Gamsa Sushi is preparing to open on College Avenue in Rockridge, in the longtime UZEN space. The restaurant will offer omakase at the sushi bar alongside à-la-carte ordering, with fresh, seasonal fish selections at the center of its menu.
Chef Dahan Kim is moving from private dinners to a permanent restaurant. Rockridge Voice reports that Kim has spent six years running a private in-home sushi catering business.
The new restaurant is taking over the former UZEN site. Rockridge Voice reports that UZEN had operated at the College Avenue location since 1991—roughly 34 years.
Why the Name Gamsa
Rockridge Voice reports that Kim chose Gamsa, a Korean word for “thanks” or “gratitude,” to reflect his background. He said the menu would remain centered on Japanese cuisine, with the possibility of a handful of Korean-influenced dishes alongside traditional omakase offerings.
Word of the project has already started circulating among Oakland food fans. One poster in the r/OaklandFood community wrote simply, “Gamsa sushi coming to the old Uzen location on College,” reflecting the kind of neighborhood buzz that tends to build around a long-running restaurant's replacement.
Company Filing
Gamsa Sushi LLC was registered in California on March 17, 2026, and is listed as active, according to records reviewed by ca.ltddir.com. The filing names W. Isaac Maing as the company’s agent.
What the Records Establish
Alameda County’s Environmental Health Department operates a food-safety program. For corridor context, the Rockridge District Association describes College Avenue as offering a mix of restaurants and dining options.
Rockridge Voice reported on Sept. 22, 2026, that Kim hoped Gamsa Sushi would open later that month, in September. The Mercury News has described the planned opening as coming “this fall” and “late 2026.”
