Our family has long been fond of Sushi Matsu, a charming spot known for its exceptional sushi, conveniently located at the intersection of Moesser and San Pablo. Just across the street from the Japanese grocery store Yaoya-San where we shop for everything from seaweed to sake, this neighborhood has become our go-to destination for satisfying our cravings for all things Japanese.
Recently, a drive past Sushi Matsu revealed a remarkable change to its once humble facade. What was once modest storefront now boasts a stunning transformation, featuring a colorful mural that demands a second glance. Set against a red backdrop, an homage to Hokusai's iconic wave sweeps across the scene, with a lively gold koi fish in the foreground and Mount Fuji standing tall in the distance, completing the picturesque panorama.
Kudos to both the artist and Sushi Matsu for showcasing cultural artistry while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their restaurant. This vibrant addition brightens up the entire neighborhood.
Stepping inside Sushi Matsu, one is immediately drawn to another large mural featuring the same Hokusai motif, this time with a whimsical twist: a cat fisherman riding a giant koi, blending Hokusai's style with comic-book flair, its style and energy seamlessly connect with the newly created artwork out front.
During peak hours, dining amidst the bustling ambiance, with walls adorned with posters and graphics, feels akin to a cozy spot in one of Tokyo’s urban hubs —except, perhaps, for the basketball game playing on the big screen TV. Once settled, the compact prep station in the back is busy crafting sushi to order.
The menu at Sushi Matsu offers a range of classics, from traditional rolls to nigiri and sashimi. Always drawn a sushi restaurants special rolls, a guilty pleasure of mine is the 49er's roll, featuring crab meat, salmon, and avocado, topped with thinly cut, whole lemon slices. The lemon adds a hint of sourness and bitterness from the peel, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile. Another favorite is the Lion King roll, which also features crab meat, but is baked and topped with garlic and unagi sauce.
While it is easy to fill up on a selection of rolls what sets Sushi Matsu apart is its appetizer selection. The Agedashi Tofu, for instance, features soft silken tofu cut into cubes, delicately coated with potato or cornstarch, then fried to a golden brown. Their version is served in a savory dashi broth and garnished with green onion, which makes for a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
However, the star on the appetizer menu is the Hamachi Kama, or yellowtail collar, which is a less common offering in Japanese restaurants even here in the Bay Area. Despite its unassuming appearance, the collar is revered for being the meatiest and juiciest part of the fish. With a subtle and clean flavor, its preparation is simple with only the minor addition of house ponzu sauce to accentuate its natural qualities.
From its captivating murals to its menu that delivers consistent quality, Sushi Matsu stands out in its community and never disappoints!
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