Reviews - Kirala

One of the top Japanese spots in the East Bay, I vainly refused to eat here for years because they had a wire hanging across the K of their sign and I figured i... read more One of the top Japanese spots in the East Bay, I vainly refused to eat here for years because they had a wire hanging across the K of their sign and I figured if they didn't have the wherewithal to correct that how could they possibly provide me with delicious sushi. Fast forward years later, they remove the wire I ate there, and it was wonderful. Super Fresh sushi and sashimi, and my favorite, something I did not even know existed, tofu custard. A little bit on the pricey side, but a great place to visit when you want to take somebody out for a special date

I haven't found a downside to this place. Yes, a line forms but it's not too crazy. I've arrived right at five and got a seat immediately. Arriving around seven... read more I haven't found a downside to this place. Yes, a line forms but it's not too crazy. I've arrived right at five and got a seat immediately. Arriving around seven will cause a little bit of a wait, but there's a bar and they serve food off the robata. I've tried almost everything and highly recommend the spider roll, squid off the robata (order two if your with someone, because sharing its NOT an option), blackened cod (recommended by the waitress and now will always be on the order), and the wagyu beef is cooked to perfection. Not heavily seasoned and automatically cooked to medium rare.

Robata barbecue dishes are always excellent. This time I had a Saturday lunch special Bento box with fog grilled cable a finger of Tonkatsu, both excellent. Ope... read more Robata barbecue dishes are always excellent. This time I had a Saturday lunch special Bento box with fog grilled cable a finger of Tonkatsu, both excellent. Open for brunch Sat Sun. No more lunch Tue thru Fri. Dinner Tue thru Sun.

Really fresh food with quality preparation. We loved everything we tried. Definitely expensive for the amount but. Service was fast and polite. read more Really fresh food with quality preparation. We loved everything we tried. Definitely expensive for the amount but. Service was fast and polite.

Always excellent sushi, even through the pandemic. This evening with Conrad as chef caring for us we had the tenderest slices of fish and intricate accompanimen... read more Always excellent sushi, even through the pandemic. This evening with Conrad as chef caring for us we had the tenderest slices of fish and intricate accompaniments that made the fish sing, or zing!

Your Robata is the best. You have a really good selection of robata articles to try. Shizo chicken, asparagus beef, eggplants... try it and you'll love it. Your... read more Your Robata is the best. You have a really good selection of robata articles to try. Shizo chicken, asparagus beef, eggplants... try it and you'll love it. Your sushi is okay, not spectacular. I had better fish in pleasant. Rolls are standard. Also be prepared for the long waiting period, there are no reservations.

Kirala is not for the cheap esser. Japanese food costs more than average, and Kirala is at the higher end of prices. I had to wait 30 minutes, and I came there... read more Kirala is not for the cheap esser. Japanese food costs more than average, and Kirala is at the higher end of prices. I had to wait 30 minutes, and I came there before the wait got bigger. The ambience is beautiful, with a modern feeling. I was pretty sure the sushi reels will be small as most noble Japanese places seem. I ordered a California roll, rock and roll and a tuna and avocado roll. I was right because they weren't too big. They taste very good. The seaweed around the sushi actually added sushi taste and texture. The Californian role seemed like it had real crabs or something because it tasted better than the typical one. I really enjoyed all the roles, although it was very filled. A damn shame it costs so much money just for a few small rolls. They have excellent food and a beautiful atmosphere, but the long waiting period and the high prices bring the experience easily. Good place for a nice date, or if you like pamper yourself in fine Japanese food (and you have the money to burn).

While I enjoyed the sushi every time I'm here, I'm annoyed by the long wait and I could never get full without breaking the bank. I remember that the amaebi (sw... read more While I enjoyed the sushi every time I'm here, I'm annoyed by the long wait and I could never get full without breaking the bank. I remember that the amaebi (sweet shrimps) was great and the fried shrimp heads with which they came were also delicious. There's some fun biting in small heads...

I will be liberal with the ahemists and give this place a 4 because their food is good. Was that worth a long wait? I'm not sure. Good Japanese food, but it ten... read more I will be liberal with the ahemists and give this place a 4 because their food is good. Was that worth a long wait? I'm not sure. Good Japanese food, but it tends to be hyped as AMAZING and I don't really know about it, seems overestimated. Go to Joshuya on Dwight and Telegraph. It is not so unusual, but who needs pleasure if you can have beautiful ambience with great taste and cheaper prices?

I have been dining at Kirala Restaurant since 1990. The food is consistently fresh and delicious. read more I have been dining at Kirala Restaurant since 1990. The food is consistently fresh and delicious.

I recently had the chance to eat at Kirala Restaurant, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the sushi and sashimi. Honestly, I was impressed by... read more I recently had the chance to eat at Kirala Restaurant, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the sushi and sashimi. Honestly, I was impressed by...

My partner and I live near Kirala and we always smell the delicious barbecue and yakitori coming from their kitchen. We decided to finally walk over and try it... read more My partner and I live near Kirala and we always smell the delicious barbecue and yakitori coming from their kitchen. We decided to finally walk over and try it out.

OMG! Just had my first experience here. Wanted to treat myself. The moment I walked in, the smell of food excited me. Asked for Sapporo and they have it on draf... read more OMG! Just had my first experience here. Wanted to treat myself. The moment I walked in, the smell of food excited me. Asked for Sapporo and they have it on draft! Told the waitress what I like for sushi and she recommended a roll. AMAZING! She also asked if I’d like an appetizer, sure! Got the Saba. OMG! Was cooked perfectly! My waitress was Sagan and was a gem! I just left thinking, “That was sooo good!” I’ll be back for HH and with a friend! Thanks guys! Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Roll, Saba

The fish was fresh and tasty, and the green tea ice cream paired with bean paste was delicious. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 read more The fish was fresh and tasty, and the green tea ice cream paired with bean paste was delicious. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4

Kirala has the best sushi I've ever had. I also love their cha soba, miso, sunomono, house sake (chilled), and nigiri. Be sure to get there 10-15 minutes before... read more Kirala has the best sushi I've ever had. I also love their cha soba, miso, sunomono, house sake (chilled), and nigiri. Be sure to get there 10-15 minutes before they open because people line up in advance to get a table. Worth it! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Kirala, a longtime Berkeley institution, has the best sushi I have eaten anywhere! Great to go at lunchtime, when it isn't too crowded and there's no line. In t... read more Kirala, a longtime Berkeley institution, has the best sushi I have eaten anywhere! Great to go at lunchtime, when it isn't too crowded and there's no line. In the evening, expect a line out the door. It does move somewhat quickly. You can choose to wait at the bar where you can eat a more limited menu or hang on the line and talk to your companions and others from the neighborhood. It's the only restaurant that doesn't take reservations where I will eat. It's worth it