We LOVED Yui Marlu. You had the freshest fish. The presentation was ALWAYS beautiful. My favorite was the special chirashi. AND the service was ALWAYS great. You are already being terribly missed. Good luck in the future. read more

Make sure you call for a reservation or you will likely not be able to get a table. Small mom and mom shop so don't be impatient, it can take a while to order / get your food. I would recommend ordering as much as you can in the first round or it takes a while. They have anago so that's a big +. read more

Excited to try this place since it only open for 3 hrs for dinner. I am very curious about their food and how legit this place is. First impression when we first went in to the restaurant, it was kind of dark and little warm. It was cozy, remind me of a Japanese restaurant in Japan that is run by a couple. The sushi chef is the owner and the wife deal with all the cooked food. It's very cute and you don't really find these kind of place very often. So far, this is one and there is one in Elk Grove. It's very traditional. We ordered many dishes to try out: Mixed tempura: delicious, fluffy and crispy tempura. Came with 2 shrimp, 2 green beans, 1 potato, 1 eggplant and 1 broccoli. Nabeyaki: very good. It was savory and sweet. The udon is a little over done but still good. Deluxe chirashi: it came with 20 pieces of sashimi or more! The fish was very fresh and love that it came with negitoro and loved it! Hotate and salmon/scallop nigiri: chef has good nigiri technique. The rice was perfect and size. Except one of the scallop nigiri had some sand. It was unpleasant. Charlie sushi: it was good but it tasted almost like the chef choice Chef choice: it was good, it had more texture. The fish is very fresh. Even ate leftover, it was still very fresh. Miso soup: too salty not my cup of tea Coming to this place, I already know and prepare for its slow service. Be ready to spend about 2 hrs. It's is run by only one person but the food we receive is very superb! So it's worth a visit. This is a great experience. read more

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Perhaps the most authentic Japanese restaurant that we have experienced since our trip to Japan. It's hard to explain what "authentic Japanese" is consider we only toured Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima regions of Japan. But the meals from this restaurant hit the palates of my wife and I in the right way to trigger the nostalgia of our Japan trips. We have been hitting various Japanese restaurants in Vegas, Reno and Sacramento. This place felt the most authentic. The restaurant appears to be ran by a Japanese couple. Very friendly service and timely served with our food. Very pleasant and we would not hestitate to revisit. read more

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Great food, very small spot for wonderful traditional sushi. It was busy but our order still arrived quickly. Will be returning

Fantastic, authentic Japanese cuisine in the Sacramento area. The cook takes serious pride in his work and it shows. The serving host was also very welcoming. The fish was excellent: large cuts that were fresh and very filling. Beautifully laid out on the plate in perfect proportions. The karage chicken was fried to perfection using nice cuts of the chicken. The food is excellent. I am glad I finally found a restaurant in the Sacramento area that has amazing Japanese food. Thank you! read more

Yui Marlu - Tofu and eggplant appetizer - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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We came to this place on a weekday for dinner. There were a few other tables. We reserved the Nabeyaki ahead of time. It was first to arrive. The sushi slowly came afterwards. The presentation was superb. Everything was delicious. They do have some disney plates and decorations. Service was a bit slow but we were already expecting this. The staff was nice and packaged our leftovers very neatly. read more

Yui Marlu - Charlie roll and chef's roll - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Real Japanese food. Kind and polite service. Intimate, comforting, and quiet ambiance. 10/10

Food was excellent! The service was slow as many mom and pop restaurants are when there is a limited staff of cook, server and cashiers. Worth the wait as we were comped a few dishes. Rather small place so to get a table of 8 was difficult. Owner is Okinawan and friendly. read more

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This is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in Sac It's a mom and pop restaurant, so it's reservations only, unless you're lucky to drop in while there are enough empty tables. Call and leave a message for reservations but definitely don't drop in unless it's after 7 PM as they have many loyal customers who have found this hidden gem. The restaurant feels like you're in a comfy Japanese dining room and sushi bar at the same time. We are starting with some hot house sake - they let you pick out your own sake cups!! We were so hungry read more

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I ordered the Special Chirashi and it was delicious! The presentation was unique for chirashi, however it was plated perfectly. There were many different types of sashimi with sushi rice and it was all arranged on a plate in a very decorative manner. Salad and Miso Soup were also included. Service was good. Reservations are recommended since there is limited seating and the food is good. This is one of the only few "real" Japanese restaurants in the Sacramento area. read more

Yui Marlu - Special Chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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As always, the food and service were great! It's good to make a reservation since it's a pretty small restaurant. read more

Yui Marlu - Mixed Sashimi - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Absolutely a surprise. We wanted to try out a new sushi place rather than the same old one that was recently purchased by Pan Pacific. Glad we did. Masa and Cami (please excuse my spelling) were wonderful. The food was exceptional. I think the picture says it all. And yes it tastes as good as it looks. Thank you for the fabulous experience we will be coming back. Oh and it kicks booty on that corporate place. read more

Yui Marlu - Best Chirashi bowl ever!! - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

I find it best to do call ahead seating and confirm their operating hours. The staff are always super helpful. Food is still great! This place is underrated. read more

What a wonderful, family-owned business! The vibe is cozy and homey, with lots of wood and only a few dining tables (so reservations are appreciated!) We started with mixed tempura - soooo light and crisp and fresh! We then had the chef special roll and another roll I can't remember the name of but that had a super thin slice of lemon on it, which was absolutely delicious. We topped it off with chicken udon noodle soup and a chicken soba noodle soup, both of which had an umami, satisfying broth. Service was reasonably paced and very friendly. We even got some complimentary chocolates with our check! I'd definitely come back if in the area. read more

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My co-worker recommended this restaurant a while back and I finally had a chance to check this place out. Like others have mentioned, this is a mom-and-pop place. It's not a big restaurant with a lot of seating, so I recommend calling for reservations ahead of time. My friend and I ordered the beef sukiyaki, which is basically a pot of hot broth with various ingredients such as tofu, carrots, noodles, etc. The meal also came with a side of rice. The food was tasty. The next time I'm back, I'd like to try the tempura (fried vegetable/shrimp) and tonkatsu (fried pork). The lady that took our orders and served us was really nice. Based on her facial expression and body language, I believe she was trying to figure out if we were Japanese. At the end of dinner, I switched from English to Japanese to surprise her. Overall: If you're looking for some good Japanese food, be sure to check this restaurant out. この店は美味しい日本食があるので、お勧めしますよ。入っている前に、予約したほうがいいと思います。是非、行ってみてください。 read more

Yui Marlu - Sukiyaki - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

This is the most authentic, genuine Japanese restaurant in the entire Sacramento area. An absolutely lovely husband/wife combo that runs the back of house/front of house, making some of the most delicious, delicately crafted, beautifully presented Japanese cuisine I've had since being stationed in Okinawa. It's a very small restaurant, so reservations and preorders are often appreciated. Parking is plentiful in the nearby lot. The front of the restaurant is very unassuming, as is the front/lobby area, however once you sit down and realize that the menu is truly an experience, you'll realize that so many of the other Japanese restaurants in the area are all show and little substance. The level of care and art/skill that goes into each of these dishes is something truly to be savored. If you're looking for rolls soaked in sauce and/or covered with cream cheese, this is NOT the place for you. If you enjoy sashimi and nigiri over common specialty rolls this IS the place for you. Absolutely our favorite Japanese restaurant in the whole Sacramento area and worth a trip where ever you are located. read more

Small, quaint Japanese restaurant tucked away in a nondescript strip mall. Excellent sushi and for me, worth a 30min drive. I like to get nigiri and other traditional food-- that's what makes this special to me. The service is good, although the kitchen is a little slow because there's a small staff. Expect to have a slow, but casual dining experience. The interior is styled like a traditional Japanese restaurant, one wall has cool art. read more

We had their tempura mix and gyoza to start which were both awesome! My husband and I enjoyed a couple rolls that were not only stunning in appearance but everything tasted so fresh and delicious! The intimate atmosphere was a plus with great service. I'm amazed at the quality of the food and how quickly it got to us since there's only about 3 people who work there. We will definitely be back again! read more

Food is traditional and well-prepared. Reminds me of the Japanese restaurants I used to eat at as a kid. Their tempura is done right. Teriyaki is not overly sweet or drowned in sauce. I like their nigiri sushi as I'm not really a "roll" type of person. They have a small space. You will need reservations. read more

Although this is a small restaurant that does not focus on Ambience the Food and Service is amazing. When it comes to Sushi and Sashimi quality I don't think there is anything better in the local area. read more

Yui Marlu - Special chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Authentic Japanese food!!! I ordered the Tempura Udon, chef's special roll, and special chirashi. All three dishes were delicious! It's a small shop so you can expect to wait a bit for your meal. However, the wait will be worth it! Highly recommended! ごちそうさまでした！ read more

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I've been to 100's of the finest Japanese / Sushi Restaurants all over California, Hawaii as well as other states and I have to say this ranks in the top 10%. What makes a great Japanese Restaurant is the quality of experience a Chef has and the quality of product they buy. Yui Mariu not only has a good chef and food, the service, heart and soul that goes into each and every presentation is authentic and excellent. Many sushi bars today in Sacramento dazzle you with fancy saucy sushi rolls (alot of rice and sauces), to the real chefs and epicure this is a dissatisfaction and does not qualify as authentic Japanese food. Yui Mariu is Authentic! I wish Chef Masa the best success. read more

A FINE, though tiny, AUTHENTIC Japanese restaurant. The menu is extensive, and OUR food was prepared perfectly. Service was typically Japanese, meaning perfectly courteous and friendly. The ambiance is relaxing and restful. I HIGHLY recommend them. They request reservations. Days are Tuesday through Saturday, stated as 5pm to 8pm, but best to call. read more

By far the best sushi I have EVER had. Could not recommend higher. The staff is very nice, I always feel warm and cared for by the time I leave. Thank you! read more

The best authentic Japanese food in Sacramento! The staff is so sweet and amazing. The quality of the food never changes. Highly recommend

my wife and I took my son and his wife for his birthday to my favorite Japanese restaurant: Yui Marlu. Due to covid and health problems I haven't dined here since 2020. They are now open for lunch again. My wife ordered tonkatsu; my daughter in law and I ordered charaishi and my son ordered the special charaishi. All the lunches were served with salad and miso soup. The presentation of the meals were works of art. Everything was fresh and delicious. The service was personal and exceptional. I hope they continue serving lunch and to visit them more often. We visited Friday February 7th. read more

This is a very small location and a family owned businesses. Not like any sushi place I have been to (and I have been to a lot). The sushi was fresh and made from quality ingredients the tatse was amazing probably top 3 and it's not 3. I suggest call ahead of time to see if they have any tables available. Taste 9/10 Presentation 9/10. I will definitely come back there read more

Yui Marlu - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

I don't normally write reviews but I had an excellent dining experience here. Food was authentic based on my experience previously traveling to Japan. Also had a very enjoyable experience conversing with the owner of the restaurant who was very cheerful and friendly. Awesome mom and pop restaurant! read more

Fantastic food, diverse menu and great prices. Service is great. Love this restaurant

Yui Marlu is the best sushi restaurant in the Sacramento area! I've been coming since they've opened and my review is LONG overdue. It's a Mom n Pop so it's a cozy comfy down home restaurant. Chef Masa will make you the most beautiful plate of freshest sushi and sashimi. He hand picks his fish to use, he has decades of experience making beautiful work of edible art! The Chirashi he makes is by far, the most beautiful dish you'll order here but that's not the only one. The Nigiri and sashimi is always so fresh and beautiful with a unique selection of fish and not your average fish selection you find elsewhere. Kazumi is the owner and she has many years of working in the restaurant business. She always goes above and beyond for her customers making everyone feel like they're a part of the family. Kazumi and Masa work side by side in giving you the best dining experience. I highly recommend you give Yui Marlu a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

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The absolute best sushi place. I can't enjoy sushi anywhere else because no other place compares to how good and fresh everything is. We go here almost every week and it is always excellent! We love Kazumi and Masa! They're the absolute best. Our favorite food items are the Geso, pepperfin, shrimp tempura, sashimi, just to name a few. All of their food items are tasty and excellent I definitely recommend here if you want amazing sushi! Please call and make a reservation to make sure a table is available because they do get pretty busy and seating is limited! read more

Yui Marlu - The absolute best sushi place.Our favorite food items are the Geso, pepperfin, shrimp tempura, sashimi, just to name a few. - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Still the best sushi in Sacramento! Such a wonderful mix of sushi with the freshest fish in town - and delicious traditional Japanese dishes. read more

The fish is FRESH! I had the Mixed Sashimi and 10 different Nigiris. All were of very good quality and prepared very well. the Sushi rice was 7 of 10 but did not diminish the quality of the fish. The presentation was beautiful, typical of Japanese pride in their craft. Kudos! Next trip, I will try the rolls! read more

So fresh and incredibly rich high quality fish. Here, the fish is the star. You will not find rolls drenched in sauces or a ton of extra toppings. The rainbow roll is not to be missed. Simply incredible. The fish was so buttery in texture almost melting in your mouth. The husband and wife team are so kind and it is worth waiting for the service and quality of food you get. I also had the chefs special roll which was great but if you are just getting one roll, the rainbow roll is the one to try. I also liked the seaweed salad and my friends got the pork katsu with looked absolutely incredible. They loved it. The unique mismatched interior is quaint and just shows you that the focus here is the food, not a tacky ambiance. read more

Yui Marlu - Rainbow roll on the bottom, chefs special on top - Japanese Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Good good food with no frill setting. Make feel at home every time and like me. Simple and good priced.

Brought 12 of my best friends here and they all love it! Masa never fails to impressed. Fish was fresh and service was awesome! You gotta have patience when you come here, it's all worth it. Thanks again for a wonderful meal. read more

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I had the Tonkotsu Ramen for lunch today. I was told the broth was made with chicken bones, rather than the more usual pork bones. The taste may have been different (I'm not a Ramen expert by any means), but it still tasted delicious to me. In particular, I thought the noodles were cooked perfectly, not overcooked as happens at some places. The meat (which was pork) was very tasty and well-cooked. My husband had the Nabeyaki Udon, and also loved the noodles in his soup. He found the white meat chicken tender and delicious, the piece of tempura (shrimp) was perfect, and the egg was cooked just the way he asked (hard-boiled, but not to death). The veggies were good, with lots of onion but little else (likely the way its traditionally made in Japan). The iron bowl kept the soup hot for the entire meal (very, very hot). He did have one small complaint, and that was a slight "burnt" odor and taste. But I couldn't detect it, so I'm not sure I trust him. :) Service was great, genuinely inviting and friendly. There were only two people working in the entire restaurant (one waitress, one chef), so the less than 15-minute wait for our food after we ordered was impressive. As my previous entries hint at, you might want to call ahead to make sure they're open, or check their Facebook page for any last-minute changes. Speaking of which, as of today, their current hours are: 11:30 - 1:30 Lunch (Tue - Fri) 5:30 - 800 Dinner (Tue - Fri, Sat 5-8) read more

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Best Japanese food in Sacramento. Their fish is always fresh. Masa is a master of sushi. I highly recommend this place to everyone.

What a hidden gem! We wanted Sushi and decided to try something close to home. This place was sooo amazing! The food was spectacular. The service was amazing everyone was so nice you felt like family! The ambiance was so relaxing and they all made you feel like they wanted you to be there. Highly recommend read more