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    Wasai Bistro

    4.5 (184 reviews)
    PriceyFrench, Japanese
    Open 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

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    CA uni.  I prefer the sweetness of CA uni over Japanese uni.
    Jin K.

    Finally, a sushi joint in Union County that I would wholeheartedly recommend. In fact might be in top 2 in NJ. They serve both French and Japanese food. And I don't mean fusion. They serve good French food and good Japanese food. On the French side foie gras and duck confit were so good. Better than any French bistro in NJ. Food is well seasoned--meaning it's not over seasoned which lets the quality of the ingredients stand out. On the Japanese side, the approach is similar--food is not drowning in sweet teriyaki sauce. Fish is fresh and they had a long list of specialty items and sushi based in what they had best that day. There were some unusual fish I've not seen in a lot of menus anywhere, even in Tokyo. The dining room is somewhat small but cute. I recommend reservations unless you come at 4pm. Only complaint I had was that they did not have enough servers. There were at least 5-6 in the kitchen but only 2 in the dining room and as hard as they were working they really needed another server. However for the quality of the food I didn't dock any stars. From now on if anyone asks for recommendation for sushi in central NJ I will point them here.

    Sushi Sashimi for 2
    Emily Y.

    I had high hopes for Wasai - I saw so many amazing reviews (especially about the duck!), but unfortunately, I don't think I'll be coming back. Upon entering, no one really greeted us, but after checking in, there were a few tables open, and the servers were still making us wait. (Throughout our dining experience, there were no reservations at those tables, so I was unsure why we were waiting, though it wasn't for long.) The service itself was average - the servers didn't check in on us often and only came occasionally when we asked for water or assistance. However, I could understand as it was a Friday night, and may be a bit busier (if there are others there, the interior is very packed and tight - not much space between tables). I had high hopes for the dishes and wanted to try their sushi that day. I got the sushi sashimi for two, and after asking the waiter which special rolls came with it, we were told that we couldn't be told, which was interesting (never been told such things, especially in case one has an allergy to something). After our order arrived, we noticed that there wasn't much attention to detail - the yellowtail sashimi came partially cut; the bottom part hadn't been sliced all the way through, so we ended up using our knives to cut it ourselves. Nice that this also included scallop sashimi, though I noticed one piece of scallop was cut into four pieces - It was a bit pricey for what we got. However, the worst part was that after my dinner here, I was left feeling unwell that night. I'm not sure exactly what it was from the order, but I was disappointed by that. Safe to say, I will not be returning to Wasai, though everything on the menu looked very appealing and interesting items. Note: They charge a 3.5% surcharge for cards, so be sure to bring cash if you want to avoid this! :)

    Clam udon
    Loanne N.

    One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area! Everything here is well cooked and fresh. The interior is quite small and there is only street parking. Make sure to make a reservation regardless if you are coming with a large party. The place is also BYO so it's a great place to come and bring a bottle of wine, beer or sake. The hotate scallop sashimi and torched salmon are my favorite. The uni pasta is also amazing and grilled octopus has great flavor. We love ordering the rolls and the hot stone steak that you cook on the hot stone. For dessert the black sesame crème brûlée is one of our favorites which they only have some times - check the board for specials! My parents come here often and continues to be in our regular rotation of restaurants.

    Stephanie C.

    I can't believe I had not written a review for this place recently but I must! Perfect fusion of french and japanese food. This has become my new favorite place for lunch and/or dinner. This was probably my 6th time here! This time we ordered the octopus as an app, the crunch roll, and the confit duck, and for dessert, the cheesecake. Everything is always on point. Food is always amazing and delicious! The service is also on point. Even in nights it was packed, they were quick to get us a table and the wait wasn't too long. Most of the times though I did make a reservation in advance. The place is small so there's limited seating, especially when they have big groups (which is often). The place is BYOB and I def recommend to check out! Can't wait to try more items on the menu.

    Scallop carpaccio
    Kat J.

    Love this gem of sushi restaurant tucked away from downtown Cranford. The sushi here is always super fresh and absolutely delicious. The quality here is comparable to sushi places in NYC. I always try to order something from the daily special, and definitely a few pieces of the torched sushi. The sushi sashimi for two is a fantastic choice when you are unsure about what to get. Desserts are always delicious and perfect end to the meal. Seatings are 6 and 8pm, and they are very strict about enforcing the time as it is a very small restaurant and they need to turnover the tables. BYOB. Service is always friendly and helpful.

    Suzette S.

    I was so excited to have my family all together, I forgot to check in!! My son and his fiancé recommended Wasai! My daughter made the reservation for party of 8. Told we have the reservation/ table from 6p -8p. Worked out well it was Friday, with traffic we kind of arrived at different times but we had a table and were seated! It's bring your alcohol. Have limited number of actual menus Had menu scan Appetizers, entrees and desserts- wide variety and with daily specials Strange thing happened with the entrees- Server came back stated my son and fiancé were served the wrong sushi platters and the 2 platters were taken. My son said he had already eaten at least 7 pieces. But the platters were taken. If you served the wrong platters either don't say anything because we didn't notice or tell us but we should have kept the platters that were served Right ??? My son and his fiancé got their ordered platters. My daughter's boyfriend even asked what are you going to do with those platters. Server didn't reply. Their signature dessert was the cheesecake! It was awesome! Bread pudding was a bit dry. Enjoyed being with my family. Service was good. Food was tasty. Just didn't think they handled the wrong platter situation well.

    Japanese cheesecake with back sesame seed ice cream
    Maurice R.

    The five star restaurant's food overcomes its physical flaws. The wooden chairs are bare wood and uncomfortable to sit on. The place is drafty with the air blowing pleasant warmth followed by chill from the outside. The smell of cooking food from the open kitchen intrudes into the dining room, including the smell of something burning. Parking was limited. The service was attentive and professional. There's a charge of more than 3% for non-cash payments, including bank cards. It's the food that makes this place shine. The duck confit was juicy with the mushroom risotto perfection. The deluxe sushi was very tasty. The Japanese cheesecake with burnt sugar topping and black sesame seed ice cream a must try. Bring a seat cushion and relax. Don't forget to bring cash and a nice bottle of wine.

    Jean G.

    I was looking for a closer sushi spot that I can go to so ai do 't have to drive to Woodbridge anymore. I saw Wasai through the high reviews on Yelp and Google. The Ambiance is great, you can easily tell the workers are clean and they prepare food properly. The design of the restaurant has a beachy feeling and very inviting and chill. I ordered the Sushi and Sashimi deluxe combo that came with a Chef's choice roll. It is $35 and I found it pricey compare to different sushi place I've been to. The seafood was really fresh and the presentation was great. The california roll, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls tasted great but again pricey. For the two trays that you see in the photos, I paid $73. It did not come with any salad or soup side. For this reason, I am deducting a star. Otherwise, food was great. I would give the overall taste a score of 8.2.

    Cheesecake- light and fluffy. Comes w/black sesame ice cream.
    Florence C.

    Excellent everything! I love it so much, I almost want to marry it! I reserved a table for 3 and though I'm Filipino, I was first to arrive. I was immediately seated. My group then ordered to share. The Escargo in Mushroom Sauce- they snailed it!!! ;) Perfectly tender snails were relaxing in an amazing sauce. Then every item in the Sushi and Sashimi for 2 was super fresh and tasty. Then the Angus Steak on Stone (in the entree section of the menu) was magnificent! It was up to us to cook each slice the way we liked and came with 3 condiments. I highly recommend this. Then for dessert, the Cheesecake and Bread Pudding which both arrived with a scoop of black sesame ice cream were divine! From entrance to exit, a wonderful experience perfect for friends, dates, and family! NOTES/TIPS: **BYOB. Vast menu. Cute inside and out! Kids welcome. **Street parking sometimes available. 2 municipal lots nearby along the same street. **2 dinner sessions- 6pm and 8pm. Reservations strongly recommended.

    Sushi & Sashimi Deluxe
    Inna S.

    Lovely local spot. Fish was super fresh. And service was great. It's a small spot so reservations are a must. It's BYOB so that's super convenient. Can't wait to be back. The flourless chocolate cake was amazing!

    Sushi lunch special
    Ashley C.

    What a GEM! Wasai Bistro has some of the best quality and variety sushi I've ever had, which is especially rare for central Jersey. I was in love with their Japanese/French menu but I had my heart and my stomach set on trying their sushi for the first time. Everything had exceeded my expectations from the food to the service. My server was so pleasant and helpful with menu suggestions. My absolute favorite dish was the Chutoro (fatty tuna) sashimi. This item is on the pricey side but it is so worth it. The smoked salmon belly sushi was my servers suggestion and she nailed it. I will be ordering this again next time. Lastly, I had the sushi lunch special which is my go to lunch order and of course did not disappoint. I look forward to returning to Wasai to try more of their menu and am hopeful to see an Omakase option in the future!

    Naruto Roll (tuna, salmon, white fish in a cucumber wrap)

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Excellent small restaurant the food is very high quality and fresh.. many unique dishes always a great meal.

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    4 months ago

    Good food, excellent service and a good price point. Sushi was fresh and delicious. BYOB, definitely will return.

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    1 year ago

    Always the best fresh sushi and quick, attentive service. Tables are close together. BYOB.

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    Wasai Bistro - french - Updated May 2026

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