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Okoze Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Okoze Sushi
8.0
Neighborhood stalwart on Union Street known for a big lineup of classic and special rolls. It’s a steady, comfortable choice for familiar favorites done right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Crunch Spicy Tuna, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Large, well-executed roll selection with neighborhood reliability.
Who should go: Groups wanting classics and specials
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30 pm
What to order: Dragon; Crunch Spicy Tuna; Rainbow
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crisp tempura on fried rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and side streets; metered until 10 pm, limited availability during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests dress slightly up for date night.
Noise level: Moderate – lively chatter and some background music, but you can generally hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian rolls and appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few cucumber, avocado, and vegetable rolls, but not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many rolls can be made gluten-free if requested; tamari is available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it has a cozy, unpretentious vibe with enough variety on the menu to please different tastes, without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – on weeknights after 7:30 pm it’s often possible to walk in, though weekends can require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the casual setting and approachable rolls make it good for families with kids aged 6 and up; high chairs are available on request.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups or families who want a dependable lineup of classic and special rolls in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Skip if: If you’re looking for avant-garde omakase or ultra-premium fish, other nearby sushi counters may be a better fit.
Okoze Sushi
8.2
Russian Hill stalwart (since 2003) with classic nigiri, chirashi, and collars in a calm dining room. A steady, conversation-first sushi night without theatrics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama, Toro nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Neighborhood fixture serving careful classics since 2003.
Who should go: Traditional nigiri and chirashi fans
When to visit: Tue–Thu evenings for easier tables
What to order: Chirashi; hamachi collar; toro nigiri
Insider tip: Call ahead—walk-ins are limited on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; can be limited after 7pm—metered until evening.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat jeans and button-downs are common, but avoid overly casual gym wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly with occasional background hum.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer if arriving after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, miso soup, and tofu starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado and cucumber rolls, edamame, seaweed salad.
Gluten-free options: Yes—can accommodate with sashimi, nigiri, and gluten-free soy sauce on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the calm, intimate dining room makes it easy to talk without distractions, and the food is steady rather than showy, keeping the focus on conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, but weekends are tight—calling ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—there’s no kids’ menu, and the atmosphere is geared more toward adults and couples. Older teens may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, traditional sushi in a relaxed, unhurried environment—better for couples who prefer conversation over spectacle.
Skip if: You’re looking for a flashy omakase or modern, fusion-style sushi experience—consider trendier Nob Hill counters instead.
Okoze Sushi
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Trendy Table Hotspots
Russian Hill fixture for careful nigiri, pristine chirashi, and grilled collars. A calm room and focused fish sourcing make it a smart client lunch when quality is the agenda.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi, Toro nigiri, Hamachi collar
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Steady, fish-first sushi program with precise classics.
Who should go: Clients who prioritize fish quality
When to visit: Tue–Thu early lunch hours
What to order: Chirashi, toro nigiri, hamachi collar
Insider tip: Counter seats move faster and let you chat with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Russian Hill; metered spots turn over slowly, so rideshare is often easier. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual—business attire fits well for client lunches, but polished jeans and a blazer are fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for professional conversations, especially at lunch.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; counter seating may be quicker.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if you arrive early in the lunch window (before 12:15).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, salads, and tofu-based sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado, cucumber, and vegetable rolls can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, nigiri, and many grilled fish options are naturally gluten-free; ask for gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the calm room, precise sushi, and intimate counter seats make it a refined but not intimidating choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes at weekday lunch, but dinner tables can be scarce; calling ahead is smart, especially for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it’s more geared toward adults and business diners. Older children comfortable with sushi may be fine, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Okoze excels at fish quality and a calm, professional atmosphere—ideal for client meetings or sushi purists.
Skip if: If you want a boisterous izakaya vibe, cooked comfort dishes, or budget-friendly rolls, you may prefer alternatives nearby.