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Wasabi Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Wasabi Bistro
7.9
Buzzy Castro spot known for colorful rolls, neon accents, and late hours—great for shareable, highly photogenic plates. Expect quick service and a lively crowd ideal for casual nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Castro Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, Chicken karaage
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Color-forward rolls and a lively Castro backdrop for reels.
Who should go: Friends seeking fun, shareable sushi plates
When to visit: After 8:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Castro Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, karaage
Insider tip: Ask for the bar seats for faster turns and better lighting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Castro and 18th fill fast after 7pm; nearby lot at 18th & Collingwood is a reliable backup.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and trendy tops fit right in, but locals often dress up a bit for night outings.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—music and chatter make it fun, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm; bar seating opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy seating before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls and tempura options clearly labeled on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls and salads can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partially—ask for tamari and avoid tempura or imitation crab; staff are accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a lively and playful vibe rather than formal romance. The neon lighting and creative rolls make it more fun than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are welcome, but expect short waits on weekend nights. The bar area is the best bet for quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—teens will enjoy the colorful atmosphere, but noise and limited stroller space make it less ideal for small kids.
Best For
Better for: Group outings, social sushi nights, and Instagram photos—more vibrant and casual than omakase-style sushi bars nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet or romantic omakase experience—try Hamano Sushi in Noe Valley instead.
Wasabi Bistro
7.6
Bustling Castro standby with a broad sushi menu, happy-hour deals, and late hours. More lively than intimate, but easy for a casual date with shareable rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Carpaccio, Dragon Roll, Sashimi Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Broad lineup with late hours and useful happy-hour pricing.
Who should go: Casual sushi dates and groups
When to visit: Before 6:30pm to catch happy hour
What to order: Rainbow carpaccio, dragon roll, sashimi combo
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Castro and 18th is limited; best to use nearby paid lots such as the Castro/18th Street Garage.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most diners come straight from the neighborhood or happy hour; jeans and button-downs fit in fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small parties without reservations after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins easy before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, tempura, and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—few rolls without fish or mayo; request cucumber, avocado, and seaweed salads.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified; gluten-free soy sauce available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, upbeat sushi spot where conversation flows easily—less intimate than omakase-style venues but fun and friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—arrive before 6:30pm for best chances. After 7pm, expect a short wait or grab bar seats for faster service.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families early evening; no kids’ menu but simple rolls and teriyaki dishes work well for older children.
Best For
Better for: Groups, casual dates, and sushi lovers who want variety and affordability in the Castro.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet omakase or refined, romantic sushi experience—try Hamano or Eiji instead.
Wasabi Bistro
7.8
Casual Castro standby for a broad roll lineup, quick turns, and late hours compared to most sushi spots. Portions are generous, and the menu covers crowd-pleasers from crunchy tempura rolls to lighter classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy shrimp tempura roll, California roll, Spicy salmon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Broad, affordable roll selection with later evening hours.
Who should go: Casual groups and late-night sushi runs
When to visit: Prime time before weekend bar rush
What to order: Crunchy tempura roll, spicy salmon roll, California roll
Insider tip: Counter seats turn fastest when the room gets busy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots along Market and 16th can be tight after 6pm, but nearby garages on Castro or Collingwood often have evening availability.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect a steady buzz from group tables, but conversation is still possible without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover for lunch sets.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, tempura, and tofu starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like avocado and cucumber rolls, but sauces may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partial—can accommodate with tamari on request, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a romantic night—the vibe is friendly and fast-paced rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most seats are first-come, first-served; small groups can usually get in with a short wait before 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs are available and service is quick, but the late-night energy and narrow space may not suit very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi runs and casual group dinners with generous portions at fair prices.
Skip if: You’re after refined omakase or quiet, high-end presentation—go to Saru Sushi or Eiji instead.
Wasabi Bistro
7.6
Casual Castro sushi bar turning out familiar rolls and nigiri with brisk service. Easy to slide into a short meeting, with straightforward ordering and quick turns.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow roll, Lion King roll, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fast, familiar sushi lineup suited to short, focused meet-ups.
Who should go: Teams wanting no-nonsense sushi and speed
When to visit: Arrive just after open for fastest ticket times
What to order: Rainbow roll, Lion King roll, gyoza
Insider tip: Order a couple rolls first; add nigiri as needed to control pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on 18th Street; best availability before noon or after 2pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual; business casual fine for daytime meetings. Jeans and polos or button-downs are common.
Noise level: Moderate – light lunchtime chatter but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–40 minutes during peak hours; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls, salads, and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado roll, cucumber roll, and edamame available.
Gluten-free options: Partially – sushi rice and sashimi are safe; soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring your own GF option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or quick weekday lunches than romantic dates; atmosphere is bright and efficient rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are standard. Arrive early lunch for immediate seating; dinner may have short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; no high chairs and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast service and predictable sushi combos make it ideal for short work lunches or quick solo meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium nigiri, omakase experiences, or extended dining — opt for Hamano Sushi or Eiji instead.
Wasabi Bistro
7.7
Busy Castro mainstay with a broad sushi menu and all the classics. It’s reliable for spontaneous dinners, with quick turns, big menus, and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon roll, Chirashi, Hamachi kama
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Wide-ranging sushi menu that’s easy to navigate for groups.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and mixed-taste groups
When to visit: Early dinner before prime-time crowds
What to order: Chirashi; dragon roll; hamachi kama
Insider tip: Bar seats turn over faster than tables on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Market and 16th is limited, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garage at Castro & 17th offers hourly rates.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a button-down or nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and music, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetable rolls, tofu appetizers, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—can request veggie rolls without mayo or tempura batter.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—lively, bright, and social rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—bar seating opens up regularly, and small groups often get in with a short wait before 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with kids are common early in the evening; staff provide booster seats and kid-safe menu items like teriyaki bowls.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and diners who want quick service and variety across sushi, rolls, and cooked dishes.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-style precision or a quiet, romantic atmosphere—opt for Saru Sushi Bar or Eiji instead.
Wasabi Bistro
7.8
Castro mainstay for long menu sushi, late hours, and quick turns. It’s a practical pick for spontaneous dinners when you want standards without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso salmon roll, Dragon roll, Chirashi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Big, familiar sushi lineup with extended hours.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and night owls
When to visit: Late evening for fastest seating
What to order: Dragon roll, miso salmon roll, chirashi
Insider tip: Bar seats tend to open before tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on 18th and Castro fill up quickly after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual; locals drop by in jeans or hoodies without issue.
Noise level: Moderate—busy chatter from tables but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without reservation, often shorter for bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many rolls, tempura, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options if you ask to omit sauces or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partial—tamari available upon request; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual date—comfortable energy and quick service, but not ideal if you’re looking for quiet or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Expect a short wait during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths and large tables suit families, and the menu includes mild rolls and cooked items that work for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi and large, shareable menus when other neighborhood spots are closed.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium nigiri or chef-driven omakase; head to Saru Sushi Bar instead.