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Kuma Sushi + Sake
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Kuma Sushi + Sake
8.4
Polk Street favorite blending thoughtful fish sourcing with playful maki like Hey Girl and Tango. The roll list runs modern without losing focus on clean flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hey Girl Roll, Tango Roll, Great Balls of Fire
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern roll set with chef-driven pairings and seasonal touches.
Who should go: Roll fans who like creative combos
When to visit: Beat the dinner rush before 6:30 pm
What to order: Hey Girl; Tango; Great Balls of Fire
Insider tip: Check Toast menu for limited-run seasonal rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk and nearby side streets is limited after 6pm; no valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean dressy-casual with jeans and a nice top.
Noise level: Moderate—lively atmosphere but you can usually hear your date without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quicker turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls and small plates are offered.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls and sides, but no dedicated menu section.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available on request; cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The trendy vibe, polished cocktails, and creative rolls make it a strong first-date choice—energetic but not overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes snag bar seating on weeknights before 6:30pm, but expect a wait on weekends without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is geared toward adults—good for groups of friends or dates. Children are welcome but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative, modern sushi rolls and cocktails in a lively, stylish setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi bar experience or extensive nigiri/omakase options.
Kuma Sushi + Sake
8.4
Lower Nob Hill favorite with a focused menu built around the day’s catch and a tight sake list. Lively but date-friendly with bar seats for two and shareable rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice nigiri set, Locally made tofu with crunchy garlic oil, Spicy tuna roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Day-of selections and an approachable sake program.
Who should go: Couples who share rolls and nigiri
When to visit: After 8pm when the rush tapers
What to order: Nigiri set; spicy tuna; tofu with garlic oil
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu daily fish—quantities are limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and competitive in Lower Nob Hill; no valet service. Garage options exist within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but many dress up slightly for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy with music, but still easy enough for conversation across a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls and tofu dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—miso soup, veggie rolls, and select sides.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; gluten-free soy sauce upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate bar seating and shareable rolls create a relaxed but engaging first-date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits are common on weekends. Weeknight walk-ins usually find bar or two-top seats after a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is more of a date-night and small-group spot. Older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: A more casual, fun date night with approachable rolls and a compact sake list compared to pricier omakase counters.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-refined sushi artistry or a very quiet, formal dining room.
Kuma Sushi + Sake
8.2
Modern sushi bar known for bright nigiri, creative rolls, and a sake list that overdelivers for the price. Efficient pacing and bar seating make it workable for a quicker lunch meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kuma roll, Aburi salmon nigiri, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Creative sushi with strong value and a nimble service cadence.
Who should go: Budget-aware sushi fans on a schedule
When to visit: Before 12:15 or after 1:30
What to order: Aburi salmon, Kuma roll, chirashi
Insider tip: Grab bar seats to order and finish faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill; nearby paid garages along Sutter and Post are the safest bet during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and button-downs or workwear are fine, but business attire won’t feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter from the bar, but you can hold a business conversation without strain.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait before noon or after 1:30; peak 12–1 can require a short queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie rolls and edamame, but choices are modest.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, rice bowls, and some rolls can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed but stylish spot—its modern sushi and sake list create a casual but polished vibe without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, usually yes if you arrive early or late; at dinner, expect to wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—space is tight and the focus is sushi and sake, but older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Stronger sake list and creative sushi rolls at a fair price compared to nearby lunch sushi bars.
Skip if: If you need large tables for groups or extensive hot entrée options—other Japanese spots nearby may suit better.
Kuma Sushi + Sake
8.7
Polished Lower Nob Hill favorite pairing market-driven nigiri with a tight sake list. Plates land minimalist and clean, with photogenic marbles of toro and precise knife work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chu-toro nigiri, Ocean trout nigiri, Chef’s selection sashimi
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Refined, minimalist plating with deep sake pairings.
Who should go: Date-night omakase traditionalists
When to visit: Late reservations after 8:30pm feel unhurried
What to order: Toro flight; ocean trout; seasonal sashimi set
Insider tip: Ask staff for a dry junmai pairing to highlight fatty cuts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages available within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy given the polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly but with lively background energy from the bar and counter.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime slots book weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable rolls and a few cooked dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options, primarily veggie rolls and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce on request; most sashimi and nigiri are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—refined atmosphere, artful presentation, and attentive service make it a strong first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—geared more toward adults and date nights, with no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Polished plating, sake pairings, and an intimate date-night setting compared to casual sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly sushi roll spot—this is a higher-end, minimalist experience.