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Maru Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Maru Sushi
7.9
Casual Powell Street standby turning out classic rolls, bento, and nigiri near the cable car line. Friendly service and fair prices make it a reliable downtown sushi stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
49er Roll, Rainbow Roll, Salmon Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Old-school menu breadth with dependable execution steps from Union Square.
Who should go: Office crowds and casual sushi eaters
When to visit: Early lunch before noon or after 8pm
What to order: 49er roll; rainbow roll; salmon nigiri
Insider tip: Grab counter seats for quicker turns during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; closest option is Union Square Garage (about $5–$7 per hour). Street parking is scarce, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and work attire all fit in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—can comfortably hold a conversation, though peak lunch hours bring some bustle.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, depending on theater and tourist traffic nearby.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; short waits after 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls, tofu teriyaki, and sides like edamame.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber/avocado rolls and seaweed salad available.
Gluten-free options: Some options like sashimi and simple rolls, but no dedicated prep area—cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual date—easygoing setting with reliable sushi, though not the most romantic choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most diners walk in. Reservations aren’t common, but expect a brief wait at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome. The menu has simple rolls and bento boxes that work well for children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi with dependable service right by the cable car line—ideal for downtown workers and casual meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for creative rolls, omakase experiences, or a high-design atmosphere—other Union Square sushi spots deliver more on that front.
Maru Sushi
8.0
Cable-car-side counter and dining room pouring out classic California rolls with quick pacing for shoppers and theatergoers. Expect a broad menu, steady quality, and friendly service a block from Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, Alaska Roll, Crazy Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic SF roll house right on the Powell cable car line.
Who should go: Shoppers needing a sushi fix
When to visit: Pre-theater or mid-afternoon for fastest seating
What to order: Lion King; Alaska; Crazy roll
Insider tip: Grab a window seat to watch the cable cars climb Powell.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce around Union Square; nearest paid garages are Union Square Garage (333 Post St) and Sutter-Stockton Garage (444 Stockton St), both a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but business lunchers often lean dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—can hold conversations but expect background bustle from the Powell cable car line and steady diner chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical without a reservation, though it can stretch longer after theater curtain times.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated right away or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and veggie roll options available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic avocado or cucumber rolls, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partially—can request rolls without soy sauce or tempura, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure outing than a romantic first date. It’s lively and convenient, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t usually required; off-peak times guarantee quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi; seating is casual and service is quick, though space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, classic rolls with reliable service and a Union Square location that beats competitors for convenience.
Skip if: You want elaborate omakase or inventive sushi—other spots in the area offer higher-end experiences.
Maru Sushi
7.9
Casual Powell Street standby offering classic rolls, nigiri, and bento with friendly, fast service. It’s a dependable Union Square option for straightforward sushi at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
49er roll, Salmon nigiri, Rainbow roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Old-school menu breadth with quick, friendly pacing steps from the square.
Who should go: Office crowds and casual sushi eaters
When to visit: Early lunch before noon or after 8pm
What to order: 49er roll, rainbow roll, salmon nigiri
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Union Square is limited and metered; nearby garages like Sutter-Stockton Garage are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and office attire are both common and acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation, though peak lunch can be a bit lively.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; fills quickly from 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado, cucumber, veggie rolls, and tofu bento are available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 roll options (cucumber, avocado) but no dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more casual and practical than romantic – good for a low-pressure meal but not ideal for a special date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are the norm, especially for counter seating. Arrive a bit early at peak lunch or dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome. The menu has approachable rolls, teriyaki, and bento options suitable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, dependable sushi lunches and casual dinners near Union Square at fair prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase, trend-driven ambiance, or elaborate plating – better options nearby specialize in that experience.