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oChef » Elephant Sushi – San Francisco
Elephant Sushi - San Francisco
Photo from Elephant Sushi
Elephant Sushi at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#1313 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#114 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
281
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Friendly service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cramped seating
- Long waits
- Mixed value
The Japanese restaurant Elephant Sushi in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood invites you to a memorable dining experience. You can enjoy a range of delicious offerings, from expertly crafted cocktails to refreshing beer and other alcoholic beverages.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a quick counter service meal, this spot has you covered with its diverse dining options.
Overview: Introducting Elephant Sushi
Elephant Sushi offers a compelling experience, particularly for its highly regarded sushi. Guests frequently praise the quality of the food, often highlighting how fresh and well-prepared it is.
However, be prepared for a rather intimate setting, as the cozy atmosphere comes with some spatial constraints. While the culinary offerings are a clear draw, the restaurant’s limited seating and the fact there’s always a line can impact the overall visit.
Despite these challenges, many find the experience worthwhile, especially considering the value for the quality provided in a city like San Francisco.
Good
7.4
out of 10
281
Reviews
67.6%
Satisfaction
64
negative
27
neutral
190
positive
Elephant Sushi achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, Customer Satisfaction stands at 67.6%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among patrons.
This perspective is drawn from 281 customer observations, with 190 positive remarks contrasting with 64 negative ones, painting a picture of a place with clear strengths but also areas for improvement. The Food (8.6) is undoubtedly the star here, consistently rated as excellent and driving much of the positive feedback.
Service (6.6) is perceived as average, while both the Value (5.5) and Ambience (5.4) also fall into the average category. While the culinary offerings shine, these other aspects contribute to the slightly less enthusiastic customer satisfaction compared to the overall score.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, unique atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited, cramped seating
- Frequent long waits
- Mixed value perception
Elephant Sushi is a compelling choice if your priority is high-quality sushi and you don’t mind a snug setting. With a Recommendation Score of 8.1, it’s clear many find the culinary experience outweighs the practical considerations.
It’s worth trying for its standout food. However, be prepared for potential waits and a very intimate dining space.
If you prioritize spaciousness or quick service above all else, this might not be your ideal spot. For those seeking excellent sushi in a lively, albeit tight, environment, it’s a solid option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Elephant Sushi
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.4%, it's clear diners are consistently impressed. Based on 130 positive remarks, guests rave about the fresh and high-quality rolls, praising the creative flavor combinations and delicious sushi that make for an exceptional culinary experience.
However, a few diners, in 10 observations, noted some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally arose regarding food portions being on the smaller side, and some found the sushi rice to be inconsistent. There were also isolated comments about certain sashimi dishes lacking in flavor or freshness, suggesting some minor inconsistencies.
Food
147
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
10
negative
7
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality sushi
- Creative flavor combinations
- Delicious rolls, sashimi
What people don't like
- Small food portions
- Inconsistent sushi rice
- Sashimi flavor issues
Often praised
- sushiWe celebrated our child's 18th birthday here and had an excellent experience. This place is a true authentic sushi gem with a very small and cozy atmosphere. The staff was friendly, and the food was delicious.
- foodOur sushi chef was exceptionally friendly and expertly prepared some of the most delicious sushi rolls I've ever tasted. I highly recommend Elephant Sushi for their outstanding food, impeccable service, and relaxing vibe. It's my go-to spot for a quick weekend bite or for casual dining with friends visiting from out of town.
- fishThe fish was delicious and tasted great.
- freshsushi was incredibly fresh
- sashimiWhile there can be a long wait in line, it is WELL worth it. This tiny place seats only 12, but it packs a dynamite punch with its selection of high-quality rolls and sashimi. For being affordable (by SF standards), this little joint was a gem of a find!
- sushi placesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's one of the best sushi places in San Francisco. While it has a limited menu compared to the first Elephant Sushi in Russian Hill, the quality is still very good.
- great sushiGreat service and great sushi
- rollsthe rolls were held together by rich sauces
- sushi rollsMy experience at Elephant Sushi was fantastic! They serve some of the best sushi rolls and sashimi in the city. The ingredients are sourced fresh daily, contributing to the incredibly high quality of the food.
- Flaming sea bass rollThe Flaming sea bass roll is a must try!
Frequently criticized
- basic standardsIt’s too bad because I thought they actually had creative combinations. I know times are hard during this pandemic but this was sushi 101🤯 -basic standards should be upheld 🤨 -
- food portionsHowever, the dining experience was not absolutely perfect. The waitresses were slightly arrogant and brusque, the seating space is very cramped, and the food portions were on the smaller side. Some may forgive that for the sushi, but it prompted a one-star deduction for me.
- ingredientsingredients not as good as in sweden
- mid bellywhat was mid belly at best
- portion sizelittle food.
- ricerice was incredibly sticky and too sweet
- sashimiDo not recommend sashimi did not taste fresh
- smoked or salted/cooked sashimi platesfancy smoked or salted/cooked sashimi plates are lacking in flavor and texture
- sushisushi here is not meant to be traditional, but it isn't good enough
- sushi ricesushi rice… it was mushy and inedible
If you're seeking fresh, creative, and delicious sushi, this place is definitely worth a visit. While portions might be modest and the rice occasionally inconsistent, the overall quality and unique flavors make it a standout choice for a memorable meal.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Overall, the service here seems to be a pretty solid experience, with a score of 6.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.7%. Many guests, accounting for 41 positive remarks out of 71 total opinions, praised the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting great service and quick seating. It seems the team, including the chefs, really hustles to make your visit pleasant.
However, its not always smooth sailing. A significant number of guests, with 24 negative comments, mentioned challenges like long waits and lines, especially due to limited seating and early closing times. Some even encountered issues with staff attitude or forgotten orders, suggesting theres room for improvement in managing expectations and consistency.
Service
71
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Prompt food arrival
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Limited seating
- Early closing hours
Often praised
- serviceOur sushi chef was exceptionally friendly and expertly prepared some of the most delicious sushi rolls I've ever tasted. I highly recommend Elephant Sushi for their outstanding food, impeccable service, and relaxing vibe. It's my go-to spot for a quick weekend bite or for casual dining with friends visiting from out of town.
- staffthe staff is incredibly sweet and attentive
- waitThere's no flair or special effects, just damn good sushi. The seating is limited with bar-style seating, but it's worth the wait. Expect to wait 10-15 minutes for a group of two, and 30-45 minutes for a group of 3-5.
- seatingMy experience at this teeny tiny sushi place was quite positive. We were lucky to be seated very quickly, and our food arrived promptly. The portions were decent, and the food itself was tasty with an interesting spin, like one dish featuring truffle shavings.
- sushi chefThe sushi chef had 20+ years experience in crafting fine sushi
- ElenaElena, I believe her name was, warm, personable, and intuitive
- ServiceService:5
- attentive serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by delicious, delicate flavors and great presentation of the food. The attentive service truly enhanced the meal. I particularly loved the Himalayan trout on Rick salt.
- chefThe chef got the mix just right
- chefsthe staff and chefs didn't disappoint
Frequently criticized
- waitThe trout on the Himalayan saltblock and the red and yellow roll were our favorites, but honestly, everything was delicious. It's a tiny spot, so be prepared to wait. They do take your phone number, and there's a great cocktail bar, Rye, right across the street, which is a nice option while you wait.
- Grubhub ordermy Grubhub order was forgotten
- always a lineThis is one of the places that serves delicious sushi. Be aware that there is always a line to get it. They don't take reservations.
- appsturn off your apps when your closed
- attitude and vibeHer attitude and vibe was facetious and unflattering
- closing timeThey close super early
- delivery pick upThe doors were open, and dine-in was clearly closed, but all kitchen staff were working on orders. I asked for my delivery pick up, but I was told they were closed, which didn't make sense. Instead of explaining why they were closed on a Saturday at 4 pm in broad daylight, she gave an illegitimate and assumptive answer saying, "because we are closed at this time.
- explanationInstead of explaining why they are closed
- female stafffirst impressions with one of the female staff was sour and unprofessional
- linesThe lines are very long
If youre patient and dont mind a potential wait, youll likely be rewarded with friendly and attentive service. However, be prepared for possible lines and limited seating, especially during peak hours or if youre on a tight schedule.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 28.8%. Many appreciate the cozy and intimate feel, often describing it as a cute place with a great atmosphere and unique decor. Patrons enjoy the fun environment and relaxing vibe, making it a good choice for a date or a casual outing, according to 15 positive remarks out of 52 total.
However, the main drawback is its size. There are 25 negative comments highlighting it as a very small place with limited seating and a cramped or narrow space. Many found the tiny spot uncomfortable, especially with bar style seating and the challenge of getting a seat.
Some even mentioned the sketchy area as a concern, suggesting it might not be for everyone.
Ambience
52
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
25
negative
12
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate and cozy
- Cute decor
- Fun vibe
What people don't like
- Very small place
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereVery small and cozy atmosphere
- decorUnique and fun decor
- experiencethe experience is amazing !
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cocktail bar Ryethere is a great cocktail bar Rye
- cute placeSuch a cute place!
- environmentFun environment
- great atmosphereWhat a cute place! I loved everyone there and the great atmosphere. The best sushi I’ve had!
- hole in the wallsmall hole in the wall but hip sushi joint
- interiorThe staff was super friendly and accommodating. The interior is tight but cozy, making it a great place for a date.
Frequently criticized
- placeVery small place so you will usually have to wait a bit before being seated.
- seatingMy experience at this restaurant offered great quality sushi, which is commendable given San Francisco prices. However, the seating is limited and snug, so be prepared to get comfortable with strangers.
- seatslast two seats - unfortunately on the corner by the door
- spacevery tiny and uncomfortable if you are very tall
- atmospherea bit cram due to it's small size
- barBar is very tight
- bar style seatingand the bar style seating
- doorextra large door swings in and will hit you
- limited seatingLimited seating
- narrow spaceran into us in the narrow space
If youre looking for an intimate, cozy spot and dont mind tight quarters, this place could be a charming find. However, be prepared for very limited seating and potentially cramped conditions, which might not suit larger groups or those seeking spacious comfort.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners were pleasantly surprised, praising the affordable and reasonable prices for sushi, especially by San Francisco standards. With 4 positive mentions out of 11, these guests felt they got great quality for their money, often calling it phenomenal for the price. However, a significant number of guests, 5 out of 11, felt the opposite, describing the restaurant as pricy or having a high price point for what they received.
This sentiment is reflected in the overall value score of an average 5.5, and a rather poor customer satisfaction of 36.4%, suggesting many felt the cost didnt match the experience, even noting little food or poor service for the price'.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable SF prices
- Great sushi quality
What people don't like
- High price point
- Little food for price
- Poor service for price
Often praised
- San Francisco pricesMy experience at this restaurant offered great quality sushi, which is commendable given San Francisco prices. However, the seating is limited and snug, so be prepared to get comfortable with strangers.
- affordablebeing affordable (by SF standards)
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was unique due to its limited operating hours, being open only a few days and hours a week, making it primarily a lunch spot. The sushi was phenomenal for the price. However, the restaurant has very limited seating, accommodating only about 12 people, so it's best considered a take-out joint with some bar seating.
- pricesThe large door swings inward and can hit you if you're not careful, and people entering hastily also bumped into us in the narrow space. Despite these minor inconveniences, the sushi itself was amazing and at incredibly reasonable prices. If you're dining alone or as a pair and want a quick bite without the wait of the Hyde location, this is a great alternative.
Frequently criticized
- priceService is so so too for the price
- fatty tuna pricecharged full fatty tuna price for what was mid belly
- price pointhigh price point for ok and little food.
- pricesfor the prices we shouldn't be made to feel like we're eating at a fast food joint
If youre looking for good sushi and are prepared for potentially high San Francisco prices, you might find a decent deal here. However, be aware that many feel the cost doesnt always align with the overall experience, so manage your expectations regarding portion sizes and service for the price.
How are the prices at Elephant Sushi?
On average, you’ll spend around 51 per person – from 11 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning towards the higher end depending on the experience.
While the average sits here, we see that guests actually report a pretty wide spread of spending, from more budget-friendly options around $21–$30 to some premium choices over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of experiences reported and the average spend, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems there are options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Elephant Sushi
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Fresh Sushi, Kind Staff, No Frills
My experience at this restaurant was at a very small bar, serving sushi only. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the staff was very kind. It's a great little spot with great food, but it has no frills if that is what you are looking for.
- sushi10
- fresh10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Sushi Experience at Elephant Sushi
My experience at Elephant Sushi was fantastic! They serve some of the best sushi rolls and sashimi in the city. The ingredients are sourced fresh daily, contributing to the incredibly high quality of the food.
The atmosphere is upbeat and fun, making for a very enjoyable dining experience. Our sushi chef was exceptionally friendly and expertly prepared some of the most delicious sushi rolls I've ever tasted. I highly recommend Elephant Sushi for their outstanding food, impeccable service, and relaxing vibe.
It's my go-to spot for a quick weekend bite or for casual dining with friends visiting from out of town.
- sushi rolls10
- sashimi10
- ingredients10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Spectacular Omakase Experience
My experience at the restaurant was spectacular. I had the omakase, and the chef prepared a piece of dry-aged amberjack right in front of me. The scallop was incredibly buttery, and the Kama was also excellent.
I will definitely be returning.
- omakase10
- dry aged amberjack9
- scallop10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Exceptional Sushi Experience!
My friends and I were looking for sushi when we stumbled upon Elephant Sushi on Geary. It was their pre-grand re-opening, and despite limited dine-in seating, the owners were incredibly gracious. They welcomed us and prepared a custom array of top-tier sushi.
The experience was truly one-of-a-kind, with service beyond impeccable. Elena, the staff member, was warm, personable, and intuitive. The sushi chef, with over 20 years of experience, crafted a wonderful experience.
This was one of the best culinary experiences we've had.
- top tier sushi10
- service10
- Elena10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
3
Unprofessional Staff, Delivery Driver Experience
As a Delivery Driver, my first impression with one of the female staff was sour and unprofessional. I came to pick up a delivery order. The doors were open, and dine-in was clearly closed, but all kitchen staff were working on orders.
I asked for my delivery pick up, but I was told they were closed, which didn't make sense. Instead of explaining why they were closed on a Saturday at 4 pm in broad daylight, she gave an illegitimate and assumptive answer saying, "because we are closed at this time. " Her attitude and vibe were facetious and unflattering.
I'm sure the food is good here, but if it were up to me, I wouldn't want to be served or waited on by someone with such an attitude as hers.
- food7
- female staff2
- delivery pick up3
- explanation2
What Elephant Sushi offers
Offerings
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Counter service
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What service options are available at Elephant Sushi?
At Elephant Sushi, you have several convenient service options. You can choose curbside pickup for quick collection, enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience, or opt for takeout. Delivery services are also available, bringing your favorite Japanese dishes right to your door.
What dining experiences does Elephant Sushi offer?
Elephant Sushi provides a variety of dining experiences to suit your needs. You can enjoy a full dinner, find comfortable seating, or grab a quick bite at the counter service. Catering options are also available for your special events, and don’t forget to save room for dessert.
What is the overall rating for Elephant Sushi?
Elephant Sushi holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 67.6%. Its Food (8.6) is highly rated, while Service (6.6), Value (5.5), and Ambience (5.4) are considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Elephant Sushi's food?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional quality of the sushi and sashimi, often noting how fresh the ingredients are and the deliciousness of the rolls.
Is Elephant Sushi a good place for a spacious dining experience?
No, many customers note the restaurant has very limited and cramped seating, often describing it as a small, cozy, or “hole in the wall” type of place.