Shimizu Cuisine — Restaurant in Oakland

If you’re old enough to read, “Where everybody knows your name…” and immediately finish the rest of the intro song to Cheers, then Shimizu Sushi is for you. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you’ll love it too, promise.

I’ve been coming to Shimizu long enough for the staff to ask about previous relationships and my family, congratulate me on my engagement, notice changes in my hair, and not bother to ask if I’d like a large hot sake upon arrival - because I do.

The fish is always fresh. The staff is always kind - except for the one guy who would rather be at a basketball game, but I’ve known him so long his apathy is comforting. And the food is legitimately delicious. As far as expenses over the last decade go, I think Shimizu has earned a line-item in my monthly budget.

Reluctantly, for the first time in 10 years, I’m looking for “my new spot.” The only reason it is 4 stars is because their prices have gone up exorbitantly since the beginning of COVID. Not 5% or 10%, but close to 50%.

Initially I thought, “sure, inflation” but then went to other sushi restaurants that are just as good and a single roll is far less than $18 (it was about $12 at Shimizu before the pandemic), they are $13.50 or $15, max.

So if you are like many in the Bay Area and a very casual $60 dinner for one on a Tuesday isn’t a concern, then go here. Seriously. It’s a fabulous, casual, family-friendly restaurant with staff that will get to know your name.

5 stars for 8:10 years. 4 stars today....

Shimizu used to be a great spot to go for mid-quality sushi for a reasonable price. Not the kind of quality fish you'd get at Kirala or Kamado in Berkeley, but also not the price tags either. Now, Shimizu is MORE expensive than even the premium sushi spots. For example, chirashi is now $28.50, which is $3 more than Kirala, Kiku, Kamado, and Mitama, all of which are PREMIUM sushi spots. I'm no snob—mid-tier sushi is a great meal when it's affordable and accessible, but I just can't afford this, and there are better options elsewhere. I understand that thanks to covid, places have been struggling a lot and prices have gone up, but unfortunately these prices are just too high to justify me ever coming back in. If I can get better quality fish at a cheaper price elsewhere, there's just no reason to pay $11.50 for a philly roll. I hope Shimizu is able to find alternative solutions to making ends meet because the current pricing doesn't seem sustainable to maintain their...

Shimizu far exceeded my expectations for a Sunday sushi craving at 8pm. I don't write many reviews unless I feel particularly strongly about it and this is one of those times. The staff were very friendly despite us rolling in 30 minutes prior to close and the restaurant was surprisingly full of patrons giving early indication of their ability to draw a crowd of people. This food was incredible. From the asparagus beef being a lovely grilled beef option to the 18 pc sashimi platter full of enormous and fresh pieces of fish everything was exceptional. The highlight of the meal was "dessert" being two pieces of toro that melted in the mouth with an explosion of flavor. I would rate this place 10 out of 10 if I could it was that good. I'm leaving the area unfortunately but I will make it a point to return here whenever I'm...