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Fish In The Box

800 Masonic Ave, San Francisco, CA 94117
$$
Poke, Sushi Bars, Japanese, Sushi, Japanese

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Fish In The Box 7.7
NoPa / Panhandle
Counter-service spot near the Panhandle turning out tidy chirashi and cleanly cut nigiri at fair prices. Great for park picnics or a quick, low-key dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: Deluxe chirashi, Nigiri combo, Salmon ikura don
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Chirashi-focused counter with neat cuts and park-friendly boxes.
Who should go: Takeout fans and picnickers
When to visit: Lunch rush for fastest turnover
What to order: Truffle chirashi; nigiri combo; salmon ikura don
Insider tip: Order ahead—boxes travel well to the Panhandle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually manageable on weekdays but can be tight around peak Panhandle hours and weekends.
Dress code: Ultra casual; parkwear and hoodies are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate—mostly takeout traffic and short stays, easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes depending on takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go orders ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—avocado rolls, vegetable tempura, and egg-based donburi available.
Vegan options: Minimal—basic veggie rolls possible on request, but sauces may contain fish stock.
Gluten-free options: Yes, many options with tamari substitution; inform staff when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual—counter seating and quick service make it better for low-pressure meetups than long dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Most guests order to-go, so dine-in seats usually turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—staff are friendly and the space is informal, but seating is limited and there are no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick, clean chirashi and takeout-friendly sushi boxes at wallet-friendly prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long sit-down dinner or premium omakase experience—try Kibatsu or jū-ni instead.
Fish In The Box 7.7
NoPa / Panhandle
Compact counter-service spot for chirashi and nigiri sets near the Panhandle. The draw is clean rice, tidy cuts, and efficient takeaway for park picnics or low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Truffle chirashi box, Salmon/ikura don, Nigiri combo
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Chirashi-focused counter known for tidy cuts and fair pricing.
Who should go: Takeout fans and park picnickers
When to visit: Lunch window for fastest turnover
What to order: Truffle chirashi; nigiri combo; salmon ikura don
Insider tip: Order ahead online; boxes travel well to the Panhandle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; easier near the Panhandle on weekdays before dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; most guests come in everyday wear or park attire.
Noise level: Low – mainly soft background chatter and takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: Usually 10–15 minutes during peak hours for takeout; dine-in counter turns quickly.
Weekday lunch: Rarely any wait; service is fast and efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—veggie rolls and tofu donburi bowls on request.
Vegan options: Few options; can request veggie rolls without mayo or fish flakes.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice bowls and nigiri are gluten-free if soy sauce is avoided; tamari available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—space is minimal and geared toward quick meals—but works for a casual sushi grab before a park walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it’s walk-in only with a handful of counter seats. Takeout is the default option for most customers.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—kids who like sushi or rice bowls are welcome, but there’s no kids’ menu or highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable chirashi boxes and takeout-friendly sushi without sacrificing quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full-service omakase or upscale dining experience; it’s more of a casual, efficient stop.