Yuzu Sushi & Bar
440 N Virginia St UNIT C
Reno, NV 89501
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Wednesday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Thursday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Friday | 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Saturday | 5:30 PM - 12 AM
Sunday | 5:30 - 10 PM
It’s no news that Reno is crazy about sushi. Sushi is our thing. We’ve been mentioned by major publications like SFGATE and the New York Times as an “all-you-can-eat sushi capital,” a “destination for all you can eat sushi,” and even a “mighty mecca of all-you-can-eat sushi.” With countless AYCE restaurants in Reno, I’m not surprised how we’ve gotten the attention of some serious culinary cities.
When reading up a little on the history of this AYCE scene in Reno, it’s interesting to learn how it came about in the local scene as a way to stay competitive with casinos and their all you can eat buffet options. Knowing this, you can’t fully knock casinos now, can you!? I know I can’t... There's also the part where seafood became a bit more accessible to them because the casinos were ordering tons of it on the daily.
While I wouldn’t trade this wonderful world of AYCE sushi for anything, I also appreciate more a la carte places that focus more on quality than quantity (though some places really do a great job on both fronts). They also tend to offer a more intimate, less chaotic experience, no need to show up with a strategy to get your money’s worth or plan a loose outfit for - let’s be honest - occasional indulgences and gluttony lol. I’ve definitely had my fair share of overeating. Sometimes curiosity makes you want to try everything and our competitive spirit kicks in a bit, like we are trying to take advantage of the system and “win” at the end.
That said, the beauty of it all is freedom of choice, the ability to choose between different styles and price points depending on your mood. This is just another rad option that adds to that mix.
In these trying times, when pricing for virtually everything has gone up, offering the highest quality ingredients in an all you can eat format is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. If you read the New York Times article linked above, you’ll even find that some owners are considering pivoting to an a la carte model to better adapt to today’s economic realities.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past decade or so of chaos and change, it’s not to take a single thing for granted. Hit up your favorite local AYCE spots and help keep them thriving.
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| Denver & Stacia are some of the nicest people I've ever met in Reno to date. |
Now, onto Yuzu.
It's different. It's quality. The people who own the shop couldn't be more pleasant and passionate (my favorite kind of owners), and it's a total must visit for any sushi & Japanese food lover. Shout outs to Denver, Stacia, & the head sushi chef. <3
Yes, they strive to provide a more elevated experience, but that doesn't mean their menu is limited to just raw options. There's something for everyone, including sauced up & deep fried rolls. Plus, they're that kind of restaurant that's not just limited to what's on their menu - customize away.
*They have the best unagi in town.
*Their chicken karaage is so unique (some will say it's the best) - flavor is top notch. Light, super juicy, & totally addictive. Denver has been tweaking his batter forever, which is made of a mix of different types of flours, including rice & potato.
*Their Ocean Fire & Superman are some of the best rolls I've had in Reno.
*They offer upgraded soy sauce.
*They work with the seasons, opting for the freshest in season produce & ingredients.
*Denver loves concocting fun cocktails & offering quality drinks.
*Their fish is undoubtedly fresh (say a notch or two up in quality from your usual nigiri, though I think they could use a bit more technique in this sector as to not include any fibrous parts in their servings).
Bonus: I had a chat with Denver and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he has tons of visions as to what he'd like to eventually add to the menu (as time and opportunities allow). Yuzu cheesecake and matcha lattes with your sushi, anyone? When a die-hard foodie opens a restaurant, there's no telling where their foodie madness will end.
The news about their opening has long been pending over a couple of years (permits and shipment delays may have had something to do with it). Eventually, Denver, owner of Yuzu, decided it was time to stop waiting and get the doors open and the community seated.
You may have not yet heard about their opening, but for good reason. They officially opened back in March with a soft opening - getting the feel for things around the restaurant, developing the food & drink menus according to the season as they go, and meeting more of the community while patiently awaiting missing items.
And what a victory it is to have a legit late night sushi spot available for late night cravings and adventures. Could this be the beginnings of late night sushi culture in Reno? I think so!
If you get a chance to make it to the shop, I just know you'll be well taken care of with amazing eats and phenomenal service. I truly hope you enjoy this amazing local spot to the fullest.
NOTES
-Metered street parking just around the corner on E 5th St. Tons of free parking nearby at Circus Circus and Silver Legacy parking garages.-Everything is made to order. A little patience will go a long way. Plus, they're still in the process of building & training their staff.
-The menu is still evolving.
MENUS
(as of 4.2026)
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***
Photography
© Katherine Fung,
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