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Oishi Sushi & Grill

1542 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
$
Sushi, Japanese, Sushi Rolls

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Oishi Sushi & Grill 7.8
Newell Avenue / Downtown Core
Casual Newell Avenue standby with friendly service, fair prices, and dependable fish for a laid-back sushi date. Efficient turn times and plenty of cooked options widen the playbook.
Must-Try Dishes: Nigiri combo set, Salmon avocado roll, Tempura udon
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 7.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable, friendly neighborhood sushi with efficient pacing.
Who should go: Casual dates prioritizing value
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for shortest waits
What to order: Nigiri combo; salmon avocado; tempura udon
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crisp reheat on tempura if ordering late.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free surface lot shared with neighboring businesses and easy street parking on Newell after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual date attire—jeans and a nice shirt are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—small room buzz but quiet enough to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during peak hours, especially Friday nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; fast seating for solo or pair diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, veggie tempura, and cucumber maki available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls and edamame are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—can prepare sashimi and select rolls without soy sauce; mention allergy when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—laid-back vibe, friendly staff, and quick pacing make it easy for a casual first sushi night without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are welcome and turnover is fast, though waits increase slightly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; small space but staff are welcoming and can adapt rolls for mild palates.
Best For
Better for: Affordable sushi with fast, attentive service and consistent freshness compared to higher-priced downtown spots.
Skip if: You’re after an upscale omakase or romantic fine-dining experience—Toyosu or Sasa fit that bill better.
Oishi Sushi & Grill 7.7
Broadway Plaza / Newell Ave
Casual strip-center spot near Broadway Plaza offering reliable classic and baked rolls at friendly prices. Service is quick, making it useful for lunch or pre-shopping bites.
Must-Try Dishes: 49er’s Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Baked Salmon ‘Lion King’
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.7 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Speedy, affordable rolls with all the greatest hits.
Who should go: Lunch crowds and quick pre-shopping meals
When to visit: Weekdays 11–1:30 for fastest turnarounds
What to order: 49er’s, caterpillar, baked salmon ‘lion king’
Insider tip: Request light sauce to keep baked rolls from getting heavy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot with other plaza tenants—free, but fills up at peak lunch hours. Street parking on Newell Ave is a backup option.
Dress code: Casual; shoppers and office workers alike fit in. Business casual is common during weekday lunch.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small dining room, but conversation is easy even during busy lunch hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dining times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if seated before noon; quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie rolls and miso soup available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few cucumber and avocado rolls only.
Gluten-free options: Yes – tamari available upon request; rolls can be customized.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more practical than atmospheric. Better suited for casual meetups or lunch dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Even during lunch rush, turnover is fast, so waits are short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with simple roll options and quick service. No special kids’ menu, but staff are accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi near Broadway Plaza when you’re short on time.
Skip if: You’re after omakase-level fish or an elevated ambiance—head to Sasa or Toyosu instead.
Oishi Sushi & Grill 7.7
Broadway Plaza / Newell
Neighborhood standby offering all-you-can-eat and à la carte rolls at wallet-friendly pricing. Straightforward service and easy access make it a low-stress backup plan near Broadway Plaza.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Salmon Roll, Dynamite Roll, Baked Mussels
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: AYCE value plays with quick pacing and no-fuss service.
Who should go: Families and value seekers
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm for minimal wait
What to order: Spicy salmon roll, dynamite roll, baked mussels
Insider tip: AYCE makes sense if you’ll order three rolls or more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in the Broadway Plaza area with plentiful spaces and easy evening access; no valet or garage fee.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from families and groups, but you can hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak 6–8pm hours, slightly longer for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, tempura, and miso soup options.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado and cucumber rolls, edamame, and seaweed salad available.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some sashimi and rolls without soy sauce; no certified gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it low-key—bright lighting and casual energy make it better for relaxed hangouts than romantic dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially before 6:30pm or at lunch; peak weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booth seating, quick service, and shareable rolls work well for families with kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious sushi nights or spontaneous group dinners with mixed appetites.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined omakase or quiet ambiance—try Sasa or Toyosu instead.
Oishi Sushi & Grill 7.6
Broadway Plaza / Newell
Neighborhood staple offering all-you-can-eat and à la carte rolls at wallet-friendly pricing. Straightforward service and easy parking make it a stress-free backup plan.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy salmon roll, Dynamite roll, Baked green mussels
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Budget-friendly sushi with AYCE option and late hours.
Who should go: Families and value seekers
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm for minimal wait
What to order: Spicy salmon roll, dynamite roll, baked mussels
Insider tip: AYCE is best value if you’re ordering more than three rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking shared with neighboring businesses in the Broadway Plaza extension; typically open spots except during mall peak hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, sneakers, and tees are all fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; lively chatter from groups but still possible to hold a normal conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime AYCE rush, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls available; staff can adjust some cooked dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls and seaweed salad, but sauces may contain fish elements.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and plain rice safe, but soy sauce and tempura not GF; bring your own tamari if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and fun—it’s more about volume and comfort than ambience or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are the norm. Expect a short wait during weekend dinners or large-group visits.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—kids love the simple rolls and quick service; high chairs and family-sized booths available.
Best For
Better for: Large appetites, budget-conscious sushi nights, and groups that want easygoing AYCE options.
Skip if: You’re seeking refined omakase, specialty fish cuts, or quieter date-night settings—Toyosu or Sasa fit those better.