"Chef Billy Ngo's East Sacramento sushi room, a 2024 James Beard finalist kitchen, runs a $200 omakase worth the milestone."
About Kru
Kru is chef Billy Ngo's contemporary Japanese restaurant on Folsom Boulevard in East Sacramento. Ngo opened the first Kru in 2005, moved it to its larger Folsom Boulevard home, and in 2024 was named a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: California. It has long led our Sacramento guide for sushi and modern Japanese cooking.
The menu runs from à la carte nigiri, rolls and izakaya plates to a tightly limited omakase counter. The room draws a steady East Sac crowd, and reservations are wise on weekends. For why a kitchen this consistent earns its reputation, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The headline is the omakase: a single 6pm seating on Wednesdays and Thursdays, capped at five guests, running roughly three hours at $200 per person, with an optional beverage pairing around $95. It pairs a nigiri flight of premium fish flown in from markets worldwide with cooked plates from the kitchen. Off the omakase, signatures include house-made pork gyoza, the wakame salad, and a much-loved pork belly and uni bite finished with teriyaki, arare and chili oil. Most à la carte plates keep Kru in mid-range territory.
The Room
The dining room is dark, modern and softly lit, more design-led than a neighbourhood sushi bar, with a counter for those who want to watch the knife work. It reads as grown-up rather than loud, which suits a date or a quiet business lunch over a rowdy night out. Service is informed and unhurried, especially at the omakase counter.
Best for a date night or a milestone dinner
Book the counter omakase for an anniversary or a special first date; the à la carte room also makes an easy, polished business lunch in East Sacramento.
Not for
A cheap quick bite or a large walk-in group: the omakase is a five-seat, twice-weekly ticket, and the à la carte room fills on weekends.
Frequently Asked
Who is the chef at Kru in Sacramento?
Kru is founded and led by chef Billy Ngo, who opened the first Kru in 2005 and was named a 2024 James Beard finalist for Best Chef: California.
How much is the omakase at Kru?
The omakase is $200 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional beverage pairing around $95. It runs a single 6pm seating on Wednesdays and Thursdays, for a maximum of five guests.
Where is Kru?
Kru is at 3135 Folsom Blvd in East Sacramento, California. The phone number is (916) 551-1559.
What is Kru known for?
Kru is a contemporary Japanese restaurant known for its sushi, its three-hour omakase counter, and signatures such as house-made pork gyoza and a pork belly and uni bite.
Do I need a reservation at Kru?
The omakase counter is by reservation only and seats just five. For the à la carte room, booking is wise on weekends.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Kru
Omakase is Wed-Thu only, one 6pm seating, max five guests; book à la carte ahead for weekends.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816
NeighbourhoodEast Sacramento / Folsom Blvd
CuisineContemporary Japanese / Sushi
Price$$$ · omakase $200 per person
RecognitionChef Billy Ngo, 2024 James Beard finalist (Best Chef: California)
SignaturePork belly and uni; omakase nigiri flight
