- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Miyuki
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
452 E Lake AveWatsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1620
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
62 reviews for Miyuki
Review Highlights
"Try the scallop dynamite, mmmmmm, it is food heaven."
(in 4 reviews)
"I love family owned and operated restaurants."
(in 5 reviews)
"The tempura batter is light and crispy."
(in 11 reviews)
Loading...
62 reviews in English
-
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
10/22/2011 7 photos
Miyuki's was the highlight of our relaxing day off to enjoy both our birthdays. Miyuki-san served up some delicious fare right in front of our eyes and we even got to "kanpai" with him which made me so happy... I met Miyuki-san a couple Obon Matsuris ago and I've been meaning to try out his spot for 2 years now and I finally got to make out to Watsonville.
He served us some refreshing sunomono cucumber salad topped with squid shrimp which got our juices flowing. The unagi, octopus and amaebi (my fave) were delicious and prepared beautifully, my gentleman friend and I even finished all of the sweet prawn's fried head, literally! Miyuki's surprised us with some delicious chawan-mushi which are probably in my top ten of favorite Japanese dishes. Steamed to perfection but I've never had one like this... it was stuffed literally with all kinds of goodies like shrimp, unagi, edamame, spinach, fish and more... I was in food heaven. It was so hot and I have a cat's toungue and I still devoured mine before my gentleman friend touched his... it was too hot.
The gyoza were the perfect and bite size. Pure meat and no extra fillers... spot on and went obviously well with the gyoza tare.
Oyster shooters... probably the tastiest that I have ever experienced. I could probably have a dozen on my own and I just might the next time I visit. Fresh little oyster (perfect size), uzura no tamaga (quail egg), green onions, ponzu (citrus soy) topped with what looked like Momiji Oroshi or spiced grated daikon. So lovely!
We ordered the Tatsuage because fried chicken Japanese style is one of my favorite foods of all time and it was amazing. We enjoyed a cold Kirin during our meal that was good but not as good as all the food around us. We finished with not one but two bowls of ice cream... Rainbow Sherbet and Cherries Jubilee both from Marianne's one of the best ice cream parlors ever!. He went all out and really made us feel at home. Thank you Miyuki-san! I can't wait to come visit and can't wait to drink with you and your wife at the Obon Matsuri 2012! -
Review from Janet L.
Hercules, CA
11/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Came here for lunch 3 days in a row to order their chirashi bowl or bento boxes. Food's good and prepared by an actual Japanese dude.
Make sure to order the chawan-mushi - steamed egg with assorted fish and veggies. Such a delight! Felt so authentic eating it. -
Review from Nathan W.
Alameda, CA
10/26/2011
Nice family-run Japanese spot. The Bay Area could stand to have a few more places like this one, and less of the crap that passes for sushi joints than we do...
This isn't the biggest restaurant in the world, and will pack out at peak times, so keep this in mind. The service is friendly and efficient, but it took a little bit longer than it should have for my food to be served...
The food itself hit the spot. I ordered a three-item bento, a steal at $10.50, and was quite pleased with the portions. Although the menu mentions three slices of sashimi per order, I was given five. The tempura was great, and not greasy at all. The four pieces of California roll didn't necessarily impress, but then these things seldom do. Miyuki has earned its popularity... -
Review from Suzy D.
Updated - 1/5/2012
Came here again while visiting during Christmas and it was amazing. The ama ebi was great and they fried the heads of the shrimp and served them as well. We also go the oyster shooters. Yum! The chirashi was also a very generous portion of fresh fish. Thanks Miyuki for so many delicious meals!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/3/2011
This is the best Japanese food in Santa Cruz. Growing up in California, my family ate here a lot. I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Luis R.
Watsonville, CA
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small Sushi place but IMO better than imuras or sushi garden.( I like imuras/sushi garden too) the scallop dynamite are a must have and their spicy tuna hand roll also is a must
-
Review from R C.
Santa Cruz, CA
9/22/2011
Best sushi on the planet. I can't eat sushi anywhere else. It's never as good as Miyuki's. The staff is super friendly and the service is fast, even when they are busy. This is the real deal fresh sushi with perfectly cooked rice.
Domo Arigato Miyuki's -
Review from Freida D.
Santa Cruz, CA
7/22/2011
WOW after seeing all these 5 star reviews I need to go back and see why I hated it so much!
I found it dirty, dingy and unfriendly.
The sushi was just average or even bellow average. Nothing special at all.
I will be going back soon and will post my new review.Listed in: sushi
-
Review from Paula E.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011
TWO GIANT YUMMS UP!
Notice that the bad reviews are about the place being crowded or the service not being up to par. Yes, it is small and there will be a wait during prime dining hours especially on the weekends BECAUSE it is GREAT food. Period.
The sushi and the teriyaki here are better than any we have had in major cities. Miyuki has set our standards so high we usually are disappointed when we travel which is often.
So if you don't have the stamina or patience to wait for an incredible authentic Japanese meal, do the rest of us a favor and don't go here. Less wait for us.
By the way I don't understand about the poor service one reviewer mentioned. The service has always been great and I have been coming here for 20 years! -
Review from Pumpkin K.
Santa Cruz, CA
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
We've had sushi dinner here before (it's busy, get there early and be prepared to wait!) and we had catering (pick-up only) for our rehearsal dinner. The catering was great, they were very helpful and the food was fantastic.
-
Review from Daniel M.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/3/2011
YES!! Miyuki is awesome!! Don't expect romantic ambiance, it's a family-style place. Family owned and Chief has been making sushi longer than most of us were alive. He knows what he is doing. I've been going here for 10 years and they always remember us and take care of us. Also, they can suggest rolls or create what you want, just ask.
My favorite thing there is the SCALLOP DYNAMITE. You have to get it if you've never tried it. It's cooked scallops, mushrooms, cheese and oyster sauce baked together in a shell. It's to die for. Sashimi style sushi is excellent. My first choice for sushi in Santa Cruz county, and that's saying a lot, probably because it's comfortable and familiar at this point. -
Review from Groovy K.
Capitola, CA
7/16/2011
I am going to have to readjust the ratings of some of the Japanese places I have dined at after cause this place has set the bar. This place is 5 stars as in "Woohoo! As good as it gets!".
I am glad that we went early cause the place was packed shortly after we arrived. Our server was very friendly and engaged us about the sushi menu. The place is real clean and I appreciate the efforts they made to enhance the decor, such as the potted bamboo outside all the windows.
We ordered 6 rolls and it came for 35 dollars. They all were very delicious and we (2 of us) enjoyed the flavors of each roll.
The only downside is that this is not closer to where I live. -
Review from Greg G.
Watsonville, CA
4/3/2011
Went to eat here for my birthday last year.
When we got there, they were putting up Christmas decorations and getting festive.
When they found out it was my birthday, they brought me some sake bombs. YUM!
We ordered our food, which came pretty quickly.
The food was amazing!
My only gripe would be there is limited parking. -
Review from Noel R.
Watsonville, CA
8/25/2011
The food made me sick! How's that for good not very flavorful and they use way too much rice on their sushi rolls! There is variety but nothing that really jumps out. If anyone says it's the best it's only because they're used to sushi from 7-11 or some other gas station. There is a way better place to get sushi in watsonville with a better atmosphere too!
-
Review from Luis L.
Monterey, CA
9/1/2011 1 photo
Bomb ass sushi. Loved their 11 piece nigiri. Photo attached. Note that I took it to-go, so presentation should not be considered as items may have shifted during transit. ;)
-
Review from Isabel H.
Watsonville, CA
8/8/2011
This little place packs a huge punch! The food is so fresh so amazingly good and prepared perfectly! Downside is, its a bit pricey. Hit it up at lunch its cheaper. I love going on a cold day because its always so warm and cozy in there, and the service is so sweet. MUST CHECK IT OUT :)
-
Review from Omar O.
Watsonville, CA
8/7/2011
The place is small but the food is delightful. Not a large selection of drinks but the food never fails. They also have great sherbert!
-
Review from Ashley G.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/1/2011
Ok this place is not too good. It's not too bad either. I feel guilty giving this place two stars because out of 5 it seems a little harsh but the definition rating for 2 stars is "Meh. I've experienced better"....and frankly I have. I didn't leave the restaurant totally unsatisfied or upset but don't think I'll go back again.
-
Review from Ketie A.
San Jose, CA
6/21/2011
I decided to have my birthday dinner at this place based on my co-worker's recommendation. I made a reservation for party of 8 at the same day around noon. When we arrived, we had to wait another 30 minutes to be seated (if nor more..). Which is kind of a downer in my opinion since I have made reservation.. But it's a small restaurant and the number of tables is limited, so no big deal. The thing was that we never heard anything like "the table would be ready shortly, sorry for the wait..." But I guess it is usual for this particular place. We finally got seated and started ordering! I was disappointed that they were out of oysters! Which I heard are amazing and one of the most popular dishes to this restaurant and I was very excited to try it. But no luck :( Over all the food was great, the service was quick and efficient and we had a good time here. I do have to come back and try these oysters one day.
So the one star off is for the considerably long wait, even though reservation was made and their lack of oysters... :) -
Review from Allegra I.
San Jose, CA
11/20/2007
I like Miyuki, but it gets one star taken off because it's so small.
This place is family owned and run and is a good little place to grab lunch. I don't like coming here for dinner because it is always super crowded.
Their lunch time bento boxes are good. You have the option of 2 or 3 different options within the box. I like the tempura or any of the teriyakis.
The sushi here is good as well. They don't have alot of fancy mixed rolls like a lot of restaurants, but that is nice. My favorite roll there isn't on the menu, but just write it on the bottom of paper you order your sushi on. It's called the Pajaro roll, give it a try!Listed in: Sushi Extravaganza
-
Review from Kathleen H.
Beverly, MA
Updated - 6/26/2008
Got a huge take out order here with the family yesterday(the softshell crab appetizer was very very good), and spared myself the usual search for Sake at the local liquor joints by asking - do you sell bottles for take out?
They do. And good kind, too. I have no idea why I didn't think to ask before.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/7/2007
It's great that this place is already listed - I've loved it for years and it deserves to be on… Read more »
-
-
Review from Daddy O.
Long Beach, CA
8/16/2007
I love family owned and operated restaurants. Even if they suck, there's a soft spot in my heart for them. I feel this way about Miyuki. Adequate food, great atmosphere.
The interior is minimalist, tiny, and cramped, like a good sushi bar ought to be. Tables are simply adorned, and really there's nothing "fancy" about this place. It's just a vibe you get when you come in. I've ordered many things off the menu different times and have always been just sort of appeased, but never delighted by their offerings.
The friendliness of the owners and staff is nearly unrivaled, and that's really what keeps me coming back. (That and my coworkers who refuse to go anywhere else.)Listed in: Santa Cruz Sushi A-Z
-
Review from Aaron L.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/20/2009
Let's face it, hoity-toity japanese restuarant decor is lame, and tends to conceal mediocre sushi. When you find a place that doesn't need to top everything with a miniature tile roof, you're onto something good.
So what is this place about?
Wonderful, delicious Sushi, in what is one of the least assuming boxes (get it?). The best sushi I have had in Santa Cruz County. The other dishes are good, too, but the sushi is the standout. Mind you, I am a nigiri guy -- fancy rolls are nice, but they an be used to hid lackluster fish. With nigiri, there is no hiding.
Decor? Feh! Decor is for weak-wristed lazy eaters who need to be distracted from the food on their plate and the company they keep. The place is small, one wall is covered in mirrors, but you know what? It doesn't matter, because the sushi is DELICIOUS.
I am really out of things to say at this point. There isn't a rolls menu that goes for days. The portions are normal size. The food from the kitchen is good. But I have yet to have had japanese food that I can strongly differentiate from one place to another (does anyone else have this problem?)
Prices are firmly in the reasonable category. Considering the quality, I suppose I could say it is a good price then, given most places that cast aspersions to offering this product ask quite a bit more.
They have a disco ball. Come for your birthday, and the lights will be turned down, and the ball will come to life. Does it make sense or increase the ambience? Not really, but where else do you see that?
So just go, order some nigiri, and enjoy. -
Review from Trevor S.
Watsonville, CA
6/29/2011
Ok to good sushi here. It's close to home.
-
Review from David R.
Pleasanton, CA
10/4/2008
While this may be the best sushi restaurant in Watsonville, if you are coming here from the Bay Area (where there can be a dozen good sushi restaurants in each city), this is far from a good sushi restaurant.
Less than great food and seemed expensive for what we got.
We won't be going back here.....ever. -
Review from marcel s.
Watsonville, CA
Ive been living in watsonville for a while now and i just barely started eating here.passed it a lot of times and always thought "i gotta try that place one of these days".well when that day came i wasnt disappointed at all! bento (lunch) box which is pretty much their lunch menu was really good,well portioned and priced just right.ive been hearing about their sake bombs also so im gonna have to give it a try next time i go back.
-
Review from Joshua M.
Chula Vista, CA
11/7/2007
-good Hawaiian roll.
-small setting, but use of large mirrors add to its size.
-bad service if you're young (teeny bopper) and go with group of friends, depending on who waits on you.
-authentic
-smaller portions than Imuras but well worth it.
-SUPPORT FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES! GO! -
Review from Sherry B.
Gilroy, CA
5/14/2009
Yes Miyuki is a little expensive (thus the one star docking), but we don't get a lot of super great food in Watsonville, so this old standby is fantastic. Watsonville is a bastion of Japanese nisei and sansei, and this food has to pass their muster!!
The tempura is outstanding. It's hard for me at least to find a proper light tempura at any Japanese restaurant, and they have this one down.
And the sushi really is fantastic. I lived in Japan for 12 years, and so I'd like to think I know my sushi! The "gu" (stuff on top) is large, and the rice is small. Key point in good sushi. Plus the fish is super fresh and the cuts he makes are truly proper. No messing around here!! Very nice, love to go when we can. Docked one star due to being a bit on the pricey side. However they are always packed out! -
Review from M H.
Santa Cruz, CA
5/28/2011
It is THE BEST authentic Japanese sushi restaurant I've been to in the entire Bay Area. A real Japanese sushi restaurant where they understand good fresh ingredients, delicate Japanese taste and Japanese hospitality.
I'm Japanese, born and raised in Japan. I cannot find good Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area so I just eat my own cooked meal or wait till I go back home to Japan. I've tried many, including ones that have raving reviews. Restaurants here are often staffed with non-Japanese folks who just don't know how to pick the fresh ingredients or prepare the dishes correctly. I hate the super sweet Teriyaki sauce and thick batter tempura I find in many Japanese (or so they call themselves) restaurants.
The sushi chef here has 40 years of experience and started his career in Japan. He knows how to pick fresh top notch fish and prepares them well. His Maguro is delicious and natural looking (v.s. the super pink stuff you find elsewhere) b/c it's not shipped frozen like many others. His albacore tataki was beautifully displayed (b/c presentation matters to us Japanese) and prepared with a fine delicate sacue. It just melted in my mouth like butter. Tempura was lightly battered, crisp and not oily. And of course, when I asked for 'oroshi-daikon', they knew exactly what it is and brought it over quickly (v.s. other restaurants where they give me a puzzled look). Hospitality was fantastic. We sat at the counter. The chef was friendly and recommended what was good for that day, and even gave us some samples to try another time.
I'm definitely going back. It felt like home. -
Review from Rahbecka G.
Watsonville, CA
9/29/2008
I was So excited to go here after reading the other reviews. However, I have NEVER had worse service in my life AND they weren't even that busy! (they're were empty tables). First of all, my boyfriends whole dinner came out 17 min before mine and since I didn't want his food to get cold, he ate it and then we just sat around waiting for mine. When mine finally arrived, my sushi didn't come with any unagi sauce so I asked my waiter for some. He not only forgot the first time, but when I asked a second time- he forgot again! Another 20 min went by (I looked at my watch) before I finally asked a different waitress who brought it to me in like 2 min.
The food was ok, but I've had better for cheaper.
I will never return to this sushi house again. -
Review from Wayne K.
11/15/2010
I love traditional Japanese food where the "aji" (flavor/taste) is real Japanese and where the dishes are prepared properly. I hate it when Teriyaki is just a piece of grilled meat drenched with a sugar, soy, mirin, cornstarch teriyaki sauce or when the Tempura has a kind of fish and chips style batter rather the light airy Tempura batter that it should have. I hate it when the Tonkatsu comes with a teriyaki sauce rather than a Tonkatsu sauce. Miyuki does a great job serving real traditional Japanese food rather than fake imitation Japanese food.
-
Review from Thrill V.
Watsonville, CA
4/14/2008
Best Japanese food around. Huge fan of their rainbow roll. This place usually gets packed up for dinner. Only downfall is the size, but I'm def. not going to hate on them for that. Plus the food makes up for it! If you go for a birthday they turn all the lights down, and strike up the disco ball while everyone sings happy birthday to you.
It's always a great sign when over half the customers are in fact Japanese -
Review from Timothy C.
Washington, DC
8/22/2009
This is the best sushi around the Santa Cruz area. Better for a few people and not a big group, but the sushi is always delicious with a nice Japanese beer. My favorite is the rainbow roll, but I've only been a few times, and I should branch out. There are enough Asian decorations to set the tone but they don't overdo it like alot of Asian restaurants. And I always enjoy sitting on the bar stools and watching them make the sushi like pros!
UPDATE: 10/2009
I went back for a friend's birthday and he knows how to order sushi and all the side dishes - oyster shooters and other appetizers that are served on vegetables with a sauce. I don't really know what they were, per se, but they tasted GOOD. The eel sushi rolls were such an interesting texture, and the staff brought out beer and hot sake for sake bombs. -
Review from Cathy P.
Watsonville, CA
2/12/2008
When you walk in and see that there are more JAPANESE customers than anyone else, that's usually a pretty good indication (to me anyway) that the food is authentic.
Chief, the owner, is a sushi Master and has never let us down, taste or presentation-wise. The wait staff know regular customers by name. Parking is a bit tight out front and in the back but there's plenty of street parking. It is ALWAYS noisy since lots of neighborhood families go to Miyuki. The wine list sucks but the sake makes up for it. I like the mirrored disco ball hanging from the ceiling; the Asian "muzak" playing in the background is fun too. This is my neighborhood and my FAVE Japanese restaurant. -
Review from Tani H.
Los Altos, CA
2/15/2011
It was pretty darn good. Who knew?
-
Review from Jennifer D.
Cupertino, CA
5/11/2009
This is definitely the best sushi I have had in this area!
Its always a good sign when you see a table of Japanese out to lunch at a Japanese restaurant. :) -
Review from Malia S.
Santa Cruz, CA
2/11/2011
by far the BEST sushi I have ever had! It is always the freshest! The sushi chef knows whats going on and he is very friendly. It is a fun atmosphere and very friendly. Don't forget to go on your birthday and tell them because they will bring out a dessert and turn out all the lights and turn on their disco ball just to sing happy birthday to you. Very fun! Great for the family! Like any good sushi place it is slightly pricey but well worth it. Their lunch menu is cheaper and still amazing! A little golden gem in a small town. The best sushi you will find outside of Japan! Don't miss out!
-
Review from Joanna D.
Soquel, CA
3/5/2011
I had never heard of this restaurant until our friend's birthday party was catered by them tonight and it was amazing! I will definitely be keeping them in mind next time I have a sushi craving!
-
Review from Yiz M.
San Jose, CA
9/7/2010
pretty great sushi. not the best, of course.
the inside looks cluttered and for some reason the ceiling feels really low. a bit pricey, but it's 1 of the 2 sushi joints in town, it makes sense. other than that, the food has great presentation and the hosts are very friendly ladies. -
Review from Dick A.
Aptos, CA
5/10/2010
This is the best Sushi in Santa Cruz County. The place is a small family run business. Their are only 4 seats at the bar and about a dozen tables. The place rocks. My son and I try to sit at the bar. The owner makes the sushi. He is a big B-Ball fan and has a TV with games on during the season. It has very simple decore and are busy because of the quality of the food.
The fish is FRESH. I always order some sashimi and have never been disapointed.
The potstickers are home made and yummy. The beef negi (grilled and rolled with green onions) are always a winner. The rib appetizer is a tasty little dish.
The tempura batter is light and crispy. Miso soup is hot and fragrant.
The staff is always friendly and on top of service. Prices are fare to low. -
Review from John M.
Watsonville, CA
11/27/2009
Yes, Miyuki is a hole in the wall, out of the way, with sparse parking. Ambiance? Feh! So knock off a star for the peripheral attractions.
However, perhaps you're interested in food. We've eaten sushi across North America (including many places in the greater SF Bay and Monterey Bay Areas), and this is as good as it gets. We ask for chirashi; let the chef have his way; and we waddle away smiling. Consider sharing, if you're dabbling.
