30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi Rolls in the Mission District
Best Date Night Sushi in the Mission District
Best Sushi in SoMa
Master Critic Review
Kuma on Valencia
8.6
A modern sushi spot offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, known for its creative rolls and curated sake selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Firefly Squid Roll, Chirashi Don, Uni Ikura Handroll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Blends traditional sushi with innovative flavors and a curated sake list.
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking a modern twist on classics.
When to visit: Ideal for dinner dates and group gatherings.
What to order: Firefly Squid Roll, Chirashi Don, Uni Ikura Handroll.
Insider tip: Try the seasonal specials for a unique dining experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be challenging during peak hours; consider using a nearby parking garage.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are acceptable but lean towards dressy.
Noise level: Moderate - you can hear your date, but it can get lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though it can get busy during lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a variety of vegetarian sushi rolls and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a couple of vegan-friendly rolls, but options are fewer than for vegetarians.
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free options available, including soy sauce alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s perfect for a first date due to its cozy yet trendy ambiance and the chance to share creative sushi rolls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but you might face a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended for smoother dining.
Is it kid-friendly? The atmosphere is more geared toward adults, but it’s family-friendly with kid-approved dishes like tempura and rice bowls available.
Best For
Better for: Kuma on Valencia excels in offering innovative sushi rolls with a fusion twist, as well as an extensive sake selection, making it a great choice for a trendy, contemporary dining experience.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more traditional sushi experience with a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, you might want to try a different place.
Hours
Monday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm