Best Sushi restaurants in San Francisco [2024]

Welcome to our culinary journey through the best sushi restaurants in San Francisco! As a city known for its diverse and thriving food scene, San Francisco offers a plethora of options when it comes to this beloved Japanese delicacy. From traditional establishments steeped in history to innovative sushi spots pushing the boundaries of flavor, we’ll explore the top destinations where you can savor the finest sushi creations in the city. Join us as we dive into the world of the best sushi restaurants in San Francisco and uncover the tantalizing tastes that await.

Akiko’s Sushi Bar and Restaurant

Address: 542A Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: +1 (415) 989-8218
Website: akikossushibar.com
Details: $$$, Japanese restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco lies Akiko’s Sushi Bar and Restaurant, a hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Despite its modest size, this cozy establishment captivates diners with its delectable offerings, prompting return visits and creating memorable culinary experiences. The menu at Akiko’s is a delight for the senses, boasting a diverse range of meticulously crafted sushi creations and traditional Japanese dishes.

Stepping inside this charming venue, guests are greeted by attentive staff who provide exceptional customer service. The cozy atmosphere and limited seating ensure a personalized dining experience that feels intimate and inviting. With only a handful of tables and seats at the sushi bar, it’s no wonder Akiko’s is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Akiko’s commitment to excellence shines through in every dish. From the perfectly prepared chicken udon soup and mouthwatering Lizzie roll to the flavorful avocado maki roll and pork gyoza, each bite is a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls are expertly crafted, with delicate flavors that leave a lasting impression. The attention to detail extends to the presentation, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or simply seeking a delightful meal, Akiko’s Sushi Bar and Restaurant promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. From the warm and attentive staff to the delectable menu offerings, this charming establishment embodies the essence of exceptional dining. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the finest sushi in San Francisco at this remarkable culinary gem.

Roka Akor – San Francisco

Address: 801 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: +1 (415) 362-8887
Website: rokaakor.com/san-francisco
Details: Japanese restaurant

Roka Akor – San Francisco offers one of the best dining experiences in the city, leaving guests thoroughly impressed. With a lively and stylish bar downstairs and a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Roka London, this restaurant boasts its own distinctive charm. The open kitchen adds to the captivating ambiance, while the friendly waitstaff ensures a memorable visit.

The fusion food at Roka Akor – San Francisco is truly outstanding. Every dish, from the refined beef and scallops to the delectable corn, showcases exceptional flavors and presentation. The menu offers a wide range of options, satisfying even the most discerning palates. Whether indulging in sushi tacos, savoring the exquisite tuna with sea urchin (uni), or treating oneself to the Japanese cheesecake dessert, every bite is a testament to the culinary mastery found here.

Impeccable service is a hallmark of Roka Akor – San Francisco. Knowledgeable and attentive staff, such as Allen, ensure that guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. The 3D tour feature for online reservations adds a unique touch, allowing diners to choose their preferred table. Despite the restaurant’s popularity, the seating is thoughtfully spread out, ensuring a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Those who opt for the “trust the chef” option with wine pairing are in for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure, with each course expertly curated to complement the wines.

Roka Akor – San Francisco offers a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. From the impressive menu and exceptional service to the romantic setting and attention to detail, this restaurant exceeds expectations. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable meal, Roka Akor – San Francisco is a culinary destination worth experiencing.

Ozumo San Francisco

Address: 161 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: +1 (415) 882-1333
Website: ozumosanfrancisco.com
Details: $$$, Japanese restaurant

Ozumo San Francisco offers an amazing dining experience, with delicious sashimi and sushi rolls that leave guests thoroughly satisfied. The restaurant boasts a cool and stylish decor, creating a pleasant atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. The attentive and friendly service adds to the enjoyment of the meal.

The menu at Ozumo San Francisco can be a bit confusing, but the knowledgeable waitstaff is always ready to provide helpful suggestions. Every dish is crafted with care and tastes incredibly good. The raspberry cake dessert is a must-try, providing a delightful ending to the culinary journey. The restaurant offers a variety of options, from miso soup and sushi to maki, tempura, and gyoza, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.

Visiting Ozumo San Francisco is a treat for the senses. The attentive staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable experience. The bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable, and offer recommendations on the menu. The quality of the food is exceptional, and the attention to detail is evident in both presentation and taste. Whether enjoying the outdoor dining with a view of the Bay Bridge or savoring the fresh sushi, Ozumo San Francisco provides a dining experience that exceeds expectations.

Overall, Ozumo San Francisco is a fantastic choice for those seeking a memorable sushi dining experience. The restaurant’s upscale decor, delicious food, and attentive service make it an ideal destination for special occasions or simply a night out to indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Ebisu

Address: 1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: +1 (415) 566-1770
Website: ebisusushi.com
Details: $$, Japanese restaurant

Ebisu is a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco that offers excellent sushi and a delightful dining experience. The sushi rolls are fresh and beautifully made, and the nigiri is top-notch. The service is perfect, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant visit. Pairing the sushi and rolls with a cold Sancerre creates a harmonious and enjoyable culinary experience.

As a long-standing family-owned and operated establishment, Ebisu is known for its high-end Japanese cuisine. The menu offers a range of delicacies, with rolls made fresh and a full kitchen that prepares exceptional dishes. The restaurant attracts a diverse clientele, including neighborhood families, young couples on dates, and loyal regulars. The ambiance may be cozy, but it adds to the authenticity and charm of the dining experience.

With its commitment to quality and flavor, Ebisu has become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. The restaurant maintains high standards, serving dishes that are exquisitely presented and bursting with fantastic flavors. From the fresh and delicious sushi deluxe combo to the exceptional appetizers and miso soup, every dish reflects the attention to detail and culinary expertise of the chefs. Ebisu is a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in San Francisco.

Sakana

Address: 605 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: +1 (415) 775-7644
Website: sfsakana.com
Details: $$, Sushi restaurant

Sakana is a small yet inviting sushi restaurant located conveniently in the city, just a short distance from the Palace Hotel. The staff at Sakana is friendly and provides excellent service, making guests feel welcome and comfortable. The menu offers a wide selection of sushi and sake at reasonable prices, ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone. The sashimi stands out as some of the best, with fresh and tasty fish that exceeds expectations. Other dishes such as edamame and the sensational tuna bomb sushi showcase the chef’s skill and attention to flavor.

This unpretentious Japanese restaurant delivers great sushi without breaking the bank. The salmon is particularly outstanding, and the attentive service ensures a pleasant meal. Sakana’s intimate atmosphere adds to the overall charm of the dining experience, and the vegetarian sushi options offer subtle and delightful flavors. With fast and professional service, guests can enjoy a variety of rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, including the must-try fatty tuna. Despite getting crowded later in the evening, Sakana remains a place where high-class food is served without snobbery or exorbitant prices.

Finding Sakana was a fortunate discovery for a family visiting San Francisco, thanks to a local recommendation. The sashimi, the 49er roll, and the miso soup were all fresh and delicious, leaving a lasting impression. The friendly waiter added to the enjoyable experience, engaging in pleasant conversation. The rolls at Sakana are simply the best, boasting super fresh ingredients. Guests can appreciate the lovely San Francisco weather while waiting outside for a table, further enhancing the overall dining experience. For sushi lovers, Sakana is a go-to destination for delicious sashimi, making it a recurring choice for many visitors to the city.

Akikos Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Address: 431 Bush St btw Claude Ln & Mark Ln, San Francisco, CA 94108-3732
Phone: +1 (415) 397-3218
Website: akikosrestaurant.com
Details: $$$$, Japanese, Seafood, Sushi

Akikos Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a clean and chic establishment with an understated atmosphere, providing a delightful dining experience. The Omakase menu offers a curated selection from the sea, showcasing thoughtful and unique pairings that are perfectly prepared. Each dish is presented beautifully, demonstrating a reverent approach to the culinary craft. The flavor combinations are some of the best, creating an exceptional taste experience. The staff, including a knowledgeable sake sommelier, adds a friendly affability that enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a meal among friends.

Reservations are highly recommended at Akikos due to its popularity, as the restaurant tends to be packed. The excellent food, great service, and pleasant atmosphere make it well worth a visit for anyone in San Francisco. The Nigiri Tasting and sashimi tasting are standout dishes, featuring tender and fresh fish that is expertly portioned. The presentation maximizes the visual appeal, with just the right amount of rice accompanying the fish. The quality of the food is reflected in the total bill, which may be higher but is justified by the outstanding five-star experience provided by Akikos.

The sushi selection at Akikos is unparalleled, prepared with expertise and presented beautifully. The servers are pleasant and helpful, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant adds to its charm, making it a standout destination for sushi lovers. The wide selection of a la carte sushi and the availability of fresh seafood flown in from Tokyo make Akikos a flexible and high-quality choice. It is a special place for those who truly appreciate Japanese cuisine and sushi, offering an impressive range of sake options. The combinations, quality, and service at Akikos create a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Restaurant Anzu

Address: 222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: +1 (415) 394-1100
Website: restaurantanzu.com
Details: $$, Asian restaurant

Anzu, located on the 2nd floor of Hotel Nikko, offers a delightful dining experience with its diverse menu that caters to a broad range of customer needs. Despite the name suggesting an Asian theme, the restaurant impresses with its selection and quality of dishes. The staff at Anzu is helpful, courteous, and ensures a pleasant dining experience. The lamb chops come highly recommended and showcase the culinary expertise of the restaurant. The atmosphere is great, creating a lovely ambiance for guests to enjoy their meals.

Dining at Anzu is a delightful experience, whether it’s for a birthday celebration or a regular visit. The sushi collection is delicious, featuring well-made and fresh rolls such as the Garden Roll, Buster’s Roll, Titus Roll, and Squash Ravioli. The wine selection offers a variety of choices, and the staff is knowledgeable in suggesting suitable alternatives. The restaurant’s location within Hotel Nikko adds to its charm, and the attentive waitstaff ensures a pleasant dining experience. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a great atmosphere makes Anzu a highly recommended destination, even for those not staying at the hotel.

Anzu at Hotel Nikko impresses with its fantastic food and beautiful decor. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes, including the exquisite ANZU CIOPPINO, a bowl of delight made with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is known for its excellent wait staff and good selection of sake. The unique dining experience of cooking thinly sliced wagyu beef on a sizzling Japanese river stone adds to the excitement. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of each dish is evident, making the dining experience at Anzu truly special.

PABU Izakaya

Address: 101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: +1 (415) 535-0184
Website: michaelmina.net/restaurants/pabu/san-francisco
Details: $$$, Restaurant

PABU Izakaya offers a fantastic dining experience with a friendly and attentive staff. The bar area provides a vibrant atmosphere, where skilled bartenders craft delicious cocktails. The cold sake recommended by the staff is exceptional, and the sushi selection, including the blue fin tuna roll, is of high quality. Additionally, the pork fried rice is a truly delicious dish that shouldn’t be missed.

The restaurant showcases innovative and excellently prepared sushi dishes, along with a variety of appetizers and grilled robata meats. The ambiance is modern and pleasant, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or important dates. The staff at PABU is a well-coordinated team that goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. The food is out of this world, offering fresh ingredients and new spins on classic dishes. The dessert selection is also impressive.

PABU Izakaya is a top choice for downtown business individuals seeking a high-quality and efficient lunch experience. The menu mainly focuses on sushi and offers hot main courses as well. The service is excellent, and the ambiance is pleasant, making it a delightful place to dine. For those looking to explore their cocktail selection, the bartender provides exceptional recommendations and is knowledgeable about the craft. PABU also offers a great selection of small plates and attentive service, creating a wonderful and memorable dining experience.

Sushi On North Beach

Address: 745 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: +1 (415) 788-8050
Website: northbeachsushi.com
Details: $$, Sushi restaurant

Sushi On North Beach is a delightful sushi spot that offers fresh and customizable sushi rolls. The friendly and efficient staff provide excellent customer service, making every dining experience enjoyable. Despite its small footprint, the restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options at great prices. Lunch specials are well-priced and of high quality, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying meal. The owner’s presence in the kitchen ensures that the food is prepared correctly and the service is top-notch.

Located within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf, Sushi On North Beach is a great choice for both locals and tourists. The generous portions and affordable happy hour pricing make it an attractive option in the pricey San Francisco dining scene. The sushi rolls are delicious and fresh, satisfying cravings for sushi enthusiasts. The cozy ambiance and pleasant decorations create a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

The quality of the sushi at Sushi On North Beach is exceptional, with flavorful and delicate flavors. The rainbow poke, hamachi nigiri, and sake sashimi are all remarkably fresh and well-prepared. The prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes and quality of the food. This unassuming gem of a restaurant offers outstanding menu options, friendly service, and a convenient location near popular attractions like Pier 39. It comes highly recommended by locals for its authentic and flavorful sushi.

Kusakabe

Address: 584 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: +1 (415) 757-0155
Website: kusakabe-sf.com
Details: $$$$, Japanese restaurant

Kusakabe is an exceptional sushi restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience for sushi lovers. With a focus on omakase menus, each delicate dish is expertly prepared and presented, showcasing the chef’s mastery and attention to detail. The selection of sushi and sashimi is incredibly fresh, and the flavors are thoughtfully balanced. The sake pairing options complement the meal perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The small size of the restaurant creates an intimate atmosphere, and the attentive and knowledgeable staff ensure that guests feel special and well taken care of.

The quality of the food at Kusakabe is exceptional, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. The sushi and sashimi are exquisitely prepared, and the attention to detail is evident in every bite. The menu offers a variety of options, with the omakase menus providing a comprehensive and satisfying culinary journey. The ambience of the restaurant is elegant and simple, allowing the focus to remain on the food and the artistry of the sushi chefs. Reservations are recommended due to the limited seating available.

While Kusakabe may be a higher-end dining option, the quality and artistry of the food make it well worth the price. The omakase menus offer a range of dishes that are expertly crafted and presented. The staff is welcoming and friendly, providing attentive service throughout the meal. Whether you choose the grand omakase or the petite omakase, each dish is memorable and showcases the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. For sushi enthusiasts seeking an authentic and elevated dining experience, Kusakabe is a must-visit destination in San Francisco.

Flying Ninja Sushi and Bar

Address: 461 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: +1 (415) 292-6255
Website: facebook.com/pages/category/Sushi-Restaurant/Flying-Ninja-183948398306094
Details: $, Sushi restaurant

Flying Ninja Sushi and Bar offers a delightful dining experience with a wide-ranging menu that caters to all eating preferences. The manager/owner/server ensures a fantastic evening with attentive service and a vast selection of dishes. The restaurant also features a charming outside patio, perfect for enjoying a meal in a pleasant atmosphere. The food is truly amazing, with authentic Asian flavors and a variety of options, including sushi, noodles, and ramen. Each dish is prepared with care and served promptly, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The affordability of the menu adds to the overall appeal, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing great hospitality and creating a comfortable dining experience. The contactless ordering and payment option adds convenience to the service. Whether stopping by for lunch or dinner, Flying Ninja Sushi and Bar is a must-visit destination in San Francisco for delicious sushi and impeccable service.

Otoro Sushi

Address: 205 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: +1 (415) 553-3986
Website: otorosushi.com
Details: $$, Sushi restaurant

Located in the Hayes Valley area near Civic Center and the opera house, Otoro Sushi is a hidden gem of a restaurant. The attentive service and clean atmosphere create a pleasant dining experience. The highlight of the restaurant is the extremely fresh and perfectly prepared fish, offering an authentic sushi experience. The flavors in both the sushi and cooked dishes are expertly balanced, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. While the restaurant is not inexpensive, the fair pricing is justified by the exceptional quality. The positive dining experience and high-quality food make it a place worth revisiting.

Otoro Sushi offers a delightful evening in a small and pleasant setting. The knowledgeable waitress assists in choosing sushi rolls with a variety of fish, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. The fresh and tasty sushi rolls are complemented by a nice selection of sake, all at reasonable prices. The restaurant also caters to vegetarians with many great veggie rolls. The friendly staff adds to the overall enjoyable dining experience. With a clean and well-kept space, Otoro Sushi stands out for its excellent food and efficient service.

A popular choice for sushi lovers, Otoro is known for its high-quality and fresh sushi. The variety of sushi options sets it apart from other restaurants. Despite its unassuming storefront, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. The knowledgeable wait staff guides diners through a wide array of sushi and seafood dishes, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant sources ingredients flown in or freshly caught, resulting in flavorful and expertly prepared rolls, sushi, and sashimi. Otoro’s dedication to quality and passion for sushi make it a must-visit destination.

In conclusion, San Francisco is a sushi lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of exceptional sushi restaurants. From the authentic and meticulously prepared offerings at Kusakabe to the hidden gem Otoro Sushi, there is something to satisfy every sushi craving. PABU Izakaya impresses with its innovative menu and delightful atmosphere, while Flying Ninja Sushi and Bar provides a quick and delicious sushi fix. For those seeking a truly extraordinary experience, the omakase menus at Sushi On North Beach and Otoro Sushi showcase the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. With these top sushi destinations, San Francisco continues to establish itself as a go-to city for sushi enthusiasts.