Yoshi's Oakland

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llm97

Joined 4 years ago

Terrific place!!. This is a terrific place for Jazz and sushi with upscale atmoshere. They have a live stage in the restaurnt. While tasty, fresh sushi is being served, you can enjoy the live jazz. Try Spinach & Arurugula Kobe Salad, it really melts in your mouth. Small portion, but the food is impeccable.

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lkcoops

Joined 7 years ago

Great Sushi, Fun atmosphere. Took my parents here for Father's Day and we had a great time. I started with the Lemon Basil martini which was so refreshing and smooth. The scallops and ribs appetizers were outstanding. I had some of the best sushi I've ever had. My step-father had an interesting seafood tempura and my mom had some fish. Everyone loved their meal. And to top it off, the ambience was very warm and welcoming. The complaint I have is that the service is a la cart, which I've had before, but here there was a large gap between dishes. My parents were done with their meal before mine ever came out. But over all I give Yoshi's two thumbs up and I'll be back.

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charsie

Joined 5 years ago

Go for the music, ONLY. I've lived in the area for 10 years and have frequented Yoshis. It's a well known fact that you will have to share your table or booth, even if you put your name on a seat previous to the show. (People that haven't been there yet, please be forwarned, you have no choice but to share it,) Food and service will never be the reason to go to Yoshis in Oakland, however... the calibre of performers is always outstanding, and they give some locals and lesser known people perform there as well. They mix up the genre at times which has proven to be a good thing since there are a lot of evenings earlier in the week where they can still have a full house for the first show and you can turn on to some upcoming artists.

I went to Yoshis in the city for the first time to hear Count Basie Orchestra with Ledisi -- what a great show, AND I got to reserve seats! I'm going back again, and again, and again... Yoshis is 5* for music and great value!

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geebz74

Joined 6 years ago

Fairly Average Sushi. I can't comment on the atmosphere or the music but I did sample the food in the form of take out. It's your standard sushi fare but nothing really stood out. The bar staff was helpful with my order when the waitresses were useless. The folks that man the phones left a LOT to be desired also. I've never been put on hold for that long before.

Back to the food...I ordered the Rock and Roll, Spider Roll and Spicy Dragon. The first two were absolutely standard and uninspired. The Spicy Dragon, however, was delicious. It had just the right amount of spicy and very flavorful. It was delicious (did I say that already?). Overall, it isn't the best that I've had in the Bay Area but neither is it the worst. It's average.

Doesn't Recommend

jezter

Joined 6 years ago

Very overrated less than average experience. Hadn't been to Yoshi's for years, remembering them fondly from the old College Ave location(I know not actually college but very near). It has a very nice urban ambience, attractive setting etc.

The service however was atrocious! The drinks didn't arrive until after the main courses, one drink was incorrectly ordered but we just decided to let it go. The food was served up at totally disparate times and was bland and poorly prepared. The menu was limited and very expensive with very few choices for the non- sushi eater.

It struck me as a swank place that simply trades on its name and reputation for being a great jazz venue. You get the sense that they are doing you a favor letting you eat there which is an attitude I just can't tolerate. As far as the restaurant goes it was overpriced and underwhelming and when you throw that in with a less than attentive wait staff it's a place I never care to visit again!

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realfoodgal

Joined 6 years ago

Sushi was Fantastic!!. I love sushi and I eat out at sushi restaurants alot...Had never been to Yoshi's before but came because I learned that the chef from Ozumo had landed here. And boy was it worth it! The sushi was fresh and pristine. The other dishes were interesting and delicious. Finally, really great sushi in the East Bay!!!!

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hotsauce3000

Joined 6 years ago

The management is extremely incompetent!. I had a date this evening and wanted to experience the food (which has been improving) and catch the show. The waitress made a mistake and we did not recieve our food until 15 minutes before the show and the kitchen sent out an amuse to hold us over which is a plus and when the young man ("the runner") brought out the food I explained to him the situation and he totally listened and understood about being allergic to iodine (he is not even the waiter?). The manager (I believe his name was Ben) did not listen, I explained to him that the experience was ruined and I was willing to pay for the drinks and the apps, but would like to come back for the experience I was looking for and wanted them to take care of it, so I would not have a bad taste about the place. I was willing to give them another try but "Ben" told me sorry...we don't do gift certificates. Unbelievable! I was not asking for a gift...I understand mistakes happen in the kitchen and with the wait staff, but when the support staff know more than the manager??? This place has a big problem the service was okay and the food really has been getting better but this evening I found the people in charge ruined the evening, he could have not cared any less about us. This is a message to Ben, you should find another career you are the worst at the one you are in. Yoshis, I am sorry for you. Usually when I dine there it's much better.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A world-class jazz venue showcasing legends at their zenith and young turks on their way up.. In Short
This hip spot features a spare room dotted with sleek cocktail tables and cozy booths surrounding the well-lit elevated stage. Black-and-white photos of Miles Davis and other jazz greats peer down from the grape-colored walls. A top-notch speaker system pumps out the cleanest sounds this side of a Memorex commercial. Sushi appetizers are available in the lounge; for a full meal, folks arrive early and dine at the adjoining Japanese restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

nise1234

Joined 7 years ago

Good jazz club, close by parking lot. Great jazz club. The restaurant used to be good but no longer with the new chef and menu - also very over-priced. The tea wasn't even good, tasted like only hot water. The old menu, chef, and waitresses were much better. The food looks good, not tasty and cost too much. They changed the waitresses and it appears that they are too young - not experienced. Maybe they are cutting costs to open their second one in SF. Should bring the better food back and ask for donations from regular customers! We eat out most of the time and don't mind paying for good food but $100 for the meal we had should have only cost $30-35.

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d33ds23

Joined 7 years ago

Music is great. I love going to listen to jazz there, the night that i have gone have been really great. the lotus drink is really good too.