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Sushi Toni
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Toni
8.1
Neighborhood sushi bar near Union Square known for late hours, friendly service, and solid nigiri at fair prices. Go for counter seats to watch fish prepped to order and settle in with sake flights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Bowl, Hamachi Kama (grilled collar), Spicy Scallop Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-night sushi with dependable cuts and friendly counter service.
Who should go: Sushi fans seeking casual, late-night options
When to visit: After 8:30pm for faster seating and bar spots
What to order: Chirashi; hamachi kama; spicy scallop hand roll
Insider tip: Ask for the day’s firmest white fish for optimal nigiri texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Union Square; nearby paid garages on Geary and Post are the best bet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, though business-casual fits the Union Square crowd.
Noise level: Moderate buzz; conversation is possible but counter seats can get lively late at night.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 8pm, longer if aiming for counter seats.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for solo diners and small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, edamame, and tofu options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—cucumber roll, avocado roll, seaweed salad, and a few sides.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for a relaxed, casual sushi bar vibe with late-night energy. Not a quiet, candlelit option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—counter seats are often available, especially after 8:30pm, though peak weekend times may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—it’s more of a late-night and adult-friendly spot. Teens comfortable with sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi cravings near Union Square with friendly counter service and sake flights.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium omakase experiences or a quiet, romantic dinner setting.
Sushi Toni
8.3
Cozy, anime-themed spot near Union Square known for generous, straightforward rolls turned out late into the night. Locals lean on it for reliable maki combos, friendly service, and flexible hours before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, Lion King Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Large, classic SF roll list with late hours downtown.
Who should go: Roll lovers near Union Square
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm or late weekend dinners
What to order: Rainbow Roll; Dragon Roll; Lion King Roll
Insider tip: Ask for the roll combos to sample variety without overordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Union Square is limited and metered; nearest reliable option is the Union Square Garage ($6–$8/hr).
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; business attire fits in at lunch, but jeans and sneakers are fine for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but expect background chatter during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls, tempura, and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado and cucumber rolls, edamame, and seaweed salad.
Gluten-free options: Yes – sashimi, some rolls without soy sauce, and tamari available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and not too formal. The anime decor adds charm, but noise levels can be lively on weekends.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during prime dinner hours on weekends. Weeknights are easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi; space is limited for strollers and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night rolls downtown with generous portions and a fun, casual vibe.
Skip if: You want omakase-level finesse or a quiet, intimate sushi experience.
Sushi Toni
7.9
Neighborhood sushi bar just uphill from Union Square with late hours and a cozy counter that works for a low-key date. Fish quality is solid for the price, and the menu mixes classic nigiri with comfort-leaning rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Kama, Chef’s Nigiri Set, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-night neighborhood sushi bar with dependable fish and a friendly counter.
Who should go: Casual sushi dates near Union Square
When to visit: Tue–Thu after 7pm for shorter waits
What to order: Hamachi kama; chef’s nigiri set; dragon roll
Insider tip: Ask the chef for off-menu nigiri picks when seated at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taylor and Post can be tight after 6pm; nearby garages at Union Square are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many date-night guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations at the bar and tables are possible without shouting, though it gets livelier later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if walking in after 7:30pm; earlier is easier.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian rolls, veggie tempura, and tofu dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber/avocado rolls and seaweed salad, but few hot options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—ask for gluten-free soy sauce and avoid tempura or breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy, approachable, and not overly formal. The sushi counter creates easy conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are common, though waits on weekends can stretch to 45 minutes. Sitting at the bar is often faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults and older teens. The room is small and late hours don’t fit younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi near Union Square with a casual, date-friendly vibe at fair prices.
Skip if: You want a high-end omakase or a spacious, family-friendly setting.