I love this gem of a local restaurant. I love sushi & I love traditional Japanese food. I was very interested from the get go in seeing that they had a Bento lunch special that included saba shioyaki, sashimi, California roll, salad and miso soup. I ordered it and it was delicious.They also serve Gen Mai Cha, makes my heart smile. The food was excellent. Even more impressive is the lunch specials that they serve to the kids from Lincoln High & other schools. They have an open booth in the front, specifically for high school kids (similar to an old school movie theater ticket booth) to where the kids are lined up. They prepare boxes just for them. Also, a ton of local construction workers, SFPD, locals in general. The owners greet everyone when they come in & also do the traditional thank you & goodbye when everyone leaves. They have pictures lining the walls of their regulars on one side of the room. On the other side, drawings from regulars, mostly kids and teenagers. I love this place!!! I took my husband there for lunch last week. We had our normal sushi restaurants for years. Our former favorite changed hands. He was skeptical when we went in. He was wowed when he was served his food. ? It's our new favorite place.
I ate at Sushi Zen and the staff was super nice. The portions are average. I had the beef teriyaki and it was a little dry. I did like the sushi rolls and tempura. I like the neighborhood vibe and their walls were covered with pictures of the patrons, which was interesting. Definitely family friendly. I recommend. The bill was $129 for 3 people and we had no drinks or alcohol.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura Roll, Tempura, Rolls, Dragon Roll
Keena Middleton
Sushi Zen has good food and their prices are fair. Quick Service and a cozy atmosphere. Winter wonderland(imitation crab and tempura) is a good roll for folks that don’t like raw rolls but like the sushi idea. My favorite roll is a dragon roll and I usually order those two rolls when I do take out.Parking: Parking is currently not great at all because of the Taraval construction going on as of 2/16/24Kid-friendliness: Tempura items and bento boxesWheelchair accessibility: Accessible but not to much room inside.
Awesome friendly service. Delicious sushi especially the British Columbia roll. We love this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls, Spicy Tuna
Bladefury
Best restaurant ever. Great atmosphere, Kevin(The owner) is very sociable and kind, and the food is very, very high quality. Been coming here for many years, and never gets tiring.
This place had good service, and most of the sushi we got was good, just that some of them had a lot of rice on them- like too much. Also, the udon soup wasn't bad, but the broth tasted more like wonton soup.
Al L.
Was out in the Sunset District for business and was looking for a place to get sushi for dinner on a recent Friday evening. Called a friend who lives in the area and she recommended her favorite neighborhood place, Sushi Zen. Parking in the area is a little challenging, but I did find a space on the avenue a block away. Arriving at 6:00pm, the restaurant was about half full, so we had no problems getting seated.The menu consists of sushi nigiri and rolls, dinner / combinations, noodles, and appetizers. We decided on:Chicken teriyaki and sashimi combination with miso soup and rice and mixed green salad. Good amount of chicken, which was moist. The sashimi consisted of three pieces of salmon and two pieces of hamachi. Fish was fresh.Dragon roll and Rainbow roll - both rolls were good. Real crab meat was inside the rainbow roll and fish was fresh. One piece of the rainbow roll was topped with avocado rather than fish, which I've never seen before.Overall, service was friendly and efficient. Restaurant is quaint with one wall covered with pictures of patrons and the owner. A non-nonsense neighborhood restaurant or sushi and dinner items.
Wesley S.
Came here with a party of 3 for dinner. It was around 5:30pm on a Saturday and was already starting to get crowded in this small little restaurant. I love chicken katsu so I ordered it here and the portion size is big! Along with the tasty sushi rolls, everything was excellent here and I could barely finish my order. The staff is friendly and food is delicious. Would come back again next time.
Maria G.
Favorite sushi place ever. And whenever I take sushi lovers there, they say it's their new favorite spot too. The owner, his family, and employees are super friendly.
Super affordable and great service always crowded and packed, for good reason too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bento
Kelly Chen
Great sushi spot! Super friendly service and fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chaotic Mind
Wonderful place to visit and the food is amazing. The staff is welcoming and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: California Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, Tempura, Sushi Combo
Faisal K.
I love sushi, and something San Fransisco has a lot of, is sushi, but the reality is all sushi is not created equal, and while some places have roof top views, or exclusive lists, and people swear they're the best spots in all the city, they're not accessible and sustainable for the general public. When I think of sushi I think of simplicity, and quality. Flashy rolls are fun, miso soups are essential, but the quality and consistency are the most important thing. That's why I go to sushi zen.The service is amazing across the board and you're greeted and sat quickly if there isn't a wait. The restaurant is small and inviting, but very lively, some of my best conversations where had at those tables, and some of my happiest solo dinners where had there as well.The menu is vast bust simple, and everything is made with quality in mind. Starting the meal with miso soup, and going into the rich unagi roll, was perfect. The flavors are full and cohesive. The richness of the eel and spicy tuna stands out and stays till you have the amazing and sweet beef teriyaki. And you finish with incredible sashimi that melts in your mouth. I had this meal alone and it was as a reward after running a 10k and it was everything my taste buds where craving.Sushi Zen is on my consistent rotation and I recommend it to everyone!
Jess C.
If you're a sushi enthusiast seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, look no further than Sushi Zen! Tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, this hidden gem has stolen the hearts and palates of sushi lovers with its mouthwatering array of fresh sushi rolls and exceptional dining experience. During my recent visit, I was blown away by the delectable sushi offerings, the enchanting ambiance, and the convenient takeout service that made my experience truly unforgettable.First and foremost, the sushi rolls at Sushi Zen are nothing short of exquisite. The moment I took my first bite of the Rainbow Dragon Roll, I knew I was in for a treat. The vibrant colors of fresh fish atop a perfectly seasoned bed of sushi rice created an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The rolls were beautifully presented, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail. Each piece was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, leaving me craving for more with every bite. From classic favorites like the California Roll to innovative creations like the Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll, every roll on the menu was a masterpiece of its own.Not only did the sushi surpass all expectations, but the ambiance at Sushi Zen was equally enchanting. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by warm smiles from the staff and the soft glow of warm lighting that created a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The interior design reflected a fusion of modern elegance with subtle Japanese aesthetics, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Soft traditional music played in the background, further enhancing the overall dining experience. The restaurant was thoughtfully laid out, with ample space between tables, ensuring privacy and intimacy even during peak hours.While the option of dining in was a delight, I also appreciated the convenience of their takeout service. In today's fast-paced world, having the ability to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi in the comfort of my own home was a significant bonus. Placing my takeout order was a breeze; the staff was attentive, polite, and ensured that my order was accurate and ready for pickup on time. The sushi rolls were carefully packaged, preserving their freshness, and the presentation of the takeout containers matched the elegance of the restaurant.My family's & my experience at Sushi Zen was nothing short of extraordinary. From the delectable, fresh sushi rolls to the inviting ambiance and seamless takeout service, every aspect of this restaurant was truly outstanding. Whether you're looking for a memorable dine-in experience or a convenient takeout option for a special occasion, Sushi Zen has it all. If you're a sushi enthusiast like me, this place is an absolute must-visit, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
I love this gem of a local restaurant. I love sushi & I love traditional Japanese food. I was very interested from the get go in seeing that they had a Bento lunch special that included saba shioyaki, sashimi, California roll, salad and miso soup. I ordered it and it was delicious.They also serve Gen Mai Cha, makes my heart smile. The food was excellent. Even more impressive is the lunch specials that they serve to the kids from Lincoln High & other schools. They have an open booth in the front, specifically for high school kids (similar to an old school movie theater ticket booth) to where the kids are lined up. They prepare boxes just for them. Also, a ton of local construction workers, SFPD, locals in general. The owners greet everyone when they come in & also do the traditional thank you & goodbye when everyone leaves. They have pictures lining the walls of their regulars on one side of the room. On the other side, drawings from regulars, mostly kids and teenagers. I love this place!!! I took my husband there for lunch last week. We had our normal sushi restaurants for years. Our former favorite changed hands. He was skeptical when we went in. He was wowed when he was served his food. ? It's our new favorite place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura Roll, Fish, Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki & Tempura, Rolls, Bento, Chirashi Sushi
I love the dragon roll and shrimp tempura
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Teriyaki, California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Fish, Tempura, Bento
I ate at Sushi Zen and the staff was super nice. The portions are average. I had the beef teriyaki and it was a little dry. I did like the sushi rolls and tempura. I like the neighborhood vibe and their walls were covered with pictures of the patrons, which was interesting. Definitely family friendly. I recommend. The bill was $129 for 3 people and we had no drinks or alcohol.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura Roll, Tempura, Rolls, Dragon Roll
Sushi Zen has good food and their prices are fair. Quick Service and a cozy atmosphere. Winter wonderland(imitation crab and tempura) is a good roll for folks that don’t like raw rolls but like the sushi idea. My favorite roll is a dragon roll and I usually order those two rolls when I do take out.Parking: Parking is currently not great at all because of the Taraval construction going on as of 2/16/24Kid-friendliness: Tempura items and bento boxesWheelchair accessibility: Accessible but not to much room inside.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Edamame, Winter Wonderland, Miso Soup, Rolls, Bento
Awesome friendly service. Delicious sushi especially the British Columbia roll. We love this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls, Spicy Tuna
Best restaurant ever. Great atmosphere, Kevin(The owner) is very sociable and kind, and the food is very, very high quality. Been coming here for many years, and never gets tiring.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Edamame, California Roll, Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki & Tempura, Miso Soup, Bento
This place had good service, and most of the sushi we got was good, just that some of them had a lot of rice on them- like too much. Also, the udon soup wasn't bad, but the broth tasted more like wonton soup.
Was out in the Sunset District for business and was looking for a place to get sushi for dinner on a recent Friday evening. Called a friend who lives in the area and she recommended her favorite neighborhood place, Sushi Zen. Parking in the area is a little challenging, but I did find a space on the avenue a block away. Arriving at 6:00pm, the restaurant was about half full, so we had no problems getting seated.The menu consists of sushi nigiri and rolls, dinner / combinations, noodles, and appetizers. We decided on:Chicken teriyaki and sashimi combination with miso soup and rice and mixed green salad. Good amount of chicken, which was moist. The sashimi consisted of three pieces of salmon and two pieces of hamachi. Fish was fresh.Dragon roll and Rainbow roll - both rolls were good. Real crab meat was inside the rainbow roll and fish was fresh. One piece of the rainbow roll was topped with avocado rather than fish, which I've never seen before.Overall, service was friendly and efficient. Restaurant is quaint with one wall covered with pictures of patrons and the owner. A non-nonsense neighborhood restaurant or sushi and dinner items.
Came here with a party of 3 for dinner. It was around 5:30pm on a Saturday and was already starting to get crowded in this small little restaurant. I love chicken katsu so I ordered it here and the portion size is big! Along with the tasty sushi rolls, everything was excellent here and I could barely finish my order. The staff is friendly and food is delicious. Would come back again next time.
Favorite sushi place ever. And whenever I take sushi lovers there, they say it's their new favorite spot too. The owner, his family, and employees are super friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
Super affordable and great service always crowded and packed, for good reason too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bento
Great sushi spot! Super friendly service and fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful place to visit and the food is amazing. The staff is welcoming and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: California Roll, Super Dynamite Roll, Tempura, Sushi Combo
I love sushi, and something San Fransisco has a lot of, is sushi, but the reality is all sushi is not created equal, and while some places have roof top views, or exclusive lists, and people swear they're the best spots in all the city, they're not accessible and sustainable for the general public. When I think of sushi I think of simplicity, and quality. Flashy rolls are fun, miso soups are essential, but the quality and consistency are the most important thing. That's why I go to sushi zen.The service is amazing across the board and you're greeted and sat quickly if there isn't a wait. The restaurant is small and inviting, but very lively, some of my best conversations where had at those tables, and some of my happiest solo dinners where had there as well.The menu is vast bust simple, and everything is made with quality in mind. Starting the meal with miso soup, and going into the rich unagi roll, was perfect. The flavors are full and cohesive. The richness of the eel and spicy tuna stands out and stays till you have the amazing and sweet beef teriyaki. And you finish with incredible sashimi that melts in your mouth. I had this meal alone and it was as a reward after running a 10k and it was everything my taste buds where craving.Sushi Zen is on my consistent rotation and I recommend it to everyone!
If you're a sushi enthusiast seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, look no further than Sushi Zen! Tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, this hidden gem has stolen the hearts and palates of sushi lovers with its mouthwatering array of fresh sushi rolls and exceptional dining experience. During my recent visit, I was blown away by the delectable sushi offerings, the enchanting ambiance, and the convenient takeout service that made my experience truly unforgettable.First and foremost, the sushi rolls at Sushi Zen are nothing short of exquisite. The moment I took my first bite of the Rainbow Dragon Roll, I knew I was in for a treat. The vibrant colors of fresh fish atop a perfectly seasoned bed of sushi rice created an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The rolls were beautifully presented, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail. Each piece was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, leaving me craving for more with every bite. From classic favorites like the California Roll to innovative creations like the Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll, every roll on the menu was a masterpiece of its own.Not only did the sushi surpass all expectations, but the ambiance at Sushi Zen was equally enchanting. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by warm smiles from the staff and the soft glow of warm lighting that created a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The interior design reflected a fusion of modern elegance with subtle Japanese aesthetics, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Soft traditional music played in the background, further enhancing the overall dining experience. The restaurant was thoughtfully laid out, with ample space between tables, ensuring privacy and intimacy even during peak hours.While the option of dining in was a delight, I also appreciated the convenience of their takeout service. In today's fast-paced world, having the ability to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi in the comfort of my own home was a significant bonus. Placing my takeout order was a breeze; the staff was attentive, polite, and ensured that my order was accurate and ready for pickup on time. The sushi rolls were carefully packaged, preserving their freshness, and the presentation of the takeout containers matched the elegance of the restaurant.My family's & my experience at Sushi Zen was nothing short of extraordinary. From the delectable, fresh sushi rolls to the inviting ambiance and seamless takeout service, every aspect of this restaurant was truly outstanding. Whether you're looking for a memorable dine-in experience or a convenient takeout option for a special occasion, Sushi Zen has it all. If you're a sushi enthusiast like me, this place is an absolute must-visit, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!