The balls of fire starter was good. Octopus could have been more tender. The sushi rolls tasted good but they didnt hold up properly and would fall apart upon picking up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Israel Niv
We had a wonderful culinary experience with the Chef/owner, Ryo Sakai, carefully observing our pleasure and suggesting next courses. excellent Sashimi, Sushi and salads.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire
Kuma on Valencia is the real deal. I’m picky about my sushi and this place keeps passing the test. I’ve been three times in person and even ordered delivery twice, and every time the fish has been fresh, generous, and just really good.
If you want to splurge, go wild with their nigiri - so many cuts to choose from and all beautifully done. The toro handroll is so decadent I’m salivating thinking about it. If you don’t, the rolls are deliciousssss. My most memorable bite so far was their Zeitgeist roll with toro, eggplant tempura, and purple rice. Honestly a work of art.
The sake menu is awesome, the staff is genuinely kind, and the sushi bar has that fun buzz without being too much. It’s the kind of spot where you can go casual on a weeknight or post up for a longer dinner and just keep ordering “one more thing.”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Illan Weiner
Insane that they don't offer hon wasabi from the tube or stem as a takeout item.
The one time I was able to get them to say yes, it was a lie and I didn't get anything.
Despite the sushi tasting good, I'm genuinely not interested in ordering from here ever again so long as Sushi Shio exists.
Packaging is cute, but they gotta work on their accommodations. One of the sushi I ordered was really fishy, yet they did nothing to help.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Bangerooo Art
great sushi fr fr chefs special amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Shawn Higgins
This is it. The place you've been searching for. Kuma is a hidden sanctuary, a refuge from the world of trendy, sauce-drenched rolls; here, even the rolls are a testament to incredible balance and quality, showcasing the ingredients instead of hiding them. This is a temple dedicated to the profound simplicity of a perfect slice of fish over impeccably seasoned rice.
The head master's skill is legendary—every piece is a masterclass in tradition and flavor. It’s an unforgettable, transportive experience for anyone who truly understands and loves the art of Japanese cuisine. Unquestionably one of the Bay Area's finest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liao 廖WaiLin 慧蓮
A small cozy place for fresh sushi and sashimi. Good price point and decent service. Nice sushi bar and the head chef is very on point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
E
Terrible service and overpriced sushi
Food: 1
Service: 1
Derek Devine
I’ve eaten here before but on my most recent visit, as I walked in, the lady stereotyped me and assumed I was only there to pick up an order. Didn’t ask me anything, just looked at me, grabbed a to-go bag and said, “you’re here to pick up an order.”
The level of disrespect and bias pissed me off. I’ve never written a review like this.
I sat down after I told her, “no, I’m here to eat if that’s ok with you.”
But after sitting for 10 seconds, I got up and left.
Been here so many times and the food is always amazing!! Service is slow though. Favorite things to get: - nigiri tasting, zeitgeist roll, hamachi ponzu, crafty fox roll
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luke Mulcahy
Great fish, awesome sake.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tina Pak
Always wanted to dine here. Stopped by the other night. Overall, a pleasant experience, but nothing that wowed me.
The food was good - but in a city like San Francisco with so many standout sushi spots, it didn’t quite rise to the top. I’ve had better sushi elsewhere in town, so it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Service, on the other hand, was excellent. Friendly, attentive, and everything came out smoothly, no complaints there. The vibe was fine too: comfortable and low-key, but not particularly memorable or unique in a city full of more visually or atmospherically interesting places.
All in all, I enjoyed my meal and appreciated the hospitality, but it’s probably not a place I’d go back to. Solid, but not that special for a second visit (to me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Alex Herreria
Came here three times. Always enjoyed the high quality and taste of the dishes. The zeitgeist (if I spelled that correctly) is my favorite
Amadalise Davis
I gave them a call after being notified that our reservations for the location on Polk street was cancelled due to a leakage in the building and the lady directed me to make a reservation on Resy instead of answering if there is any availability for a walk in for 2. After I asked if there’s availability again she immediately hung up the phone. It was super disrespectful and I didn’t appreciate being hunged up on when I was respectful and asking a genuine question. Amazing food but the service was absolutely uncalled for.
The balls of fire starter was good. Octopus could have been more tender. The sushi rolls tasted good but they didnt hold up properly and would fall apart upon picking up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
We had a wonderful culinary experience with the Chef/owner, Ryo Sakai, carefully observing our pleasure and suggesting next courses. excellent Sashimi, Sushi and salads.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kuma on Valencia is the real deal. I’m picky about my sushi and this place keeps passing the test. I’ve been three times in person and even ordered delivery twice, and every time the fish has been fresh, generous, and just really good.
If you want to splurge, go wild with their nigiri - so many cuts to choose from and all beautifully done. The toro handroll is so decadent I’m salivating thinking about it. If you don’t, the rolls are deliciousssss. My most memorable bite so far was their Zeitgeist roll with toro, eggplant tempura, and purple rice. Honestly a work of art.
The sake menu is awesome, the staff is genuinely kind, and the sushi bar has that fun buzz without being too much. It’s the kind of spot where you can go casual on a weeknight or post up for a longer dinner and just keep ordering “one more thing.”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Insane that they don't offer hon wasabi from the tube or stem as a takeout item.
The one time I was able to get them to say yes, it was a lie and I didn't get anything.
Despite the sushi tasting good, I'm genuinely not interested in ordering from here ever again so long as Sushi Shio exists.
Packaging is cute, but they gotta work on their accommodations. One of the sushi I ordered was really fishy, yet they did nothing to help.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
great sushi fr fr chefs special amazing
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
This is it. The place you've been searching for. Kuma is a hidden sanctuary, a refuge from the world of trendy, sauce-drenched rolls; here, even the rolls are a testament to incredible balance and quality, showcasing the ingredients instead of hiding them. This is a temple dedicated to the profound simplicity of a perfect slice of fish over impeccably seasoned rice.
The head master's skill is legendary—every piece is a masterclass in tradition and flavor. It’s an unforgettable, transportive experience for anyone who truly understands and loves the art of Japanese cuisine. Unquestionably one of the Bay Area's finest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A small cozy place for fresh sushi and sashimi. Good price point and decent service. Nice sushi bar and the head chef is very on point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Terrible service and overpriced sushi
Food: 1
Service: 1
I’ve eaten here before but on my most recent visit, as I walked in, the lady stereotyped me and assumed I was only there to pick up an order. Didn’t ask me anything, just looked at me, grabbed a to-go bag and said, “you’re here to pick up an order.”
The level of disrespect and bias pissed me off. I’ve never written a review like this.
I sat down after I told her, “no, I’m here to eat if that’s ok with you.”
But after sitting for 10 seconds, I got up and left.
Never coming back here again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
So Delicious and fresh ❣️❣️
Restaurantji Recommends
Been here so many times and the food is always amazing!! Service is slow though.
Favorite things to get:
- nigiri tasting, zeitgeist roll, hamachi ponzu, crafty fox roll
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great fish, awesome sake.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always wanted to dine here. Stopped by the other night. Overall, a pleasant experience, but nothing that wowed me.
The food was good - but in a city like San Francisco with so many standout sushi spots, it didn’t quite rise to the top. I’ve had better sushi elsewhere in town, so it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Service, on the other hand, was excellent. Friendly, attentive, and everything came out smoothly, no complaints there. The vibe was fine too: comfortable and low-key, but not particularly memorable or unique in a city full of more visually or atmospherically interesting places.
All in all, I enjoyed my meal and appreciated the hospitality, but it’s probably not a place I’d go back to. Solid, but not that special for a second visit (to me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Came here three times. Always enjoyed the high quality and taste of the dishes. The zeitgeist (if I spelled that correctly) is my favorite
I gave them a call after being notified that our reservations for the location on Polk street was cancelled due to a leakage in the building and the lady directed me to make a reservation on Resy instead of answering if there is any availability for a walk in for 2. After I asked if there’s availability again she immediately hung up the phone. It was super disrespectful and I didn’t appreciate being hunged up on when I was respectful and asking a genuine question. Amazing food but the service was absolutely uncalled for.
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