Kuma

Welcome to Kuma, a standout Asian fusion and sushi bar located in Monterey, California. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable offerings, Kuma is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

At Kuma, you can expect a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant prides itself on providing exceptional service, with wheelchair accessibility and a range of amenities such as outdoor seating and a full bar.

Customer reviews rave about Kuma's signature dishes, such as the chirashi bowl, gyoza, and riceless rolls. Guests have highlighted the top-notch quality of the ingredients and the unique flavors that each dish delivers. The "rice cream" dessert, a hidden gem that patrons can request off-menu, is a particular favorite among diners.

One of the key highlights of Kuma is the personalized service provided by owner Dylan, who goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable dining experience. From engaging in friendly conversation to creating innovative dishes like green tea ice cream sandwiches, Dylan's passion for hospitality shines through.

From the warm welcome to the impeccable attention to detail, Kuma embodies a perfect blend of tradition and innovation in Japanese cuisine. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or looking to explore new flavors, Kuma promises a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression.

Kuma Menu

Location

Address: 414 Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 324-4745

🕓 Work Hours
MON 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
TUE 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WED 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THU 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Casual, Trendy
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Offers Military Discount
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Private Dining
    Yes
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes
  • Bring your own container allowed
    Yes
  • Compostable containers available
    Yes
  • Plastic-free packaging
    Yes
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Lizzie L.

    28 August 2024

    5 times is a charm. We just can't get enough of the chirashi bowl, Dassai 45 sake and John our server. John is by far the best and 50% of the reason why we return. He makes us feel right at home. We drive down from San Francisco, play golf and end the day with dinner at Kuma. We've been there 5 times since May. And every time is a memorable experience. I sometimes wonder if we make an excuse to play golf to eat at Kuma :)? I read some of the 1 and 2 star reviews and I'm sorry they did not experience the same. Anyways, we still truly back up our rating of 5 stars plus. Thank you again for a wonderful dinner, Kuma.

  • Author: Grant H.

    12 August 2024

    My brother-in-law recommended this place as the owners are very friendly and remember the customers. I ordered the chirashi, and the fish was tasty, and the su (vinegar rice) was good. Some places just use plain rice, but it's better to have the same rice they use for sushi, so this was a nice touch. The gyoza was very good...crisp and not soggy. As my BIL eats here regularly, he asked for the special dessert. The waitress initially said they were out, but the owner said they can make it for us. Of course, that made us feel special. The "rice cream" is ice cream with all the toppings put inside a rice cracker. Yum! The dessert is not on the menu, so you have to order it with a whisper (jk). Overall, I will definitely be eating here again on our next visit. Of course, I may have to bring by BIL to see if we get special service. The only question is, "Do I then have to pay?" :)

  • Author: Jed S.

    07 August 2024

    I should entitle this review, "A Priceless Riceless Experience," lol. Let me first preface this by saying this is my only review on Yelp where I will say this: I would give 7 stars if I could (and just to be clear, that's a 7 out of 5). Every single item we ordered was a hit. I am sorry I can't remember them all a week later, but I think it was a ribs dish that our kids ordered and loved. I am a big fan of riceless rolls, and their Spanish Bay roll simply knocks it out of the park, easily beating every other one I've had in my life. Funny, my autocorrect wants to say priceless, and maybe that's what this item deserves, hehe. (See attached pic.) I don't even want to describe it, so as not to spoil it for you, the reader. In other words, just pay Dylan a visit and order it yourself. Who's Dylan? He's a host, server, chef, mixologist, and... the OWNER! He's full of energy, creativity, and heart. I think he engaged every table in conversation, and not just superficial chit-chat, I mean friend-level talk. Everything from his background in the restaurant business, even including the details of his recipe for my new favorite drink the Japanese Cocktail (I love almond flavor!), to giving me some practical advice that cheered me up after having had an (unrelated) negative experience earlier that day down in Big Sur. So I guess you could say he lifted my spirits with spirits lol and some therapy, hehe. I kid you not, we even shared a sake bomb together (together with the sushi chefs behind the counter!), and it was on the house! It was a priceless memory, but not priceless riceless because sake is rice wine--get it? Hahaha, oh man, that was so corny. You'll probably stop reading this now. But wait, there's more! For dessert, we had another Dylan-original creation: green tea ice cream sandwiches, using the perfect crispy white rice crackers on the outside. Another thing I appreciated was the fact that they didn't force an automatic large-party gratuity on our bill, unlike every other restaurant these days. That's so rare. Needless to say, we were more than happy to tip beyond the usual. The high ceilings made it feel spacious. But more importantly, Dylan made us feel like friends, if not family. I never thought I'd find my new favorite sushi joint in Monterey of all places, and I was blessed to add this gem of an establishment to my growing list of local gems to revisit in one of my favorite places in the world, where I hope to retire maybe. Until next time, Monterey, Kuma, and Dylan. Thank you so much. God bless you.

  • Author: Courtney P.

    18 July 2024

    Amazing!!!! Our favorite was the whole hearted yet everything was delicious. Service was superb as well. Thanks John

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