In Novato, a truly great Japanese meal conjures specific images: the precise sear on a piece of nigiri, the whispered promise of ‘uni,’ and the quiet debate over whether to use chopsticks or dive right in with your fingers for that last perfect bite of gyoza.
Sake 107
$$ | (707) 241-7580 | WEBSITE
Two words describe the sushi at this Japanese restaurant in Sonoma County: impeccably fresh. The 107 special is a delicate masterpiece that melts in your mouth. And the salmon skin hand roll offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. But the heavenly Basque Cheesecake is what keeps us returning for dessert every time we celebrate here.
Taki Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (415) 883-2423 | WEBSITE
Taki Japanese Restaurant is rightly famed for their excellent katsu, but the chicken teriyaki dinner (served with salad, soup, and white rice) is yet another reason to visit this local favorite. The teriyaki is grilled to order and packed with savory sweetness from the traditional sauce. Enjoy every bite alongside the hot tea you’re greeted with, then get a side of seaweed salad or tempura to complement whatever’s left behind.
Fuji Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (707) 778-8600 | WEBSITE
The Chicken Katsu from Fuji Japanese Restaurant may look a little plain, but this ‘must-try’ dish as Fuji describes it, proves that simplicity is sometimes better. There’s no fancy sauce, no elaborate presentation, no special seasoning blend—just fried chicken with a crunchy panko coating and tender, juicy meat at an unbeatable price. An occasional piece or two may be too crispy, but we’d still argue over the last bite.
Madcap
$$$$ | (415) 453-9898 | WEBSITE
Traits we look for in a great tasting menu: creativity, flawless execution, and ingredients that speak for themselves. The Michelin-starred experience at Madcap in Novato possesses them all. But their true superpower lies in the dry-aged Flannery ribeye with its beautiful crust. Just one bite will make your taste buds celebrate (and will compel you to urgently signal for another slice).
Don’t worry, everyone else in the intimate dining room will be doing the same—this spot is an innovation-centric extravaganza.
Matsuyama Restaurant
$$ | (415) 209-9823 | WEBSITE
Matsuyama Restaurant in Novato is a hidden gem tucked among redwood trees and we’re so glad we found it. The sushi is incredible, hard stop. A teriyaki beef and tempura combo runs about $18.95 (the $24.50 special includes a fresh oyster appetizer). They also have a variety of traditional dishes to choose from, but some of our favorites include the tender teriyaki beef, the crispy tempura, and the ramen bowls with that delicious broth.
Heads up, outdoor seating under the bonsai trees is first-come first-served.
Village Sake
$$$ | (415) 521-5790 | WEBSITE
Ask us to tell you everything we love about Village Sake, and we’d start with, ‘There’s just not enough time in one meal.’ Here’s the truncated version: This downtown Fairfax spot has incredible beef tataki and salmon sashimi, a nice slightly casual elegance, and an indoor-only dining room that’s perfect for special occasions. And, obviously, their amazing and melt-in-your-mouth omakase nigiri, which they offer at $60 for 7 pieces, a solid selection that’s cheaper than ordering à la carte.
Masa Sushi
$$$ | (415) 892-0081 | WEBSITE
Masa Sushi is a reliable alternative when you find yourself facing the inevitable lunch rush at the more popular spots nearby. They also have a Bento box that’s packed with enough variety to satisfy any craving—along with a reputation among regulars for serving some of Novato’s BEST Japanese food (at the very least, it’s a strong contender in the area). Perfectly balanced and a bit on the traditional side, the meal is all-around excellent.
Sushi Holic
$$ | (415) 898-8500 | WEBSITE
The vegetarian dragon roll at Sushi Holic comes dangerously close to the best in the Bay Area. It shares the same qualities—fresh, flavorful, and wrapped in a delicate soy paper that practically melts in your mouth. After a thorough taste test and a little bit of debate, we’ve placed this family-owned Novato spot as a close second due to a bit more complexity in some Oakland versions.
But you don’t need to endure a cross-bridge drive to get their rolls, and you can enjoy the lovely bamboo decor that transports you while running errands at nearby Target.
Arigatou Japanese Food To Go
$ | (415) 453-8990 | WEBSITE
We’ll eat anything wrapped in chicken Katsu, so we embrace these boxes. The jumbo bento boxes (only one per order) are the best meals you’ll have at this beloved family-run Japanese spot (serving the community for over 30 years). They arrive steaming from some kind of glaze like teriyaki or Katsu sauce, and are carefully packed with rice or California rolls (depending on the day), and what tastes like an entire tray of perfectly fried chicken.
Order one per person or prepare to share your spicy shrimp rolls before you leave.
Sushi Tri
$$ | (415) 382-9988 | WEBSITE
This Novato sushi spot specializes in high-quality rolls and is great for big orders (the 49’er roll for $18.95). If your sushi goals are less ambitious, opt for the Alaska roll for $12.95. The menu has a bunch of different options, but there isn’t a wrong choice. Go for the dragon roll, which has the right amount of richness and some heat from the spicy mayo, or spicy tuna tacos all the way if you don’t need your meal wrapped in rice. Everything comes with attentive and friendly service.
Tenkyu
$$ | (415) 460-0207 | WEBSITE
Tenkyu is a cozy, family-run Japanese spot in Novato that has excellent sushi and a warm, welcoming vibe. But the real standout here is the bento box, specifically #6. The bento is generous, fresh, and well-balanced, with perfectly seared tuna, fluffy tamago, and a side of honey soda that pairs just right. There’s the classic Spicy Tuna Roll, the Scope Special, and more.
The bento runs about $18, a price we can get behind, especially since we like to linger over it on a relaxed date night or a quick lunch with friends, sipping sake without any sense of rush.
ALOH-O
$ | (415) 306-7111 | WEBSITE
The poke bowls at this quick-service Japanese spot in Novato are generous, customizable creations that arrive in portions that could rival Mount Fuji. They’re also complete winners that aren’t overly complicated or expensive. While ordering them loaded with the fresh tuna or a not-too-sweet teriyaki sauce is always a worthwhile move, go for the classic spicy mayo bowl for maximum flavor.