Sushi in San Francisco is a sacred art form that is honored here with the most authentic refinement. With both our incredible access to the sea and our innovative culinary scene, many genuine Japanese restaurants, such as the much-acclaimed following, provide only the highest quality of fish to craft sushi that is polished, traditional, and cutting-edge.
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665 Townsend St / (415) 865-0633 / Website
Located in the Design District, Omakase is the epitome of luxury and skillful sophistication. With only 14 seats, this sleek Michelin star hideaway by co-owners Kash Feng and chef Jackson Yuis a coveted experience that invites you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and finesse of sushi in the most intimate and high-end atmosphere.
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101 California St / (415) 535-0184 / Website
Located in the heart of the Financial District, cozy and contemporary PABU by Michelin Chef Michael Mina and the late Chef Ken Tominaga delivers on both trendy opulence and old-world Japanese traditions.
The playful interior, inventive cocktail menu, and sushi offerings perfectly incorporate Japanese aspects while still remaining modern and fun, such as their signature Ken's Roll with spicy tuna, light shrimp tempura, and pine nuts, or the complex Umeshiso Roll with pickled plum and shiso leaf. This is the ultimate swanky hotspot after a long day in FiDi.
See also: PABU Izakaya Is A Must-Visit In The FiDi For Exceptional Sushi And Sake
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211 Clement St / (415) 682-4875 / Website
Richmond District's Wako calls their fresh and delicate sushi "eye candy," which can also describe their stunning interior. Highlights in this Michelin Guide featured community landmark are their 10-piece sushi tasting, their A5 grade Wagyu Uni Hand Roll, and the Bafun Sea Urchin. Pair it all with their expansive sake menu.
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431 Bush St / (415) 397-3218 / Website
Akiko's is another tight restaurant of around 200 square footage, but it is truly packed with flavor and exquisite seafood. This is a serene, dimly-lit getaway from the rush of Union Square where you can receive thoughtfully prepared sashimi tastings and the most impressive omakase service.
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1838 Union St / (415) 525-4804 / Website
Both Kaiyo in Cow Hollow and its new SoMa rooftop tropical wonderland present the most elevated Nikkei cuisine. This cultural Japanese and Peruvian integration yields brilliant flavor complexities that truly radiate from both their sushi and their vibrant decor.
The two to try here are the House Roll and the Kame House Roll. The first carefully combines tempura asparagus with garlic chili oil and Canadian crab, while the second marries luscious smoked yam puree with divine hamachi, all drenched in their signature zesty leche de tigre sauce.
See also: KAIYŌ Rooftop Elegantly Elevates Nikkei Cuisine Amid Its Stunning Panoramic View
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1335 Fulton St. Ste 101 / (415) 655-9924 / Website
Ju-Ni is a bright and creative Michelin star NoPa hotspot that is not afraid to be daringly pioneering. Their outdoor omakase is a fun and modernly ingenious approach to the traditional service, offering parklet seating that is uniquely al-fresco without sacrificing the intimate spectacle. This reservation-only omakase serves a seasonal 12 courses with 10 sushi pieces by Executive Chef Gregory Lee.
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1283 9th Ave / (415) 566-1770 / Website
Ebisu is a classic family-owned joint that you can immediately feel entering their cozy interior. Experience over 30 years of trusted familial service in the Sunset as you sample their Deluxe 10-piece Nigiri Combo, eight-piece Sake Salmon Sashimi, King California Roll, and other various Bento Box, Donburi, and Japanses beer offerings.
These sushi restaurants are devoted to providing only the finest of seafood, which you can certainly experience in their taste and overall care in service and decor.
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Photography by: Jakub Dziubak/Unsplash
