Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Maru Sushi – San Francisco
Maru Sushi - San Francisco
Photo from Maru Sushi
Maru Sushi at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1792 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#152 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
508
Reviews
65.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Good ambiance
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant Maru Sushi is a delightful Japanese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quiet meal, whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or even late-night food.
Known for its great tea selection, Maru Sushi also offers a range of healthy options and delicious small plates. You can enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience or opt for convenient takeout and delivery.
Overview: Introducting Maru Sushi
Maru Sushi offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its fresh and delicious food, with many appreciating the variety of rolls and the quality of ingredients. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, with certain dishes occasionally being bland or served cold.
The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and attentive service frequently stand out, with staff often going the extra mile for guests, even accommodating food allergies. Yet, there are instances where service has been slow or orders forgotten, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
508
Reviews
65.7%
Satisfaction
141
negative
33
neutral
334
positive
Maru Sushi achieves an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, placing it in the good category, though customer satisfaction sits at 65.7%, indicating a mixed reception. This suggests that while many patrons have positive experiences, a notable portion encounters issues, leading to a balanced view across 508 customer comments.
The dining environment, or Ambience (8.3), is a clear strength, often described as cozy and clean. The Food (7.3) also performs well, with 334 positive remarks, though 141 negative comments highlight some inconsistencies.
Service (5.7) is average, with both praise for attentive staff and complaints about delays. Value (4.3) is the weakest point, frequently cited as pricey despite some finding it reasonable for the quality.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Cozy, clean ambiance
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- High prices
- Slow service
Maru Sushi presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and generally good sushi, it could be a worthwhile stop, especially if you catch them on a good day for service.
Be prepared for potential inconsistencies in dish quality and pricing. With a recommendation score of 7.1, it leans towards being a place to consider.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the overall value and occasional service hiccups. For a reliable, consistently excellent experience, you might explore other options.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Japanese Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
315
97.1%
- $$$
- North of Panhandle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
119
99.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
472
94.9%
- $$
- Polk Gulch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
242
95%
- $$$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
173
94.2%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
690
92.9%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Maru Sushi
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Overall, the food here seems to hit the mark, with a good score of 7.3 and 73.5% customer satisfaction. Many diners, accounting for 205 positive remarks out of 279 total, raved about the freshness and authenticity of the dishes, especially praising the variety of sushis and overall flavor. However, not everyone was completely won over.
Around 55 negative comments pointed to concerns about food quality, with some finding the sushi rice a bit cold or the portions small. A few even described certain items as tasteless, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
279
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
55
negative
19
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional sushi
- Unbelievably fresh
- Outstanding food
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Tasteless sushi
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI found it to be a great spot for sushi. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was wonderful. There is clearly a reason this place has been open for as long as it has.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great spot for sushi. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was wonderful.
- miso soupIt's a great place to come with a friend or on your own. My go-to order is the Labamba (no tomatoes) and miso soup. Honestly, everything is delicious.
- FoodFood was great!
- gyozaThe gyoza melts in your mouth
- dinnerWe dragged our tired selves into Maru after a long day in the City. The Maru's took us in right before closing, treated us like family and fixed us a fantastic dinner. Some of the best Sushi I've ever had!
- dishestry some more dishes. Everything has tasted superb
- riceVery little rice, lots of delicious stuff
- rollsWe got edamame which was absolutely perfect, and 4 rolls: Lion King, Tuna Blossom, Mango Paradise, and something with jalapeño. Everything was truly delicious, and I'd order it all again. Looking forward to coming back!
- Sapporo on tapThe food is delicious. The Sapporo on tap is superb. I always passed by when I was on a cable car riding the hills and finally got to try it.
Frequently criticized
- foodFood came out cold, like noticeably cold.
- food qualitythe food quality was not good
- rollsthe rolls (at least what I got) were not as good
- Alaskan King Crab RollAlaskan King Crab Roll - bland, messy, forgettable
- Chicken KatsuI smelled something off like there was rotten fish or something. I took and bite and it tasted very off.
- EdamameEdamame is apparently cooked for a long time and just re-steamed before serving. Tasteless.
- FoodFood:2
- Hamachi Toro NigiriTaste was pretty bland.
- Japanese restaurantsmuch better Japanese restaurants around
- Kirin Lightme cobraron 9,50 por una kirin light
If youre looking for a place with generally fresh and flavorful Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences indicate potential inconsistencies in quality or portion sizes, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.7 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.1%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, welcoming owner, and quick orders, with 61 positive comments highlighting attentive servers and helpful accommodations. It sounds like when they're on their game, the team truly puts in the effort to make your visit special.
However, based on 50 negative comments out of 117 total, there are some clear areas for improvement. Issues like slow and inefficient service, long waiting times, and occasional order errors, especially with the payment process, have left some diners frustrated. It seems that while the staff can be wonderful, consistency in service can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
117
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
50
negative
6
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owner
- Fast orders
What people don't like
- Slow, inefficient service
- Order errors
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe sushi was of super high quality. What truly impressed me was the amazing service. The staff, particularly a lovely girl, went above and beyond by double and triple-checking ingredients to ensure they were safe for my mom’s food allergies.
- staffMaru Sushi place did not disappoint us with the sparkly clean bathroom. The staff was very polite and professional, and the atmosphere was cozy and very welcoming. If you are looking for a cozy place for your family to enjoy great moments and eat safe, this is the place to look into.
- ServiceWe dragged our tired selves into Maru after a long day in the City. The Maru's took us in right before closing, treated us like family and fixed us a fantastic dinner. Some of the best Sushi I've ever had!
- waitressOur waitress was polite and friendly
- Kind staffKind staff
- accommodationsgrateful for their accommodations
- cool shoesShe had a cool shoes!
- effortThey put heart to what ever they do
- food allergiesmake sure they would be safe for my mom’s food allergies
- ordersOrders are fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was rated a 5 out of 5, indicating it was very good. However, the service was rated a 1 out of 5. During dinner with a group of 3-4 people, I paid for an $80 bill with a $100 cash, expecting $20 back.
- waiting timeIt took a while to get the attention of a waiter to let us order, and while we were ordering, our waiter seemed confused. We ordered a few rolls, a curry, and a ramen, and waited about 20 minutes before inquiring about our meal's progress. We asked three separate wait staff who said they would check, until one of them realized our order had not actually been put through.
- waitressshe came back and told me that I gave her only $80.
- orderThe food was mediocre; I found the Alaskan King Crab Roll to be bland, messy, and forgettable. The service was also an issue, as the waiters forgot about my order, and I had to wait over 30 minutes and remind them. I would recommend going a block up to Akiko’s Sushi Bar on Mason for spectacular fish and a more special customer experience, even though it's smaller and more cramped.
- waitersthe waiters were nowhere to be seen
- 15 minutesWaitress doesn't come out even for 15min
- calling themI tried calling them and someone said they would look into and call me back, never happened.
- card machinelearn to operate the card machine
- cash countingshe counted and recounted her cash without stopping
- chopsticksto bring us chopsticks (or anything) for our food
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm and attentive staff, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for the possibility of slower service or minor hiccups. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind and perhaps a little extra time.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
If youre looking for a spot with a great vibe, youre in luck! This place scores a solid 8.3 for ambience, with a fantastic 85.5% customer satisfaction rate. Guests frequently praise the space, atmosphere, cleanliness, and cozy spot, with 53 positive remarks highlighting a warm, relaxed, and comfortable setting, often noted for being quiet and well-located.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 62 opinions (4 to be exact) mentioned minor issues, primarily concerning the location being perceived as scary by one, and the place being a little warmer than preferred. ' Parking also came up as a slight inconvenience.
Ambience
62
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy and welcoming
- Clean facilities
- Great location
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable temperature
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMaru Sushi place did not disappoint us with the sparkly clean bathroom. The staff was very polite and professional, and the atmosphere was cozy and very welcoming. If you are looking for a cozy place for your family to enjoy great moments and eat safe, this is the place to look into.
- locationgood location near Union Square
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a nice quiet place with good food. While it's not super fancy, that's part of its charm.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceLove the ambience
- cleanlinessimpressed by the cleanliness
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- ambianceThe ambiance is really good.
- cleanPlace was clean
Frequently criticized
- locationthe location is scary
- parkingNo parking.
- placePlace was a little warmer than preferred
- websiteSite internet trompeur
Overall, the ambience here is a definite plus. If a cozy, clean, and comfortable setting is high on your list, you'll likely be very happy. Just be mindful of the location and potential parking challenges.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score sits at an average 4.3, some diners found good deals and felt it offered solid value, especially noting lunch specials. Out of 50 opinions, 15 highlighted that it was worth it and not too pricey for the quality.
However, a significant number of reviews, 32 to be exact, expressed concerns. Many felt the prices were pricey or overpriced, with some even calling it expensive. There were also serious complaints about being overcharged and issues with the bill, contributing to a rather poor 30% customer satisfaction.
Value
50
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
32
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good deals
- Solid value
- Lunch specials
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Too expensive
- Check your bill
Often praised
- pricefor sushi this fresh and a space this comfortable, I felt like I got great value
- pricesMy experience at Maru was fantastic! It's one of the best sushi places at Union Square, offering delicious sushi options at relatively affordable prices. I always treat myself at Maru whenever I'm in SF.
- going up hillsWell worth going a bit up the SF hills
- good dealA good deal
- great priceI had an amazing dining experience at Maru Sushi. I highly recommend their Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box; it’s a well-rounded meal for a great price. Their Nabe Yaki Udon soup is also delicious, served hot in a cauldron-like vessel, which makes it even more special.
- lunch specialsTheir lunch specials are worth the price
- solid valuewas a solid value
- worth itMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their vegetarian sushi roll, which I found to be the best I've ever had. I opted for a combo plate, and while it was a little pricey, the quality and portion sizes made it definitely worth it. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
Frequently criticized
- priceGiving it 3 stars due to the price. Just very pricey.
- billGave waitress $100 cash for an $80 bill, asked for $7 back…she came back and told me that I gave her only $80.
- expensivebut expensive choose 2 items with rice miso soup and salad....seems expensive
- priceyit is a bit pricey
- $75$75 for sushi and received no chopsticks or utensils
- better optionsThere are better options around
- check your billcheck your bill carefully
- credit cardOvercharged my credit card. Be careful if paying by credit card.
- deceptionno volvería por el engaño
- drink overchargeme han cobrado 4$ de más por la bebida
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for lunch specials or specific deals, you might find some solid value. But be prepared for potentially higher prices and definitely double-check your bill to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Maru Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 117 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 41, it looks like many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the 21 – 40 $ range. But don’t worry, there are also options for those looking to splurge a little more, showing a nice mix of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those who might want to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Maru Sushi
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing late dinner experience!
Stopped in for a late dinner and it was amazing. Will go back when traveling to the area again.
- dinner9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Dinner Combo in SF
My experience at the restaurant was a delicious dinner combo! It was a good deal, including a salad, rice, and yummy miso soup, perfect for a cold San Francisco night. I chose the spicy tuna roll and tofu teriyaki as my main dishes, and both were excellent.
I will definitely be back next time we’re in town.
- dinner combo9
- good deal8
- yummy miso soup9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fresh Sushi and Wonderful Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great spot for sushi. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was wonderful.
There is clearly a reason this place has been open for as long as it has.
- sushi9
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced and Mediocre Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was mediocre, and the service was not very good. Considering the cost, I found it to be overpriced.
I would not recommend this establishment and will not be returning.
- food2
- service2
- overpriced1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Rolls, Perfect Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was extremely positive! I tried the miso soup, Alaska roll, and Caterpillar roll. Everything was extremely tasty 😋.
I particularly enjoyed that there was very little rice and lots of delicious stuff inside the rolls, which was perfect!
- miso soup9
- Alaska roll9
- Caterpillar roll9
What Maru Sushi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Is Maru Sushi accessible for all guests?
Yes, Maru Sushi prioritizes accessibility for you. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive dining experience for everyone visiting Maru Sushi in Union Square.
What dining options and amenities does Maru Sushi offer?
Maru Sushi provides various dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating. You can also enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom. Reservations are accepted for your convenience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Maru Sushi?
Maru Sushi has an overall score of **6.8** out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. The **Ambience** (8.3) is a highlight, with **Food** (7.3) also performing well, though **Service** (5.7) is average and **Value** (4.3) is a weaker point.
Is Maru Sushi a good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find it a good deal for the quality, particularly with lunch specials, many customers consider the prices to be on the higher side.
How is the service at Maru Sushi?
Service at Maru Sushi receives varied feedback. Many appreciate the polite and professional staff, especially their attentiveness to dietary needs. However, there are also reports of slow service and forgotten orders.