Ukai Japanese Bistro — Restaurant in San Ramon

I was eager with anticipation to try the food here as I had heard glowing reviews from family and friends. We were similarly hoping to try the food here as my father hoped to celebrate my fiancé's birthday here in a few weeks.

As someone who is currently employed in the food industry as a server with over 20 years of experience, I realize how customers can often be unfair of their assessments of certain scenarios in the restaurant business.

We arrived after the dinner rush, but not too close to closing as I admit I hate diners that stroll in the door 15-20 minutes before close. There was a scattering of tables, which were obviously done eating as their tables sat littered with dishes--usually a good indicator of poor service when staff cannot pre-bus tables. No new customers arrived for on site dining or any to go orders were picked once we were seated.

The menu had an abundance of selection. The server quickly arrived and we ordered edamame, miso soup, a bowl of rice, and chicken karaage to start, while we further reviewed the menu.

I requested that the edamame, soup, and rice come as soon as possible as my daughter was hungry. I also know from previously working at 2 Japanese restaurants that these are items that basically ready on demand. The miso sits idly all day in a warmer at serving temperature. An abundance of steamed rice sits in rice cookers ready to serve. The edamame are typically frozen and dropped into boiling water until thawed, which is 2 minutes tops process--a procedure i had performed thousands of times in the past myself.

We waited 20-25 minutes before the arrival of the soup and edamame were delivered. The side of rice never came--even after I requested it a 2nd time when the soup and edamame arrived.

Most Japanese restaurants have their own unique selection of specialty rolls, Ukai was no different. My fiancé and I selected 2 rolls, which we have never seen as an option at other restaurants. We put in a second order, which started with these 2 specialty rolls.

All of our food arrived, minus the 2 rolls. As we were eating our other food and anxiously awaiting our 2 rolls, the server abruptly announces the kitchen is closed and dropped the bill. The time is 8:45. Closing time is 9.

As a server, I can tell you this is the worst etiquette possible. You never drop a tab when customers are eating and especially when they are waiting on food to be delivered. Additionally, just as the bar, last call should be announced prior to closing the kitchen to allow for additional orders if not dessert, which we intended on ordering.

When the tab was dropped, I inquired about the 2 missing rolls, which illicited the response, "They are coming." 15 minutes pass by, the server returns to announce, "There are no more orders with sushi."

I explained again we had 2 more rolls that were missing. He asked which ones and I reiterated the rolls by name and that they were ordered first in our second order. He nodded and orally comfirmed that he remembered. He said, "Sushi closed" and then walked away without even an apology.

As I have explained, I work as a server. There are days when I have made mistakes, but I always apologize and remedy my errors. In this instance, even knowing my kitchen would hate me, I would have made the kitchen make the order.

Needless to say, we will not be returning for my fiancé's birthday or for that matter, Ever in the future!

I have advised those that have referred me of the experience and some have shared their own recent horror stories. APPARENTLY, Ukai is under new management. Others i have spoken to have apologized and admitted to drastically different recent experiences under the latest management and they too have vowed not to return.

For consistent quality Japanese with amazing service, go to

Blue Sakana Blackhawk 3496 Blackhawk Circle Danville, CA 94506 925-648-7838

We should have just stayed with our regular old faithful above as we...

I had a fantastic dining experience at Ukai Japanese Bistro, even though I visited on Valentine’s Day, when the restaurant was incredibly busy with both dine-in guests and a steady stream of to-go orders. Despite the rush, the staff was attentive and acknowledged the wait time, which made the experience more pleasant.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a comfortable, well-maintained, and clean setting. Even with the crowd, the restaurant had a welcoming feel, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.

The food was the highlight of the night—everything was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. I ordered the dinner special with extras, including chicken katsu, avocado sushi, seared salmon, miso soup, spring salad, and a spicy tuna rice cup. Each dish was delicious and well-balanced, with rich flavors and high-quality ingredients that stood out. The chicken katsu was crispy and tender, the seared salmon was perfectly cooked, and the spicy tuna rice cup had just the right kick.

Even though the food took longer than expected, it was well worth the wait. I look forward to coming back on a less busy night to fully enjoy the experience again.

Would I recommend Ukai Japanese Bistro? Absolutely. If you’re looking for fresh, delicious Japanese food in a welcoming environment, this is a great...

Ukai Bistro is easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area. We’ve been coming here almost every month, and it never disappoints. The chirashi bowl is incredibly fresh, and my daughter loves the California roll—now she’s switched to the caterpillar roll.

The service here is truly exceptional. My 5-year-old daughter and her friends often bring a bit of noise, but the staff is always patient and welcoming. One waitress even went out of her way to share some chocolate cookies she had bought for herself—such a thoughtful and kind gesture! (sorry i missed her name)

Occasionally, the restaurant offers trials of new menu items. Recently, we tried the Umi roll, a slightly spicy and flavorful option—perfect for those who enjoy sushi with a kick.

If I didn’t live 30 miles away, I wouldn’t mind coming here every week! Ukai Bistro is a family-friendly restaurant with delicious food, warm hospitality, and outstanding service. Highly...