0 Followers
Meiko Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Meiko Sushi
7.8
Low-key sushi spot off Valley Avenue known for generous cuts and straight-ahead nigiri at fair prices. Friendly pacing and a compact room make it a smart, quieter alternative to downtown’s bustle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Hamachi nigiri, Unagi don
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Classic nigiri with larger cuts at approachable prices.
Who should go: Sushi purists and low-key date nights
When to visit: Early evenings for shortest waits
What to order: Chirashi, hamachi nigiri, unagi don
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu nigiri if the fish case is stacked.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with overflow street parking along Valley Ave—easy most evenings.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sweaters are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly even during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes without reservation; faster at bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—can request veggie rolls without mayo or tempura.
Gluten-free options: Some options—sashimi and plain rolls are safe; soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring your own tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re after something relaxed and low-pressure; small space and quiet atmosphere make it easy to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are welcome and bar seats open up quickly even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; calm environment and quick service make it manageable for families.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions and value pricing make it ideal for casual sushi nights without downtown crowds.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase-style artistry or sake pairings—try Sushi Hanabi for that instead.
Meiko Sushi
7.6
Neighborhood spot on Valley Ave known for classic nigiri, generous cuts, and straightforward comfort dishes. A quieter room and friendly pacing suit relaxed dinners and solo sushi sessions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Unagi don, Yellowtail jalapeño
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Classic preparations with larger cuts at approachable prices.
Who should go: Traditional sushi fans
When to visit: Early evenings for shortest waits
What to order: Chirashi bowl, unagi don, hamachi nigiri
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu nigiri if the fish case looks stacked.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot in front of the plaza with ample spaces; easy parking even on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; call ahead to hold a spot.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and udon options.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie rolls or order cucumber/avocado combinations.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and plain rice bowls are safe; bring gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you prefer a relaxed, low-key setting with attentive service and classic sushi; ideal for quiet conversation rather than a scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weekdays; on weekends, early arrivals before 6:30pm have the best luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, and there’s a kids’ teriyaki and tempura plate; best for children 6 and up who enjoy Japanese food.
Best For
Better for: Casual, unhurried sushi dinners with generous portions and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium omakase experiences or intricate modern plating—this is more traditional comfort sushi than luxury showcase.
Meiko Sushi
8.1
Neighborhood Japanese spot with a broad sushi menu, bento lunches, and quick, attentive pacing that works for client meetings. Lunch sets and chirashi keep timing predictable without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Special, Nigiri Mix Deluxe, Hamachi Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fast, reliable lunch sets with broad sushi and sashimi options.
Who should go: Teams needing dependable timing
When to visit: Tue–Fri 11:30am–12:30pm for fastest pacing
What to order: Chirashi, hamachi carpaccio, salmon teriyaki bento
Insider tip: Ask for a booth near the back for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot with neighboring shops; generally available during lunch hours.
Dress code: Business casual—button-downs or polos are common; suits not required.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady background chatter but easy to converse across the table.
Weekend wait: Typically 15–25 minutes for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and tofu-based bentos available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado and cucumber rolls, edamame, and salads only.
Gluten-free options: Some options available—request gluten-free soy sauce; tempura and sauces may contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More suited to casual or working lunches than romantic settings; efficient but not atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, easily during weekday lunch hours; dinner walk-ins are seated promptly except on Fridays.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families, though setup favors adults; simple rolls and teriyaki options work for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Dependable timing, balanced menu variety, and solid fish quality at a fair price.
Skip if: You want a sake bar or designer ambiance—this is about efficiency, not flair.
Meiko Sushi
8.1
Neighborhood Japanese restaurant with a broad menu spanning nigiri, chirashi, and playful signature rolls. Comfortable booths and attentive service suit relaxed, unhurried dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Special, Nigiri Mix Deluxe, Green Light (hamachi carpaccio-style)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wide sushi menu with standout chirashi and chef specials.
Who should go: Diners who want variety beyond rolls
When to visit: Tue–Thu 6–8pm for smooth pacing
What to order: Chirashi Special, Nigiri Mix Deluxe, hamachi carpaccio
Insider tip: Request a booth for quieter conversation during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot with neighboring plaza businesses; usually open spots except during dinner rush after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt are fine, though many date-night diners lean a bit dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational with occasional bar chatter; easy to hold a relaxed conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation, longer on Fridays around 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls and tempura options.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado and cucumber rolls plus edamame and salads available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce upon request and several sashimi options are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy booths, soft lighting, and attentive but unobtrusive service make it ideal for a comfortable first date without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are fine on weeknights, but reservations are smart for Fridays and Saturdays after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-oriented, but older kids are welcome; menu has cooked options like teriyaki and udon.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, local sushi experience with broader menu variety than trendier minimalist bars downtown.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase-style precision or high-end ambiance—this leans casual and comfortable.
Meiko Sushi
8.6
Valley Ave favorite that mixes classic maki with chef-driven signatures. Rolls lean intricate—think tempura builds topped with hamachi or unagi—while the kitchen keeps flavors clean, not sugary.
Must-Try Dishes:
FBI Roll, Big Bomb Roll, Green Light Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Signature rolls with layered toppings that stay balanced.
Who should go: Din ers who enjoy creative maki
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30 before prime dinner
What to order: FBI, Big Bomb, Green Light
Insider tip: Request lighter sauce passes to highlight fish quality.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with ample spaces—easy access even during dinner rush.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual tops are fine, but many guests dress slightly upscale for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation-friendly with some bustle from sushi bar chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5–10 minute seating delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable rolls and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 vegan rolls and cucumber/avocado options.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; rolls can be customized.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s an intimate but approachable spot with modern lighting and attentive service. The roll presentation adds a fun conversational element without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays before 6:30pm, but weekend dinners fill quickly—calling ahead is smart for parties of 3 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids; booths and cooked roll options make it accessible, though it leans more toward adult dining in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, visually striking rolls and balanced sauces that appeal to sushi fans looking for creativity without excessive sweetness.
Skip if: You prefer traditional omakase or minimalist nigiri-only experiences—this leans toward modern maki fusion.
Meiko Sushi
8.2
Long-running neighborhood spot balancing classic sashimi with crowd-favorite rolls. Portions are generous and the menu spans tempura, noodles, and specialty rolls without losing focus on fish quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
49ers Roll, Deluxe sashimi combo, Mixed tempura
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Reliable, broad Japanese menu with steady fish sourcing and big portions.
Who should go: Families and mixed-order groups
When to visit: Weeknights for easier parking and shorter waits
What to order: 49ers Roll, sashimi combo, shrimp & veggie tempura
Insider tip: Roll specials rotate—ask for off-menu favorites from regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking is available in the Valley Avenue retail plaza and usually easy to find except on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; locals come in jeans or office wear, both fit fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation-friendly even during dinner rush, though background chatter picks up on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation, longer for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and tempura options.
Vegan options: Limited – a few veggie rolls and edamame, but sauces may contain fish or egg.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sushi and sashimi are safe options; tamari available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, low-pressure meals than romantic occasions. The lighting and energy are more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common. Arrive early on weekends or call ahead for large parties to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families frequent the restaurant. High chairs are available, and the menu includes mild options for children.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and family dinners thanks to spacious tables, consistent service, and a broad, approachable menu.
Skip if: You’re after high-end omakase or minimalist presentation—other sushi bars in the area lean more refined.
Meiko Sushi
8.0
Since 2000, this Valley Avenue institution has served consistent Japanese-American style sushi with an extensive menu spanning traditional nigiri to creative fusion rolls. Known for reliable quality and welcoming service that keeps locals returning for over two decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
49ers Roll, Hamachi Kama, Bento Combinations
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: 24-year track record of dependable quality
Who should go: Families and regular diners seeking consistency
When to visit: Lunch for bento deals, dinner for full selection
What to order: Lunch bento boxes, 49ers roll, mixed tempura
Insider tip: Private tatami rooms available for business meetings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in Valley Plaza shopping center lot, never an issue even at peak times
Dress code: Come as you are - sees everything from workout clothes to business suits, very unpretentious
Noise level: Moderate - bustling but manageable, tatami rooms offer quieter option for business discussions
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, they take reservations which helps for groups
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min max during noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including veggie tempura, tofu teriyaki, cucumber/avocado rolls
Vegan options: Limited - basic veggie rolls, edamame, miso soup (confirm no fish stock)
Gluten-free options: Moderate - they understand allergies, will modify orders, sashimi safe but limited roll options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent option - not romantic but comfortable and reliable. The private tatami rooms add intimacy if available. Better for casual early-stage dates than special occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - their large dining room handles walk-ins well. Only need reservations for groups of 6+ or if you want a tatami room. Takeout orders ready in 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - booths fit families comfortably, kids menu available, quick service keeps little ones happy. Staff has seen it all in 24 years and handles families with ease.
Best For
Better for: Reliable weeknight dinners when you don't want surprises - quality never varies. Best lunch bento value in area. Private tatami rooms unique for business meetings. Fastest kitchen for takeout orders.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge creative rolls or Instagram-worthy presentations - they stick to classics. For trendier scene try Nikuya, for thick-cut sashimi try Wayne's.