Iyasare - Berkeley, California

Anya S.

Iyasare has been my gastronomical 'happy place' on Fourth Street in Berkeley for years now. The staff embody authentic hospitality from the moment you arrive. When it comes to consummate customer service, elevated and artful Japanese food and specialty cocktails, Iyasare are at the top of their game!

Katrina M.

Enjoy the food here! I’m not a big fan of Ramen, but the one I had was so good. The Empire was also very tasty. We asked them to add prawns in it. The server was very nice and the aura was calm. I believe it was Michelin star rated a few years ago.

Candy N.

I absolutely LOVE this place! It's a place I meet with my mother a few times a year as she also loves this place.
The food has always been amazing. Some items do change but there are staple items that remain in the menu that I order each time I visit.
It may sound simple but I do love these miso Cesar salad. I also love and have to get the Kakiage Tempura with black tiger shrimp. This is a must get item. Get it without the shrimp if you cannot eat shellfish, it is still amazing. It comes with togarashi, seaweed and match to flavor it up more if wanted. The poppo yaki is another item I always order. The marinated squid is tender and delicious! Another item I like that is very simple but tasty is the agadashi tofu. From there many other items get ordered. Ikura rolls, uni, and tuna belly. They offer different ramen bowls and each is flavorful and filling. The Suzuki yaki (sea bass) is very moist. My wife tends to get the donburi bowls which are beautifully out together and fresh seafood. I usually end the meal with an order of the unagi but the desert change and are also delicious.
This is a must visit restaurant. It is pricey but the quality and service is worth it. The atmosphere is vibrant and ambiance is electric. They offer bar seating, indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are needed.

Leticia Q. C.

Amazing Asian Restaurant in Berkeley

I celebrated my birthday at this fantastic Asian restaurant in Berkeley, and it was an unforgettable experience. Of all the dishes we ordered, the shrimp kakiage tempura was my absolute favorite—perfectly crispy and packed with flavor!

Every dish was incredibly flavorful, and the drinks were refreshing and tasted amazing.

The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive. A perfect spot for a special occasion or any day you’re craving exceptional food!

steph B.

Exquisite menu. Perfect portions. The fruit salad is outstanding, and the persimmon pudding cake is sublime. The wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and unobtrusive. The heated patio with the festive streetlights overhead creates a wonderful atmosphere.

Susie W.

The best sushi in Berkeley for a lunch, group dinner or celebration is on 4th St - at Iyasare. Mention Iyasare to anyone who knows it to hear their reaction.

You've never seen vegetable tempura like theirs (check out the photo). The sushi rolls are incredible - here you see a yellowtail / hamachi and snow crab roll. The sushi fish is so fresh and expertly prepared.

The teas are so interesting and calming. The ambiance elevating.

However it's the team-based, attentive, 5 star quality service that will transport you to another time and place.

Max K.

A Japanese restaurant with vibrant and variety menu items from ramen, sushi, sashimi, to Japanese salads, and veggie options.
Food is fresh and delicious. Location is great for hangouts and shopping.
Service might be a bit slow but responsive.
Indoor and outdoor patio seating.
Good for kids, seniors, meetup and couples.
There are free parking and paid street parking available but still may be difficult depending on timing.

Matt

It was a wonderful experience dining at Iyasare this week, from the staff to the food and the atmosphere. We had various items, but the Iyasare Tempura, sashimi and Japanese pancake really stood out. Exquisite!