First time eating here. Really only chose it because of the proximity to the Opera House. As it turned out, the food is darned good in its own right and a worthwhile destination even if you don't have tix to a local cultural event. This is one of those places where the menu doesn't tell you a lot, but every dish featured a fresh take on what might seem like a pretty standard item. It even qualifies as good value by S.F. standards — high quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and generous portions.
Jonathan
Great food and fast service. My only complaint is how unbelievably loud it was. I would not go back because of that.
Tiffany
Elephant Sushi, always AMAZING! We were treated by our server with Oshiburi hand towels. This is a new experience. They GROW right before your very eyes! What a treat and a wonderful way to start the dinner. We always have to get our favorites: salmon miso soup, miso black cod, omakase sashimi and a mix of the Toyosu Market for Tokyo, Japan nigiri's. Thank you Elephant Sushi for always staying our favorite SF sushi restaurant.
Mandy
Server was excellent. Food was so good. Sushi was exceptional quality. Wagyu could not be beat.
Yoko
Warning: If you are broad across the beam (have a big butt) you may be trouble getting into the booth seat. Ask for a seat at a table (not a booth) Also, the bathroom (there is only 1 that I could find) - the door is very hard to close and open. Too much paint in the door jamb. Just put some muscle into it. Don't panic like I did. If you love a good roll and an Asian fusion vibe rathe than super authentic Japanese food, go here. If you prefer authentic non-super-sweet-sauce-drenched rolls, go elsewhere. I went with no expectations, so it was OK for me, but would have preferred less sweet sauce. If I go again, then I will order with less sauce. The food prep (how the food was cut) was not authentic for me, so it further messed with my appreciation for their cooking. You'd be surprised at how much the way food looks (how it's cut) is important. I was. Service was a bit stretched. We went when there was a local performance at Davies Symphony hall so the restaurant was a bit strained in providing food quickly. We were maybe the second table seated at 6PM so honestly, this should have been less of a problem. We got out of there in plenty of time, but 4 of our tables in one row were all heading to the same concert and all of us were concerned that they forgot our orders. (Or were slow in taking your order). Food is good, albeit a bit pricey for the delay. It needs just a bit more in the back of the house to prepare food more quickly and maybe 1 more server. The servers were trying so hard but there are so many tables crammed into the restaurant that they couldn't keep up.
Kyle Thompson
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.
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!
First time eating here. Really only chose it because of the proximity to the Opera House. As it turned out, the food is darned good in its own right and a worthwhile destination even if you don't have tix to a local cultural event. This is one of those places where the menu doesn't tell you a lot, but every dish featured a fresh take on what might seem like a pretty standard item. It even qualifies as good value by S.F. standards — high quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and generous portions.
Great food and fast service. My only complaint is how unbelievably loud it was. I would not go back because of that.
Elephant Sushi, always AMAZING! We were treated by our server with Oshiburi hand towels. This is a new experience. They GROW right before your very eyes! What a treat and a wonderful way to start the dinner. We always have to get our favorites: salmon miso soup, miso black cod, omakase sashimi and a mix of the Toyosu Market for Tokyo, Japan nigiri's. Thank you Elephant Sushi for always staying our favorite SF sushi restaurant.
Server was excellent. Food was so good. Sushi was exceptional quality. Wagyu could not be beat.
Warning: If you are broad across the beam (have a big butt) you may be trouble getting into the booth seat. Ask for a seat at a table (not a booth) Also, the bathroom (there is only 1 that I could find) - the door is very hard to close and open. Too much paint in the door jamb. Just put some muscle into it. Don't panic like I did. If you love a good roll and an Asian fusion vibe rathe than super authentic Japanese food, go here. If you prefer authentic non-super-sweet-sauce-drenched rolls, go elsewhere. I went with no expectations, so it was OK for me, but would have preferred less sweet sauce. If I go again, then I will order with less sauce. The food prep (how the food was cut) was not authentic for me, so it further messed with my appreciation for their cooking. You'd be surprised at how much the way food looks (how it's cut) is important. I was. Service was a bit stretched. We went when there was a local performance at Davies Symphony hall so the restaurant was a bit strained in providing food quickly. We were maybe the second table seated at 6PM so honestly, this should have been less of a problem. We got out of there in plenty of time, but 4 of our tables in one row were all heading to the same concert and all of us were concerned that they forgot our orders. (Or were slow in taking your order). Food is good, albeit a bit pricey for the delay. It needs just a bit more in the back of the house to prepare food more quickly and maybe 1 more server. The servers were trying so hard but there are so many tables crammed into the restaurant that they couldn't keep up.
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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!
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