May 04, 2023

sushi restaurants in san francisco

I researched various sources to find the best sushi restaurants in San Francisco, including articles from The Infatuation, Eater, SFist, San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlas Heart, and Yelp, as well as a Reddit discussion. These sources provided recommendations for high-end, affordable, omakase, nigiri, and sashimi options in various neighborhoods throughout the city. There was a good amount of consensus among the sources, with some restaurants being mentioned multiple times. Overall, the information gathered provides a comprehensive overview of the sushi scene in San Francisco, offering recommendations for various preferences and budgets.

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Highly Recommended Restaurants

Akiko's Restaurant

Akiko's Restaurant

Akiko's Restaurant is a popular, family-owned sushi joint in Chinatown that has received rave reviews from the Michelin guide. It has been serving high-quality sushi for over 23 years and remains a staple on best-of lists. The Infatuation also lists Akiko's as one of the best sushi restaurants in San Francisco. It offers outdoor seating for 25 people and has a 4-star rating on Yelp.
Ju-ni

Ju-ni

Ju-ni is a Michelin-starred sushi spot located in NoPa, known for its intimate 12-seat dining experience and a 12-course omakase menu. It has earned a spot on the Chronicle Top 100 in its first 18 months of operation. The Infatuation and The Atlas Heart also mention Ju-ni as a top sushi restaurant in San Francisco.
Wako

Wako

Wako is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located on Clement Street, known for its omakase-style courses. It held a single Michelin star for several years and continues to impress diners with dishes like dashimaki filled with mentaiko and sansho pepper whipping cream, and chawanmushi with pike eel, shiitake, shrimp, sea urchin, and smoked trout roe. Wako is also mentioned in articles by The Infatuation and The Atlas Heart.
Sushi Ran

Sushi Ran

Sushi Ran is a famous sushi restaurant located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is known for combining Californian farm-to-table cuisine with Japanese sushi and izakaya staples. The Atlas Heart lists Sushi Ran as a top sushi restaurant in the San Francisco area.

Affordable Options

Amami San

Amami San

Amami San in South San Francisco is recommended by a Reddit user as the best value for great sushi. It is not mentioned in the other sources, but it is worth considering for those looking for affordable sushi options.
Daigo Sushi

Daigo Sushi

Daigo Sushi in Palo Alto is recommended by a Reddit user as the best sushi option in the area. It offers traditional Japanese appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, maki, and hand rolls, with a limited seating capacity but reservations available an evening or two before.

Hand Roll Project

Hand Roll Project in Mission Dolores is an affordable sushi restaurant that offers high-quality dishes similar to Ju-ni without the lengthy meals or high prices. This option is great for those who want to enjoy high-quality sushi without breaking the bank.

Unique Experiences

Omakase

Omakase

Omakase in SoMa is a high-end sushi restaurant known for its edomae-style sushi and impressive sake menu. This restaurant offers a unique and luxurious dining experience for those who appreciate the art of sushi making.
Saru Sushi Bar

Saru Sushi Bar

Saru Sushi Bar in Noe Valley is a small restaurant that offers affordable sushi rolls, colorful chirashi bowls, and popular tasting spoons. This spot is perfect for those who enjoy trying a variety of dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Tekka

Tekka

Tekka in Inner Richmond District is a husband-and-wife-owned restaurant known for serving generous portions of high-quality sushi, nigiri, and sashimi to loyal customers willing to wait for a seat. This intimate, 10-seat sushi counter offers a unique dining experience for sushi enthusiasts.

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Research

"https://sfist.com/2019/02/19/best-sushi-san-francisco/"

  • High-end and affordable sushi restaurant options in San Francisco are presented in a list format.
  • New San Francisco’s sushi scene is catered to high-rolling sushi lovers who don’t mind spending $200 to $500 per person and boasts of multiple Michelin-starred sushi spots.
  • San Francisco has sushi dens with prices reflecting long-term leases (hence higher prices at newer restaurants).
  • Sushi restaurants in San Francisco come with varied types of ambiance and cuisine style, from modern to traditional.
  • The list includes sushi places like Akiko’s, where the 23-year-old Union Square spot remains reasonable for downtown, with nigiri coming in at $4 to $7 per piece, with a 12-piece nigiri tasting for $39, or specialty fish like kamasu (young barracuda) and tachiuo (ribbonfish) starting at $12 or around $25 to $30 for a couple of sashimi slices.
  • An Japanese Restaurant is an intimate, semi-secret, and very high-quality sushi experience serving whatever is freshest and trending from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, and offering omakase options, thoughtfully composed appetizer dishes, and a delicious, delicate seafood-dashi soup.
  • Daigo Sushi is a sleeper spot that has gained cult following offering excellently prepared, no-frills sushi for a $45 10-piece omakase and $5 temaki (hand rolls).
  • Eiji is an absolute gem that offers sashimi, daily specials on the white board, and the silken, made-to-order tofu.
  • Hashiri is a Michelin-starred Mint Plaza restaurant that offers a $250 sushi counter experience and a $500 chef’s table option with a hybrid kaiseki and omakase meal.
  • Ichi Sushi remains an unpretentious staple of Mission/Bernal borderland offering a full omakase experience for about $100 per person and yellowtail roll running for $5, and a plate of assorted sashimi for $24.
  • Ijji is famous for its traditional technique and careful seasoning for every piece of fish, offering a 19-course omakase starting at $135.
  • Izakaya Sushi Ran offers a full bar and top-notch cocktail menu, with prices lower than at Nomica, and emphasis on hot and cold shared plates, and excellent sashimi, and maki rolls.
  • Ju-Ni is a small and luxurious sushi den with only 12 seats, where you can expect to

"https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/best-sushi-sf-bay-area/"

  • Article gives a list of the 18 best sushi restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Author bases list on variety of factors, such as size of restaurant, quality of food, and sustainability of ingredients.
  • Provides information for each restaurant, such as location, phone number, and website.
  • Mentions which restaurants are currently limiting service to prix-fixe menus.
  • Contains specific pricing information for each restaurant, such as price range and cost for omakase.
  • Describes different cuisines available, such as vegan sushi and New Japanese cuisine.
  • Provides details on specific dishes and ingredients at each restaurant.
  • Author includes personal opinion on each restaurant and notes if they’ve been the author’s favorites in the past.
  • Gives details on chef and/or owner of each restaurant.
  • Adds information on the experience each restaurant offers, such as personalized service or the technical skills of the chef.
  • Contains pictures of different dishes and interiors of each restaurant.
  • Includes a mention of the restaurant Sushi Ran, which has multiple international accolades and is known for combining Californian farm-to-table cuisine with Japanese sushi and izakaya staples.
  • Provides current contact information for each restaurant for takeout and delivery services.
  • Lists dining options for each restaurant, such as outdoor seating, vegetarian options, and full bar service.
  • Mentions payment options for each restaurant and specifies whether credit cards are accepted.
  • Gives the option to view other Bay Area restaurant recommendations from the same author.
  • Provides links to each restaurant’s official website for further information.

"Best Sushi Places in the Bay Area?"

  • A Reddit user asked for recommendations on the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area and multiple users responded with their suggestions.
  • Sushi Sho in El Cerrito was recommended by one user who described it as a special experience with great Omakase service. They mentioned the chef, Aki-San, as a wizard and stated that the quality was amazing but not cheap. They characterized it as having great value compared to other Omakase places.
  • Amami San in south San Francisco was recommended by another user who deemed it the best value for great sushi.
  • Sushi 85 in Mtn. View was recommended by one user as a good value sushi and by another as a B+ value sushi that had been reliable over the years. They also mentioned Sushi 88 in Mountain View.
  • Sen dai sushi in Milpitas was suggested by one user who said that it wasn’t the best but was up there.
  • Sushi Sam’s in San Mateo was another favorite of one user but noted that it was not necessarily the best in terms of quality.
  • Yojimbo in Alameda was recommended by one user.
  • Kakuna in Fremont was recommended by another user.
  • Kyosho Menlo Park was suggested by another user.
  • Best value for great sushi was mentioned by users multiple times.
  • Daigo in Palo Alto was recommended by one user describing it as the best in Palo Alto, with a menu that includes traditional Japanese appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, maki and hand rolls.
  • Seating at Daigo is limited, but reservations can be booked an evening or two before.
  • Kabuto in SF was recommended by one user.
  • Other recommended sushi restaurants in San Francisco include Shota, Wako, Kusakabe, and Ju Ni.
  • One user mentioned a recent news item where a lady went to the hospital after eating 32 sushi rolls at a restaurant.
  • Several users asked questions about the restaurants’ menus and service.
  • Some users provided additional information about the sushi restaurants, such as the cost, quality, value, availability of specific dishes, reservations, and atmosphere.
  • Users from various locations in the Bay Area shared their opinions, such as Dublin, San Francisco, Mtn. View, South San Francisco, Milpitas, Alameda, Fremont, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto.

"https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-sushi-restaurants-omakase-san-francisco"

  • The webpage provides a list of 16 sushi restaurants in San Francisco, including their name and location.
  • It mentions that many of San Francisco’s top sushi spots come with a hefty price tag due to the popularity of tasting menus and Michelin stars, but also includes affordable options.
  • Zushi Puzzle is a neighborhood sushi destination in the Marina known for its sushi bar, fresh fish, and daily specials.
  • Yubu by the Shota is a swanky omakase spot in the Financial District that serves Michelin-starred Edomae-style cuisine and sushi.
  • Friends Only is a 10-seat omakase counter at Akikos that serves multi-course meals consisting of premium ingredients, wine, and sake.
  • Akikos at Avery Lane is a sushi spot in the East Cut that offers an ever-changing omakase experience featuring Ray’s unique dry-aged fish and small plates.
  • Oma San Francisco Station is located in Japan Center mall and provides an intimate omakase experience that includes sashimi, nigiri, and hot and cold plates from the chef.
  • Wako is a Clement Street sushi restaurant that wows diners with dishes like dashimaki and chawanmushi with pike eel, shiitake, shrimp, sea urchin, and smoked trout roe.
  • Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill is an approachable SoMa sushi spot that offers seasonal sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.
  • Robin is a California-influenced omakase spot in Hayes Valley that serves A5 Wagyu beef, black truffle, and caviar alongside Santa Barbara uni and fatty tuna.
  • Tekka Japanese Restaurant is a 10-seat mom-and-pop counter that provides generous spreads of sashimi, nigiri, and other dishes.
  • Ju-Ni is a Michelin-starred NoPa sushi spot that offers a full omakase experience featuring fish sourced from Japan’s Toyosu Market.
  • Shizen is a self-styled izakaya located in the Mission that specializes in sushi and Japanese pub food, including plant-based versions of karaage, avocado nigiri, and rolls topped with pickled mango, shredded tofu, and ginger shoyu tomato.
  • Chīsai Sushi Club offers relatively affordable omakase options, including 13 courses for $90, 17 courses for $120, and a $70 vegetarian option.
  • Zushi Puzzle, Yubu by The Shota, Friends Only, Akik

"https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-sushi-restaurants-san-francisco"

  • The webpage provides a list of the 18 best sushi restaurants in San Francisco.
  • Each restaurant has a short description highlighting their best attributes.
  • In addition to sushi, many of the restaurants also offer other Japanese dishes.
  • The restaurants are located across different neighborhoods in San Francisco.
  • Each restaurant has a rating out of five stars.
  • The descriptions include information on the price range of each restaurant, with some being affordable and others expensive.
  • Many of the restaurants have a focus on omakase, with one of them offering a sliding scale pricing system.
  • The webpage mentions two restaurants that are specifically located in Japantown.
  • Some restaurants have unique and creative sushi rolls, while others stick to traditional rolls and nigiri.
  • The descriptions also include the restaurant’s ambiance and atmosphere, with some being casual and others more formal.
  • Some of the restaurants offer only counter seating, while others have both counter and table seating options.
  • The webpage provides a short summary of each restaurant’s menu.
  • Many of the restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Several of the restaurants are known for their appetizers and small plates, including agedashi tofu and miso-glazed eggplant.
  • The webpage mentions specific dishes to try at each restaurant, such as the tuna maki and sweet potato tempura roll at Saru.
  • Some restaurants are known for their excellent rice, both in terms of texture and seasoning.
  • The webpage provides information on the waiting time and reservation policy at some of the restaurants.
  • The descriptions include details on the size and capacity of each restaurant, including the number of seats at the sushi counter.
  • Some of the restaurants offer alcoholic beverages, with one having a fully-stocked bar.
  • The webpage mentions that one of the listed restaurants used to be another sushi restaurant.
  • One of the restaurants offers takeout-only options as well as sushi combos ordered off a menu.
  • The descriptions include information on the service and customer experience, with some restaurants being more casual and friendly while others have a more formal and traditional atmosphere.
  • Many of the restaurants are mentioned for their attention to detail and the precision of their sushi preparation.
  • The webpage provides the name of the restaurant and a photo credit for each listing.

"https://theatlasheart.com/best-sushi-san-francisco/"

  • Provides a list of 21 sushi restaurants in San Francisco, grouped by neighborhood
  • Recommends the best spots for nigiri, sashimi, and omakase in the city
  • Mentions the city’s history of Japanese immigration and the emergence of high-end sushi restaurants in recent years
  • Includes affiliate links for reservations and a free California travel planner
  • Offers a map of the 21 sushi restaurants in San Francisco
  • Details some of the best sushi restaurants in the city, including:
    • Omakase (SoMa): high-end sushi restaurant known for edomae-style sushi and an impressive sake menu
    • Akiko’s Restaurant (Chinatown): family-owned sushi joint with rave reviews from the Michelin guide
    • Ju-ni (NoPa): Michelin-starred sushi restaurant with only 12 seats, offering a 12-course meal with perfectly balanced flavors
    • Hand Roll Project (Mission Dolores): affordable sushi restaurant that offers similar high-quality dishes to Ju-ni, without the lengthy meals or high prices
    • Sushi Zone (Downtown): no-frills nigiri and well-made rolls with friendly service and great prices
    • The Shota (Financial District): one Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant that uses traditional edomae techniques to age, cure, and marinate fish flown in from Japan
    • Saru Sushi Bar (Noe Valley): small restaurant offering affordable sushi rolls, colorful chirashi bowls, and popular tasting spoons
    • Tekka (Inner Richmond District): husband-and-wife restaurant known for generous portions of high-quality sushi, nigiri, and sashimi to loyal customers willing to wait
    • Sushi Ran (Sausalito): famous sushi restaurant located across the Golden Gate Bridge, serving great sushi and nigiri with a relaxing bayside setting
    • Wako (Richmond District): Michelin-starred sushi restaurant presenting omakase-style courses or a la carte dishes, with non-sushi small plates also available
    • Robin (Hayes Valley): unpretentious, modern omakase restaurant offering innovative and fun menu items like nigiri made with potato chips and caviar, and focusing on Northern California ingredients rather than importing everything from Japan
    • Ken (Lower Haight): sushi restaurant that combines the flavors of Japan with the ingredients of Northern California
  • Provides recommended dishes for each restaurant and, in some cases, notes on the reservation policies or special features of the restaurant (e

"https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=sushi+outdoor+seating&find_loc=San+Francisco%2C+CA"

  • The webpage titled “Top 10 Best Sushi Outdoor Seating in San Francisco, CA” is dated May 2023 and lists the top 10 sushi joints in San Francisco based on Yelp reviews.
  • “Sushi Raw” tops the list and has an outdoor seating capacity of 32 people with a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.
  • “Akiko’s Restaurant” is placed in the second spot with an outdoor seating capacity of 25 people and a 4-star rating on Yelp.
  • “Wako Japanese Restaurant,” “Robin,” “Ichi Sushi,” “Ebisu,” “Kusakabe,” “Live Sushi Bar,” “Chotto,” and “Kozue” complete the top 10 list.
  • Each entry on the list mentions the outdoor seating capacity, the Yelp rating, and a brief description of the restaurant.
  • The page displays a review for “Robin” that reads, “The sushi here was glorious. I tried pretty much all the special sushi pieces, and each one melted in my mouth. Wish I could get sushi this good at these prices in my city.”
  • There is a link that says “see more reviews for this business” below the review which directs to a page that displays all the reviews for the business.
  • The webpage has a sidebar that lists the top “Newest Japanese Restaurants in SF,” which includes “Noodle in a Haystack,” “Natsu,” “Howa Ramen,” “Botto,” and “Nui-Gi.”
  • Each entry on the list of “Newest Japanese Restaurants” mentions the date it was added to Yelp, the location, its Yelp rating, and a brief description of the restaurant.
  • The webpage has a second sidebar that lists the top “Most Reviewed Japanese Restaurants in SF,” which includes “Ozumo,” “Izakaya Sozai,” “Mifune,” “An Japanese Restaurant,” and “Kokko.”
  • Each entry on the list of “Most Reviewed Japanese Restaurants” displays the number of Yelp reviews, the location, its Yelp rating, and a brief description of the restaurant.
  • There are links to other city-specific Yelp pages in the footer, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
  • The footer also displays links related to Yelp, including “About Yelp,” “Careers,” “Press,” “Investor Relations,” and “Content Guidelines.”
  • The page has a “Write a Review” button at the top that typically directs users to the Yelp website to

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