Our team has scoured Concord’s culinary landscape, tasting countless bowls of ramen and delicate sushi rolls, to bring you this definitive guide to the city’s finest Japanese dining. Whether you’re craving authentic izakaya fare or modern fusion, these twelve spots represent the absolute best—and each visit can earn you valuable rewards with your Chase card.
Izakaya An Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (925) 338-2852 | WEBSITE
At first glance the menu at Izakaya An might seem straightforward, but it’s actually deeply authentic. There’s a clear commitment to quality ingredients—including seafood that the owner personally selects for perfection—throughout the offerings. And even if you’re not a regular at Japanese izakayas, it’s hard not to appreciate the traditional techniques and warm hospitality on display.
Their dedication shines in crispy karaage with just the right seasoning—served with a squeeze of lemon—and the delicate bowls of udon in savory broth paired with perfectly fried tempura. The restaurant’s cozy interior is a neighborhood favorite for relaxed evenings, including friendly service that makes you feel right at home.
Teriyaki Plus
$ | (925) 687-5555 | WEBSITE
This Concord spot looks like a quintessential neighborhood joint—all clean lines, with a recent remodel that makes it feel fresh and inviting—where you could get a solid teriyaki beef plate. And you can. But you can also dive into favorites like the crispy chicken katsu or the beef and pork rice bowl that gives you the best of both worlds, and be content in the knowledge that you’re getting consistently fresh and generous portions, since Teriyaki Plus is known for its quality and affordability.
Look out for the tempura or the California rolls. The Asian theme extends into its menu, from the savory japchae to the variety of sushi options that are satisfying but not overwhelming.
Hanabi Sushi
$ | (925) 969-9162 | WEBSITE
Japanese karaage, teriyaki beef, shrimp tempura: a meal at Hanabi Sushi might give you a craving for more. The cozy interior is decorated with classic sushi art and warm wood accents, and one bite of the crispy tempura will have you planning your next visit. Each bento box comes with a generous variety that hits your table with freshness when you open it up. Enough friendly staff will whiz by with sizzling plates of gyu-kaku in hand to make you order that too, and you’ll be glad you did.
The fish is fresh but the portions are substantial—accompanied by miso soup, salad, and edamame, this satisfying combination of flavors scratches an itch we didn’t know we had.
Sushi Momoyama
$$ | (925) 686-1888 | WEBSITE
This vibrant sushi spot in Concord feels like a culinary carnival from the moment you approach—the line forming before opening is testament to its magnetic pull. The lively atmosphere buzzes with energy, making the occasional parking challenge feel like a minor pilgrimage. Slip inside and you’re greeted by sleek, modern décor with warm lighting that highlights the bustling open kitchen.
At the counter, watch chefs craft the must-try rolls: the Momoyama with its perfect balance, the Caliente with a spicy kick, and the Volcano that erupts with flavor. Beyond sushi, the Bento lunch meals deliver consistent excellence, while Gyoza arrives steaming and crisp. Service here is top-notch—attentive without hovering—though be warned: on a Saturday night, this place hums with a crowd.
Yes, you might encounter a lukewarm miso soup or unfiltered tap water, but these are mere blips in an otherwise unforgettable experience. Come for the best sushi in town, stay for the vibrant ambiance, and leave already planning your return.
Benihana
$$$ | (925) 827-4220 | WEBSITE
Benihana helped pioneer the teppanyaki dining experience across the U.S. and remains the quintessential spot for entertaining Japanese cuisine. The hibachi-grilled entrees are particularly good and all prepared tableside, including tender steak and succulent shrimp featured in combination platters.
While there are other locations nationwide, we like Concord because of its private party room—it feels less like a restaurant and more like an exclusive chef’s stage complete with sizzling grills, flying utensils, and spare napkins for when the theatrics get a little too enthusiastic.
Tachi Sushi Bar
$ | (925) 672-1431 | WEBSITE
Tachi Sushi Bar opened years ago in a modest storefront that doesn’t hint at the spacious dining room inside. But unlike many sushi spots that focus on presentation over substance, this Concord restaurant actually serves incredible fish. Dress casually and comfortably, then order the hamachi kama and a couple of house rolls with a nice sake pairing. After your meal, linger at your table to appreciate the warm, bustling atmosphere.
Tachi Sushi is straightforward and unpretentious, but that’s precisely what makes it work so well.
Ozora Sushi Restaurant
$$ | (925) 691-6009 | WEBSITE
Ozora Sushi Restaurant is the Mount Everest of lively Japanese dining in Concord. All of the sushi rolls and sides are as fresh as they are delicious: the Sora roll with tempura shrimp and crab topped with salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, the Red Mango Roll, the Ceviche appetizer, plus favorites like the Angel Mama, Lion King, and Godzilla rolls. Beyond the sushi, Ozora has well-liked items like the Garlic Salmon Roll and Shrek Roll, alongside classic sides of gyoza and miso soup.
The restaurant maintains a consistently vibrant atmosphere, so now it’s busier, livelier, and complements the space’s bustling vibe and efficient takeout service. All that makes Ozora a phenomenal place to grab that quality sushi you’ve been craving for, or when you want to pull out the stops for something really reliable. All dining transactions during happy hour come with special deals.
Sushi Raku
$$ | (925) 288-9239 | WEBSITE
Don’t be fooled by the cozy wooden booths or the karaoke machine glowing in the corner, you have not wandered into a karaoke bar’s dining room. Welcome to Sushi Raku, a Japanese restaurant bringing authentic flavors to Concord, right down to the owner’s warm greeting at the door. If you’re looking to indulge your sushi craving and savor fresh, delicious fish, you’ll leave happy, but even the hearty ramen bowls, steaming with flavor, are amazing.
It might be tempting to continue the night with a song on the karaoke machine, but probably not after all that food.
Kansai Concord
$$ | (925) 446-4402 | WEBSITE
Kansai Concord has one of the better setups for catching the game on plenty of TVs, making it perfect for sports fans. Take in the lively atmosphere, and order at least two rounds of the John roll for the table (along with reliable udon if the late-night service has started). The best way to end a meal here is with the generous slab of dragon roll, perched on a clean plate, and covered with the holy trinity of delicious flavors, good-sized portions, and a relaxing ambiance.
Fuji Sushi Buffet
$$ | (925) 822-3043 | WEBSITE
At Fuji Sushi Buffet, you choose your rolls and sashimi, and they deliver the fresh fish right before your eyes on the sushi boat-style belt. We suggest any roll with the spicy tuna, where the quality of the tuna almost outshines the rice. Or the salmon roe hand roll, delicate and briny with an entire quail egg on top.
Conveyor belts periodically circle the room—eat here with your family and your dedicated waiter will bring hot appetizers to your table, if the grilled hamachi Kama wasn’t enough of a treat already. Resist the temptation to take all the specialty items from the counter on your way out. They’re available for ordering, so request them instead.
Mikuni | Concord
$$ | (925) 265-7660 | WEBSITE
If traditional sushi bars are the serene older siblings, Mikuni is the vibrant younger cousin who turned a fish market into a lively party and now has the whole neighborhood talking. That’s to say (stay with us): It’s a warm, nautical-themed restaurant always buzzing with couples sharing the $75 special for two and groups passing around lychee drops.
The tuna sashimi will hit you with a buttery richness that practically melts on your tongue, and, for something with a kick, get the spicy fried tofu with house sauce. Go for a date night or special occasion with friends so you can sample the extensive menu. When it comes to their cocktails, we like their Yuzu Margarita. Who knew that the secret to making margaritas better is yuzu? Of course Mikuni did.
I Love Teriyaki & Sushi
$ | (925) 680-0888 | WEBSITE
I Love Teriyaki & Sushi does lots of teriyaki dishes, but the highlight here is a full menu of sushi roll options. The tempura roll, for example, is dressed in crispy batter and fresh seafood, while an order of the ‘half and half plate’ gets made with sesame chicken and spicy chicken. When you add in a wide variety of tempura choices, excellent customer service, and its welcoming atmosphere, this spot makes for a perfect lunch date or catch-up spot in one of Concord’s busier areas.
