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Wayne's Sushi Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Wayne's Sushi Bistro
8.3
Neighborhood bistro with a broader seafood menu and well-built specialty rolls. Portions are generous and rolls like Pink Lady or Lion King keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pink Lady Roll, Lion King Roll, Uncle Rock Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Large-format specialty rolls with crowd-pleasing flavors.
Who should go: Groups sharing several rolls
When to visit: Friday early dinner before the rush
What to order: Pink Lady, Lion King, Uncle Rock
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar to request off-menu roll tweaks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking in the Bernal Ave retail center; fills up quickly on weekends but nearby overflow lots are available.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos are fine, but many guests dress slightly upscale for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing during peak dinner hours but still possible to converse comfortably at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and veggie tempura rolls are consistently available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 maki options without fish or mayo-based sauces; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available upon request; some rolls can be modified to avoid soy sauce and tempura batter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the warm lighting, friendly service, and sushi bar seating make it an easy first-date setting that feels approachable but still special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; on Fridays and Saturdays, walk-ins should plan for a short wait or sit at the sushi bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; there’s a few cooked options like teriyaki and tempura, but it’s more of an adult evening spot than a family restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Generous specialty rolls and a relaxed neighborhood feel compared to smaller omakase-style spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for minimalist sushi or chef’s tasting experiences—this is more about crowd-pleasing rolls than refined technique.
Wayne's Sushi Bistro
8.1
Popular shopping-center bistro with a wide sushi list, hearty portions, and friendly service. Expect a lively dining room and a menu that works for both sushi fans and cooked-dish orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, Baked mussels, Omakase sushi set
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Big-portion sushi favorites and accommodating service at busy peak hours.
Who should go: Groups and roll-forward sushi fans
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid the rush
What to order: Lion King Roll, baked mussels, omakase set
Insider tip: Servers can customize heat levels and sauces—ask for tweaks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot within Vintage Hills Shopping Center—ample spaces, though it can fill up around dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; comfortable attire is fine for a neighborhood bistro setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner; conversation remains easy at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during peak hours; call ahead for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls, tofu, and udon options.
Vegan options: Limited – can request rolls without mayo or fish sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free soy sauce available on request; several sashimi and rice bowl options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent choice for a relaxed, low-pressure first date—friendly staff and a warm neighborhood vibe, though not particularly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are accepted; just expect a brief wait on weekends during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available and plenty of cooked dishes that appeal to kids and non-sushi eaters.
Best For
Better for: Groups seeking hearty sushi rolls and friendly, attentive service without downtown prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet omakase or fine-dining sushi presentation—this is more casual and lively.
Wayne's Sushi Bistro
8.4
Since 2015, Wayne's has become a Pleasanton favorite for generous portions of ultra-fresh sashimi and creative specialty rolls. The chirashi don features thick slabs of premium fish, while their omakase sets showcase the chef's daily selections with impeccable knife work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Don, Omakase Sushi Set, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Exceptionally thick cuts of sashimi at moderate prices
Who should go: Serious sushi lovers seeking generous portions
When to visit: Weekday lunch for deals, dinner for full menu
What to order: Chirashi don, omakase sets, spider roll
Insider tip: Ask about the daily specials - often features premium fish at great prices
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot in Vintage Hills shopping center, can get tight during dinner rush - overflow street parking available
Dress code: Casual to business casual, anything from jeans and nice shirt to work attire fits in
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical Friday/Saturday, call-ahead seating recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 5-10 min during 12-1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie rolls, tempura options, and inari available
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, veggie tempura (confirm no egg wash)
Gluten-free options: Partial - sashimi and nigiri safe, bring your own soy sauce, no tempura
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, shareable plates encourage conversation, and the $$ pricing won't break the bank. Request a booth for more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually yes, but Friday/Saturday after 6pm expect a wait. They don't take reservations but do offer call-ahead seating 30 minutes before arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, kids love the California rolls and chicken teriyaki. Staff is patient with families, best before 7pm when it's less crowded.
Best For
Better for: Sashimi lovers wanting thick, generous cuts - portions are notably larger than other local spots at similar prices. The chirashi don is unmatched locally for value.
Skip if: You want trendy fusion rolls or all-you-can-eat options - head to Nikuya for AYCE or Origin for more creative rolls. Also skip if you need a full bar beyond beer/sake.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm