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Saru Handroll Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Saru Handroll Bar
8.2
Walk-in-only Russian Hill counter specializing in freshly rolled temaki, from red crab to spicy scallop. The team behind the former Michelin-starred Kinjo keeps it focused and fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Hand Roll, Red Crab Hand Roll, Spicy Scallop Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Edomae-style hand rolls built à la minute at a wraparound counter.
Who should go: Hand-roll purists and solo diners
When to visit: Late afternoon to dodge prime-time lines
What to order: Red Crab; Spicy Scallop; Salmon hand roll
Insider tip: Order in sets for best pacing; it’s walk-in only.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Polk and Green is limited; meter spots turn over slowly in the evening.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in jeans and sneakers, but a neat look fits the counter vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hear the chefs call orders but conversation is still easy at the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours since it’s walk-in only.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait if you arrive early afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few rolls with cucumber or avocado are available, but selection is limited.
Vegan options: Very limited; mostly basic avocado or cucumber hand roll options.
Gluten-free options: Possible with sashimi-style rolls; soy sauce is not GF unless you request tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual but engaging—watching rolls made in front of you makes for easy conversation. Not ideal for long, drawn-out dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. They’re walk-in only; arrive before 6 pm or mid-afternoon to secure a counter seat with minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—seating is at a tight counter and menu skews sushi-forward. Older kids who enjoy sushi may be fine, but it’s not geared toward families with small children.
Best For
Better for: Freshly rolled temaki served instantly at the counter—faster pacing and more specialized than sit-down sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a full sushi dinner with hot dishes, reservations, or a relaxed table setting.
Saru Handroll Bar
8.2
Walk-in-only counter where warm rice, crisp nori, and pristine fish meet in sleek, photo-friendly handroll sets. Turnover is fast, and the clean aesthetic makes every temaki camera-ready.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet shrimp handroll, Toro handroll, Salmon belly handroll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Crisp-nori handrolls served bar-side for ideal texture.
Who should go: Handroll fans and speedy sushi eaters
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or late night to avoid queue
What to order: Toro; sweet shrimp; salmon belly handrolls
Insider tip: Sit near the chef to get rolls the second they’re wrapped.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk and nearby side streets is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy given the trendy vibe.
Noise level: Moderate – there’s energy from the bar and counter service, but you can still carry on a conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes since it’s walk-in only, with peak lines between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; opens later in the day. Early evenings (before 6:30pm) usually mean little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – simple cucumber and avocado handrolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 nori-based vegetable rolls; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – most handrolls are naturally gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce; tamari may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the sleek counter setup and quick handroll format create a casual yet stylish atmosphere. It’s intimate enough to chat without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – Saru is walk-in only. Arrive early or late for the best chance at immediate seating; peak hours often mean a line outside.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids – seating is counter-only and the pace is fast. Teens and older kids who enjoy sushi may be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, photo-worthy handrolls with excellent texture right off the counter. Perfect for sushi purists who appreciate simplicity and speed.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a drawn-out omakase experience, table seating, or a broad menu of hot dishes. Opt elsewhere if you need a quieter, sit-down environment.
Saru Handroll Bar
8.0
A minimalist handroll bar focusing on premium ingredients like uni and lobster, offering a modern sushi experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Handroll, Lobster Handroll, Sea Urchin with Cucumber and Plum
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Focus on high-quality handrolls with premium seafood ingredients.
Who should go: Solo diners and couples seeking a quick yet refined sushi experience.
When to visit: Weekdays for a quieter, more intimate setting.
What to order: Array
Insider tip: Order the handroll set for a variety of flavors at a value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find after 6pm. Consider using nearby parking garages.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but aim for a slightly dressy look to match the minimalist vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but it is generally quieter, especially on weekdays.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially during peak times.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it's quieter during the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options available, mainly vegetarian sushi rolls.
Vegan options: Limited options - a few veggie-based handrolls are available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options with a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's perfect for a first date. The intimate, minimalist atmosphere fosters good conversation, and the handrolls are high-quality and easy to share, making for a relaxed dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible to get a table without a reservation, but it’s recommended to call ahead during peak hours, especially on weekends. Weekdays tend to have more availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Saru Handroll Bar caters more to adults and solo diners. It's not specifically kid-friendly, as the focus is on a minimalist, refined sushi experience. It may not be ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Saru Handroll Bar excels in offering a modern, elevated sushi experience with premium ingredients like uni and lobster. It's a great spot for solo dining or a quick, quality meal with a minimalist setting.
Skip if: If you're looking for a traditional sushi restaurant with a broad menu or a family-friendly atmosphere, you may want to choose a different place.