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Teruaki
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Teruaki
7.7
West-end spot with dramatic specialty rolls, chirashi bowls, and generous sashimi sets that favor bold color and stacked presentation. It’s a practical choice for vibrant sushi spreads with easy parking nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Teruaki signature roll, Salmon belly nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Bold, colorful platters and rolls built to photograph well.
Who should go: Groups chasing flashy sushi spreads
When to visit: Early evening for quickest seating and freshest cuts
What to order: Chirashi, signature roll, salmon belly
Insider tip: Request sauces on the side to keep rolls camera-ready.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample street parking along Geary and side streets, usually easy before 7pm; no valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in jeans or simple date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate – lively chatter and music but you can still hold a conversation comfortably.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 6:30–8pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable rolls, but sauces may contain fish-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sushi rice is safe, but soy sauce is not; bring your own tamari if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – bright plating and relaxed energy make it a fun, low-pressure setting, though it’s more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes – walk-ins are common, especially before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm; weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – spacious booths and friendly staff make it comfortable for families; younger kids often enjoy the colorful rolls.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions and photogenic presentation compared to minimalist omakase spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, refined omakase or minimalist plating; this spot leans bold and lively.
Teruaki
7.8
A tiny Geary counter run by a friendly team turning out fresh nigiri and classic rolls at neighborly prices. It’s intimate enough for a casual date that feels personal without pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
49er Roll, Rainbow Roll, Chef’s nigiri selection
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Super-small counter with personable service and fresh fish.
Who should go: Low-key, conversation-first dates
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for shorter waits
What to order: 49er roll; rainbow roll; nigiri flight
Insider tip: Call ahead—seating is limited and turns quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Geary Blvd and nearby residential streets; may require circling during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top or button-up are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate – conversation-friendly even when full.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; quicker for bar seating if you’re flexible.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk-ins are typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls and side dishes like miso soup or seaweed salad.
Vegan options: Limited – basic cucumber or avocado rolls, but few specialty items.
Gluten-free options: Partially – nigiri and sashimi are safe if you skip soy sauce; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the small counter setup feels intimate without being stuffy, and friendly staff help ease any nerves. It’s ideal for a relaxed but intentional first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for two if you arrive early or late. Peak dinner hours on weekends can fill the limited seats quickly, so call ahead or aim for post-8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – the space is compact and best suited for adults or older teens who can sit quietly through dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back sushi nights where freshness, friendliness, and intimacy matter more than formality or showmanship.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-end omakase or extensive drink list – this is a neighborhood gem, not a luxury sushi bar.
Teruaki
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Takeout-friendly roll specialist with a sprawling menu and sharp pricing. Sauced favorites like Lava and Cherry Blossom rolls deliver dependable weeknight comfort without stretching the wallet.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lava Roll, Cherry Blossom Roll, 49er Roll
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Huge roll selection at low prices geared to pickup and delivery.
Who should go: Budget roll hunters
When to visit: Evenings after 7pm for faster pickup
What to order: Lava Roll; Cherry Blossom Roll; 49er Roll
Insider tip: Ask for sauces on the side if transporting—keeps tempura crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Geary and nearby side streets is generally available after 6pm, though it can fill during dinner hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and takeout attire all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic and quiet dine-in tables.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for takeout during peak hours; no wait for dine-in counter spots.
Weekday lunch: No wait; orders ready in about 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls like avocado, cucumber, and oshinko available.
Vegan options: Limited—some rolls can be customized by removing mayo or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial—soy sauce contains gluten; request gluten-free soy or avoid sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—more of a grab-and-go sushi counter than an atmosphere spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken, and dine-in counter seats are almost always open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu and fast service suit families with older kids, but limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive rolls and takeout reliability—hard to beat for value in the Richmond.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase-quality sushi or a polished sit-down date night.