Any insider tips for Saru Sushi Bar?

Go right at open for bar seats and fastest service.

What should I order at Saru Sushi Bar?

Spicy scallop roll, negihama roll, chef’s special roll

When should I visit Saru Sushi Bar?

Arrive early evening to avoid the line

Who should go to Saru Sushi Bar?

Roll lovers who value immaculate fish

Any insider tips for Eiji?

Finish with the seasonal strawberry mochi—limited nightly.

What should I order at Eiji?

Ceviche roll, assorted nigiri, ankake tofu

When should I visit Eiji?

Early evening before peak walk-in rush

Who should go to Eiji?

Cozy-date sushi traditionalists

Any insider tips for Potto?

Ask for induction burners with higher heat if you like a faster boil.

What should I order at Potto?

Wagyu sukiyaki, hamachi kama, gyutama udon

When should I visit Potto?

Early lunch window for fastest seating and service

Who should go to Potto?

Teams wanting interactive hot pot without formality

Any insider tips for Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi?

Ask about off-menu fish cuts if you’re seated at the bar.

What should I order at Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi?

Jalapeño hamachi; chef’s nigiri pick; signature roll

When should I visit Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi?

Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits

Who should go to Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi?

Friends splitting rolls and hot plates

Any insider tips for Wasabi Bistro?

Ask for the bar seats for faster turns and better lighting.

What should I order at Wasabi Bistro?

Castro Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, karaage

Who should go to Wasabi Bistro?

Friends seeking fun, shareable sushi plates

Any insider tips for Sushi Time?

Bring a small LED or sit near the front for better light.

What should I order at Sushi Time?

Speed Racer, Hello Kitty, unagi don

When should I visit Sushi Time?

Tue–Thu 5–7pm for the calmest experience

Who should go to Sushi Time?

Solo diners and budget-minded sushi fans

Best Japanese Restaurants in The Castro (94114)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Saru Sushi Bar

8.8

$$$$ Noe Valley

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Tiny Noe Valley favorite (since 2012) known for pristine fish and well-executed classic and contemporary rolls alongside strong nigiri. Lines move fast, and the focus stays on clean flavors over heavy sauces.

Must-Try Dishes: Spicy scallop roll, Negihama (yellowtail-scallion) roll, Rainbow roll

What makes it special: MICHELIN-recognized neighborhood sushi bar with meticulous fish and tight rolls.

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#2 Eiji

8.3

$$$ Mission Dolores

Vibes: Date Night Magic Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Intimate Mission Dolores standby for careful nigiri and house-made tofu. Pacing is unhurried and the menu stays focused on traditional flavors done right.

Must-Try Dishes: Assorted Nigiri (Chef’s Choice), Ceviche Roll (hamachi + salsa), Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku)

What makes it special: Handmade tofu and thoughtful sushi in a snug setting.

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#3 Potto

8.1

$$$ The Castro

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots

Modern Japanese nabe spot with individual hot pots, quick pacing, and a compact menu of udon and donburi that works for efficient daytime meet-ups. Reservations are straightforward and tables accommodate small teams without fuss.

Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu sukiyaki nabe, Hamachi kama, Gyutama udon

What makes it special: Individual nabe setups plus concise udon/donburi for swift lunches.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi

7.9

$$$ Noe Valley

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Girls Night Out Approved Quick Bites Champions

Neighborhood spot blending shareable Japanese small plates with a solid sushi lineup. It’s casual, lively, and built for friends who want rolls, nigiri, and a few hot dishes at the same table.

Must-Try Dishes: Jalapeño hamachi, Signature rolls sampler, Nigiri duo (chef’s pick)

What makes it special: Tapas-plus-sushi format that’s easy for groups to mix and share.

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#5 Wasabi Bistro

7.8

$ The Castro

Vibes: Instagram Worthy Wonders Girls Night Out Approved Quick Bites Champions Late Night Legends

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: Castro Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, Chicken karaage

What makes it special: Color-forward rolls and a lively Castro backdrop for reels.

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#6 Sushi Time

7.7

$ The Castro

Vibes: Instagram Worthy Wonders Solo Dining Sanctuaries Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions

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: Speed Racer Roll, Hello Kitty Roll, Unagi don

What makes it special: Playful rolls and close-up friendly plating at wallet-easy prices.

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