0 Followers
iKU Sushi & Bento
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Counter-service sushi built for FiDi speed with pre-set nigiri sets, sturdy packaging, and reliable turnover. Ideal for efficient client meetups where you need quality, clarity, and a 15-minute turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mega Set (nigiri + roll), Deluxe Set, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Lightning-fast, pre-built sushi sets that still eat clean and fresh.
Who should go: Time-crunched pros near Montgomery
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 for best selection, shortest lines
What to order: Mega Set; Deluxe Set; Salmon Avocado Roll
Insider tip: Grab sauces on the side to keep rice pristine back at the office.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce during weekdays; closest paid garage is on Sutter and Kearny with quick in/out access.
Dress code: Business casual—most guests are in work attire, but anything clean and professional passes.
Noise level: Low to moderate—more foot traffic than chatter; easy to hold a short conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed evenings and weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if you arrive before noon; brief line 12:00–12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and avocado-based options available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls (avocado, cucumber) can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sushi rice is fine, but soy sauce contains gluten; bring your own tamari if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is a fast, casual lunch—this is more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, seating is first-come, first-served, but most diners take food to-go; space fills briefly around noon.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—compact layout and office crowd make it better for adults on lunch break than families.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-fuss sushi when you’re between meetings and need dependable freshness fast.
Skip if: You want a sit-down sushi experience or refined presentation—this is built for speed, not ceremony.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.6
Counter-service sushi and bento on Montgomery built for speed and value, with pre-set nigiri sets and rolls that travel well. It’s a wallet-friendly, quick date option before a stroll through FiDi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mega Set Sushi (nigiri + rolls), Deluxe Set Sushi, Spicy tuna roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Speedy, budget-friendly sushi sets perfect for downtown schedules.
Who should go: Value seekers wanting simple sushi
When to visit: After 6pm for a calmer counter
What to order: Mega Set; Deluxe Set; spicy tuna roll
Insider tip: Order sets for best value; grab sauces on the side for carryout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montgomery is scarce; closest paid garages are at 343 Sansome and 345 California with evening flat rates after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual — office attire or neat streetwear fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space with light chatter, fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: No real wait — steady flow but quick turnover due to takeout-heavy crowd.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak noon hour, otherwise walk-up service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — avocado, cucumber, and vegetable rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 vegetable rolls without mayo or fish flakes.
Gluten-free options: Partially — some rolls and sashimi are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring your own.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and quick — it’s more of a low-key sushi stop than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only, so no reservations are taken or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; there’s no children’s menu or high chairs, but service is fast and friendly.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi before an event or during a short downtown break.
Skip if: You’re looking for an omakase experience or a sit-down dinner with ambiance — nearby options like The Shota or Akiko’s fit that bill better.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Grab-and-go sushi sets and bento built for the FiDi lunch rush, with tidy, colorful boxes that photograph well. It’s quick, consistent, and wallet-friendly when you want clean rolls or a chirashi without a sit-down wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon nigiri set, Spicy tuna roll, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Neatly packed sushi sets made fast for lunch.
Who should go: Office crowd wanting speedy, affordable sushi
When to visit: 11:00–11:30 or after 1:15 to skip lines
What to order: Nigiri combo, spicy tuna roll, chirashi
Insider tip: Order online for pickup; boxes hold up well for desk dining.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in FiDi; best to use nearby garages like 555 California or ride-share during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—office attire is the norm, but no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Low to moderate—grab-and-go setup means quick turnover and minimal background noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch spot, often closed or limited evenings/weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak times; almost no wait if you order online ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian rolls and veggie bento options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie rolls and sides work, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and some bowls are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring/request GF packets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a quick, casual lunch spot than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed. Limited counter and shared seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi, but there are no special kids’ menus or high chairs. Best for a quick bite rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi boxes that still look Instagram-worthy and travel well back to the office.
Skip if: You’re seeking a lingering omakase experience or premium-grade fish—this is built for speed and value, not luxury.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Grab-and-go counter turning out fresh, affordable rolls and sets tailored to FiDi lunch hour. Turnover is brisk, so rolls stay tight and rice is consistently well-seasoned.
Must-Try Dishes:
California roll, Salmon roll, Panko shrimp roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Fast, well-priced rolls built for downtown schedules.
Who should go: Office lunchers on a tight clock
When to visit: 11:00–12:15 to beat the rush
What to order: California, salmon, panko shrimp rolls
Insider tip: Lines spike after noon—mobile order when possible.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in FiDi during weekdays; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—office attire or everyday wear is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service setting with steady lunch turnover but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed—this is a weekday lunch-focused spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at peak noon rush; little to no wait before 11:45.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls and tofu options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado and cucumber rolls are vegan-friendly but choices are few.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free prep, but simple sashimi and some rolls without soy sauce can work.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go counter than a sit-down atmosphere suited for dating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; it’s a quick-service counter with limited dine-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly in terms of food (simple rolls and bento), but the small, fast-paced setting is better for older kids than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi rolls and bento during a short FiDi lunch window.
Skip if: You’re seeking a leisurely omakase, date-night ambiance, or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.7
Grab-and-go sushi and poke with a broad selection of nigiri, rolls, and bento built for busy Montgomery Street traffic. Fish quality is solid for the price, and the quick service flow keeps lines moving at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deluxe nigiri set (salmon/tuna/unagi mix), iKU poke bowl, Salmon nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Wide sushi/poke selection with true grab-and-go speed.
Who should go: Sushi fans on tight lunch windows
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 for shortest queue and freshest turnover
What to order: Deluxe nigiri set; iKU poke; salmon nigiri
Insider tip: Order online ahead; pickup shelf turns over quickly at noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearby paid garages on Sutter & Kearny; limited metered street parking mid-day.
Dress code: Casual – office attire and business casual are most common.
Noise level: Low to moderate – mostly takeout with some counter seating; conversation possible but not a sit-down atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Closed weekends; no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak 12–1pm rush; minimal wait before noon or after 1:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls, tofu bento, and veggie poke available.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado rolls, seaweed salad, cucumber rolls, and build-your-own poke with tofu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – sashimi, poke bowls, and some rolls without soy sauce or tempura; gluten-free soy sauce available if requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal – it’s more of a grab-and-go lunch stop than a setting for a date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – seating is first-come, first-served and limited; most people order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? It works for older kids who enjoy sushi, but it’s not designed for young children; no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable sushi and poke during a workday with reliable freshness and quick service.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner, an extensive sake list, or a polished sushi bar experience.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Healthy Haven
Grab-and-go sushi and bentos built for the FiDi lunch rush, with premade sets that keep lines moving. Quality is solid for the price, and portions suit quick desk meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon nigiri combo, Teriyaki bento
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Speed-first sushi and bento operation tailored to office schedules.
Who should go: Busy FiDi lunch crowd
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 to beat peak lines
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, salmon nigiri combo, teriyaki bento
Insider tip: Arrive early for the freshest picks before items sell through.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; limited metered street parking nearby, garages available but pricey during weekdays.
Dress code: Casual—office attire or everyday wear is fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush with line chatter; otherwise manageable.
Weekend wait: Closed—lunch-only operation on weekdays.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at peak (12–1pm); walk right in before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, veggie bentos, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber or avocado rolls; customization possible but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options (sashimi, plain rice, simple bentos) but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s built for fast office lunches rather than lingering meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t accepted; seating is first-come, first-served and often limited.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—space is tight and geared toward office workers, but older kids could handle a quick meal.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi and bentos that fit an office worker’s schedule.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, extensive sushi selection, or evening service.
iKU Sushi & Bento
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Healthy Haven
Grab-and-go sushi and bentos built for the FiDi lunch rush, with premade rolls and boxed sets that keep lines moving. Quality is solid for the price, and the selection hits familiar favorites for quick desk meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon nigiri combo, Chicken teriyaki bento with California roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: Speedy sushi and bento operation tailored to office schedules.
Who should go: Busy FiDi lunch crowd
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 to beat peak lines
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, salmon nigiri combo, teriyaki bento
Insider tip: Arrive early for the freshest selection before items sell through.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in FiDi is very limited during weekdays; nearby paid garages are the best option.
Dress code: Casual—office attire or business casual fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic, with some chatter during lunch peak.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at peak times; earlier visits usually have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, veggie bentos, and miso soup available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber or avocado rolls, edamame, and seaweed salad.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and some rolls are safe, but soy sauce and teriyaki items contain gluten unless you bring GF soy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go counter for office workers than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; seating is minimal and mostly for quick eats.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s fine for older kids who enjoy sushi, but there are no kid-specific menus or high chairs. Best suited for quick meals rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi boxes for the office crowd—faster and cheaper than nearby sit-down sushi spots.
Skip if: You want a leisurely, high-quality omakase experience or a true sit-down dinner setting.