Hanazen

If you want truly authentic Sushi, this is the place to go! I am so happy Hanazen is so close to us. This restaurant is truly a gem of Orinda. I hope they stay in business for a long long time haha We went recently for my husband's birthday and we had a blast. Each sushi was delicate and delicious, and the chef and his wife made sure to explain all the dishes to us in detail (what kind of fish it is, what kind of sauce/salt is used, etc.) It was quite a pleasant experience overall and we will definitely going back often. They are a bit pricey but I feel like that's expected with high quality Omakazes. There is a parking lot in the plaza but also a lot of street parking. It's walking distance from Safeway too so parking shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS. It is a very small shop, run by the chef and his wife only. They only accept people under reservations.

Authentic, Edo style? Only 8 per night. Small but good quality. For the amount of sushi you get, the price is affordable.

Best sushi ever! Such a hidden gem in Orinda. Since we moved to the area last year we've been searching for our go-to sushi place. We tried walking in once and were told to make a reservation. A year later we finally made a reservation and did the omikase, chef's choice tasting menu. OMG, was it delicious. It's a small two-person operation - literally just the sushi chef and the hostess. It's too pricey to come weekly, so I used my friends' birthdays to come back and they both loved it as well. All the fish is so fresh, delicious, and imported from Japan. You will not be getting California rolls and unagi here! All types of nigiri of fish I've never had before and not a single one that any of us disliked. Even the sushi rice is extra delicious.

One of the top quality sushi places in the US. It serves Edomae sushi which is more traditional sushi than that served in the usual Japanese restaurants. Fish is seasonal and is chosen by chef Kenji. The seafood is very fresh. He seasons it to perfection to highlight the uniqueness of each sushi. There is no need for any additional soy sauce or wasabi. The typical 12-piece sushi is heavenly. If you have that with drink, you should budget about $110 per person (including tax and gratuity) for a sushi quality that is rare to find elsewhere. It is a small family restaurant run by a Japanese couple. They have been serving top-notch sushi in Orinda for 15 years. There is no walk-in. Reservation by phone well in advance is a must. I had to book my place about 4 weeks ahead. It you come on a weekday, you still should book at least 2 weeks ahead. I can tell from their expression that they are serious about making world class sushi and providing a dining experience that you can’t find elsewhere.

Cozy and relaxed restaurant where the food takes center stage. We enjoyed our 18-piece omakase experience. The variety was very diverse. Aji, Tai, Tako, Ikura, Bonito, White Tuna, Amberjack, Scallop, and Uni to name a few. The quality of the ingredients really shined. My wife and I used very little soy sauce. In fact, we only used a small amount when instructed by our wonderful hostess, Coco. The flavors were clean and subtle. Not overpowering at all. Also, the service was outstanding. Coco walked us through each piece and told us how Chef Kenji prepared the dish. I highly recommend giving Hanazen a try if you enjoy omakase. However, this is not the place for you if you're looking for rolls, anything seared, or sushi covered in heavy sauce.

This restaurant is an absolute gem—a true slice of Japan right here at home. As someone who constantly craves the authentic flavors of Japan, I was thrilled to find a place that captures the essence of its cuisine so beautifully. The sushi was nothing short of exceptional—fresh, expertly crafted, and bursting with flavor; especially the Sakura salt! Beyond the incredible food, the owners made the experience even more special with their warm hospitality and genuine passion for what they do. Every moment spent here felt welcoming and wholesome, making it more than just a meal—it was an experience to remember. I appreciate them for making my birthday a memorable one and I can't wait to return!

Great omakase experience offering exceptional value. Initially comprising 18 pieces of exquisite nigiri sushi, additional pieces can be added after the initial serving. Each bite （almost）has its distinct texture and flavor. Standouts include the tako nigiri, smoked salmon with yuzu jelly, fluke seasoned with cherry blossom salt, nodoguro, negitoro hand roll, uni/squid hand roll, and more. They have inventive flavors and deliver a wow factor. I highly recommend sitting at the counter to talk with the chef. He is knowledgeable and kind.

Hanazen oferred some of the most delicious fish and housemade seasonings I have ever tasted. The service was incredible and the food was beyond memorable. Be sure to call and make a reservation for a meal you won't soon forget.