Sakana Reviews

This is one of the best Japanese/sushi restaurant in San Francisco. Delicious and affordable. I definitely recommend nigiri with fatty tuna and jack mackerel.

Sakana is my kind of place. It's high-class food, without high-class snobbery and high-class prices. I had a group of 8 last minute during a very busy weekend in SF, and they were happy to accomodate us, told us we could hang out next door while we waited and they even came to get us. Obviously, with any waiting - we were hungry by the time we were seated. The food came fast, it was delicious - every single one of us loved our meal. And honestly, I'm writing this over a month later and I'm STILL thinking of my delicious dish at Sakana! What's one word that describes you're beyond impressed? Visualize that as my review of Sakana.

We went as a group of four ready to try sushi this place out since it got decent reviews. But Sashimi was FISHY and dry. The guy waiter is soooo RUDE! And not just to us (I was checking) he was also rude to the table next to us! (such as yelling, ignoring etc) Also got over charged on the bill and have to hammer it out with the credit card company. What a head ache!

For a sushi restaurant that serve food until midnight Sakana is more than decent. I had their dinner combination with sashimi, tempura and hamachi kama. It was a simple and well prepared meal. The hamachi kama was particularity interesting. It was perfectly moist and tender inside. Definitely one of the better ones I had that came with a economic combo dinner. Tempura could be crisper but I like the light batter and light radish sauce. Sashimi is a standard fare. I don't find the fish quality particularly excellent. Some pieces even appeared a bit stringy. If you are ever in the area for a late meal, can't go wrong with Sakana.

Sakana has a great local vibe. It feels like a hole in the wall with a dedicated clientele. For the raw fish items, it deserves five stars. The Manila clams are also superb and the broth defines umami and will have you licking the bowl. The grilled mackerel was good but the grilled yellowtail was on the dry side and would have benefitted from less cooking. Beverage options are limited and the only beer option is Sapporo (like Asahi much better). Seating is limited so reserve ahead. Prices are spot on.

We had reservations at a sushi restaurant right up from Sakana, but peeked in and saw it was empty. Walked back by Sakana which was full of happy campers! This was the best move I made in a long time! Sakana is low key, filled with locals, and serves some of the best sushi in San Francisco. That is no small statement!

Delicious! Sushi so fresh. Hotel recommended us, and we could have not been happier. Price was right. We're on a vacation with limited time and yet think we'll be back before we leave.

My favorite Japanese Restaurant for Sashimi. Coming here every time when in SFO. Now for 8 years. LOL.

Sakana is located a few blocks away from the Union Square Hilton. It's an easy walk from the hotel (less than 10 minutes). Very small restaurant. We got there around 5:30 and were seated right away; 3 hours later, it was packed. I had the grilled salmon which was some of the best I've ever had. My husband had grilled chicken, spicy california rolls, and some of the fatty tuna flown in from Japan. The prices are reasonable for the high-quality of the food. This is definitely a "go-to" restaurant for us in San Francisco.

I ordered a take-away menu and waited for about 20 minutes. It was fresh and yummy! I would recommend this clean and friendly place for everyone who loves sushi as I do.

I have eaten at this place at least 10 times and it is always GREAT! It is pretty easy to get a table and the sushi is always fresh. I always get the sushi/sashimi combo and I love it. Hits the spot and a good price for dt S.F. sushi. A must go if you like sushi.

I feel like tell others about this will ruin it. Besides fresh local favorites, this restaurant also imports fish from Japan, so you'll enjoy things you absolutely cannot find elsewhere. They also have a good sake selection. It's also young and hip and yet the food is authentic. It is one of my most favorite restaurants and I cannot wait to get back there when I visit. Those who live there have a real gem in their midst.

We loved this restaurant. The sushi was fantastic. It was fresh and delicious. It is small with a great ambiance. The waiter was friendly and helpful. The best part was the prices. For San Francisco it was very reasonable. If you love sushi don't pas this gem up. You will not regret it. My son has this sushi restaurant on speed dial and now we know why!

We stopped in on a whim. Looked like good food. We were not disappointed. Among other things we had a Spider Roll and a Dragon Roll and both were really good. I would say a medium portion of each roll but thickly sliced. We also had soup, teriyaki chicken and tempura. I would also say that the temporal was small-medium portioned.

In a neighbourhood full of sushi spots, this was a pleasant surprise. Very good rolls, some of the fish is flown directly from Japan and it's a good deal.

I have eaten here for 11 years and have always found the quality and service top notch. If you like flash and fancy surroundings this is not your kind of place. If you want a clean comfortable place to enjoy top quality Japanese-style sushi this is your place. Edo-san has been behind the knife for well over a decade and you will find the statt turnover is very low. I enjoy being able to walk in and get a friendly smile. For me sushi is all about quality and not rice filled American style sushi. The anago is my favorite item on the specials board but there is something for everyone.

Located between Nob Hill and Union Square, this is a small Japanese restaurant on Post with maybe 10 tables and bar seating. The daily menu has a wide variety of fresh fish choices for sushi. Early on Friday evening, the place was packed, so I ordered take-out to eat in my hotel. The service was fast and efficient. Compared to other Japanese and sushi restaurants in the vicinity, the prices were more reasonable (i.e., cheaper) with decent portion sizes and good flavor, so better value than some of the higher end sushi places a few blocks away.

Their sushi is really good. There is not as much to choose from on the menu as at other sushi places. It's a small place so be ready to wait outside or to be squeezed in. One of their waiters was really rude and unfriendly.

All the things you look for in a sushi spot. Lots of Japanese clients, good prices (not always easy to find in San Fran), and nice fresh sushi selections. Another plus is its open late (until midnight Sun-Thursday). Large hot sake is only $7. BBQ Eel and avocado roll is only $5.50. Really great place.

If you are looking for a simple, no-nonsense sushi joint, this is it. Small Japanese restaurant near Union Square that serves up really fresh sushi and sashimi. I have tried their various makis and they are all great -- especially liked the eel+avacado roll. The sushi sets are also really fresh and something to come back for.

Really great soft shell crab starter, it was plentiful and full of fresh crab meat enough for two not over battered or oily. Sushi and sashimi was simply the best I have had. Value for money was brilliant. Dining room plain but the food was excellent.

Its small, it looks a bit rough the first time you go in, but it’s awesome. They are clean, great food, and super service. The fish is very good quantity and the guys really know their stuff. Their miso is really nice, the beef tataki is simply the best anywhere. They are open till late and the staff is super friendly. I travel a lot and visit SF a few times a year, and eat here every time I can. Outside Japan this is my favourite Sushi restaurant.

This small Japanese restaurant was just across the street from our hotel. It did not disappoint and the food was exactly as one expected it and with good service. The bill did not break the bank either.

Came here with a group of local friends while in SF for business. Had a great meal. Sushi was fresh and delicious! Atmosphere was good. Unrushed with good service. Plenty of time to eat, talk and enjoy the visit. Recommended.

Good quality sushi. The setting is quaint, the food is great.

We had our late dinner at Sakana when we arrived from Honolulu around 9pm. We ordered various kind of sushi at the sushi bar. Sushi are fresh, chef and waitress are friendly and helpful.

Small intimate Japanese restaurant. Had vegetarian sushi for dinner - lovely subtle flavors. Very affordable. Would recommend highly.

Sakana: Late night dinner choice, close to our hotel (Hilton Union Square San Fransisco). Tiny hole in the wall. We were greeted and seated at the sushi bar. The sushi was fresh and good. We ordered Salmon, Uni, Hamachi, Abalone, sweet shrimp and a Spicy Tuna Hand roll. Service was efficient, I can say that the the host, waiter or sushi chef were the friendliest or most personable, but Sakana did the trick.

This smaller friendly sushi 🍣 restaurant is perfectly located in the city….15 mins from the Palace Hotel. You will enjoy friendly staff, nice prices and super-tasty broad menus of sushi and sake. Keep up the great work, my wife and I will back again soon.

Very good sushi, comparable to what we get in Vancouver which is quite yummy. California roll was great, spicy tuna was extremely spicy and tuna was fresh! Dragon roll was one of the best sushi bites I've ever had!! Bbq salmon roll was great with the exception of the odd texture of the one big piece of carrot inside it.. Overall really great sushi rolls and a nice experience. Enjoy!

May have changed locations, I think I ate at the one on 605 Post recently. Good sushi, good price, friendly service, and we arrived at just the right time to avoid the wait (7pm on a Friday).

Had the vegetable udon soup, which was just okay. Wish they had put more vegetables! Also had some sushi, which was average.

I understand that timing is everything when thinking about writing a review. For example, my family and I were hungry and most places were full. But then we found this place. We were seated immediately, although most of the tables were taken with reservations, received excellent service and had a most delicious meal. Although the place is small, I believe it is worth the wait as I passed those who had to on the way out. Thank you for a nice night. We plan on returning.

We had a great assortment of sushi rolls and nigiri. The waiter was nice and friendly. The check was 75$ for two people. We were really happy with the experience.

I'm a japanese, visitor of San Francisco. My japanese friend who works in SF took me there. The quality of food was really good. The atmosphere is not so formal or fancy but good quality of food. The restaurant is quite small and gets very busy so recommend to book in advance.

We had originally tried to get into Ryoko's just a street away, but the wait had been over 45 minutes (at 10 pm), so we walked on and searched for another sushi place. We didn't have to look far when we found Sakana. Their California sushi rolls were only cents more expensive, so we asked for a table. Luckily, we came in at the perfect time and were seated immediately. We were in and out in thirty minutes with a great, smiley waitress. The food was nice but not quality. The atmosphere was lively but not too loud. I recommend this place for a quick dine and craving for sushi!

Sakana is clearly a local place with most of the people coming in repeat customers. And this is not a surprise. Good food and reasonably priced i a good location. The fish is fresh and everything is prepared well. Decor is really non-existent, but if one wants really good sushi and sashimi, this is well worth a visit.

We ate here the first night we arrived in San Francisco. We got in early and beat the crowd. The sushi was amazing! We loved the desserts as well! The restaurant was quaint and the staff was very friendly. For our trip to San Francisco, we voted it the best restaurant while we were in town. You will not be disappointed here.

Taste surprise that pleased everyone in our group. My first experience with ankimo (Monk fish liver) was great - just like a delicate pâté. We had Nameko miso soup (with "sticky mushroom") - a nice variation on the ordinary. It was easy to order up "sushi omakase" (Chef's surprise) and then just be pleasantly surprised by a range of sushi with toro, yellowfin, etc. Even our standard favorites tasted especially good (e.g., caterpillar roll and spicy tuna roll). High recommend this place for authentic sushi.

We had sushi, vegetable tempura, a salmon bowl - all really excellent. Restaurant is unpretentious, but excelllent.

Excellent choice of sushi and refined Japanese dishes. The freshness of fish challenged the tastebuds in a pleasantly surprising fashion. The relaxed, non-conform setting truly provides the ambiance of a pleasant evening out allowing to fully enjoy the quality of food and the company your with.

We found this restaurant the last time we came to town after doing the trolley tour to union square. I was actually looking for another sushi place that is now gone, when we noticed a lot of locals eating here. We went in and ordered all the featured rolls. We really enjoyed everyone of them. This time I brought a friend before going back to the airport and tried the tempura platter, the sashimi combination and a couple of rolls and again enjoyed everything. The food is always fresh and the selection of sake is also good. Again there were lots of local regulars, which is always good. If you combine that with reasonable prices, this place is hard to beat.

The sushi was good. However, I found a big piece of plastic film in a california roll. And when I told it to a waitress, she just said "I'm soory". Their explanation about the menu was not enough as well. I don't think their service is good.

The place is small and really filled up fast. We asked for recommendations and got wonderful fresh sushi/sashimi. I was particularly impressed with the quality of uni, must be the season for it because it was so good. The price was good and easy walking from Union Square.

Fast, professional service. We had several rolls, nigiri and sashimi. The fatty tuna is a must try. Spicy scallop roll is very nice with a clean finish. Very fresh. It got crowded after 7.

Absolutely amazing food! We were staying nearby and decided based on other reviews to check this restaurant out - and we are so glad we did! It's small but roomy, and we sat at the Bar top watching the Chef prepare the sushi/sashimi - the fish was so fresh and tasty, this would have to be some of the best sashimi we have ever had. The other dishes we chose were edamame which was salted just right, and the tuna bomb sushi which was sensational. A cheeky glass of wine and a beer made the perfect match and we left delightfully sated and happy we found this gem!

This place was quite small and the service was slow. The sushi was fresh and tasted good however the rolls lacked somewhat in presentation and seemed almost sloppy. The price was quite reasonable.

5:30P family dinner for 10 on Xmas Eve. Except for the prime location (essentially the corner of Post and Taylor), this feels like a family operated joint. Superior selection of seasonal fish, generous cuts, peak freshness. Tobiko and Quail Egg served with the Quail egg shell inverted atop the roll. And the chef was right, both shells were exquisite. Friendly, solicitous service. In other words, great presentation, uncompromising quality, and delightful service. If you intend to dazzle out of town clients or company, this is likely not your spot. The focus is the food, and that energy has not transferred to the decor, or frankly basic maintenance. If you can overlook that, you will share your meal with Japanese locals and a smattering of out-of-town guests referred by hotel concierge, all of whom leave content and well-served. I have tried others, but I return here.

Best deal in Union Square amazingly fresh fish at really amazing prices. Sakana has great fish choices, both local and flown in from Japan daily. Helpful and knowledgeable staff that seem to love their job. What more could you want

Little off the beaten path, a little small. But the quality, personality, and service make it well worth it! Make sure to try one of the specials and grab a drink too.

They love their fish. Not bad prices, a great experience, and top tastes. Not very creative, but a fish-head ahead of most.

I thoroughly enjoyed my evening here. Food is very nice and the service efficient. Watching the two guys behind the Counter preparing the food felt very authentic.

I loved it! I had a dinner plate with three different meals on it, and all were so good that I would rush back if I could. Guys are nice, everything is fresh, and the fish I got was the best in my life.

This is an un-pretentious, but great place to enjoy fine sushi. Exceptional sea urchin for those with that weakness. Very reasonably priced unlike most other flashier places in the neighborhood. Beware of confusion with another "Japanese" restaurant at 639 Post St. This place callse for repeat visits!

This place is a must-do if you like Japanese food. If possible, I'd recommend sitting by the bar where you can see the sushi chefs in action - much fun. It's noisy, small and crowded but that can be explained by such good value for money - each plateful looks ike a peace of art and tastes heavenly. I've visited twice and each time it's been superb. I haven't been to Japan, yet, but I'd imagine they will be similar to this.

A small group went and thoroughly enjoyed. I came for the sushi, one of my companions came for the cooked food and we both came quite satisfied. Only 28 seats, the service was prompt and unobtrusive. Especially liked the ama ebi.

Went for dinner with my husband on our recent visit to San Fran. Lovely choice of sushi. Cooked fresh. Really tasty. Friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Close to Union Sq.

Small Sushi restaurant in a good location near Union Square. Food did not disappoint and it was affordable enough.

We were walking about looking for dinner and we saw "sushi" and a building filled with japanese people... a good sign! Possibly the best sushi we've ever had; fast, very fresh and delicious.. a great find!

The sushi at this restaurant is awesome, at a fairly reasonable price. The restaurant opens for dinner only. There is a good vibe and is frequented by eastern cultures. You will enjoy it.

The sushi here was outstanding. The soft shell crab was the best that i've ever had. We had sake and shared some rolls between us. The only thing that lets it down is the brusk service.

The food and service were so good. The server was so kind and nice! She made my night! And the sushi and other food was amazing. Super fresh! While it’s not high end ambiance (I almost didn’t walk in… so glad I did), the prices were right and everything was spot on. Highly recommend!

The rolls were the best we've had anywhere - super fresh! Salads were also awesome. You walk up, sign your name, and IF there is a short wait you get to wait outside in the gorgeous San Francisco weather!

This was a little on the expensive side, but was partially due to us wanting to try the various specials. Sakana does have an array of your typical sushi & sashimi, but in additon they have some specials that are not easily found elsewhere. Some of the specials that we tried were: - Katsuo Tataki (Skipjack Tuna, sashimi) - Mirugai (Geoduck - Clam) - Awabi (Abalone) - Kohada (Gizzard Shad) - Kaki Fry (fried Oysters) We also had the Tuna Bomb roll, which was a spicy tuna roll with sliced jalapenos inside (to give it that extra kick). A couple of small negatives: (1) they didn't have fresh wasabi, and (2) our sushi chef needs to wash his hands more often :) All of the food were delicious and I'd recommend this restaurant for the more adventurous type.

Small space and we sat at the sushi bar. Everything was fresh and delicious and they have some unique options. We even tried the gooey duck which turned out to be pretty good. Staff was welcoming, answered questions and were helpful. Highly recommend for a cozy sushi dinner.

Came to SF for a business trip and staying near Union Square went to an old favourite (Canteen) to find them closed (darn Mondays...). I love sushi so in wandering around came upon Sakana. Seemed full of happy people and authentically "hole in the wall" ish (I kinda like this hence 3 for atmosphere but if you like fancy / nice it's a 2 at best). Sat at the sushi bar and the case was full of fresh looking fish so I ordered a bunch of things. Delicious and fresh! Only mistake was getting tempura to start (oil too hot / old so was slightly burnt but still "fine"). Staff is certainly not overly warm but efficient and polite. Definitely a happy find and I will likely go back though mostly for a quick single dinning type meal.

Had dinner here one night alone and sat at the sushi bar. The sushi chefs were really cool and the food was good. This place is definitely a step above the usual sushi joint. I'd put it up against SugarFish in LA (which I eat at quite frequently). It's a smaller place but I definitely recommend for sushi lovers.

Wow. For great Sashimi and rolls this spot is awesome. There is no pomp and circumstance. No Americanized list of rolls or funky drinks. A small spot with great FRESH FISH. The Jack Mackerel, Salmon, Albacore and Yellow Tail were all top notch. The Caterpillar, Rainbow and Dragon rolls were all excellent. Highly recommend.

Every time i visit San Francisco i stop at least one time at Sakana. Now for more than 7 years this is always a guarantee for superb quality at fair prices. Sakana is not too stylisch but if you are looking for great food you won't be disapointed. The Service is kind and professional, so what else would you need?

This is a great place for lunch or dinner. Inexpensive, simple, and good. I only give a 3 star because it a 4 or 5 star sushi restaurant is saying a lot. I go here all the time because it just beats anything else in the area.

Best sushi of my life! Everything mega fresh and in the best quality! We sampled the menu and tested all the dishes of the day. Everything, but really everything was just fantastic. Service very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommended 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Hi, Do not waste your money on this restaurant, the smallest sushi I have seen and very poor quality. Go somewhere else, I d’not recommend it. Thank you.

This place is a quaint little japanese place on Post St. There are only about a dozen tables, and a small bar to sit at. The staff was super friendly! We only ordered a couple sushi rolls, but they were super fresh tasting and delicious. I would come back here.

Sakana at 605 Post Street in San Francisco is authentic, fresh Japanese food. Not only is the quality EXCELLENT,but the staff is friendly and accommodating. We were treated with warm green tea at the end of our meal. The prices are reasonable especially when you take into account that they are in the within a short walk of Union Square. Thank you SAKANA for making our trip to SF memorable and tasty!

Nothing fancy. Just great sushi at reasonable prices. The salmon was incredible. Very attentive service. Limited bar menu. Really enjoyed it.

nothing impressive from the outside, and even less impressive on the inside, but it's a solid sushi bar offering the standard rolls and individual pieces you'd expect, along with a selection of the normal hot menu options. Seating is really tight, so this place is best for popping in for a quick bite white walking by. If there's no seating, it's not worth waiting for a table, but if you're in the mood for a solid plate of sushi, you could do a lot worse than grabbing a free seat here.

Well, this place serves ok sushi, a little overpriced though. The thing is that sushi chefs are extremely disrespectable. They talk like one of those wannabe gangsters who think they own the world. I was surprised. Japanese should be the one who knows how to show respect toward others. I lost my apatite instantly. If you are a Japanese speaker, I suggest to talk to them in Japanese. You will be overwhelmed. After all, we found out that we got ripped off. NIce, what a day we had hah. Anyway, it is my opinion. It is all up to you all to decide how they are although I would never recommend the place to people I know.

Very good

Warm and pleasant environment. Great japanese food, very good and helpful service!!! We had great time!!!

It was HIGHLY recommended by the hotel staff, and we had no problem, but he intimated it was a "knock your socks off" kind of place. I found it to be good, but not spectacular. Lots of variety, more than I expected actually, in terms of dinners, sushi and sashimi.

This is a rather belated review, but I went here once 1 year ago. I liked it very much, so would like to leave a review. We sat at the sushi counter, and all the sushi was fresh and good. The sushi chefs are casual and friendly people too.

My absolute favorite sushi spot in SF. My husband and I used to live three blocks from here, and came back tonight for the first time in a year and a half...and it's still the same!! The sushi is always fresh and delicious, and I feel as though it is very fairly priced. I definitely recommend coming here!!

If you want good imported fresh sashimi at a reasonable price, you will find it here. The other menu items are unremarkable, the ambiance is average, and service is responsive but nothing special.

Great little table by the window. Ordered several different dishes. Sushi and sashimi. everything was excellent. Two lady servers were SO GOOD. Gave us an origami bird as a souvenir.

The price is amazing - great deals here. Now the actually food... for sushi... it's ok. The Rock n' Roll roll was really nice. The Spider Roll was surprisingly a let down, I've had much Spider rolls elsewhere. There's another one with egg/omelet type... very nice!

Got the crab and avo plus salmon and avo (not strictly on the menu) and they were fantastic! Sat at the bar and ate, lovely little store. Quite cold, no heating to speak of, must be something to do with the fish. Staff were a little rude to people who didn't have a reservation (as it's very full) and would say very plainly that it's a 40 min wait. Didn't effect me though, I was by myself and was able to go straight in!

We were originally going to eat at Ryoko’s but found it crowded, loud, and decided it was not the atmosphere we were looking for. We notice Sakana walking back to the hotel and we were glad we did! It is a small sushi restaurant with excellent food choices. I ordered sashimi and it was excellent. They have fried squid legs and they are amazing! Price was very reasonable for the food. Don’t get excited when you see the Asahi Beer sign in the window…they no longer serve Asahi.

We stumbled onto Sakana after looking at a list of 70 restaurant provided by our hotel, and we liked it so much we went back the next for dinner again. The place was not big, cozy without feeling cramp. The staff was friendly, laid-back and helpful. We had sashimi and sushi combo and everything was fresh and delicious. The next day we had sashimi and grilled mackerel, which was done perfectly. Overall a great dining experience. Will definitely go back if we're in SF again.

In this city of fresh fish and a large Asian population, sushi restaurants should be at minimum average, but this one just doesn't cut it. Not particularly clean, old and not fresh, it doesn't give a good first impression. The rag that cleaned a thousand tables cleaned ours prior to us sitting down. It's small and intimate, but not in a warm fuzzy way, and the sushi seriously ordinary. Menu choices pretty boring. And, not particularly good. Not bad, just underwhelming.

We enjoyed the sushi here. The quality was good. The Toro Sashimi could have been better. But overall good food, fast service.

Great dinner with excellent rolls, beautiful hamachi, excellent monkfish liver. uni was super-fresh. Lots of locals (good sign) even though in hotel district. interesting appetizers. corkage fee is $15.

The best japanese I have tried in San Francisco ! If you like sashimi, go to Sakana! The biggest pieces of fish i have ever had. Personel are very nice , and size of the place is perfect. Keep it up

I came here with 2 gal friends and was told to wait outside, which is fine...the Host had no manners whatsoever...When we saw several people getting seated ahead of us without waiting, we peaked in just in inquire and he basically yelled at us...finally he came out and told us to come in and basically left the door slamming in our faces...we decided that we were not going to be subjected to this kind of behaviour...so we went 4 doors down to the NICE Thai restaurant which was delicious I might add....in the words of Julia Roberts from the movie "Pretty Woman" : Mistake...BIG mistake to come to Sakana....

Awesome service rendered and friendly. Overall we enjoyed the dinner. Luckily the portion were not huge. Love the sauce!

I have ever tried!!! Hope to be in San Francisco soon and to have the possibility to try again very soon.

Great little out if the way place but only blocks from union square. Been several times. Always fresh. Not life altering but good straight ahead sushi. If you are from out of town and atelier looking for sushi you can't go wrong here.

Most extensive sushi and sashimi list I've seen. Many different imported varieties. Authentic sushi chefs with all sushi made to order. Highly recommend a visit.

The sushi is always fresh and delicious and they often have special items from Japan - not easy to find in other restaurants. I always go here when I am in town and compared with others, it is still a top authentic Japanese restaurant!

We discovered this restaurant across our hostel and keep going there for dinners. It has wide selection of sushi, very tasty teryaki (especially beef), free Japanese green tea (unlimited refills!), green tea ice cream, very friendly staff and prompt service. All at affordable price.

Liked this place. It's a small, laid-back Japanese restaurant in a convenient central location. I had fresh nigiri pieces and a tempura dinner, both of which I enjoyed, at a counter seating. Definitely better than average, although "very good" would be pushing it a bit. The kind of place that I can drop in on a whim, without qualms.

It is good and fresh. However it is not cheap. Nice restaurant to have japanese food. Recommend if you like

Amazing food. Fresh fish The only thing which need to be improved is they serve you in a too hurry way.

We thoroughly enjoyed this authentic Japanese restaurant near Hotel Monaco. The uni was incredible. I eat sushi and sashimi routinely. I do not think I've ever had any better. Soooo glad we decided to try this delightful restaurant.

Very Expensive for super mediocre food. Is this the San Francisco way? The service was quick. The presentation was poor. Zero atmosphere. It’s a bit like eating in a school cafeteria with sushi some kid made for a project. I’ve never seen such small portions. The sashimi was like 4 slices of lox. Bring your wallet or grab a sandwich after like we did.

We made reservations given the limited seating. Service, food and quality was great. Short walking distance to ACT.

I visited on Friday night and received the same service and quality food as my first visit back in 2000. The neighborhood was very busy on Friday night when I arrived about 9:30 pm. I was seated at the bar upon arrival and the waiter brought me my iced water with lemon and hot green tea very quickly. Edo-san took my order of anago, dragon roll, albaroce salad and negi toro maki. All four were completed and handed to me within about 10 minutes. The taste on each item was as I anticipated - very good. There may be better sushi in San Francisco but if there is it cannot be much better than this small, more traditional, gem.

I was staying at the Hotel Zeppelin and found this place a block away. I wasn't too hungry and didn't want to feel heavy after eating a lot of sushi so I decided to order a la carte. I think if you are really hungry, the sashimi or sushi combos may be more bang for your buck. Here is what I ordered. Appetizers: -Kinpira gobo (seasoned burdock root) - light and refreshing. This is a room temp/ cold dish. -Spinach ohitashi (spinach in dashi broth) - I didn't find the broth or bonito overly fishy. Good balance. Cold dish. -4 piece salmon sashimi - very tasty and fresh. -Rice - good consistency -Chicken skewer with ume (plum sauce) - by itself the skewer would probably be average but the sauce was equal sour and salty. Nice complement. If you haven't had ume before, it can be an acquired taste. Food was good and service was attentive.

My kids and I were staying at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and had just landed after a 6 hour flight. The kids googled sushi within walking distance and Sakana popped up. It's 2 blocks uphill and to the left of the hotel. It is a tiny place, but we had no wait at all. Sakana serves very good food, has a nice staff and fast service. Perfect if you are tired and want a good meal.

Good sushi! I like their tempura, too.

We enjoyed the most wonderful, high quality sushi dinner at this unassuming place. The hostess was friendly and accommodating, the food was ready in short order and we couldn't have been more pleased with the high quality of the sushi and our overall experience. Prices were quite reasonable and we will definitely return if we're back in the area.

food was excellent, service was friendly and fast, and place was low key :) highly recommend the spicy tuna, mackerel roll and softshell crab roll with Kagatobi sake. This place is great if you want no fuss, great food and service

We had takeaway dinner from here because the place was packed with people and reservations - popular is a good sign! And true! The takeaway service was quick, the cost was cheap (two meals for $22), and the food yummy!! I had the miso soup, and salmon nigiri (succulent and mouth watering) and my partner had tempura udon noodle soup which he loved, except for burning his tongue cos it was piping hot! My only complaint? I wish I'd ordered more!

This little joint tucked neatly on Post Street between Taylor and Jones was a gem of a find. With a sushi bar that seats a maximum of 6 people it was a real treat to sample geoduck (long neck cleam) as well as fresh Uni ! Very nice spin on a Clam Miso and excellent value for money. One of my best meals in San Francisco!

Every time i'm in San Fran I go here for sushi. It's delicious and the sushi melts in your mouth. The service is quick and simple. Theres usually a wait for a table.

The food here was so very good I cannot believe how inexpensive this place was. Granted, it's not fancy or even close to being considered fancy, but if you want really good food at a non-San Francisco price, this is the place to eat. I was there with business associates and several who can be considered snobs but every single person thoroughly enjoyed the food here. I highly recommend.

We stumbled on Sakana when wandering around SF on an empty stomach (thanks Yelp!)... Had lunch one day, went back a few days later for dinner. If you want 5-star service and someone kissing your butt at every moment, you might be a touch disappointed - but if, like us, you wanted some great food at a reasonable price and were less interested in a tip-seeking waiter bothering you - you'll love it. The meal prices are very reasonable given the central location (grilled teriyaki chicken $10!). They are accompanied with miso and rice as well as salad for hot meals. Sushi is freshly prepared right in front of you if you're sitting at the bar - the itamae doesn't say much, but was very impressive with his knives. High quality selection of imported beers and sake available - including the hard to find large size Asahi bottles! It was quite busy at peak lunch/dinner times, although as walk-ups, myself and a colleague got seated on a Friday evening, so it's not over the top queue out the door busy. End verdict, great spot for a high quality, speedy and affordable meal in between your walk around town / shopping.

This small restaurant provided good service, good sushi, and a casual ambiance. We were fortunate that they were not completely crowded when we arrived, but they were always busy. We were not overjoyed with the tempura, but their California roll is one of the best I have ever eaten.

My friend and I recently dined at Sakana by happenstance. The miso soup was hot and tasty and the fish was fresh. But it was nothing special; nothing extraordinary or memorable. The interior also felt quite stark. This place is a solid bet but with all the great sushi places in San Francisco, I probably would not go here again.

Staying in the neighborhood and wanted to grab some sushi on vacation. This was good but maybe not as good as I was expecting for something in San Francisco. In any case, it's a safe bet.

My family and I ate at this restaurant and we are so glad that we learned about this local favorite from the JW Marriott's concierge. We love sushi and did not want to leave SF without having it. We ordered sashimi, the 49er and miso soup. We enjoyed them all! It was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was so nice and we really enjoyed talking with him.

Sakana is one of my favorite local sushi places. There are a number of different spots for sushi in the surrounding area but Sakana is consistently delicious. The fish always tastes fresh and service is friendly. It is also open to at least midnight every day. Sometimes it can get crowded on the weekends though so they do take reservations.

Perhaps the worst sushi experience ever.. Ate sushi at other restaurants in the neighborhood and thought this might be good also. Fish wasn't fresh, roll fell apart, nigiri was poorly put together. The atmosphere was dingy and the service was terrible with sushi cutter acting like he was bored and doing us a favor. Try anywhere else close by and you will be happier!

A convenient location and some good Japanese beer. Disappointing Nigeri and Sashimi but above average rolls. Uninspiring ambience

The fact that there was a queue tells you a lot about a restaurant. The food was great. One of the best in fact. For the price it really cannot be beaten.

Decent enough, nothing to write home about. I am trying to remember now what it is I ordered there, and there are no memories. That's how middling the food was. Nice customer service, quick turnaround.

A peaceful place to enjoy the best of japonese food. Me and my boyfriend just loved everything, awesome!

We came here on a recommendation from my brother, who lived in San Francisco for about 5 years. It's nothing fancy, but the perfect place to go for some quality sushi and people who know what they're doing. Our waiter made some great recommendations for sake, and they accommodated my request to leave out the wasabi from my nigiri pieces. The food here is legit.

Nice little spot near union square. Sushi was delicious. You can taste the freshness. If you don't want to sit in the sushi bar make sure to make a reservation. Very reasonable prices.

I walked in late Saturday night and was lucky to have a seat at the corner of the bar. Had excellent sushi combination, reasonably priced, very good service.

Very good food; bland setting. Had the miso with small mushrooms and a seaweed salad. Progressed to sashimi platter (12 pieces of various daily fish), a rainbow roll, and finished with four pieces of toro. Washed it all down with a nice sake. Efficient service and satisfying meal.

I would recommend eating there anytime. Service is very good and the quantity is quite big. That's a very good place but can be very busy

The sushi was OK although the wait staff was unfriendly. Plus the door was open and a group of people lingered right outside smoking which was unpleasant.

Very small space. Sat at the sushi bar and was able to watch how chef hand created the rolls. Ordered green tea, tuna sashimi (came < 5 minutes later), soft shell crab roll and 49ers roll ( California roll stepped with sushi and a small orange quarter slice). Everything tasted fresh and yummy. The only minus was when server rushed removing my plates and failed to ask me for green tea refill.

Nice little restaurant next door to the owl bar. There was a 45 min wait so we went next door to have a drink. Everyone was eating sushi and we found out they'll deliver it to The Owl next door. Ten minutes later we had a wonderful sushi dinner in a nice corner bar!

What you would expect in J town.

We ordered the Philly, tuna ahi, spicy salmon, salmon sashimi, edemame and some plum wine. Great service, good prices. Accessible location

Low key place .the service was very good.miso soup before the main dish.will return on my next trip.

Great Japanese food, friendly (and speedy) service, good prices. A little place without tons of character, but the quality of the food and the staff made up for that.