Best sushi ever! Such a hidden gem in Orinda. Since we moved to the area last year we’ve been searching for our go-to sushi place. We tried walking in once and were told to make a reservation. A year later we finally made a reservation and did the omikase, chef’s choice tasting menu. OMG, was it delicious. It’s a small two-person operation – literally just the sushi chef and the hostess. It’s too pricey to come weekly, so I used my friends’ birthdays to come back and they both loved it as well. All the fish is so fresh, delicious, and imported from Japan. You will not be getting California rolls and unagi here! All types of nigiri of fish I’ve never had before and not a single one that any of us disliked. Even the sushi rice is extra delicious.

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Update – been coming back for 10 years now. It’s pricey so we keep it to birthday or anniversary celebrations. We even got take out during the pandemic. Every visit includes fish that you will not get at a regular sushi restaurant plus some even more rare fish that are seasonal. It’s really our favorite, special meal.

What an amazing experience. Some of the best sushi we’ve ever had. Everything was so tender, flavorful and carefully prepared. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an omakaze!

Cozy and relaxed restaurant where the food takes center stage. We enjoyed our 18-piece omakase experience. The variety was very diverse. Aji, Tai, Tako, Ikura, Bonito, White Tuna, Amberjack, Scallop, and Uni to name a few.

The quality of the ingredients really shined. My wife and I used very little soy sauce. In fact, we only used a small amount when instructed by our wonderful hostess, Coco. The flavors were clean and subtle. Not overpowering at all.

Also, the service was outstanding. Coco walked us through each piece and told us how Chef Kenji prepared the dish.

I highly recommend giving Hanazen a try if you enjoy omakase. However, this is not the place for you if you’re looking for rolls, anything seared, or sushi covered in heavy sauce.