San Francisco is a city that offers inventive rolls and some of the most immaculate sashimi and nigiri. From multi-course omakase feasts to mystery boxes and handroll samplers, we've curated a guide to the top 10 sushi restaurants in San Francisco that you can enjoy every day of the year.
Translating to "chef's choice" in Japanese, Omakase crafts a distinctive dining experience for each guest with inventive dishes, fish and sake sourced directly from Japan. Executive chef Jackson Yu is evidently dedicated to his culinary craft, as he even traveled to the mountainous regions of Japan to select the pottery and plateware for the restaurant. With a menu that mirrors Chef Yu's refinement and utilizes the Edomae style to highlight the pure, fresh taste of fish, Omakase is a high-quality destination to get your sushi fix.
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, Akikos knows how to dish out classic and creative Japanese cuisine that will make you eager to return for more. Priding itself on innovative culinary methods, sustainability and freshness, the venue works with local purveyors and Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market to craft simply indulgent menu items. Be sure to sample the resto's sister spot Friends Only, a deliciously private experience.
Tradition is the name of the game at Kabuto, which gets its moniker from the shogun helmet used in customary samurai armor in feudal Japan. Speaking to the roots of Japanese culture and cuisine, this Richmond District sushi establishment utilizes high-quality ingredients to concoct a classical dinner menu unlike any other. With a three-course omakase meal that comes with premium nigiri and toro uni caviar sushi, along with signature dishes like miso cod and baby Maine lobster sushi, the options at Kabuto are perfect for when you want to treat yourself.
Known for a Mystery Box with an assortment of chef-selected fish along with various sushi, sashimi, salmon and toro tasting kits, SaSa is the restaurant for the curious and adventurous eater. With a comprehensive menu brimming with starters like the amachi truffle, eminent nigiri and sashimi options and outstanding rolls like the Toku Dragon roll, the classy Japantown eatery crafts detailed, thoughtful experiences for each visitor.
Prepared in the traditional edomae style, The Shota uses the highest-quality seafood flown in from Toyosu Fish Market in Japan to create authentic, delicious omakase and otsumami. With a seasonally rotating menu, this chic sushi spot always keeps it fresh.
A contemporary philosophy and atmosphere sets Robin apart. Specializing in omakase dining, Robin seeks to provide a thoughtfully personalized experience, including a curated selection of sake, wine, Champagne and craft beer. Check out their sake omakase menu, which explores sake pairings with a unique tasting menu.
Headed by executive chef Geoffrey Lee and Tan Truong, this unique omakase experience features an intimate 16-seat sushi bar, allowing every four guests their own personal chef to guide them through the 14-course menu in a dining experience like no other.
Casual but upscale and thoroughly modern, Kuma on Valencia offers a wide variety of fresh, colorful sushi prepared right in front of you. Customers rave over the rotating menu of nigiri, rolls, chirashi and more, which are plated so beautifully it will almost make you sorry to eat it.
Passionate about omakase sushi, chef Erik Aplin leads an intimate 22-seat dining room with San Francisco’s trademark nouveau-Victorian flair. With three menus to choose from, the 13-course “Chisai”, 17-course “Oki” or the all-vegetarian 13-course “Yasai,” Chīsai Sushi Club has something for everyone.
Hailing from Hong Kong, chef Ken has created an omakase menu of edomae-style sushi with a twist. Dine by reservation only at his seven-seat counter, and enjoy chef Ken’s fresh and innovative taste, along with his humor and expertise.
Photography by: COURTESY OF ISTOCK
