Rockridge has a new sushi bar in a very familiar spot. The Oaklandside reports that Gamsa Sushi opened last Friday at 5415 College Ave. (at Hudson Street), in the former home of Uzen.
The chef
Chef Dahan Kim previously worked at Sausalito's Sushi Ran, according to The Oaklandside. The Rockridge Voice reports that for the six years since the pandemic began, he ran a catering business making full-course sushi dinners in private homes on weekends. Omakase has been his specialty for about 20 years, starting with his work in Los Angeles. He started in restaurants as a dishwasher and worked his way up after moving to the Bay Area in the 1990s.
What to expect
The Oaklandside describes the restaurant as a 12-course sushi experience. The Rockridge Voice says it centers on omakase (chef's choice) at the sushi bar with fresh, seasonal fish, plus an à la carte menu. "Gamsa" comes from the Korean word for "thanks" or "gratitude." Kim, who is Korean, told the Rockridge Voice the name reflects his background, though the food stays focused on Japanese cuisine, perhaps with a few Korean-influenced dishes.
The Uzen legacy
Uzen had been at 5415 College Ave. since 1991, roughly 34 years, making it one of Rockridge's longest-running restaurants, the Rockridge Voice noted. Kim heard the space was available from one of his fish vendors. "I saw the space and I liked it," he told the Voice. "So, we made it happen."