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Takara Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Takara Sushi
8.1
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Cozy Castro counter serving classic rolls and photogenic specials that land well on camera. Friendly staff and a compact room make it an easy neighborhood pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
King California Roll (real crab), Hamachi kama, Spicy Dancing Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood sushi with bright, camera-friendly rolls and warm service.
Who should go: Casual groups and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: King California, hamachi kama, spicy shrimp appetizer
Insider tip: Request window seating for natural-light shots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 18th and Castro can be tight after 6pm; aim for nearby residential blocks or the Castro/18th garage two minutes away.
Dress code: Smart casual—most diners wear jeans and a nice shirt; slightly dressier is fine for evening dates.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to hold a conversation at tables, with a bit of lively chatter from the sushi bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; small midday crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, tempura, and cucumber-avocado options clearly labeled.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan rolls; request no mayo or fish-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request and rolls can be made without soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy seating, friendly service, and pretty plating make it a low-pressure but visually engaging spot for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays; on weekends, come before 6:30pm or expect a short wait since the room is small.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—staff are welcoming and rolls are mild enough for young diners, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Friendlier service and more relaxed vibe than larger sushi spots nearby; great for casual nights when you still want presentation-worthy plates.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase or ultra-traditional sushi—the menu here leans toward approachable, American-style rolls.
Takara Sushi
7.8
Castro mainstay with a broad sushi menu and a quieter, sit-down pace than nearby spots. Quality varies by selection, but classic nigiri and chirashi deliver a solid, less-flashy night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Sake toro nigiri, Hamachi kama
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic Castro sushi house with reliable nigiri and chirashi.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking calm
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chirashi; sake toro; hamachi kama
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu nigiri cuts—the fish case changes nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 18th Street can be challenging after 6pm; nearby garages on Collingwood and Castro are reliable backups.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a button-up or sweater fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate – lively background chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; faster for counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during sunny weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado, cucumber, and veggie roll options plus miso soup and sides.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable rolls but most sauces contain fish-based dashi.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; avoid tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The calm, softly lit dining room and attentive but unintrusive service make it an easy pick for a relaxed first date without the pretense of omakase-only spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for small groups before 7pm; later evenings may require a short wait, especially on weekends. Counter seating is the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Families with older children do fine, but it’s not designed for toddlers—no high chairs and limited space between tables.
Best For
Better for: More relaxed and affordable than higher-end omakase bars nearby, with a dependable neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You’re after chef-driven omakase or premium cuts like toro flight—try Hamano or Saru instead.