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Chisai Sushi Club
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chisai Sushi Club
8.8
Compact omakase counter in Bernal Heights focused on precise, inventive nigiri with a strong sake list. The progression stays disciplined and seasonal, with a vegetarian omakase available by reservation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared king salmon nigiri with nori butter, Bluefin toro nigiri, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Focused omakase that balances craft, restraint, and seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and sake lovers
When to visit: Early reservations on weekends
What to order: Omakase set; toro; uni hand roll
Insider tip: Ask about the vegetarian omakase—it's a full experience, not an afterthought.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally easier on residential side streets, but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly dressy given the omakase format.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy across the counter, though the room is compact.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch; dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian omakase available by advance request.
Vegan options: Limited—cannot offer full vegan omakase but may provide 2–3 custom courses with notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce substitutions available; request when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter setting and curated progression make it a strong choice for a thoughtful, conversation-focused date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—space is very limited; reserve online to guarantee seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the omakase pacing and quiet setting are better suited to adults or older teens comfortable with sushi.
Best For
Better for: Precision omakase and sake pairing in an intimate setting compared to larger or trendier sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual rolls, large group seating, or a wide à la carte menu—other Mission or Japantown sushi houses may suit better.
Chisai Sushi Club
8.8
Compact Bernal Heights counter focused on precise, seasonal nigiri with a thoughtful sake lineup. The progression is disciplined without feeling stiff, and the team keeps pacing tight for an intimate experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Toro nigiri, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Focused omakase built on craft and seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and sake lovers
When to visit: Book early weekend seats; walk-in right at open
What to order: Omakase, toro, uni hand roll
Insider tip: Ask about vegetarian omakase—it's a full tasting, pre-book only.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots can be scarce after 6pm in Bernal Heights, so plan a little extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy given the omakase format.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, but the counter format means some ambient chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; limited walk-in seats go fast right at open.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—lunch service is lighter and often easier to access.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance-request vegetarian omakase is available by reservation.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan menu; possible substitutions are very limited.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations possible with notice, though soy sauce alternatives are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter and thoughtful progression make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Only a handful of walk-in seats are released at opening; otherwise, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the omakase pacing and compact counter setting suit adults and teens better.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, precise omakase at a more approachable price point than many SF counters.
Skip if: You want a broad à la carte sushi menu or group-friendly seating—the focus here is a tight counter experience.