What are your business hours?

We are open from 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 11 AM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. We are closed on Sundays.

Do you offer takeout or delivery?

Yes, we offer both takeout and delivery services through our website and third-party delivery platforms.

Where are you located?

We are located at 414 Alvarado St.

Do you have a vegetarian or vegan menu?

Yes, we have a separate vegetarian and vegan menu available. Please ask your server for more information.

Can I make a reservation for a large group?

Yes, we accept reservations for large groups. Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements.

Reviews (831) 324-4745 Call Website Photos About

Sushi Kuma in Monterey

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4.6 (176)

Sushi Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Restaurants

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About

Sushi Kuma, the premier Sushi restaurant in Monterey, CA, offers an authentic Japanese restaurant experience in the heart of the city. Conveniently located at 414 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940, our restaurant is a must-visit destination for sushi lovers and foodies alike. At Sushi Kuma, we take pride in serving the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, carefully crafted to provide an unforgettable dining experience. Our menu features a wide variety of traditional Sushi options, as well as innovative creations that blend traditional flavors with modern twists. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, our friendly and attentive staff will ensure that you feel welcome and cared for. Our Japanese restaurant is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with family, friends, or colleagues. Join us today and discover why Sushi Kuma is the go-to Sushi restaurant in Monterey. We look forward to serving you!

Sushi Kuma Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Pros

Sushi Kuma impresses with its fresh and high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted into a variety of traditional and innovative sushi rolls. The menu offers a range of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. The intimate and cozy atmosphere, complete with traditional Japanese decor, adds to the overall dining experience. Friendly and attentive service from the staff ensures that customers feel welcome and well taken care of.

Cons

Some customers have noted that the prices can be a bit steep, especially for larger groups or special occasions. Limited seating and a small dining area may lead to longer wait times during peak hours. A few reviewers have mentioned that the menu can be overwhelming, with too many options to choose from.

Review Rating Chart

Yelp: 4.5/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

OpenTable: 4.4/5

Zomato: 4.3/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.6

(176 Reviews)

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Jenny Xu -Google user

10 months ago

Really cute sushi place, good for a date night! Good: - Miso soup was $2 and came out quick - tasty and simple - Tempura mixed was great value, liked the fried vegetables - Really liked the Phoenix rolls since they came engulfed in flames! So cool Bad: - Took some...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 3Miso Soup

Nancy Rios -Google user

6 months ago

We got 2 rolls, jalapeño poppers, and gyozas. I’d recommend the jalapeño poppers everything else was average. Parking can be difficult if recommend parking at the parking garage around the corner . The first hr is free

Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 4

Christina Ng -Google user

a year ago

Made reservations on Yelp for 6 people on a Saturday. Only a day before so it was 5pm or 9am. Got there at 5 when they open. By the time we finished, they were getting full. There is street parking so it can...Read More

Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5

Joe Low -Google user

8 months ago

Dinner with my pals in this restaurant, limited non alcohol menu, but lots of food options. Overall, the food was great. There is no pork here, but there are planty of other options.

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Be ready for raw fish please.Somewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lotPeak hours may have less parking available.

Katelin Carollo -Google user

2 years ago

Excellent sushi and service!! Sashimi was served beautifully and was easily the best we’ve had from Monterey to the west side of Santa Cruz! Cold, fresh, and literally butter!! We ordered chicken katsu, sashimi (tuna, salmon, scallops), and two rolls (aspen and North Star), as...Read More

Dine inDinner

Bryan Coffelt -Google user

4 months ago

Loved the sushi here! The green muscles are a must try, best ever! Very fast service and attentive servers. Highly recommend going here.

Dine in$20–30Atmosphere: 5Salmon Sushi

Scott Eichler -Google user

2 months ago

Sushi rolls ... baaad beat, nova, and sun's were all amazing. Nigiri was incredibly tender. Buru drink was fantastic!

Atmosphere: 5

Ileana Martinez -Google user

2 years ago

Amazing sushi! I had take out but sat at the bar to buy a drink while I waited for my food. The drinks were amazing, even got one to go. The service was 10/10, the owner was there and recommended some sake to me and...Read More

Take outDinner$30–50

Ella Javier -Google user

a year ago

We just waited 10 mins to be seated and among the first 5 in line. I would have rated this 5 except food came in long…45 mins !! If your not in a hurry to eat , this is absolutely a value for your money Japanese place. Tempura...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Faye Venteicher -Google user

2 years ago

Fish was super fresh and high quality. I sat at the sushi counter and service was quick and friendly. The sushi chef even passed me a couple small bites to make up for the delay in my order (which I hadn't even noticed). Highly recommend...Read More

Victoria Dewalt -Google user

a month ago

Came here on a busy Saturday night to Get some food before a concert at the theatre across the street, got us in super fast and our drinks were taking a little long to get but we didn’t mind then the waitress brings over some sake...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Janette Peer -Google user

a year ago

Hands down the greatest sushi in the area. Even after living in Japan for 3 years I have to say I've never had better sushi than Kuma. Although there is a place in Washington D.C. that could give them a run for their money. ...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Roll, Tempura, Miso Soup

Emily Harter -Google user

9 months ago

We came in late on a weekday and they were happy to have us. Loved our sushi and our servers were so nice. Highly recommend the phoenix roll!

Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5

Cuong Le -Google user

2 years ago

This was a nice little sushi restaurant we happened upon while walking around our hotel in Monterey. Overall, it was a good experience with the sashimi platter as the main highlight. The fish was very fresh and tasty. The crunchy roll was also good. We...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5

mary-kathrine Foley -Google user

a month ago

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience was so disappointing I feel compelled to share in hopes others don’t make the same mistake — or that the restaurant takes this as constructive feedback. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes, but it ended up being closer to 45+. Once seated, I immediately noticed how unclean the space was — the baseboards were visibly grimy, and the whole place looked like it hadn’t had a deep clean in a long time. Still, I was willing to look past that, thinking maybe it’s one of those hole-in-the-wall spots with great food. Unfortunately, it only got worse from there. The layout is wide open, yet a server somehow slammed into me as I was sitting? Then came the biggest issue: everyone at my table received their food, but mine was nowhere to be found. After an awkwardly long wait, I spotted my sushi just sitting on the counter. Multiple staff walked right past it, doing everything *but* bringing it over — cleaning the floor, standing around, doing non-priority tasks. When I finally asked our server, she noticed it sitting there and said, “Oh, I think I do know where it is…” ?/ By the time I got my food, everyone else was halfway through theirs and sadly, it wasn’t even worth the wait. It was honestly maybe the worst sushi I have ever had. The crunch roll had a bizarre taste — I can only describe the taste as sawdust. I even had someone else try it to confirm I wasn’t being dramatic, and they agreed. The spicy tuna roll wasn’t any better — strange texture, rice that tasted stale, and even the pickled ginger tasted off. Others at the table also had underwhelming meals. And all of this for $40+ per person. Needless to say, I won’t be returning. There are plenty of spots nearby in the same price range with much better food, service, and cleanliness. It’s a shame — the location has potential. With a good interior designer, deep clean, a better-trained staff, and a major food upgrade, it could actually thrive. But as it stands now, there’s nothing redeeming here. Save your time and money.

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 1

LP H -Google user

2 weeks ago

My brother and I were back in Monterey.... as adults, for family business. We both now live on the East Coast, but spent many a summer in Monterey/Seaside as children when our Father was stationed at Fort Ord. We researched the best sushi restaurants in...Read More

$50–100Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSuitable for all group sizes30-60 min

Kiril Korsunsky -Google user

2 months ago

So, soooo good. The Saba and Ikura were gooood, while the Unagi was PERFECT! The best I've had, soft and crispy in the right places, with a well balanced sauce. Service was polite, timely, and attentive. Very interesting take on the salad dressing, be sure...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

harley hamilton -Google user

5 months ago

Walked in and didn’t love the atmosphere, got a diet coke and it was flat, but the complaints end there. Our waiter took the soda off the bill and when we got our food it was phenomenal! I highly recommend the spicy tuna and rainbow...Read More

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 3Roll, Miso Soup, EdamameHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishes

Casey Buck -Google user

a week ago

Fun atmosphere and bartender Anthony was very attentive and good fun to sit at the bar! Food is amazing with a good selection of rolls at great price points.

$20–30Atmosphere: 5No waitIndoor dining area, Bar area

Martin Kintscher -Google user

2 weeks ago

Great selection, incl. vegetarian options and gluten free soy sauce. We all loved the food and music. Outstanding with a good price.

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Whole Hearted RollHighly recommend

Features

Service options

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Healthy options

Small plates

Wine

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Crowd

Tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

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Sushi Kuma in Monterey

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Sushi Kuma Review Summary

Pros