Reservation only - the name is deceptive as there is absolutely no rice. You can't order rice on the side so you will prob leave hungry without carbs. Also spent $150 on sake so the alcohol hit harder without carbs to help absorb. Sushi chef here is very pretentious. The sashimi cuts try to be filling but as mentioned will still leave you hungry. The chef will not tell you what he does with each dish. Sometimes he won't even tell you what the sauces contain/made of. Nothing about this place is reasonable for its pricing. Hard pass. Fakest sushi spot ever. read more

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Amazing food, service is excellent, ambiance feels like home. Highly recommended omakase by Chef Sawa Steve, a local legend. One of the first omakase's in the South Bay. Epic and healthy slices of fish. Favorites are the ocean trout, snapper, scallops, and anything with uni. Have had a5 wagyu 3 ways here and all are great. Eat here before he retires! read more

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Omg i cried on Valentines Day bc my bf booked this place for our dinner. Omakases are my fav dining experience and sparse bc they r pricey. So i hadnt had one for awhile and was so excited he booked an omakase. I was unsure bc of some neg reviews. And i like rice with my raw fish so i was wondering if it would be an experience i would enjoy. We arrived late bc bf got off work late, i had called earlier to inform him. We questioned whether we were booked and had each couple confirm thru their phone number. The reservation process is all manual thru text. Already i was not feeling good. The restaurant does not have a nice ambience. It wad freeeeezing cold inside. The chairs were not comfortable. I was all dressed up and felt for nothing ambience wise. The plates have no rice which i expected and it did not feel good in my stomach eating raw cold fish each plate with too much sauces also acidic. My stomach did not feel rested and he had no hot tea either bc he said his gas is broken. I only had one or two bites of 3 of the plates. I only liked the wasabi rice crackers on one plate for some carbs. Opted out on Uni cos he prob charges hella more for that. Prob not worth it. He knew i was not pleased but bf asked for a box to go for all the fish i didnt eat. Automatic 18% grat included and was $430 for both of us. Ridiculous and the nerve. read more

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Stopped by here without really planning to and ended up being pleasantly surprised, the people working there had a genuinely warm way of welcoming you in, not pushy or over the top just kind and attentive in a real way, they checked in just enough without hovering and always seemed ready with a smile or a small chat if you felt like it, I ordered a couple things and everything that came out was fresh and made with care, you could tell by the way things looked and tasted that the kitchen pays attention to detail, like the way the dishes were layered and how each bite felt like it belonged, not just thrown together, flavors were rich without being heavy and there was something kinda comforting about it all, I didn't expect to like it this much but now its one of those places I'd tell people to try even if they're just passing through, lowkey kind of a hidden gem. read more

The food here was really enjoyable with great flavors that were well thought out, each dish was made with care and tasted fresh and satisfying, the kindness of the staff was obvious from the start as they greeted me warmly and were very attentive without being pushy, they made sure that I was comfortable and happy throughout my visit, the environment was calm and nice which allowed me to really enjoy my meal without distractions, what I liked most was how the dishes had a home cooked feel to them, not just generic or bland but something that made you feel good eating, it was clear the kitchen put effort into making the food tasty and the servers put effort into making the visit pleasant, overall it was a good balance of friendly service and delicious food that made the whole experience worth coming back for. read more

Sawa is always a joy to enjoy and his 30+ years of being open shines through. This is the best sashimi you will have in the south bay. Highest quality of fish (flown in from Japan), and his home made (from scratch) are a perfect complement to his fish. Sake lovers will find sake you can only get in Japan. read more

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What you read on the reviews are all true- it's what you like I guess. I did not do my research, walked in, and was totally caught off guard. I was stiff and closed off and reading reviews frantically at the bar and was questioning my friend's choice of restaurant. After a bit of time, I put the phone away and let myself experience. I had a good time. The chef is super funny. He liked that I spoke Japanese a bit I think, and we had a lot of fun. It definitely was a different experience. A 4 star because it was so fun, but I need a bit more in my meal. I'm glad everything is super fresh and excellent- and these days, sourcing is so important. I will never forget my meal at Sawa. read more

Sawa Sushi - A better cut of hamachi which I don't remember the name of, with a huge dollop of ikura, flavoured to perfection. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

NOT RECOMMEND. DO NOT COME HERE. Celebrated my birthday there 10 years ago and met the most obnoxious sushi chef. He would not allow photos, and rudely told anyone who did not make reservations to be ready to "pay house mortgage" for omakase or go elsewhere for sushi rolls - when the restaurant was all empty besides the theee of us?!?! The owner took pride to have served some celebrities and other frequent customers. Any newcomers are not welcomed. Also, there was no price or menu for omakase. We ended up paying an arm and a leg for poor service and mediocre food. This place is a joke with a chef that has ego problems. read more

This restaurant is a beautiful secret. No walk ins allowed. You have to text his cell phone to get a reservation, that's the only way to go. The fish is flown in fresh from Japan almost every day. So what you eat is maybe 24 hours old. The dishes are delightful, unexpected combinations of flavor. The sauces are wild, wonderful flavors made from potions and concoctions you'd never think of. Ask him about everything you'll eat. He'll tell you the story of the fish, the sauces, and anything else. The fish portions are massive. Tombo, bluefin, octopus, and uni so fresh that it tastes like air. If you're into sake, he has an unbelievable collection--some of them are so exclusive that you can't get them from anyone else in the USA. And the stories...Steve is a fantastic character. His life has been an adventure. Getting to spend time with him is a massive part of the experience of dining there. This restaurant isn't inexpensive by any measure, but unlike most very expensive restaurants, you'll actually leave FULL. I can't recommend Sawa enough. read more

This is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in my life! Steve is extremely fun and social and makes great food. As long as you come in with an open mind, you'll love whatever he makes you. It's a little pricey, but you're not only paying for food, you're paying for the entire experience. Talking with Steve and him changing the menu to suit your tastes is part of the amazing experience. He literally gave our party an entire tray of uni, a tin of beluga caviar, and the biggest Wagyu steak I've ever seen. Everything made the meal completely worth the price! read more

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If you are a lover of sashimi, this Sashimi Omakase restaurant is highly recommended! The owner is a knowledgeable and interesting guy who mentioned that his restaurant is invested by NVIDIA's CEO Jenson Huang. Later, it was discovered that NVIDIA's videos can also be found on the restaurant's website. Thanks to the recommendations from some tech celebrities, various well-known figures in the industry often visit the restaurant, even including the CEO of my company. So, there is a chance that you might meet some big names while dining there! The vibe is very chill The cuisine is mainly centered around sashimi and sauce, without any main courses, making it a paradise for carb-free enthusiasts! The sashimi is incredibly fresh, using high-quality ingredients. The chef will serve you what he thinks is best, with a total of 6 courses, each with its own unique characteristics and generous portion size. The sauces are also specially made, including Hokkaido scallops, salmon, salmon roe, tuna, sea bream, clam, sweet shrimp, and mochi ice cream for dessert. You will definitely feel full but not heavy, as there are no carbs in the dishes. read more

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An EXPERIENCE, is the best way to describe it, for the lack of better words for WOW. It is not just the food, which was amazing, fresh and from the motherland. But the full environment, quiet without the hustle and bustle that most sushi places have people running all over the place; SAWA is SERENE! Reservation only and the owner Steve is a wonderful Host. read more

I visited this place recently and I have to say the experience was quite pleasant from start to finish the staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel welcomed right away the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable which made the meal even more enjoyable the food itself was delicious with flavors that really stood out without being overpowering everything tasted fresh and well prepared the dishes arrived in good timing and the portion sizes were just right without feeling too much or too little the waiters were attentive without being pushy always checking in just enough to make sure we had everything we needed but still giving us space to enjoy our meal the overall vibe made it easy to sit back and really savor each bite plus the little touches like the warm bread and perfectly seasoned sides made a noticeable difference this is a spot where you can count on tasty food paired with friendly service that makes you want to come back soon read more

My husband brought me here for my birthday, we had the whole place to ourselves . It was one of the best, if not the best sushi I have had. If you're trying to get rolls and California rolls , this is not your place. Go to Safeway and get sushi there. This is the place to come when you want to experience REAL Japanese food. Come with an open mind - it is a restaurant for foodies only . Ps. I have never liked uni , however, after trying the uni here I have to say I have changed my mind. Amazing experience , amazing chef. read more

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Sawa Sushi is serious, no-compromises omakase sashimi. The owner knows his craft and knows the fish. My wife and I have been to Sawa a few times now - Valentine's day plus a few more weekends. Each time, we've been surprised with the exquisite quality of the sashimi and skill of the chef. Come here if you want: 1. Serious sashimi - reservations are needed because the chef will literally fly in fish from Japan the day of your meal to serve it to you that evening 2. An extensive sake selection 3. A skillful, highly knowledgeable chef who will spoil you all evening with excellent food and commentary read more

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While we have only just discovered the beauty of Sawa, the quality of sashimi is simply unparalleled to anything we've had in Silicon Valley. Delectable, melt in your mouth, incredible. Steve is wonderful - a character worthy of an entire story for himself. He's been so gracious, welcoming and friendly each time. Cannot wait to be back. read more

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This is a fake chef he don't serve rice because he is lazy. Sushi is about the rice too. He should've named his restaurant Sawa Sashimi but this fool yells at his clients when they ask for anything. Truly a rip off of a restaurant and the prices are fraud. You guys should check out Rantei in Sunnyvale if you don't want a fraudster ripping you guys off. Fake ass chef. In Japan if you go to an Omakase place it's warm and welcoming and cheaper than what this fake chef serves. And Omakase in Japan doesn't just serve sashimi only. I rather spend my money where it's more worth what I'm paying for. read more

Came here on a Friday night and we were so lucky. The other group canceled last minute so we had the whole restaurant to ourselves! Sawa (owner and chef) was so friendly and engaging from the moment we walked in. We were able to have a natural conversation with him as he served us our meal. Dinner was served classic omakase style and the chef decided what we ate. All the courses were DELICIOUS! We had fresh fish shipped in from Japan paired with Sawa's personal sauce creations. Everything was so well balanced and the cuts of fish were so meaty, sweet, and decadent! The sauces that were paired were unique but not overpowering. My favorite had to be the Hokkaido uni! I was hesitant at first as I'm normally a sushi fanatic and this place only serves it sashimi style but I have no regrets. I got to taste huge chunks of fresh fish uniquely prepared. It really didn't need the rice. We'll definitely be back as having a local omakase place in South Bay at this quality is AMAZING! read more

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Legitimately some of the best sushi I've had, on par with the best in Japan. My husband and I made a booking for 6pm to celebrate our anniversary. The shop is located in a strip mall-type plaza, and is VERY unassuming (on the plus side, easy parking!). Once you go inside, the layout is very similar to your standard Japanese restaurant, sushi bar on one side and a few tables surrounding it. We sat at the sushi bar a few seats away from another couple (the restaurant was otherwise empty and our chef was very good about following covid precautions). The omakase here is served as sashimi instead of nigiri (so no rice), but you get VERY generous slices. The fish is SO fresh (our uni was packaged and flown from Japan literally yesterday) and flavorful, my taste buds experienced more flavors than I thought existed. Our chef also makes his own sauces and you can truly taste that there's something special about the sauces. Never had anything like them before. And I truly do mean generous portions, the fatty tuna and uni course was bigger than my fist (see pictures). Our other favorite courses were the scallop and sakura-masu (similar to salmon but much fattier and more flavorful). The meal is very pricy ($500 for the standard course and we also got an extra one that was added on), but you definitely get your money's worth. I haven't been so happy and satisfied with my sushi in years (prob since my last visit to Japan). I really want to come back next time I'm in town, but the owner says he might be retiring soon. Regardless, I'm so glad I had the chance for this experience! Anyone looking for legit omakase NEEDS to come check out Sawa. read more

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Steve is such a hospitable and wonderful chef. He is definitely a fun and interesting person. We went here for dinner and really enjoyed our food and experience. All the food was fresh and portions were extremely generous. If you like raw fish and like big cuts of sashimi, you'll love this place. I especially enjoyed the scallops, super sweet/ripe fresh figs, Hokkaido uni, and all the various homemade sauces that was paired with the offerings. Throughout the meal, Steve often checked in on us to make sure the food was to our liking or if we wanted more of something. He even checked with us beforehand to make sure we would be okay with paying extra for Hokkaido uni. We did, and he gave such a generous portion along with some of the best caviar I've had (great pairing)! We ended dinner with Steve's homemade mochi ice cream (mango and black sesame flavors) that were really delicious! As a huge dessert person I really appreciate how soft and chewy the mochi was. Texture and sweetness level was perfect. He also gave us a ferrero rocher chocolate and kept offering/asking if we wanted more mochi/chocolate. We were full by then though but really appreciate his kindness :). COVID safety protocols were followed, and I felt safe dining indoors (though I am fully vaccinated). Hand sanitizer was available, restroom was clean, different parties were seated with a gap from each other, and Steve kept his mask on throughout the service even though he is fully vaccinated too. Shout out to John (Steve's longtime friend) and his family for being such great company during dinner. They were the only other guests during the service. My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations we had during dinner and learning about sea lion rescue (Happy birthday Stephanie, keep up the awesome work)! And lastly, thank you Steve for looping us in all the interesting stories and making us feel like family and welcome! /start rant For all those reading Yelp and concerned about the 1 star reviews, this is an omakase restaurant. That means the chef will serve you their choice of menu at their price point (there is obvious variability due to the fish that is in season and market price). If you can't eat something, it is basic courtesy to tell them ahead of time so that they can make appropriate adjustments. Which is why reservations are so important and standard (along with the price point) at these kinds of restaurants so it's a bit unwarranted to complain after the fact or call him arrogant for the quote on his shirt (no reservation? There's the door), or getting refused service without a reservation /end rant. read more

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The food there is not a kosher or halal for Muslims community. And The service is okay.

It's been over 20 years and I love Sawa Sushi still! Mr Sawa squeezed me in last minute as a solo diner since I was shopping in the area. So kind of him. Also I was one of his frequent customers in year 1 when he opened and I was living in the area. Everything was oiishi! He asked me if I had any dietary restrictions. I said no and then continued with examples of things I did like... he heard heard Uni and then went off and opened up his "treasure box" from Japan. It was amazing!!!! Think of ahhhhhwwww sound in movies when they open a box and then it glows... I swear I heard the sound of angles and boy did it glow... He set me up with 3-4 courses before the uni course w/ otoro-chu toro! I was getting so full! I literally ate up every little thing on each plate before the uni course. The first course was the cold scallops with chilled Japanese cucumber + radish... the next course: Salad with Sakura fish. Delicious and the dressing was amazing with a dusting of power made from 72 different dried beans (imparts a slight roasted nutty flavor). His flavors all his own custom concoctions or Japanese imported (the wasabi was from Niigata) . And the cuts were more than generous! In the end I had to take 3 pieces home because I just could not eat another bite. But that means yummy midnight snack! While I was there, a Sake specialist entered and I learned a little more about all the super premium sake that Sawa carried at the restaurant. I was driving back up to SF after dinner, so I did not drink anything but water. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the dinner a lot more if paired with some smooth clean cold sake! Next time! read more

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The foood there was not a kosher or halaal for Muslims community over all. . . . .

The food there is not a kosher or halal for Muslims and Arabs. The service and the ambiance are okay. . .

I will never be able to look at Japanese cuisine the same after this. Been all around the world eating in my life and this is an experience unlike any other. You come here (if you are lucky enough) you sit down, and you enjoy what Stevie brings you! Don't complain he's not a babysitter!!! Seriously an incredible place that will take your tastebuds on an extraordinary roller coaster, and that you will go to bed dreaming about. Until next time Steve, thank you for everything!!! Sawa sushi. read more

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A hidden gem, historically known only by word-of-mouth amongst Silicon Valley celebrities. Chef Sawa is an artisan, having experimented and evolved his craft over several decades in the bay area. His approach and persona will divide the Yelp public. But he is steadfast in his commitment and philosophy to his approach to food and Sawa Sushi. As a testament, Sawa Sushi has cultivated a devoted, loyal following and clientele in these several decades. If one approaches his restaurant with preconceived notions of what is fine dining or concept of "Japanese food," then I can see where cognitive dissonance or disappointment may arise. If one approaches from mindset of understanding and patience, then you can appreciate his creativity and artistry. I am a fan of Chef Sawa. He is certainly not for everyone. Either ways, he will leave an impression. It is an experience that is meant to define your own concept of culinary taste, for good or for bad. Just like a good book or a good work of art. His restaurant is definitely not meant for kids or minors. read more

My husband and I went here in May of 2021 and I only just now realized I had forgotten to write a review! We've been talking about this place constantly for over a year, I feel so guilty! This place is the greatest hidden gem you can hope for. The exterior is so minimal you might think it was shady, but I cannot sing its praises enough. If you are at all into sashimi, you need to put aside any pickiness you have (allergies excluded, of course), and just let Steve take the wheel. The place is expensive, don't get me wrong, but if you're going in with an open mind and knowing it will be pricey, it's the greatest experience ever. There is no menu to order from, it's only omakase. When I say "put aside any pickiness" I really mean it. For example, I hate HATE uni. But he urged me to try his because it was shipped in from Japan THAT DAY (by the way, that's why he requires reservations), and that fresh uni is a whole different ball game. He was right, it was buttery, creamy, and delicious. His freshly made sauces to go with each course are beautifully paired. And on top of that, Steve is hysterically funny. He clearly does not care about catering to people he doesn't like, but if he likes you you will have a blast and he'll be tossing you extra food, extra sake, and fun stories. We were there from open to close, stuffed to the gills, and I could not recommend the place enough. read more

SAWA Sushi is not a high school cafeteria. SAWA Sushi Steve is not here to baby sit kids so don't be cranky about his food. BTW, the food here is AMAZING. read more

This is not your "traditional" omakase! While most omakase joints probably focus on nigiri, Chef Sawa specializes in large cuts of sashimi paired with bold, adventurous accompaniments. The quality of the fish is top notch as it's all imported from Hokkaido, including their Hirayama Bafun Uni. Each dish is meticulously prepared with sauces and garnishes which you might think would overpower the flavor of the fish; however I found that each dish was formulaic and shone as the sum of its parts. The different preparation methods really made each dish feel unique. If you're afraid of heavy sauces, this is not the place for you! Chef Sawa is extremely personable and unapologetic. He regaled us with tales of his 40+ years living and working in the bay area. No topic is taboo. If you're expecting him to explain every dish up front--don't (in fact, I was told specifically to "eat first" and "stop talking" when being too overeager in asking about each dish before tasting LOL). I quickly learned to use my own taste and smell to discern the amazing flavors in each dish, and after that we had a great conversation about each dish. I can see why some people might be off-put by this attitude but I find it refreshing to find a Japanese chef who isn't afraid to kick ass and take names. Obviously, if you want to embark on this experience, please consider the expense up front and don't be surprised when it comes time to settle up. As a party of two, we had the 6 course meal with Uni add-on, which came out to around $600 after tax and tip. read more

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My friend heard about this place from a food forum and I was pretty curious about it because you never hear about a sashimi based omakase. We did have to make reservations (but if you are a regular, you can do a walk in - per their website). The owner was super sweet and easy to talk to. We literally were the only two in the restaurant until his next reservation came in towards the end of our meal. A few things off the bat that you gotta know, you'll just have to put your full trust in the chef (that's why it's called omakase - it's the chef's choice) and be aware of the price range if you don't want sticker shock. To me, it was totally worth it -- 6 courses for around $180 plus any add ons you may want. It was 100% worth the money. I've dined at other Michelin starred restaurants and have left still wanting more for around the same price. There was a good progression for the meal. If I had control, I probably would have shuffled it a little bit at the end. I can't really remember all the fishes but you can ask. It was kind of a game for me trying to figure out what some of the fishes and accompaniments were. Here are my descriptions of what I ate (even though I like omakase for the surprises, I also like to have a small heads up of what I'm getting myself into so maybe you do too). 1 - there was a scallop/ponzu dish - very simple, super fresh. great starter. 2 - a fish that is looks like salmon but milder and not as fatty. it came with a salad and herring roe, and the dressing was amazing. All together, it was so unique. 3 - octopus and ponzu - surprisingly, not super chewy but probably my bottom ranked dish out of them all and I really like octopus. 4 - toro and uni. the uni is a supplement (totally worth it - it's so good) 5 - I wish i remember which fish this was but this was my favorite (yes, over the toro & uni) because it was prepared in the most simple manner (lime and salt --- chef's kiss, amazing!) 6 - kampachi with ikura - this was crunchy and yes, that's a weird description for fish but it was really delicious. it comes with a banana pepper slaw and it really rounded out the fish. 7 - this was an extra dish -- the fish was super buttery and I forgot to nail down the slaw that came with it but it was melt in your mouth with the hint of saltiness from the ikura. I would definitely come back and probably will. Totally worth it to me and I'm salivating just thinking about it. Oh and you finish off with some mochi ice cream -- it was nice but totally not necessary. I was already super happy with the meal. Small rant - it makes me laugh when the lower reviews are complaining about the meal being all sashimi -- you can literally do your research, or look at yelp photos to determine the restaurant dynamics within minutes. If you like nigiri, then this isn't the place for you... but if you love sashimi, enjoy (because I know I did)! read more

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Ended up paying 500 bucks for two. And we didn't even finish the entire course. Mostly disappointed with the course. Not sure why this place is called Sawa "Sushi" because they don't serve sushi here. It is just sashimi only. The sashimis are too thickly cut for my taste. Service isn't great as other reviews say but I can let that fly. The main chef's got a character for sure. It's either you love him or hate him which I don't mind. If you're looking for a good sushi omakase, this is not the place. He asked if we had any complaints. We said the price was a little higher than we expected (well to be honest it was a LOT higher) and his feedback was it's because of the inflation. Very funny. I probably could have complained a lot and not pay the full amount but I just didn't want any awkward argument. I don't think I'll ever come back here. Just remember, if you are looking for a good sushi place, this is not the one. 1) they don't serve sushi and 2) honestly the sashimi plates aren't that great either. AND I paid $500 people!! Yoohoo!!!! Okay, the next day the chef reaches out to me like below. He is threatening me that he'll find me with his lawyer. I don't know what to say about this. I'm just shocked. read more

Sawa Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Unbelievable pricing that's ambiguous and not itemized on the receipt. I would not recommend coming here because of these reasons. There are plenty of better options on the Peninsula and in SF. read more

Who should go: if you want to feel like you know a local chef. If you want to treat a client for a private meal. If you want to spend several hundred dollars on raw fish. Who shouldn't go: If you are looking for sushi. If you like a variety of dishes in an Omakase. If you think spending less than $200 is a good idea. If you like to drink anything except $2 bottled tea from 99 ranch or $100 bottles of Sake. I should have read the variety of Yelp reviews before going, but based on his own website I expected a variety of dishes served in creative ways. Instead we received dish after dish of raw fish in various sauces. We got a small plate of very expensive Uni and after we said we liked it, the chef stuck the rest of the box of Uni down in front of us. We felt like he would humiliate us to turn it down as he has an abrasive attitude from the onset. By the end of the meal I was completely nauseated from the single note of textures. A bowl of white rice would have settled my stomach but rice or any cooked ingredient was missing from this meal. In the restaurant that night was one group celebrating a birthday buying up bottle after bottle of expensive sake and a rep treating an old client of his. There is obviously a market for Sawa's style of service, but I felt very upset by the dupe I felt I was under from his own website. Sushi in the name alone is completely unrelated to the meal we were served. Read the reviews, bring a credit card you're ready to burn, and be prepared for a lot of raw fish. read more

This was mind blowing and positively mind numbing all at the same time. My Sawa Sushi dinner experience was out of this world. My boss took us here for a team dinner, this was one of the best team dinners and team building experiences I have ever had. An advanced reservation is required, so we ended up having the entire restaurant to ourselves (which itself was amazing). While others looked for other types of food, I loved how generous the omakase meal was with sashimi. That's what I'm going for, not for other miscellaneous filler items. To each their own I guess. Pros: * The fish is incredibly fresh * Fish slices are very generous, I have never eaten larger slices. We had several types of fish, and they were all delicious (and large) * Most dishes are served with little / none / mild sauces, it helps the flavor of the fish stand out (and they are not trying to mask it with a heavy sauce) * I thought the service was great - yes, he is very passionate about his food and can come across as rough, but I like how knowledgeable he is about the food (and he's not shy about sharing it) * Wagyu steak - from Japan, with a certificate. He had several cuts to choose from. The one we chose was amazing. The flavor was delicious, and it was melt in your mouth smooth. * Even the cooked hamachi collar was incredible * Caviar - Also a ton to choose from. The can we chose was delicious. It was so smooth and tasty, it did not taste fishy at all. I love how he taught us about it and shined a light on it so we could see the color (honestly he could have told us anything about this and I would not have known any better) * Sake - I believe they have over 200 types of sake to choose from! The two bottles we drank were absolutely incredible. They have all different types of price points for you to choose from * Beer - they have 45 different beers to choose from! If you're looking for the latest fad rolls or other dishes with fillers, this is not your place to come. Sawa is also not budget friendly, expect to pay $400+ per person, but I believe you are getting what you pay for. We were all incredibly full and happy by the time we left - I lost count of the number of courses we had, but he could have kept serving us all night if we wanted. read more

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Sushi Heaven. The chef took care of us and amazed at the personalized experience. P.S. don't go if u can't eat raw fish read more

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No menu, no pretentiousness. Just absolutely epic food. All fish is brought in daily from points globally. Whatever is fresh is what you get. Prepared beautifully and deliciously. Worth the $$$. Best sushi ever. Also Junge is an absolute delight. I've known him for 20 years and have never once been disappointed with my experience Derek G read more

Hidden Gem! Great sushi with personal service from a friendly and funny sushi chef. It's more pricey but worth it for the quality and the experience. Make reservations in advance since the ingredients are delivered from Japan. Food are ordered based on reservation. read more

Fresh fish! If you love fish, perfect sashimi! Healthy cut, the way I like. However, The whole omakase meal is mainly sashimi. No other texture such as soup, rice, etc. to compliment the sashimi. Very over price for what one get ~$200pp for 7 course including 1 salad. I can enjoy a good 1-2 star Michelin meal at this price. Not sure I would come back. There are other sushi places that are more well rounded for my taste. Ie. Morimoto for similar price range but much better overall experience. read more

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I feel compelled to write an updated review of Sawa Sushi now that I have been a repeat customer and a future repeat customer, and again, and again. There is a reason one goes back, and it almost has nothing to do with the price tag sometimes. It's not hard to see why, many people find the food industry to be a service only industry where if you do not get good service, the restaurant almost suffers in food quality. Although this is acceptable in most places, the entire world certainly does not work this way. If you have never had an experience where you build a relationship with the chef who prepares your food, share stories of laughter, joy and sadness, all the way enjoying some of the finest fish you will ever find here in the entirety of the United States of America, then you have not had a good fish experience thus far in life. Steve is one of the kindest and at times funniest chef I've ever met. Every time I go he always has interesting stories to tell and funny antics to keep things entertaining during his long and very delicious 3 hour dinner meals that I've often extended to 4 all the way until past midnight. If you think that the service enhances the food at some restaurants, then Steve has gone above and beyond. However, not everyone can like Steve and most likely not everyone does. So lets just talk about the food, the one and the only factor for some people sometimes to go out and eat. If I had to judge this place on food alone it would be absolutely EXCEPTIONAL. I've, in all of my travel from Asia to America and inbetween, yet to taste fish the way that Steve prepares it at Sawa. And amazing enough, it's not like a nigiri only restaurant where you pay a lot and get full off of the rice (no matter how small the portion of rice is). You absolutely get your money's worth in fish, and just fish. I'm not talk about the normal kind of fish that you can find at a regular roll-based sushi place or even a regular sashimi based sushi bar. I even venture to say that my other favorite sushi bar, Sushi Sam, does not boast the kind of fish that you can find here at Sawa. These exotic species and preparation methods can only be tasted in few places outside of the closed doors of Sawa where the cost would be so exponentially enormous that it may not be worth the trip, the drive or even the four hours of your time (think Urasawa for $450/person!) Having sushi at Sawa with Steve isn't just dinner, it is a fantastic dining experience consisting of humor, great fish, and most of all that human connection we seem to all be missing when we're dining at BJ's Brewery or Chili's where the service is deemed good if they refilled your soda when it was empty. read more

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Chef Sawa is an amazing human, creating unique flavors of the highest quality. The fresh scallops and sauces are my favorite, but the fish is the freshest and most flavorful I have ever had, and the combinations of flavors paired with exceptional sake and beer, is a not to be missed experience. Reservations are required for a good reason, because the chef makes the experience intimate, comfortable, and an amazing one of a kind experience. Highly highly recommended. read more