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Chisai Sushi Club
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Chisai Sushi Club
8.4
Tiny Bernal-edge counter spotlighting omakase flights and elegant hand rolls plated with minimalist flair. The intimate bar, glossy fish, and tight compositions translate perfectly to the grid.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase flight, Scallop hand roll, Ocean trout nigiri with citrus
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: An intimate chef-led bar turning out jewel-box nigiri and hand rolls.
Who should go: Counter-seat fans and omakase explorers
When to visit: First seating for best light and shortest wait
What to order: Omakase; scallop hand roll; ocean trout nigiri
Insider tip: Solo diners can often snag last-minute bar seats right at open.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Mission and adjacent residential blocks; meter spots clear out after 6pm with some luck near Precita Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual — dark jeans or a casual dress fit right in; a touch dressy feels natural given the intimate omakase setup.
Noise level: Low to moderate — soft background music, conversation-friendly even at full counter.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; first seating fills up early.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service — evenings only, reservations strongly advised.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls or tamago available by request.
Vegan options: Minimal — fish-focused menu with occasional veggie hand rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes — soy sauce substitutes available on request; cross-contact possible at shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet counter and precise presentation make it an ideal first-date setting for sushi lovers who enjoy intimate, conversation-friendly spaces.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — solo diners occasionally score a bar seat right at opening, but couples should book ahead due to limited capacity.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — no children’s menu or high chairs, and the intimate sushi bar format suits adults best.
Best For
Better for: Intimate omakase pacing, minimalist plating, and photogenic presentation that stands out versus more casual Mission sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for rolls, combos, or a larger group dinner — space and menu are focused on precision, not variety.
Chisai Sushi Club
8.4
Tiny Bernal Heights omakase bar offering tightly edited, approachable tasting menus under the $150 mark. Chefs lean seasonal and playful, with a steady cadence of nigiri, a hand roll, and a small dessert to close.
Must-Try Dishes:
13–17 course omakase, Chef’s hand roll, Mini taiyaki dessert
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Intimate omakase with strong value and a conversational chef experience.
Who should go: Omakase seekers under $150
When to visit: Weeknights; late seatings are calmer
What to order: Standard omakase; vegetarian omakase; supplemental toro
Insider tip: Counter seats see extra bites if you engage and linger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Cortland and nearby residential blocks; spots fill after 6pm, so plan 10–15 minutes to find a space.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans fine but most guests lean polished—think date-night neat, not formalwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversational with soft background music and chef chatter at the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely accommodated due to limited seating (10–12 seats total).
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; omakase dinners only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian omakase option available with advance notice.
Vegan options: No—fish and egg components are integral; vegan modifications not supported.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some sauces contain soy; gluten-free soy available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate, softly lit, and designed for focused conversation. The counter setup fosters connection without distractions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With under a dozen seats, all tastings are pre-booked online and walk-ins are rarely accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? No—best suited for adults due to the long, quiet omakase pacing and lack of child seating or menu flexibility.
Best For
Better for: Those seeking a genuine omakase experience at approachable pricing, with personable chef interaction and thoughtful pacing.
Skip if: You prefer high-volume sushi spots, group dining, or extensive à la carte menus—this is a focused, tasting-only experience.
Chisai Sushi Club
8.8
Compact omakase counter in Bernal Heights focused on precise, inventive nigiri with a strong sake list. The progression stays disciplined and seasonal, with a vegetarian omakase available by reservation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared king salmon nigiri with nori butter, Bluefin toro nigiri, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Focused omakase that balances craft, restraint, and seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and sake lovers
When to visit: Early reservations on weekends
What to order: Omakase set; toro; uni hand roll
Insider tip: Ask about the vegetarian omakase—it's a full experience, not an afterthought.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally easier on residential side streets, but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly dressy given the omakase format.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy across the counter, though the room is compact.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch; dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian omakase available by advance request.
Vegan options: Limited—cannot offer full vegan omakase but may provide 2–3 custom courses with notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce substitutions available; request when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter setting and curated progression make it a strong choice for a thoughtful, conversation-focused date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—space is very limited; reserve online to guarantee seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the omakase pacing and quiet setting are better suited to adults or older teens comfortable with sushi.
Best For
Better for: Precision omakase and sake pairing in an intimate setting compared to larger or trendier sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual rolls, large group seating, or a wide à la carte menu—other Mission or Japantown sushi houses may suit better.
Chisai Sushi Club
8.8
Compact Bernal Heights counter focused on precise, seasonal nigiri with a thoughtful sake lineup. The progression is disciplined without feeling stiff, and the team keeps pacing tight for an intimate experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Toro nigiri, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Focused omakase built on craft and seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and sake lovers
When to visit: Book early weekend seats; walk-in right at open
What to order: Omakase, toro, uni hand roll
Insider tip: Ask about vegetarian omakase—it's a full tasting, pre-book only.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots can be scarce after 6pm in Bernal Heights, so plan a little extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy given the omakase format.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, but the counter format means some ambient chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; limited walk-in seats go fast right at open.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—lunch service is lighter and often easier to access.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance-request vegetarian omakase is available by reservation.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan menu; possible substitutions are very limited.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations possible with notice, though soy sauce alternatives are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate counter and thoughtful progression make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Only a handful of walk-in seats are released at opening; otherwise, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the omakase pacing and compact counter setting suit adults and teens better.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, precise omakase at a more approachable price point than many SF counters.
Skip if: You want a broad à la carte sushi menu or group-friendly seating—the focus here is a tight counter experience.