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oChef » Basa Seafood Express – San Francisco
Basa Seafood Express - San Francisco
Photo from Basa Seafood Express
Basa Seafood Express at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#1080 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
528
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Great value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor ambiance
- Slow service
- Parking issues
The restaurant Basa Seafood Express is a vibrant seafood restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. When you’re craving fresh flavors and a satisfying meal, you’ll find this spot perfect for a quick bite.
It offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious dishes without a fuss. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, you’ll appreciate the convenient options available, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals alike looking for quality seafood.
Overview: Introducting Basa Seafood Express
Basa Seafood Express offers a compelling option for those seeking quality seafood without breaking the bank. Many appreciate the fresh fish and affordable prices, making it a popular choice for a quick meal.
However, the small space and limited seating mean it’s often best for takeout. Despite its no-frills approach, the friendly staff often leaves a positive impression, contributing to a pleasant experience.
While primarily a takeout spot, it manages to deliver on its core promise of good food and value.
Good
7.6
out of 10
528
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
81
negative
41
neutral
406
positive
Basa Seafood Express earns a solid 7.6 overall, with Customer Satisfaction at a good 76.9%. This positive sentiment is reflected across 528 customer remarks, with 406 positive observations outweighing 81 negative ones, indicating a generally well-received establishment.
Digging deeper, Value leads with an impressive (8.2), closely followed by the quality of Food (7.8). Service also holds its own with a respectable (7.6).
The main area for improvement appears to be Ambience, which scores an average (5), suggesting that the dining environment isn’t its strongest suit.
What people like
- Fresh, quality seafood
- Excellent value, affordable
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Limited, dirty seating
- Slow for "Express"
- Parking can be tough
If you’re prioritizing fresh, well-priced seafood and a friendly interaction over a polished dining setting, Basa Seafood Express is certainly worth considering. With a strong 8.1 recommendation score, it clearly hits the mark for many looking for a casual meal.
It’s a solid choice for a quick, satisfying takeout option, especially if you’re in the mood for poke or sushi. Just manage your expectations regarding the physical space and potential wait times, and you’ll likely find a good meal here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Basa Seafood Express
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.6%, many diners rave about the fresh fish, delicious poke, and quality sushi. Out of 341 comments, a whopping 275 were positive, highlighting items like salmon poke, fresh sushi, and generous portion sizes.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 45 remarks pointed out some areas for improvement, such as occasional issues with fried calamari being fishy, dry fried fish, or concerns about portion size. A few experiences mentioned old oil taste or disappointing combos, so its worth being mindful of your choices.
Food
341
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
45
negative
21
neutral
275
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Delicious poke
- Great sushi options
What people don't like
- Dry fried fish
- Small portions
- Old oil taste
Often praised
- foodThis is literally the ONLY spot in SF that I’ve been to that doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for sushi / poke, and the shocking thing is, the food tastes better than the more expensive places! I’ve been here twice now and I’m simply blown away with how fair the prices are, and the quality of the seafood!
- spicy salmon pokeToday I got the double tuna roll (spicy tuna roll with tuna on top), hamachi nigiri, and spicy salmon poke. Everything tasted fresh, not fishy at all, and I felt super light after the meal. The guy was also hella nice, kept thanking me for stopping by, said sorry for the wait even though it only took a couple of minutes lol, and he kept wishing me to have a great day.
- pokeIt's a small space that doesn't have much indoor seating, so it's best to take it to go. They offer a large selection of sushi rolls and different poke. Many of the poke options are ready to pick up, but if you want to order sushi rolls, it takes at least 10 minutes to make.
- fishIt's an absolute staple for me whenever I'm in the Mission. I particularly appreciate the great service, the quality fish, and the reasonable price. <3
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a small hole in the wall with tasty sushi, poke and seafood. I had been trying to come here for a while and finally got to try it for the first time today.
- seafoodMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a small hole in the wall with tasty sushi, poke and seafood. I had been trying to come here for a while and finally got to try it for the first time today.
- rollsThe rolls I got all tasted amazing
- fish and chipsThe fish and chips meal is very good.
- fresh fishIt's always amusing how I receive a handful of chopsticks when dining for two. I plan to buy some of their fresh fish in the future to make my own sashimi or poke dishes, but for now, I'll continue ordering sushi here when the craving strikes.
- seaweed saladThe hamachi and salmon steaks appeared very fresh, and the sushi bento boxes offered plump pieces for a reasonable price. My ideal lunch here would definitely include three fried oysters and a small seaweed salad. It was truly onolicious!
Frequently criticized
- portionI just wish I had a larger portion. I was a little hungry after.
- food poisoningI've had food poisoning all day after
- fried fishavoid the fried fish, too thin and way too dry
- portionsthe portions were very small
- tasteMy experience was disappointing as neither the salmon nor the tuna poke tasted fresh. We only had a few bites then threw it away due to the taste. The portions were very small, and unfortunately, we both got sick the next day.
- Pokegot so sick after eating the Poke
- Tunaran out of Tuna in the AM
- bossait was cornmeal and it was overcooked and hard and unedible
- care and qualityThe fried fish was very dry and way overcooked, a thin tiny sliver of fish mostly batter. It seems the care and quality has dropped.
- caterpillar rollcaterpillar roll we order didn't have unagi
If you're craving fresh fish, especially poke and sushi, this spot is definitely worth a try for its quality and value. Just be a bit selective with fried items, as some experiences suggest they can be hit or miss.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.6 score and a solid 75% customer satisfaction! Many folks rave about the incredibly friendly staff and quick preparation, especially for takeout orders. With 54 positive remarks out of 72 total, its clear that the owners and employees make a great impression, ensuring a smooth experience.
However, a few of the 8 negative comments point to some hiccups. Some customers felt the wait for orders was a bit long for a place marketing itself as express, and there were occasional concerns about order accuracy. Plus, a couple of people wished they didnt have such an early closing time.
Service
72
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
8
negative
10
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick preparation
- Great takeout
What people don't like
- Slow for "express"
- Order accuracy issues
- Early closing time
Often praised
- serviceThe service was very friendly
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe guy was also hella nice, kept thanking me for stopping by, said sorry for the wait even though it only took a couple of minutes lol, and he kept wishing me to have a great day. Customer service is seriously lacking in a lot of places in SF, but not here! They got other options like tacos, chowder, etc too.
- friendlyThe guy who rang me up was really friendly
- friendly staffVery friendly staff as well
- ownerThe owner was really nice and patient
- staffFriendly , attentive, accommodative staff
- takeoutMy experience at this restaurant offered pretty solid fish for decent prices. They have great takeout options, and the poke seemed popular. However, the fried calamari was a bit fishy, and the seaweed was just a box of it, which was disappointing as I expected seaweed salad with the poke.
- DoorDash deliveryGood DoorDash delivery.
- Quick serviceQuick service
Frequently criticized
- Customer careThese people don’t care about their customers
- ServiceThe workers in the shop did nothing to help
- closing timesad they close at 6pm
- express2. They take a very long time to make an order for the place that markets itself as “express”; we’re waiting about 20 minutes for food. Excuse me if I’m wrong but express means quickly.
- long time to make an order2. They take a very long time to make an order for the place that markets itself as “express”; we’re waiting about 20 minutes for food. Excuse me if I’m wrong but express means quickly.
- order accuracysome orders were completely mixed up
- overall experienceOverall,I was vwey entire tame for
- parkingIt made the perfect lunch alongside some pickled ginger (also available there). The service was very friendly and made up for how hard it was to find parking around the shop. I will definitely be adding this shop to my food rotation!
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and efficient takeout, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that despite the express name, there might be a slight wait, and double-check your order before you head out.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has some interesting contrasts! Many customers appreciate the overall vibe, describing it as a local gem with a good atmosphere and even room to wait inside. With 13 positive remarks out of 41 total, there's definitely a positive buzz around its unique feel, even if the overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.
However, the experience is significantly impacted by practical issues, leading to a poor 31.7% customer satisfaction. A major concern is the lack of seating inside, with many noting no tables and limited parking. Some even mentioned dirty floors and unsanitary bathrooms, which are definite dealbreakers for the dining experience, highlighted in 21 negative comments.
Ambience
41
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Local gem
- Neat market duo
- Plenty of waiting room
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Limited parking
- Unsanitary conditions
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5
- hypeit deserves the hype it gets
- local gemA local gem
- no frills shopIt's a no frills shop
- popularSeems very popular
- room to waitMy experience at this restaurant was great! There's plenty of room to wait inside, which is a plus. I found a great selection of food, with super fresh fish and veggies.
- seafood market and restaurant duoIt's a neat seafood market and restaurant duo
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seatingI found the spicy salmon poke and California Roll to be decent, and these were the only items on the menu worth noting. Due to limited seating, we opted for takeout. The prices were on the expensive side.
- AtmosphereShockingly, the staff did nothing to intervene or call for help. They simply stood and watched as I and two other women were harassed and physically threatened. While it wasn't their fault that the individual entered, it was their responsibility to offer assistance or at least an apology.
- bathroomsIt makes it very unsanitary. The bathrooms never have anything sit down with and I believe that is against the law to not have toilet seat covers in a public bathroom. 2.
- eat inthere's no eat in
- floorsdon’t clean the floors. There are food, trash, and other undesirable things on the floor.
- indoor seatingno longer have indoor seating
- inside of the restaurantHere is the feedback I have after they’ve been open for a while: 1. The inside of the restaurant is absolutely DIRTY. It’s a to go spot but people are eating there all the time and they don’t clean the tables and don’t clean the floors.
- meter maidsthere’s always meter maids around
- no seatingthere is no seating available
If youre looking for a quick grab-and-go experience and dont mind the lack of indoor seating or potential parking woes, you might enjoy the unique market vibe. However, if a comfortable, clean dining environment is a priority, you might find this place disappointing.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and an impressive 86.5% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Out of 74 total opinions, a whopping 64 rave about the great prices, bang for buck, and affordable options, making it a go-to for budget-conscious foodies.
However, a few voices (7 opinions) did mention some minor hiccups. Terms like expensive and charge for a bag popped up, with some feeling they were charged unexpectedly or that certain items were a bit pricey for a takeout-only spot. It seems a small number of customers found the overall experience slightly less value-driven than the majority.
Value
74
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers great prices
- Provides excellent value
- Affordable sushi options
What people don't like
- Unexpected bag charge
- Some find pricey
Often praised
- priceI had the spicy salmon poke, which was hands down the best I've ever had in my life. What made it even better was that it was also the cheapest. The food was incredibly fresh and the prices were surprisingly cheap!
- pricesThis is literally the ONLY spot in SF that I’ve been to that doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for sushi / poke, and the shocking thing is, the food tastes better than the more expensive places! I’ve been here twice now and I’m simply blown away with how fair the prices are, and the quality of the seafood! Spicy salmon poke for $7, like come on.
- valueMany of the poke options are ready to pick up, but if you want to order sushi rolls, it takes at least 10 minutes to make. I ordered two sushi rolls, tuna and spicy salmon, and spent approximately $12, which is definitely good value. I will be back soon!
- affordableI found it to be an excellent spot for sushi and poke to go. The rolls I ordered all tasted amazing and were incredibly affordable. I enjoyed one roll so much while standing up that I immediately got another as soon as I finished because it was that good!
- $10total was $10
- $14 in SFfor $14 in SF
- 100% worth comingIt was 100% worth coming
- BANG for your BUCKbest BANG for your BUCK is at BASA BABY!
- affordabilitygreat place to get an affordable
- affordable lunch optionsuper affordable lunch option
Frequently criticized
- $8For $8 I think we should’ve gotten more
- charge for a bag25 cents they charged for the bag without asking us first
- chargesI got charged for $20!!!
- expensivea little expensive for a take out only place
- moneyit wasn't as good as what my money was
- pricesPrices are on the expensive side
- ricebut it's a separate charge.
If youre looking for fantastic quality without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out. Most customers agree it offers incredible "bang for your buck, " especially for sushi and poke. Just be mindful of potential small extra charges, but overall, its a solid win for affordability.
How are the prices at Basa Seafood Express?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most guests (a whopping 66 of them!) spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, though a few do opt for slightly higher-end experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank, offering a solid value proposition.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Basa Seafood Express
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Fish and Chips Experience
My experience at this restaurant was not what I typically expect for fish and chips. I usually enjoy fried cod, but the 'bossa' dish I ordered was disappointing. It was made with cornmeal, overcooked, hard, and essentially inedible.
The fries were cool and just regular crinkle fries with a little seasoning. Overall, I was really unimpressed and felt the meal wasn't worth the money. Despite being hungry and eating it, I won't be returning without being more discerning about my choices next time.
- batter fried cod7
- fries5
- fish and chips2
- bossa1
- money2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Fresh Salmon Poke, Wish for More
My experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly with the food. I ordered the salmon poke Hawaii style for $8, and it was great. I also added a medium rice bowl for about $3, which was also good.
Both dishes had good flavor and tasted very fresh, with good bites of fish. The service was brief and quick to get the food out. My only wish is that I had a larger portion, as I was still a little hungry afterward.
The price per person was between $1–$10.
- salmon poke Hawaii style8
- medium rice bowl7
- flavor8
- portion4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Disappointing Value and Taste
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. For $8, I expected a larger portion size, but the amount of food received was insufficient. The taste was mild and not particularly good.
Additionally, they ran out of Tuna in the morning, and there were no seats available inside for dine-in.
- portion size2
- taste3
- Tuna2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fresh Fish and Mission Gem
The fact that this place exists is one of my favorite things about the Mission! They not only introduce diversity into the local food scene but their fish is also fresh and high quality! I’m not a big sushi/poke person but I came here once and was surprised by the quality of the fish, and I’ve been spoiled in Hawaii before.
- fish9
- fresh fish9
- high quality fish9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Poke & Value in Town!
I've been coming here for 3 years and have eaten their food at least 30 times. Basa Seafood Express is literally the best bang for your buck, and they also have the BEST poke in the city. Plus, the people who run this place are amazing ❤️.
Support small businesses!
- poke10
- bang for buck10
- people who run this place10
What Basa Seafood Express offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Basa Seafood Express provide?
At Basa Seafood Express, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch and dinner. For your convenience, they also offer catering services. If you prefer to eat at home or on the go, takeout and delivery options are readily available for you.
Is Basa Seafood Express accessible and family-friendly, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Basa Seafood Express is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. It’s also good for kids, making it a great family dining spot. You’ll find both free and paid street parking options nearby for your convenience.
What's the overall verdict on Basa Seafood Express?
Basa Seafood Express holds a good Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.9%. Customers particularly appreciate the Value (8.2) and Food (7.8), while Service (7.6) is also well-regarded. The Ambience (5) is noted as an area for improvement.
What are the main reasons customers enjoy Basa Seafood Express?
Customers frequently praise the fresh fish, tasty sushi and poke, and the overall affordable prices. The friendly staff and good customer service also contribute significantly to positive experiences.
Are there any common drawbacks to consider before visiting Basa Seafood Express?
Some customers note issues with the limited seating and cleanliness of the interior. There can also be long waits for orders, despite the “Express” in the name, and finding parking nearby can be challenging.