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Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
8.2
Modern SoMa sushi bar known for generous nigiri and composed maki that plate cleanly for the feed. Warm wood tones and a sleek counter make it easy to capture crisp overhead shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice nigiri set, Salmon belly nigiri, Chirashi deluxe
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Clean, modern plating with photo-friendly counter seating.
Who should go: Sushi fans who shoot their plates
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 pm for steady pacing
What to order: Nigiri set; salmon belly; chirashi deluxe
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats near the pass for best lighting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, but metered spots can be found within a few blocks. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean polished for photos.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing atmosphere but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are accommodated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tempura, and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—several veggie rolls and sides can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; sushi rice and many rolls can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the modern room, polished plating, and comfortable noise level make it an easy fit for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are often seated at the counter, but reservations are recommended for groups or peak weekend slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—it’s more geared toward adults, though older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine. No special kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Better than nearby spots for generous nigiri portions and photo-ready plating.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a super-traditional omakase or if you need a very quiet dining room.
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
7.7
SOMA-adjacent 3rd Street standby offering broad sushi and grill options with brisk service. It’s a practical date before a show or game when you want rolls, nigiri, and hot dishes in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, Nigiri Sampler, Unagi Don
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Broad sushi–grill menu with quick pacing near Oracle Park.
Who should go: Pre-event sushi seekers
When to visit: Pre-game early evenings to beat rush
What to order: Nigiri sampler, spicy tuna crunch roll, unagi don
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for fastest service and easy shareables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible on 3rd Street but fills quickly during events at Oracle Park; nearby paid garages are the safer bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many diners lean slightly polished for pre-event dates.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable at two-tops, but expect louder energy around bar and grill side.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, quick turnover caters to business crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, tofu appetizers, and udon dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado/cucumber rolls and some grilled veggie sides, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi, some nigiri, and grilled items work; ask for gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual pre-event meal with variety; it’s not intimate fine dining but works for a low-pressure date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but plan to arrive early before games or shows to avoid long waits; reservations recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi; high chairs are limited and the brisk pacing suits families used to casual dining.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and broader menu mix (sushi + grilled entrees) than trendier, slower-paced date-night sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, upscale omakase experience—choose a dedicated sushi bar instead.
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
8.5
Chef Julio Zapata’s SoMa bar blends approachable omakase energy with crowd-pleasing specialty rolls. Fish quality is a notch up for the neighborhood, with precise saucing and warm, attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hakashi Roll, Lion King Roll, Arizona Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-led sushi bar with elevated rolls and omakase know-how.
Who should go: Roll lovers wanting higher-end fish
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 or late Friday
What to order: Hakashi Roll; Lion King; seared white tuna Arizona
Insider tip: Bar seats often unlock off-menu bites—ask your server.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 4th Street and Howard offer easier options.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a nice shirt or blouse; many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though energy rises during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 rolls can be adapted, but menu skews toward seafood.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available upon request; some rolls prepared with gluten-free sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—stylish but approachable atmosphere, attentive service, and balanced noise level make it an excellent first-date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or off-peak hours, but weekend evenings strongly benefit from booking in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—geared more toward adults and business diners; older teens may enjoy it, but limited amenities for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Elevated specialty rolls and approachable omakase service in a stylish setting compared to nearby casual sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-traditional omakase-only experiences or a very quiet, family-focused environment.
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
8.5
Chef-driven SoMa sushi bar known for omakase, seasonal bluefin, and attentive service. A small, polished space suited for lingering over nigiri flights and sake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Omakase Nigiri Progression, Santa Barbara Uni, O-Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Intimate omakase with carefully sourced fish and personal pacing.
Who should go: Omakase fans seeking a quieter counter
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for calmer seating
What to order: Omakase nigiri; SB uni; o-toro
Insider tip: Call ahead for omakase seats at the chef’s counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, especially after 6pm. Nearest paid garage is 5 minutes away at 4th & Brannan.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans acceptable if paired with a nice top or jacket. Many diners lean slightly dressy for omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for date-night conversation, with some background chatter at peak times.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, often fully booked at peak times.
Weekday lunch: N/A — lunch service is not offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetable rolls and a few cooked appetizers are available, but not a full menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—1–2 side options, but no full vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can accommodate with tamari instead of soy sauce and rice-based options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter seating and attentive service make it ideal for a first date if your guest enjoys sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends; walk-ins may succeed late on weeknights but omakase seats require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no kids’ menu or high chairs; best suited for adults or older teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Refined omakase pacing and premium seasonal fish make Hakashi stand out from larger sushi houses.
Skip if: If you want a casual, budget-friendly sushi night or extensive cooked menu, choose an alternative.
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
8.2
SoMa restaurant balancing sushi with a small grill menu and an omakase option. Polished but relaxed, it works for pre-Moscone plans or a comfortable night at the counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri, Hamachi kama, Tuna sashimi
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-led sushi with a complementary grill program and omakase.
Who should go: Convention diners and sushi date nights
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or after 8
What to order: Omakase; hamachi kama; tuna sashimi
Insider tip: Counter seats offer fastest pacing and chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa can be competitive, especially on event nights. Paid garages within a 2–3 block radius are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for dates or convention dinners.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at the counter, while larger tables pick up some background hum from the dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except during major Moscone events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—rolls, grilled vegetables, and a few small plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 2–3 options, mainly vegetable sushi and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi and several grilled items are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce substitutions should be requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the sleek but relaxed setting, chef-led counter, and balanced menu make it a comfortable yet impressive choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but not guaranteed. Weeknights are easier; weekends often require advance booking. Counter seats may open up for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no children’s menu, limited space for strollers, and a quieter atmosphere suited more for adults and business diners.
Best For
Better for: Hakashi stands out for pairing sushi with a thoughtful grill menu, giving groups more variety than sushi-only spots.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a lively, late-night sushi bar with music or large group energy, other SoMa venues may be a better fit.
Hakashi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
8.2
Chef-driven sushi and grill with seasonal fish and an omakase option in a comfortable SoMa dining room. Balanced execution and steady service make it a reliable pre-or-post-Moscone choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase nigiri, Bluefin tuna sashimi, Grilled hamachi kama
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Seasonal, chef-led sushi with omakase and a full grill program.
Who should go: Date nights and convention diners
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or after 8
What to order: Omakase nigiri; tuna sashimi; hamachi kama
Insider tip: Counter seats offer the fastest service and best chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa; nearby paid garages along 4th and Howard are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for omakase and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable at tables, slightly livelier at the sushi counter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if seated before 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, grilled mushrooms, and seasonal small plates are offered.
Vegan options: Limited—can request veggie rolls and grilled sides, but menu skews seafood-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items are naturally gluten-free, and tamari is available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The relaxed yet polished dining room, attentive service, and omakase option make it an impressive but not overwhelming choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Counter seats are easier to grab last minute, but tables usually need booking on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. While high chairs are available, the menu and atmosphere skew more adult, making it better for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Omakase variety and balanced grill offerings compared to casual sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for budget-friendly rolls or a very lively, high-energy sushi bar experience.