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    Matsu

    4.8 (12 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Oyako don
    Danika Z.

    Solid izakaya, but I wouldn't say it was the best we've ever had or that it blew our minds. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 stars. Definitely on the pricier side -- especially the oxtail udon, which only had two small pieces of oxtail and a modest amount of noodles. You can get specialized ramen at nearby places for cheaper with a lot more substance. We ordered: Scallop skewers -- 5/5 Chicken thigh skewer -- 2/5, just wasn't very tasty Chicken meatball skewer -- 3/5 (too much ginger for my taste) Duck carpaccio -- 3/5 Oxtail udon -- 3/5 Chicken egg don -- 4/5 Kalbi skewer -- 5/5 Scallop carpaccio -- 5/5 Grilled octopus -- 3/5 Service was top notch. Our kids had a hard time with the menu, though. My older son just wanted a bowl of plain steamed rice, but that wasn't offered on its own -- we were told the only way to get rice was to order the chicken egg don. So we ended up scraping rice from the bottom of that dish and picking out the onions to feed him. He usually loves noodles, but didn't care for the udon here and said it lacked flavor. He tried a small bite of a skewer too, but wasn't a fan (he's liked skewers elsewhere). My younger son really only liked the kalbi, which was genuinely tasty. We ended up having to cook pasta for them once we got home.

    Scallops
    Robert H.

    TL:DR - check them out Service - prompt, friendly Parking - conveniently located across the street from the large parking garage in Civic Ambiance - came in late, so relatively quiet Food Shiitake - lovely, very flavorful Tofu - super simple but done very well. Perfect for warm summery days Chicken thighs - wanted more seasoning for this one. Kalbi - great dish Pork belly - wanted more Wagyu tataki - another savory dish. Pro tip: they are affiliated with the restaurant next door. If you sit outside, you can order alcohol while they wait for their license

    Menu as of June 13
    Jenn H.

    I can't judge as heavily as I would since this felt like a soft opening. I think they are currently working on their liquor license for beer and wine. But not even soft drinks were available. Matsu has the same management from next door. However, they focus more on robatayaki, which is basically using charcoal to grill (Binchotan charcoal for authenticity) and then either putting a tare glaze or shio/salt. I did like the chicken thigh skewers, but I wasn't sure if the shishito peppers were meant to be skewered. Either way, it was delicious. I think some improvements to the menu might be a sampler set of rotobata/yakitori items. Just to help beginners. The menu is currently a bit small, but I did like the seafood options. AC isn't that great, but I think that shop has not had a good AC even when it was Crepes Oh La La. Well, it at least makes it feel like I'm in Japan's Omoide Yokocho in the summer! Just without the highball because of the alcohol license. We had an odd moment when they asked if they we were aware of the oxtail ramen was udon. We said we were, but we didn't order it. Oops. So yeah, working out a few kinks. But seriously, can't wait to have a beer, highball and then I can eat here more often.

    Ox Tail
    Winnie L.

    If you're a fan of yakitori, MATSU is a fantastic new addition to Downtown Walnut Creek. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the Pork Belly Skewers (both salt and tare), Chicken Thigh, Kalbi Short ribs, Ginger Chicken Tsukune, Shrimp Ebi, Octopus & Asparagus with Yuzu Kosho, Grilled Whole Squid, American Wagyu Tataki, Hokkaido Scallop Umami Bites, Lobster Taco, and the Ox Tail. The standout for me was the yakitori. Everything was grilled perfectly over charcoal with great smoky flavor while still staying juicy and tender. The pork belly was rich and flavorful, and the chicken thigh was incredibly moist. The Hokkaido Scallop Umami Bites and American Wagyu Tataki were beautifully prepared, and the Ox Tail was soft and tender without being overly heavy. The restaurant has a modern, cozy atmosphere that's great for date night or catching up with friends over drinks and shared plates.

    Agedashi Tofu
    Kea C.

    Found this new Yakitori spot in Walnut Creek , rarely see many places like this. The decor was nice, staff was very friendly and the menu had a wide selection of choices. We tried a bunch, all nicely grilled and delicious. Definitely will drop by again to try more from their menu.

    Garlic edamame

    This place is new and I'm worried about posting this review because I don't want it to blow up and I'll never be able to come back! Everything was excellent. Best garlic edamame ever. Everything is high quality and delicious. Kids inhaled it all. Shitaki mushrooms were amazing.

    Andy L.

    An outstanding Japanese dining experience from start to finish. The ingredients were exceptionally fresh, and each dish showcased great technique and attention to detail. The grilled skewers were perfectly charred while remaining juicy and flavorful, and the beef dishes were rich, tender, and beautifully presented. The squid was fresh and delicately seasoned, highlighting its natural sweetness. Every plate was visually stunning and thoughtfully crafted. Combined with warm, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant easily earns five stars. Looking forward to my next visit.

    Shrimp

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    Tanoshi Japanese Bistro

    Tanoshi Japanese Bistro

    4.5
    (350 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    I've been to this spot a few times, and it's definitely become a local favorite! It's a great place…read morefor a dinner date, the atmosphere has a clean, stylish, and modern feel and a very well-maintained space. The menu has plenty of options for sushi lovers, but also caters to guests who aren't into sushi. They offer noodles and a variety of other dishes, so there's something for everyone. I always try something new when I visit, and so far, I've loved everything I've ordered. The service is another highlight. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, and I never feel like it's a hassle to ask for extras or sides, which is something I really appreciate. There's also plenty of parking, which makes the experience even easier. I think the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food, atmosphere, and overall experience. I'll definitely keep coming back!

    Tried the lunch set at Tanoshi Japanese Food and was pleasantly surprised by how good the value is…read more The lunch set is only $14, and you can add another item for just $4, so you get a pretty filling meal without spending too much. I got the chicken katsu and salmon teriyaki. Everything tasted really fresh and was nicely prepared. The chicken katsu was definitely my favorite it was crispy on the outside, tender inside, and had great flavor. The salmon teriyaki was also tasty, although I thought the salmon portion was a little on the small side. The option to add another item for only $4 is a great deal too. Definitely a good spot for an affordable and satisfying Japanese lunch!

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    Inside
    Inside
    Fire cracker roll
    Fire cracker roll
    Tiger roll

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    Tiger roll
    Toyosu

    Toyosu

    4.4
    (462 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Casual dining

    I have been eyeing this restaurant for 2 months now and finally went. Food, service, and ambiance…read morewere all great. Food quality was fantastic. I loved every dish! The specialty rolls are on the smaller side, but the rice to fish ratio was pretty decent. Not a bunch of rice. But still very filling. For the quality and neighborhood, I feel this is very well priced. I would absolutely go again. The carpaccio is fantastic. Highly recommend. I think it would be a good idea to order the omakase, a few specialty rolls, and some appetizers.

    Our friend ordered the Lobster California Roll with soy paper instead of nori, and after all the…read moreyears I've been eating sushi I had never seen anyone do that. We copied him. Delicious, and the best thing on our table. First visit for us at Toyosu, over on Locust in Walnut Creek right next to Matsu. The sushi menu runs deep, from straightforward nigiri up to omakase and A5 wagyu, and the quality was very good across everything we ordered. Long sake list too, plus beer and wine by the glass or bottle. Plan around the size of the room. Small place. If you want to sit down without waiting, be there when they open, otherwise expect around 30 minutes. Parking is paid street parking with a big garage nearby, so you won't circle for long. Service was the standout. Nothing was open inside when we arrived, so we took the covered patio out front, and they asked whether we'd want to move indoors if a table opened. We said yes and ordered. A spot freed up after our first round and they came straight over and moved us. Doing that on a full night, unprompted, is not nothing. Noise was better than I expected. The room fills up, but we talked normally the whole meal. Ask for the soy paper wrap. Not printed anywhere on the menu, but clearly an option, and a good change if you're tired of nori. Bring someone who's actually into sushi and order wide. We'd go back.

    Photos
    Omakase nigiri $40
    Omakase nigiri $40
    The best Urchin in Walnut Creek!!!
    The best Urchin in Walnut Creek!!!
    Toyosu

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    Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill

    Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill

    4.3
    (230 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$
    Sports on TV
    Happy hour specials

    I've been wanting to try this place out for a while now and finally got the chance. I went during…read morehappy hour and was seated right away. The deals for happy hour are pretty good. Salmon Crudo (5/5); This was the only item that I order for happy hour. The ponzu really brought out the amazing flavor of the salmon Cherry blossom roll (5/5): They ran out of blue fin tuna so it was replaced with albacore. They were also nice enough to give me a discount. The roll was great. Tempura udon (5/5); The tempura was perfectly battered and the udon was comforting. I enjoyed my experience here and shoutout to the chef for the fried crab on the house

    An intimate neighborhood gem with sushi that melts in your mouth, highlights the freshness of every…read moreingredient, and leaves you excited for your next visit. Tucked away in Walnut Creek, this is the perfect intimate, casual sushi spot for a relaxed date night or dinner with friends. The welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and fresh ingredients made for an outstanding dining experience. We started with the shrimp and vegetable tempura, which arrived hot, crispy, and perfectly light without feeling greasy. It was the ideal appetizer to share. For our rolls, we ordered the Volcano Roll, featuring spicy tuna and shrimp tempura, and the Arizona Roll, made with crab and topped with seared albacore. Both were beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The freshness of the fish was the star of the meal. The seared albacore on the Arizona Roll practically melted in your mouth, and every bite had a clean, fresh taste that showcased the quality of the ingredients. The Volcano Roll delivered a delicious combination of textures and flavors, with just the right amount of spice and crunch. Nothing was overpowering--you could truly taste the freshness of the fish and the care that went into each roll. The restaurant was spotless, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming throughout our visit. Service was prompt without feeling rushed, allowing us to enjoy the meal at a comfortable pace. Fresh fish, crispy tempura, creative rolls, and exceptional hospitality make this a standout sushi destination in Walnut Creek. The only downside? Once you finish your last piece, you'll wish you had ordered more. We enjoyed our experience so much that we're already looking forward to coming back to try the omakase, which will definitely be on our next order.

    Photos
    Espresso Martini
    Espresso Martini
    A5 wagyu nigiri
    A5 wagyu nigiri
    A5 Japanese wagyu beef

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    A5 Japanese wagyu beef
    Sasa

    Sasa

    3.6
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    Came here for an early dinner on a Sunday. It was Mother's Day so I made sure to make reservations…read morejust in case but it was fine. Was able to get a table with no issues. Parking was a bit tricky as they had some sort of event and a lot of the streets were closed off so I had to drive around a bunch of times. Luckily I came earlier than my reservation time. It was pretty nice weather out so I opted for a table outside but the ambiance is nice inside. Dim setting if you want to sit inside. I ordered a spicy pineapple margarita for my drink but it tasted like it didn't have any alcohol in it so that was a bummer so I didn't really want to order any other drink. I ordered the spicy edamame for appetizer, but it wasn't spicy and lacked a little in flavor/seasoning. I still ate it as I needed some sort of vegetables. For my food, I ordered my favorite salmon melt! This is a must order when you come. Always a hit! (I dipped my edamame in the sauce and it added great flavor to it lol) They had a Mother's Day special for handrolls and I was tempted to try it but didn't want to be super full, so I got two nigiri's instead; one hamachi and one spicy scallop. Both were so good! I would definitely order it again. Hamachi was fresh and soft. Easy to chew. Spicy scallop was made with a spicy mayo and cut up into pieces. Both were really good portion sizes. I was full but wanted to order more cause they were so good. I was offered the dessert menu but I was full so I didn't order any. Love coming to Sasa. Great service, great food and nice restaurant. If you get a chance, definitely check them out!

    It's rough to see what's happened to Sasa. Hadn't been in years, but it was one of my favorites…read morewhen I lived in Walnut Creek. To sum it up, the food was the positive highlight. Service and cleanliness were major lowlights. Ended up waiting for an extensive period to order, to the point where we thought we had been forgotten about. Drinks took 30 minutes to come out, after apps. My "hot" sake was room temp. Restrooms were dirty with paper towels everywhere. Stalls were gross. Sasa roll and stone steak were as delicious as we remembered. We don't get out often, but I should've trusted the reviews. Disappointed we choose Sasa as our destination.

    Photos
    Glass behind the bar
    Glass behind the bar
    Kara-Age
    Kara-Age
    Hamachi nigiri

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    Hamachi nigiri
    Toyo Sushi

    Toyo Sushi

    3.8
    (646 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    I ordered takeout over the phone & paid in person. 25 minutes wait time was their estimate. So I…read morearrived at Toyo 30 minutes after the call. It was about 45 minutes instead, 15 minute wait. It seemed like they were really busy with a large party of about 12 people. The rolls were well put together, none of the pieces fell apart. Everything tasted great and I have no complaints about the food. I'm used to complimentary miso soup, but maybe this restaurant doesn't do that. I definitely would come back here again, but just give them extra time to prepare the food if I order ahead. The crumbs from the tempura on the Brandon roll made my eggs the following morning delicious and full of crunch!! My advice is to give this spot a taste if you're in the area.

    I gotta come back again and rave about this sushi spot. The pictures do not do it justice- these…read morerolls are MASSIVE. But not only that, they are so damn tasty. The quality of the fish is so good. I got the Katie's special roll this time. It was so damn good! I could only eat half of it. And here is the real kicker- I can never eat sushi the next day normally. Wrong! This roll was delicious on day two as left overs. I'm seriously shocked there isn't a line out the door at this place. Best kept secret I guess? Come try this spot! The special roll menu is very large which I love because you can always try new and exciting rolls. This place is the GOAT.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Fuji Mountain Roll
    Fuji Mountain Roll
    Inside Maxi Roll

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    Inside Maxi Roll

    Matsu - japanese - Updated August 2026

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