Oh, Manpuku. I wish I could give you ten stars! I cheated on Manpuku tonight. I have a lot of work and didn't have time to wait. And you DO wait at Manpuku. Even if you order ahead. There is ALWAYS a line. Often out the door. But I regretted not going and waiting. Because no one compares to Manpuku. And why? Because this is really good sushi at grocery store sushi prices. It's stupid how good a deal it is. It's also nuts that people don't often eat there. Because it's surprisingly cozy and quiet for how crowded the front gets. Don't mishear me, it's not cozy and quiet. It's cozy and quiet for the crowd. This is, bang for your buck, the best sushi place I've been to outside of Taiwan. (And you can't compete there.) My only complaint is that their mackerel is somewhat mild. I want the punch in the face mackerel flavor. Some people prefer mild. Just know, if you are like me and want to TASTE your mackerel, theirs is a little too calm. Everything else is a 10/10. read more

Manpuku is just alright. It's somewhat reasonably priced and the serving size is decent. That's the plus side. The downside is that the parking is horrendous and the food is just mid. The place is kind of dingy inside. The table we sat at was sticky. When you walk in you have to order at the cash register which is really unclear as no staff greet you, they just assume you know the drill. The menu is also confusing and not straight forward. The sushi was just okay. Fish did not taste very fresh or high quality. The miso tasted very watered down. I can't in good conscience recommend this place. read more

Manpuku - Sushi combo - The image shows an assortment of sushi on a black rectangular platter, including slices of sashimi such as tuna, salmon, and shrimp, along with various sushi rolls filled with ingredients like avocado, crab, and tempura shrimp. Small pieces of wasabi and pickled ginger are placed at the corner of the platter. The sushi is arranged in neat rows, highlighting different types and preparations. - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Oh, Manpuku. I wish I could give you ten stars! I cheated on Manpuku tonight. I have a lot of work and didn't have time to wait. And you DO wait at Manpuku. Even if you order ahead. There is ALWAYS a line. Often out the door. But I regretted not going and waiting. Because no one compares to Manpuku. And why? Because this is really good sushi at grocery store sushi prices. It's stupid how good a deal it is. It's also nuts that people don't often eat there. Because it's surprisingly cozy and quiet for how crowded the front gets. Don't mishear me, it's not cozy and quiet. It's cozy and quiet for the crowd. This is, bang for your buck, the best sushi place I've been to outside of Taiwan. (And you can't compete there.) My only complaint is that their mackerel is somewhat mild. I want the punch in the face mackerel flavor. Some people prefer mild. Just know, if you are like me and want to TASTE your mackerel, theirs is a little too calm. Everything else is a 10/10. read more

We go once a month to get our haircut on college and afterwards we go to Manpuku. This time to bought masubi, two sweet bean mochi, an unagi donburi and a white tuna donburi. I usually split the donburi because we both love unagi and white tuna(maguro). Manpuku is a wonderful place and their food is consistently delicious! read more

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Found this on yelp. Had a job that was up the street and decided to che k them out. Such a cute lil place. Walked in and saw they had rolls ready to go and bigger boxes with nigiri and stuff. Edamame, ginger, and pickled ... uh I forget the name. But they had grab n go stuff. Menu was cute and short simple and delicious!! I told the cashier I'd never been here before. It's nice you can order one piece of nigiri it gave me a chance to try multiple things without getting too full. After I ordered she said I could pick a seat and they had tea and water at no charge help yourself. Wow!! Tea was delicious!! not to mention the roll I got was yummy. Nice fish quality as I eat lots of sushi very often. Picked a table n sat down. Expected my number to be called but the lady brought it out for me. Such a cute little " self serve" spot. Second time they were just as friendly and nice and accommodating.... When I work out here I will definitely come here I usually go to hashtag Poki. But this place was better and different. read more

Manpuku - Already ate the salmon nigiri. so hamachi and tuna is left lol - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Manpuku is my favorite mom-and-pop place for grab and go items within the Berkeley area. Upon entering, there is an area for grab and go items where you can get prepared bento boxes with an assortment of rolls and nigiri, prepared rolls, and other sushi items. They also have a second prepared food areas with hot items such as musubis, teriyaki chicken bowls, and a fridge full of beverages for grab and go. If you're wanting to dine in, you can grab a menu and order with the front staff before getting a number to sit down. There is complimentary hot tea and water for you to get. Although I have been here countless times for the grab and go options, I decided to dine in a week ago. I ordered the Chirashi and a dragon roll and it was reasonable for Berkeley prices. The hostess also gave me a complimentary miso soup, which was extremely nice. The portions were reasonable for the Chirashi and the size of the roll was adequate - definitely can fit each in one bite. I would say that the quality of their fish is adequate, but it's a good spot to fulfill a sushi craving. All-in-all, I would give this place a solid 3.5 stars. Definitely not a place if you have a party over 4 people, as seating is a bit limited. I primarily enjoy the convenience and friendliness of the staff. read more

Manpuku - Chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Really love the fact that their sushi doesnt contain an overabundance of rice - so that their inner ingredients stand out. Love their maki rolls - esp the shiitake, asparagus, anything with MANGO, tempura or eel. Add in a couple fancy rolls, a seaweed salad, and my tummy is entirely content for the evening. read more

I recommend this restaurant. However, I have had problems with ordering through their website. I wrote a letter to the manager giving them my email address, password, and cell phone and explained the problem. Namely, their website acknowledges that my email exists and that I am registered. However, I am not able to get in to order. If I click that I have "Forgotten My Password., their system says I need to register. If I try to register, it says there is already an account under that email address. Has anyone had this problem with ordering online? read more

Fresh sushi at a great price! I go here all the time and have never had a bad experience. I definitely recommend. The service is excellent, but the seating is kinda small. read more

First off, as an Elmwood area resident for 8 years, I can't believe I haven't popped in here before. But I did it, and can share. 3.5 stars is very much on point. While everything is fine, nothing stood out. What bumps this review to 4 stars vs 3, is although portions aren't huge, prices are reasonable for Berkeley. I've been going to other Japanese spots with just the same, if not less quality, and paid more. I went with nigiri, rainbow roll and a bento box with teriyaki chicken and gyoza. The gyoza are a hard pass. The nigiri was solid! While they don't have a ton of exotic fish, they have the main stays of tuna and salmon and they were fresh with a nice size piece of fish. The rainbow roll was fine, although the crab salad was very mayo-y. The chicken teriyaki made with boneless chicken thighs was solid. A heaping portion of rice, a subpar salad and a small-ish serving of saucy, but tasty chicken teriyaki. Inside was cute, with a long narrow dining area with a sushi bar, and seemingly popular on a Monday night. While I don't think I'd make this a regular spot, I live nearby, it was fresher than some other spots I've had and prices were reasonable. read more

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This has been one of my go-to spots for years now! We ordered the tempura roll, avocado roll, and veggie ramen. The veggie ramen is a huge portion and super satisfying, and the rolls were just as good. Pricing is very fair, especially for the quality and portion sizes. Service is always quick and friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. I added the menu at the end of my video for anyone curious. Recommend if you're looking for a Japanese spot in Berkeley! read more

I lived in Elmwood for a while and always wanted to try this spot. For some reason, I had the impression it was takeout only--but I was totally mistaken! They do offer food to go, but there's also indoor seating. Funny enough, it took me moving out of Elmwood and getting a recommendation from a friend to finally check it out. That said, I'll gladly make a special trip to Manpuku whenever I'm craving sushi--even though there are places closer to where I live. The interior is cozy and inviting. Seating is a bit limited, but we went on a weekday and were seated right away. One thing to note: you order and pay at the counter. They have all the standard sushi options plus a great selection of specialty rolls. Prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for the area. They even offer complimentary tea, which was a nice touch! We ordered the salmon bento box--the salmon was perfectly cooked, and the salad and pickled veggies that came with it were absolutely delicious. The miso soup was rich and flavorful, and both the rolls we tried was super fresh and tasty. Service was quick, everyone was friendly, and the interior is honestly just adorable. Such a cute and charming spot for sushi- I can't recommend this place enough! read more

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Enjoyed a quick and delicious lunch here before a matinee movie across the street. The dining room seems smallish but turnover is brisk and there were always a few tables available. Pleasant staff and quick delivery of meals to our table. A nice addition to the block. read more

Amazing give me ten more of those! I don't know why the reviews stars are low for Manpuku but I would also go there to dine in or order takeout. Favs are the chirashi bowls and they are a great deal compared to other menu items. read more

This is a very casual, reasonably priced, small restaurant for good sushi. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. This was my first visit, but my friend's go-to inexpensive sushi place that's within walking distance of her house. I had the rainbow roll so I could taste different pieces of fish and it was good; not the very best sushi I've had, but definitely good. My companion had the "Elwood", which is the mushroom and spinach roll and she loved it. She said that's always her go-to when she comes here. She also had the unagi roll (I think) and she enjoyed that, too. I'd certainly return if I'm in the area. The friendly wait staff and complimentary tea were an added incentive to come back! read more

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This is good sushi! There wasn't a roll we ordered that I didn't like. My favorites were the aloha roll and the manpuku roll. The staff are so helpful and friendly and we got seated pretty quickly despite being a larger group. Manpuku has limited seating but offers convenient take out options. read more

Manpuku - A black rectangular sushi platter displays an assortment of sushi rolls with different ingredients and toppings, including slices of fish, avocado, and drizzled sauces. The rolls are arranged in rows, showcasing a variety of styles such as maki and uramaki, with some garnished with sesame seeds and lemon wedges. The platter is set on a wooden table, with small bowls and napkins visible in the background. - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

The sushi is to die for. We ordered take out but it was still fresh and delicious. There are so many options to choose from, that I will have to go again. Highly recommend read more

Now here's a compact spot that has never made my radar. However, I was exploring the Elmwood neighborhood since a revamped AC Transit bus line made the area a lot more accessible to me. I was able to slip into one of the tables for two along the side wall since the lunch rush was done. The menu was pretty packed, especially with sushi rolls and nigiri. I started with the $5.50 Oshitashi. It was competently assembled with spinach, sesame seeds, bonito flakes, and plenty of ponzu sauce (photo: https://yelp.to/sEWN8vocZY). I decided to get the $18.95 Chirashi, a good price for twelve pieces of fresh mixed sashimi over sushi rice (photo: https://yelp.to/hubaCJXU4v). It came with a welcome cup of hot miso soup (photo: https://yelp.to/Swc5fls3sX). A fine unexpected lunch indeed. FOOD - 4 stars...a solidly fresh chirashi to be had here AMBIANCE - 4 stars...tiny but well organized and maintained SERVICE - 4.5 stars...timely and attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...genuinely satisfying Japanese spot RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u read more

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Went here twice on my visit. Everything was delicious and well priced. I'm coming back every time I'm in Berkeley

Very affordable in berkeley. Friendly service. 5 starssssssssssss. Support local restaurant.

Cute spot. Think it used to bigger before they made it smaller after Covid. My friend introduced me to here since she's been going here for years. The crunchy roll is like 5-6 dollars, their pricing is good for rolls they are small and not too big like sole sushi spots. Easy to eat. I love unagi so I always get their dragon roll or Manpuku roll. One has cream cheese in it as well which is good. Always stop by when I'm in the city. read more

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If you want affordable sushi, this place is it. The fish isn't as fresh but it's a decent price. I ordered the rainbow roll & negihama roll: - the rainbow roll was ok - the fish selection could have been better as one of the pieces just had avocado on top - negihama was decent (I had better elsewhere) I also ordered a beef curry rice dish: - not too spicy which is good for me - not too salty But the restaurant itself was nice and cozy. You pay first at the counter and you can serve yourself water or tea. read more

Manpuku - Rainbow roll, negihama, and beef curry rice dish - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm here at least twice a month for lunch, it's always a good experience. The staff are friendly, especially the ones taking orders at the front. I suppose it's a little different than some would expect - order and pay first, then find a seat - but the setup also lets them handle their take-out orders without any fuss. I can count on a few favorite special rolls - Ashby, Manpuku - and always get a maki roll to go with that. I'll add a bowl of Miso soup if it's cold outside, and there''s cold soda, beer, and sake available, as well as water and hot tea. I appreciate the ample dollop of wasabi and stack of ginger that comes with the order. About the atmosphere - it's really calm and laid back. There's usually a corny stream of old tunes playing, the narrow space adds to a cozy feeling, and it's a respite from noisy disorder out there in the world. Absolutely a good deal, prices are exceptionally reasonable. read more

Good size portions- Not sliced too thin. Like a lot of places these days. Casual, priced reasonable.

I like it for the grab and go style, economical college student sushi that doesn't break the bank nor your gut. Fish is always fresh, and service is efficient and friendly. I come here twice a month after long hikes to grab a few rolls to nourish my hungry body. Never had a tummy problem and seriously enjoyable for the price. I'll keep coming back! read more

Solid and quick place to go in Berkeley for sushi! Items ordered: ~Chirashi: salmon was my favorite ~Salmon Skin Roll: not a big fan ~Swamp Roll: spicy tuna and seaweed salad on top ~Tempura Roll ~Chicken Curry and Rice read more

Manpuku - Chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Love this place. Been coming for years. Glad it's still part of the community and survive the pandemic. Recently came on Christmas Eve for lunch since I don't have family or friends in the area. Happy I got some comforting food before the holiday break. Affordable and comfortable. 10/10 read more

Some of the best sushi I've had, and at a great price. Manpuku looks small from the outside, but there's bar seating and some indoor seating that goes far back inside. If you're eating in, you order first before being seated, although there's an abundance of grab and go food up front. Free hot tea and sauces! The sushi was sooo delicious, and all tasted so fresh. I loved the red dragon roll, and the salmon avocado! This sushi is also very reasonably priced compared to most other places. The chicken katsu was amazing- light and crispy. I asked for some teriyaki sauce on the side. This is my new favorite place for sushi, I'll definitely be back! read more

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Very fast service! Pleasant atmosphere. Very good sushi. I don't understand the less than 5 star reviews. One of my new favorite restaurants in Berkeley. read more

Really well priced sushi for the area. The seating inside is nice and has a home vibe to it. Small seating arrangements though. Was interesting to order, you order at the register and then they bring the sushi out, so no waiter just a busser. Sushi was pretty average, but for the price, I thought it was good. read more

Manpuku - Manpuku roll, eel roll, salmon roll, spicy tuna roll - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

This little place is fairly good! Not the best sushi of my life but for its prices, it gets the job done. Chirashi for $20 was solid, but didn't come with premium cuts of fish (as was expected considering the steal). Miso soup was typical, nothing crazy but nothing bad. The agedashi tofu was good, and came with a thick dashi type of stock. It was bit oily, which is unusual for agedashi tofu. Not sure if I'd order again, probably not. The restaurant itself is small and busy. It took a few minutes to put my order in, and the tofu came out after I was basically done with my chirashi. I'd return for a cheap, casual bite! If you're looking for authentic Japanese though, I'd go elsewhere. read more

Manpuku - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Really great gem hidden near campus! Parking is a bit tough around as there aren't many spots as it is in an overall pretty busy spot. I got the rainbow role, jungle roll, and one other! The wait took about 15 minutes! ORDERING: Ordering was easy! I highly recommend calling in as it is a lot faster than ordering on the spot. They also have a great array to order from and there is fresh sushi, mochi, and drinks on the side of the cashier. FOOD: Really great! The fish was fresh and the rice was really soft and great tasting. I wasn't too big on the seaweed on the swamp roll but it was good otherwise! It was crab salad with tuna on top, topped with seaweed salad. The bento was super nice and cheap! I really like the nigiri too as the rice and fish were really well made. The wasabi was in between the fish and rice and it was very well crafted! PRICE: Was about $55 dollars for three rolls and one plate! Will be back! Had an awesome experience. read more

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This place is a classic UCB place to grab sushi and has changed hands a few times since my college days, but I was in the area recently and had a craving to treat myself. Sushi here is good quality and decent prices. For $23. I got 2 different maki rolls and 4 nigari. Can't beat the taste and prices. read more

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Unfortunately they don't have their take out functional. Placed a pre-paid order online at 6:15. Said it would be ready at 7pm. Arrived at 7:05pm to grab it but it wasn't ready. She said "just a few minutes." But it wasn't ready until 7:40pm! I Stood outside in the cold for 35 minutes! if they had just been honest I may have just and come back. Instead I froze outside. Ugh. And it was just a small order. California roll and avocado roll. So bummed read more

This is my go-to sushi place in Berkeley! Manpuku is a small sushi spot and they have great prices and equally as amazing rolls! We got two Kokomo rolls and it's always perfect for any occasion. Service is fast but I'd recommend calling or ordering online ahead of time so you can grab and go! There's a couple of seats in the store but this is one of those rare sushi places where to go orders are just as good as eating there. You can see the sushi bar and there's always a hustle and bustle to the place. No bad things to say about Manpuku! Please do yourself a favor and check it out! read more

Manpuku - Kokomo roll - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

We've come here many times and I just can't help but notice the fishy smell of old fried fish and the chlorine and Lysol tastes on some of the cuts (mackerel last Thursday on 03/20!). Perhaps, trim down the menu and only serve 2-3 kinds of fish a night to reduce spoilage and ensure all fish is sold by end of day? I feel bad since running a small restaurant is hard but serving spoiled raw fish is not the way to do this. read more

Manpuku is located in a busy area, parking is street parking, so it may be hit or miss. I used to love this spot, so I decided to come back after work for a quick dinner, since it had been a long time. I did a to go order, so it would be quick. I ordered the California roll, salmon maki, salmon nigiri - similar to my last visit many years back. The rolls have definitely gotten smaller, while the price went up. The salmon did not taste as fresh as it did and should either. read more

I've been around the sushi block, and somehow this place earned its position as the worst sushi I've ever had. Ordering this combo, I found myself craving gas station sushi or Safeway sushi, which would've been a few steps up. The raw fish was all very chewy, like jerky, and felt like it was lacking freshness. The shrimp tempura was clearly made the night before, soggy and cold. There was no joy in eating here. I had believe I prepaid $60 for this misery. read more

Manpuku - Sushi Combo - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Manpuku is our go-to for quick, yummy and affordable sushi in the east bay! We order takeout from here at least once a month and we are never disappointed. Some of our favorite rolls include the aloha roll, rainbow roll, classic California maki roll, red dragon roll and so many more. We've tried the miso soup and tempura here as well as the bento boxes. All delicious and affordable! The staff is always friendly when we come in to pickup and our orders have always been ready on time or sometimes even a few minutes early. I'd definitely recommend checking out Manpuku and ordering some sushi to-go from them! read more

Manpuku - Aloha Roll, California Maki, Red Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

The prices here are so good that I don't see how anyone can complain. It's the perfect lunch spot and made fresh! The to-go boxes make it easy to drop in and grab something healthy. You can easily build a decent platter for under $10 and $20 will go a long way! The staff is super friendly and informative with any questions. Parking's tough but that's college ave for ya lol. read more

Manpuku - a tray of sushi and rolls - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California