Jo Knows Sakana
Ok, sushi is my favorite food. Bar none. I live in Walnut Creek and bounced around the various sushi establishments for years without commitment to any of them, as they didn't provide the quality of fish or the ambiance that I desired. I had resigned myself to having to go to San Francisco when I wanted good sushi.

One day, a friend mentioned Jo's Sushi Bar, in Pleasant Hill. I went there the next day. I was really taken aback by the rather non-descript strip in which Jo's is located, sandwiched between a steak house chain and a jiu-jitsu dojo. With trepidation, I ventured forth.

I don't recall my first meal there in detail, but remember that I was impressed with the quality of the fish and attentive service. I've returned countless times in the following years.

Jo-san offers only the freshest fish. He is very discriminating in deciding what to serve to his patrons, most of whom are very regular; in fact sitting at the bar occasionally feels as if you're in an episode of Cheers, as practically everyone knows each other. I've never had a bad meal at Jo's and many have been off the hook, delicious. I won't recommend specific fish, you all have your favorites and mine may not mesh. Jo runs the full gamut of fish, though he rarely has toro. His feeling is he cannot get the quality he wants. Many of the regulars gravitate toward more American style treats: "spicy XXX roll" or deep fried YYY or garlic ZZZ. By the second or third visit, Jo knew I shunned these dishes, but you decide what you like and you'll get it.

As with almost every sushi bar, familiarity breeds affection. Being a regular has its rewards. With that said, Jo and the wait staff always embrace each customer with great care. I will say, I've never been attended to better than at Jo's. I adore the whole staff - they're great. If you're outgoing, which I'm not, you'll be fast friends with the family quickly.

If you're looking for raw fish in Contra Costa, Jo's is Ichi Ban!    [07 Nov 2003 21:40:23]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Food is Great!
Jo's recently moved to the corner of Taylor and Morello in the Pleasant Hill area.

I am more sensitive to the noise factor in the new establishment.

Although nicely decorated, the slate floors create echoes, which bounce off walls. It lacks those sound absorbing carpets of his last location.

This noise factor does not appeal to me, so I tend to go to another sushi restaurant that has more ambiance.

Ordering out is a good option however.    [26 Jan 2005 23:21:28]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Volcano Roll, Bubba Gump Roll

     ­Anonymous   

Jo's is the place for fresh fish
I'm fron Atlanta and work in the Concord area from time to time and I make sure that whenever I'm out this way I visit Jo's. Jo's has the freshest fish I've had next to my main palce in Atlanta and he and his staff are so caring and talkative about the food. Last time I was there he was describing to another patron and myself about Uni and how it tastes and why it was better in the wintertime and he convinced both of us to give it a go for the first time and I have to say it wasnt bad at all...

So, if your in the area, make sure to stop by and try Jo's, you will not be sorry..    [20 Jun 2005 18:52:04]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Any of their rolls or nigiri sushi..

     ­Rick, Atlanta   

Best in East Bay
I have been to Jo's Sushi three times. I like the variety of fishes he has that other places don't carry such as toro and abalone. I like the eggplant dish and homemade gyoza from the kitchen menu. Instead of drinking sake and beer which fills you up because of the high carbohydrate content, I really enjoy the sochu that they carry there which is a distilled spirit which is a perfect 24% in alcohol content. It's a very smooth drink and he serves a generous portion for $5.00 a glass. The service at Jo's'is absolutely excellent! It seems that the employees there are happy to work with Jo and his wife and that transcends into the friendly service. Finallly the interior is very tasteful and clean looking. I like the custom-made pendant lighting hanging at the sushi bar counter. It's a first class operation there and the owner has alot of pride but the good thing about is that Jo doesn't show that arrongancy that alot of owner-chefs show.    [15 Jul 2005 12:32:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: toro, awabi, egg plant, gyoza

     ­Bob Craig