MaruJun Japanese Cuisine

This place surprised me in the best way. The ingredients are so fresh that you can actually catch the fragrance of the chicken (yes chicken). The menu feels very intentional that they’re trying to avoid chunky heavy food. Instead they let the ingredients and the skills speak for themselves. This is what I only expect from the finest spots in Kyoto. Every dish feels light, clean, yet satisfying. What really won me over, though, was the atmosphere. The restaurant was completely packed, but I can still hear my thoughts. This is one of the few places in Marin you could actually enjoy your meal without getting a headache from chatter. If you’re looking for a place with remarkable freshness and a peaceful setting, this one stands out.

Best Japanese food in Bay Area. Creative, fresh and delicious! Queen and spicy tuna hand rolls, deep fried black cod appetizer, poke, fatty tuna sashimi were amazing. Best most attentive service and relaxing ambience.

I could have sworn I already posted a review but maybe not… This place should be packed every night but it isn’t. It’s by far the best sushi I have had in years. We went to Sushi Ran recently and it was nowhere near at this level. We also love Village Sake, but as far as their sushi goes, they’re a little skimpy with their nigiri cuts, and they don’t feel as authentic as Maru Jun (but I’ve never been to Japan, so who knows). I’ve been texting everyone I know about Maru Jun—I really hope they thrive. Incredible rice, incredible fish, incredible place. Don’t be put off by the strip mall location, just pretend you’re in LA.

Walked in a summer Sunday 30 mins before closing. Place is empty. A few fish on the counter display. Low expectations. Until the plates arrive. Then we experienced an EXCELLENT meal. We had an amazing otoro and toro, pork belly skewers so good also. However, the highlight was the homemade eggplant dish with the ground chicken, haven’t tasted something like that away from my mother’s kitchen. Highly recommend this place for sushi! Thank you for the great dinner.

We had a delicious meal at Marujun. The fish was fresh and well prepared, and the tempura was so light and flavorful. The service was attentive. We will definitely go back there!

From the moment we walked in the door we felt like family. Every dish including the feature of home cooked special of the night was like being transported to our travels to Japan. An authentic menu, service and experience that this area is lacking for those looking for something other than corporate or cookie cutter dining opportunities. I have never had a hand roll I enjoyed and upon taking a suggestion our first meal, we went returned the next week and I wanted to order 3! Their miso soup is the best I’ve personally had in the world. Their wine and sake menu is diverse and delicious featuring small and noteworthy names. The only thing we are left wondering after our 2nd trip in which we were greeted even more like family than our first, and witnessing 2 return visitors arrive with apparently the same sentiments, is how often is too often to go back! If you are considering this restaurant-the answer is YES!

Excellent sushi, but also more. The specials often include a 'homestyle' dish which should not be missed. Also plenty of grilled and fried items.

Without a doubt, this was the best sushi and Japanese food I’ve ever had outside of Japan. Everything was absolutely fantastic. The saba was delicious, the gyutan (grilled beef tongue - not pictured) amazing, and the ikura was honestly INCREDIBLE. I’m blown away and will be dreaming about how good everything was for weeks to come. I rarely write reviews at all, much less immediately after leaving the restaurant, but I felt very strongly about making sure MaruJun got all 5 of their stars - it really is that good. I’m so happy!! Thank you for the meal!!

A friend and I went to Marujun for dinner Food - Wonderful! Service - Very attentive. Ambiance - Hard to get a handle on the ambiance. It was early in the evening, and early in the week. I liked the fact that each table could hear each other, but hard to be heard. For what I wanted it was great fish, prompt service and could carry on a conversation. Three nits - 1. I had to work hard to understand the menu organization so it took some work to build the sequence. I think a second time would be easy. 2. I would have liked some muchi ice cream 3. Maybe I'm the only person who'd care, but I wished the I could have found Gen Mai Cha to be on the menu. It was the same "problem" I had when I went to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka) I think all of these nits can ben folded into "it was a Japanese menu" not a Japanese-American one. So the problem was with ME, not the restaurants!

I want to start off and say that I was a cook , meat cutter and former fishmonger .I did this and a past life 20 years ago, but I'm just letting you know that I recognize quality. I stopped in with my son and his wife on Sunday. It was around 7:30 PM when we arrived and the restaurant was about 3/4 full. I noticed some families and couples who were laughing and having a good time .It was obviously they were enjoying themselves.. I ordered an eggplant and chicken dish. We ordered two plates of sashimi. The owner sent out some Edamame for us to try. The chicken and eggplant came out without much fanfare a very simple dish. . It was delicious. The sesame and soy balance was good. The sashimi on the other hand was over the top great. It was so fresh . The presentation was great. My daughter-in-law said she had never sushi of that quality .

Spent the weekend in San Rafael and stopped in here for dinner. What a lovely experience! Tucked in a little strip mall, there was plenty of parking since the other businesses are not open in the evening. We waited a few minutes since we did not have reservations, but they eventually seated us at the counter. We ordered the daily Obanzai which seemed to be a seafood stew of sorts - this was ok. We also got the miso soup, veggie tempura, kuro buta and gyutan skewers and the Sashimi Mori Awase. It was just enough to fill our bellies. Every dish had some special element that took it to the next level. The miso soup included mushrooms, the skewers especially the gyutan was so flavorful and juicy and the sashimi just melted in my mouth. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The wait staff was lovely and attentive. I truly enjoyed my dining experience here.

The omakase experience . Beautiful presentation, fresh fish, light, healthy and fulfilling. I love it.

This restaurant is located in a strip mall, with a decent amount of parking. I was able to attend the soft opening and had the most amazing experience. The staff is very friendly and the ambiance was very classy, modern, with an authentic cozy touch. We tried several dishes, and everything was incredibly delicious. EVERYTHING ordered was a hit! Standouts would be buri nigiri, amberjack nigiri, sashimi platter, and the truffle tuna crudo dish. This would be a great place for date night. I hope to come back soon and can't recommend this spot enough!

Small plates , big prices . We went for Dinner , got a cup of soup , 1 order of tempura chicken and two handrolls came to including tips $95,00 , We left hungry , and we will NOT be back

A small but delightful place that feels perfect for celebrating special moments. Everything was fresh and delicious. It's a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. The service was wonderful and very attentive.

This place is great. Amazing food and service. If you're thinking of coming here. Do. The restaurant is very clean and peaceful and has jazz music.

Wow just had marijun for the first time and it's a must try for anyone who loves Japanese food. One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in the area with so much attention to detail. To the fancy chopsticks, unique plating, and interior, every detail has been thought out here. The service here is top notch just like their food. we got the nigiri plate, sake toro, spicy tuna hand roll, and kelp shrimp. All super fresh and had amazing structure to them. most sushi places i go to give to much rice or break apart when I get nigiri , but marujun does it perfectly. Same with the Handrolls which was my favorite of all the sushi! We also got the crab croquettes and chicken tempura. Wow the crab croquette was the best crab croquette I've ever tried so soft on the inside and busting with flavor. And the chicken was juicy and delicious a must get for anyone coming here! The Kuro Buta shabu is also a fun dish with a bowl of pork and tofu kept warm with a flame while you eat perfect for those cold days. for dessert we got both the hojita roll cake and matcha ice cream! Both delicious but my favorite is the hojita roll cake. It's perfect amout of sweet and so soft and fluffy! I will be coming back!

Husband loved his spicy tuna, the menu was great and fresh. My youngest wants to come back for her birthday. Wish I took photos but I always forget to. Service was wonderful too

A most perfect meal. I came in by myself and sat at the counter. I ordered a combination of items from the daily special menu and my regular nigiri favorites. I also had a pork belly skewer at the end that was heavenly. The presentation, pacing and overall quality was excellent.

Did everyone know that the word AWESOME was created just for this restaurant? These dishes made not only for the shape and taste, but also for the people who eat them to be more healthy! They are exquisite dishes that you will never forget once you've tried them. Even the sashimi-soy sauce is homemade, with a refined, harmonious flavor that is not too strong, and it serves as a foil to fresh fish. The vinegared rice( sumeshi), which is key to Nigiri, has a well-balanced flavor and the amount is neither too much not too little. These meticulous efforts result in an exquisite taste.

Don't let the surroundings outside deter you. This restaurant is owned and operated by Japanese-speaking people, including wait staff. The menu is not only a selection of fish, but also homey Japanese cooking. The menu is a big small, but it highlights their curated focus. Fish was excellent, service was amazing.

I can't say enough of this amazing restaurant!! The food is incredible and very authentic! The service was perfect! Love the design and felt very unique. Definitely will come back.

A truly amazing addition to San Rafael's food scene. While selfishly happy to have a legitimately amazing sushi restaurant in walking distance, it is a wonderfully refreshing dining experience that is focused on a Japanese cuisine. Their menu is compact but loaded with the best of what you want in great culinary experience. Service is amazing, I love the transformation of what it use to be. Great job and welcome to the neighborhood!

Have I found the perfect sushi bar? Beer from Okinawa. Subtle dressing on the sunomono so that the different flavors and textures of each type of seaweed and cucumber come through distinctly. A gorgeous diversity of nigiri, simply and artfully constructed but each unique in taste and presentation. The vibe is lively but not noisy and I felt comfortable as a single diner at the bar. I would give this place six stars if I could.

Amazing food and wonderful service! Perfect evening out to try old as well as new dishes.

Finally a decent Sushi place in central Marin. Don't let the strip mall location and small parking lot keep you away -- MaruJun is the real deal. Inside the restaurant is warm and welcoming. The service is impeccable, but it is the authentic food that is the star. Fresh sushi and sashimi served elegantly. The miso soup is divine. The seaweed salad with cucumbers is light and refreshing. The hand rolls are delightful. Marujun is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Our meals at Marujun were worth every penny. We'll be back!!

A fantastic addition to the Japanese food scene in Marin. Some of the freshest sushi available, including specials flown in from Japan and some unique preparations. They also serve Japanese "comfort foods", including a daily dish that you might find being served in a typical Japanese home. Lots of other options for those who don't like sushi or fish. The sake list is impressive, they have Japanese beers available that you don't find everywhere else, and wines that were made specifically to pair with the cuisine. Service was excellent, the ambiance is serene. Don't let its location in a strip mall on the Miracle Mile, sandwiched between Haircut 2000 and a nail shop, deter you from thinking that this is anything less than a truly top notch establishment.

Best Japanese food in Marin County and one of my favorites in the Bay Area - it is better than Sushi Ran. The sushi rice is amazing here. Don't sleep on this place. You won't be disappointed

We just had our first meal at Marujun Japanese Restaurant and loved it! The restaurant has a very nice ambience. The sushi was very fresh and authentic and the presentation was beautiful. The sushi platter was delicious, the Queen hand roll was tasty and the Sunonomo seaweed salad with snow crab was delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be coming back!

First time coming here. It's a small restaurant and we nearly passed it up. Upon walking in, the ambiance is calm and the lighting is warm. It's just a nice vibe. The customer service is amazing. The woman that seated us and served us was very kind, checked in on us often and made sure we were taken care of. We've eaten at plenty of Japanese spots in the Bay and in the Valley and Marujun has quickly become a favorite. I ordered the salmon sashimi and let me tell you....it melted in my mouth like butter. So delicious. We also ordered the salmon yaki (sp) and it was cooked to perfection. A yummy crust on the outside and moist on the inside. Everything was just high quality and flavorful. I'd definitely order from here again and if you're looking for legit Japanese cuisine with great service - this place is truly it!

Jun shows off his expertise with an array of wonderful dishes in addition to sushi. I will be coming back .

Exceptional. So good. On par with the best places I've had in the city while reminding me of the best places I've been to in LA with its strip mall location. Charming and quaint with great service and incredibly delicious sushi. Not where you should go if you're expecting saucy rolls, but definitely where you should go if you order nigiri and sashimi. I'd love to see this place succeed.

We Just had our first meal at this wonderful new spot. Luckily for us - it is located right in our neighborhood. It was delicious. Service was spot on and everything was beautifully presented. We are excited to go back soon and try more of the lovely options on the menu. If it continues to be as good as it is now, we'll be regulars. Our only wish was that they had sushi rolls to share on the menu.

I usually love this restaurant, but on my last visit, had an uncomfortable experience. The vegetable tempura I ordered was overcooked, like a overdone french fry. I told our server and she brought it back to the kitchen. The chef then came out with the plate to tell me that it was fine and held up a piece with his fingers right in my face. I said I didn't like it and he kept telling me it was fine. He finally took it away and left without another word. Eventually, the server came by to say they would take it off the bill. No restaurant is perfect on every dish every night, but don't get in my face and tell me why I'm wrong. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Meanwhile, my wife loved her meal.

Japanese restaurant in Marin. It is a gem in an unremarkable cluster of small shops. The fish is fresh. The small dishes are excellent and the service is gracious.

Don't be fooled by the location; this is a really nice, upscale Japanese restaurant. Service is wonderful, the food is delicious. We will definitely come again.

Marujun is not average Japanese restaurant. It's much more upscale than the businesses adjoining it in that location. Small, not much seating. I came in a few minutes after the restaurant opened, but it filled up quickly. I felt the food was pricey for small portions... tasty, yes, but not filling. The waitress was friendly, but not very helpful in picking menu items that would satisfy my appetite for less than 50 bucks.

You wouldn't expect such an exceptional sushi restaurant in this unassuming location, so it's such a pleasant surprise. It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny. Everyone working there is Japanese and they really internalize what it means for you to have an authentic Japanese experience. They offer fabulous sake, and I recommend getting it by the bottle if you're there with at least one or two other sake fans. The food was uniformly fantastic, but the items that stood out for us were those which were flown-in from Japan. What a great addition to the Japanese food scene in Marin County. Along with Sushi Ko, Sushi Ran, Village Sake and relative newcomer, Kuro Nami in downtown San Anselmo, Marin is coming into its own!

It is one of the best sushi restaurants in Marin and the Bay Area--fresh Sushi with various dishes, excellent beverage selection, comfortable and pleasing interior aesthetic, and friendly staff. The location is in a Strip Mall off the Miracle Mile near the San Anselmo border with plenty of parking.

Sublime. Jun San has considered every detail; starting with the basket to place my purse next to me so that I didn't have to use the floor, the table setting, the distance between tables, the chairs comfortable and not slouchy. We went spontaneously after a day of house projects and not particularly dressed for dinner. We went early without a reservation (that won't last long once the word is out). Lovely, not too loud, background music. The service was attentive- not rushed nor hovering. The food was beautiful- well considered, designed, perfectly. We had amaebi, Hirame (local halibut) Usuzukuri, Hon Maguro Akami, Hotate, Aburi (seared) Salmon and one of the specials. I like nigori sake and our server brought two so I could sample before I ordered. There was not one aspect that could have been better. It's the first time in years I've had sushi when the chef applies the perfect swipe of wasabi to the nigiri before serving. This is fine dining and I cannot wait to go back. Thank you, Chef!

Arguably the best and most authentic Japanese food in the ENTIRE Bay Area. Staff is incredibly sweet and attentive, and the ambiance of the restaurant is clean and inviting. The portions are a fine size and the prices are completely reasonable considering the quality of food that you are given. A MUST IF IN MARIN.

Best Japanese food in the bay. Very traditional, and very clean. Awesome place to take a date .

Well, it's a cute place and I hope it succeeds. However, a friend and I went the other night and the food was decent but the portions are tiny and the prices are extremely high (like way too high) for the community. We spent $175.00 for two people, and still left hungry. Won't be heading back anytime soon.

Went there for the first time last night. Wonderful food! Extremely fresh fish and thoughtful organic Japanese dishes. Excellent service compliments the food! Wish them the best and will return!