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Eiji
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Eiji
8.3
Intimate Castro hideaway pairing pristine nigiri and creative rolls with housemade ankake tofu and strawberry mochi. Low-lit and compact, it’s an easy yes for cozy dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted Nigiri (Chef’s Choice), Ceviche Roll (hamachi + salsa), Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Handmade tofu and thoughtful sushi in a snug setting.
Who should go: Cozy-date sushi traditionalists
When to visit: Early evening before peak walk-in rush
What to order: Ceviche roll, assorted nigiri, ankake tofu
Insider tip: Finish with the seasonal strawberry mochi—limited nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited near Market Street and often fills quickly after 6pm—plan for a short walk from nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests dress neatly for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with a calm, conversational hum; you can easily hear your date.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the dining room seats fewer than 20 guests.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only, with easier walk-ins on weeknights before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—housemade tofu can be vegan-friendly, but most rolls include fish or mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many options if you request gluten-free soy sauce; rolls can be adjusted accordingly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—its intimate layout and warm service make it one of the best low-key first date spots in the Castro, especially if you want relaxed conversation over quality sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, but the space is tiny; arrive right at opening or near closing for your best shot. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—seating is tight and the vibe is calm. Older kids or teens who enjoy sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Handcrafted tofu and cozy intimacy—perfect for quiet dates or solo sushi fans seeking precision and warmth.
Skip if: You want a lively sushi bar, sake flights, or group seating; the room is too compact for social gatherings.
Eiji
8.2
Intimate Mission Dolores spot celebrated for careful technique, housemade specialties, and compact, well-balanced rolls. The room is cozy and calm, making it a reliable low-key sushi night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Tekka maki, Salmon cucumber roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cozy, technique-driven sushi with carefully made classic rolls.
Who should go: Quiet sushi date or solo counter fans
When to visit: Early evening before the small room fills
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, tekka maki, salmon cucumber roll
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal fish before choosing rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Sanchez and 18th fill quickly after 6pm. No private lot or valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice shirt are perfect. Slightly dressier than a casual takeout sushi spot.
Noise level: Low to moderate — soft background chatter but easy to hold conversation even at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; small space means short turnover once seated.
Weekday lunch: No wait; reservations not typically needed for early lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several rolls and appetizers like agedashi tofu and veggie tempura.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 rolls and a few sides, but sauces often include fish stock; confirm before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes — soy sauce alternatives available on request; some rolls can be modified to be gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — Eiji’s cozy interior and attentive pacing make it ideal for a quiet, intimate first date where conversation comes easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights, but seating is very limited. Call ahead or arrive at open to secure a spot without waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space is intimate and best suited for adults or older teens comfortable with quiet dining.
Best For
Better for: Eiji excels at precise, handmade rolls and calm atmosphere compared to louder, trendier Mission sushi spots.
Skip if: If you’re looking for flashy rolls, omakase experiences, or lively group energy — try Saru Sushi or Robin instead.
Eiji
8.3
Intimate, chef-driven sushi and homestyle Japanese plates known for house-made tofu and focused fish selection. Calm energy and counter seating make it suitable for low-key work conversations.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-made tofu, Chirashi don, Salmon skin salad
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Small room with careful sushi and signature house-made tofu.
Who should go: Clients who appreciate quiet, precise plates
When to visit: Off-peak midday or early afternoon for easiest seating
What to order: Chirashi don, tofu sampler, daily nigiri picks
Insider tip: Start with warm tofu—season lightly with soy and fresh ginger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces along 16th and Sanchez fill quickly during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—neat but relaxed; business attire not required.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate; easy to hold a professional conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes; small space with limited tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—house-made tofu dishes and vegetable rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask about tofu sampler without bonito flakes.
Gluten-free options: Some options; sushi rice and tofu dishes can be adapted on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter setting and thoughtful presentation make it ideal for a quiet, low-key date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for lunch; space is small so call ahead for dinner to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small children; space is tight and menu caters more to adults.
Best For
Better for: Refined, traditional sushi and handmade tofu in a calm, personal setting.
Skip if: You need group seating, loud energy, or extensive cooked entrées.
Eiji
8.3
Intimate Japanese spot on the Castro–Mission Dolores edge known for careful nigiri and a short menu that highlights house specialties. Service is warm, pacing is unhurried, and it’s an easy pick for a quiet dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, House-made tofu starter, Hamachi nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cozy dining room with careful fish handling and signature tofu.
Who should go: Couples and sushi traditionalists
When to visit: Early evening before neighborhood dinner rush
What to order: Chirashi; hamachi nigiri; tofu to start
Insider tip: Small room—walk-in early or plan a short wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability after 6pm along Sanchez and 18th Street. Muni access nearby via J Church line.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a button-up or neat blouse fit the vibe. Avoid overly casual gymwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate – quiet enough for conversation or a relaxed date.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical for walk-ins; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch – dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several rolls and appetizers without fish or meat.
Vegan options: Limited – tofu dishes and a few sides available.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation – soy sauce contains gluten; bring your own if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate size, calm pace, and thoughtful service make it ideal for a low-key, conversation-friendly first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but arrive before 6pm or plan to wait. The space is small and fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. Best for adults or teens who appreciate quiet dining; there’s no children’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Personal, unhurried sushi dinners with consistent quality and authentic feel.
Skip if: You want high-energy sushi or large group seating – space is limited and pace is intentionally slow.
Eiji
8.3
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:
House-made tofu, Chirashi, Hamachi nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Signature fresh tofu and restrained, traditional sushi program.
Who should go: Couples and sushi traditionalists
When to visit: Early evening before neighborhood rush
What to order: Tofu, chirashi, hamachi
Insider tip: The room is tiny—walk in early for best odds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — limited after 6pm, best luck on 18th or Guerrero.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat denim and button-downs fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — soft background music, easy for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 40–60 minutes typical; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu dishes and veggie sushi available.
Vegan options: Limited — tofu and vegetable appetizers only.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free; alert staff when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy, low noise, and attentive service make it ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins only; arrive before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — small space and limited menu better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Quiet, traditional Japanese experience with thoughtful pacing and handcrafted tofu.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy fusion rolls, cocktails, or large-group seating.