I am often in SF for work and have turned Tuesday evenings into my sushi night, going to various spots around town. This most recent Tuesday, I stumbled into Elephant Sushi in Hayes Valley From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the kind of warmth that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a family reunion (minus the awkward small talk). My server, Tiffany, was an absolute gem—guiding me through the menu with the enthusiasm of true sushi evangelists. With her help, I curated a lineup that dreams are made of: the salmon miso soup (comfort in a bowl), the Himalayan trout (a revelation), and the chef ochko roll (pure magic). Every bite was a showstopper, and the service was so spectacular. Now, I’m faced with a real dilemma: do I keep exploring new sushi spots, or do I pledge my Tuesdays to Elephant Sushi forever? Decisions, decisions. For now, I’ll just say this, if you’re in town and craving sushi, run (don’t walk) to Elephant Sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
HyperPoptart
I don’t think I’ve ever had as many delicious and interesting sushi rolls as I did at Elephant Sushi! Every bite was bursting with flavor and creativity. The variety was incredible—each roll felt like a unique experience. The quality of the fish was top-notch, and the presentation was stunning. If you love sushi or just want to try something special, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Johnny L.
FyI my sushi ratings are tough as I've been to Japan 120+ times. Reservation recommended during weekend.
Had omakase here. Fish grade is 4 with thicker cuts. While some toppings make sense on the nigiri, there are two out of 8 I didn't quite find it matching. Hokkaido Uni (not part of omakase) is fresh though. Nigiri Rice, HOWEVER, was worse than expected rating at 3. The vinegar was a bit too much and really destroyed the nigiri omakase experience as a result
Also, while it's not fresh wasabi (as I don't expect in US do so no worries), the wasabi paste was dry and old. Ginger is mid, just the regular ones you can find from packages
Atmosphere and cocktails are fabulous and the ambiance and atmosphere matches. All in all 3.7 for the world, and 4.1 for North America only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Adweeth S
Never disappoints… always a great spot to bring folks from out of town for some good sushi.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
John C
Great shushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Est. Sar
Friendly and experienced staff. Knowledge Sushi Chefs at the counter. Great selection of super fresh and quality fish. Great prices for the quality and quantity.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ophir Kra-Oz
Excellent good , on the expensive side
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Amina Ahsan Haque
7-21-2025 - Dinner. Table for 2
We live close to their sister restaurant on Hyde Street and have been meaning to visit this location also.
We did not have reservations but the hostess was able to accommodate us and get us out in time for a show at the Davies Symphony Hall. Thank You!
The food was amazing. We will definitely be back whenever we are in the neighborhood for events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Brian
We came in early for a pre opera meal. Tried out a few recommended items by our waiter. Really appreciated the guidance as we were debating which items to try. All the sushi and the chip appetizer was delicious. Definitely coming back for more
Elise
Live in Hayes Valley? Love sushi? Elephant sushi is one of the best sushi restaurants in SFZ!
Fantastic sushi, large assortment, great seaweed salad & housemade pickles, and terrific ginger.
rosemary
Maybe need more experience with this very ala cart restaurant. They were not able to Change or meet simple accomdatioms. Service was ok but very busy so felt staff was working top speed hoping to get their job done not a relaxing atmosphere
Charles
Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived till we left. Superb attentive service with letting us set our own pace. Will definitely return ,
Anderson Angkeyile (Flying Sailor)
Elephant Sushi is our favorite neighborhood spot. The interior is clean and modern with just the right touch of Japanese style, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and the waitresses strike the perfect balance—attentive without being intrusive.
The food is consistently delicious, and the quality never disappoints. Our go-to dishes are the salmon miso soup and the soft shell crabs—which we honestly think are the best in the city. (If you know somewhere that does them better, we’re all ears!)
For the quality of both the food and service, the prices are incredibly reasonable. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kwun han
Top quality sushi and excellent service. Highly recommend.
I am often in SF for work and have turned Tuesday evenings into my sushi night, going to various spots around town. This most recent Tuesday, I stumbled into Elephant Sushi in Hayes Valley From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the kind of warmth that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a family reunion (minus the awkward small talk). My server, Tiffany, was an absolute gem—guiding me through the menu with the enthusiasm of true sushi evangelists. With her help, I curated a lineup that dreams are made of: the salmon miso soup (comfort in a bowl), the Himalayan trout (a revelation), and the chef ochko roll (pure magic). Every bite was a showstopper, and the service was so spectacular. Now, I’m faced with a real dilemma: do I keep exploring new sushi spots, or do I pledge my Tuesdays to Elephant Sushi forever? Decisions, decisions. For now, I’ll just say this, if you’re in town and craving sushi, run (don’t walk) to Elephant Sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t think I’ve ever had as many delicious and interesting sushi rolls as I did at Elephant Sushi! Every bite was bursting with flavor and creativity. The variety was incredible—each roll felt like a unique experience. The quality of the fish was top-notch, and the presentation was stunning. If you love sushi or just want to try something special, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
FyI my sushi ratings are tough as I've been to Japan 120+ times. Reservation recommended during weekend.
Had omakase here. Fish grade is 4 with thicker cuts. While some toppings make sense on the nigiri, there are two out of 8 I didn't quite find it matching. Hokkaido Uni (not part of omakase) is fresh though. Nigiri Rice, HOWEVER, was worse than expected rating at 3. The vinegar was a bit too much and really destroyed the nigiri omakase experience as a result
Also, while it's not fresh wasabi (as I don't expect in US do so no worries), the wasabi paste was dry and old. Ginger is mid, just the regular ones you can find from packages
Atmosphere and cocktails are fabulous and the ambiance and atmosphere matches. All in all 3.7 for the world, and 4.1 for North America only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Never disappoints… always a great spot to bring folks from out of town for some good sushi.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great shushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly and experienced staff.
Knowledge Sushi Chefs at the counter.
Great selection of super fresh and quality fish.
Great prices for the quality and quantity.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent good , on the expensive side
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
7-21-2025 - Dinner. Table for 2
We live close to their sister restaurant on Hyde Street and have been meaning to visit this location also.
We did not have reservations but the hostess was able to accommodate us and get us out in time for a show at the Davies Symphony Hall. Thank You!
The food was amazing. We will definitely be back whenever we are in the neighborhood for events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
We came in early for a pre opera meal. Tried out a few recommended items by our waiter. Really appreciated the guidance as we were debating which items to try. All the sushi and the chip appetizer was delicious. Definitely coming back for more
Live in Hayes Valley? Love sushi? Elephant sushi is one of the best sushi restaurants in SFZ!
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic sushi, large assortment, great seaweed salad & housemade pickles, and terrific ginger.
Maybe need more experience with this very ala cart restaurant. They were not able to Change or meet simple accomdatioms. Service was ok but very busy so felt staff was working top speed hoping to get their job done not a relaxing atmosphere
Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived till we left. Superb attentive service with letting us set our own pace. Will definitely return ,
Elephant Sushi is our favorite neighborhood spot. The interior is clean and modern with just the right touch of Japanese style, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and the waitresses strike the perfect balance—attentive without being intrusive.
The food is consistently delicious, and the quality never disappoints. Our go-to dishes are the salmon miso soup and the soft shell crabs—which we honestly think are the best in the city. (If you know somewhere that does them better, we’re all ears!)
For the quality of both the food and service, the prices are incredibly reasonable. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top quality sushi and excellent service. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...