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Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
8.3
Neighborhood-chic sushi with careful cuts and a tight sake list in a modern Hayes Valley room. Known for well-executed nigiri and creative rolls that don’t overwhelm the fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Mix Nigiri, Ya Man Roll, Walu Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Craft-minded sushi bar balancing classic nigiri and modern signatures.
Who should go: Sushi fans who like stylish but relaxed rooms
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 pm for easier seating
What to order: Omakase mix nigiri, Ya Man roll, walu carpaccio
Insider tip: Counter seats get the quickest pacing and best chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited, especially after 6 pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate; you can carry on a conversation without raising your voice, though peak dinner hours are lively.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait, though note they are dinner-focused and may not serve lunch daily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable rolls, appetizers, and small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 maki and starter options, but customization is possible if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; tamari is available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The stylish but intimate vibe, attentive service, and quality sushi make it a strong choice for a relaxed first date that feels special but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Early evenings on weekdays are the best bet for walk-ins; on weekends, expect to wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The setting and menu are geared toward adults and groups of friends. Older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but there are no child-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: A balance of traditional nigiri and creative rolls in a modern, neighborhood setting without the stiffness of higher-end sushi counters.
Skip if: You want an extensive, luxury omakase experience or a very quiet room—this is better for lively, social dining.
Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
8.5
Cozy Hayes Valley counter and tables known for precise cuts and playful signatures like the flaming seabass. Presentation and sake list suit a polished but not stuffy date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Seabass Roll, Hamachi Truffle Sashimi, Omakase Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Signature flaming seabass and clean, modern sashimi cuts.
Who should go: Couples who want polish without formality
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm for shorter waits
What to order: Flaming seabass, hamachi truffle sashimi, omakase nigiri
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal nigiri flights—often limited nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley; nearby paid garages (like the Performing Arts Garage) are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — lively buzz but you can still hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; best to book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; faster service at midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 plant-based options, mostly veggie rolls and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many sashimi and rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy seating, polished presentation, and playful dishes like the flaming seabass create a memorable but relaxed first date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends; walk-ins may face long waits. Weeknights are more flexible if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the intimate vibe suits adults. Older teens with a taste for sushi would be fine.
Best For
Better for: Elephant Sushi excels at unique signatures (like the flaming seabass) and an intimate date-night vibe compared to larger sushi spots.
Skip if: Skip if you need large-group seating, an expansive menu, or a fully vegan experience — space and options are limited.
Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
8.1
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Compact Hayes Valley outpost serving colorful specialty rolls and nigiri in a sleek, modern room. It’s a fun pre-show stop where vibrant plating and playful rolls pop on camera.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Dragon Roll, Ya Man Roll, Chef’s nigiri sampler
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vivid specialty rolls and compact, design-forward space.
Who should go: Friends who love colorful, shareable rolls
When to visit: Pre-show 5–6:30pm or after 8:30pm
What to order: Red Dragon; Ya Man; nigiri sampler
Insider tip: Request counter seats for best chef interaction and lighting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited and competitive during evenings; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean stylish given the Hayes Valley setting.
Noise level: Moderate—lively atmosphere with music and chatter, but conversation at your table is manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; counter seats may turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though seating is limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options, mostly vegetable rolls; sauces may contain mayo or eel sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—ask for gluten-free soy sauce and avoid tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sleek interiors and colorful plating create a fun, relaxed vibe, though it’s on the lively side rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect waits at peak dinner hours; arriving early or late improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—space is tight and the vibe skews adult/social. Best for older kids comfortable with sushi.
Best For
Better for: Vibrant specialty rolls and photogenic presentation compared to more traditional omakase spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet ambiance, expansive seating, or purist Edomae sushi.
Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
8.2
Hayes Valley outpost emphasizing craft rolls and pristine fish in a sleek, date-friendly room. The menu balances crowd-pleasers with lighter, produce-forward options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hamachi Roll, Green Machine (veg), Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Polished, roll-forward menu with produce-driven options and sleek design.
Who should go: Date-night diners who crave craft rolls
When to visit: Early evening before peak reservations
What to order: Spicy Hamachi; Green Machine; Rainbow
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal rolls—servers often have a recommendation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited and fills quickly after 6pm; paid garages are available within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean polished for date nights and business meals.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable though the room carries a lively buzz at peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls and appetizers highlight fresh vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls can be adapted but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available and many rolls can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the sleek interior, attentive service, and creative rolls make it a polished but approachable choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends—try early evening or later night walk-ins for best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—space is compact and geared more toward adults, though older children who enjoy sushi will be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for stylish date nights and polished group dinners where creative rolls and sleek atmosphere matter most.
Skip if: If you’re seeking budget sushi, large family-style seating, or extensive vegan choices, better alternatives exist nearby.
Elephant Sushi — Hayes Valley
8.1
Lively Hayes Valley outpost serving modern rolls, sashimi, and shareable plates with a fun, upbeat feel. Great for small groups before or after neighborhood arts events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Seabass, Couple of Babes (blue crab handrolls), Walu Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Playful modern sushi with crowd-pleasing signatures and upbeat energy.
Who should go: Friends meeting before a show
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Flaming Seabass; Walu Carpaccio; omakase sashimi
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu nigiri cuts if you’re at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley; nearby paid garages on Gough and Franklin are the safest bet, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual works well—jeans and nice tops are fine, but groups often lean a bit dressy for the neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat—conversation is possible, but expect a buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple rolls and appetizers are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options, mainly vegetable rolls and salads.
Gluten-free options: Some options are available on request; ask staff to avoid soy sauce or tempura batter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its upbeat energy and creative sushi make for a fun date, though it’s better for a lively night out than a quiet, intimate evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits can be long at dinner; go early evening or late night for the best shot at walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—better suited to adults and teens; space is tight and atmosphere leans more toward social groups.
Best For
Better for: More playful and shareable sushi rolls compared to quieter, omakase-focused spots in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a serene, traditional sushi experience or need a quiet setting for business or intimate conversation.