I love this hidden gem! I ALWAYS start with 2 Super White/Escolar. They are all very sweet here third time I feel but they remember you. Or they act like it LOL which is always nice. Today this afternoon is making me a special roll. I love that the specialty roll he made is AMAZING. gorgeous and delicious! Also, it's not way overpriced. I think their portions are generous & prices are very reasonable!!
Overview
Tsuru Sushi Japanese Restaurant at 1427 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States, is a hidden gem that keeps locals coming back for more. Walking into this cozy spot, you immediately feel a sense of warmth from the staff, who greet every guest like a longtime friend. Over the past few months, I’ve made it a habit to stop by after work, and each visit has consistently exceeded expectations. From the vibrant sushi rolls to the delicate sashimi, the experience feels genuinely authentic, reflecting traditional Japanese culinary artistry.
One of the things that sets this restaurant apart is the meticulous attention to detail in its menu. Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients sourced daily, and the chefs take time to balance flavors, textures, and presentation. For instance, the spicy tuna roll is not just a mix of tuna and sauce; it’s layered with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, creating a harmony that’s hard to forget. During a recent visit, I watched as a chef carefully sliced salmon for sashimi, explaining the importance of cutting against the grain to preserve the fish’s delicate texture. This hands-on expertise makes dining here both satisfying and educational.
The variety on the menu caters to every taste, from traditional nigiri and maki rolls to creative specialty rolls that showcase the chefs’ innovation. One popular choice among regulars is the rainbow roll, where a vibrant array of fish sits atop a perfectly rolled sushi base. Pairing these dishes with freshly brewed green tea enhances the experience, creating a balance between subtle flavors and richer textures. Reviews from other diners often praise the consistency and freshness, and personal observation confirms that every plate looks as good as it tastes.
What adds to the charm of this location is not just the food, but the overall environment. The seating arrangement encourages conversation, and the subtle Japanese decor creates a relaxed, inviting ambiance. While the restaurant is modest in size, the layout feels open and welcoming, making it perfect for casual meals or small gatherings. During weekends, it’s common to see families and friends enjoying shared plates, reinforcing the sense of community that this place fosters.
Experts in Japanese cuisine, including chefs featured in culinary journals, often emphasize that the success of a sushi restaurant hinges on the freshness of its fish and the skill of its chefs. Tsuru Sushi clearly meets both criteria. The kitchen’s practice of sourcing ingredients locally and adhering to traditional techniques demonstrates professional dedication. Even newcomers to Japanese food find it approachable, as the staff patiently explain each dish and make recommendations based on personal preferences.
In terms of accessibility, the location at 1427 E 14th St is convenient for both residents and visitors to San Leandro. Ample parking and nearby public transportation make it easy to stop by, whether for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. The restaurant’s reputation is reflected in online reviews, where patrons consistently highlight friendly service, attention to detail, and the unforgettable taste of their dishes. This combination of high-quality food and welcoming service reinforces why it’s considered a go-to spot in the area.
From hands-on experiences with the chefs to enjoying carefully prepared sushi rolls, Tsuru Sushi Japanese Restaurant delivers a dining experience that’s hard to match. Its commitment to quality, authenticity, and hospitality ensures that each visit feels special, leaving diners eager to return.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Tsuru was such a great find! The vibe felt just like a classic, cozy sushi spot — simple, inviting, and perfect for a night out. We went all in with sake bombs (fun and lively), three different rolls — including my favorite, the Lion King — plus garlic edamame, plum wine, and a 6-piece chef’s choice sashimi plate. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service was friendly and easygoing, and the atmosphere made it feel like the kind of place you could make a regular stop. Definitely recommend for anyone craving quality sushi with a relaxed, welcoming energy.
Great service and well prepared plates in an inviting atmosphere. Feeling very hungry I got a combination dinner of tempura, sashimi, and teriyaki chicken and overall it was a great value: sizable portions and perfectly prepared. The staff was very attentive and I’m sure I’ll be back soon
Great service and delivery sushi! I recommend their tempura, very cripy and tasty, not greasy too. Sushi are fresh and they do slice the fish very thick, trust me it’s worth your money Hot tea get refilled very quickly, at the end of your meal they also served complimentary orange slices
Looking forward to trying more! Vegetable tempura roll was a standout this time. Hamachi ceviche had a lot of great flavor as well. We got oranges and a small glass of some sweet wine after. Service was great as well.
Excellent service, loved chatting and monkeying around with the older gentlemen he has a great personality and fun to joke with. Lions head seems popular here and it’s good, sashimi also fresh and the inside is cozy with the sushi bar tucked in the corner
My daughter wanted to come here to eat. There's a parking lot right next to the building. The service was fast and friendly. They showed my daughter how to use the chop sticks. I was happy to see they have my favorite sake. They bring peeled oranges at the end of your meal. It was enjoyable.
The raw oysters were delicious, but pricey. The tempura was 8/10. The fried chicken wings were also pricey ($9 for 4 tiny wings) but they were very good, as well. The yakitori was average. Unfortunately, while our server was very nice, she couldn't speak one word of English, so we could almost not communicate at all. I noticed some discrepancy on the bill that may have been a completely innocent mistake, but I couldn't even figure out how to bring it up and decided to just let it slide. We probably won't be back anytime soon but again, the food was good.