Simple, sophisticated sushi bar serving classic seafood dishes, plus a chef’s choice option.
Hours
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 10749 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: (510) 525-1800
Website: http://www.sushi-sho.com/
Menu Photos
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SUSHI SHO – El Cerrito
Sushi Sho was established in 1983 and the owner and master chef, Aki Kawata has been keeping the tradition of Edo-mae(Tokyo) and Kansai(Osaka) style sushi alive …
Sushi Sho – Updated 2026, Sushi Restaurant in El Cerrito, CA
Additional information · Location. 10749 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 · Neighborhood. Richmond · Cross street. Portola Dr · Parking details. Ample street …
Restaurant – SUSHI SHO
Sushi Sho was established in 1983 and the owner and master chef, Aki Kawata has been keeping the tradition of Edo-mae(Tokyo) and Kansai(Osaka) style sushi …
Reviews
Isabelle Murphy
Review for dinner service on 6 March 25.
I had been trying off and on to get a booking but nothing was ever available, so I was pleasantly surprised to snag a seating for two within a week of the reservation because a fellow Yelper cancelled her reservation (thank you Sarah T!) The following week, we were in for a wonderful, delicious and entertaining evening. The two other couples had made their reservations back in December, so I felt very lucky we did not have as long a wait.
Chef Aki-san and Michiko-san are a husband and wife team. At 6pm, the door opened and Michiko-san invited the six of us to choose a seat at the sushi bar. We all sat down before a simple place setting: a square ceramic plate, hashioki (chopstick rests), hashi (chopsticks, paper napkin and oshibori (towel for wiping your fingers). She handed us a menu and checked in with everyone to see if there were any dietary restrictions or allergies, took our drink orders and a brought a small bowl of edamame for each couple. We declined ordering any side dishes because I suspected that the 16-item omakase selection would be more than enough for the evening. As it turned out, two salads were added to our already extensive menu. Nommmm … more tastes for me 😀
As we drank and munched on edamame, we watched Aki-san stocking the bar with ingredients he would be serving to us. He introduced himself and in turn we introduced ourselves – where we were from, how we learned of the restaurant, etc. It turned out to be the first time for all of us. During the course of the evening, we learned quite a bit about his history and experience working as a sushi chef before opening his own restaurant.
Everything was incredibly fresh and tasted of the sea. Each piece was carefully prepared, perfectly seasoned, beautiful on the plate. He talked about each item as we tasted and ate. I loved watching as he rubbed the wasabi root against a metal shark skin grater, a tool he has had forever.
Chef Aki-san chided me when I confessed I was eating the nigiri in two bites – apparently that is the wrong way to eat! Nigiri is meant to be eaten in one bite, the logic being that you don’t get the full experience of the taste and flavour in two bites. My issue is that most nigiri sushi these days have too much rice that my mouth is too full to appreciate the flavour. However, he prepares “low carb” portions so the fish and beef are highlighted, yet all in balance.
To sum things up – the food and presentation was perfect. I am not a fan of eel, so those were my least favourite bites. It was my first time eating monkfish liver. I found it quite delicious and would definitely eat it again.
Mitchiko-san was very sweet and attentive, noting if we needed refills of water or sake jars. The atmosphere overall was light, friendly and jovial, and we enjoyed the company of who we were dining with. Not to mention that Aki-san is quite entertaining in his own right.
Note: There is only one service per evening so you will not feel rushed to eat and dash. We did not get out of there until 9:30pm. He also mentioned that starting in June they will be cutting back to two days a week – Friday and Saturday only – something to keep in mind. Will try our luck getting reservations again in about 7 months to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary.
… moreI had been trying off and on to get a booking but nothing was ever available, so I was pleasantly surprised to snag a seating for two within a week of the reservation because a fellow Yelper cancelled her reservation (thank you Sarah T!) The following week, we were in for a wonderful, delicious and entertaining evening. The two other couples had made their reservations back in December, so I felt very lucky we did not have as long a wait.
Chef Aki-san and Michiko-san are a husband and wife team. At 6pm, the door opened and Michiko-san invited the six of us to choose a seat at the sushi bar. We all sat down before a simple place setting: a square ceramic plate, hashioki (chopstick rests), hashi (chopsticks, paper napkin and oshibori (towel for wiping your fingers). She handed us a menu and checked in with everyone to see if there were any dietary restrictions or allergies, took our drink orders and a brought a small bowl of edamame for each couple. We declined ordering any side dishes because I suspected that the 16-item omakase selection would be more than enough for the evening. As it turned out, two salads were added to our already extensive menu. Nommmm … more tastes for me 😀
As we drank and munched on edamame, we watched Aki-san stocking the bar with ingredients he would be serving to us. He introduced himself and in turn we introduced ourselves – where we were from, how we learned of the restaurant, etc. It turned out to be the first time for all of us. During the course of the evening, we learned quite a bit about his history and experience working as a sushi chef before opening his own restaurant.
Everything was incredibly fresh and tasted of the sea. Each piece was carefully prepared, perfectly seasoned, beautiful on the plate. He talked about each item as we tasted and ate. I loved watching as he rubbed the wasabi root against a metal shark skin grater, a tool he has had forever.
Chef Aki-san chided me when I confessed I was eating the nigiri in two bites – apparently that is the wrong way to eat! Nigiri is meant to be eaten in one bite, the logic being that you don’t get the full experience of the taste and flavour in two bites. My issue is that most nigiri sushi these days have too much rice that my mouth is too full to appreciate the flavour. However, he prepares “low carb” portions so the fish and beef are highlighted, yet all in balance.
To sum things up – the food and presentation was perfect. I am not a fan of eel, so those were my least favourite bites. It was my first time eating monkfish liver. I found it quite delicious and would definitely eat it again.
Mitchiko-san was very sweet and attentive, noting if we needed refills of water or sake jars. The atmosphere overall was light, friendly and jovial, and we enjoyed the company of who we were dining with. Not to mention that Aki-san is quite entertaining in his own right.
Note: There is only one service per evening so you will not feel rushed to eat and dash. We did not get out of there until 9:30pm. He also mentioned that starting in June they will be cutting back to two days a week – Friday and Saturday only – something to keep in mind. Will try our luck getting reservations again in about 7 months to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary.
Hannah Jin
Aki San is a culinary artist. He has been a chef for more than 40 years (47years according to him). $150 omakase is such a good deal for the sushi he made (and his knowledge). I can not say this restaurant has the best omakase in the whole Bay Area, but at least it’s the best in east bay. Please come in and have a try before he retires.
… moreAnnie Dickerson
Delightfully intimate omakase experience with a chef who’s passionate about sushi and cares deeply about his craft. Exquisite flavors, beautiful space. If you’re a bona fide sushi lover, you must give this place a try!
… moreAnkita
Aki San is a legend! We were here for course B (14 servings) on a Friday evening. Parking on street was readily available.
Excellent hosts making for an excellent night. The whole experience felt harmonious with Aki San’s fun conversation and sushi education.
Worth the cost, worth the experience! Definitely recommend!
… moreExcellent hosts making for an excellent night. The whole experience felt harmonious with Aki San’s fun conversation and sushi education.
Worth the cost, worth the experience! Definitely recommend!
ABC
Traditional sushi experience. Best value omakase in SF Bay area in my opinion. Excellent quality sushi. Cold Smoked Salmon is a must try!
… moreMike Farah
Extremely disappointed in this restaurant. I booked 40 hours before the booking, and my partner caught Covid, I informed the restaurant immediately and they still charged us $200, $100 per person. Even though there were plenty of free seats remaining. Would you rather we came and risked the health of fellow diners and your staff? It’s crazy. I will be reporting to the better business Bureau and the Department of Environmental Health.
… moreFightin Filipino
Incredibly delicious, meticulously prepared sushi, all from a chef who really cares about his customers enjoying their meal and learning how to fully enjoy this cuisine. Definitely recommend.
… moreSkye Sarpong
This place is so worth it. My family has been going for 10+ years, almost since the beginning of the restaurant when it was in a different location. Aki-San will tell you when you’re eating something wrong, but it’s not mean-spirited. You should definitely ask him about his life and his journey to becoming a sushi chef. The sushi is the best you will ever have, even better than sushi I had when I visited Japan. It may be very expensive, but if you have the means it is extremely worth the price. Don’t ask for specific things, get what he recommends (but don’t be scared if you have diet restrictions to ask for something that works). Is is an amazing experience so if you go really enjoy it.
… moreZedrik Steinklauber
Amazon sushi.!!! Crafted by master chef one by one…. great experience… take your time to enjoy
… moreSandra Ford
Son brought me here for my birthday, it was the best sushi I ever had. Place is tiny, but worth the effort to get a reservation. We got the tasting menu, and I loved trying things I might never have gotten on my own.
… more