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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Sushi Kazu – San Francisco
Sushi Kazu - San Francisco
Photo from Sushi Kazu
Sushi Kazu at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#1315 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#112 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
290
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Cozy atmosphere
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Inconsistent food
- Poor decor
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood, offers you a truly cozy and casual dining experience. You’ll find Sushi Kazu to be the perfect setting for enjoying authentic flavors, whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This welcoming establishment ensures a comfortable visit for every guest.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Kazu
Sushi Kazu offers a truly authentic experience, with many praising the fresh fish and high quality of its sushi and nigiri. The cozy and calming atmosphere, often accompanied by soft jazz, creates a pleasant escape.
However, some experiences are marred by inconsistent service, which can be slow or inattentive. While the food generally receives high marks, a few dishes and the overall decor have drawn criticism.
Good
7.4
out of 10
290
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
53
negative
24
neutral
213
positive
Sushi Kazu achieves a solid overall score of 7.4, indicating a good dining experience, complemented by a 73.4% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is largely driven by 213 positive remarks out of 290 total observations, suggesting a generally favorable reception.
The Food (8.1) stands out as a clear strength, with many appreciating its quality. The Ambience (7.7) and Value (7) also contribute positively.
However, Service (5.5) appears to be an area needing attention, as it received a lower score and 53 negative comments.
What people like
- Fresh fish, quality sushi
- Cozy, calming atmosphere
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Dated decor
Sushi Kazu is a place with clear strengths, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared sushi and a relaxed setting over swift service. It offers a genuine feel, making it a good choice for a casual, quality meal.
With a recommendation score of 7.6, it leans towards a positive endorsement. If you’re patient and appreciate good sushi at a fair price, it’s certainly worth considering, but manage expectations regarding service speed and interior aesthetics.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Kazu
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction of 82%, diners are clearly happy. Many of the 132 positive remarks out of 161 total comments rave about the fresh fish and quality ingredients, often highlighting the hand-crafted sushi and authentic flavors.
The chefs skills and excellence of the food are frequently praised, making for truly delicious meals. However, not every dish hits the mark. A smaller number of 19 negative comments mention issues like saba lacking flavor and being served warm.
Some found the nigiri had too much rice or wasabi, affecting the balance. There were also concerns about a salty taste in some items and a fridge taste' in others, suggesting occasional freshness issues.
Food
161
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
10
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Authentic sushi flavors
- Skilled chef's dishes
What people don't like
- Saba lacked flavor
- Nigiri rice imbalance
- Not fresh raw fish
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing & authentic sushi, evoking a sense of nostalgia for my time in Tokyo. The service is attentive and efficient, though patience is advised as it's just the chef and one other person.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great. The food is very good every time. While the service can be slow, I believe it's because the staff are very polite and don't want to rush diners.
- fresh fishMy experience at the restaurant was marked by fresh fish and great service. The yummy specials were a highlight, though the prices were a bit high.
- rollsWe've been here a couple of times and loved it! This is a great spot for nigiri and rolls. They give pretty generous cuts for their nigiri and have a wide array of rolls, even for vegetarians!
- fishThe fish was refreshing
- nigiriThis is a great spot for nigiri and rolls. They give pretty generous cuts for their nigiri and have a wide array of rolls, even for vegetarians! The tea and soup they serve is always hot, and the service is prompt.
- qualityexcellent quality and fresh
- riceThey offer a good selection of dishes at reasonable prices. The fish was fresh and tasty, and the rice was perfect. The waitress was friendly, and the chefs were skilled.
- sushi placeIt offered great quality for the price. As someone from Japan, it reminded me of a good quality sushi place, but without the fancy atmosphere – it felt like a cozy spot just around the corner of your neighborhood.
- freshexcellent quality and fresh
Frequently criticized
- sabathe saba was liking in flavor and texture
- Chicken KaraageChicken Karaage... were not as good as I'd had elsewhere
- Japanese scallopJapanese scallop - it had too much wasabi and a lot of salt
- King Kong rollking Kong roll is in a lot of reviews it's not good
- avocadoThe avocado in the California roll tasted expired
- balanceso it's not a good balance
- foodThe food was mediocre at best
- fridge tasteimparted with that same fridge taste
- fried eggplantfried eggplant were not as good as I'd had elsewhere
- missing ingredientsmissing ingredients (how do you forget to add avocado to an avocado salmon roll)
If you're after authentic, high-quality sushi with fresh ingredients, this place is a strong contender and definitely worth trying. While a few specific items received criticism, the vast majority of diners rave about the food. Expect a fantastic meal, but perhaps steer clear of the less-loved King Kong roll or saba.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It seems the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.5 score indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 47.6%. Many guests appreciated the friendly staff, quick and friendly service, and even a knowledgeable chef, with 30 positive remarks highlighting these aspects. However, 26 negative comments point to significant issues like slow service, long wait times, and feeling ignored or dealing with disorganized staff.
Some experiences were marred by poor communication and the impression that the team might be understaffed, leading to frustration.
Service
63
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Quick, friendly service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Slow, disorganized service
- Long wait times
- Poor communication
Often praised
- staffWhile the chicken meatballs were considered good, they weren't exceptional. The atmosphere is fairly laid-back, with a friendly staff and a no-rush feeling. It's important to note that this is not a place for fancy decor or highly attentive service, but rather a relaxed environment.
- serviceThey give pretty generous cuts for their nigiri and have a wide array of rolls, even for vegetarians! The tea and soup they serve is always hot, and the service is prompt. It’s a pretty cozy spot with nice jazz music playing.
- OwnersOwners are Japanese
- ServiceService:5
- chefyou can chat up the chef. He's nice!
- chef and assistantThe chef and assistant are very nice
- chef and serverschef and servers are all chatting in Japanese
- chef was knowledgeThe chief was knowledge of the origin of the fish
- chefsskilled chefs
- counterSit at the counter and take your time
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and a wonderful environment, unfortunately marred by slow service. The amazing environment truly transported me, with a calming feel inside that made it feel like I was in Japan.
- staffTo make matters worse, essential ingredients like avocado were missing from the avocado salmon roll, and there was no wasabi or ginger provided with the sushi. While the food itself was very average, the overall sloppiness of the staff and the poor preparation prevent me from recommending this place.
- waitressthe waitress finally shows her face again after a 20 minute absence.
- called three timesMy experience was extremely negative due to the service I received when trying to inquire about gluten-free options for a friend with Celiac disease. I called three times, and instead of getting an answer, I was hung up on twice and then ignored on the final call. This lack of basic customer service is unacceptable.
- compensationmade no effort to compensate for any of our disappointment
- food to come outbe patient for your food to come out
- hung up onMy experience was extremely negative due to the service I received when trying to inquire about gluten-free options for a friend with Celiac disease. I called three times, and instead of getting an answer, I was hung up on twice and then ignored on the final call. This lack of basic customer service is unacceptable.
- ignoredignored when I called again
- operationallyoperationally the place is a step behind
- ordermultiple things were wrong with our order
If youre not in a rush and value a friendly, knowledgeable interaction, you might find the service acceptable. However, be prepared for potential delays and inconsistencies, especially if youre looking for a quick or highly efficient dining experience.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a 7.7 score and leaving 79.5% of customers satisfied. With 31 positive remarks out of 39 total comments, guests frequently praise the soft jazz music, cozy venue, and European-style ambiance, creating a homey feel thats perfect for relaxation and recharging after a long day. However, a few of the 39 observations note that you shouldnt expect fancy decor, with some mentioning the place is quite small.
While these three negative comments suggest it's not a spot for grand aesthetics, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards a charming and comfortable environment.
Ambience
39
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
3
negative
5
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Soft jazz music
- Cozy homey feel
- Calming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Simple decor
- Small venue
Often praised
- atmosphereThe tea and soup they serve is always hot, and the service is prompt. It’s a pretty cozy spot with nice jazz music playing. I highly recommend giving Sushi Kazu a try!
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and a wonderful environment, unfortunately marred by slow service. The amazing environment truly transported me, with a calming feel inside that made it feel like I was in Japan. The food was great, with refreshing fish and rice of amazing quality.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- European-style ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was an excellent place for relaxation and dinner. The soft jazz music and cozy venue created a European-style ambiance, which was beautifully combined with Asian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the fresh fish and authentic Japanese soy sauce, along with the outstanding dishes, all prepared with care.
- calming feelInside has a calming feel
- charming placeI particularly enjoyed the fresh fish and authentic Japanese soy sauce, along with the outstanding dishes, all prepared with care. This charming place truly recharges you after a challenging workday and brings a positive end to your day, providing a pleasant escape from the monotony of weekdays 👍🏻.
- companyand company
- convenient near MUNIConvenient near MUNI
- cozyit feels very homey and cozy
- cozy venuea cozy venue
Frequently criticized
- decorMy water glass remained empty with no offer to refill it, nor any inquiry about my experience. I paid $52 for what I considered OK sushi, below average decor, and garbage service, with no greeting or farewell from any staff. I even added a $5 tip and still felt I over-tipped.
- placeThe place is small
If you're seeking a charming, cozy spot with a calming, homey vibe and soft jazz, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just know it’s not about fancy decor or a spacious setting, but rather an authentic, relaxed atmosphere.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.1%. Many diners, accounting for 20 positive remarks out of 27 total, raved about the cheap and well priced dishes, often highlighting reasonable SF prices and a fair price for the quality, especially for sushi. However, not everyone agreed, with 5 negative remarks indicating some felt the prices were high or pricey.
These guests occasionally found the cost didn't quite align with their expectations, suggesting a slight disconnect for a minority of patrons.
Value
27
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable SF prices
- Affordable sushi options
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricesMy first experience at this restaurant was when Ebisu was busy, and I was very impressed. They offer a good selection of dishes at reasonable prices. The fish was fresh and tasty, and the rice was perfect.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It offered great quality for the price. As someone from Japan, it reminded me of a good quality sushi place, but without the fancy atmosphere – it felt like a cozy spot just around the corner of your neighborhood.
- well pricedThe food is well priced
- cheapcheap for SF
- costit doesn't cost more than a dozen other places
- dishesThe dishes are priced reasonably
- fair pricetry more items at a fair price
- opportunity to eatDespite the service being a little slower due to Covid, with only one sushi chef, the food he prepared was delicious. The prices are also below market, which creates a great opportunity to eat a lot and try more items at a fair price. I will definitely go again when I return to San Francisco.
- reasonable SF pricesreasonable SF prices
Frequently criticized
- high pricesnot worth the high prices they charged
- price$52 for OK sushi, below average decor, and garbage service.
- pricesthe prices are super high
- priceyA little pricey
- tipsi gave another $5 for tips and still felt i over tipped.
If youre weighing your options, this restaurant generally offers solid value, especially for sushi in San Francisco. Most guests find the prices quite reasonable, making it a good choice if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank. Just be aware that a few diners felt it leaned towards the pricier side.
How are the prices at Sushi Kazu?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 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 mix, with a good number of diners finding options in the $21–$30 range, while others are happy to splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Japanese restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, letting you enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Kazu
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Sushi and Service!
My experience at this local Japanese restaurant was outstanding. The hand-crafted sushi was the best I've had, and they offer a large variety of appetizers. The service was truly exceptional, complementing the delicious food and great atmosphere.
- hand-crafted sushi10
- large variety of appetizers9
- exceptional service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Average Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to terrible service. I faced a wait time of over an hour after ordering, and multiple items in our order were incorrect. To make matters worse, essential ingredients like avocado were missing from the avocado salmon roll, and there was no wasabi or ginger provided with the sushi.
While the food itself was very average, the overall sloppiness of the staff and the poor preparation prevent me from recommending this place.
- food5
- service1
- wait time1
- order1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sushi Spot in Town!
This is our go-to place, and we absolutely love it. It's a husband and wife team, and their food and prices simply blow the other sushi spots in the area out of the water. Every time we've tried a different place, we've regretted it.
Don't sleep on the potstickers!
- food10
- prices10
- potstickers10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Sushi and Cooked Dishes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great sushi and cooked dishes, all offered at reasonable San Francisco prices. It's become one of our favorite Japanese restaurants in the city.
They have fun special rolls, and I especially recommend trying the vegetarian “veggie dragon”.
- sushi9
- cooked dishes9
- reasonable SF prices8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Sushi Spot with Great Service
My experience at Sushi Kazu was absolutely fantastic! It's a great spot for small bites, rolls, and sushi. We've been here a couple of times and loved it!
This is a great spot for nigiri and rolls. They give pretty generous cuts for their nigiri and have a wide array of rolls, even for vegetarians! The tea and soup they serve is always hot, and the service is prompt.
It’s a pretty cozy spot with nice jazz music playing. I highly recommend giving Sushi Kazu a try!
- small bites9
- rolls9
- sushi9
What Sushi Kazu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service and accessibility options does Sushi Kazu offer you?
At Sushi Kazu, you can enjoy convenient dine-in or takeout service. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Can you make reservations and what dining options are available at Sushi Kazu?
Yes, Sushi Kazu accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. You can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine for both lunch and dinner, with table service provided for your convenience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Sushi Kazu?
Sushi Kazu generally offers a good experience with an overall score of 7.4. While Food (8.1), Ambience (7.7), and Value (7) are highly rated, Service (5.5) is an area that could see improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Sushi Kazu?
Many customers praise the fresh fish and high quality of the sushi and nigiri. The cozy and calming atmosphere, often with soft jazz, is also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Sushi Kazu?
Some diners have noted issues with slow or inconsistent service. Additionally, the decor is occasionally mentioned as being below average, and a few specific food items have received mixed reviews.