0 Followers
Toyosu
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Toyosu
8.3
Intimate sushi bar on Locust with clean cuts, attentive chefs, and a concise list of sake. The room’s warm lighting and steady pacing fit classic sushi-first date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sashimi, Uni nigiri (market availability), Spicy scallop hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-driven nigiri and sashimi with a cozy sushi counter.
Who should go: Sushi purists who value precision
When to visit: Tue–Thu first seating to avoid waits
What to order: Chef’s sashimi; o-toro nigiri; spicy scallop hand roll
Insider tip: Ask about day-boat specials—limited pieces often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust and nearby garages on Mt. Diablo Blvd; easiest in the Locust Street Garage after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or slacks with a nice shirt or blouse fit the scene.
Noise level: Moderate—soft music and chatter, comfortable for conversation at the counter or tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetable rolls and cucumber/avocado options available.
Vegan options: Very limited—only basic veggie rolls; sauces may contain fish or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available on request and many items prepared without wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate bar setup and calm lighting make it ideal for a first date where conversation and chef interaction matter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weeknights before 6:30pm, but weekends require advance booking due to the small dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best for adults or teens comfortable with sushi; no kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Toyosu stands out for precision nigiri and a quiet, date-ready atmosphere—more refined than larger sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You prefer fusion rolls, loud energy, or large group dining; this is a focused, minimalist sushi experience.
Toyosu
8.6
Compact sushi counter focused on omakase nigiri and pristine cuts in the Locust Street corridor. The chef-led pacing, tight room, and fresh selections make it a low-key date spot for serious sushi fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri, Uni Tempura, Chirashi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-guided omakase with pristine fish at an intimate counter.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and quiet date nights
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for counter seats
What to order: Omakase nigiri; premium chirashi; uni tempura
Insider tip: Request bar seating for the best chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Locust and nearby garages on Mt. Diablo Blvd. are available; free after 6 pm but spots fill fast on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or neat tops fit the scene; avoid gym wear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly even at full counter capacity.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the counter is small and fills early.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only with reservations recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable rolls and appetizers, but omakase is seafood-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal—best to call ahead for custom accommodation.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most nigiri can be prepared gluten-free if soy sauce and sauces are adjusted; notify the chef.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter and attentive pacing make it ideal for a low-key, conversation-friendly first date with a foodie edge.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins may be seated at opening if space allows, but reservations are strongly advised due to the limited counter size.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—there’s no children’s menu or space for strollers; better suited to adults or older teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: High-quality omakase at a more relaxed pace and accessible price than high-end sushi bars in Walnut Creek or Lafayette.
Skip if: You prefer cooked entrées or group dining—space is tight and the focus is entirely on raw fish tasting menus.
Toyosu
8.6
Compact sushi counter known for chef-led omakase and pristine fish. The intimate room and attentive pacing make it a low-key date night choice for serious nigiri fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri Flight, Uni Tempura, Premium O-Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Seasonal omakase focused on immaculate cuts served at a true sushi bar.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and quiet date nights
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for easier counter seats
What to order: Omakase nigiri, chirashi, uni tempura
Insider tip: Request a seat at the bar for chef interaction and rare cuts.
Toyosu
8.5
Compact sushi bar known for fresh nigiri and approachable omakase in the Locust Street corridor. Bar seats are prime for chef-guided bites and a low-key date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri flight, Bluefin Ō-toro, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-driven nigiri with intimate counter seating and seasonal cuts.
Who should go: Sushi purists and omakase dabblers
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for easier counter seats
What to order: Omakase nigiri, hamachi kama, uni add-on
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu cuts—availability changes daily with deliveries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust Street and nearby city lots; easiest after 6 pm or at the South Locust garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for date night or omakase seating.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly with soft background music and quiet counter chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill quickly after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—walk-ins welcome for à la carte sushi.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—miso soup, veggie rolls, and side dishes available.
Vegan options: Very limited—some cucumber or avocado rolls only.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce alternatives available on request; sushi rice and sashimi are safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate counter setup and calm energy make it ideal for quiet conversation and shared omakase experiences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weeknights, but reservations are recommended for the sushi bar; walk-ins can try for late seating after 8:30 pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—best suited for adults or older teens who appreciate sushi; no kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and traditional than larger Japanese spots in the area—best for purists who value quality cuts and a quiet setting.
Skip if: You prefer flashy fusion rolls, large group dining, or lively bar scenes—this spot stays refined and minimalist.
Toyosu
8.4
Downtown sushi bar with a deep roll list backed by quality nigiri and occasional omakase specials. Signature rolls like Firecracker and Walnut Creek Lady balance crowd-pleasing flavors with good fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Firecracker Roll, Walnut Creek Lady, Ring of Fire
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Large ‘signature rolls’ section with creative builds and balanced sauces.
Who should go: Roll lovers wanting variety and solid fish
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7 pm for easier seating
What to order: Firecracker, Walnut Creek Lady, Ring of Fire
Insider tip: Check the board for seasonal fish to add nigiri to your rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; garages at Locust & Olympic offer reliable evening spots.
Dress code: Smart casual—nice jeans or a casual dress fit the date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is quick before 12:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls and cucumber/avocado options.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls available but sauces may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available upon request and rice vinegar is gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low lighting, tidy presentation, and shareable rolls make it a relaxed but polished first-date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; weekends after 7 pm can back up, so call ahead or sit at the sushi bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids comfortable with sushi; no kids’ menu or high chairs provided.
Best For
Better for: Creative roll variety and approachable prices compared to upscale omakase spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full omakase or ultra-premium sushi experience—go to a higher-end bar instead.
Toyosu
8.3
Compact sushi bar known for focused nigiri and a concise omakase. Fish quality and careful seasoning lead the experience; a few patio seats add flexibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Lunch Set, Omakase Nigiri, Uni Tempura
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tight, fish-forward menu with chef-led nigiri pacing.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and small groups
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:00pm to avoid waits
What to order: Nigiri lunch set, omakase nigiri, uni tempura
Insider tip: Bar seats move faster and offer direct chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust Street and nearby garages such as the Locust Street Garage (first hour free). Evenings can fill up quickly; arrive early for easy parking.
Dress code: Smart casual — think elevated but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — soft background music and small space mean you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating is often faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — vegetable rolls, cucumber and avocado maki, and select appetizers available.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetable rolls, but most dishes include fish or sauces with seafood base.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request, and most nigiri and sashimi can be prepared gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate and stylish without being loud or intimidating. The omakase bar experience gives you something to talk about while keeping the mood relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible during weekday lunches or late evenings, but weekend dinners fill quickly. The sushi bar is the best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the small space and quiet, date-night vibe suit adults better. Older kids who enjoy sushi would be fine for lunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Refined nigiri quality and minimalist omakase pacing outshine larger, more casual sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You want heavy cooked dishes, loud group energy, or a long roll list — Modern China Cafe or Hakashi Sushi fit those better.
Toyosu
8.3
Compact sushi bar known for premium nigiri and a concise omakase program. The room is intimate with a few patio seats; fish quality and careful seasoning lead the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Nigiri, Chirashi bowl, Uni tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Focused, fish-forward omakase and carefully crafted nigiri.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and small groups
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:00pm to avoid waits
What to order: Omakase nigiri, chirashi, uni tempura
Insider tip: Bar seats offer the fastest service and best chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust and nearby side streets; limited after 6pm. A public garage on Mt. Diablo Blvd usually has spots after dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or neat tops recommended. Jeans fine if clean and paired with nice shoes.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation; bar counter has soft background music.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; best to reserve early evening slots.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait between 1:30–3:00pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable rolls and miso soup available, but not a main focus.
Vegan options: Minimal—occasional vegetable maki or tofu appetizers, but most items include seafood or egg.
Gluten-free options: Good awareness—soy sauce substitution available upon request; sashimi and rice dishes are safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Toyosu’s intimate layout and thoughtful service make it ideal for a low-key but elevated first date. Sit at the sushi bar to watch the chef at work and keep the experience engaging.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted but limited; arrive early or during late lunch to improve your chances. The bar counter is often available before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best for adults or older teens comfortable with sushi and quieter settings. No kids’ menu or high chairs provided.
Best For
Better for: Nigiri quality and omakase attention outshine larger local spots; the fish cuts and seasoning are more refined than nearby casual sushi cafés.
Skip if: You’re seeking rolls-heavy menus or lively group dining—Toyosu is more about precision and calm than volume or variety.