Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ebisu – San Francisco
Ebisu - San Francisco
Photo from Ebisu
Ebisu at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1590 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#135 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
527
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Welcoming vibe
- Engaging service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Hygiene concerns
- Pricing discrepancies
The Japanese restaurant Ebisu Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, ensuring a delightful beverage to complement your healthy and organic dishes. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Ebisu
Ebisu offers a notable dining experience, particularly praised for its fresh fish and overall food quality. Many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the presence of friendly staff who contribute to a pleasant visit.
However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the service, occasionally leading to longer waiting time . There are also mixed feelings regarding the overall value, with some finding it reasonable and others less so.
Good
7.1
out of 10
527
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
140
negative
34
neutral
353
positive
Ebisu holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction stands at 67%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among guests, which is a notable contrast to the solid overall score.
This feedback comes from a substantial 527 customer opinions, with 353 positive remarks against 140 negative ones. The Food is a clear highlight, scoring an excellent (8.1), frequently mentioned for its quality and fresh ingredients.
The Ambience also contributes positively (6.9), often described as inviting. However, both Service (5.5) and Value (5.5) received average scores, indicating areas where experiences can vary.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, engaging staff
What people don't like
- Service inconsistencies
- Ambience issues
- Inaccurate menu pricing
Ebisu presents a compelling case for those prioritizing high-quality Japanese cuisine, particularly its fresh offerings. While the food consistently impresses, be prepared for potential variations in service and a sometimes bustling environment.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, Ebisu is certainly worth considering for its culinary strengths. However, managing expectations regarding service speed and checking your bill carefully could lead to a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ebisu
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.4%. Based on 236 positive remarks out of 290 total, diners consistently rave about the delicious and fresh fish, often calling it authentic Japanese cuisine and even the best sushi theyve had. It sounds like a real treat for your tastebuds!
However, not all experiences have been perfect. With 43 negative comments, some guests have noted concerns about over-priced sushi and inconsistent food quality. ' There were also a few isolated reports of unpleasant after-effects and hygiene issues, suggesting that while generally high, quality can sometimes waver.
Food
290
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
43
negative
11
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious sushi
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Exceptional fish quality
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional hygiene issues
- Perceived high prices
Often praised
- foodHowever, randomly ending up at Ebisu has turned around my entire opinion. This is exactly what you want out of a casual sushi restaurant: solid food, friendly staff, and an awesome atmosphere that isn’t set to over-the-top SF prices. This place is great.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's been serving up the best sushi in the bay area for over 25 years and is family owned and operated. While parking is very difficult nearby and you'll likely wait if you go after 7 PM, the experience is absolutely worth the trouble.
- FoodIf you're looking for a real Japanese fair with the highest quality of fresh fish, this is the place to go. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5-star rating.
- fishAll the fish was so fresh and prepared perfectly
- SushiIf a place can be perfect, this is it! My experience was defined by a perfect vibe, absolutely delicious Sushi, and very welcoming/professional sushi masters and staff. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone wishing to spend a cozy, delicious, Japanese evening!
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was marked by the excellent quality of the food. While the prices are slightly on the higher side, they are most reasonable considering the overall quality.
- miso soupTo complement the sushi, we also enjoyed the lemon garlic edamame and miso soup. Everything was truly wonderful; even the smaller details like the pickled ginger and miso soup were so fragrant and delicate. The edamame was perfectly prepared, slightly blistered and lightly tossed in lemon juice and garlic for a perfect bite.
- qualitythe quality and consistency has stood the test of time
- quality of the fishthe quality of the fish is outstanding
- sakeWe chose to sit at the bar, which was a lot of fun because the chefs were very entertaining and friendly. The sake was also extremely tasty. Highly recommended!
Frequently criticized
- sushisomewhat disappointed after eating sushi in Japan
- AnkimoAnkimo, first time ever with no sauce
- Chawamushithe Chawamushi was lousy
- June rolltook the bad left over pieces of tuna and plastered them along the top of the roll
- King crab makiKing crab maki has little crab meat
- Lobster tempuraLobster tempura was too oily
- Louisiana hot link rolldragon, Louisiana hot link, and behind the green door were seriously mediocre
- Omakaseordered Omakase with only regular Salmon, Tuna, Albacore, Ikura and MASAGO
- Omakase optionsShould have more options on Omakase
- Uni NigiriSpecifically, the Chirashi 🔥, Hamachi Nigiri 🔥, Escolar Nigiri 🔥, Unagi Nigiri 🔥, Hotate (Scallop) Nigiri 🔥, and Bonito Nigiri 👍🏼 were all delicious. The Uni Nigiri 👎 was the only slight disappointment. We also loved the Dragon Roll 🔥 and Rainbow Roll 🔥.
If you're seeking delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh, high-quality sushi, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while most experiences are fantastic, a few diners have noted inconsistencies in quality and pricing, so choose wisely.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 43.4%, which is also mixed. Many guests appreciated the attentive staff, fast service, and friendly interactions, especially with the chefs. Out of 136 total opinions, 59 were positive, highlighting aspects like great people and excellent work from the team.
However, a significant number of experiences, 64 to be exact, pointed to some clear areas for improvement. Common complaints included long wait times, rushed service, and instances of rude servers or a general lack of hospitality. Some felt a lack of accountability and an entitled approach from staff, making the overall service experience disappointing for them.
Service
136
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
64
negative
13
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Fast service
- Chef interaction
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rushed service
- Lack of hospitality
Often praised
- serviceI ordered the Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Crunchy Roll, and Garlic Lemon Edamame, and they were all incredibly delicious and were priced right for their quality. The delicious food paired with its fabulous interior and efficient service will be bringing me back again very soon.
- staffHowever, randomly ending up at Ebisu has turned around my entire opinion. This is exactly what you want out of a casual sushi restaurant: solid food, friendly staff, and an awesome atmosphere that isn’t set to over-the-top SF prices. This place is great.
- ServiceIf you're looking for a real Japanese fair with the highest quality of fresh fish, this is the place to go. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5-star rating.
- waitworth the wait, which will be long
- waitressthe waitress is rlly nice
- StaffStaff was nice to let us exchange
- attentive staffattentive staff and service was always good
- bar seat serviceThe nigiri was a bit too rice-heavy for my preference. On the positive side, the staff were really kind, and I appreciated the bar seat service.
- chef and staffthe chief and staff are phenomenal
- chefsthe chefs were very entertaining and friendly
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was a significant letdown
- waiting timeTook more than a few minutes to come out
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and really good food. However, the space is a bit small, and you may have to wait at peak times.
- waitresswaitress tried to take our plates away
- accountabilitynever saw accountability
- coercing into orderingcoerce me into choosing readily available items
- consistently bettashould be consistently betta
- contempt for customersEbisu has contempt for its customers
- customer serviceTerrible customer service, especially for a to-go order.
- dishonestyOne star for the dishonesty
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially long waits and a service experience that can be inconsistent. While some find the staff attentive and friendly, others report feeling rushed or encountering less-than-stellar hospitality. It might be worth a try if youre not in a hurry and can overlook potential service hiccups.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the ambience! This spot generally offers a good vibe, reflected in its score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.6%. Out of 64 total opinions, 42 positive remarks highlight the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, often praising its clean and cool setting.
Many enjoy the family affair feel and the engaging sushi bar experience, finding it authentic and welcoming. However, its not without its quirks. 19 negative comments frequently mention the small space and loud environment, with some feeling cramped inside or placed in a darkest corner. Parking can also be a significant challenge, suggesting that while the atmosphere is often great, the physical space and noise levels might not suit everyone.
Ambience
64
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Inviting decor
- Sushi bar experience
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Loud environment
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, randomly ending up at Ebisu has turned around my entire opinion. This is exactly what you want out of a casual sushi restaurant: solid food, friendly staff, and an awesome atmosphere that isn’t set to over-the-top SF prices. This place is great.
- AtmosphereIf you're looking for a real Japanese fair with the highest quality of fresh fish, this is the place to go. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5-star rating.
- vibeIf a place can be perfect, this is it! My experience was defined by a perfect vibe, absolutely delicious Sushi, and very welcoming/professional sushi masters and staff. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone wishing to spend a cozy, delicious, Japanese evening!
- sushi barI sat at the sushi bar
- DecorExquisite Decor like a forest lodge
- Japanese sushi barreally good clean Japanese sushi bar.
- authentic restaurantvery authentic restaurant
- barrecommend sitting at the bar for the full experience
- bar seatingEverything was excellent. If you can, try to be seated at the bar so you can talk directly to the chef – it adds to the experience! Expect to wait 30 minutes before getting seated, as the restaurant is packed on Friday or Saturday nights.
- cleanClean, delicious and super cute inside
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereseeing the guys making the sushi from the bar bickering at each other was not ok. Ruined my dinner.
- seatingdont even think of sitting on the Right side
- Small spaceSmall space.
- cockroachesI sat at the bar area and unfortunately had a very unpleasant experience. Soon after I received my food, I noticed 2 small cockroaches crawling on the bar table. While I initially thought I might be paranoid, shortly after, I spotted a bug-like part floating around in my bowl of udon noodles.
- darkest cornerput me at the darkest corner in the restaurant
- insideit is, though, cramped inside
- little spaceAgain, little space for anything.
- loudand loud
- loud American yakingLoud American yaking at the next table
- natural lightwithout much natural light
If youre looking for a lively, authentic sushi experience with a great vibe and dont mind a potentially cozy (read: small) space or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a bustling atmosphere, especially during peak hours.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, the restaurant receives an average score of 5.5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 43.2%. Based on 16 positive remarks, many guests felt the price was very fair, especially for the quality and ample portions. Terms like reasonable prices, value for money, and well worth it frequently popped up, suggesting many felt they got a good deal.
However, not everyone was thrilled. With 14 negative comments out of 37 total opinions, some customers found the experience quite pricey, noting that the lunch special wasnt cheap. Concerns also arose around menu prices not being accurate, leading to higher bills than expected, and even mentions of unethical business practices' regarding reward cards, which certainly left a sour taste.
Value
37
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
14
negative
7
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Quality justifies price
- Ample portions
What people don't like
- Inaccurate menu prices
- Can be pricey
- Unethical practices
Often praised
- priceFor starters, the Agedashi tofu and miso eggplant were both great. They offer reasonably priced nigiri, and you can even ask the sushi chefs for an omakase, pacing yourself as you go with however many pieces you want. It was a really solid experience.
- pricesprices remains reasonable compared to other Japanese restaurants
- billIt was unbelievable! As you can see from my bill, it was so wonderful that I went crazy eating. Hahaha.
- moneywell worth the money you’ll spend
- pennydef worth every penny
- price pointnot at this price point
- qualityThe sushi was the best I've had in a while, and the interior was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I ordered the Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Crunchy Roll, and Garlic Lemon Edamame, and they were all incredibly delicious and were priced right for their quality. The delicious food paired with its fabulous interior and efficient service will be bringing me back again very soon.
- reasonable pricesvery reasonable prices
- value for moneymost reasonable considering the excellent quality
- well worth itbut well worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThey seat their new chefs there who massacre your sushi. We ordered the June roll and they took the bad leftover pieces of tuna and plastered them along the top of the roll like plaster on a wall, instead of slicing nice WHOLE pieces of tuna for my $22 roll. I watched the trainer sushi chef tell the new chef to not use the nice new tuna and use the leftover tuna pieces to plaster the top of the roll.
- Asahi draftHowever, it came to my attention that prices on the menu are not accurate. For example, the Asahi draft is listed as $7 on the menu, but the bill showed $9. I couldn't verify the rest of the items, but the total was much higher than expected.
- billthe bill came it was $9
- discountshould have gotten a discount of $100
- gift cardpurchased one of their gift cards online
- lunch specialLunch special was not cheap
- menu pricesI'm giving two stars because the sushi is generally good/slightly above average. However, it came to my attention that prices on the menu are not accurate. For example, the Asahi draft is listed as $7 on the menu, but the bill showed $9.
- priceslower your prices
- priceyI bit pricey
- rewards cardsWith today's total of $121, we expected a $100 discount, a reward for spending $1000. We were then told that these reward cards no longer work. I expressed my unhappiness, and the server stated the notification was on their online site.
Given the mixed feedback, value here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many find the quality justifies the cost, be sure to double-check your bill and menu prices to avoid any surprises. It might be worth it for the quality, but stay vigilant.
How are the prices at Ebisu?
You’re looking at roughly 51 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is around 51, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests find options in the 31 – 50 $ range, but there are also plenty of diners enjoying more premium experiences above 60 $, suggesting a good mix of choices.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 106 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ebisu
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fresh Fish, Worth the Price
My experience at the restaurant was delicious! I got a chirashi bowl, which was a bit pricey but absolutely worth it. The fish was incredibly fresh and buttery.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5. It was a great lunch experience with no wait time and reservations not required.
- chirashi bowl9
- fish10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
My Favorite Sushi Spot!
This is the place I come to eat quality sushi! I've tried many places, but so far, this is my favorite. Honestly, it's hard for me to go anywhere else at this point.
- quality sushi10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Delicious Food, Unwelcoming Service
My husband and I recently visited this sushi restaurant for the first time. The food itself was indeed delicious, but unfortunately the service experience left us disappointed. It seems like the restaurant mainly caters to their regular customers.
As first-time guests, we felt unwelcome from the very beginning. The hostess at the entrance had an unfriendly expression and treated us with little attention, almost as if she didn’t want to bother with us. Even the sushi chef’s attitude toward us was noticeably different compared to how warmly he interacted with the regular customers sitting at the table next to us.
While the food was good, the lack of hospitality made the overall experience uncomfortable. Great service should extend to every guest, not just the familiar ones. This was our first and also our last visit to this restaurant.
- food8
- service experience2
- hostess2
- sushi chef’s attitude3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Tastebud Party - Worth Any Wait!
You can't call to make a reservation here; you'll need to walk in and hope for the best. Whatever happens, as long as you get to sit down and eat at this establishment, it's your good fortune. I had the mackerel dinner, my son had the salmon dinner, and my partner had all types of sushi.
I could barely speak because my tastebuds were too busy having a party in my mouth. Definitely worth any wait!
- mackerel dinner10
- salmon dinner10
- sushi10
- reservation3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Consistently Excellent Japanese Dining
My experience at Ebisu has been consistently excellent. They continue to serve excellent sushi and other items, making it one of the best Japanese restaurants in SF.
- sushi10
- other items9
- Japanese restaurant10
What Ebisu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Ebisu Restaurant accessible, and what are the parking options in the Inner Sunset?
Yes, Ebisu Restaurant is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. When visiting, you’ll find free and paid street parking available, though spaces can sometimes be difficult to locate in this popular San Francisco neighborhood.
What kind of dining experience and menu options can you expect at Ebisu Restaurant?
At Ebisu Restaurant, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. The menu features a variety of small plates, healthy and organic dishes, and vegetarian options, complemented by a selection of hard liquor, wine, and beer.
How does Ebisu rate overall?
Ebisu has an overall score of 7.1, indicating a good experience. Its Food is highly rated (8.1), while Ambience is also well-regarded (6.9). However, Service (5.5) and Value (5.5) are considered average.
What can I expect from the food at Ebisu?
Guests frequently praise Ebisu for its exceptional food quality, especially the fresh fish and well-prepared sushi. Many find the ingredients to be of high standard and consistently delicious.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Ebisu?
Some visitors have reported inconsistencies with service, including long wait times and occasional staff issues. There have also been concerns about menu pricing accuracy and, in rare instances, cleanliness in the dining area.