Any insider tips for Sasa?

Book the patio-adjacent tables for lower noise without losing ambiance.

What should I order at Sasa?

Omakase nigiri; hamachi sashimi; seasonal special roll

When should I visit Sasa?

Weeknights after 7:30pm for a calmer room

Who should go to Sasa?

Couples seeking upscale Japanese and cocktails

Any insider tips for Toyosu?

Ask about day-boat specials—limited pieces often sell out early.

What should I order at Toyosu?

Chef’s sashimi; o-toro nigiri; spicy scallop hand roll

When should I visit Toyosu?

Tue–Thu first seating to avoid waits

Who should go to Toyosu?

Sushi purists who value precision

Any insider tips for Stereo41?

Ask for counter seats nearest the pass for full kitchen theater.

What should I order at Stereo41?

Chef’s omakase; lamb merguez; singari whole fish

When should I visit Stereo41?

Prime-time weekends; book chef counter in advance

Who should go to Stereo41?

Counter-experience seekers and night-out planners

Any insider tips for Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill?

Request bar seats to chat with the chef about off-menu fish.

What should I order at Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill?

Chirashi; hamachi kama; chef’s omakase

When should I visit Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill?

Fri early seating for smoother pacing

Who should go to Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill?

Couples wanting variety without formality

Best Chefs Table Restaurants in Walnut Creek (94596)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Sasa

8.6

$$$$ North Main / Downtown Core

Vibes: Date Night Magic Luxury Dining Elite Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved

Modern Japanese izakaya with a serious raw bar and composed nigiri, ideal for a polished, linger-worthy date. Seasonal fish, craft cocktails, and a sleek room make it the most refined sushi-adjacent option downtown.

Must-Try Dishes: Omakase nigiri set, Hamachi sashimi with citrus, Bluefin toro nigiri (when available)

What makes it special: Izakaya-style menu with elevated sushi and craft cocktails in a stylish space.

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#2 Toyosu

8.3

$$ Locust Street Corridor

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Outdoor Dining Oasis

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

What makes it special: Chef-driven nigiri and sashimi with a cozy sushi counter.

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#3 Stereo41

8.3

$$$$ Downtown Core – Bonanza Street

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Live Music Showtime Girls Night Out Approved Date Night Magic

Hi-fi restaurant and bar with a six-seat chef counter offering a Middle Eastern–leaning omakase shaped by Japanese technique. DJ-driven energy, an open kitchen, and chef Jonathan De La Torre’s menu make this the splashiest counter experience downtown.

Must-Try Dishes: Middle Eastern Omakase, Egyptian-style Whole Fish (Singari), Lamb Merguez Skewers

What makes it special: Six-seat chef counter marrying Middle Eastern flavors with Japanese technique.

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#4 Hakashi Sushi Bar & Grill

8.0

$$$ North Main / Downtown Core

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots

Lively downtown spot balancing classic rolls, chirashi, and approachable omakase with a comfortable bar. Good energy without being chaotic keeps conversation easy for date night.

Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase (reservations recommended), Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama

What makes it special: Flexible menu with chirashi, omakase, and a solid sake set.

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