Searching for the Best Sushi in San Francisco? Add These Restaurants to Your List!

San Francisco is one of the most lively and vibrant cultural hubs in the United States. From trendy restaurants to fascinating museums, San Francisco has plenty to offer. It’s hard to get bored in a fun city like this! In the mood for some sushi? San Francisco is home to a wide selection of chic, highly-rated sushi restaurants. In our latest blog post, we’re reviewing some of the most popular sushi restaurants in San Francisco. Check them out now! 

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1. Akiko's Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Sleek and modern Japanese restaurant located in the Financial District

431 Bush St | Financial District, Union Square | akikosrestaurant.com 

Located in the Financial District, Akiko’s Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a top destination for enjoying some fresh sushi made by some of the most skilled chefs in the city. This popular family-owned restaurant has been serving hungry customers for over 30 years. In addition to its delicious cuisine, Akiko’s is also known for its warm and inviting atmosphere marked with many different rustic touches. 

The menu is divided into two sections: Sushi Bar and Kitchen. The Sushi Bar offers fresh, no-frills rolls while the Kitchen offers creative, elaborate rolls with some extra ingredients. As for drinks, Akiko offers a wide selection of saki, beer, and. Cheers!

“This is a review for a pickup order from Akiko's, and they absolutely blew me away with the quality of their food! I have heard many rumors of this place being the best sushi in SF, and I can say that it lived up to my expectations! We ordered the Washoku dinner and one of their rolls; both were delicious! Despite this being takeout, the food presentation was very elegant and neatly packed with care. Most likely my favorite meal of this week, and I will definitely be returning to try the rest of their menu!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Akiko's Restaurant & Sushi Bar.

2. Daigo Sushi

Small and charming sushi spot known for its innovative dishes

2450 Clement St | Outer Richmond | daigosushisanfrancisco.bestcafes.online

Looking for somewhere small and cozy? Visit Daigo Sushi! This popular corner restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi combos. All of the dishes are made from fresh, handpicked ingredients. From the Baked Salmon Maki to the Hamachi Toro, Daigo Sushi offers some of the best sushi dishes in the city. In fact, you might have trouble deciding on just one plate. For dessert, you can treat yourself to some ice cream, mochi, or green tea cheesecake. 

“When my husband and I want to treat ourselves to high quality sushi we always go here. We most recently got the Nigiri dinner with some of the daily specials they were offering. (Whoever their chef is is amazing - definitely recommend ordering their daily specials!) During quarantine they offer take out and delivery. Most recently we did takeout and it was super easy.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Daigo Sushi.

3. Wako

Chic, upscale Japanese restaurant known for its authentic cuisine

211 Clement St | Inner Richmond | sushiwakosf.com

Located in the Inner Richmond neighborhood, Wako offers a sleek, upscale dining experience for guests. Many of the dishes are arranged in a visually stunning way to help enhance the customer experience. Sit down and peruse through Wako’s extensive menu filled with various combinations of nigiri and maki rolls. All of the ingredients are carefully reviewed and selected by the restaurant’s expert purveyors. Most of the restaurant’s basic ingredients come from Japan while the seafood is locally-sourced. 

“Wako is our favorite place for sushi, I've had meals in Japan that still don't come close to Wako.  The Omakase set was plenty of food and we mostly did not touch the maki rolls as we were getting full and wanted to save room for every nigiri piece.  Appetizers were fun and different, dessert was simple but very tasty and would have 5 more portions of it if I could.” -- Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Wako.

4. Ju-Ni

Intimate venue that only serves 12 guests at a time in order to offer a truly unforgettable experience

1335 Fulton St, Suite 101 | NoPa | junisf.com

Ju-Ni probably offers the most unique dining experience out of the other restaurants on this list. Only 12 patrons are served at a time at this chic and intimate restaurant. This set-up allows every four guests to have their own personal chef guiding them throughout each course.

A total of 18 courses are served at Ju-Ni. That said, guests do have the chance to order extra courses. The menu also changes seasonally, so you can expect new dishes for your next visit depending on when you come. 

“I just wanted to say how amazing of an experience it was and that we still talk about it often! I look forward to being back in the Bay and getting to go to ju-ni again--the fish, presentation, chefs, and our dinner overall were all incredibly memorable and special. Everything tasted so, so fresh and delicate.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ju-Ni.

5. Sasa

Innovative Japanese-American restaurant specializing in traditional kaiseki cooking

22 Peace Plz, Suite 530 | Japantown, Lower Pacific Heights | sasasf.com

Located in the Japan Center East Mall, Sasa offers a fresh and unique approach to dining. Many of its dishes are made using traditional kaiseki cooking techniques. American influences can also be spotted throughout many of its dishes. Nigiri, sashimi, can all be enjoyed a la carte. Sushi combos and bento boxes are also popular among customers. 

“You can order online on their website seamlessly and can pick a general pickup time, 10/10 would recommend that experience! I ordered the chef Omakase for 1 person (#singlepersonlyfe.) I loved the toro, tamago, scallops, and variety of fish. It also came with miso and they wrote a sweet message on the takeout container which made me smile :)” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sasa.

6. Sara Sushi Bar

Trendy sushi bar located in Noe Valley

3856 24th St | Noe Valley | akaisarusf.com

Trendy. Chic. Energizing. These are just a few words that describe Sara Sushi Bar. Located in Noe Valley, Sara Sushi Bar offers a wide selection of classic Japanese dishes. From the Hamachi to the Wagyu, all of the dishes are made with expert precision and skill. Thirsty? Sake, beer, wine, and soda are all available to accompany your meal. 

“Really good sashimi and a pretty affordable omakase option! All cuts were delicious and fresh. The only thing is the omakase portions don't seem to be meant to satisfy you for a whole meal so I'd order additional things off the menu or prepare to still be kinda hungry at the end of the meal.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sara Sushi Bar.

7. Cha-Ya

Vegetarian Japanese restaurant located in the Mission neighborhood

762 Valencia St | Mission | chayasf.com

Last but not least on the list is Cha-Ya. One of the things that distinguishes Cha-Ya from the rest of the restaurants on the list is that it specializes in contemporary Japanese vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Family-style eating is also encouraged here. So feel free to share some of your delicious food with your fellow guests! 

“Cha-ya's udon was amazingly done and they have a regular and curry base if you want to add a little more spice and flavor. Their sushi is excellent and their tempura vegetables classic but expertly done. We ate outside (they only have a couple tables, hopefully they expand) but they had closed down the entire street so there was plenty of room! Will definitely go again!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Cha-Ya.

You can find dozens of great sushi places in San Francisco. Which one do you plan on visiting next? Let us know in the comments below!