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oChef » Fishmandu – San Francisco
Fishmandu - San Francisco
Photo from Fishmandu
Fishmandu at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#156 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
565
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Fresh Food
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Difficult Parking
- Neighborhood Concerns
- Smoke Issue
The restaurant Fishmandu, a Japanese eatery nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon, invites you to discover a culinary haven. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying fresh sushi and other Japanese delights.
It’s also a fantastic spot for late-night food, ensuring your cravings are satisfied no matter the hour.
Overview: Introducting Fishmandu
Fishmandu appears to offer a genuinely pleasant dining experience, with many patrons highlighting the fresh offerings and the attentive nature of the staff. While the overall atmosphere is often described as cozy and comfortable, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the surrounding location.
This spot consistently delivers on its core promise of quality, with the main dishes frequently receiving high praise. The perceived value is also a recurring positive, suggesting a satisfying experience that often exceeds expectations for a casual meal.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
565
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
49
negative
11
neutral
505
positive
Fishmandu achieves a strong overall score of 8.7, placing it firmly in the good to excellent category. This is supported by a high customer satisfaction rate of 89.4%, indicating that the vast majority of diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 505 positive observations compared to just 49 negative ones, across 565 customer remarks. The restaurant truly excels in its Service (9.2), which customers consistently commend for its friendliness and efficiency.
The quality of the Food (8.7) is also a significant draw, often described as fresh and masterfully prepared. The Ambience (8.2) provides a comfortable setting, while the Value (7.3) is considered good, particularly for the quality received.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- High-quality, fresh food
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Challenging parking options
- Concerns about neighborhood
- Occasional weed smoke
If you’re looking for a sushi spot that prioritizes genuinely attentive service and consistently fresh, well-prepared dishes, Fishmandu is a solid choice. Despite some external considerations like parking, the internal dining experience often makes it a worthwhile visit.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, it’s clear that many find this restaurant to be a reliable and enjoyable option. Consider Fishmandu for a satisfying meal where the quality of the food and the warmth of the staff truly shine.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fishmandu
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.7 and an impressive 89% customer satisfaction. With 292 positive remarks out of 328 total, diners consistently rave about the incredible freshness of the fish, the overall sushi quality, and the delectable rolls, often highlighting the perfect balance of flavors. However, not every culinary experience is flawless.
Among the 29 negative comments, some guests noted issues with salty rolls and expressed disappointment with the fish quality. Others felt the portion size was too small or were surprised by the use of crab stick instead of real crab in certain dishes.
Food
328
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
29
negative
7
neutral
292
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious sushi
- Excellent sushi quality
- Delectable rolls
What people don't like
- Salty rolls
- Small portion sizes
- Crab stick use
Often praised
- sushiAs a family-owned business, they offer great prices for the quality of sushi they serve. I appreciate that they don’t over-sauce the sushi, allowing the quality of the fish to shine through. This will definitely remain one of my regular spots!
- foodThe owner and his wife provided exceptionally friendly and hospitable service. The food was masterfully prepared, with the mackerel (saba) being a particular standout. Overall, a great dining experience.
- fishHe gets the fish every day from the local fish market. Everything is so fresh.
- food qualityThe food quality at Fishmandu Sushi is nothing short of amazing.
- miso soupWe started with the miso soup and got a side of the seaweed salad. The soup was delicious and the seaweed salad was the best I’ve ever had, truly. Then we got the California roll, the dragon roll, and the spicy tuna roll.
- qualityMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. The sushi was stunning, and the quality was unmatched. We had an amazing night, and the chef Buddhi was incredible.
- chefI had the best sushi I have ever had, both in terms of quality and taste. The chef is very talented, and his lovely wife's service is the cherry on top. I would recommend this place to everyone I know without hesitation!
- fresh fishrecommendation of fresh fish
- nigiriThe nigiri and speciality rolls are not to be missed
- rollsThe experience was really great, with excellent service and really good value for such high quality sushi. They have a great nigiri selection and really awesome rolls. I can't wait to eat my way through the rest of the menu!
Frequently criticized
- sushiWow, y'all be lying out here. That was not great sushi. It was edible but not tasty.
- foodWeed smoke (from next door through the walls?) was also consistent, which wasn’t what we were looking for. Nice people, but not good food.
- fishThe service was great and very friendly, which was a definite plus. However, our chirashi did not have very much fish, and the fish we had was not too high quality for the price. While the service was excellent, the food quality for the price was a letdown.
- rollsThe rolls were nothing special, in fact I didn't like them
- Miso soupMiso soup... not tasty
- Sashimi23 piece Sashimi... not tasty
- amount of seafooddisgusting amount of seafood per roll
- chirashiour chirashi did not have very much fish
- crab stickFor a 5-star experience, I expected real crab in the sushi, not crab stick. While it wasn't bad, the food quality could certainly be better.
- fish qualityVery mediocre sushi and fish quality.
If you're on the hunt for a sushi experience where freshness and flavor are paramount, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some found portion sizes small, the overwhelming consensus points to a delicious and high-quality meal.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and customer satisfaction soaring at 94.5%, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 145 comments, a whopping 137 rave about the owner and wife, staff, and their attentive and hospitable approach, making every visit memorable and personal.
However, a few of the 145 remarks, specifically 7, did point out some minor hiccups. Concerns about wait time, slow service, and the impact of one chef working occasionally surfaced, suggesting that while the service is stellar, patience might sometimes be required during busy periods.
Service
145
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
137
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owners
- Personalized experience
What people don't like
- Occasional long waits
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been fantastic! I've dined here about four times and each visit has been marked by consistently delicious food and great service. As a family-owned business, they offer great prices for the quality of sushi they serve.
- staffIf you’re in San Francisco and looking for sushi that isn’t pretentious, this is your go-to place! My family and I visited, and although the place was empty, the staff were eager to serve us. I ordered the Lion King roll, which was filled with spicy crab and cucumber, topped with a melody of sauce and spice.
- ownersI had the best time at Fishmandu last week with my best friend while we were in town visiting. We were seated immediately as the doors opened and had a lovely time talking to the owners. I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for some great sushi and hospitality.
- chefThe owner is the chef and he makes all the sushi by himself.
- ownerThe owner is the chef and he makes all the sushi by himself.
- peopleWeed smoke (from next door through the walls?) was also consistent, which wasn’t what we were looking for. Nice people, but not good food.
- ServiceService is wonderful!
- hospitalityowner and chef Budhi gets 10 out of 10 for hospitality
- waitressThe waitress even encouraged our kids to try new things
- BuddhiBuddhi is a very nice guy
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice wasn’t great
- long waitit took a long time to serve the food
- one chef workingdue to only one chef working
- staffThe staff don't check in too often with us
- waitbe prepared to wait for half an hour or more for your food
- wait time for sushiTook a while for our sushi to get to us (20-30 min wait)
If you value a truly welcoming and personalized dining experience, you're in for a treat here. While there might be an occasional wait, the overwhelmingly positive interactions with the owners and staff make it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic 85.3% customer satisfaction! Guests frequently rave about the cozy atmosphere, warm and inviting ambiance, and awesome vibe, often calling it a hidden gem. With 58 positive remarks out of 68 total, its clear the interior experience is a major draw.
However, a few guests did note some external challenges. While the interior is lovely, there were 9 negative comments primarily concerning the location and parking situation. Some found the neighborhood' less desirable, mentioning difficulties with finding a spot or the surrounding area.
Ambience
68
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Awesome vibe
- Spotlessly clean
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Less desirable location
Often praised
- atmosphereThe Sunshine Roll stood out; although a bit pricier, it felt like a premium roll with great flavor and presentation. The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was casual but clean and comfortable. This spot stands out for its freshness and fair prices.
- hidden gemSo much so, I'm going back tonight! Why go to another place when you've found a local hidden gem! Obviously, I highly recommend this restaurant!
- locationWalked in to the quiet and unassuming location
- placethe place is so beautiful and cozy
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- small placeSmall place but has an awesome vibe
- ambianceCute ambiance, and clean interior
- ambienceLovely cozy ambience
- awesome vibehas an awesome vibe
- bench seatsthe bench seats are so comfortable
Frequently criticized
- locationThe Tenderloin District, unfortunately, can be tragic
- ParkingParking isn't the best
- Weed smokeWeed smoke... was also consistent
- areaMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, despite initial reservations about the neighborhood. We were a bit hesitant about the area, as there are quite a few homeless people around this area in general, that might make you feel uncomfortable, but we wanted to support local businesses. Really happy we did that!
- neighborhoodIt’s not in the nicest neighborhood
- parkingMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise, particularly with the quality of the sushi and the warmth of the hospitality. If you are driving, be prepared to park a few blocks away. The Ankimo and sonomono salad were the star of the show and offered an experience we had not encountered in other sushi restaurants.
- parking spacesomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a truly delightful and cozy dining experience inside, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential challenges with parking and the immediate surroundings, but dont let that deter you from its charming interior.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a solid 75%, many guests rave about the excellent value, price, and the generous amount of food you get. Out of 24 opinions, a whopping 18 were positive, highlighting great prices for quality.
However, it's not all perfect. A few diners, 4 to be exact, felt it was simply too expensive for the portions, with some even questioning if it was truly worth the price. They noted that the quality for what you pay could sometimes be a letdown, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas.
Value
24
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Good food amount
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Small portions
- Poor quality for price
Often praised
- priceThe staff were incredibly friendly, and the sushi was of high quality. What made it even better was the very reasonable price. I enjoyed my visit so much that I ate here twice during my two-night stay in SF.
- pricesThe service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was casual but clean and comfortable. This spot stands out for its freshness and fair prices. I would definitely return.
- valueI was super stoked to finally try this spot. The experience was really great, with excellent service and really good value for such high quality sushi. They have a great nigiri selection and really awesome rolls.
- amount of foodThe amount of food you get for the cost is good
- appropriately pricedgreat food, appropriately priced
- good priceexcellent sushi at a good price
- great pricessushi at great prices
- reasonably pricedThe staff member, Buddhi, was incredibly hospitable. I enjoyed the fresh fish, which was also reasonably priced. I tried the Ankimo (Monkfish Liver), Toro Tasting, and Spicy Tuna & Scallop Handrolls, and they were all delicious.
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, offering good value for money, especially considering San Francisco prices. We ordered a variety of rolls and nigiri, along with four beers, and the total for two people came to around 90 euros.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service was great and very friendly, which was a definite plus. However, our chirashi did not have very much fish, and the fish we had was not too high quality for the price. While the service was excellent, the food quality for the price was a letdown.
- expensiveWay too expensive for the portions and quality
- ratingNot worth the rating
If you're looking for a place where your money generally goes far, especially for the quality, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few experiences suggest portions might not always match the price for everyone, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Fishmandu?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 85 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.
While 40 is the average, our data shows that many guests enjoy a meal for less, often in the $21–$30 range, while others opt for a more premium experience, spending a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both a casual meal and a slightly more indulgent experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fishmandu
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Favorite Hidden Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's my favorite hidden gem, and the chef and his wife are so sweet. I absolutely love all the rolls, and the lemon is my favorite!
- hidden gem10
- chef and his wife10
- rolls9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Delicious Sushi and Sashimi Takeout
My experience at the restaurant was focused on takeout, and it was a great one! I ordered the Buddhilicious roll and sashimi. The roll flavors were delicate and worked well together.
The sashimi was awesome, highlighting the high quality and freshness of the fish. Overall, a fantastic experience for takeout.
- fish9
- Buddhilicious roll8
- sashimi9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Lion King Sushi in Town!
I really recommend this place! My fiancé and I are trying Lion King sushi from every restaurant we can in the city, and this one is by far the best we've had. The sashimi was REALLY FRESH and melting!
The service was really good and attentive. The atmosphere is very calm and comfy, with a nice playlist!
- Lion King sushi10
- sashimi10
- service9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Sushi and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was a highlight of my trip. The sushi was fantastic and literally melted in my mouth. The service was really personable and kind.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- sushi10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sushi, Nicest Owners!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best sushi with the freshest ingredients. The owners, especially the chef and his wife, were incredibly nice.
I've been coming here since they opened and will continue to do so whenever I crave sushi. Thank you!
- sushi10
- ingredients9
- owners10
What Fishmandu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Fishmandu Sushi?
At Fishmandu Sushi, you have a range of convenient dining options. You can enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner with table service, or choose from takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery for ultimate ease. They also offer catering services for your special events.
Does Fishmandu Sushi offer options for specific diets or late-night dining?
Yes, Fishmandu Sushi caters to various dietary needs with healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices. For those late cravings, they offer late-night food, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. It’s a versatile spot for any time.
What aspects do customers appreciate most about Fishmandu?
Customers frequently praise Fishmandu for its exceptionally friendly and hospitable service, along with the high quality and freshness of its sushi and other food items. Many also appreciate the good value offered for the dining experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when visiting Fishmandu?
Some patrons have noted challenges with parking in the vicinity and expressed reservations about the surrounding neighborhood. A few also mentioned occasional issues with weed smoke affecting the ambience from nearby.
How does Fishmandu generally score with customers?
Fishmandu holds a strong overall score of 8.7, with customer satisfaction at 89.4%. Its Service (9.2) and Food (8.7) are particularly well-regarded, followed by Ambience (8.2) and Value (7.3).