Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sushi Time – San Francisco
Sushi Time - San Francisco
Photo from Sushi Time
Sushi Time at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#669 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#61 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
346
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Friendly staff
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Long waits
- No restrooms
The restaurant Sushi Time is a Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming spot known for its exceptional tea selection.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a casual lunch, this place offers a delightful culinary journey with healthy and vegetarian options. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for authentic Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Time
Sushi Time offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking fresh and flavorful sushi. Many appreciate the quality of the fish and the diverse rolls available, often highlighting specific items like the Barbie roll.
However, some minor inconsistencies in food preparation have been noted. The establishment provides a cozy, intimate setting, though its small space can lead to close quarters.
While the staff generally receives praise for their friendliness, occasional service hiccups and a tricky location might present minor challenges for some diners.
Good
8
out of 10
346
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
38
negative
28
neutral
280
positive
Overall, Sushi Time earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 80.9% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 346 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 280 positive observations against just 38 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Digging deeper, the Food (8.3) stands out for its quality and flavor, a sentiment echoed by many.
Service (8) also performs well, with staff often described as friendly and accommodating. The Ambience (7.4), while intimate, contributes positively to the experience, and the Value (8.3) is frequently praised for offering good portions at reasonable prices, making it a compelling option for sushi enthusiasts.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Friendly, caring staff
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Small, noisy space
- Occasional long waits
- Limited facilities
Sushi Time generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize fresh sushi and friendly service. With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal.
Just be prepared for a potentially cozy setting and occasional waits, particularly during peak hours. This spot is a good choice for those seeking quality sushi at a reasonable price, and who appreciate a personal touch from the staff.
However, if a spacious, quiet environment or guaranteed quick service are top priorities, you might find it less ideal. Manage expectations regarding space and timing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Time
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 85%. Guests consistently rave about the quality sushi, fresh fish, and authentic sushi experience, with many highlighting the popular Barbie roll. Out of 180 comments, a whopping 153 were positive, praising the delicious and high-quality offerings.
However, a few of the 17 negative remarks mention concerns like bones in salmon sashimi and occasional issues with brown avocado or bad tasting fish. Some also wished for slightly larger portion sizes. While these are minor points compared to the overall praise, they are worth noting for a truly perfect meal.
Food
180
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
17
negative
10
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Authentic sushi
- Delicious Barbie roll
What people don't like
- Bones in sashimi
- Poor ingredient quality
- Small portions
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at Sushi Time was truly fantastic and tasty. I had the best Aji, Uni, toro, fatty hamachi, fatty sake, and saba sushi I’ve had in California, period. My wife agreed, stating the saba was the best she has ever had.
- foodThe service, atmosphere, and food are second to none
- rollsMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their authentic sushi. The fish was fresh and the rolls were good, complemented by a nice presentation. The staff were friendly, contributing positively to the overall experience.
- Barbie rollRainbow roll and Barbie roll very to recommend
- fishDon't expect silence and privacy, because the tables are very close, but it's a very pleasant sharing. The sushi is truly excellent, fresh fish, and very flavorful salads. For $100 for two, you'll leave feeling very full.
- qualitythe quality is great
- fresh fishSuperbly fresh fish
- placeThis place never disappoints and tastes so good!
- sashimithe sashimi fresh and flavorful
- sushi rollsMy experience at this restaurant was finding a hidden gem tucked away in the Castro. The fresh sashimi and interesting sushi rolls were highlights, with the Barbie and Rainbow rolls being my favorites. They also offer great happy hour specials.
Frequently criticized
- avocadothe avocado was rotten
- sushiA bit tasteless sushi
- Baracada sushiWay better than Baracada sushi
- bones in salmon sashimibones in the salmon sashimi is a big no-no
- cooked foodvery little cooked food here
- fishbad tasting fish
- key fishran out of a few key fish
- pieceswishing that the pieces were juuust a little bigger
- portion sizeSmaller then the salmon roll at lunch
- rollsoversauces their rolls
If youre seeking a place with genuinely fresh and high-quality sushi, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there are minor mentions of portion size or occasional ingredient issues, the overwhelming consensus points to a delicious and authentic sushi experience that wont disappoint.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly stands out, earning a solid 8 and delighting 80% of its customers. Based on 50 comments, a whopping 40 praise the teams friendliness and warmth, often highlighting their excellent care. Guests frequently mention the quick and accommodating staff, with some even describing the service as impeccable.
However, its not always perfect, as 9 comments point to a few areas for improvement. Some guests experienced notable waiting times, including long waits for seating or their food. There were also a couple of mentions of patchy service, such as not being offered water, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Service
50
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Impeccable care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Patchy service
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great hole-in-the-wall sushi place located in a busy part of Market Street. The inside was very clean and quaint, and the service was excellent. They offer a wide variety of specialty rolls alongside standard sashimi and nigiri.
- staffMy new go-to restaurant! It's a very small and cozy place with friendly staff and reasonable prices. The sushi is delicious and simple.
- ownerIt was exciting to see that nothing has changed over the 20+ years the restaurant has been open. Even though I moved away from the neighborhood many years ago, the owner remembered every detail during my recent visit. The food and atmosphere were as lovely as I remembered.
- Masa-sanMasa-san was so friendly and accommodating
- ServiceService:5
- accommodatingAlways accommodating.
- excellent caretake excellent care while we’re there
- friendliness and warmthfriendliness and warmth of the guys
- friendlythe staff were friendly
- friendly, welcoming folksMy experience at this cute, intimate sushi spot was great! Despite a wait to get seated due to its small size, the friendly, welcoming folks made it a pleasant experience. The sushi was decent and reasonably priced, making it a great spot on Market.
Frequently criticized
- waitI want to not wait
- credit cardsdon't really want to accept credit cards
- hours of operationhours of operation clearly state that they are open
- long waitMy friends and I had a great experience at this quaint little spot. Despite a long wait, we all loved it.
- orderOne roll was missing from our order
- servicethe service is patchy at best
- waiting timeWaited 25 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday
- waterWhile they offered freshly prepared sushi rolls, there were some strands of vegetables that were concerning. The service was also lacking, as they did not offer us water, which was unusual. The atmosphere was very disruptive; trying to enjoy a conversation over dinner was difficult due to the loud Spanish music, and the constant noise of plates being washed and thrown loudly on the table was super annoying.
If you value a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, you're in for a treat here. While a wait might occasionally pop up, the overall friendly and efficient service makes this spot a definite go-to.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the vibe of this place! The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.4. While customer satisfaction sits at 69%, indicating a mostly positive but somewhat mixed reception, many guests absolutely adore the intimate atmosphere, cosy feel, and charming Japanese touches, often describing it as a delightful hole in the wall experience.
These positive sentiments come from 60 observations out of 87 total, highlighting a strong appreciation for its unique character. However, its not all serene. The 11 negative comments often point to the tiny space being a bit squishy, with some guests noting issues like no restrooms or the noise of plates being washed.
Additionally, finding parking can be a real headache, which definitely impacts the overall experience for some, suggesting that while the interior is loved, practicalities can be a challenge.
Ambience
87
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
11
negative
16
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate atmosphere
- Cozy feel
- Japanese touches
What people don't like
- Tiny space
- No restrooms
- Parking issues
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's significantly better than Baracada sushi down the street, which tends to oversauce their rolls. The atmosphere is intimate, so be prepared to be close to your neighbor, but it's surprisingly romantic and relaxed. I highly recommend the sea urchin, which is creamy and cold, and the Barbie Roll.
- placeDare I say it’s one of my favorite places to eat sushi in the US? For sure - I love everything about this place. Get the Uni :)
- spaceThe space is pretty tiny but that's part of what makes it cool
- decorThe quirky location (subterranean biz center) and decor makes it more charming
- insideinside was very quaint
- intimate atmospherecreating an intimate atmosphere
- locationThe quirky location (subterranean biz center) and decor makes it more charming
- sushi spotMy experience at this cute, intimate sushi spot was great! Despite a wait to get seated due to its small size, the friendly, welcoming folks made it a pleasant experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Japanese touchesDecorated with warm and homey Japanese touches
Frequently criticized
- spacethe space is very very small
- Spanish musicall you hear is some spanish music
- locationA bit tricky to find off Market St.
- parkingM. On a Thursday, and it took us a half an hour to find parking. When we finally arrived at the restaurant, it was closed, even though their hours of operation clearly stated they were open.
- place to wash handsNo restrooms or place to wash your hands
- plates being washedplates being washed and thrown on the table loudly
- restaurantit's closed
- restaurant sizeThe restaurant is kinda small
- restroomsNo restrooms or place to wash your hands
- ventilationsince they don't have any window or good ventilation
If youre seeking a charming, intimate sushi experience and dont mind a snug setting, this place could be your hidden gem. Just be prepared for a potentially tight squeeze and plan your parking ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 93.1%, guests consistently rave about the reasonably priced offerings and fantastic value for money. Based on 27 positive remarks out of 29 total, diners are clearly delighted with the quality-price ratio and the generous happy hour deals.
However, theres one minor point to consider. A single comment noted an issue with Amex not being accepted. While this is a small detail among many positive experiences, its worth keeping in mind for your payment options.
Value
29
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- No Amex accepted
Often praised
- pricesMy new go-to restaurant! It's a very small and cozy place with friendly staff and reasonable prices. The sushi is delicious and simple.
- priceThe sushi is truly excellent, fresh fish, and very flavorful salads. For $100 for two, you'll leave feeling very full.
- happy hour menueven though the happy hour menu is not very much, but it was still worth it
- reasonably pricedDespite a wait to get seated due to its small size, the friendly, welcoming folks made it a pleasant experience. The sushi was decent and reasonably priced, making it a great spot on Market.
- valueThe value seems good
- affordabilityAffordable, but worth twice the cost
- costbut a fraction of the cost
- happy hourGreat happy hour
- happy hour specialsHappy hour specials
- price pointbetter quality fish than most sushi places you find at this price point
Frequently criticized
- AmexThe place does not take Amex
If youre looking for a place where your dollar goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll find great food at reasonable prices and excellent value for money, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal. Just remember to bring an alternative payment method if Amex is your usual go-to.
How are the prices at Sushi Time?
On average, you’ll spend around 41 per person – from 26 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 41, the pricing isn’t super uniform. Most guests spend between 21 – 50 $, showing a good mix of mid-range options, with a few experiences stretching to both more budget-friendly and more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Time
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Yummy Food, Awesome Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The food was so YUMMY, and the AMBIANCE was very awesome. It was a great time for a date night.
Wowowow, this place is good! I almost don't want to tell you how good it is, because I don't want to wait in line – boyfriend.
- food10
- ambiance10
- date night9
- wait3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Intimate Sushi Spot with Friendly Vibes
My experience at this cute, intimate sushi spot was great! Despite a wait to get seated due to its small size, the friendly, welcoming folks made it a pleasant experience. The sushi was decent and reasonably priced, making it a great spot on Market.
- sushi spot9
- wait to get seated6
- friendly, welcoming folks10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cute Sushi Spot with a Sashimi Wish
My experience at this cute spot for sushi was generally positive. The food was rated a 5, and I particularly enjoyed the sushi. However, I do wish they had added a bit more sashimi to my chirashi.
The service was excellent, receiving a perfect 5, and the atmosphere was also very pleasant, rated a 4. Overall, it's a great place for sushi, with a minor suggestion for improvement regarding sashimi portions.
- sushi9
- chirashi6
- Service10
- sashimi pieces4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Favorite Sushi Spot - Consistently Great!
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently outstanding. The service, atmosphere, and food are truly second to none. I've been a regular for years, and it's clear many others are too, as it always seems to have a table of regulars.
I plan to continue coming here for many years to come!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Cozy Japanese Gem with Delicious Sushi
My experience at Sushi Time was fantastic! It's one of my favorite spots, offering a cozy and kitschy atmosphere that always has a great vibe. It truly reminds me of the charming, small sushi places found in Osaka.
The decor features warm and homey Japanese touches, a welcome contrast to modern, impersonal establishments. The sushi itself was incredibly fresh and delicious. The staff, Masa, Mike, and Patrick, were exceptionally warm and funny, making everyone feel very welcome.
I always leave feeling full and happy, already anticipating my next visit.
- atmosphere10
- Japanese touches9
- sushi10
What Sushi Time offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Sushi Time?
At Sushi Time, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for dinner or lunch. They offer table service, and you’ll find a range of healthy and vegetarian options, complemented by a great tea selection, wine, and beer. Don’t forget to ask about their dessert offerings.
What service options and parking are available at Sushi Time?
Sushi Time provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. If you’re planning to visit, you’ll be pleased to know that free street parking is available, making your visit hassle-free. They also have a restroom amenity for guests.
How does Sushi Time generally perform across key dining aspects?
Sushi Time holds a strong overall score of 8, with Food (8.3), Service (8), Ambience (7.4), and Value (8.3) all rated positively by customers.
What makes the sushi at Sushi Time stand out?
Customers frequently praise the freshness and quality of the fish, highlighting specific items like Aji, Uni, and various rolls for their excellent taste and presentation.
What should I know about the atmosphere and potential wait times at Sushi Time?
The restaurant offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere, but it can be quite small and occasionally noisy. Customers also report occasional long waits for seating or service, especially during busy periods.