Best Japanese Restaurants in Livermore
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Cured Fish Bar
Oyster-and-crudo bar with precise Japanese-influenced techniques.
Notable Picks
8.6
Evening raw bar featuring oysters, crudos, and Japanese-influenced curing with a tight menu and thoughtful beverage pairings. It’s the most seafood-focused spot in town, best for small plates and conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Hamachi Crudo, Cured Scallop
What Makes it Special: Oyster-and-crudo bar with precise Japanese-influenced techniques.
8.5
Long-running sushi bar (since 1986) known for classic cuts, chirashi, and a quieter room suited to conversation. Locals book it for steady technique and a traditional sushi-counter experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama, Spicy scallop roll
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong sushi counter with traditional cuts and calm pacing.
8.1
Downtown Japanese restaurant best known for sushi but also serving a hearty pork-broth ramen. Good for mixed groups where some want rolls and others want a warming bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese Ramen (pork broth), Spicy Ramen, Tempura Udon
What Makes it Special: Full-service Japanese dining with a solid ramen option downtown.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Japanese-Hawaiian fusion counter that builds around oversized plate lunches—chicken katsu, poke bowls, and garlic shrimp portioned so leftovers are basically guaranteed. The draw is straightforward value math: big proteins, scoops of macaroni salad, and rice for a price point that rewards families and large appetites without cutting corners on the food itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu, Poke, Macaroni Salad
What Makes it Special: Japanese-Hawaiian fusion counter serving oversized plate lunches where leftovers are part of the deal
7.7
Casual East Avenue staple for generous rolls and quick service that still works for a laid-back date night. Portions lean value without sacrificing the basics—great if you’re splitting a few favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow roll, Combo sashimi (small), Crunchy shrimp roll
What Makes it Special: Reliable, good-value sushi with larger rolls and speedy turns.