By Sarah Mousselli By Sarah Mousselli | July 24, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Sushi is a delicacy, a culinary art form that harmonizes a variety of flavors, textures and colors into a creation that leaves a lasting impression. Here, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best sushi restaurants in San Francisco for a fresh fix.
A pioneer in sushi, Akikos is the first omakase restaurant to open its doors in San Francisco. The dimly lit ambiance is the perfect date night spot for a one-of-a-kind, intimate sushi experience. Expect an evening of thoughtfully prepared sashimi tastings, a delectable nine-course tasting menu and the most impressive omakase service. 430 Folsom St.
This tiny outpost may not appear much to the eye, yet the simple dining experience exudes elegance through fresh ingredients and flavorful sushi and sashimi. Enjoy a curated meal selection from the talented chef himself and you’ll see why this is every sushi lover’s go-to spot in town. 1737 Post St., Ste. 337
From the minds of Akikos (we're looking at you chef Ray Lee), this 10-seat omakase bar in Nob Hill is known for its dry-aged ingredients, including a tasty bluefin tuna that has been dry-aged for up to 21 days, pairing perfectly with a deliciously crafted cocktail. It’s such a popular spot, we recommend making reservations far in advance. 1501 California St.
Upscale meets hip-hop at this fun and exciting sushi destination where (spoiler alert!) no menu is presented. Guests entrust their meals to the renowned skills of chef Adam Tortosa. Indulge in a warm and inviting omakase experience — with the best hip-hop beats to accompany it. 620 Gough St.
Family-owned and serving the freshest, most delicious sushi for over 40 years is the renowned Ebisu. Enter the cozy interior to sample one of many indulgences — think a deluxe 10-piece nigiri combo, eight-piece sake salmon sashimi, King California roll and various bento box, donburi and Japanese beer offerings. 1293 9th Ave.
Take a seat at this intimate seven-seat sushi counter along the cozy walkway of Divisadero Street. Due to the nature of the tiny space, a dinner date for one can be your next solo culinary experience. With a multicourse omakase menu and high-end Edomae sushi, guests are invited to sit back and indulge in chef Ken’s beautifully crafted sushi creations. 252 Divisadero St.
This intimate dining spot is the perfect place to find some of the best sashimi and fish delicacies. The maki and uramaki are seriously worth every bite, but what Eiji is most known for is its housemade tofu. If you’re a vegan or simply love tofu, give Eiji a try. 317 Sanchez St.
This little joint serves the most creative combination rolls like the Hot Tuna, a deliciously spicy tempura tuna roll with sriracha mayo, avocado, tobiko and unagi soy. Stop by for other classics like the sweet potato veggie roll and a spicy jalapeno hamachi roll. 511 Laguna St.
Located in the Design District, Omakase remains one of the top sushi destinations in the area. With only 18 seats, this sleek Michelin-star hideaway by co-owners Kash Feng and chef Jackson Yu offers a coveted experience that invites you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and finesse of sushi in an intimate, high-end atmosphere. 665 Townsend St.
Right in the heart of Richmond District is Wako, known for calling its delicate sushi “eye candy” and raved as the epitome of luxurious sushi creations. Highlights on the menu include the 10-piece sushi tasting, A5 grade wagyu uni hand roll and Bafun sea urchin. The evening wouldn’t be complete without a classic drink pairing from the expansive sake menu. 211 Clement St.
At Ju-Ni, renowned chefs with a passion for crafting intimate moments take guests through a tranquil omakase experience. The 14-course menu holds a variety of delicacies to dive into, changing consistently with the restaurant’s passion for always seeking creativity. The reservation-only omakase serves 10 delicate sushi pieces by executive chef Gregory Lee. 1335 Fulton St., Ste. 101
That’s right, you can be vegan and enjoy a plate of sushi too! At Shizen, chefs craft beautiful vegan sushi from honest, plant-based ingredients such as tapioca, tofu, bean curd and more. The menu offers a variety of complex sushi items, elevating impeccable flavors while transforming the essence of sustainable dining. 370 14th St.
Michelin-starred Nisei leaves a lasting impression. Chef David Yoshimura celebrates his Japanese-American heritage by crafting his own unique culinary art form that harmonizes impeccable flavors, textures and colors into exquisite dishes. The revolving tasting menu takes guests through a journey of the flavors shared between Japanese and American cuisine. 2316 Polk St.
Sushi Sato offers a variety of sushi, sashimi, fish tastings, omakase and a vast selection of unique Japanese whiskey, handcrafted cocktails, sake and more. Indulge in the in-house brewery selections of the finest local grain-grown beer, a fine refreshment pairing for any of the exquisite fish. 1122 Post St.
Diners can expect a variety of rolls to choose from, all with a creative twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Some highlights include the Unakyu roll, a barbecue-flavored eel dressed with cucumber, and the Kentucky roll, a spin on an American classic featuring mouthwatering chicken deep fried to perfection with crisp lettuce and topped with a delightful tonkatsu sauce. 619 Taylor St.
Located in the heart of the Financial District, cozy and contemporary PABU by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina and the late chef Ken Tominaga delivers on both trendy opulence and old-world traditions. The playful interior, inventive cocktail menu and sushi offerings incorporate Japanese aspects while still remaining modern and fun. This is the ultimate swanky hot spot after a long day in FiDi. 101 California St.
Through Edomae-style techniques, The Shota's tasting menu features the finest aged meats and seasonal local ingredients. The stunning interior brings a lavish ambiance to the space, leaving guests intrigued by the immersive dining experience and in awe of the sumptuous seafood creations. 115 Sansome St.
Named after a shogun helmet worn by ancient Japanese warriors, Kabuto brings the heart of traditional Japanese cuisine to fine dining. The colorful sushi and sashimi invite diners to experience and savor the craftsmanship of chefs who value creativity, elevated techniques and impeccable flavors. 5121 Geary Blvd.
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