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Nara Restaurant & Sake Bar
$$$ · Japanese, Sushi

518 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 417-0518
Closed
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Business Lunch Japanese in Haight-Ashbury Best Date Night Sushi in Haight-Ashbury Best Sushi Rolls in Haight-Ashbury Best Japanese in Haight-Ashbury Best Sushi in Haight-Ashbury

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Nara Restaurant & Sake Bar 8.2
Hayes Valley
Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots
Lower Haight favorite with a deep roll list and sake focus; polished enough for client catch-ups. Portions and plating land a notch above typical neighborhood sushi.
Must-Try Dishes: Hamachi Kama, Sashimi Plate, Red Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sake-forward list and refined sashimi for more formal lunches.
Who should go: Client meetings needing a polished setting
When to visit: Early afternoon for quieter conversations
What to order: Hamachi kama, sashimi plate, Red Dragon roll
Insider tip: Bar seats get the quickest service during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Haight and Fillmore; typically easier before 6pm. No private lot or valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs or neat polos fit the vibe. Business attire welcome for meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — background music and chatter but manageable for work or client discussions.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls and tempura options clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 rolls and a salad suitable for vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free soy sauce available on request; avoid tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — polished but relaxed enough for comfortable conversation. Dim lighting and refined plating make it a solid pick for an early relationship or client dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, walk-ins are fine. Evenings get busier; call ahead for same-day seating or bar availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — limited high-chair space and quieter ambiance. Teens or older children comfortable with sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Better for formal or semi-formal business lunches where presentation and sake selection matter.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after fast or inexpensive sushi — it leans refined and slower-paced than nearby takeout spots.

Hours

Monday5pm - 11pm
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday5pm - 12am
Sunday5pm - 11pm