Washoku Guide
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San Francisco · Sushi · omakase

Sushi Sho

JapaneseOmakaseEdomaeKansaiTraditional

Sushi Sho is one of the Bay Area's most revered omakase experiences — a 6-seat counter in El Cerrito open only Friday and Saturday, run by Japanese master Aki Kawata since 1983. At $190 minimum per person, it offers strict Edomae and Kansai-style sushi with a single evening seating.

Price
¥¥¥¥
Area
El Cerrito
Since
1983
Chef
Aki Kawata
Sushi Sho — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, El Cerrito
Plate № 09
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About
Sushi Sho is a Bay Area institution that has flown quietly under the radar for over four decades. Chef-owner Aki Kawata hails from Wakayama, Japan, where he trained at his family's restaurant, and opened this El Cerrito counter in 1983. The restaurant seats just six guests at a time, with one sitting per evening on Fridays and Saturdays, creating an intimate and unhurried experience. The menu draws on both Edomae (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) traditions — pristine nigiri, seasonal fish, and chef's choice courses — delivered in the quiet, focused manner of Japan's finest small sushi bars. For serious omakase enthusiasts, Sushi Sho is considered a pilgrimage destination.
Neighborhood & visiting

Sushi Sho sits in El Cerrito, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • With just 6 seats and one seating per evening, Sushi Sho offers the most exclusive and intimate omakase experience in the entire Bay Area.
  • Chef Aki Kawata brings over 40 years of Edomae and Kansai sushi mastery to every plate, rooted in a tradition learned in Wakayama, Japan.
  • Open only Friday and Saturday, the rarity of a table makes each visit a genuine occasion.
  • At $190+ per person, the price-to-craft ratio rivals Michelin-starred counters in Japan.

Reservations are required and made online via Yelp. A $100 per-person cancellation fee applies within 48 hours. Children under 13 are not permitted. — Format: Omakase counter. Authenticity: Japanese chef-owner Aki Kawata, from Wakayama, Japan, has run this legendary 6-seat omakase counter since 1983, serving strict Edomae (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) style sushi with a single evening seating.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →

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Frequently asked

About Sushi Sho

Is Sushi Sho an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Sushi Sho is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
Where is Sushi Sho located?
Sushi Sho is located at 10749 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530, San Francisco, USA in the El Cerrito neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Sushi Sho?
Sushi Sho accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Sushi Sho?
Sushi Sho sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in San Francisco →Sushi in San Francisco →Authentic sushi worldwide →All cities →