Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Fish In The Box – San Francisco
Fish In The Box - San Francisco
Photo from Fish In The Box
Fish In The Box at a glance
San Francisco Panhandle
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1814 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#148 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
325
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Menu changes
- Service issues
The restaurant Fish In The Box is a Japanese restaurant located in the vibrant Panhandle neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere here, perfect for a casual meal or a quick bite.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options or just a relaxed spot to enjoy some authentic Japanese cuisine, this place offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Fish In The Box
Fish In The Box offers a notable focus on its core product, with many appreciating the fresh fish and quality ingredients. Customers often highlight the friendly staff and fast service, making for a pleasant interaction, especially for quick orders.
The overall experience leans towards convenience and quality. However, the dining experience at Fish In The Box can be limited by its small space, often making it more suitable for takeout.
Some recent menu changes have also caused disappointment among regulars, particularly regarding the availability of certain popular items and perceived value shifts.
Good
6.8
out of 10
325
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
98
negative
19
neutral
208
positive
Overall, Fish In The Box earns a solid 6.8, indicating a generally positive reception, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64%. This assessment comes from a substantial 325 customer opinions, with 208 leaning positive and 98 expressing concerns.
The primary draw is clearly the Food (7.0), consistently praised for its freshness and quality, which stands out as a strong point for the establishment. The Service (6.7) also receives good marks for its efficiency and friendly interactions, though some isolated issues were noted.
The Value (6.4) is seen as reasonable by many, despite some finding certain items a bit pricey. The Ambience (6.1), however, is often described as small and better suited for quick visits or takeout, reflecting a functional rather than a leisurely dining environment.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Efficient, friendly service
- Good value for quality
What people don't like
- Small dining space
- Disappointing menu changes
- Inconsistent service response
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, Fish In The Box presents itself as a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize fresh ingredients and efficient service. It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of quality food, making it a reliable option for a quick and satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the compact dining area and recent menu adjustments that might not suit everyone’s preferences. If you’re looking for a casual spot with good food, especially for takeout, it’s certainly worth considering, but don’t expect a spacious sit-down experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fish In The Box
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7 score, which is quite good! Many guests rave about the fresh fish, delicious poke bowls, and generous portions, with 159 positive remarks highlighting the quality and taste. It seems like a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 67.7% mixed bag, largely due to recent menu changes. Some found the new bowls less customizable and even reported fishy tastes, with 68 negative comments expressing disappointment over the altered offerings and lack of flexibility.
Food
235
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
68
negative
8
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish
- Generous portions
- Delicious poke bowls
What people don't like
- Menu changes
- Less customizable
- Fishy taste
Often praised
- foodI wouldn't recommend dining in because the space is small. It's also more expensive than other options, but the food tasted good.
- fishdidn’t expect the fish to be this fresh
- salmonYou can feel the fattiness of the salmon in your mouth, and it is so good.
- deluxe boxordered a deluxe box. Ingredients are really fresh
- sushiThe sushi is always fresh and delicious
- FoodThe Food:5 rating reflects the excellent quality
- pokeMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the food. It's prob the most fresh and delicious poke I’ve had! I tried both the build-your-own poke bowl and the mini Kaisen, and both were delicious.
- portionsThe portions stt generous as well
- sushi burritoThe burrito is so worth it coming with a lot of fish
- sushi burritosMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to recent changes. I suspect new owners or a menu overhaul, as their delicious sushi burritos are no longer available. The reason given was that they are 'too messy to eat.
Frequently criticized
- menuI am pretty bummed about how radically the menu has changed at Fish in the Box. This was the best spot in SF for poke bowls and burritos, and burritos aren’t even on the menu anymore.
- new menunot a fan of the new menu at all
- poke bowlsHowever, the most recent menu update is super disappointing. The original poke bowls were simple and delicious, but the new bowls are unappetizing in my opinion – seafood with egg, corn, tomatoes, and WAY too much katsuo! I appreciate the owner trying something new, but I wish they would bring back at least the option to have a simple poke bowl and the katsu curry.
- bowlsUnfortunately, the new menu is NOT IT. Others have shared similar feedback, but the new bowls are even less customizable than before. I miss the seaweed salad and the option to add multiple sauces.
- currystopped serving their curry and it was the best
- food poisoningGot horrible food poisoning from here
- menu changethe menu change is a big disappointment
- menu changesI used to visit Fish in the Box 1-2 times a week and genuinely loved everything on the menu. However, the recent drastic menu changes have left me really disappointed. The new menu offers less customization, is less flavorful, and is overall a letdown.
- salmonsalmon was on the verge of turning, aka getting a bit too fishy
- 4 pc overpriced rollsNow its 4 pc overpriced rolls that are lame as hell
If you're looking for fresh fish and generous portions, especially from the original menu, this spot could be a hit. However, be aware that recent menu changes have left some diners feeling disappointed, particularly regarding customization and new bowl combinations.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally lands in the solid average category, with a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 58.5%. Based on 41 overall observations, with 24 positive remarks, many customers appreciate the friendly staff and servers, often highlighting fast service and the convenience of iPad ordering. Food often comes out within a reasonable amount of time, making for a pleasant experience.
However, there are 13 negative points to consider. Some patrons have noted issues like understaffing, leading to long waits, especially for takeout. Concerns about packaging and less-than-ideal phone etiquette, with some finding staff nonchalant, also pop up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
41
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Easy iPad ordering
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor phone etiquette
- Understaffing issues
Often praised
- servicethe service is very good and fast
- staffthe stuff is japanese like very friendly
- Servicethe Service:5 was also top-notch.
- StaffStaff is nice and friendly
- fast servicefast service
- foodfood comes out within a reasonable amount of time
- girl behind the counterpretty impressive seeing the girl behind the counter crank out all the orders
- iPad orderingorder on an iPad and bring your food out to you, which was to use easy and convenient
- ownerOwner is very friendly
- packagingExcellent packaging
Frequently criticized
- servicewoman on the phone was nonchalant about it
- apologyI got horrible food poisoning from here. When my wife called to inform them about it to prevent others from getting sick, the woman on the phone was nonchalant about it with no apology or concern and then hung up on her.
- dine-in availabilityNo dine-in available lately
- hoursthe hours are so tough
- lunch hourslunch hours are a problem--they close at 2:00
- packagingsomewhat ridiculous packaging for eat in order
- phonethen hung up on her
- restaurant managementThey have to manage properly their restaurant
- staffWhen I asked the staff about the the bright red/orange color indicative of imitation crab meat they confirmed
- takeoutordered takeout and had to wait long enough
Overall, if youre looking for generally friendly interactions and quick food delivery, youll likely be satisfied. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially regarding wait times or if you need to call in, as service can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Many diners appreciate the overall atmosphere and find the place to be really fresh and clean. Reviewers often describe the interior as cozy and the space as thoughtfully designed, making for a relaxing time. Its even considered a neighborhood gem by some, with its clean open kitchen.
Out of 33 total comments, 15 leaned positive, contributing to an average score of 6.1. However, the experience isnt always perfect, with 13 negative remarks highlighting some challenges. Many found parking to be difficult, and the seating options are often described as limited or not the best.
The space itself is frequently called small inside or a tiny dining area, making it more suitable for takeout. Concerns about too much plastic waste and disposable containers also contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 45.5%.
Ambience
33
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, fresh atmosphere
- Cozy, thoughtful interior
- Relaxing time
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Small dining space
- Plastic waste issues
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also good
- placeThe place is really clean and pleasant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- areaThe area is super small to dine in, but it is cute!
- interiorI ordered takeout from this restaurant and was really impressed. The interior is cozy, and the takeout dishes were beautifully plated with attention to detail. The flavors were well-balanced and everything tasted great.
- neighborhood gemThe beef potstickers were also excellent. I'm so thrilled to have this gem in the neighborhood.
- open kitchentheir open kitchen is very clean
- spacespace is simple but thoughtfully designed
- timewas a relaxing time
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe service was excellent, rated 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4 out of 5. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the free street parking was a plus.
- seatingthe seating isn’t really the best
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- dining areaThis is a good place to order poke to take out because the dining area is tiny. However, the prices are reasonable and the fish very fresh and sweet tasting.
- disposable containersoverflowing from disposable containers thrown out by customers exiting the restaurant
- placeNot the same anymore
- plastic wasteToo much plastic waste for dine in orders though
- serving areano frills serving area
- small insideit’s so small inside
- spacespace is small
If youre looking for a clean, cozy spot for a quick bite or takeout, the ambience here is generally pleasant. Just be prepared for potential parking hassles and limited seating, as its a small space. It's a good option if you prioritize a fresh feel over spacious dining.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the pricing to be quite fair, often highlighting reasonable prices and good deals for the quality of food. The bonus of free street parking also earned praise. With a score of 6.4, indicating an average experience, and a customer satisfaction of 62.5%, its clear many feel they get their moneys worth.
However, not everyone agrees, as some felt the prices have gone up, making certain items, particularly the rolls, feel a bit overpriced. Based on 16 customer opinions, with 10 positive and 4 negative, there's a noticeable sentiment that some aspects of the menu might be more expensive than desired.
Value
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good deals
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- Overpriced rolls
- Prices gone up
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious sushi and bowls for a reasonable price. The rice was amazing, which is always a good sign of a quality Japanese restaurant.
- $9 plus taxAlthough I was initially concerned about the portion size, seeing only 6 pieces for a light dinner, I found it to be quite satisfying. The cost was $9 plus tax.
- Price per personthe Price per person:$20–30 felt reasonable
- boxesboxes to be reasonable for the quality
- dealI truly liked everything I got. The deluxe box was $50 worth of sushi, and of course, that's a hefty price for one person, but if you can share it, I think the deal is actually quite fair. The fish eggs, salmon, shrimp, scallops, and crab salad were all so good.
- free street parkingfree street parking was a plus
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
Frequently criticized
- overpriced rolls4 pc overpriced rolls that are lame as hell
- priceI wouldn't recommend dining in because the space is small. It's also more expensive than other options, but the food tasted good.
- pricesPrices have gone way up
- rollsrolls feel like kind of a rip off
If you're looking for good quality food at what many consider a reasonable price, especially for certain deals, this spot could be a solid choice. However, be mindful that some items, particularly the rolls, might feel a bit expensive, so choose wisely to get the best value.
How are the prices at Fish In The Box?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Prices here cluster nicely around the mid-range, with most diners spending between 11 – 30 $, but there are also options for those looking to splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those seeking a casual meal and those willing to spend a little extra for a special experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fish In The Box
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food, Great Portions!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be absolutely amazing, flavorful, and fresh. The ingredients were of very good, high quality.
I was also impressed with the great size portions. I ordered the Strawberry milk match and Tuna Sunset bowl to go. The restaurant has a small indoor eating area, with an outdoor seating option available as well.
- food10
- ingredients9
- size portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Fresh Poke, Tiny Dining Area
This is a good place to order poke to take out because the dining area is tiny. However, the prices are reasonable and the fish very fresh and sweet tasting. The portions are also generous.
- poke9
- prices8
- fish10
- dining area3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Japanese with Spicy Tuna!
My experience at this wonderful neighborhood Japanese restaurant was great. The Sunset Tuna Poke was a standout, featuring both minced and cubed spicy tuna, farm-fresh greens, mango, and seaweed salad. It truly hit the spot for a delicious seafood fix.
The Matcha drinks were also fantastic! The restaurant is a bit understaffed, with about seven two-tops inside and three outside. Ordering is done via an inside kiosk.
If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd definitely be a regular customer.
- Sunset Tuna Poke9
- spicy Tuna8
- Farm fresh greens8
- understaffed4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Mixed Feelings on Rolls and Bowls
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. I found the rolls to be yummy, and the fish tasted fresh. I particularly enjoyed the torched salmon for its good flavor.
The packaging was excellent, and I appreciated the nice touches like the sealed brown bag, branded quality napkins, and bamboo chopsticks. However, the seasoning of the bowl did not work for me. It felt like there was too much vinegar, either in the sushi rice seasoning, the truffle in the dressing on the fish, or something else.
This combination with the fatty salmon and bonito flakes ended up feeling like 'too much' and was a bit nauseating instead of indulgent. Next time, I would probably just get rolls or perhaps try the futomakis.
- rolls9
- fish8
- torched salmon8
- seasoning of this bowl2
- sushi rice seasoning4
- truffle in the dressing4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing fresh sushi, beats NY standards!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing and the sushi was incredibly fresh. I used to frequent sushi places in NY, and I can confidently say this place beats it hands down. I can highly recommend it.
- sushi10
- fresh10
What Fish In The Box offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Fish In The Box?
At Fish In The Box, you can enjoy a variety of service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, even no-contact delivery for your convenience. They also offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the San Francisco weather. You can visit for lunch or dinner, with counter service available.
Does Fish In The Box cater to specific dietary needs and what amenities are offered?
Yes, Fish In The Box is mindful of diverse diets, providing excellent vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes, alongside healthy options for everyone. While you dine, you can also take advantage of amenities like free Wi-Fi and a clean restroom for your comfort.
What is the overall rating for Fish In The Box?
Fish In The Box holds an overall score of 6.8, with customer satisfaction at 64%. Its Food (7.0) is highly regarded, followed by Service (6.7), Value (6.4), and Ambience (6.1).
Is the food at Fish In The Box fresh and what about menu changes?
Customers frequently praise the fresh fish and delicious poke bowls. However, there have been recent menu changes that some regulars found disappointing, particularly regarding the availability of certain popular items like sushi burritos.
Is Fish In The Box suitable for dining in or is it better for takeout?
The dining area at Fish In The Box is often described as small and compact, making it more suitable for takeout orders. While the space is clean and thoughtfully designed, many find it better for quick visits rather than a leisurely dine-in experience.