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Sasa
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Sasa
8.6
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)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Izakaya-style menu with elevated sushi and craft cocktails in a stylish space.
Who should go: Couples seeking upscale Japanese and cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for a calmer room
What to order: Omakase nigiri; hamachi sashimi; seasonal special roll
Insider tip: Book the patio-adjacent tables for lower noise without losing ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on North Main and Locust, plus several nearby public garages (first hour free at Broadway Plaza). No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — dark denim or a dress shirt fits the vibe. Most guests lean polished but not formal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively buzz at the bar but comfortable for conversation in the main dining area.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; patio seats go first.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several appetizers, rolls, and hot plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 small plates, but most sauces contain fish or egg products.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request, and several rolls and sashimi options are gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it strikes the right balance of stylish and comfortable. The lighting, cocktails, and plating make it feel special without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but weekends fill fast. The bar and high-tops are first come, first served for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the menu and ambiance skew adult. Teens familiar with sushi will be fine, but young kids may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Upscale presentation, premium fish quality, and craft cocktails make it ideal for special occasions or refined dates.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual sushi roll night or budget-friendly takeout — head to Oishi or Bay Sushi instead.
Sasa
7.8
Modern izakaya with a strong raw bar, chef’s sashimi selections, and a lively counter. The menu balances composed crudos with shareables and a few show-pieces like steak on a sizzling stone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Omakase, Citrus Hamachi, Grilled Steak on Stone
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Chef-curated sashimi and lively counter service in a modern izakaya.
Who should go: Crudo lovers and social sushi nights
When to visit: Early evening for seats without a wait
What to order: Sashimi omakase; citrus hamachi; sizzling stone steak
Insider tip: Check the board for limited-run sashimi and off-menu nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Walnut Creek garages nearby (first 2 hours free); limited metered street parking on North Main after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at the bar or patio; counter can get energetic on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; counter seats may turn faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief during early lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several small plates and rolls fit vegetarian diners; kitchen is accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 shareables and salads can be adapted on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi and grilled items qualify; soy sauce substitution available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, modern design, and shareable dishes make it ideal for casual yet elevated first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early evening or late night; bar and counter spots are often open for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared toward adults and groups; older teens may enjoy sushi but no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Stylish social sushi nights and inventive crudos compared to more traditional Japanese spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining or full vegan meals—look elsewhere for calmer or plant-based options.
Sasa
8.6
Modern izakaya with a polished sushi program—think pristine fish, seasonal touches, and precise execution. Locals use it for date nights and special-occasion rolls at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Selection Roll, Truffle-leaning Salmon Roll, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Upscale izakaya setting with high-caliber fish and craft rolls.
Who should go: Date-night sushi fans and celebratory dinners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30 pm or late lunch weekends
What to order: Chef’s selection roll, toro nigiri, rainbow roll
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats; the sushi counter moves fastest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garage parking available on Locust Street; limited street parking nearby after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket; most guests lean dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate; lively buzz inside but you can comfortably hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for the sushi bar.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; reservations rarely needed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian rolls and tempura options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 veggie roll options, but sauces may contain fish-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request and staff are trained on gluten-free modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—intimate lighting, polished service, and bar seating create a comfortable, upscale first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—more of an adult dining environment suited for date nights or business dinners rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Elegant ambiance, fresh fish quality, and creative seasonal rolls—ideal for upscale sushi experiences.
Skip if: You’re after casual, budget-friendly sushi or late-night takeout options.
Sasa
8.5
Japanese izakaya with a seafood-first menu—think citrus hamachi, scallop ceviche, and miso black cod—served in a polished, lounge-like room. Locals use it for dates and upbeat nights with cocktails and sashimi omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Black Cod, Citrus Hamachi, Sashimi Omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seafood-forward izakaya plates with refined execution and presentation.
Who should go: Sushi seekers and date-night diners
When to visit: Early evenings 5–6:30 for smoother seating
What to order: Miso black cod, citrus hamachi, sashimi omakase
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats to watch plating and move faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on N Main can be tight after 6pm; nearby garages at Broadway Plaza or Lesher Center offer easier access within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—most diners lean stylish; jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or blazer.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy in smaller groups though the lounge can get lively after 7pm.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime times 6:30–8:30.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; reservations rarely needed midweek.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetable dishes and rolls, plus tofu-based options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be modified on request; staff accommodates substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce alternatives and gluten-free labeling available on key menu items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, shared plates, and craft cocktails make it ideal for an intimate, conversational first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—bar seating often turns over quickly, but tables fill fast after 6:30pm on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best suited for adults; no children’s menu and seating skews toward couples and small groups.
Best For
Better for: Creative seafood preparations and upscale izakaya vibes that feel livelier than traditional sushi bars.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet omakase-only experience or family-style Japanese dining.
Sasa
8.5
Refined izakaya with a deep sake list and precise sushi execution. Locals use it for polished service, seasonal small plates, and special-occasion dinners downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri, Sashimi Platter, Crispy Rock Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Modern izakaya fare with a serious sake program and pristine fish.
Who should go: Couples and sake-focused diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for smoother seating
What to order: Omakase nigiri, sashimi platter, crispy rock shrimp
Insider tip: Use the nearby Broadway Garage for easiest validated parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at the Broadway Plaza Garage, less than a 2-minute walk. Street parking is limited and metered until 8pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale — collared shirts, dresses, or stylish denim acceptable. Avoid overly casual gym wear.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly even when full, with livelier energy near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating often opens first.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though seating is limited to the sushi bar and patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tempura, tofu, and vegetable roll options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 items can be modified; servers are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request; most sashimi and grilled plates can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, polished service, and intimate seating make it one of downtown’s best choices for an elegant first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed; walk-ins may find space at the sushi bar early evening or after 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the menu and atmosphere cater to adults, though well-behaved teens are fine for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Best for upscale Japanese dining with a deep sake list and polished ambience — ideal for dates and special occasions.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after fast casual sushi or value combos; pricing and pacing reflect fine-dining standards.
Sasa
8.5
Upscale izakaya in a restored brick space offering refined sushi and Japanese small plates. Locals use it for polished service, a deep sake list, and a downtown date-night setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri, Sashimi platter, Crispy rock shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Izakaya fare and sushi in a century-old downtown landmark.
Who should go: Couples and sake lovers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for smoother seating
What to order: Omakase nigiri, sashimi platter, crispy rock shrimp
Insider tip: Ask for a corner banquette to dampen downtown noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet service available at Lesher Center lot next door ($10–$12); limited metered street parking on Main and Botelho after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and dresses fit the vibe; avoid athletic wear.
Noise level: Moderate—ambient bar energy but conversation-friendly at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, bar seats move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; reservations not required midweek.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, salads, and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available and many sashimi options are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and shareable plates make it ideal for a relaxed, upscale first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but weekends often book out; the bar and patio are solid walk-in options.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—focuses on adult dining with a sake bar atmosphere; better suited for teens and older.
Best For
Better for: Refined sushi and sake pairings in a romantic downtown setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual takeout or large-group dining—portions and pricing suit intimate meals.