Sugata Japanese Restaurant has been around since 1982, and for good reason. The El Cerrito-based father and son who run the place serve up fresh, traditional sushi in a peaceful environment where authenticity is king and groups can enjoy their food in a traditional tatami mat room. Koichi Endo is the restaurant's head chef, and his son, Chikara Endo, says that Sugata focuses on fresh, seasonal fish. Get there early and be prepared for a leisurely meal, since Sugata fills up early and the service is somewhat less than speedy.