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Umi
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Umi
8.4
Owner-run Potrero Hill sushi bar (opened 2008) known for careful fish but a low-key room that works for focused business conversations. Lunch hours on weekdays add utility when you need higher-end nigiri without a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Omakase (chef’s selection), Sashimi Platter, Golden Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Weekday lunch sushi with serious fish care in a calm setting.
Who should go: Clients who value quality over flash
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–12:30 before the rush
What to order: Nigiri omakase, sashimi platter, Golden Dragon roll
Insider tip: Call ahead for lunch hours—weekday lunch is offered on select days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 18th Street and Connecticut is usually available midday; evenings can be tight with nearby residential demand.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses are common for business lunches; suits are not required.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for business or intimate conversation, even at full tables.
Weekend wait: Typically a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available.
Weekday lunch: No wait if you arrive before noon; fills up around 12:30 p.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetable rolls and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—miso soup contains fish stock, but veggie rolls can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request and many sashimi/nigiri options are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate but unpretentious, with calm lighting and attentive service that make it ideal for quiet connection.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually for weekday lunches or early dinners; reservations advised for peak evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared toward adults and business diners; no children’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Serious sushi purists and business lunches where conversation matters more than flash.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy rolls, high-energy ambience, or large group seating.
Umi
7.9
Owner-run Potrero Hill sushi spot where pristine cuts and minimal plating let the fish star. The intimate room and tight nigiri work make it ideal for crisp macro shots without clutter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s selection nigiri, Saba nigiri, Chirashi
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Minimalist presentation with high-quality cuts in an intimate space.
Who should go: Serious nigiri fans with cameras
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30 pm for calmer shots
What to order: Nigiri flight; saba; chirashi
Insider tip: Counter seats give the best angle for nigiri close-ups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Potrero Hill can be limited, especially after 6 pm; no valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat attire recommended as the room is small and intimate.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for focused conversation or solo dining.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; space is very limited.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for lunch; evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options like vegetable rolls and egg dishes, but not extensive.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with cucumber or avocado rolls, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sushi rice and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates sushi; the intimate, quiet setting feels special but may be too minimal for someone expecting a buzzy atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but risky on weekends; reservations strongly recommended due to small size.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the space is intimate and geared toward adults. Older, well-behaved kids who enjoy sushi may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Pure nigiri focus with minimalist plating that highlights fish quality over presentation gimmicks.
Skip if: You want fusion rolls, lively crowds, or budget-friendly options—other sushi bars in SoMa or Dogpatch may suit better.
Umi
8.1
Tiny Potrero Hill spot known for clean cuts, well-seasoned rice, and a concise sake lineup. It’s an intimate, low-key choice when you want focused sushi without the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Nigiri Set, Spicy Scallop Roll, Salmon Belly Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Small room, attentive chefs, and precisely prepared nigiri.
Who should go: Quiet-date sushi traditionalists
When to visit: Arrive by 6:30 or after 8 to avoid waits
What to order: Nigiri set, spicy scallop roll, salmon belly
Insider tip: Counter seats get the quickest turns on specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly residential street parking; can be tight after 6:30 pm, but spots open up later in the evening. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual works—jeans are fine, but many opt for a neat shirt or blouse for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls and sides available, though menu skews fish-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls and basic sides, but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the small, intimate room and focused sushi make it a relaxed spot where conversation flows without distraction.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but with only a few tables, expect a wait at peak hours. Counter seats often turn faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—tiny space and no kids’ menu. Best for adults or older teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Focused, traditional sushi in a calm setting without the flashy scene found at trendier spots.
Skip if: You want elaborate rolls, large group seating, or a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Umi
8.1
Owner-run Potrero Hill spot where fish is filleted in-house and rolls lean clean and balanced. It’s compact, calm, and steady—ideal for a focused sushi session without downtown fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden Dragon Roll, Crunchy Spider Roll, Rock & Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: In-house butchery yields precise, tidy rolls with clean flavors.
Who should go: Sushi purists who avoid frills
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30 or weekday lunch
What to order: Golden Dragon; Crunchy Spider; hamachi kama
Insider tip: Half the room is held for walk-ins—arrive right at open.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on 18th and nearby residential blocks, though it can be tight after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and button-downs fit the vibe. No need to dress up, but business casual is common at lunch.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy, with a calm atmosphere compared to downtown sushi bars.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins after 7pm; earlier arrivals are seated more quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, even without reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian rolls and vegetable tempura are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls and sides like edamame; ask for customization.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari is available on request and many rolls can be prepared gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a quiet, low-key date with someone who appreciates sushi craft. The compact, calm room is intimate but lacks a buzzy or romantic setup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—half the dining room is reserved for walk-ins. Arriving right when doors open increases your chances of immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—it’s a compact, calm space without a children’s menu or booster seats. Better for adults or older kids who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Umi stands out for precision and clean, balanced rolls without frills—ideal for sushi purists or focused solo dining.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a lively scene, large-group energy, or elaborate omakase theatrics, other neighborhood options may suit you better.
Umi
7.9
Owner-run Potrero Hill sushi spot focused on sustainable fish, filleted in-house for clean textures. Compact room and fair pricing make it a comfortable neighborhood pick for rolls, nigiri, and chirashi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Omakase (chef’s choice), Chirashi Don, Freshwater Eel (house-filleted)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Sustainability-focused sushi with precise, in-house butchery.
Who should go: Neighborhood sushi regulars and date-night duos
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or late after 8:30
What to order: Nigiri omakase; chirashi; house eel
Insider tip: Counter seats get the best view of knife work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available in Potrero Hill, but can be limited during peak dinner hours. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests are in jeans and a nice top, but date-night attire is common.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation comfortably, though the room is compact.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; typically easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, eggplant dishes, and tofu sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options like avocado rolls and cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sushi rice and sashimi are safe; soy sauce alternatives available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the small, intimate setting and sustainable focus create a thoughtful and low-key date night experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weekdays, walk-ins are usually fine before 6:30pm. Weekends strongly benefit from a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the compact space and sushi-focused menu are better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Better for neighborhood regulars who want sustainable sushi at fair prices, with personal counter service.
Skip if: Skip if you want a large group-friendly space, elaborate omakase theatrics, or a wide hot dish selection.
Umi
8.4
Owner-run Potrero Hill spot known for fish filleted in-house, including eel, yielding pristine texture. The compact room and attentive service suit quiet, quality-focused sushi nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eel nigiri, Potrero Roll, Chef’s choice donburi
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Meticulous, in-house filleting elevates texture and purity.
Who should go: Sushi purists and quiet date nights
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch
What to order: Eel nigiri; Potrero Roll; seasonal nigiri
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu seasonal pieces—quantities are limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Potrero Hill; arrive early to secure a spot. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a nice shirt or blouse; many guests lean dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended for prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins accommodated easily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls and seasonal vegetarian appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options, mostly vegetable rolls; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items can be prepared gluten-free; soy sauce substitute available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate room, quiet atmosphere, and attentive service make it a strong choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during weekday lunch or early evening, but weekend dinners almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to the compact room and focus on quiet dining; suitable for teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Better for pristine sushi craftsmanship and intimate, quiet meals compared to livelier SoMa sushi bars.
Skip if: Skip if you want a boisterous group outing, large menu variety, or budget-friendly prices.
Umi
7.9
Owner-run Potrero Hill standby known for sustainably sourced fish filleted in-house—even the eel. Cozy room, friendly service, and a menu that balances classic nigiri with neighborhood-favorite rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
In-house eel nigiri, Potrero Roll (tuna topped with salmon/avocado), Donburi rice bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Owner-operated with fish filleted in-house for pristine texture.
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars and sushi fans
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch
What to order: Eel nigiri; Potrero Roll; donburi
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal nigiri—quantities are limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on 18th Street, but spots are limited during dinner hours; metered until 10pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—neat jeans and button-down or blouse are fine, slightly dressier for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at most tables, though the small room can get lively when full.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; limited tables make booking strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though seating fills quickly after 12:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, cucumber and avocado nigiri, and donburi options.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls and seaweed salad; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi and most nigiri are naturally gluten-free; tamari available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate room, attentive service, and focus on quality fish create a warm, understated setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays, but on weekends the small space fills quickly; reservations are advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—there’s no kids’ menu, and the compact space is best suited for teens or older children who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Quality over flash—Umi excels at pristine, carefully handled fish and a relaxed, neighborhood feel compared to trendier sushi bars.
Skip if: If you’re looking for elaborate omakase or a lively, high-energy scene, other spots like Hakashi in SoMa may fit better.