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Sushi Time
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sushi Time
7.6
Small, dinner-only spot on Market with playful specialty rolls and minimalist plating that pops in close-ups. It’s a quiet, affordable choice for solo sushi sessions or low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Speed Racer Roll, Hello Kitty Roll, Unagi don
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Playful rolls and close-up friendly plating at wallet-easy prices.
Who should go: Solo diners and budget-minded sushi fans
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7pm for the calmest experience
What to order: Speed Racer, Hello Kitty, unagi don
Insider tip: Bring a small LED or sit near the front for better light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Market and 16th can be challenging after 6pm; best bets are side streets near Castro Theatre or nearby garage at 376 Castro St.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, though a neat look fits the low-key date vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate – relaxed enough for quiet conversation or solo dining focus.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes peak between 7–8:30pm since seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner seating generally immediate before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado, cucumber, and specialty veggie rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 rolls can be customized on request, but sauces may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sashimi and some rolls available with tamari on request; soy sauce contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — small space and quiet tone encourage easy conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays; weekends after 7pm may require a short wait since walk-ins fill the small dining room quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to tight seating and quiet environment, though older kids who enjoy sushi will be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Quick solo dinners and affordable specialty rolls that still photograph well.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase or high-end plating — opt for Hamano Sushi instead.
Sushi Time
7.9
Tiny, old-school counter off Upper Market known for friendly service and classic rolls at fair prices. A relaxed, low-key date when you want conversation over deep cuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Speed Racer Roll (tuna + mango + tobiko), Uni (sea urchin) Nigiri, Amaebi (sweet shrimp) Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Neighborhood counter with personable service and sleeper-hit rolls.
Who should go: Laid-back sushi couples
When to visit: Open Tues–Sat; go early for seats
What to order: Speed Racer roll, uni nigiri, amaebi nigiri
Insider tip: It’s tiny—bar seats are fastest and most fun.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Market and nearby side streets; spots open up after 7pm but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals come in jeans or casual date-night outfits.
Noise level: Low to moderate – conversation-friendly with gentle background music.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes if the counter fills up early; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: No wait – walk right in and grab a counter seat.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited – cucumber and avocado rolls are your main options.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff can provide gluten-free soy sauce on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy counter and friendly chefs make for easy conversation without pressure. Ideal for a relaxed, sushi-loving first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s walk-in only. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to secure a spot at the small counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids – seating is limited to a counter with no highchairs or kids’ menu. Best suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi nights where service warmth and value matter more than scene or spectacle.
Skip if: You want omakase, premium sake lists, or modern design-driven sushi experiences.
Sushi Time
7.8
Straightforward Castro sushi stop with quick ticket times and practical combos that travel well. Bar seats and compact tables suit solo work breaks or brief catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Spicy tuna roll, Hamachi nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Reliable sushi basics with fast pacing and fair pricing.
Who should go: Solo pros needing a quick sushi fix
When to visit: Midday lull between typical meal rushes
What to order: Chirashi, spicy tuna, hamachi nigiri
Insider tip: Rolls hold up for a nearby park bench working session.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Market and 16th; limited spaces but turnover is steady during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual – office attire or jeans both fine; most patrons drop by from nearby workplaces.
Noise level: Moderate – compact space with steady traffic, but still fine for solo dining or short conversations.
Weekend wait: Typically closed or limited service in evenings; minimal crowds when open.
Weekday lunch: No wait for counter seats; brief 5–10 minute waits during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cucumber, avocado, and vegetable rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 rolls without mayo or fish; verify sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes – sashimi and rice bowls available; ask for gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal – it’s more of a quick, efficient sushi counter than a setting for extended conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins only; seating turns quickly so it’s rarely an issue on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids comfortable with sushi; no special kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable sushi that’s consistent and easy for solo or workday meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase, extended dining, or ambiance-driven experiences.
Sushi Time
7.8
Old-school Market Street spot known for straightforward rolls, friendly service, and wallet-kind pricing. It’s a dependable weeknight option when you want sushi without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Rainbow roll, Sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Straightforward sushi at approachable prices in the heart of the Castro.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi regulars
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for quickest seating
What to order: Spicy tuna; rainbow roll; sashimi combo
Insider tip: They keep hours tight—confirm closing time before heading over.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Market and nearby residential streets; best luck on 15th or 16th after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, or work clothes fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—comfortable for solo meals or quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during early dinner hours; moves faster after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins easily seated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls and cucumber-avocado options.
Vegan options: Limited—basic vegetable rolls and edamame only.
Gluten-free options: Some options; tamari available upon request but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but great for a casual, low-pressure meet-up where the focus is on conversation and value.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; seating is first-come, first-served with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; limited space and minimal amenities for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Quick solo sushi meals, affordable takeout, and unfussy weeknight cravings.
Skip if: You’re after omakase experiences, elaborate rolls, or a date-night ambiance—try Saru Sushi Bar or Eiji instead.
Sushi Time
7.7
Old-school Market Street counter serving straightforward rolls at wallet-kind prices. A dependable weeknight option with friendly service and short, simple menus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Rainbow roll, Sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Straightforward sushi at approachable prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi regulars
When to visit: After 8pm for the quickest seating
What to order: Spicy tuna, rainbow roll, sashimi combo
Insider tip: Tight hours—confirm closing time before heading over.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Market and 14th; metered until 6pm, tight during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for solo diners or quiet catch-ups.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during peak hours; often no wait after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating for singles or pairs.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and veggie tempura available.
Vegan options: Limited—few rolls without fish or mayo; no vegan-specific sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and rice options fine, but soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring your own.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s casual, counter-style, and fast-paced. Better for a laid-back meal than a romantic evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Most diners walk in and are seated quickly, especially for solo or duo seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi, but space is tight and there are no high chairs or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi without the crowds or pretense; ideal for solo meals or casual weeknights.
Skip if: You’re seeking an upscale experience, premium cuts, or a long omakase meal—try Saru Sushi Bar instead.