Sasa

Michelle M

Really delicious cocktails and their sushi was delicious. We ordered the Hakkaido.

John Mogannam

Great sushi spot in downtown Walnut Creek. Place was packed the night we went, but we were still able to get seated at the bar and had a great time. Started off with some good drinks. I like the variety of Japanese whiskies they had on hand and my girlfriend had a really good cocktail. With that we had the tempura cauliflower and it was great! Perfectly breaded with a garlic aoli type sauce. We got the sashimi omakase which was so good and fresh. Good variety of fish including scallops and blue fin tuna. We followed that up with a couple of very tasty rolls as well. Atomosphere of the place was really nice as well and the service was on point. Definitely would go back here again next time I'm craving a suhi date.

Brian Taylor

This is a very special spot in Walnut Creek for sushi. Have been dining at Sasa for a number of years and have never been disappointed with the quality of their sushi and food. Easily some of the best and freshest sushi you will find in the Bay Area.

Jason Pribush

One of the best short ribs I’ve ever had! The broth was so flavorful.

M Ulrich

Top notch rolls, highly recommended. Great style and Aesthetics. Got a bit of attitude when skipping straight to rolls instead of following their small to larger dish concept, but it was all in good fun and our server was very cool. Will absolutely return and bring guests when they visit.

Kevin Booker

We came here for my wife's birthday with our baby in tow. The staff sat us in a booth so we could have a secure place for our infant carrier. There is a lively ambiance that I find is just right. It was loud enough that we didn't think our baby would bother anyone, but quiet enough that we did not need to raise our voices to converse at the table. The food was amazing. We ordered a cross section of food and shared it: Salad, ahi, black miso cod, sushi, and dessert. Every plate was beautiful, well composed, and delicious. If I have one critique it would be the pacing of the plates. We ordered everything at once. The salad came first, then our entree and sushi all showed up at the same time, crowding the table. For a restaurant of thia caliber, I would expect to have the plates more well paced to allow us to focus on enjoying each plate at once and bring the next one when we have or are about to finish the prior plate. Dessert was fantastic, if you find yourself strolling by here having already had dinner and fancy yourself a drink and dessert, pop in here for a glass of Barton and Guesiter and lemon ricotta doughnuts, or a bourbon and their bread pudding.

We had a lovely Sunday afternoon date night at Sasa. For ambiance, the restaurant has an upscale, modern vibe with earthy elements. There's a pretty water feature next to the front entrance which you can hear in the side patio. We requested outdoor seating. There is a front patio that butts against the street, and a side patio that's much more secluded and quiet. I noted that all of the couples were seated in the side patio, and a family was seated in the front, which I think helps keep the mood romantic for the couples. The food was mostly delicious, and had a high class vibe with fun flair. We tried the special soft shell crab bao buns and grilled octopus (with yummy romesco sauce). The soft shell crab was perfectly breaded and the buns were fresh. The scallop crudo and tuna tiradito were both very yummy, but we agreed the scallop needed a little more salt. We also got the sashimi sampler, which had high quality fish but was nothing special, and a spicy tuna hand roll. The spicy tuna came in chunks (not diced) with an intense garlic chili oil and bitter frisse. I think the balance was a bit off, and I would have preferred the traditional diced tuna to better distribute the spicy sauce. Overall, service was excellent. We were seated promptly and asked if we liked our table. Our server, a tall young woman, was really sweet and attentive. The only negative was that the hostess was wearing very intense perfume, which kind of killed the food vibe whenever she walked by to seat someone else. Sasa is a lovely spot with chefs and servers clearly putting in the work. It's a little pricey, but we'll be back again to see what new specials they're offering!

We went to dinner for my wife's birthday and we enjoyed the food very much. The lamb chops were very tasty and well put together with the array of pickled and enhanced greens that came on the side. The rolls were very well donne, the spider roll with the soft shell crab had an excellent crunchy texture and loads of flavor. The spicy salmon rice balls were also a great part of the daily special and if your dining together with friends would recommend getting more than one order. The only thing we could say about those is we wish we ordered more. The atmosphere was good, not super bright lighting and good music. For the service if being honest could have been a little nicer....when asking about a dish and details just saying "it's right there on the menu" is not what we were hoping to get. There was also a very nice gentleman that was a busser and he was incredibly helpful when the main waiter wasn't there. In an effort to tip him with cash we were told one of our bills could not be broken and did not make it to the bank that day. We will be back for the food and maybe next time will be treated a little nicer.

Very good sushi + cooked food restaurant (they have vegetarian, seafood and meat sections). Overall food was very tasty, and portion sizes were definitely smaller but still reasonably filling if you don’t mind eating less - it’s on the pricier side but the food was very tasty. It was a little bit slow? But the wait staff was very friendly. Would definitely return for sushi next time.

Japanese restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek with ample indoor space and a lovely outdoor patio. Came here on a Friday night without a reservation for a party of 5 and we were able to get seated rather quickly. Started off with the short rib dumplings and best salad. Both different options, the dumplings were very heavy yet flavorful. Although they were delicious I would not order again. The beat salad was divine, great combination of golden and red beats with walnuts and fried cheese. For our entrees we ordered a few sushi rolls, miso cod, and short ribs. Next time I would strictly order the sushi here as the cod and short rib dishes were a-la-carte leaving me still hungry after I finished my meal. The sushi was fantastic though, great flavor, good consistency, and creative rolls. The service was a little slow but all in all I will be back for the sushi and beet salad!!

Friday night we got in on the couch by the window with the street view that was really nice. Pleasant greeting of welcoming hosts and polite service explain the delay due to order backup. You can try some unite rolls here like “Walnut Creek” or casual but not “Dragon”. Inspiring interior design gives you that cool lounge vibe. Thanks for the good times and will see you soon.

Ari Jones

We had a lovely Sunday afternoon date night at Sasa. For ambiance, the restaurant has an upscale, modern vibe with earthy elements. There's a pretty water feature next to the front entrance which you can hear in the side patio. We requested outdoor seating. There is a front patio that butts against the street, and a side patio that's much more secluded and quiet. I noted that all of the couples were seated in the side patio, and a family was seated in the front, which I think helps keep the mood romantic for the couples. The food was mostly delicious, and had a high class vibe with fun flair. We tried the special soft shell crab bao buns and grilled octopus (with yummy romesco sauce). The soft shell crab was perfectly breaded and the buns were fresh. The scallop crudo and tuna tiradito were both very yummy, but we agreed the scallop needed a little more salt. We also got the sashimi sampler, which had high quality fish but was nothing special, and a spicy tuna hand roll. The spicy tuna came in chunks (not diced) with an intense garlic chili oil and bitter frisse. I think the balance was a bit off, and I would have preferred the traditional diced tuna to better distribute the spicy sauce. Overall, service was excellent. We were seated promptly and asked if we liked our table. Our server, a tall young woman, was really sweet and attentive. The only negative was that the hostess was wearing very intense perfume, which kind of killed the food vibe whenever she walked by to seat someone else. Sasa is a lovely spot with chefs and servers clearly putting in the work. It's a little pricey, but we'll be back again to see what new specials they're offering!

Evil pumpkin

We went to dinner for my wife's birthday and we enjoyed the food very much. The lamb chops were very tasty and well put together with the array of pickled and enhanced greens that came on the side. The rolls were very well donne, the spider roll with the soft shell crab had an excellent crunchy texture and loads of flavor. The spicy salmon rice balls were also a great part of the daily special and if your dining together with friends would recommend getting more than one order. The only thing we could say about those is we wish we ordered more. The atmosphere was good, not super bright lighting and good music. For the service if being honest could have been a little nicer....when asking about a dish and details just saying "it's right there on the menu" is not what we were hoping to get. There was also a very nice gentleman that was a busser and he was incredibly helpful when the main waiter wasn't there. In an effort to tip him with cash we were told one of our bills could not be broken and did not make it to the bank that day. We will be back for the food and maybe next time will be treated a little nicer.

Juan P

Very good sushi + cooked food restaurant (they have vegetarian, seafood and meat sections). Overall food was very tasty, and portion sizes were definitely smaller but still reasonably filling if you don’t mind eating less - it’s on the pricier side but the food was very tasty. It was a little bit slow? But the wait staff was very friendly. Would definitely return for sushi next time.

Lena Jennings

Japanese restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek with ample indoor space and a lovely outdoor patio. Came here on a Friday night without a reservation for a party of 5 and we were able to get seated rather quickly. Started off with the short rib dumplings and best salad. Both different options, the dumplings were very heavy yet flavorful. Although they were delicious I would not order again. The beat salad was divine, great combination of golden and red beats with walnuts and fried cheese. For our entrees we ordered a few sushi rolls, miso cod, and short ribs. Next time I would strictly order the sushi here as the cod and short rib dishes were a-la-carte leaving me still hungry after I finished my meal. The sushi was fantastic though, great flavor, good consistency, and creative rolls. The service was a little slow but all in all I will be back for the sushi and beet salad!!

SC

Friday night we got in on the couch by the window with the street view that was really nice. Pleasant greeting of welcoming hosts and polite service explain the delay due to order backup. You can try some unite rolls here like “Walnut Creek” or casual but not “Dragon”. Inspiring interior design gives you that cool lounge vibe. Thanks for the good times and will see you soon.

Ambiance and atmosphere and presentation is what you pay for. Everything was tasty but not knock your socks off braggadocio. We enjoyed the ceviche and lamb chops. I was in the middle of an interesting conversation when one of the staff kept interrupting and asking if I was done with my plate. That kinda killed it. I still tipped 30 clams tho.

Mike Picot

Ambiance and atmosphere and presentation is what you pay for. Everything was tasty but not knock your socks off braggadocio. We enjoyed the ceviche and lamb chops. I was in the middle of an interesting conversation when one of the staff kept interrupting and asking if I was done with my plate. That kinda killed it. I still tipped 30 clams tho.

I went with my husband for our anniversary. I liked the atmosphere and the service was fine. The problem was the food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Miso cod- Generous portion, prepared perfectly. Under salted. Agadadhi tofu- Nicely fried, under sauced Softshell crab boa- overfried and lacked flavor Geishi roll- overpowering spice Skewer sample- Overpriced and meh Onigiri- not crispy enough This place is very, very expensive for what you get and while not bad, it's not very good. I think there are a lot better Izakaya restaurants in Berkeley and San Francisco. We spent $180 without tip and I left feeling underwhelmed. Nothing to write home about. Lottie 's Ice creamery is next door. Wow, talk about good ice cream!

The Agedashi Tofu is labelled as vegetarian on the menu, but it has katsuo (katsuobushi) on it, which is fish. The sauce on the scallop ceviche was overwhelmingly strong, but even that didn't cover the fishiness of the scallops. The scallop nigiri was good, though. Overall, very disappointed with the food.

Stacey Roberts-Ohr

I went with my husband for our anniversary. I liked the atmosphere and the service was fine. The problem was the food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Miso cod- Generous portion, prepared perfectly. Under salted. Agadadhi tofu- Nicely fried, under sauced Softshell crab boa- overfried and lacked flavor Geishi roll- overpowering spice Skewer sample- Overpriced and meh Onigiri- not crispy enough This place is very, very expensive for what you get and while not bad, it's not very good. I think there are a lot better Izakaya restaurants in Berkeley and San Francisco. We spent $180 without tip and I left feeling underwhelmed. Nothing to write home about. Lottie 's Ice creamery is next door. Wow, talk about good ice cream!

Rodney Parker

The Agedashi Tofu is labelled as vegetarian on the menu, but it has katsuo (katsuobushi) on it, which is fish. The sauce on the scallop ceviche was overwhelmingly strong, but even that didn't cover the fishiness of the scallops. The scallop nigiri was good, though. Overall, very disappointed with the food.

Arturo R

Sasa is sadly overrated. No one enjoys writing negative reviews, but on occasion, one must. The restaurant was understaffed, the bartender was also our waitress, and she was literally running behind the bar to serve bar customers while running out to various tables to take orders, so even with her best efforts, service was lacking. We watched as customers attempted to flag down staff to order or ask a questions, but they were ignored. We received an order of black cod at our table that we had not ordered. It took some time to get someone's attention, but we eventually did, and he took the plate away, checked his computer, rolled his eyes, and delivered (the now cold meal) to another table. The couple was not impressed as they had witnessed the entire episode. The Garlic Edamame and the Lamb Chops were delicious, but everything else was too sweet. The Tuna Parfait was like a dessert and lacked complexity. The the fish on the Nigiri Sushi was wafer thin but tasty. However, Safeway take-out offers thicker fish slices and is just as good for 1/4th the price. The meal with tax and tip (it wasn't her fault the restaurant was understaffed) came to over $370.00 for two people. We won't be returning any time soon.

Ariana Andrade

The food at Sasa was absolutely excellent. Unfortunately, the service left a lot to be desired. It took nearly 20 minutes just to place our order, and we only saw our waiter twice—once to take our order, and once to drop off the check. What made it more frustrating was watching him give attentive, prompt service to other tables nearby. Especially at Sasa price point, guests deserve to be treated with more kindness and consistency. The experience of being overlooked took away from what could have been a great night. I would strongly urge management to ensure all diners are given the same level of attention and respect. Great food deserves great service to match.

Sasa is very expensive for the quality of the food that you get. Ahi tuna parfait ($26) - This came out literally a minute after we ordered. Basically a tuna crispy rice, but the rice on the bottom was cold and soggy, likely. Tasted ok but I would not recommend this. For the portion of rice, avocado, and fish you should just get a sushi roll instead. Agedashi tofu ($15) - 5 pieces of fried tofu with some mushrooms and bonito on top. Surprisingly bland. Yakitori ($14) - 2 skewers of chicken (thigh?) with a slice of lemon on the side. There wasn’t a lot going on with this dish, it’s not clear if this was even grilled. The sushi chefs were backed up according to our server. They were right— half an hour after our plates were cleared we decided to cut our losses and cancel the rest of our dinner and leave. Disappointing meal.

Tien

Sasa is very expensive for the quality of the food that you get. Ahi tuna parfait ($26) - This came out literally a minute after we ordered. Basically a tuna crispy rice, but the rice on the bottom was cold and soggy, likely. Tasted ok but I would not recommend this. For the portion of rice, avocado, and fish you should just get a sushi roll instead. Agedashi tofu ($15) - 5 pieces of fried tofu with some mushrooms and bonito on top. Surprisingly bland. Yakitori ($14) - 2 skewers of chicken (thigh?) with a slice of lemon on the side. There wasn’t a lot going on with this dish, it’s not clear if this was even grilled. The sushi chefs were backed up according to our server. They were right— half an hour after our plates were cleared we decided to cut our losses and cancel the rest of our dinner and leave. Disappointing meal.

This review is based off of their Valentine’s Day pre fix menu. We highly recommend not to go here for their Vday prefix menu. The service was incredibly slow, took about 15-20 mins from when we first sat down from when our waiter came over to take our drinks order and a long wait between courses. This was 100% a cash grab event for the restaurant. The portions/quantity of food you are being served is basically nothing. It was 9 courses but the food was incredibly basic and small. They started you off with a cold/warm clam miso soup. Then moved to a 2-piece okra and of spinach tempura. Then they served you one piece of sushi for 3 of the courses, to a tiny salmon tartar cup. Then ended it with a decent size dessert. That for $98 before tax and a 22% Valentine’s Day surcharge - plain robbery. I understand this is a busy night for restaurants, and I have no problem paying $500 bill (for 3 people + drinks), we are active Michelin star diners, but when you are paying this amount, one would expect good/decent service and not walk out of the restaurant still hungry. We will not return and advise others to stay away for a Valentine’s Day dinner. Not worth it. You’d be better off going to another restaurant to spend your money and where the service is better and not slow. Incredibly disappointed.

This review is for the valentines day 9 course fixed menu meal at Sasa. I booked this spot because I have been here on multiple occasions in the past and had good experiences in both food, service, and ambiance. My wife loves Valentines and I wanted to make it special for her every single year. Unfortunately, this visit was the exact opposite of what I expected. I booked our spot in advanced for the 7pm slot. We arrive and they had us wait an additional 15 minutes before they were able to seat us. After sitting down, we noticed that the table was filthy. The cloth was not changed out and was stained by some dark liquid. This is a bit understandable as this was a holiday event and things can be hectic. Unfortunately, to our surprise, that would be the least of our worries. It took them 20 minutes to even come back to our table to get our drink order. Then, it took ANOTHER 20 minutes for the FIRST dish to come out to our table. As it turns out, the dish wasn't the first one on the menu, and instead was a random one they happen to accidentally gave our table. From there, we had to wait an additional 20-30 minutes per dish which were jokingly small and we were able to finish in one bite each. Additionally, most of the dishes were out of the order listed on the menu. Luckily, it was pretty easy to tell what each dish was as none of the wait staff told us what we were receiving. After three hours, we still had not received some of our dishes and our waiter came back three times to ask us what we were still missing. After the third time, we gave up and just decided to get the check to leave as the food was so mediocre, it wasn’t worth the time to wait for another. On the check, they added a 22% "valentines surcharge" which was not disclosed on their pricing. I found out from other guests, after i had already paid additional tip, that the 22% was actually the tip. So basically we had a zero star experience for close to 400 dollars. This was by far the worst dining experience I've ever had. Food: 0 Service: 0 Ambiance: 0 I don't think I'll ever come back to this establishment and will recommend my friends and family to avoid it as well. After leaving, we felt so upset that we even gave this place our time and money.

Had the worst experience on Valentine’s Day. We had a reservation and still got seated 20 mins late. Then waited for another 15 mins at our table before asking someone to at least give us some water. We had to talk to the hostess to let her know we have not had a waiter come up to us since we got seated. A waiter finally got assigned to us and my husband ordered his drink. They gave us free champagne for the wait. Cool. Let’s give them a chance. Another 15 mins later, we got our first course. There was probably 10-20 mins between each course. Up until the last 3.. they forgot about us again and waited for roughly 30 mins until we flagged our waiter who was trying his best to keep up with demands. This is a management issue as they put way too many tables in one section and expect the waiter to serve them all. Anyways, we told our waiter we haven’t gotten any of the courses for 30 mins so he brought them out at the same time which was at least nice. What’s upsetting was when the bill came, they didn’t tell us that 24% gratuity was already included so we ended up tipping $50 more on top of the bill for one of the worst dinner experiences we’ve had. We were there for almost 3 hours and 2 hours of it was spent waiting.

Jamie Parker

We went here for my daughter's 16th birthday. We were seated in the back next to the bathrooms and the kitchen-- it was insanely loud, and just became louder as it picked up. The front and the outside area was a much more desirable place to sit. The server was almost inarticulate and didn't speak clearly or loud enough to hear, and we kept having to guess at what she was trying to say. Our sake tasted absolutely terrible-- 3 of us agreed as we all made faces after our sips. The food was just okay. My rolls were plain-- the sasa roll included-- the tuna barely had any flavor. And it seemed like the menu was limited. No soups besides miso. But what was terrible is 2 of us out of our party didn't get our rolls until everyone else was finish. And, one of the other servers hit me in the head with his elbow as they had the tables crammed in without much room for movement. The whole experience gave me a headache. I did NOT like this restaurant.