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Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
8.3
Intimate Russian Hill counter serving inventive rolls alongside nigiri and sashimi. Locals come for creative signatures like the Ya Man and White Dragon with a tight sake list and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ya Man Roll, White Dragon, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Tight menu of creative house rolls executed with high-quality fish.
Who should go: Roll lovers seeking cozy counter service
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Ya Man Roll; White Dragon; Rainbow Roll
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for the quickest pacing and chef recs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 6pm on Polk and Union—arrive early or use nearby paid lots on Polk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress slightly up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational at the counter, but can get lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; later seatings may be harder to secure.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—only dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, miso soup, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable rolls without mayo or sauce can be prepared vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, nigiri, and some rolls can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter setup and creative rolls make it a cozy and memorable spot without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends usually require a reservation or a waitlist spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—space is tight, seating is counter-style, and the vibe is better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Inventive rolls in a cozy neighborhood setting—strong value compared to more upscale sushi counters.
Skip if: You want a large menu, a full bar program, or an easy walk-in option for groups.
Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
8.1
Cozy Russian Hill sushi bar known for modern rolls and friendly service. Good lighting and two-tops make it easy to linger over a bottle and a few plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi truffle, Flaming seabass roll, Omakase nigiri flight
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Crafted modern rolls and a personable neighborhood feel.
Who should go: Couples wanting fun, unfussy sushi
When to visit: Later evening for shorter waits
What to order: Hamachi truffle; flaming seabass; omakase nigiri
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal for sharing and chatting with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in Russian Hill; spots are scarce after 6pm, so allow extra time or use nearby garages on Hyde or Polk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most dates lean a little dressy.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with background music; you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily dinner service; early evening weekdays usually 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, avocado nigiri, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options; confirm sauces as some contain fish.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request; most sashimi and simple rolls can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy lighting, intimate two-tops, and fun roll presentations make it relaxed but still memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect waits on weekends. Arrive after 8:30pm or right at opening for best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—space is tight and geared toward adults on dates or small groups. Fine for older teens but no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Playful modern rolls and a lively, date-friendly atmosphere compared to more traditional sushi counters nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end omakase, ultra-traditional sushi, or a very quiet dining room.
Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
8.1
Cozy Russian Hill counter turning out modern rolls and balanced nigiri with friendly, on-the-ball service. Good lighting and two-tops make it easy to talk through a quick deal over a few plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi truffle, Flaming seabass roll, Omakase nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern sushi with personable service in an intimate space.
Who should go: Casual sushi dates or quick client meets
When to visit: Arrive right at open to avoid waits
What to order: Hamachi truffle, flaming seabass, omakase nigiri
Insider tip: Bar seats maximize speed and interaction with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hyde and adjacent blocks is limited and metered; evenings can be especially tight. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many business diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable at two-tops; bar area can be a bit livelier.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait if you arrive at open; fills by 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, miso soup, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado rolls and simple cucumber rolls are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi and most nigiri are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate room, attentive service, and shareable plates make it relaxed yet special without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, usually yes if you arrive early; at dinner, reservations are strongly advised, but the bar often has first-come seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults; the space is small and lacks kid-specific menus or amenities. Older children who enjoy sushi may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Elephant Sushi excels at friendly, attentive service and creative rolls in a cozy setting—great for quick yet polished business meetups.
Skip if: If you need a large group table, a quiet private room, or expansive traditional sushi menus, nearby larger sushi houses may be better.
Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
8.4
Compact Russian Hill sushi bar known for colorful nigiri flights, delicate garnishes, and precise cuts. Locals come for photo-ready plating and a relaxed, intimate vibe away from downtown bustle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin toro nigiri, Seared scallop nigiri, Chef’s choice nigiri flight
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Delicately plated nigiri with elegant, photogenic presentation.
Who should go: Sushi lovers chasing beautiful nigiri
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for easier seating
What to order: Toro nigiri; seared scallop; omakase flight
Insider tip: Ask for light aburi on one piece to compare textures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk and nearby cross streets; can be tight after 6pm, so allow extra time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean a little dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate – lively enough for energy but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may be faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, as this is more of a dinner-focused spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls, vegetable tempura, and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 items can be modified, but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes – sushi and sashimi options work well; soy sauce substitution available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – intimate, cozy seating and photogenic plating make it a strong first date choice without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights you can often walk in after 8pm; weekends are best reserved ahead, though bar seats sometimes open quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids – the space is compact and geared more toward adults, though older children comfortable with sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Elephant Sushi excels at colorful plating and a cozy, boutique atmosphere, unlike larger sushi houses where presentation is less refined.
Skip if: If you’re seeking expansive omakase menus, all-you-can-eat formats, or very spacious seating, other sushi spots may suit you better.
Elephant Sushi (Hyde St.)
7.7
A cozy Russian Hill sushi bar known for carefully sourced fish, thoughtful rolls, and a friendly team—elevated enough for a nicer night out without the splurge. Bar seating makes it easy for solo sushi sessions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whiteout roll (seared butterfish, truffle, ponzu), Omakase mix nigiri (10pc), Zuke toro nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Refined neighborhood sushi bar with premium nigiri options.
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking value and quality
When to visit: Walk in right at open to avoid waits
What to order: Whiteout roll, omakase nigiri, zuke toro
Insider tip: Counter service moves fastest—ask for bar seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—can be difficult after 6pm; allow extra time. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a conversation at the bar or tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options like avocado or cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari can be requested and most nigiri are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy space, attentive service, and polished sushi presentation make it ideal for an intimate but low-pressure date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially at opening or for bar seating, though expect waits at peak dinner hours on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best for adults and teens who enjoy sushi. There’s no children’s menu and space is limited.
Best For
Better for: Elephant Sushi excels at delivering quality fish and creative rolls in a more approachable, neighborhood setting compared to pricier omakase spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a true luxury omakase or Michelin-level tasting experience—go to Nisei or Sato Omakase instead.