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Sushi Hakko
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi Hakko
8.7
Eight-seat omakase in Cow Hollow focused on pristine nigiri and seasonal touches. The chef-led counter emphasizes Edomae technique, with polished pacing and composed small plates that make it a special-occasion destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Tartare with Caviar & Uni, Akami–Ōtoro Nigiri Progression, Caramelized Miso Cod
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Intimate omakase counter showcasing precise Edomae technique and premium product.
Who should go: Special-occasion sushi fans and omakase purists
When to visit: Reserve bar seats for the first evening seating
What to order: 18-course omakase; toro tartare with caviar; miso cod
Insider tip: Sit at the chef’s counter for extra touches, including specialty ginger served only at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union and Fillmore can be limited after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Green and Steiner offer safer evening options.
Dress code: Smart elegant; men typically wear collared shirts or blazers, women favor cocktail or chic evening attire—avoid sneakers or hoodies.
Noise level: Low to moderate—soft background music and hushed conversation make it ideal for intimate dining or quiet celebrations.
Weekend wait: Omakase is reservation-only; expect a 2–3 week lead time for prime Friday or Saturday slots.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evening only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chef may adjust 1–2 courses with advance notice, but not a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Not suitable—many courses rely on seafood, dashi, and egg components.
Gluten-free options: Yes, upon request—soy sauces and marinades can be adjusted if notified in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming to impress—a serene, focused experience that sparks conversation over artistry and presentation. Best for couples comfortable with a quiet setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—counter seating is pre-booked only; walk-ins are not accepted due to limited capacity and omakase format.
Is it kid-friendly? No—suited for adults only; no children’s menu, and the quiet pacing isn’t ideal for young guests.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for refined omakase experiences emphasizing craftsmanship and calm ambience—more intimate than Akiko’s or Robin.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer à la carte sushi, group dining, or lively atmospheres; other Cow Hollow spots like Wako or Oma San fit casual cravings better.
Sushi Hakko
8.7
Intimate omakase-focused spot on Union with a reservation-led flow and polished service. The progression leans clean and seasonal, making it a strong special-occasion choice for sushi purists.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-course omakase nigiri flight, Bluefin toro nigiri, Hokkaido uni
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Reservation-driven omakase with chef attention and seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Omakase fans and anniversary celebrators
When to visit: Later seatings for a calm, unrushed pace
What to order: Omakase; toro progression; uni course
Insider tip: Confirm reservations early—bar seats give the best chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—Union Street spots fill quickly after 6pm; best to arrive early or use the Lombard garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual with an upscale touch—blazers or nice blouses fit the scene; avoid overly casual wear.
Noise level: Low—soft ambient music and limited seating make conversation easy and private.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-ins rarely accepted.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner seatings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chef may accommodate with advance notice but no set vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: No—menu is seafood-forward with few vegan adaptations possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available; inform staff before seating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for a serious or milestone first date—quiet, intimate, and chef-led pacing create a focused dining experience, though the omakase format may feel formal for casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—Sushi Hakko operates almost entirely on advance reservations; same-day slots are rare unless there’s a cancellation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—no children’s menu or booster seating; best for adults or older teens who enjoy omakase-style dining.
Best For
Better for: Chef interaction and intimacy—each course is personally described, and service pacing is more attentive than larger omakase rooms.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, flexible pacing, or a lively crowd—try Sushi Toni or Elephant Sushi instead.
Sushi Hakko
8.6
Refined Union Street sushi with an omakase-forward approach and precise nigiri. Fish quality and knife work lead, making it a strong pick for purists and special-occasion dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase flight, Toro duo, Seasonal chawanmushi
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Focused omakase with high-grade fish prepared with precision.
Who should go: Sushi purists and date-night planners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer pacing
What to order: Omakase, toro duo, seasonal chawanmushi
Insider tip: Request counter seats to watch the knife work up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street can be challenging after 6pm; metered spots open up after 8pm, and nearby garage parking is available at Union & Buchanan for around $10.
Dress code: Smart casual — most guests wear button-downs, blouses, or neat jeans; understated elegance fits the omakase vibe.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate — ideal for intimate conversation and focused dining; soft ambient music in background.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; omakase counter usually books out early.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners before 6:30pm usually seat quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and tofu-based small plates available upon request.
Vegan options: Minimal — kitchen may adapt certain items, but not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Good — tamari available on request and most nigiri can be made gluten-free; staff familiar with restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — Sushi Hakko’s calm, refined space and attentive service create an intimate setting perfect for conversation without distraction.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible for early seatings or counter spots before 6:30pm, but reservations are recommended for weekends or omakase service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — menu and atmosphere cater to adults; best suited for older teens who appreciate sushi.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for precise, traditional sushi and quiet date nights; service and fish quality outshine flashier Union Street competitors.
Skip if: You’re looking for a lively group spot or creative fusion rolls — try Mamanoko or Ace Wasabi instead.
Sushi Hakko
8.6
Refined Union Street sushi with an omakase-forward approach and precise nigiri. Fish quality and knife work lead, with a tight, calm room that suits special-occasion dinners and serious sushi fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase nigiri flight, Toro & chu-toro nigiri, Chawanmushi with seasonal garnishes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Focused omakase and high-grade fish prepared with precision.
Who should go: Sushi purists and date-night planners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for a quieter service
What to order: Omakase flight, toro duo, seasonal chawanmushi
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats to watch the knife work up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union and surrounding residential blocks; meters until 10pm and can be tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and nice denim or dresses fit the mood; avoid overly casual wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, especially at the sushi counter or back tables.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended; walk-ins may face 30–45 minute waits for counter or bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; limited seating makes reservations wise for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable rolls, agedashi tofu, and appetizers available upon request.
Vegan options: Very limited—can accommodate with custom veggie nigiri or cucumber rolls but not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request and many nigiri items naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The calm, minimalist setting and attentive service create a refined but approachable atmosphere ideal for a first date that feels special without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on early weeknights, but the small dining room fills quickly; reservations are strongly advised for weekends or omakase counter seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu skews toward raw fish and quiet dining; best for adult outings or older teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Omakase-focused precision, fish quality, and serene atmosphere that surpass most neighborhood sushi spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual rolls, loud group energy, or extensive cooked entrees—try a larger izakaya or casual sushi bar instead.