

This was our first time dining at this restaurant; we chose it simply because of its convenient location. We were very pleased with the large portions of extremely delicious food, and the prices were reasonable as well (under $50 for two people: two entrees, one appetizer, and an iced tea. Service was prompt, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and we never felt rushed to finish our meals, even though we visited about one hour before closing on a Saturday. I highly recommend this restaurant for lovers of sushi and other Japanese cuisine; you will not be disappointed. read more

Came on a Thursday afternoon and was seated immediately. This was a small family business and the owners were extremely helpful when I was trying to decide to order. The fish was very fresh and food was cooked well. My favorite was the uni pieces because the flavor was so rich And fresh. Other items we ordered had very unique Flavors as well! Will definitely stop by here again if I'm in the area read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Uni nigiri, Deep Fried Scallop, Nigiri Combination, Potato Special Tartare - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

It was my first time at this restaurant. let my pleasant surprise is the food was very fresh and delicious. We had a wonderful time last night. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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Really good sushi for a good price. The salmon, yellowtail and toro nigiri were all very good. My partner and I enjoyed the yellowtail carpaccio and it came wrapped with radishes which we've never had together. The rolls were also very good! They were very kind and attentive with us, we'd definitely come back again! read more

Good quality sushi at reasonable prices. Service was good. Chinese-owned but not a bad thing. Menu is pretty basic and no many choices, but quality over quantity. Parking might be a little hard to find. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

So I have to admit I was skeptical about this Japanese spot simply because the previous longtime occupant of this space was a lackluster Chinese takeout spot, The Pearl House (review: https://yelp.to/4eHUXl-1tJ). However, Jamie W. and I finally took a chance and came away pleasantly surprised that it was a more than decent Japanese restaurant. We decided to share our plates as usual. We started with the $35 Sashimi Combination which was described as 14 pieces. I counted 11, and they were scrunched in a bowl, which made the portion look smaller (photo: https://yelp.to/W5e2a4g5Wy). Fortunately the fish tasted fresh so we weren't feeling that persnickety. We also went for the $14.50 Rainbow Roll. Again the fish was fresh, and the execution was solid (photo: https://yelp.to/6Ap5olXwWo). The one marginal disappointment was the $8.50 Tori Karaage where the fried chicken nuggets were neither crispy nor meaty enough to quite satisfy (photo: https://yelp.to/ooN4z7fOh7). Since we ordered just one entree, we had to divvy up the warm Miso Soup (photo: https://yelp.to/5I0Jw8H8wQ) and the overdressed Salad (photo: https://yelp.to/3gvT-WizBc). FOOD - 4 stars...saved by the freshness of the sashimi AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...expected travelogue decor SERVICE - 3.5 stars...quiet TOTAL - 4 stars...stick with the sushi and sashimi RELATED - Exploring Albany? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ebRKbk read more

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We stopped here for a late lunch and were the only ones. Staff was friendly and place is small with about 6 tables. Street parking only although there is a parking lot that belongs to a place out of business now shared with the florist. We ordered 2 rolls (Rainbow and Cherry Blossom) and tonkatsu curry. The rolls were great but portions on the smaller side. The katsu curry was good but curry was a bit too runny, the pork was a bit too thick, and portion was small. Hubs ordered an Asahi beer and we got an order of chicken teriyaki to go for my daughter. The bill came up to $80+ which I thought was a bit pricey for what we got. Overall food was good but definitely pricier. read more

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The Tim roll was simple yet extremely satisfying with hamachi and seared salmon. The higher fish to rice ratio made it enjoyable to eat with the white ginger and a bit of soy. 5/5 I'm excited to come back and have more of the sushi here. The tonkatsu ramen had a very well-made half egg and noodles, but the cha-shu could either be more tender or sliced thinner, and the broth could use more umami-ness or flavoring to make it stand out. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Tonkatsu ramen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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Fantastic all around! Service is warm and prompt. While we have only had their specialty rolls, they have been delicious every time. Highly recommend sushi spot read more

The sashimi was fresh and tasty, not fishy at all! Especially enjoyed the yellowtail. And the rolls were really good too! I don't remember the name of the roll, but the one topped with salmon and had lemon zest on it -- this was particularly delicious, 10/10 would order again. read more

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Kuriya is a lovely little addition to Albany, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal more than I thought I would! My Dad and I chose to come here since it's close to where I live and had high ratings. Coming for lunch, we were met with a relaxed atmosphere. The interior is casual, with some Japanese decor spread throughout, and a sushi bar. You can sit at the sushi bar or tables. For the entire duration, service was quite quick and our meal came out fast. As a Japanese girl, my standards for Japanese food are high. I had the San Pablo Roll and my Dad got their Tonkotsu Ramen. My roll was fresh and delicious. The quality of the fish was buttery but I wish the ratio of unagi and avocado were more matched. My Dad enjoyed his ramen and having a sip, the broth was flavorful! Along with sushi and sashimi, they serve ramen, entrees, and appetizers. It's a mixture of traditional, specialty, and Americanized Japanese fare. Kuriya Japanese Kitchen is probably one of the top spots in Albany to grab Japanese food. I'd recommend it to those in the area and would love to come back. Find them off San Pablo Ave. with street parking out front. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - San Pablo Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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5/29/24 We stopped by again to pay for that coke we didn't pay for in my last review. The friendly waitress refused payment which made my day. "On the house" she said with a charming smile. We ordered another Cola along with the delicious savory gyoza. Wow perfect dough, temperature and pork stuffing. Worth the trip for that one. We also shared the spicy miso ramen. I sure like stuffing my pie hole with those noodles and pork (and there is plenty of pork). My wife and I always fight over who gets that grey half sweet-salty egg in the dish. I lost. I choked it down for the adventure of it. I couldn't stand to leave the leftover broth so we brought it home for a second dish. We will add our own noodles. I enjoy a spot to eat where the service, atmosphere (friendliness ) and quality food all come together. I also appreciate a place that doesn't try to gouge you on Cola. It's $2.50 when they could get away with charging up near five bucks. A bump up to five stars. read more

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We came around 7pm on a week day evening and were seated right away, the restaurant itself is quite small, maybe 6 or 7 tables and bar seating. The appetizers we ordered were all delicious, but I would honestly skip the potato tartare next time. It wasn't anything special to me. The rolls are light on rice and heavy on fish which was a pleasant surprise! Next time I want to try the black garlic ramen. read more

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Cute family business in Albany! I got the potato tartare special and the San Pablo roll and both were great! Everything is fresh, service is friendly, and prices are reasonable. It gets pretty busy during dinner times even on a weekday. Hoping the consistency stays with their rising popularity:) read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - San Pablo Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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San Pablo Ave has a ton of yummy restaurants and saw there was a newish highly-rated sushi spot in Albany which of course I had to try. I went when it opened on a Wednesday and was the first customer. Vibe was cozy with some indoor seating, Japanese decor, and an inviting sushi bar. I was greeted by the friendly sushi chef and the server, who told me to sit anywhere. Menu was extensive but I was craving sushi. I ordered their signature Kuriya roll and a traditional dragon roll. Both were fresh and delicious! -Kuriya roll - salmon toro, hamachi and avocado topped with bluefin toro. So good with buttery bites- toro always wins. -Dragon roll- flavorful and tasty classic tempura shrimp, crab meat, and cucumber topped with unagi and avocado. Next time I want to try a variety of their nigiri - heard their fish is flown in from Japan twice a week and the specials menu looks great. Hope this place is here to stay! read more

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Recently picked up take out from Kuriya Japanese Kitchen and it was great! Despite its unassuming exterior, this small sushi restaurant delivers big on service and fresh sushi. While I've only experienced their take out option, the staff who I spoke with on the phone and in person were friendly and helpful. Street parking is a tad tricky during rush hour but it isn't so bad if you're willing to walk a block or two away. We ordered an assortment of sashimi (my favorite was the Bluefin Toro), the Potato Special Tartare, the Kuriya Roll, San Pablo Roll, and Lion King. Each roll met our expectations and the prices were fair. I'll certainly be returning for more soon! read more

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Went there for dinner the other night and ordered way too much. The ramen is a must here, as is the karaage and fried chicken wings. I also really liked the Kuriya Honey Roasted Walnuts. The rolls were also good, especially since there was more fish than rice. And there's beer.... Service was friendly and attentive. There was definitely a family-owned restaurant vibe. And the prices were reasonable. Will have to go back. read more

The food was excellent. We started with the miso soup. It seemed more flavorful than many miso soups I have had in the past. We had the potato tartare appetizer. The potato seemed like pastry dough, it was light and flaky. The flavor was subtle. We had a crazy monkey roll and a kuriya roll. The crazy monkey was delicious. The tuna was just spicy enough and cooked well. The Kuriya roll had salmon and yellow tail toro. We found out that toro was the fatty part of the fish. The roll was overall soft and the tobiko added some texture. They prepare their own wasabi. I thought it contained horseradish in addition to wasabi radish. Their pickled ginger was more substantial than most. It tasted fresh made though the server didn't know if they made it there or not. The restaurant is small. I strongly advise either to go, going early or a reservation. There is counter seating. The dish-ware was cute. The service was good. We would strongly recommend it, and who won't hesitate to return. read more

Kuriya Japanese Kitchen - Gluten-free soy - Sushi Bars Near Me - Albany, California

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Go here!!! This is the best sushi restaurant in the Berkeley / Albany area hands down. My partner and I love sushi and we've eaten at most of the sushi restaurants in the area and this is our absolute favorite. We actually eat here about once a week. High quality sushi at a great price. The owners are sweet and the vibe is casual and cozy. Highly recommend! read more

Sometimes you go to a nice restaurant, they put the check in a little book. What is this? The story of the bill? "Once upon a time, there were some very hungry people.." -Jerry Seinfeld da Scene: Heard about this newish spot in Albany and have tried it out 3 times (2 dine in, 1 DD)... now at the top of our rotation. Street parking, can be busy at peak dinner time. Well lit, modern dining room, several seats at sushi bar, tables spaced well, lively spot! da Grub: You MUST try their signature roll, downright decadent... salmon & bluefin Toro, hamachi & avocado, topped with tobiko. Mmmmmmm. Next up was the Fish Katsu Curry - 3 delicately crisp white fish filets, nestled next to creamy, spiced japanese curry with veggies that were tender with a little snap, mushy is pet-peeve so this was perfect! da Service: Being from Oahu, I'm always looking for joints that remind me of home. Kuriya does just that. Casual joint, that serves up high quality fare. Attention to detail, good sake, variety of tea, and a diverse menu. We'll try ramen offerings next... check them out! read more

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A wonderful little Japanese restaurant in Albany that serves as a local meeting place as well as a family dinner spot. We arrived on the early side and a steady stream of customers came in for takeout. The sushi chef recognized the regulars and the waitress quickly took their orders. We started with the blue fin sashimi which was fresh and buttery. Worth every bite. We ordered the black garlic ramen which was delicious and satisfying. My chicken curry katsu was homey and comfort food over a huge bed of rice. On a cold and stormy Sunday, it was exactly what we needed. I would return and try out the other possibilities. read more

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