Family-Run Japanese Restaurant Opens On San Pablo

Sushi-lovers, take note: a new Japanese restaurant has opened in Albany.

Sumo Sushi, which opened last Friday, is a family-owned business located at 977 San Pablo Ave., across the street from City Hall and the Albany Police Department.

Temuujin Dashlkhagva, the sushi chef, said he and his family—who immigrated from Mongolia eight years ago—are focused on serving the freshest possible fish.

Dashlkhagva began working as a sushi chef after coming to the United States, and he said he's worked in several restaurants in the Bay Area.

At the moment, Sumo Sushi's menu includes a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, along with many other Japanese dishes, but Dashlkhagva said he's still developing the menu.

His sister, Odontuya Orosnov, works as a server and hostess for the restaurant. She said she and her family have been working at a number of separate restaurants since they came to the United States.

"We just thought it was time to have our own," she said. "It was hard opening our own restaurant, but we’re getting used to it."

After searching for a viable location for almost three years, Orosnov said they found the current spot—'s former location—and after about two months of preparation they opened their doors.

Since opening last Friday, Orosnov said business has been slowly improving, but she and her family have yet to start lots of advertising.

Despite the small staff of about five and the long hours, brother and sister said they are confident in Sumo Sushi.

"Instead of working under someone else, we’re working for family," Dashlkhagva said. "We think we can make it happen."

Sumo Sushi is open everyday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and serves a variety of bento boxes that cost less than $10. 

Have you tried Sumo Sushi? Let us know what you think in the comments. 

If there's something in this article you think , or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email her at albany@patch.com.