Osaka Marketplace — Attraction in Fremont

This place is a very much needed addition to the local supermarkets. Like a lot of people here, we've been going to markets in Japantown in San Jose or the Mitsuwa market in Saratoga for over 30 years to get specific Japanese groceries that we simply couldn't get in Milpitas or Fremont without going to multiple places. Regardless of who actually owns this place, they set it up right for a Japanese market. Sushi-grade fish, ready to buy and make your own sushi? I'm not even sure you can get that at the Mitsuwa market. Gardening seeds for Japanese vegetables?? Pre-made pork and chicken katsu, ready to fry?? Most of these things you won't find at other Asian markets.

The prices are relatively low to high, depending on what you get, but if it's something you have to drive over 50 miles to get somewhere else, they're right to charge more for it. If it's too much, don't buy it. My wife and I have shopped at Asian markets in the area (we live less than 3 miles from this place) for over 25 years and many things were cheaper than other local markets, including common items for Vietnamese and Korean food (nuoc mam and Korean BBQ sauce). Every sign I saw as in English and Japanese. It was easy to figure out what everything was to get what we wanted.

Everywhere we looked, everything was very clean, very neat and tidy, and every person working there was very friendly. It is busy, as it should be with what they are offering, but not excessively busy.

Spread the word, this place is for real and deserves all the business we can give it. The cashier I talked to told me she lived a mile away and didn't even know...

Osaka marketplace replaces the old 99 Ranch in Milpitas. I'm glad that finally, we have a good Japanese grocery store in Fremont / Milpitas area. I must admit that the price in Japanese grocery is always slightly pricier than regular Asian grocery. Nonetheless, I love the decent variety that they have in store.

The mochi donut at the front of the store was the first thing I attracted too. You can order fresh mochi donut using the touch screen but check the fridge section for discounted mochi donuts first! The mochi donuts were chewy and good! However, the topping flavor tasted the same for all of them (except the matcha which was good).

They also have ready to eat snacks & bento. My favorite is unagi & salmon mayo onigiri - good taste & decent price. I saw lots of people bought unagi bento - I might grab it the next time I go there. They also have selections of sushi. The california roll and shrimp tempura roll are each $7.99 and they are ok.

My absolute favorite is the sashimi section! If you love salmon, the salmon sashimi is a MUST! The salmon is not fishy at all and the texture is just exactly as the one in sushi restaurant. I highly recommended the salmon sashimi for its good price & restaurant quality! I tried the tuna sashimi too and it was as good as the salmon! In fact, I went back to Osaka marketplace THREE times in 2 weeks just to buy...

Fremont and the southern east bay now has a full fledged Japanese supermarket. It seems to be gaining in popularity as more people find out about it. And perhaps as a result, their shelves are stocked with more items.

They have large fruit and vegetable section. At the back of the store is an extensive section of Japanse sake, beer, wine, scotch, liquers, drinks. It's impressive...go check it out.

At the other end is a fantastic selection of sushi rolls, sashimi grade seafood (salmon,Hamachi, tuna, hamachi,uni,squid,clams,classic, Wasabi etc) party trays. Everything you need to prepare or host a sushi party at home.

And at the front to the right is a small food court. The menu above the counter doesn't show all the things they make. Order at the easy to navigate touch screen, pay and pick up latr at the counter.

Apparently you can buy the prepared food items at the checkstand and bring them to the food court to eat. They even have a small microwave available to heat things up.

Bring a friend or friends, buy a sushi roll or rolls or even a platter, some drinks and eat on site. It's a great deal.

People might say the other Japanese markets in the bay area are better, but for those living in Fremont, Milpitas and North San Jose, Osaka is good destination if you're looking to purchase Japanese...