Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Sushi/Utzutzu
San Francisco · Sushi · omakase

Utzutzu

JapaneseOmakaseEdomae SushiMichelin GuideIntimate Counter7 Seats

Utzutzu is a Michelin Guide–recognized seven-seat sushi omakase counter in Alameda, where Ginza-trained sushi chef Joji Nonaka — who apprenticed at Tokyo's legendary Kyubey restaurant — presents a 19-course okimari dinner with fish sourced almost entirely from Japan.

Price
¥¥¥¥
Area
Alameda
Since
2021
Chef
Joji Nonaka
Owner
Chikara Ono
Utzutzu — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Alameda
Plate № 11
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About
Utzutzu, the latest venture of Kyushu-born restaurateur Chikara Ono, opened in 2021 in a small second-floor space on Alameda's Park Street in the location formerly occupied by Yume. The restaurant's name and concept reflect Ono's characteristic blend of personal history and Japanese craft — with just seven seats and two nightly seatings, the experience is defined by intimacy and precision. Sushi chef Joji Nonaka is among the most pedigreed in the Bay Area: he trained at Kyubey in Ginza, widely considered one of the greatest sushi restaurants in Tokyo, before moving to Morimoto New York and then ICHI Sushi in San Francisco. His okimari set dinner ($100 per person) unfolds over approximately 19 individually presented courses — two rounds of chef's sushi selection (counterclockwise then clockwise), seasonal kitchen courses by kitchen chef Asuka Uchida, and dessert. Fish is sourced primarily from Japan, with Nonaka meticulously slitting and preparing each piece and brushing accenting flavors in lieu of raw soy or wasabi. The Michelin Guide has recommended Utzutzu for its combination of transcendental fish quality and intimate service.
Neighborhood & visiting

Utzutzu sits in Alameda, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Chef Joji Nonaka trained at Kyubey in Ginza — one of the most prestigious sushi restaurants in Tokyo — bringing a level of sushi pedigree to Alameda that rivals any counter in San Francisco.
  • The Michelin Guide–recognized 7-seat counter is among the most intimate and exclusive dining experiences in the entire Bay Area, with only two seatings per evening.
  • The 19-course okimari dinner at $100 per person represents extraordinary value for a sushi experience at this level of craft, sourcing, and technique.
  • Fish sourced primarily from Japan with individual preparation technique for each piece — Nonaka slits each cut and brushes accenting flavors rather than relying on soy — means every bite arrives exactly as intended by the chef.

Reservations are essential; call the restaurant directly for bookings. Only 7 seats and two seatings per night (5:30pm and 8:00pm). The space is on the second floor with no elevator access. — Format: Omakase counter. Authenticity: Sushi chef Joji Nonaka trained at Kyubey in Ginza (one of Tokyo's top sushi restaurants), then Morimoto New York and ICHI Sushi San Francisco; owner Chikara Ono is from Kyushu, Japan; fish is sourced mostly from Japan via Water2Table; Michelin Guide–recognized.

Links
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Frequently asked

About Utzutzu

Is Utzutzu an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Utzutzu 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 Utzutzu located?
Utzutzu is located at 1428 Park St Ste B, Alameda, CA 94501, San Francisco, USA in the Alameda neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Utzutzu?
Utzutzu does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Utzutzu?
Utzutzu sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
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