
Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
A chic and lively Japanese eatery offering a fusion of classic dishes with international flavors and exquisite presentation.

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Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic and lively Japanese eatery offering a fusion of classic dishes with international flavors and exquisite presentation.
"Experience one of the absolute favorite dining experiences with incredible food and impeccable presentation."
Reservations are essential
Book in advance to secure seating, especially for omakase, or to avoid long wait times.
Explore unique menu items
Try Hokkaido milk bread with Uni butter or Chutoro carpaccio if omakase isn't available.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Contemporary Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artfully Presented Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
Experience exceptional Japanese dishes with a fusion of international flavors, known for exquisite presentation.

Sushi Bar Experience
Sit at the sushi bar to interact with skilled chefs and enjoy beautiful food presentations up close.

Inventive Cocktails
Explore unique and inventive cocktails like 'green eggs and ham' or 'pastrami on rye'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations are essential
Book in advance to secure seating, especially for omakase, or to avoid long wait times.
Explore unique menu items
Try Hokkaido milk bread with Uni butter or Chutoro carpaccio if omakase isn't available.
Ask server for recommendations
Leverage knowledgeable servers for personalized menu and drink suggestions.
Dine at the sushi bar
Opt for sushi bar seating to witness culinary skills and enjoy direct interaction.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations are essential
Book in advance to secure seating, especially for omakase, or to avoid long wait times.
Explore unique menu items
Try Hokkaido milk bread with Uni butter or Chutoro carpaccio if omakase isn't available.
Ask server for recommendations
Leverage knowledgeable servers for personalized menu and drink suggestions.
Dine at the sushi bar
Opt for sushi bar seating to witness culinary skills and enjoy direct interaction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Kru's exceptional contemporary Japanese cuisine, highlighting the incredibly fresh fish, creative dishes, and stunning presentation. The vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, particularly from specific staff members, enhance the overall dining experience. While the food consistently receives high praise, some guests have noted slow service during peak times or potential issues with hygiene at the sushi bar.
"This was one of my absolute favorite dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible. The staff were helpful and friendly. I loved sitting at the sushi bar and talking to one of the chefs and watching them cook food.
I went a little overboard on food orders for one but knew this place was special. I started with a 15 piece chefs choice nigiri plate. The presentation was gorgeous. The wasabi it came with was incredibly flavorful and the fish was incredibly fresh.
The ginger soup was beautiful and full of flavor. This place really is about the presentation. When they bring it out to you the plate has all the fixings without the soup and then slowly pour the soup into the bowl in front of you in a beautiful presentation.
I then ordered the Waygu Tsukune. The flavor of the beef was out of this world and one of the best things I've ever tasted. The chef saw I enjoyed it so much he suggested I order a piece of Waygu nigiri with quail egg and truffle. The truffle was shaved off inches high and the combination was delicious. As I was eating the meat I was sipping on a Waygu bourbon cocktail that perfectly matched the flavor profile of the food.
Finally I decided I wanted to end the night with a basic spicy tuna roll just to see if I could come back and enjoy this place on the cheaper end. The answer was "absolutely yes."
The atmosphere is fun and lively. The food is incredible. The presentation is impeccable. I waited too long to come here. Don't make the same mistake."
David Sforza
"Amazing dinner spent at Kru! The food was super delicious and tasted very fresh. One of the best dining experiences here in Sacramento. One of the best things was our server Vanessa. They went above and beyond to make sure we had the best dining experience possible, grateful to feel so welcomed paired with an overall awesome dinner experience :) Highly recommend and their Mango Cheesecake is a must!"
Christian Raganit
"Make a reservation in advance. Nice business meet up location or social meet up at the bar. Food was yummy, but not a WHOA like everyone says. This is not a bad thing, I just think people talk it up too much (my personal opinion). Sushi had their own trust, but pricey for what was served.
The service and atmosphere was good. We asked the server for multiple recommendations on drinks and food, and she was RIGHT ON. I loved her knowledge of the menu and food suggestions. The atmosphere was a little loud so the server missed a couple things we asked for and we were placed at a table by the door so we couldn't hear each other as well as we would've like, but we were there for a business meeting. The snickers bad dessert was amazing. We had a reservation so there wasn't a wait."
Cynthia Cadet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for omakase or during peak hours, to secure your seating.
Guests often recommend the signature rolls, sashimi, Hokkaido milk bread with Uni butter, and Chutoro carpaccio.
Yes, Kru is frequently mentioned as a favored spot for date nights due to its chic atmosphere and impressive dishes.
Absolutely! Sitting at the sushi bar allows you to watch the chefs at work and enjoy a more interactive dining experience.
Yes, Kru offers a variety of delicious small plates, such as pork belly skewers and tempura, for those who prefer non-raw options.
The restaurant is described as lively, chic, and having a dark, romantic ambiance, making it suitable for both casual and special occasions.
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From its lofty beamed ceilings to its custom ceramics and delicately placed chrysanthemums beneath sashimi, Japanese restaurant Kru finds elegance in every detail. The sake steamed mussels are served in a dashi broth so rich and enduring, you’ll want to drink it from the pot. Though the sushi rolls are hard to pass up, with their textural interplays such as arare and avocado, the sashimi mixes satiate large parties with a bouquet of handpicked fish arrayed like edible jewels.
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Chef Billy Ngo is certainly proving this theory correct with his work at Kru. The restaurant features a fusion of Asian, European, and American ingredients and techniques, with a heavy influence of Japanese sushi and traditions woven throughout. It’s a winning combination, as evidenced by a clientele that includes chefs who travel from as far away as San Francisco to dine here on their nights off.
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Each year a few “where the chefs are eating” lists circulate in Sacramento, and one of the perennial favorites is Kru. The chef-owner, Billy Ngo, is a total rockstar who focuses on technique, presentation, and the freshest ingredients. For sushi purists, the sashimi mix (chef’s choice) is outstanding, but don’t be afraid to break format and grab an order of the short ribs or pork belly.
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Sushi ages notoriously poorly away from the counter, but Kru’s cuts and supply are quality enough for a high-end home date night (or, say, a self-date night). Less is more with Kru’s seafood, and that’s clearest with the clean-tasting, oily fish in the chef’s choice nigiri platter that pop with nothing more than rice and a hearty streak of wasabi. Those turned off by raw fish may prefer the scallion/peas/potato croquette topped with tonkatsu sauce, spicy aioli and bonito flakes, kept warm with a layer of aluminum foil inside the biodegradable box.
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Kru ($$) The Japanese restaurant makes regular appearances on local 'best restaurant' lists, but with a new location, there's even more of an incentive to visit. Known for impeccable and creative presentation matched with quality, fresh dishes, the restaurant recently made a move from J Street in Midtown to Folsom Street in East Sacramento. Make sure to try their fresh sashimi and a Sunshine Roll if you just want a bite of sushi.
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At Kru, elegance permeates every corner, from the lofty ceilings to the meticulously arranged chrysanthemums gracing sashimi plates. Treat your palate to the luxurious richness of dashi broth paired with sake-steamed mussels, and delve into the irresistible sushi rolls boasting creamy avocado and crunchy arare. And for seafood lovers, the meticulously crafted sashimi mixes, akin to precious gems, are an absolute must-try.
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Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine One of Sacramento’s most acclaimed chefs, Kru’s Bill Ngo excels with pristine nigiri, elegant yet over-the-top sushi rolls and small plates like shatteringly crisp Brussels sprouts that you swipe in roe-spiked aioli. The dining room is one of the most visually stunning in Sacramento, but there’s also a spacious patio with heat lamps. Reservations are highly recommended.
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Splurge on some of Sacramento’s most artfully executed and flavorful Japanese food at this elegant East Sacramento spot. Chef Billy Ngo and his team are producing precision-sliced nigiri and sashimi, plus such small plates as tea-smoked duck kushiyaki and grilled corn with miso butter. The restaurant is open for dine-in but act fast and early if you want to snag a reservation, which can be made online.
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One of the original elevated contemporary Japanese restaurants in downtown Sacramento by the talented Billy Ngo. I dined here before they moved to their new location when it was a much more smaller establishment. Their quality has stayed top notch and their rolls are actually good with a good rice-to-fish ratio and a seasonal changing menu so there’s always something new to try.
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It’s not every day that a restaurant move sparks thousands upon thousands of words in the local press, but Kru isn’t just a regular restaurant—it’s a civic treasure, upon which both chefs and the general public agree. If the more spacious location doesn’t ease the pain of the long wait, a Japanese whiskey highball or three courtesy of the new, liquor-stocked bar certainly will.
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Kru, a Japanese eatery and sushi bar in East Sacramento, entices foodies seeking the nigiri of Sacramento’s first James Beard finalist for Best Chef: California, Buu “Billy” Ngo. However, the bar program by beverage director Jose Carrasco will appeal to those who want to drink well. And there is a dedicated bar area and menu apart from their sushi bar that takes walk-ins.
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Satisfy your sushi cravings at Kru, where traditional Japanese techniques meet innovative culinary imagination. Offering more than just sushi, the menu also includes a variety of mouth-watering small plates, sashimi, and unique chef specials. The sleek, modern interior adds to the overall experience, making Kru a top spot for sushi lovers and foodies alike.
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Let’s start with Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, because if you’re not talking about Billy Ngo, are you even talking about Sacramento’s food scene?. This East Sac sushi spot is where you go when you want to impress someone—or just yourself. The Edomae-style nigiri is a revelation, and the omakase experience feels like a masterclass in what sushi can be.
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If you were looking for a place that combines the most excellent Japanese cuisine and modern technology in its dishes, you must visit Kru. Anyone can enjoy one of the many dishes here or hold their private event. Moreover, the restaurant’s management has created its merchandise with the Kru logo and a separate website for selling bottled alcohol.
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East Sacramento’s Kru is a contemporary Japanese restaurant and sushi bar known for having some of the best flavors in the region. Chef Billy Ngo’s restaurant features many unique sushi creations such as the Go Green, the Firecracker, and the Sunshine. Many fans also love the Omakase option, which is the multi-course, chef’s choice selection.
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Kru seeks to interpret the guest’s intent, palate, mood, and occasion through our technique and passion. Plates and glass our vehicles, we honor our ingredients through contemporary Japanese cuisine, Barmanship, and Omakase. Kru delivers our product by way of single-hearted, two-way engagement and hospitality-Omotanashi.
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Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine is a renowned restaurant located in Sacramento, California. Similar to other reputable Japanese restaurants, Kru is committed to using high-quality, fresh ingredients. The focus on premium seafood, fresh vegetables, and quality rice contributes to the overall excellence of their dishes.
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Address: 3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816Phone:+1 (916) 551-1559Website:krurestaurant.comDetails: $$$, Japanese restaurant. Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine in Sacramento offers an unparalleled Japanese dining experience. Since 2016, this restaurant has consistently impressed patrons with its exceptional quality.
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Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine in Sacramento offers a refined dining experience, emphasizing sustainability and local ingredients through contemporary Japanese dishes, barmanship, and Omakase. The restaurant prioritizes hospitality and a two-way engagement with guests to create a memorable culinary journey.
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There’s a lot of technique and passion in every dish that come out of Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine’s kitchen. This restaurant serves contemporary Japanese cuisine using the best ingredients and flavors. Whenever you drop by Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, you get appetizing sushi and more.
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Why we love it: Because it’s widely considered Sacramento’s finest sushi. In the pre-COVID era, Kru owner Billy Ngo had a strict dine-in-guests-first policy: “We only took takeout orders if we had time,” he explains. Since the restaurant was generally packed, that meant no takeout for you.
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Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine stands out for its modern take on traditional sushi. The restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes like the Omakase and Toro Tartar are must-tries.
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Kru is another restaurant I like for its sushi and Japanese food. The same chef has a new place, Fish Face, with amazing spicy poke and just really tasty, fresh fish. If it’s cold—yes, it gets cold here—I’ll go to Shoki Ramen House for the spicy Tan Tan Men.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (140 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Sushi- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816-5218- Read more on Tripadvisor
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For a date night, a lot of times my wife and I end up at Kru. They are just masters of their craft. It’s a sushi place, but their hot kitchen is putting out some of the best food in town, and it’s really creative and beautiful.
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One of the crown jewels of Sacramento is Kru, a Japanese restaurant that uses local rice in its sushi. It’s a perfect celebration spot with some of the best sushi in town and hard to reserve, unless you’re fine with a 5 p.m.
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Modern, innovative flavors while still sticking to Japanese tradition. With all the different kinds of sushi here, you’ll surely be able to find something you’ll like. And, even more likely, you’ll want to try several!
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Founded by chef Billy Ngo, Kru offers exciting dishes paired with delicious drinks. They’re open for both dine-in and to-go service. Their menus are updated daily, so there’s always something fun to try.
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Besides these two, some of the famous fine dining in sacramento include pizza supreme being and Bawk by Urban Roots Kru, Hawks pubic house, binchoyaki, and and Nguyen’s vegetarian restaurant.
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Located at 3135 Folsom Blvd. in East Sacramento, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is the highest-rated Japanese restaurant in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 662 reviews on Yelp.
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Located at 3135 Folsom Blvd. in East Sacramento, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is the highest-rated sushi spot in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 674 reviews on Yelp.
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3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816Phone: 916-551-1559 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kru (@krusacramento)
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