Yakko
650.960.0626This sushi bar two blocks off Castro street attracts a loyal following, despite getting far less foot traffic than the restaurants on the main drag. It specializes in traditional Japanese sushi.\n\nGerry, one of the sushi chefs, used to work at Toshi's SushiYa. He's happy to answer questions or t ... more »
This sushi bar two blocks off Castro street attracts a loyal following, despite getting far less foot traffic than the restaurants on the main drag. It specializes in traditional Japanese sushi.\n\nGerry, one of the sushi chefs, used to work at Toshi's SushiYa. He's happy to answer questions or teach you about the finer points of sushi, and if you share some sake with him, he might tell you stories about serving sushi in Japan.\n\nTheir specials range from Spanish mackerel (aji) to fried crabs the size of a quarter (sawagana).
3 Reviews
"I'm a sushi fan so some friends took me there. The fish just wasn't as fresh as I am used to. I would put my favorite grocery store deli up for comparison and bet on the grocery store to win. We got there late in the evening (30 minutes before closing) and the staff seemed annoyed, or maybe their feet hurt."
"Sushi Tomi may be better-known, but Yakko is the best sushi bar in Mountain View. The fish is good-quality, fresh, and tasty. It's obviously been well cared for, and we noticed that the fish had been carefully set out so different varieties of fish didn't touch and create off-flavors. The rice in the nigiri sushi is packed fairly loosely, making a less-dense, tasty base that complemented the fish much better than the dense wads of rice I've had elsewhere. The portion sizes are reasonable, too -- some high-end sushi places will skimp on the portions, but Yakko resists that temptation. You get more fish for your money here. Also, the head sushi chef is very friendly. For the best experience, sit at the sushi bar and ask him questions about the fish. You'll learn a lot."
"I think I must have eaten in a dozen or so sushi places in the silicon valley. Yakko had the best sashimi and the friendliest sushi master. Don't go for anything too complex or fancy - just plain old wonderful raw fish will do the trick."