Wasabi Bistro — Restaurant in Livermore

Where I live, there are a lot of wanna be Japanese restaurants. I tried to give them all a chance since I’m all for supporting local businesses. I would, however, drive a bit to get my money’s worth and my cravings satisfied. I’ve eaten on this place to celebrate so many birthdays, anniversaries and even on times when I’m down and I just want to feel good. Any excuse I can think of, if I’m being honest. For the quality and servings you get from this place, the food is very reasonably priced.

This place serves different kind of rolls, sashimi and sushi you can think of, good portions of bento boxes with meat teriyaki’s or salmon, and a very generous family platters to share, with size options good to feed two to 10 people. Last night, me and my hubby opted to order the soft shelled crab as appetizer and the medium shashimi specials. If it’s your first time, a small would be enough for two but since it’s our late lunch and early dinner meal, thus the choice of size. Our tummies and hearts are full after.

When you order a specials, you will get a side of soup, salad, rice and veggie tempura. I definitely recommend eating slow because those will be served way before the sashimi, and you don’t want to be too full too early.

The Medium specials got at least 50 sashimis (10 different kinds/5 of each), seaweed, scallops and some roes. If you come in as a large group, try the XL because those would include a very sweet shrimp. The taste is heavenly, you won’t be able to tell it’s raw at all. Save the shrimp’s head and I’ll tell you why below.

Like always, this place served a high quality sashimi. They were in perfect temp, not cold, not warm. Each one is sliced to perfect size and thinness/thickness. In my previous experience, even with rush hour, that’s always the case. The waiting as they prepare the platter is worth it as each bite is priceless. They were firm but springs back when pressed lightly yet melts in the mouth and never mushy or grainy at all. My hubby likes to dip it on a soy sauce with lots of wasabi while I like it with less of wasabi. There’s a side of pickled ginger to reset the palate also.

If you notice, there’s a fish head on the platter. If it’s available, it is not just served as part of the presentation but can be deep fried and drizzled with teriyaki for consumption. I do recommend taking picture and get it out for frying as soon as you can as deep frying takes a while. They usually serve it after the sashimi so save some rice and a space in your tummy if you want to enjoy the crispy fish. If you had the XL, the shrimp’s head can be deep fried as well.

Enjoy the pictures but nothing beats the real one so if you haven’t eaten in this place, definitely a must try next time you go out.

If you are a large group, go to this place right before opening time coz it can get...

Found this place on Google looking for a restaurant near the hotel family was staying at. What a gem!

The restaurant is located in a shopping center, with a unassuming store front, but like many small businesses, don't let that fool you. We walked in on a Friday night and it was full with a wait list (they use the Yelp wait list feature, you log yourself in), but there were only two parties in front of us and the wait was less then 20 minutes.

Once we were seated we shared an order of garlic edemame and gyōzas. The edemame was full of flavor with lots of fresh sautéed garlic, the gyōzas were crispy and the filling moist and yummy.

We ordered a number of rolls, two traditional, two cucumber wrapped - Rainbow, Dragon Crunch, SP Crab and Sakura and one Chicken Teriyaki Plate.

The fish was so fresh, prepared beautifully and presented elegantly.

Service was quick and everyone was so welcoming. Would definitely visit again if I'm in the Livermore area.

The shear volume of takeout and delivery orders in addition to a long wait list by the time we left tells me that many agree with me about the quality of...

Good rolls and combination boxes! Nice place to go to when we are in the Livermore area. We were a party of 12 and came right at opening on a weekend. Even though it felt long waiting for our food, everyone liked what they ordered so it was worth it! Our table got the following rolls: Lion King, Baked Scallop, Cherry Blossom, Hot Mama and Dancing Shrimp. My son who has dairy and egg allergies ordered the Dragon roll and they were accommodating to his questions. The “dinner” combination bento box (can’t get the lunch special as it’s only M-F) of beef teriyaki with California roll or tempura was great. Entrees like the Salmon teriyaki, Chicken katsu or Chicken Teriyaki were ate up by all the kids... definite thumbs up! Service was average for water refills and tea. Plus using the call button on the table...