Bay Area's 5 Best Sushi Spots
While we humans stress about our San Francisco schedules, there are millions of fish waiting in the bay, just wishing they could jump onto our plates and roll around in some rice. Let's take a break from our busy lives and grant their wish by enjoying some local sushi fanfare.
Blue Ginko
3518 Mt Diablo Blvd
Ste A
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 962-9020
Blue Ginko
What Blue Ginko lacks in ambiance (and space, with only 30 or so seats), it makes up for with sushi. This local favorite is a busy spot, with traditional rolls being a popular go-to for many menu browsers. Fans rave that, not only is food worth the trip, but the staff is friendly and dependable, making the experience all the more pleasant and worthwhile.
Barracuda Japanese Restaurant
2251 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 558-8567
127 H Serramonte Center
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 757-6833
347 Primrose Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
phone (650) 548-0300
124 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 254-1935
Barracude Japanese Restaurants
Dive into the Castro for a lounge-y yet casual vibe, at Barracuda Japanese Restaurant. A favorite dish is, unsurprisingly, the Barracuda roll, featuring a refreshing blend of soft shell crab, avocado, salmon and mango. If you like a show with your sushi, go in the afternoon or early evening on the weekend and snag the window seat. There is some great people-watching, as drag queens and bachelorette parties spill onto the street from day-time club favorite, Lime, next door. Barracuda also hosts locations in Daly City, Burlingame, and Mountain View, for those folk hoping to grab some quality cuisine without venturing into the city.
Sushirrito
59 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 495-ROLL
Sushirrito
I first heard of Sushirrito when my friend, Jess, was driving down Market Street, with me in the passenger seat. She asked if I had heard of this lunch-time spot and, when I said no, she hit the breaks, turned around to look me in the eyes, and said, simply, "So. Good."
Sushirrito certainly lives up to this reaction, by serving great food in a unique way. At Sushiritto, you don't get a group of puny little rolls – you get an entire burrito of sushi. One roll is large enough for a whole meal, but that meal is going to be lunch – Sushirrito is only open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. On top of all of this, Sushirrito is committed to sustainable seafood, with fish that is caught responsibly and served in biodegradable containers.
Yu Zen
4036 Balboa St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 386-9800
Yu Zen
Outer Richmond eatery, Yu Zen, is a no frills approach to Japanese cuisine. The casual atmosphere is reflected in the service, where the staff is not known for delivering rolls with urgency. When they are brought to your table, however, expect to enjoy quality, classic dishes. Locals dig the fresh sashimi options at a reasonable price and the restaurant's convenient take-out ordering.
Zushi Puzzle
1910 Lombard St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 931-9319
Zushi Puzzle
Head on down to the Marina for rolls that taste like the fish jumped right out of the Wharf and onto your plate. Zushi Puzzle offers some creative dishes while nailing the basics just right. Chef Roger Chong has a near cult following of Zushi loyalists, who sit at the bar and, rather than order off the menu, have whatever he feels like creating for the night. This spot is highly recommended by many San Franciscans, but make a reservation and be prepared to drop $50 - $100.
Tighe Flatley serves as Blog Editor/Community Manager for Eventbrite. He enjoys coffee, conversation, and any excuse to enjoy San Francisco. Follow him on Twitter, @tflatley.
