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    Yoshi's

    3.7 (2.1k reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 10:30 PM

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    YOSHI'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Classy
    Live music
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Yoshi's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Vegetable Tempura ($17)
    Tracey A.

    If there's anyone playing at Yoshi's that you want to see, stop reading this now and go purchase tickets. Try to overlook the excessive junk fees and forget about what you paid sometime before arriving. Next, reserve a table in their restaurant and show up early with your tickets in hand. This is your ticket to obtaining excellent seats. Yes, there's an easily achievable minimum restaurant tab to get you into those great seats but when the house is open you can waltz over, cocktail in hand, and take your seat. In this instance, it was a table in the second row from the stage for The Sugarhill Gang. Nobody asked me to spend any more than I already had but in the nightclub, a server happily supplied water (and another drink) when asked. Dinner tabs are closed out at the end of your meal; tabs for whatever you order during the show are closed out shortly before the end of the show (18% tip automatically added to those tabs). The dinner menu is very good and satisfying, with a wide range of sushi and other Japanese-adjacent fare. Service is especially wonderful, with the whole place operating like a well-oiled machine. Seats in the show (as mentioned in my ealier review) are front and back of a round table with another party on the other side of the table in the same arrangement. Awkward for a date and worth knowing but not in any way a deal breaker for me. On each of my visits to Yoshi's I've been impressed but now that I've tried their restaurant and reaped the concert-seating benefits that's the way I'll roll every time. Other stuff: Yoshi's partially validates covered garage parking in the attached lot.

    Tiffany A.

    I would always go to Yoshi's early because I didn't want bad seats. We'll, this time my group was seated in the back. And I now prefer it over the tables in the front. Good venue. Good ambiance. Food is good. Overpriced, but good.

    Interior
    Catalina L.

    Really like the ambiance with the live music and convenient to order food or drinks. You need an extra ticket for the concert. It's an upscale night out but very enjoyable. 5/5 Lychee martini was well balanced and also a good strong pour from the bartender. Not very sweet and enjoyed. Most cocktails were $18 4/5 Rainbow Roll Sushi was fresh tasting and pretty good. There was a range of rolls from $12-20 and this was a higher end selection I wish the concert was more than an hour long, it seemed a bit short. Then the staff and announcers were very keen to urge people to leave after the show ended so that felt rushed. It was nice to meet the artist in the lobby on the way out.

    Ginger Blossom Mocktail
    Lloyd C.

    Ah...Yoshi's has been a pillar serving the community of Berkeley and later on Oakland for decades (originating in 1972). "One of the world's most respected jazz venues, earning a reputation as the Bay Area's premier location for great Japanese cuisine and jazz music." I was first introduced to Yoshi's because I took a Music Appreciation Class and had to attend 2-3 shows to earn a grade. Ambience: Elegant, modern Japanese decor. It's a fairly large restaurant. Parking garage closeby which Yoshi's will validate your ticket, saving you a few dollars. The music venues is like a little stage with small round tables and booths to sit at. Food: Hotate Edamame Risotto: pan seared scallops, sweet corn, edamame, risotto; edamame-shiso sauce (3/5). The scallops were juicy and had that nice crust on it. The risotto was just meh. Togarashi Kurobuta Pork Chop: Okinawa sweet potato puree, roasted apples, carmelized apple veal-jus (4/5). Tender, juicy pork. The mashed puree was good. Ginger Blossom: ginger beer, cherry juice, lemon, dash bitters (3/5). I liked my drink though it had a lot of ice in it. French Fries and Sweet Potato Fries (4/5). A big basket with crisp fries. The sweet potatoes were a bit soggy or soft. The Jazz venue was Peter White with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala. It was more Christmas music but with some of their songs they wrote. It was an enjoyable jazz music performance. Such a fun night!

    Rachelle T.

    Japanese food and a show is my type of night! I've had this place bookmarked for a while, and decided to go as a last hoorah before the year ends. My friend and I snagged discounted tix a month in advance for the 9:30pm show, and made 7:30pm dinner reservations. Parking: There's a parking garage connected to the restaurant, which you have to get validated for a discounted price. We spent $14 from 7pm-11pm. Restaurant: I was amazed at how big this place is! We got two different rolls, an appetizer, tea, and dessert. Service was quick and we actually got seated at 7:15 even though our reservation was at 7:30. I'd give the food 3/5 stars. The mocktail we got was also too sweet for my liking. The restaurant has a lot of seats, I was overwhelmed with the amount of people there were. It was crazy packed and the bathrooms were too full. Show: A pretty big venue! Again, it's crazy packed with people while waiting in line to get in. For seating, we were lucky enough to be seated at the very front simply because we made dinner reservations, so it's like a first come first serve basis. I actually would've preferred a little further back as being in the front is a little too close. I came to see Boney James, and the show was so entertaining! Such a fun crowd, and it was nice to do something different outside of SF. The band had so much personality, especially when they did their solos! I was highly impressed. Tables are fairly small, so I'm glad we ate beforehand. Typically jazz shows tend to be very compact seating, but it did feel too close as we were sharing the table with another party. This spot would make for a great date night! 4 stars simply for the amount of people they pack in the restaurant and venue.

    Irena S.

    First time here for dinner and to watch the 7:30pm MonoNeon show! We got tickets ahead of time ($40 ish - usually depends on how big the act is) and had dinner reservations for 6:30pm. If you come here for a show, make sure you dine in (better if you make reservations) and get seated in the restaurant at least an hour beforehand - it will save your seat for the show so you don't have to rush! They also serve sushi and drinks at the tables inside the music venue, so don't feel like you need to stuff yourself. Our order: I got the encore cocktail, a lycheetini, snow monkey sushi roll, duck confit spring rolls, king shrimp tempura, a bunch of nigiris (salmon belly, salmon, maguro, unagi, hamachi), as well as a yuzu creme brulee and gelato duo for dessert. They gave us one of the desserts for free for my husband's birthday which was so kind. Total was $170 before tip Pros: - delicious food - even if you don't come for a show, it's a decent Japanese sushi restaurant! The duck confit spring rolls were really unique, and the tempura was also delicious with the sauce it came with (and I'm usually not a fan of fried food, but this was really easy to share and not over-breaded). - food came out insanely fast, like within 5 minutes! I was shocked and not ready haha - fantastic music venue - no bad views in the house. the seats are staggered so that no one's head is really blocking you - discounted validated parking for the garage next door to it - Really solid service from the hostess, waiter, and well organized transition from dinner to the show. - Nigiris are solid if you're in the mood for sushi - but not special (not a bad thing, just fact) - I think the biggest bang for your buck is trying some of the Yoshi's specific entrees or shareable apps for the maximized unique experience - cocktail was delicious Cons: - I think the table for 2 felt very small, and since all the dishes come out as they are made (not in course servings) - it felt way too crowded on the table (but maybe we just ordered too much LOL) - The tables/chairs area in the back sections of the venue also felt a little cramped, especially if you didn't come with a party of 4 and are sharing a small table with strangers Overall though - a fantastic and delicious night of food and entertainment! 10/10 will be back

    Lolo omakase
    Jenny T.

    Omakase and a concert! That's how we sushi-roll! I came here several times and had a great time each time. We saw Taylor Daynes and Sheena Easton on different dates. I love the intimate feel of the venue and how you feel like your getting to know the singer up-close. Every seat in the house has good views of the stage, so, no matter where you end up, you'll have a great time! We always eat here so we can get better reserved seating for the show. The last 2 times I came, we ordered the Omakase to share. I thought the sushi, sashimi were fresh and enjoyable. The ribeye and broccolini was good too. I have to commend on their bar service, the lychee-tini was vodka forward, which gave me a good-a_s buzz! Service has been great as well. However, they have jumped on the bandwagon and started charging 3% surcharge fee on the meal. I don't believe in this fee, I rather they incorporate into the food. I mean come-on!! We pay for tickets w/fees to watch the show and we have to pay gratuities for the food. This BS fee culture needs to go away! NOTES: They validate parking at the lot. Most times, we found free parking close to Yoshi's. Really great place for date night!

    Seafood ramen
    Patrick B.

    Fun place. Pretty good food and good for groups as its rather large., Although I remember the quality being a little better 5 or 6 years ago. Our server was great, very on top of it and proactive. The appetizers like the yellowtail and tuna carpaccio were really good. The fish on all the dishes was good. Same with the salads. The seafood ramen was not good. The shellfish and shrimp and salmon were way overcooked and tough and the broth was spicy with really no other flavor. Steak skewers and risotto was pretty good too. I may go back, but for the price I feel as though there is slightly better japanese in Oakland.

    Hamachi 'Crudo' -sliced yellowtail & avocado, jalapeño, fresh ginger, crispy garlic chips; warm ponzu
    Emanuel L.

    Restaurant 3outta5 Octopus & scallops were over. Risotto was nice & creamy. Cocktail was on point. Service was mid. Sheila E. -Outstanding! I hadn't saw her since she jammed w/his Purple Highness years ago. She rocked the stage from beginning to end. High energy, electric atmosphere & excellent band, it all made for an awesome show!

    Cozy showroom- front seat
    Teresa G.

    We've enjoyed coming to Yoshi's to watch our favorite artists and we look forward to sharing their delicious food. They make it easy to get your seating assignment for the show and coordinate the timing of your dinner reservation. A parking structure is in the same building and you get some hours validated too. The dining room while packed had a comfortable feel. The big glass windows allow a view of the passing train. Noise level does not get too loud though. It just gives you a down to earth vibe. We shared a leisurely meal. For starters we hang out at the bar and had some Yoshi's Fries which was a mix of freshly made Russet & Sweet Potato Fries. At dinner, we enjoyed the lightly battered Aka Miso Calamari, the tasty Shichimi Brussel Sprouts, and sushi rolls- Lobster Tempura Roll and 49ers. The sushi was made fresh and delectable. Dinner was a wonderful prelude to a memorable evening down memory lane with Peabo Bryson.

    Oakland A's
    Kristine S.

    Came here for a show and ate before the show at the bar. Open seating. Server was Finn who was very nice. As far as the food, we enjoyed the Kobe skewers. Perfectly cooked and juicy. Sushi were all good just wish they were bigger and more pieces for the price.

    Jessica J.

    Second time here and this time we went for the Sushi. All of it was absolutely delicious the fish was amazingly fresh. Both times we've been here the service has been phenomenal friendly and helpful staff and always quick to help with your order both in the restaurant and in the music venue. It's one of my new favorite places to find a good show and enjoy and fantastic dinner before hand.

    Jazz bar
    Kenneth T.

    Had dinner at Yoshi's for a fundraiser event with all you can eat buffet. It was delicious - Kobe beef, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, hamachi sashimi, assortment of other entrees and appetizers. The minus 1 star was due to the assortment of sushi was underwhelming. Service was superb as servers were attentive, and friendly. It was on the louder side but that's because it was a full house with the fundraiser event. So can't tell how a regular night at the restaurant might be. The decor of the restaurant was simple. And if you want some entertainment after dinner, they have a jazz bar which was neat.

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    Yoshi's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Yoshi's

    What does it mean that patrons have to share seats?

    No reserved seating. The venue is compromised of booths, floor table seating and booth style high seating in the back. It's common to be seated with people who don't know, thus the comment shared seating.

    Can tickets be will called to avoid the etix fees?

    No.

    I'm going to the show tonight is there any parking garage close to the place?

    There also is oftentimes street parking, free after 6pm. That's where I always park and my car has never been messed with -- and I've been to Yoshi's about a dozen times.

    Does the venue have a seating arrangement for single patrons and do they have a minimum drink purchase requirement?

    Seating is the worst! I had a terrible experience.

    I'm confused. Is the restaurant a separate space from the music venue?

    Yes, the restaurant and music venue are indeed separate.

    If the show is 9:30 will the kitchen still be open to do full service menu while watching the show?

    The kitchen might be open but good luck getting any service.

    If I dine there and wish to go to a concert afterwards, do I need to buy tickets for the concert?

    Yes, you need to buy tickets for the concert. However, if you're dining there beforehand, they will reserve seats for you at the concert since it's normally first come first serve for good seating.

    I have two Pacific Manbo Orchestra tickets for tonight, but I don't see the seating number. How I can reserve the seats? Or is there no seating? Or is there only for standing?

    IF YOU HAVE MEET & GREET TICKETS, YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY IN THE FIRST 2 ROWS. IF YOU DINE THERE, THEY WILL RESERVE YOUR SEATS. OTHERWISE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. HOPE THAT ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION

    What are the current social distancing guidelines for concert goers?

    No Covid protocols at Yoshis. Vaccines not required. Most people wear masks but not required. Many of the shows are at 50% as can't sell tickets, not due to Covid protocols.

    We are New parents would we be able to bring our 3 month old to our date night here?We do not have any family in the area for a sitter.He is a good baby! Does not cry when we are out. TIA.

    I would say yes for the restaurant, probably not for the show. Be prepared to take him out to the car if he does start to cry in either place. We had good quiet babies too, but there was once or twice that one of us had to walk the baby out to the… Read more

    I'm trying to get a refund for a Kenny G concert that never happened on 4/30/20. Is anyone else having this problem?

    Heads up people! I contacted 7 On Your Side and Brinke Guthrie contacted Yoshis for me. Brinke then contacted me in 48 hours letting me know I should be hearing from Yoshis/Event Brite within a few days. Today, I received an email from Yoshis and… Read more

    Is Yoshi's open during COVID?

    Yes

    Do they have a whisky/scotch/bourbon menu or do they do cocktails only?

    Yes

    Can anyone recommend a nice hotel near this restaurant?

    Waterfront hotel a good one.

    Do I need to make reservations if I'm planning to dine in the lounge instead of the restaurant area?

    What if you have show tickets and you don't eat at the restaurant. Can you still see the show? what seating will you get / or will you have to stand?… Read more

    For fellow Sacramento area music lovers how is this as a day trip, i.e. Driving down and back on the same day? Do able? Better on a weekend day?

    Yes,PERFECT for a day trip!! A little traffic getting here, you're be fine

    Can you get in if you're under 21?

    Yes, it's a restaurant!

    View All 20 Questions

    Review Highlights - Yoshi's

    Even if you are not crazy about jazz music, you will soon fall in love with Yoshi's intimate yet casual setting.

    Mentioned in 41 reviews

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    Yoshi's - jazzandblues - Updated May 2026

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