30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Sushi in Walnut Creek
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Walnut Creek
Best Sushi Rolls in Walnut Creek
Best Seafood in Walnut Creek
Best Japanese in Walnut Creek
Best Sushi in Walnut Creek
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 3pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 3pm, 4pm - 9pm