Hey everybody, i need to find a place in SF for really good sushi. It's my mother-in-laws birthday and my wife and i want to take her out. I know of many places around the bay area that are good. but she lives in the city and i would like it to be there.

hopefully not too pricey
and i'd like it to feel like a japanese place instead of a pop culture eye soar. (if possible)

can you guys help me out with a few places to choose from

thanks
-rich

 

good sushi isn't cheap & cheap sushi isn't good...

but for a nice medium between cheap & crappy vs. expensive & good, there's Ichi Raku ( I think that's how it's spelled) I haven't been in awhile but inter. B (aaron) said it was good last time he was there... it's on Geary & about 2 blocks west(toward the ocean) of the tunnel/overpass (Masonic).

There's absolutely awesome place on Balboa about 5-6 blocks up from park presidio but it has no menu & fluent japanese is a requirement... that's why i've only eaten there once & didn't pay (or else I wouldn't have gone). I forgot the name but it's the only J restuarant there but ya better bring LOTS of cash... like $60-100 a head... depending on what they like.

 

Check out Moki's in Bernal Heights on Cortland, I took my girl there the other night. It was pretty nice, if a little crowded. We spent $35 with tip and mucho sake.

 

well i eat at sushi joints all the time and i'm very use to pating ALOT of MONEY. at least $50 per person. So no i don't want a "cheap" place

thanks guys for the replies


-rich

 

i went to kitaro and i think they are pretty good. Not expensive, and the food isn't bad at all.

 

Rich, you want Ebisu on 9th Ave. Hands down my favorite in the city. I could list a bunch of others but Ebisu is the shiz.

 

Ditto

Not cheap though.

 

Takara in Japantown is EXCELLENT! Haven't met a Japanese person that doesn't like the sushi, sashimi, or cooked food there. My friend Keiko from Osaka loves the chirashi there ("Tastes just like home" she says), and my friend Katsuki from Tokyo likes the ochazuke. Also, free chawan mushi with every dinner Country-style Japanese atmosphere. Just watch out for the service, it can be pretty bad sometimes

Hana Zen on Cyril Magnin Court downtown is the only Japanese restaurant that can outdo Takara when it comes to fresh fish. However, prices are ridiculously expensive and the environment is not exactly "traditional" Japanese; it's more a contemporary setting. Yakitori is also good, and there are many items on the menu not available anywhere else. Service is impeccable.

 

i 2nd this place it's on geary and 21

 

K A B U T O !!!!! on Geary & 15th Avenue. It's freakin awesome! One of the largest selection of fish I've ever had to choose from. The traditional items are great and the neuvo stuff is cool too! Try the Fois Gras Sushi More of a date or guy's night out blowing money.

Kitaro is more of a family large group venue. Get good sushi for the $$.

 

alright now i'm excited. thanks everyone. now for a little on-line research for more details and i think i'm covered. Wherever i go i'll right my review

-rich

 

Isobuni (sp?) is the only sushi place i go to in J-Town SF

 

my friend's buddy owns that place...discounts are good!

 

Nagano on Geary between Arguelo and 2nd.

 

The sushi boat restaurant in Japantown has darn good food and a few types of sushi I haven't seen anywhere else