Ukai Japanese Bistro - San Ramon, California

Oscar G. I.

Walked in here with a group of 9, the management was extremely accommodating. Every dish we ordered was great. Being a Texan, we don’t get Japanese cuisine to this level. The location is a bit hidden but Google Maps will get you there. The pricing was very fair especially for the quality. I would definitely go back again next time I’m in the area!

Vlad G.

Been going to this place for years.
Always was good,not a single time of disappointment.
Earlier this year the management has been changed. We were sceptical,if the quality remains.
Surprisingly,it became better.
Food quality is pristine. Service is a tip notch,even during busy hours.
Despite the fact there are quite a few sushi places within a half mile Ukai wins!
Thanks you team!
Please, keep it up.

Rohosen B.

Went here for Valentine’s Day Dinner. Since it was a special night the restaurant was understandably very busy and we had to wait despite making reservation. But that’s totally acceptable. The Junmai daiginjo sake that we ordered was real nice and smooth. We ordered few different sashimis as well as nigiris all of which were very fresh and very delicious. Gyoza was a good appetizer. As a dessert green tea mochi was really good too. Overall great authentic Japanese food. Will visit here in future to try other items on the menu.

Jonathan L.

I had a fantastic dining experience at Ukai Japanese Bistro, even though I visited on Valentine’s Day, when the restaurant was incredibly busy with both dine-in guests and a steady stream of to-go orders. Despite the rush, the staff was attentive and acknowledged the wait time, which made the experience more pleasant.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a comfortable, well-maintained, and clean setting. Even with the crowd, the restaurant had a welcoming feel, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.

The food was the highlight of the night—everything was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. I ordered the dinner special with extras, including chicken katsu, avocado sushi, seared salmon, miso soup, spring salad, and a spicy tuna rice cup. Each dish was delicious and well-balanced, with rich flavors and high-quality ingredients that stood out. The chicken katsu was crispy and tender, the seared salmon was perfectly cooked, and the spicy tuna rice cup had just the right kick.

Even though the food took longer than expected, it was well worth the wait. I look forward to coming back on a less busy night to fully enjoy the experience again.

Would I recommend Ukai Japanese Bistro? Absolutely. If you’re looking for fresh, delicious Japanese food in a welcoming environment, this is a great spot to try.

William T.

Found this small Japanese restaurant while looking for some places to eat after playing pool nearby. The menu is quite extensive and I definitely would like to come back and try other things, but tonight was just about sushi. I had the Chirashi bowl which was certainly plentiful with a great variety of fish. It was well worth the price and I would certainly get it again. And a couple of orders of nigiri of unagi and uni. The uni was above average. I certainly have had better but I wasn’t unhappy about it. Overall I will definitely come back again to try more.

David G.

The quality of the sushi at Ukai Japanese bistro is truly top-notch, with each role showcasing an elegance that is both visually appealing and delectable. What impressed me the most was how the rolls weren't drenched in heavy sauces. Instead, they allowed the freshness and natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, creating a harmonious balance that often is hard to find. The crow Canyon roll, in particular, was excellent. If you're a sushi enthusiast looking for a place that emphasizes quality and artistry in every dish. I highly recommend visiting Ukai Japanese Bistro in San Ramon.

Raj P.

Best American-style sushi I've ever had, all the rolls - baked, fried, and regular rolls were phenomenal. We also got the tempura - the tempura legitimately reminded me of the tempura I've had in Japan, it was extremely well-fried. A true hidden gem in San Ramon!

Yeonhwa S.

This place seriously never disappoints
It was a hot day but their fish was super fresh. This is really important to me since I'm pregnant right now and can only eat a selection of fish and everything we had was super fresh and clean.

Their servers are all very attentive even though they're usually super busy. They stopped by multiple times to check if we need anything, refilled our water without us having to ask, etc.

They have a huge parking lot too.