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Gyu-Kaku - Oakland, Oakland, CA

Gyu-Kaku - Oakland

4.3
4.3
121 Reviews
$30 and under
Japanese
Top Tags:

Spending time with Friends and Family is what Gyu-Kaku is all about. Gyu-Kaku offers the fun of "Shared Plates" We want our food dining experience to inspire laughter, conversation, and amazing times! You can't help it - with a personal grill installed at every table, everyone instantly becomes an expert cook. Our friendly staff aspires to lead guests through the dining experience with helpful suggestions. The sounds around you are of parties and laughter - the PERFECT choice for first dates, families, and catching up with friends.

*18% gratuity automatically added for parties of 6 or more

**A 4% surcharge has been added to your bill to defray the increased cost of wages and benefits. The 4% surcharge does not go towards gratuity for your service.

Thank you for dining with us!

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:30 pm Happy Hour Mon 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Thu 8:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri–Sun 8:30 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (510) 361-0117

  • Website

    http://www.gyu-kaku.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Catering

    Please call us for catering options at 510.361.0117

  • Private party facilities

    Please call us for private events at 510.361.0117

  • Location

    459 8th St Oakland, CA 94607

  • Neighborhood

    Oakland

  • Cross street

    8th Street on the corner of 8th and Broadway

  • Parking details

    Free street parking available after 6PM

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 121 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • East Bay

    Late Night Find

  • East Bay

    Japanese

Sort by

Filters

  1. S

    Samurai6

    San Francisco

    436 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    436 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Four of us had a pretty good time, arriving at open. By far the Prime Kalbi is the best meat option so we had four orders along with the Ninja set course which serves three. They were out of hot sake so we went with a bottle of cold sake Hatsumago which never fails. Plus two ice cold pitchers of Sapporo. All around, good stuff by GyuKaku back of the house plus our server Michelle was wonderful and very competent.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Mexico City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food and experience! Great service. Highly recommend!

  3. DP

    DarrylP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    Just wasn't the best experience. I could see they were trying, but communication was not their strong suit on 5/8/22. When your bill is over 225 and your with your Wife and Kids for Mothers day you want it special, only thing that saved the day was the presents my wife received lol

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience3

    The food here was amazing. Service was just a little slow. Every server was extremely nice, just wish they could’ve been a bit more attentive. I definitely come back & give it another try.

  5. D

    Djack

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Service was very slow. Food took a long time to come out. Very prices, food was not worth it.

  6. AD

    AlaDeb

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    2.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    Not as good as our previous experiences. Food was so-so. Chicken karaage looked as if it had been refried from yesterday, and the pieces were small, hard and almost black. Will not come again.

  7. CS

    CandiceS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and food!

  8. T

    Tina

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Nice service, amazing food!

  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always come here with my friends and every time me love it! Every time we bring new people to try it they love it too, the waygu is the highlight of the menu. Affordable sake that still has good taste too it also

  10. MM

    MichaelM

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience2

    Food was decent but the service was terrible. We also got to see a show where the dishwasher freaked out on the GM and quit in the middle of his shift. With all the great food options in Oakland we likely won’t go back.

  11. SM

    SidneyM

    San Francisco

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Had the Meat Lovers' menu, which was good and varied with generous portions. Good service. Appreciated the free hot sake for Oakland Restaurant Week.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service from our server.

  13. MM

    MargeM

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We came here on a Sunday around 11:30am, as soon as they opened. Our server informed us it was just his third day on the job and that he was still in training and that his trainer just left so to bear with him. That was fine. He was polite all throughout but missed some small items and we had to remind him which was, again, not a big deal. Food was tasty enough (nothing spectacular that I'd want to come back to) but the quantity of the raw meats were pretty darn small for what they charge. You could buy a pack of chicken for the price charged for the 5 slivers of chicken breast marinated in about a teaspoon of pesto sauce. Same goes with the other raw cuts of beef we ordered. Barbecuing the food yourself was fun. But 2 stars at the most for value.

  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Just a casual weekend date with my boyfriend. Our first time here! Food was really good! Service was excellent. I will definitely come back! They have a variety of combo choices for 2,4,6 people I believe. You guys will for sure save some bucks on that! :)

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was nice service, everything was nice and the food was good.

  16. RS

    RachelS

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    Was fun and yummy! Good option but more authentic feeling places in the bay.

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Food was delicious. Bar drinks need a boost but overall it was good.

  18. TC

    TiffanyC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience4

    The servers kept forgetting about our food and table.

  19. GS

    GeorgeS

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Food took 30 mins to get the first dish. The brought the soup and salad last. Stale and bad tasting.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I haven’t had any Japanese bbq in a long time . I enjoyed it and staff was super friendly . It was busy but i didn’t have any complaints.

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    Mix up with the waitstaff and had to wait for 30-40 mins for our food.

  22. CA

    CathyA

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was delicious, service attentive and cordial. The meat was like butte and the garlic noodles to die for. Will definitely return!

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall1food3service2ambience2

    Waited an hour to sit even with a reservation. When seated, got our food after half an hour. Food was just okay. Nothing special. Quite expensive for small portions of meat. Desserts was suppose to be a part of the BBQ Combo, did not even get offered one. Had to ask for it and when we asked they’re out of the smores. They’ll ask to give you ice cream instead. Server gave us only one small scoop though as a replacement for two smores. It’s so bad it’s actually funny.

  24. Y

    Yamato

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    It was our first time here, and was hoping to experience the level of good Japanese yakiniku I used to enjoy in Japan… Unfortunately, the quality of the meat did not live up to expectations… They do have the special Wagyu Beef, if you want to pay $60-$70 per plate, but we wanted to try different cuts, so tried their kalbi chuck rib, premium sirloin, toro beef, and filet mignon. Filet mignon was a total fail, as we couldn’t even chew through 4 of the 7 pieces we received… There was so much gristle, and the meat itself was tasteless and tough. Very disappointed… I usually love filet mignon… Our server, Xen, was exceptional and very attentive. I would have given a lower rating had it not been for him. They were sorely understaffed, but he worked hard, nonstop, and was courteous and friendly throughout our time there.

  25. A

    Anon

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Horrible service. We arrived at 3:45 for dinner at 5:45 we were still waiting for food. We had to waive down a manager to get our check because our server was no where to be found. The food was okay. We were celebrating Valentine's Dinner with friends and we had high hopes, but we all left utter disappointment.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food loved it

  27. EM

    ErnestM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and the food was amazing. Really enjoyed the restaurant!

  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Celebrated my brothers elopement with his new wife. Had a great meal and excellent service. Unfortunately it was my server Jas last shift. We will be back though!!!

  29. JJ

    JasmineJ

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2022

    overall1food5service1ambience5

    Unfortunately our server Jaz was less than interested in providing us good service. The location had 70% empty tables with plenty of staff to service us. We waited 25 min and sent two requests just to get our server to take our drink order. When our food arrived and the grill wouldn’t start we asked for another table which request was ignored and met with attitude and waited another 20 minutes to get the grill started. I’ve been to this location almost 10 times over the course of a year and never experienced service like this at any Gyukaku. Other staff members repeatedly asked our server to come see about us but her lack of interest in providing basic customer service was noticed by everyone.

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a great first time experience!

  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2021

    overall2food5service1ambience2

    Waited 20 minutes for a table although we had a reservation. Food was good, but they were out of a lot of items during prime dinner service. Service was very slow, and it was apparent they are short staffed. We ended up being there for over 2 hours (!!) because half the time we were waiting for food. Not sure what is up with this location but unfortunately, we won’t be coming back

  32. RF

    RFT10

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2021

    overall2food3service4ambience3

    The waitstaff was friendly and trying their best. They were doing their best but placed in a difficult situation. We were notified when we arrived for our reservation that there will be a set all you can eat menu/price due to it being the holidays. This was not communicated to us, although the reservation was made well in advance. The set menu/and pricing is understandable due to it being Christmas. However, half the meats on the menu were sold out, our reservation was for 5:30 in the evening, with customers just beginning to arrive for the evening. We were seated fairly promptly but had to wait an hour before any food arrived. Multiple items we ordered ended up being not available. Again the waitstaff was doing what they can but the restaurant was clearly understaffed and mismanaged.

  33. MG

    MichaelGuy

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    1.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Service was virtually nonexistent. Took nearly two hours for a thirty minute meal. Most item we wanted were not available. The beef in the ramen I ate was all fat and grissle, impossible to chew or swallow. The filet mignon steak we ate raw uneven, chewy, but edible. Can’t believe it was filet mignon. Sake I ordered never came, neither the Gouza. Ended up eating some salad, two bites of steak, and the broth from the ramen. Left starved and frustrated, and thus was on Christmas Day! We rushed to the movie theater and ate one of their hot dogs for lunch!

  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall5food1service5ambience5

    The beef looks like it's been kept for a long time, and it's not too fresh. I have eaten at Cupertino restaurant, the foods which is much better than this one(Oakland).but the service is very nice

  35. c

    cheryld

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Bad all around.

  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good is so delicious and service was excellent. Will come back again!

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Would not recommend. Bad service & food.

  38. EA

    EATS4BB3

    San Francisco

    286 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    286 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2021

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    A bit hit and miss this time. They could not get my grill to heat, had to move in the middle of my meal. Lychee Saketini was good, Hanger Steak was NOT tender, Garlic Fried Noodles were good but they had NO Shrimp. Another diner bought me an order of Salt and Pepper wings, were too sweet for me.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2021

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Good place for family outing with kids

  40. MW

    MalindaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a fun experience!! The service here was absolutely amazing! From the warm and accommodating host at the front door to our patient and friendly waitress! The food was also absolutely delicious.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Gyu-Kaku - Oakland using the Order Online button. Gyu-Kaku - Oakland also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 361-0117.

Gyu-Kaku - Oakland is rated 4.3 stars by 121 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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18
19
20
21
22
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24
25
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27
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31
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11
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Gyu-Kaku - Oakland

459 8th St Oakland, CA 94607

Additional information

  • Cross street

    8th Street on the corner of 8th and Broadway

  • Neighborhood

    Oakland

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:30 pm Happy Hour Mon 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Thu 8:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri–Sun 8:30 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Free street parking available after 6PM

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.gyu-kaku.com/

  • Phone number

    (510) 361-0117

  • Catering

    Please call us for catering options at 510.361.0117

  • Private party facilities

    Please call us for private events at 510.361.0117

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