Hanazen

One has to learn to appreciate how Coco and Kenji choose to run their business and their individual personalities. They take a lot of pride in the quality of their food and sake, and they do not cut corners! Once they get to know you, you can expect a sushi experience that is consistent time after time and with what you would expect in Japan. It is small restaurant, casual, and it is memorable.

A few things come to mind....

1. Hands down the best sushi rice I have ever tasted. Light, clean, not mushy. The seaweed is also roasted and crispy and not moist when you bite into it.
2. Eye opening sake experience and proper pairing with food. Coco does not mess around with sake/food pairing. You will appreciate the free education, so do not be afraid to ask her for recommendations.
3. Monthly sake dinners are extremely fun time! Reward yourself once in awhile and appreciate the seasonal sakes with seasonal Japanese food.
4. Getting to know the regular customers. Have met really interesting people here.
5. Special menu items I have never seen anywhere. I am not talking about all the goofy rolls (tuna and peanut butter roll, etc) you see elsewhere. Rather original items such as tender cooked octopus, smoked mackerel, etc.
6. Kenji is probably the most authentic sushi chef I have ever met. He apprenticed in Japan and it shows he work under the eyes of a Master.

Do not fall for the sour grapes review I read below. If any sushi bar has declined over the years, its Kirala. I have been a loyal Hanazen customer for a number of years, and will remain so long into the future. Don't expect them to kiss your ass, they don't have too. They food and drink stand on their own.

Remember this is just Coco and Kenji doing everything....give them credit for their passion and commitment to keeping this running. I would be lost without them!

Hanazen has been in business for eight years.  I don't know why I never ventured out to this small intimate Japanese restaurant in Orinda so close to home after all these years. I've been to Serika  at Theatre Square in Orinda  plus many others and to Jo's Sushi Bar in PH for the past 10+ years.  Maybe it was due to the fact that Hanazen only serves dinner.

I like their concept of making reservations.  We usually dine on a Friday which is usually a busy night with most restaurants.  However, Hanazen  is great for us to enjoy a quiet and unrushed meal without feeling that they need to turn tables.

I've been wanting to try Yume in Alameda, but they do not take reservations.  You have a chance of waiting in excess of 4 hours if you happen to get their 3rd seating after waiting in line at 4:00 p.m.  

We tried Kappa in SF and we also liked it, but parking and the drive into the city on a weekend can be an issue.

I've only done the omakase plus a few appetizers at Hanazen and it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences for someone like me who loves nigiri sushi.

Many thanks to the couple who run this place and we intend to visit as often as we can when we have that sushi craving!I

We've been going to Hanazen for a few years now. It's small but everything is fresh.  If you're in the mood for high-quality, authentic sushi and great Sake in the East Bay, this is the place!