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Tokyo Fish Market
Categories: Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Food Grocery Seafood Markets, Ethnic Food, Grocery [Edit]
1220 San Pablo Ave(between Gilman St & Harrison St)
Berkeley, CA 94706
(510) 524-7243
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
273 reviews for Tokyo Fish Market
Review Highlights
273 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan L.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
This is now my favorite food retail store in the Bay Area.
It's basically two shops in one (three, if you count the gift store) -- an amazing selection of the freshest fish, and a great Japanese (and Hawaiian) grocery. Each is best in class, and they go very well together.
The fresh fish section is unmatched. Live crab, the freshest sashimi-grade fish of various types (which can be cut to your specification), and a great selection of oysters and prawns. Pricing is excellent as well -- about 25-30% less than Whole Foods, and for superior quality.
For groceries, they usually have a few of each item -- a Made in Japan product which might be a bit more expensive, and a local or third country (China) alternative. Depending on what you're buying and what it's for, it may or may not be worth the premium for the Japanese product. The prices for each are fair, though. There's still some stuff (Ito En green tea bottles) which I might get at another store like Costco, but having everything in one place is worth a lot -- 25 kinds of Furikake, for instance.
The staff are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about their products -- especially at the fish counter.
I didn't check out the gift shop (in their original building; they've expanded), but I'm sure it is nice as well. -
Review from Rochelle P.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2012
This is by far the best seafood market in The Bay Area. The service is excllent and helpful and the seafood is THE freshest!
I had a craving to make Tuna Tartare so I headed down Tokyo Fish Market to pick up sushi grade Ahi Tuna. Oh my it turned out so yummy and my boys loved it.
We like to make sushi at home and wouldnt buy raw fish anywhere but here! -
Review from Will I A m.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
Wow!!!!!! That's 5 "!" to match the stars. Japanese hamachi and toro tuna sashimi was very fresh. They bagged it up on ice so it stays fresh. You will never get this much sashimi for the same price at a restaurant.
FYI- bought the fish, not sashimi block -
Review from heidi g.
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
FISHHHHHHH!!!!SUUUUUSHIIIII!!!!
My bf and I drove all the way from castro valley to get some fresh fish for our hawaiian themed dinner which called for some poke. The entire drive there I was super excited like a little kid waiting in line for a ride!
Walked in and immediately went to the fish section. *jaw drops* holy moly. Talk about tons of different fresh fish that you can just eat right off the bat! I believe I ordered 4 lbs of tuna and the guy was even nice enough to HAND CUT small bite size pieces! AWESOME! All the workers behind the counter were super nice and are eager to help you pick out the right fish.
They have a bunch of asian/japanese snacks and foods in the aisles. Everything is fairly priced. But yes, the raw fish does come at a hefty price.
Verdict: Been wanting to go back so the bf and I can do sashimi night at the house. Hopefully soon, and next time I'd like to check out their little gift shop. My only wish is that this place was closer to me! -
Review from Shirleyanne Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
They serve really fresh fish and the staff knows what they are doing. I'm not a fish expert so they usually just ask me what I plan to cook and they prepare the fish for me accordingly. The fish butchers work really fast and they get to your number pretty quick. I love buying sashimi grade fish here since it's way cheaper than buying sashimi from a sushi restaurant. They have blocks of fresh fish on the far left side of the store (if you're facing the fish butcher station) which makes home-made sushi a pretty easy adventure.
The store is really clean and doesn't even smell fishy when compared to Chinatown San Francisco. I also like the fact that they carry a wide array of Asian snacks that bring me back to so many awesome childhood memories. They have a big selection of sake which makes my BF's panties wet with delight. My favorite is the sparkling sake that comes in a pink bottle. It's sweet and is so refreshing. I could down five of those no problem.
The gift shop (building next door) is pretty awesome. I bought my spam musubi molds here and it's one of the most used kitchen utensils in my kitchen. They have a great selection of unique Japanese items that you can purchase. I even spotted a few sake sets that I wanted to purchase as a nifty birthday present.
I hate looking for parking here (their lot is always full, although I thought I saw a sign that said they had additional parking elsewhere....ummm..... I'm too lazy to search for that spot) and the veggies in the fresh produce section are pricey compared to Trader Joe's.
I definitely recommend stopping by here to purchase fresh seafood. You can even buy small sushi trays to go and inhale that for lunch. Load up on your Omega-3's bitches!Listed in: Low-carb Gone Wild
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Review from Beverly T.
Emeryville, CA
Updated - 12/23/2011
OHMIGAWWWWWD. Had THE best uni from here yesterday. Jizz in my pants.
Yes I did write an update just to say that.Listed in: Sushi Hits & Misses
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2011
I haven't reviewed you yet?! Man I looooove TFM!
Wakame salad: SO GOOD. I love their seaweed salad!
… Read more »
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Review from N Family N.
San Ramon, CA
12/30/2011
Great Japanese market with a gift shop in the parking lot. I was thrilled to find kakinotane, orange AND strawberry mochi, and a great selection of off beat drinks. We ate the salmon triangle and sushi in the parking lot. Oishi!!! :)
Parking lot is pretty small and street parking was tough. -
Review from K W.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
I recommend buying fresh mochifor NY elsewhere. Theirs is not fresh if you are accustmed to fresh mochi being still soft and edible; their's is at least 4-5 days old judging from the hardness. It may not make a difference tothose that toast it or put it into a broth, but to a genuine mochi person, it is not acceptable. Also the manager/owner is argumentative unlike a traditional Japanese businessman, perhpas too far removed from the original owners.
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Review from Chris W.
Oakland, CA
1/6/2012
I've been going to Tokyo Fish for over 10 years and they own my wallet. In fact, sadly they seem to have a direct connection to my bank account. On the upside, they've provided me and my friends with sushi dinners beyond counting all graced by fantastic fish supported by a very great crew behind the counter. Yay Tokoyo Fish!
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Review from Chang B.
Hayward, CA
1/28/2012
My daughter's sister in law is visiting from Japan and she was really missing her style, her culture of food. I'm the only person that knew of a place that I hope, would be up to her satisfaction. We drove all the way from Hayward to Berkeley and when she walked through the doors, she felt as if she was back home for the moment. The smile on her face was PRICELESS!! She was so excited with the selection of food, that she almost forgot her baby!!! She now calls me on a regular basis when she is in town to make a trip to Tokyo market. I believe that is her part of trip back home when she is feeling that way ( and the gift shop too)... :-)
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Review from Grace C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place. Sushi is just about my favorite food in the entire world, but my boyfriend & I cannot afford to eat sushi every single time I visit San Francisco--we are currently saving up for our trip to Japan, after all--so we opt to buy sushi at Nijiya Market or Tokyo Fish Market and make our own sushi at home.
Tokyo Fish Market, offers the best selection of fish. The fish is super fresh and reasonably priced. This weekend, we bought toro, hamachi (yellowtail), hirame (halibut), scallops, two small batches of spicy tuna poke, and masago. All our goodies added up to $40 & enough to feed three people.
I will be making the trip across the bay to get my sushi fix from now on :0)
It's definitely easier the wallet than dropping $100+ on a meal at a nice sushi place. -
Review from shirley k.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
Never had a bad piece of fish here and they give you great service too boot. Love the quality of the ahi, you can get blue fin all the time here and it yummy. Go early and get the best quality fish in the area. The little store in front is ok and the selection inside is great. Friendly service and prices are fair-check them out its worth the drive.
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Review from Vy N.
Fremont, CA
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am in love with this place! LOVE! They have a great selection of fish and its perfect to bring home and make your own sushi. The employees are helpful and friendly.
They also have sushi and sashimi already sliced and package, which is perfect for a nice lunch. Super affordable! -
Review from Mike L.
8/28/2011
What a kick ass market! It nearly approaches my love of Hankook in Sunnyvale. Not quite though, but damn this place is awesome.
After a morning of brunch and helping my friend move, I ended up having to drive my other friend here since he was still too drunk from the night before to drive himself (yes, drunk he says...not hungover). While not exactly how I planned on spending the afternoon, I can honestly say it didn't turn out too bad!
While I'm quite fond of Nijiya in Japantown, they've got nothing on Tokyo Fish Market. While neither are very large, they have so much more to offer here. Beyond the usual Japanese snacks/crackers/ramen, fresh produce, frozen foods, dry goods, sauces/seasonings, and other market staples, I love that they offer things that even other Japanese markets rarely have. Seriously...five different Hitachino beers, including the white ale? SOOOOOO WIN. Plus, with a great selection of ready to go foods/bentos/sushi rolls, it's like you don't even have to buy the food to cook! Grilled black cod fish collars? Uhh, yes please!
And being a fish market, I can't forget to mention the seafood. No joke, the selection is way impressive. Just about anything and everything is available, the quality looks great, and it all seems so fresh (with so many customers, the turnover rate is pretty high). Sadly, since I was worried about how any seafood I would keep during the drive home (on a warm day at that), I didn't end up buying anything. Certainly was tempted though. The worst part was that I didn't realize until after we had paid and got to the lot that I could have just asked for a bag of ice to help keep everything cold. Whoops. At least now I know for when I go back to fill my fresh fish needs!
The only things that suck about Tokyo Fish Market is that it's across the bay, they're closed on Sundays, and that they're not bigger. And even then, those three really aren't all that much to complain about anyways. -
Review from meshell c.
Oakland, CA
10/29/2011
I've lived in the East Bay for the majority of my adult life and why did I just decide to walk into this market? Well, after weaving through traffic after work one afternoon, I was determined to stop by because I was craving some ikura. I thought, it's about time I check it out. I always see the little store front, but what a delight to find the expanded market in the back!? SCORE!
I'm not sure when there was an expansion or if it was always there, but it sure was a nice surprise. They have everything you need at a Japanese grocery store...fresh meat, fish, veggies, and bento boxes. They got uni-giri stocked and all these nice little Japanese treats. Their ikura was super fresh and not fishy at all and so was the tobiko. (I made a salad out of it.)
I don't think I need to say anymore than to go check it out yourself. The front store is like a gift shop where you can find most of your everyday Japanese household items....bowls, dishes, rice cookers, and even hair dye! They also had a good selection of Japanese cookbook that I'm sure I'll be picking up one soon.
Bottom line: YES! -
Review from Derek N.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
My buddy is always telling about this place, so I thought I would check it out.
Very nice place, and their fish selection is outstanding.
It's closer than Kukje or Hankook and yet much much cleaner than Ranch99.
Prices are reasonable.
I love shopping at asian markets as I feel that their attention to fresh ingredients trumps other markets.
I'm gonna make another stop this weekend! See y'all there! -
Review from Katrina A.
Manhattan, NY
7/30/2011
Super fresh fish and tons of selection. Also love the pre-made sushi and ready to-go dishes. Good produce as well. Workers are super friendly too! Pretty small store and parking is limited, so park on the street instead.
Basically kind of like the East Bay equivalent of Suruki in San Mateo. -
Review from Jacqueline C.
Oakland, CA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG! I need an excuse to go back here!
This small-looking market (offset from the street) appears to have a lot to offer! I was only there for one purpose and I only had about 10 minutes on my meter, so, unfortunately, I couldn't look around too much. But I did notice lots of Japanese groceries (the prepared food looked particularly popular among lunchtime customers) and some Hawaiian items as well (yay for Hawaiian Sun sodas!). I was there for tobiko for a sushi bake that I was making. I had looked all over Union City and Oakland without luck . . . walked into Tokyo Fish Market and found it within minutes. All of the fish looked really fresh and the cashier was friendly. Can't wait for an excuse to go back! -
Review from Kari C.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/13/2011
We went here for our Poke making adventure. We miss Hawaii and this is the best place in the East Bay for sushi-grade fish. It was open until 6PM on a Saturday and we got here just before they closed. Selection of Japanese goods was impressive for such a small store. Employees were super friendly and gave us some samples of seaweed salad to try. We ended up getting both kinds: the black hijiki salad with a texture like pasta and the regular green one. I prefer the green, but the guy liked the more unusual black salad. Both were fresh and tasty.
Prices are quite reasonable. Green onion was 39 cents a bunch. They had lots of Japanese seasonings both with and without MSG. We also got a slab of yellowfin tuna (technically it's ahi, but it was labeled as maguro). They even have toro and amaebi. Yum! And for you sea urchin lovers, they have trays of urchin available. We picked up a tiny container of ikura (salmon roe), which was okay, but not spectacular. They have Japanese veggie plants outside for purchase. They also have a decent selection of Japanese snacks and those awesome sodas found in Japanese vending machines.
Be sure to check out the cute gift store across from the market. They have lots of Japanese dishes, kitchen utensils, and even Noro yarn.
There is a parking lot, but it's not very large, and we ended up parking around the corner on the street. -
Review from Eric B.
4/21/2011
My son is the 3rd generation of our family to shop at this family fishmonger, and there are several reasons why we keep coming back. That would include a great selection of fresh fish, knowledgeable staff, good customer care and feeding, and at a fair price. This is simply "As Good as it Gets" for most any fish-related meal experience you can imagine. There's also a nice selection of related Japanese products that makes for a more complete Asian grocery shopping experience.
And don't be discouraged by the sometimes difficult parking situation. I simply park at the nearby Office Depot or behind the old Bingo Hall and walk in. -
Review from Jen M.
7/27/2011
When I first came in here, I was unemployed and I was like ZOMG EXPENSIVE. Now that I have a job it's still not cheap, but if you're already in Berkeley, it wins. You'll spend transit/gas money getting to a cheaper place, so maybe paying for convenience is not so bad sometimes. (Exception: B Yaoya-san in El Cerrito is also pretty rad, and I think it's cheaper on most things, and is the only place I've found to get shibazuke without corn syrup. But some days even El Cerrito feels like a trek, y'know? And Tokyo Fish Market is "nicer," if you care about that. Time to cook more Japanese so I can compare the two more extensively. Wow, longest parenthetical note ever.)
Anyway, I have yet to buy any food here and will update when I do. But for today, I'm happy I found a musubi mold in the gift shop several bucks cheaper than on Amazon. Spam musubi, here I come! -
Review from Alma R.
Oakland, CA
7/31/2011
All five stars for Yuji!!! This young man works behind the counter and just made my week! I found some fresh wild local albacore and decided to buy a big piece since I'll be on a detox diet for a month.
He asked me how to cut it and I was just sharing my diet asked for 5 oz. portions, with all patience he cut 5 good size pieces and wrapped them individually so I could freeze them!
I've always received a good service here but this goes for GREAT! Thank you Yuji! -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Although I did not buy anything here, I am amazed by the amount of Japanese fresh produce and products located right on San Pablo Ave. They have a neat gift shop in the front. Parking is limited in the back but try your luck with metered street parking
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Review from Julie T.
Bay Area
8/7/2011
Why hello, I'm officially a fan. I've been here twice this past week... yes, two consecutive days.
After spending $$$ on sashimi at japanese restaurants and looking my credit card statements, I needed to find other ways of supporting my sashimi fix. Thus, I looked up seafood markets around the East Bay and quickly found Tokyo Fish Market.
The idea of a 'fish market' always makes me think of 99 Ranch, where I could never imagine purchasing fish for sashimi from.. that being said, Tokyo Fish Market has QUALITY FISH SELECTION and great service. I told the employee at the fish counter what I was planning on making for myself (salmon sashimi for one), and he was able to not only point me in the right direction, but also explain why it was a better choice for what I had planned on making. I went home and happily ate my sashimi- and I was VERY pleased with the quality.
So... it's the following day, and somehow I ended up at the market again. The employee was nice enough to let me sample an oyster before I made my selection and since it wasn't very busy, he shucked half a dozen oysters for my order. With my love for seafood and new appreciation for preparing food in my own kitchen, I think it's safe to say that I'll be a regular here. :) -
Review from Dor H.
Alameda, CA
7/2/2011
A Japanese market I don't have to..
1. Cross the Bay/San Mateo bridge for??!
OR
2. Drive to San Jose?!?!
Win.
The workers behind the counter at the fish market are very quick, and friendly and know what they're doing. I've been coming here with my grandma for quite a few years and I still recognize some of their faces. Good to know that the owners know good workers when they see them. Great selection of all types of fish. I'd definitely make the extra trip over here for some good fish, and they're open all the time too!
FYI tips:
1. Park on the street, theirs is tiny.
2. Yes it's a little expensive, but what do you expect for imported Japanese food?
P.S. I'd give them extra stars if I could, major props for being the only place in the area to sell my dad and boyfriend's favorite beer! -
Review from Tam F.
2/8/2011 ROTD 4/2/2011
Last month, we were able to celebrate "Survival Day" for and with my Dad who survived a potentially fatal heart situation a year ago. In order to celebrate, I thought a special meal was in order and decided to check out Tokyo Fish because I wanted to make roasted dungeness crab with garlic, butter and herbs.
I was able to easily find a parking space in the lot, and was assisted by a really nice fish monger who cleaned and cracked what I will say was the best crab I have ever had. I was also amazed at the super cheap produce along with herbs and was able to get everything I needed for the dinner without stopping elsewhere (except for Acme).
My Dad, Toni, Kevin, Ilana and I had a fancy pants dinner that was delicious, messy and finger licking good and I think that this will be our new tradition for what I hope is years to come. I can't wait to come here again for other fresh fish offerings.
They are closed Sundays and take credit cards!Listed in: Fame For a Day
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Review from Anna R.
El Sobrante, CA
4/14/2011
I stumbled upon this place looking for other local fish markets besides 99Ranch........AND THANK GOODNESS!
Making sushi tonoight so I decided to finally pay a visit for the first time. I'll never go to 99 for fish again! I just tasted all the sashimi I got for tonight and it was absolutely delicious. Every bite just melted in my mouth.
I didn't stay long, but if I had more time I could stay in this store for hours. It's not too big, and they have E V E R Y T H I N G you need plus more. Great fish variety. I've been looking for flavored tobiko everywhere and have failed, unitl I came here! They have red (habanero), yellow (citrus), green (wasabi), black and the regular orange!
Bottom line, if you make sushi at home, this place is a must. My life is changed forever!
I can't wait to visit the gift shop on the same lot too. -
Review from Jamie K.
Oakland, CA
10/27/2011
My kids and I went here and bought all that we needed to make our own sushi. We had fun at home learning how to roll our own sushi creations. This is a great store. It had everything we needed to make fresh, fun sushi rolls at a fair price.
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Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 1/8/2011
My deepest condolences to the family of Tokyo Fish market founder.
The beloved co-founder and matriarch passed away in late December.
Her granddaughter is a well-loved Yelper.Listed in: San Pablo Avenue is a long,…, My JA (Japanese American)…, I love GOODIE BAGS!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/16/2009
i was fortunate to go to TFM today with sweet Toni M after having lunch with her and the lovely… Read more »
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Review from Ryan S.
Vienna, VA
1/30/2011
Tokyo Fish Market (TFM) is a great little spot, particularly for fresh fish and produce. They stock an assortment of good quality fruit and vegetables at very reasonable prices. In addition, their fish selection is excellent and very fresh. Instead of turkey and stuffing, last Thanksgiving we decided to make sushi, and TFM supplied us with everything we needed, from fresh hamachi and tempura batter to the rolling mat!
On top of great products and prices, the staff is genuinely helpful and friendly and the store, unlike many other fish markets, is kept extremely clean. The parking lot is tiny, but there's usually ample parking along Gilman. If you live in the Berkeley area, TFM is worth checking out. -
Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2010
I LOVE this place! Not knowing of its presence, I drove by, was lured in by the name and had to pull over to check it out.
They have additional parking around the corner as there are only a few coveted spaces in the front. Otherwise, you have to feed the meter.
Walking in, the scent of fish lingers in the background. But it is a mouth-watering scent instead of a "whooaaa...what's that fishy smell" type of smell. You can find lots of yummy seafood here. There are even fresh oysters: kumamoto, another variety from WA and others. Prices were reasonable too ranging from $.75 to $1 per oyster. Although they can't promise shucking when you buy them, call in advance to arrange it. There is no extra fee either.
I was thrilled to find Japanese-style onigiri here. Usually found at the 7-elevens in Japan, these cost $1.50 and have either tuna, ume, natto or other fillings. The cellophane wrapping houses a crisp sheet of nori and with one pull and two tugs, you will have yourself a healthy snack with crispy nori wrapping.
I didn't have tons of time to explore, but was impressed with the freshness of the fish. You can get poke here at $5.99 a package and they had Hawaiian freshly caught fish (I want to say it was ono).
Good selection of sake! Big highlight: the 12-pack of Kirin beer for $7.99. Totally coming back here!
(Shout out to my cousin Kevin who works behind the counter!) -
Review from Nicole K.
Oakland, CA
1/21/2011
Fair prices on extremely fresh fish. A reasonable assortment of fresh veggies and fine choice of Japanese grocery items as well. I also bought a Chinese style cleaver here - the thing takes no prisoners. My old cleaver is now relegated to opening young coconut.
I'm taking off a star for the sucky parking only. 'Cos that's how I roll sometime.
Peace. -
Review from David N.
Updated - 12/31/2010 1 photo
New Year's Day (o-shogatsu) is the "most Japanese" of holiday celebrations of my peeps. And with o-shogatsu, "Osechi ryori" is what most people in Japan eat at the beginning of the New Year. My cuz, Cubby, who is one of the owners of TFM, whipped up advanced to go orders of Osehi ryori bento platters.
Regardless of how many times you've eaten at Nobu, "osechi" isn't something you'll ever find on a Japanese menu. However, English descriptions of these foods really don't do justice for osechi; Boiled seaweed, fish cakes, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, simmered burdock root, little dried fish w/heads, and sweetened black soybeans really don't sound very tasty. But, it's all good! I've added a picture, which includes grilled salmon, shrimp, and tofu. If your palate starts and stops with Cali Rolls, just move on.
Fresh cooked Dungeness crab, Ramune sodas, and my Osechi have me set for New Year's Day! My 200th Yelp comes in 2011!Listed in: You Gotta Shop Around..., Best Nihon shoku
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2010
Tokyo Fish is literally a letter from home! From Japanese imports to tasty gems from Hawaii, this… Read more »
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Review from Kenson K.
11/7/2010
This place serves the freshest fish on the east bay. Everything in the fish section is practically sushi grade. They even have sushi grade wild salmon. I always buy my hamachi sashimi here and am never disappointed. They also have mirugai (geoduck clam), ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin), tako (octopus), and if you're lucky awabi (abalone).
They have a very wide selection of japanese specialties such as sake, japanese beer, mochi and manju, tsukemono (japanese pickles), oh the list goes on. I was really impressed that they have fresh natto as well. The frozen stuff doesn't compare to that. A bit pricey but oh so worth it.
They also have some Hawaii specialties in their freezer section. Nice to know that this Hawaii boy can get his fix settled if he has a craving for some home grown food. -
Review from Earlene C.
East Bay, CA
11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you're in the mood to have a do it yourself sushi night, this is the place to go!
I wanted to make Ahi Poke and Masubi. Tokyo Fish Market had Hawaiian Tuna ready for me to buy. It was all super fresh and affordable.
Lee behind the counter was great, I was looking for the brown seaweed used in Ahi Poke and he had some in the back. Even let me sample the ones they had in the refrigerated case. Great customer service super friendly too.
I'll be back again to try the other fresh fish. I didn't see White Tuna though. Maybe next time :)Listed in: Sushi Time is Happy Time
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Review from Chuck O.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/20/2011
I came here today during lunch time and boy was I pleasantly surprised! TFM has a massive selection of fresh fish, shell fish, and live crabs. Pricing is very reasonable... Nice selection of Japanese Sake and Beer. The fresh produce was a plus. Now I know where to go to get my everyday and change of pace Sashimi quality fish.
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Review from Jenn C.
12/25/2010
Yes, it's true - I am vegan. So, you may wonder - why I am I even setting foot in a place called "Tokyo Fish Market"? The answer is easy - even if you don't want to venture into the well stocked, clean and brightly lit grocery store -- there is a housewares store that is really second-to-none in the east bay.
The grocery store has all sorts of delicious groceries - spices, seaweeds, oils, fresh tofu, veggies - and the best sake selection I've ever seen. The housewares shop is full of temptation - kitchen gadgets, plates, cups bowls and other delights await you. I loved the old Tokyo Fish Market - tiny and crammed full of awesome - but the new grocery store and remodeling that they did a ocuple years ago is just world class. Don't miss out on a visit here when you are in the east bay - it's just a block away from REI and Ashkenaz. -
Review from Jana S.
8/3/2010 ROTD 9/13/2010
Simply unbelievable----this Yelp review has escaped me... slipping through my little Asian fingers....
and yet, I'm such a genuine fan...and have come dozens and dozens of times, living so close-by (lucky me... and lucky for YOU, East Bay peeps/Yeeps!). Did you know about the 'new' parking lot sorta/kinda behind the donut shop that one can now utilize?! That's the best news yet....
Quality
A+++++ quality
This "KEWWWWW" word sums up Japanese philosophy for me. Honestly.
And here is where I always come with all inhibitions tossed to the wind about the total bill when I want some great, fresh sashimi for my tums (see, my tums and I... we be tight like that and go back.... waaaay back).
I've tried octopus, maguro, meager poundage of other more expensive seafood...but I've always been so happy to come when I have an inherent guarantee for my culinary aquarian adventures.
I also like to, Zen-like, quietly walk up and down the aisles and pretend that I can understand the Kanji and the Katagana (or is it Hira?).... I can recognize some words... and again, pretend that I know how to use that beguiling product for my Asian kitchen.. sighhH.
I've resorted to asking my beautiful Japanese coworker to meet me up here instead, and, snapping me back to reality, deconstruct and demystify it all for me, while I very ungracefully whip out a post-it pad or spiral mini-book to learn, like Jaden did from Jackie.
Wake up, silly girl!!! Snap out of it!!! You don't know, OK?... and when you do know (from assist of beautiful Japanese friend)... you will know just how much you don't know!!!!
I languish without food.... I think it's time for some tea and sponge cake (last meal was fish taco at 1430; my brain seems to have temporarily short-circuited).
PS Oh! Almost forgot about the tip: Christine's Upper Crust pies are sold here, as are Musashi's onigiri and bentos, and so is taro pancake batter (powder)...ahem, DL!!! taro freak.
PPS fyi: Tokyo FM: Marukai as tree shrew: elephant as wasabi pea:walnut -
Review from Grace Y.
8/3/2010
I've been dying to check out Tokyo Fish Market ever since I heard about it, but I've never bothered to take the time to find it.
Well I was stuck in horrendous traffic on 580 and was staring at the city of Berkeley halted at a standstill and wishing that I had some errand to run so I could get out of the parking lot that the freeway had turned into and DING DING DING DING DING! We have a winner! I looked up the address on the phone and plugged it into the GPS and it was only 8 minutes away from where I was currently stopped at. And in the direction I was heading! Exciting!
I'm a bit spoiled by Japanese grocery stores, but the ones I'm used to are in the South Bay and there really aren't many good options for sashimi grade fish and Japanese goodies elsewhere.
I felt like Tokyo Fish Market catered to only the really popular Americanized Japanese food crowd, though there were some random gems being sold. There was a small selection of premade food, and pre-paced fish, but most of it was behind a glass display. I couldn't really tell what was sashimi grade and what was fish for cooking.
I bought some stuff to bring home and it was okay. I wasn't a fan of their tuna poke at all, way too salty, the fish was slimy :(
They have a ton of popular Japanese drinks, snack foods, Pocky, Hello Panda, sake, etc. There's also a small produce section.
If you're looking for those popular Japanese snacks or trying to make a Japanese meal, this is the place for you.
It's definitely not a one-stop market for all your needs, but it has a pretty good selection of food you can't find at a Safeway.
I may stop by again and sample their goods again ;)Listed in: Sushi in Northern California
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Review from A V.
Kensington, CA
8/20/2010
The fish is so fresh here that I often serve it as sushi
or sashimi. The staff is friendly and hip about
which pieces would be best raw, and I've never been
led wrong. The remainder of the store is filled with everything
you might need to make a perfect Japanese/Asian meal.
Don't miss the store that the parking lot surrounds. It is filled
with the most amazing dishes and cooking utensils. Many
of them are made from bamboo and other sustainable materials.
