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Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
7.9
Long-running neighborhood spot plating glossy nigiri and vibrant specialty rolls with neon-lit North Beach energy. Portions are generous, and the colorful rolls make easy, eye-catching posts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Dragon Roll, Hamachi Kama, Chu-Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Color-forward rolls and classic nigiri in a lively Columbus Ave setting.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking colorful sushi
When to visit: Early evening before the peak dinner rush
What to order: Red Dragon roll, hamachi kama, toro nigiri
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats for better light on your plate shots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Columbus Avenue and side streets; fills quickly after 6pm, nearby garages on Vallejo and Stockton are good backups.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat background chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options such as avocado or cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available upon request and sashimi options are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy two-top seating, colorful plating, and moderate noise make it relaxed yet lively for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small groups if you arrive before 7pm; later hours may require a short wait or counter seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; staff are friendly but space is tight, so strollers may be difficult during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sushi quality and generous roll portions at moderate prices, plus a more colorful presentation than nearby minimalist omakase spots.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, upscale omakase experiences or need extensive vegan choices.
Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
8.3
Long-running North Beach standby with a cozy sushi bar and a broad nigiri-and-roll menu that suits an unrushed dinner. Friendly service and steady execution make it a reliable date-night choice steps from Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri sampler, Spicy tuna roll, Red Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Neighborhood fixture with a classic sushi counter feel and steady fish quality.
Who should go: Couples who want cozy, unhurried sushi
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer seating
What to order: Nigiri sampler; Rainbow/Red Dragon rolls; miso soup
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats—great pacing and interaction with chefs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Stockton and Union fill quickly after 6pm. North Beach Garage on Vallejo is the nearest reliable option, a 4-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—neat denim or casual dresses work fine; locals often dress up slightly for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly buzz, soft background music but easy to hear your date.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—walk-ins seated quickly or immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, cucumber-avocado, and miso soup options.
Vegan options: Limited—can request no mayo or sauce; avocado and cucumber rolls available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request; many nigiri and sashimi options are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter seating and calm energy make it ideal for a relaxed, genuine first-date vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are accepted but expect a short wait on weekends. Calling ahead for two-top availability helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited to adults and couples, though older kids comfortable with sushi could fit in during early hours.
Best For
Better for: More consistent sushi quality and friendlier service than trendier North Beach newcomers; feels personal rather than flashy.
Skip if: You want omakase theatrics or ultra-modern interiors—this is a classic, cozy setup.
Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
8.0
Long-running neighborhood spot known for generous specialty rolls and friendly service. It’s a dependable choice for classic maki with crowd-pleasing sauces and fresh-cut fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cherry Blossom Roll, North Beach Roll, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Specialty rolls with big portions and easygoing prices.
Who should go: Classic-roll fans and casual groups
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Cherry Blossom; North Beach; Rainbow
Insider tip: Counter seats see rolls fastest during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Stockton or Columbus; meters can be tight after 6pm. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and sneakers are fine. Locals often come straight from nearby shops or work.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during dinner; lively but not too loud for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 25–40 minute wait during prime hours after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls like avocado and cucumber, plus miso soup and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize rolls without mayo or fish; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but soy sauce is standard—bring your own tamari for full GF dining.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed, low-pressure meetups than romantic ambiance—casual service and bright lighting suit easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 6:30pm for minimal wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, and menu flexibility makes it easy to please kids with simple rolls or teriyaki.
Best For
Better for: Quick sushi dinners with hearty rolls at fair prices—strong value and reliable quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium omakase or designer plating—this is a comfort-style sushi spot, not fine dining.
Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
8.1
Long-running North Beach staple offering a broad selection of nigiri, sashimi, classic rolls, and hot plates at fair prices. It’s a dependable pre-show or casual date stop steps from Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi shooter, Truffle albacore tataki, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood sushi with a wide menu and steady execution.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and pre-show diners
When to visit: Before 6:30 pm or after 8 pm to avoid lines
What to order: Hamachi shooter; truffle albacore tataki; chirashi bowl
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster for walk-ins—check the specials board.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus and Union can be challenging after 6pm; limited metered spots nearby. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but avoid gym wear if dining in the evening.
Noise level: Moderate—lively chatter from the sushi bar but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and tempura available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options including avocado and cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; sushi and sashimi safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual yet cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and quality sushi make it an easy first-date pick without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—arrive early or late evening to avoid the dinner rush. Bar seats are best for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8 and up—simple rolls and cooked items available; small space means strollers aren’t ideal.
Best For
Better for: Dependable all-around sushi with solid portions and friendly service—great for casual dinners or neighborhood regulars.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase or an ultra-quiet dining room; nearby Roka Akor suits that better.
Sushi On North Beach (Katsu)
8.1
Old-school North Beach stalwart with a broad menu—nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and hot dishes—at fair prices. It’s a dependable pre-show or casual date stop near Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi mango shooter, Truffle albacore tataki, Chilean miso seabass with rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood sushi with broad selection and steady quality.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and pre-show diners
When to visit: Before 6:30pm or after 8pm to skip lines
What to order: Hamachi shooter; truffle albacore tataki; miso seabass
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster for walk-ins; check specials board.