San Francisco never disappoints when it comes to delicious, delightful, and diverse restaurants. It’s high time we did a roundup of the best sushi in San Francisco because the freshly prepared, colorful dishes are truly top-tier in the Bay! Read on for a list of stellar SF sushi restaurants that have caught our eye in no particular order. And be sure to scroll to the bottom for a handy map so you can easily locate your next meal.
1. Saru Sushi Bar
This wildly popular spot in Noe Valley gets rave reviews for its excellent customer service, high-quality sushi menu, and enjoyable environment. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available. Some favorite menu items include their popular tasting spoons, the hamachi truffle, and the white out roll.
Location: 3856 24th St, San Francisco
2. Omakase
This popular omakase restaurant has received six consecutive awards from the coveted Michelin Guide and truly delivers on its accolades. Their fish is sourced straight from Tokyo and treated with the utmost attention to detail. Some popular items include the bluefin tuna toro and the nigiri box.
Location: 665 Townsend St, San Francisco
3. Akiko’s Restaurant
This beloved spot in Downtown SF is known for serving exquisite omakase. You’ll enjoy a variety of thoughtful appetizers and a lovely nigiri selection that makes for a totally unique experience. This is for those sushi aficionados who want to leave their meal in the hands of the chef and learn about the food along the way.
Location: 431 Bush St, San Francisco
4. Wako
Wako has earned its Michelin star for its stellar omakase menus and welcoming, sleek environment. Popular menu items include squid with shiso and lemon, salmon with yuzu kosho, and uni in roasted seaweed.
Location: 211 Clement St, San Francisco
5. Jū-Ni
Another Michelin-starred restaurant has caught our eye here, but this one has only 12 seats available at a time for its exquisite 12-course omakase menus. Popular items include sakuri masu with cherry blossom leaf, and colorful chirashi bowls.
Location: 1335 Fulton St, San Francisco
6. Robin
This modern restaurant offers a contemporary, unconventional omakase experience in a youthful environment. Popular menu items include sesame noodles, hon Hokkaido uni, bluefin tuna, and toro tartare. A Granny Smith apple topping makes for a fun nigiri experience.
Location: 620 Gough St, San Francisco
7. Eiji
If you’re looking for awesome sushi in San Francisco without the fuss, Eiji is a no-nonsense spot that doesn’t skimp on quality. They offer excellent housemade tofu alongside favorites like their ceviche roll and chirashi bowls.
Location: 317 Sanchez St, San Francisco
8. PABU Izakaya
PABU provides a unique take on the classic izakaya, meaning that it marries an upscale dining experience with a casual atmosphere. Modern, seasonal cocktails star alongside vibrant sushi and sashimi.
Location: 101 California St, San Francisco
9. Kusakabe
Kusakabe is another stellar omakase restaurant with totally standout dishes. They’re also the only SF restaurant offering Kyoto-style sushi, which preserves the fish differently since Kyoto is further from the coast and is generally eaten without soy sauce.
Location: 584 Washington St, San Francisco
10. Chotto Matte
If you’re looking for high-end sushi with a view, Chotto Matte is the perfect spot. The rooftop restaurant’s swanky interior is matched by its beautiful city views of SF. The Nikkei menu features a selection of sushi, but you can also get various small plates along with a wide selection of grilled meats. It’s perfect for a special occasion, a night out on the town, or a great way to appease a group with varying tastes.
Location: 50 O’Farrell St
11. KAIYŌ
This Cow Hollow restaurant offers Nikkei cuisine with an expansive menu. From specialty rolls to a selection of nigiri, along with hot dishes, there are plenty of crowd-pleasing options. The restaurant also offers a great happy hour menu that includes bites and craft cocktails. Plus, you can check out their rooftop location (pictured above) on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel, perfect for soaking in a warm, sunny SF day.
Locations:
- Cow Hollow restaurant: 1838 Union St
- KAIYO Rooftop: 701 3rd St
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn