About Masa's Sushi
Masa's Sushi in Novato, CA
Masa's Sushi sits at 813 Grant Ave in downtown Novato, nestled among local shops on a quiet stretch of Grant. Chef Takatoshi "Toshi" runs the counter with a neighborhood pitch: fresh fish, fair prices, and a room that feels like Novato rather than a scene. He is often visible behind the glass, cutting fish and talking to regulars.
What Masa's Sushi Is
This is a compact sushi restaurant, not a nightclub roll house. Lunch is built for a real meal on a weekday. Dinner is for sitting down and letting Toshi send nigiri, salmon, and tuna tastings, or for sharing a larger platter if the table wants variety.
The website's line is simple. Flavorful sushi crafted with love in the heart of Novato. That matches how locals use it. Quick lunch. Date-night dinner. A special-occasion omakase without a Sausalito drive.
What's On The Menu
Lunch combinations include chirashi bowls and sushi or nigiri served with miso soup. In the evening the omakase is a curated set of nigiri plus salmon and tuna tastings. Larger platters can mix rolls such as avocado and albacore with bites of ebi, yellowtail, and lightly smoked goldeneye snapper (kinmedai).
Hours And How It Works
Hours are commonly listed every day 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Hosts are often reachable during 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. That midafternoon close is the detail first-timers miss. Do not show up at 3:00 PM and expect the door to be open.
What The Visit Is Like
Expect an unassuming downtown storefront, a peaceful dining room, and a chef-led counter energy rather than a loud bar. Service is warm and direct. Eat earlier than you would in San Rafael if you want a relaxed pace before the 8:00 PM close.
Why People Go
People come for a Novato sushi address that still feels personal, for lunch chirashi that is more than a convenience roll, and for an evening omakase that does not require a bridge or a tasting-menu budget. They stay because Toshi is actually there.
Who Masa's Is Best For
Masa's works especially well for Novato and North Marin locals who want a weekday sushi lunch, couples who can do an early dinner, and anyone who prefers a chef they can see over a giant happy-hour menu. It is less ideal if you need late-night sushi or a big group walk-in at 7:45 PM on Saturday.
Where It Fits In Your Novato Day
A simple downtown loop is Grant Avenue sushi at Masa's, then a walk through Old Town Novato shops. Use lunch if you are already on Grant. Save omakase for a night when you can sit still and let the nigiri come out in order.