Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Live Sushi – San Francisco
Live Sushi - San Francisco
Photo from Live Sushi
Live Sushi at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 60 of the guests
#1730 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#144 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
385
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Good value
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Long waits
- Small portions
The Japanese restaurant Live Sushi invites you to a delightful culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
This spot is renowned for its great tea selection, offering a unique complement to your meal. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or small plates, you’ll find a diverse menu to explore.
It’s a fantastic choice for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Live Sushi
Live Sushi offers a mixed experience, with many patrons praising the quality of its fresh fish and a menu that provides fantastic value, especially during happy hour. The atmosphere is often described as having a cozy ambiance, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over subpar service, with reports of staff being less than attentive or even rude. While the food generally impresses, certain items have been noted for tiny portions or lacking freshness, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Good
6.9
out of 10
385
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
91
negative
36
neutral
258
positive
Live Sushi achieves a respectable overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67%. This suggests that while many find it agreeable, a significant portion of diners have reservations.
Based on 385 customer remarks, with 258 positive and 91 negative, there’s a clear lean towards positive feedback, but the mixed satisfaction warrants a closer look. The culinary offerings are a definite strong point, with Food scoring well at (7.4), reflecting fresh ingredients and appealing dishes.
The Ambience also contributes positively (7.2), often described as pleasant. While Value (6.8) is generally seen as good, the Service (5.7) is where the experience dips into average territory, often being a point of contention for guests.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Good value options
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long waiting times
- Small portion sizes
Live Sushi presents a compelling case for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine, particularly its fresh offerings and appealing atmosphere. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize the food and value.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and occasional small portion sizes. If you’re looking for a reliable spot with good food and reasonable prices, it’s worth considering, but manage expectations regarding the attentiveness of the staff.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Live Sushi
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're generally in for a good experience here! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 72.2%, the consensus is quite positive. Many of the 166 positive remarks out of 230 total opinions rave about the fresh fish, sushi, and unique dishes, often highlighting the overall quality and taste.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 40 negative comments point to some areas for improvement, such as concerns about portion size for certain items, particularly prawn teppanyaki being bland, and a reported fishy taste. Additionally, some guests found vegetarian options to be a bit limited.
Food
230
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
40
negative
24
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish
- Delicious sushi
- Unique dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland prawns
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodWe were the first to get in the door when they opened at 5, and to our surprise, they were empty with just us until 5: 30. This was shocking because they have awesome fresh food and their happy hour is incredibly frugal for San Francisco standards. I can’t wait to come back and try more of their wide-ranging menu.
- fishThe unwelcoming attitude of the waitstaff really leaves much to be desired. While the fish is fresh and the sashimi plates are reasonably priced, the bentos are very average. I've noticed other non-5-star reviews share the same experience.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a nice spot to grab some sushi. They offer some unique dishes to try, and the staff were very friendly.
- fresh fishMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great textures and fresh fish, with a good variety of hand rolls and apps. The service was very attentive, and they offered good sake selections.
- hamachiThe hamachi and butterfish were two of the outstanding pieces
- Live SushiIt just never disappoints — and I’ve been going there for 10 years, sometimes as frequently as once or twice a week. The seasonal Live Sushi or Chirasi are classics for me.
- nigiriThe nigiri was just melt in your mouth perfection
- DJ rollI'm already looking forward to my next visit. I highly recommend both the DJ and SFPD rolls.
- bento boxThe bento box with chicken teriyaki and tempura was very good
- chirashithe chirashi is a good selection
Frequently criticized
- Tuna TatakiTuna Tataki... was the worst I’ve ever had
- foodFood was way too expensive for the quality you’re given.
- fishIt didn't taste very fresh and lacked garnish. While the drinks made it worth the visit, the sushi could be improved with higher quality fish and more creative flavoring to make this a truly great spot.
- spider rollThe spider roll portion was tiny for the price
- sushi rollsroll fell apart after dipping in soy sauce
- California rollCalifornia roll in the lunch box was lacking in filling
- DJ rollnot a big fan of the DJ roll
- avocado rollsdisappointed to see the avocado rolls are as size of my pinky finger tip
- bergschneiderthe bergschneider even though it sounded good
- chickenThe fish was incredibly fresh, and the Ramen was of great quality. However, I was disappointed with the portion of chicken, as there were only literally like three teeny tiny pieces of chicken. This led me to rate it four stars instead of five.
If you're looking for a spot with consistently fresh fish and delicious sushi, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or limited vegetarian choices, so choose wisely.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.7 with customer satisfaction hovering around 51.6%. Many guests praised the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting good service and helpful recommendations. With 47 positive remarks out of 91 total comments, theres definitely a bright side to the hospitality here.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. There were quite a few mentions of slow service and frustrating wait times, with some finding the staff to have an unfriendly attitude. These 39 negative observations suggest that consistency might be an issue, leaving some customers feeling less than impressed.
Service
91
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
39
negative
5
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Unfriendly staff
Often praised
- serviceservice that's consistently rated 5/5
- staffWe enjoyed all of it very much. Although there was an initial period of confusion regarding the wait time and table availability, the staff were great once we were seated. The atmosphere is cute and somewhat updated.
- customer serviceI paid $22 for this bento meal. I'm giving a 4-star rating primarily because the location is great, parking is readily available, the customer service was good, and the bathroom is clean. However, I must warn that if you are elderly or disabled, you need to watch carefully where you step due to various hurdles and angled stairs; otherwise, you might fall or trip.
- serverour server helped us figure out what could work
- ServiceService:5
- attentiveand attentive
- chefthe chef even did us a little special
- friendlyvery friendly
- good servicethe good service
- paper menusecond staff person did give us a paper menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying yummy, fresh sushi. The drink menu was fun, but the service was pretty subpar. While the vibes were low, I enjoyed the experience overall.
- staffthey do not smile at people and they discriminate between people
- waiterThe cooked spinach salad, however, was very good. The waiter was also a bit awkward and overcomplicated the ordering process. I asked for a cold green tea, and they inquired if I wanted green or jasmine.
- employeesThe employees are not smiling at all, they are very disrespectful and very rude
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. I had to wait for 1 and a half hour for my order to be prepared. When my order finally arrived, it was incomplete, missing half the items.
- Smartphone menubeing directed to menu on SmartPhone was awkward
- attitudeWeird attitude
- bald manThat bald man is so rude.
- customer serviceNot a good customer service.
- deliverythe order wasn’t ready when promised
Service here can be a bit of a roll of the dice; you might encounter incredibly friendly and attentive staff, or you could face slow service and long waits. If you're patient and visit during off-peak hours, you might have a better experience.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe at this spot! The ambience here scores a solid 7.2, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.8%. Based on 32 customer opinions, with 22 leaning positive, many folks really dig the sailing-themed decor and cozy atmosphere, often noting the space is nice and has a modern ambiance.
Plus, easy parking is a consistent win! However, its not all smooth sailing. A handful of the 5 negative comments mentioned that the vibes were low or weren't a fan of loud music.
Some also pointed out a fishy smell and potential hurdles & stairs that could be tricky, suggesting it might not be ideal for family dining anymore.
Ambience
32
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Sailing-themed decor
- Cozy atmosphere
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Fishy smell
- Tricky stairs
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere is also a strong 5/5
- locationI like the easily parkable location
- parkingThere's parking right outside so it's not too difficult to find parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Sushi Masterswatch the Sushi Masters at Work
- bathroomthe bathroom is clean
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere was the highlight
- easy parkingThere’s always easy parking
- kid friendlyThe food is excellent, with a service that's consistently rated 5/5, and the atmosphere is also a strong 5/5. It's a place that's kid friendly and offers moderate noise, making it suitable for families. While we somewhat recommend it for vegetarians, the overall experience is very positive.
- modern ambiancepretty compact with a modern ambiance
Frequently criticized
- family diningThis is no longer a place to eat with the family
- fishy smellpungent fishy smell that most of those good sushi places
- hurdles & angle of stairs & stepsmany different hurdles & angle of stairs & steps to watch out for or else you might fall or trip
- loud musicnot a huge fan of loud music in any restaurant
- vibesVibes were low
If you appreciate unique, cozy decor and easy parking, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be mindful if youre sensitive to noise or strong smells, or if you have mobility concerns, as these could be potential drawbacks.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 6.8 score and a solid 71.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 23 positive opinions out of 32 total, many customers praise the reasonable price, affordable options, and fantastic value, especially noting happy hour deals and bento box specials. However, 7 negative opinions suggest that not everyone agrees.
Some found the experience expensive or felt that portions were tiny for the price, indicating that while many find good deals, others might encounter high prices for certain items.
Value
32
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
- Great happy hour
- Bento box value
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Portions too small
Often praised
- priceAll items were very flavorful, and the menu is extensive with many options for sushi and entree items. In relation to other similarly priced 4-5 star sushi restaurants in SF, I’d say it’s very comparable in price, freshness, and taste. Aesthetically, the rolls look great and have great presentation.
- pricesat reasonable prices
- reasonable priceThis is my solid & reliable go-to sushi place in San Francisco for a reasonable price. It just never disappoints — and I’ve been going there for 10 years, sometimes as frequently as once or twice a week.
- affordableThe service was quick, with food arriving at the table quite fast after ordering. Overall, it's a solid Japanese place that's cute and decently affordable, though nothing about the food or ambiance was so special that I'd think 'oh wow this is somewhere I'd definitely take my friends'.
- bento boxBento box was pretty good value
- dealThe bento box lunch special is a decent deal
- fantastic valueI enjoyed the quality fish and the menu offered a good mix of classic and modern dishes. The Bento boxes were a particular highlight, offering fantastic value and always being yummy.
- food is a good valuethe food is a good value
- happy hourWe were the first to get in the door when they opened at 5, and to our surprise, they were empty with just us until 5: 30. This was shocking because they have awesome fresh food and their happy hour is incredibly frugal for San Francisco standards. I can’t wait to come back and try more of their wide-ranging menu.
- happy hour pricespleased with the happy hour prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe spider roll was disappointingly tiny for the price and contained an unusual and terrible combination of ingredients. Similarly, the nigiri was very expensive for the portion size, and the quality was only adequate; I expected better given the cost. Furthermore, on a second occasion ordering delivery, my order was not ready when promised, leading to a 30-minute wait for the delivery person at the restaurant.
- bento mealPaid $22. for the bento meal
- pricesTheir prices may be high
- spendinghe felt annoyed for not having spent enough and he gave me a bad expression
- value for moneynot one I would send my money on.
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour or for lunch specials like bento boxes, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey for their portion size, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Live Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 60 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice spread: while many enjoy meals in the $21–$30 range, there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, which helps push that average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 60 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the range of options available, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer good value whether you’re looking for a more casual meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Live Sushi
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Enjoyable Family Dining for Years
We really enjoy coming here with our kids, and we have for years. More recently, we’ve been pleased with the happy hour prices. The food is excellent, with a service that's consistently rated 5/5, and the atmosphere is also a strong 5/5.
It's a place that's kid friendly and offers moderate noise, making it suitable for families. While we somewhat recommend it for vegetarians, the overall experience is very positive.
- happy hour prices8
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Reliable Neighborhood Sushi Spot
This is our neighborhood sushi joint. There’s always easy parking, the space is nice, and the food is a good value for high quality. Yesterday, service was a bit slow as it seemed like the staff was taking lunch breaks, but it wasn’t a big deal.
The California roll in the lunch box was lacking in filling, but I don’t think this has usually been the case. Will keep going back!
- easy parking9
- space is nice8
- food is a good value8
- California roll4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Fresh Fish and Rolls
My experience at the restaurant was consistently excellent, particularly with the fresh fish. The Chirashi bowl was excellent and a good value. I also loved the Romeo and Juliette and the Giant’s rolls.
- fresh fish9
- Chirashi bowl9
- Romeo and Juliette9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Affordable Lunch Spot
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially for an affordable lunch. The bento box lunch special is a decent deal, offering a choice of up to 2 items for $20 or 3 items for $24. I usually opt for the short ribs, salmon, and tempura.
- bento box lunch special8
- short ribs7
- salmon7
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
6
DoorDash Ordering Issues, Food Okay
My experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by issues with their ordering system, which is outsourced to DoorDash. This means you'll have to deal with DoorDash directly, and the restaurant will not assist you, instead offloading you to their third-party service. Regarding the food, it was okay, though I suspect the chicken might not have been the freshest.
- chicken5
- ordering system2
What Live Sushi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Live Sushi Bar?
When you plan your visit to Live Sushi Bar in the Mission District, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. You can often utilize free street parking, and there’s usually plenty of space available. Additionally, paid street parking options are also at your disposal, making your dining experience hassle-free.
Can you make reservations and what dining options does Live Sushi Bar offer?
Yes, Live Sushi Bar accepts reservations, and it’s recommended to make dinner reservations, especially during peak times. You can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. They also provide catering services for your special events.
What is the overall dining experience like at Live Sushi?
Live Sushi has an overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.4) and Ambience (7.2) are strong points, offering fresh dishes and a pleasant setting. Value (6.8) is also good, though Service (5.7) tends to be average.
What do customers appreciate most about Live Sushi's offerings?
Many customers praise the fresh fish and the fantastic value found in items like the bento boxes and happy hour specials. The menu is extensive, offering a good variety of sushi and entree options.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted subpar service and occasional long waiting times. There are also mentions of certain items having tiny portions or lacking freshness, suggesting some inconsistencies in food delivery.