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Wabi-Sabi Sf At Nob Hill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Wabi-Sabi Sf At Nob Hill
7.7
Compact Pine Street sushi bar doing nigiri, maki, and donburi with quick service. Handy for a casual dinner near Polk with a short sake list and counter seats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sake don, Crunchy roll, Nigiri set
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
Wabi-Sabi Sf At Nob Hill
7.6
Compact Nob Hill Japanese spot offering sushi rolls and hot plates with later hours. It’s a convenient neighborhood option for casual dates and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Karai hamachi roll, Shrimp tempura roll, Chicken karaage
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Later kitchen hours for sushi and small plates on Pine.
Who should go: Casual date-night and friend groups
When to visit: After 8pm when the rush thins
What to order: Karai hamachi; tempura roll; karaage
Insider tip: Call to confirm late-night kitchen cut-off before heading over.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Nob Hill, especially after 6pm; paid garages are a few blocks away on California and Polk.
Dress code: Smart casual works best—jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; fine for group chatter, though intimate conversation may require leaning in during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though note that lunch hours can be limited or closed on certain weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple sushi rolls, tempura, and veggie small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can piece together 2–3 items like cucumber rolls or seaweed salad, but menu leans fish-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some options (sashimi, select rolls) are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitution available on request, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for casual sushi and a lively vibe. The compact space and moderate noise level keep it relaxed but not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes, especially after 8pm when crowds thin. Weekends before 8pm can mean a 30–45 minute wait without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—late hours, compact seating, and a bar-centric vibe make it better for adults or older teens than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi in Nob Hill when most kitchens have closed, plus a lively atmosphere for casual groups.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet omakase-style dining, extensive vegan options, or family-friendly amenities.
Wabi-Sabi Sf At Nob Hill
7.7
Compact Pine Street sushi bar with straightforward nigiri, chirashi, and house rolls at friendly prices. Works for a low-pressure date before or after a Polk/Van Ness stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wabi-Sabi Roll, Chirashi Deluxe, Hamachi kama
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Compact, value-minded sushi bar with a deep nigiri list.
Who should go: Casual sushi dates on a budget
When to visit: After 8pm for shorter waits
What to order: Wabi-Sabi roll; chirashi deluxe; hamachi collar
Insider tip: They’ll hold a favorite roll if you call ahead.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; spots open up after 7pm but can be scarce on weekends. No valet or garage directly attached.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but some dates dress up a bit for Nob Hill evenings.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy at two-tops though the compact room can feel lively when full.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation depending on the hour.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 simple rolls (avocado, cucumber) but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options (sashimi, basic nigiri, simple rolls) but soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring or request GF packets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a low-pressure, casual setting. The small room keeps it intimate but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially after 8pm. Call ahead to confirm during peak dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – the compact space is better suited for adults or older kids comfortable with sushi dining.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly nigiri and quick sushi meals in Nob Hill.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end omakase or a polished, long-format date night.
Wabi-Sabi Sf At Nob Hill
7.7
Compact Pine Street spot offering value-minded nigiri, chirashi, and house rolls. Straightforward plates and quick ticket times make it a practical grab-and-go or short meeting option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi deluxe, Wabi-Sabi roll, Hamachi collar
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Budget-friendly sushi with fast pacing and a deep nigiri list.
Who should go: Time-crunched budget lunchers
When to visit: After 1:30 for less crowding
What to order: Chirashi deluxe, signature roll, hamachi collar
Insider tip: Call ahead—they’ll hold a favorite roll briefly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nob Hill; best to use nearby paid garages on California or Bush if you’re driving.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and business casual attire are equally common.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy enough for short business chats or solo dining without distraction.
Weekend wait: Closed most evenings—mainly a lunch spot, so not relevant.
Weekday lunch: Short wait during peak 12–1 pm; often no wait outside that window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, avocado nigiri, and miso soup are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—can do cucumber/avocado rolls and seaweed salad, but choices are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and some nigiri are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some rolls are not clearly labeled.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more functional than atmospheric, better suited for a quick bite than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here. Walk in, though expect a brief wait at peak lunch hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Service is quick and informal, but seating is tight and geared more toward adults on short breaks. Works for older kids, less so for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than many nearby sushi spots, making it strong for budget-conscious professionals.
Skip if: If you want a polished, lingering sushi experience or broad menu variety, choose alternatives like Okoze or Elephant Sushi instead.