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Amami Sushi Bistro SF
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Amami Sushi Bistro SF
8.3
Excelsior standby known for generous maki and classic combo sets at fair prices. The menu spans cooked and raw options, making it easy for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amami Special Roll, Melted In The Mouth Roll, Vegetable Tempura Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Broad roll lineup with value-forward combos and easy takeout.
Who should go: Groups wanting variety and value
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for fastest seating
What to order: Amami Special; Melted In The Mouth; Chirashi add-on
Insider tip: Order online for combo deals; rolls hold up well for pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; easier to find before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for groups without reservations.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 maki options plus edamame and cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free soy sauce on request; avoid tempura and sauces with soy base.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Comfortable booths and shareable rolls make it relaxed but not too casual — a safe, low-pressure setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially early evening. Larger groups should call ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — casual service, family seating, and accessible menu items like teriyaki and tempura make it easy for kids 6+.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for variety seekers who want cooked and raw sushi options under one roof without high-end pricing.
Skip if: You’re chasing omakase or high-end nigiri experiences — head north toward Japantown for that.
Amami Sushi Bistro SF
8.3
Excelsior sushi bistro known for fresh nigiri, chirashi, and composed rolls in a calm dining room. Reliable lunch service and attentive staff suit informal client check-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi don, Salmon belly nigiri, Spicy tuna roll
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Steady execution with quality fish and a quiet midday pace.
Who should go: Teams wanting calm sushi lunch
When to visit: 11:30am–1:00pm for full lunch menu
What to order: Chirashi, hamachi nigiri, miso soup
Insider tip: Ask about daily fish selections before committing to rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; meters in effect until 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or neat tops fit right in; business attire not required.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for conversation even during lunch service.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; brief wait at peak 12–12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample veggie rolls, salads, and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—can build a meal from avocado, cucumber rolls, and edamame.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari provided on request; most sashimi and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The calm atmosphere, attentive staff, and quality sushi make it comfortable without feeling formal or expensive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for weekday lunches; call ahead for groups or Friday nights to avoid a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families but best for older kids comfortable with sushi or bento-style meals; limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches where timing, calm energy, and consistent sushi quality matter more than ambiance flash.
Skip if: You want omakase theatrics or an alcohol-heavy power lunch—other downtown spots suit that better.
Amami Sushi Bistro SF
8.0
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Excelsior standby serving bright, generously topped specialty rolls and classic nigiri at friendly prices. The colorful combos and neatly torched bites are easy to photograph without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, Rainbow Roll, Chirashi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Color-forward specialty rolls and torched toppings at fair prices.
Who should go: Budget-conscious sushi photo takers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for quicker seating
What to order: Lion King; rainbow roll; chirashi bowl
Insider tip: Request a light torch on specialty rolls for extra sheen in photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission and Ocean can be tight after 6pm, but nearby residential blocks often have open spots after dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most guests wear jeans and nice tops; polished sneakers or flats fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from roll orders and families, but you can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak 6–8pm window; call ahead for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins welcome and seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, veggie tempura, and mixed roll options are clearly labeled.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls can be customized without mayo or fish flakes.
Gluten-free options: Partial—tamari available upon request, but shared fryers and surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bright plating and comfortable booth seating create a relaxed but photogenic setting that feels special without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, but weekends fill up fast after 6pm; calling ahead helps if you’re coming with 4+ people.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and staff are quick with water refills and extra soy sauce plates; high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, visually fun sushi with friendly service—ideal when you want lively atmosphere without downtown prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-level precision or absolute quiet—this is a casual neighborhood favorite, not a fine-dining bar.
Amami Sushi Bistro SF
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Compact Excelsior bistro focused on classic rolls, bento, and value combos with steady takeout volume. Portions run generous, and pricing makes it an easy everyday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon avocado roll, Negitoro hand roll, Deluxe bento (sushi + teriyaki)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Budget-friendly sushi sets and bentos with fast, reliable turnaround.
Who should go: Value seekers and takeout regulars
When to visit: Late lunch for shortest queues
What to order: Chirashi mini, negitoro hand roll, crunchy shrimp roll
Insider tip: Lunch specials offer the best price-to-variety ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and surrounding blocks; spots turn over regularly but can fill during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—locals often stop in after errands or work; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, especially at lunch.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; quick takeout turnaround.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in or order ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, miso soup, and tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado, cucumber, and vegetable rolls only; sauces may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and some rolls without soy sauce are safe, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—small space and quick service, better for getting to know someone over affordable sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard, and tables turn quickly. Takeout is even faster for solo diners.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; space is tight for strollers, but staff is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive sushi meals with generous portions; great value-to-quality ratio.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase, high-end cuts, or a romantic atmosphere—try a sit-down sushi bar instead.
Amami Sushi Bistro SF
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Compact Excelsior bistro focused on classic rolls, bentos, and value combos with steady takeout volume. Portions run generous and pricing makes it an easy everyday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi mini, Negitoro hand roll, Crunchy shrimp roll
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Budget-friendly sushi sets and bentos with fast, reliable turnaround.
Who should go: Value seekers and takeout regulars
When to visit: Late lunch window for fastest pickup
What to order: Chirashi mini; negitoro hand roll; crunchy shrimp roll
Insider tip: Lunch specials offer the best price-to-variety ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission Street; side streets like Naples or France Ave offer better luck during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, or workwear all fit the neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate; quiet enough for solo meals or casual conversation, especially midday.
Weekend wait: Usually 15–25 minutes for takeout; dine-in tables often available without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; pickup orders ready within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, tofu teriyaki, and cucumber/avocado options available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides, but sauces may contain mayo or fish stock.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sushi rice and most sashimi are safe, but soy sauce contains gluten unless you request GF packets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual — more practical than romantic, with fast service and minimal ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, reservations aren’t needed. Evenings may fill a few tables, but turnover is quick and takeout dominates.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly for quick dinners; simple seating and mild options like teriyaki and tempura suit kids.
Best For
Better for: Everyday sushi meals on a budget — faster and cheaper than most dine-in Japanese restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium omakase or date-night ambiance — opt for higher-end sushi spots like Sakesan instead.