We popped into Kama sushi on a weeknight to take advantage of the Amex Resy Credit. I was very pleasantly surprised but the vibe and service. It is super crowded and noisy but in a lively and exciting way. I definitely would try to come in a small group. We tried the yellowtail carpaccio which was okay, I didn't really like that it was cooked but the flavors were still good. The toro nigiri was excellent as always. The rolls were also all very creative and didn't seem too similar to each other. The fish was very fresh and not fishy at all. Overall I'd definitely come back! read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Hamachi Carpacio - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

"Absolutely incredible experience. the chef took care of us from star to finish, party of 6, fish, freshness, the Toro melt in our mouths, and the rice what's perfectly seasoned. A must-try hidden gem. for a family friends or romantic night is percent. Been there for years quite established. read more

A solid go-to for an intimate date night. The space is small, with dim lighting and a front-row sushi bar. I was seated at the counter, watching the chefs work their magic as they prepared each dish, with music playing in the background. Fair warning: on a busy night, expect to get very acquainted with the people next to you. We ordered the Half Baked Specialty Roll ($19), along with hamachi nigiri ($9/2 pc) and hamachi belly ($15/2 pc). The hamachi completely stole the show...it was exceptionally fresh, buttery, and had that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture you can only dream about. Easily the kind of dish that tempts you into a second order without hesitation. Overall, a great spot when you're in the mood for quality fish in an intimate environment. read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Hamachi & Hamachi Belly - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best price for great quality sushi in the area--slightly cheaper than comparable places nearby, and for that I am grateful for Kuma! Nigiri and rolls are very good. Service is very kind and understanding. We were running late for our reservation (comedy show went 30 minutes late) and they still sat us. Can't go wrong with the Hey Girl, Fresca, Tango, Golden Boy, or Karma rolls! read more

See all

Delicious lunch! The star of the show was the 8 piece chefs choice nigiri and it was super fresh, flavorful with a fun variety. The service was fast and I was seated immediately. I highly recommend this as a nice lunch! read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Storefront - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Our faves were the barley tap and Kuma eel roll. The kuma roll was super warm and decadent, feeling like a hug. The barley tap was very refreshing and cut the decadence of the kuma roll. Also really enjoyed the tofu appetizer! Overall fresh fish and would be happy to be back. Super attentive service as well! They kept refilling my water so fast. They also gave us a complimentary scoop of Mitchell's Thai tea ice cream on our anniversary. Perfect for a cute and intimate date night or girls night out. read more

We made a dinner reservation ahead of time and were promptly seated. Came to use the Amex Resy credit. Quality of the chirashi deluxe was excellent. So many pieces of fresh sashimi with a large variety. The mixed rice was healthier and slightly crunchy? but I definitely prefer the short grain white rice . read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Chirashi deluxe - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Seriously one of the best hidden gems I stumbled upon!! It's sooooo cozy and ambient here. Fish is fresh and delicious. From the apps to the salads to the fish, everything was SO GOOD. I saw they had tons of to-go orders too which looked just as delicious. A highlight was definitely the spicy tuna roll--it was actually so spicy!! One of my favorite rolls to order and they did not disappoint. Also make sure to try their Kuma Salad with the Salmon Chicharron!! Service was also great here and very attentive. Seriously had the coziest time dining here!! read more

See all

We came here before opening as we had the Paul Simon concert to catch. We ended up being the first ones in and were immediately greeted by the host and seated within the first minute of opening. As we were just getting settled, the waitress was immediately attentive to us and got us water and kept coming by to refill the moment she saw that we had half empty glasses which we appreciated. Ordering was easy and quick as well. We ended up sharing the hamachi kama, the hamachi ponzu, and two rolls (hey girl and fresca). Food came out as quickly as the place was still kind of empty. We wouldn't have mind waiting though as the place had a calm serenity to it even though it's located on Polk Street. Everything we had tasted fresh and as if it was handled with care. There truly wasn't anything to complain about. The ponzu was an incredible starter as it was fresh and refreshing to our palates. The hamachi kama was deliciously buttery and grilled to perfection. The rolls were filled nicely and every flavor was well rounded and pronounced. Would definitely return here when I'm back in the city. read more

See all

Pretty great quality fish overall and decently priced if sharing rolls. They give such a great amount of shishito peppers which is hugeee in my eyes since this is my fav appetizer! Nice little place with both tables and bar seating. Service was friendly and v attentive. 4/5: tango roll, really refreshing and good with the yuzu kosho 3.5/5: half baked, great flavors but fell apart 4.5/5: shishito peppers, great quantity. Could use more sauce/lime but I dipped it in soy sauce/the hamachi crudo sauce and it was great. 4/5: hamachi ponzu, great flavors! Rly yummy read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Hamachi Ponzu Half Baked Tango shishito peppers - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Super fresh sushi, best uni I've ever had. Very friendly staff, the service was perfect. Highly recommend

Cozy hole-in-the-wall sushi joint an industri-chic feel and plenty of options for a shareable meal. Favorite roll had to be the Fresca -- ceviche with pineapple and avocado -- though Tango was a close second. Some of the salmon was extra "fishy" tasting, which wasn't a dealbreaker but perhaps could've been a bit more fresh. Standout of the meal was actually from the daily menu -- local firm tofu with crunchy garlic oil. WOW, it was delicious! The chilled tofu with the spicy sauce made for a really unique and enjoyable dish. Service was great and friendly, and we had no problem being accommodated as walk-ins. Worth checking out! read more

See all

Date night at Kuma's was sublime in every aspect. We made reservations a few days before and I would highly recommend it since they get pretty busy around 7pm. The sushi chefs were ultra busy carving up unique fish while our lone server handled all the tables in the dining area. She did a great job at recommending not just what to order but how to eat each fish in their own way. We ordered two of the nigiri omakase sets, one of the sashimi omakase, Uni, bluefin tuna, sweet shrimp and grilled hamachi collar. We also tried one of their sakes since they have a great selection of sake on deck. Our server brought the sashimi omakase first and suggested we eat leaner fish first before the oily/fatty ones. All of the fish were delicious but the soy braised bluefin tuna was my favorite because of its complexity. The edges were slightly cooked but the center was raw which created this texture which is out of this world. The nigiri omakase just as good as the sashimi, each fish tasting better than the last. The add-ons sweet shrimp and Uni served as a pleasant break from the fish. Both equally tasty, the shrimp perhaps the freshest we've ever had and the Uni couldn't have been more creamier and custardy. Highly recommend Kuma, this is one of those places where you'll want to go back again and again. read more

See all

Service was ok. Could have been more attentive. None of the chefs acknowledged us or said hi as we walked through the door. Ambiance and decor is nice. We decided to try their rolls since they have many unique combinations and flavors. Ox and Tiger roll: 4/5. well balanced. The jicama gave it a nice crunch and texture. Rice could be tighter. Some fell apart as we picked it up. Barley taps roll: flavors 4/5. Rice could be tighter. Some fell apart as we picked it up. Jackelope (not pictured): 4.5/5. Amberjack was good. Fried scallion gave it a good texture. Faceplant: 3/5. A bit bland. Eggplant didn't really have any flavor. Tai nigiri (not pictured): 4/5. Sea bream cured in kelp. read more

See all

This place is just awesome in every way! The only thing that could possibly be better is I won free meals here for life! High q super fresh fish Decent portions Expert chefs Good service Cozy and date worthy. Here's a pic of my view as my mouth watered. read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Portions and freshness yum. - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Really amazing ngiri and delicious miso soup. Haven't been there in person, but the delivery was great and will definitely order again. read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Incredible ngiri - Sake Toro - Hamachi - Sake - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Like another reviewer said, Kuma on Polk is a hidden gem! Came across Kuma Sushi and Sake after my friend and I found out La Fina Estampa (our favorite Peruvian spot) was closed for a few weeks for the holidays. My friend found this spot which was a few blocks away. Found parking in the one way alley next to the restaurant, the area is a bit rough at night, but once you walk in, such a different vibe. Small, cozy and the ambiance was popping off. It was a full house but staff was able to squeeze us in at their window bar seats. Everything we ordered was a hit! Flavor, quality and freshness was great. Appetizer: grilled hamachi (get it, so crispy, meat was tender, delicious and well seasoned) Appetizer: cold tofu with chilli crisp (was highly recommended by their staff but I thought it was just okay in flavor. Tofu was fresh but it was missing a memorable flavor for me) Appetizer: Miso Soup. My friend tried this one. No particular standout notes - miso soup was pretty standard. Nigiris: scallop, ama ebi, salmon, hamachi and Hokkaido uni. Shrimp head was delivered perfectly fried and the ama ebi was fresh and sweet - we had to order another round with no regrets. If we were to go back, I'd love to sit by the bar/chef's area and try their omakase or charashi bowl. If you're in the area and craving sushi, this is worth stopping by. read more

See all

It's an ok place to go. The quality was just mediocre and nothing exceptional. I have had way better sushi (about the same price range) in the Bay! We felt a little hurried and probably could be that it was their closing time.. read more

Always a good spot to get omakase, incredible staff, good unique fishes, and great vibes

Ebi tempura roll - 6/5 California roll - 5/5 Hey Girl - 6/5 Great balls off fire - 4/5 Great ambiance! read more

I love the sushi here! So fresh, decent sized rolls and the prices are fair. Highly recommend the salmon and avocado roll and the roasted shishito peppers. Service is really nice and knowledgeable. Ambiance is small and cute and would be nice for a date night :) read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - shishito peppers - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Main Complaint: Sushi rice was dry and mushy, some pieces were over compressed/way too dense for the amount of fish given -the same vinegar was used across all fish types regardless of fat content/flavor profile Notes: -Sushi rice needs serious work, I've had better sushi rice at Kura Sushi/budget sushi mom and pop places -Fish quality itself was decent and had a wide variety of options -cheaper quality wasabi used -nice ambiance at night, dark candlelit vibe -no wasabi or soy sauce/salinity was pre-applied to the nigiri except for pieces with yuzu kosho -Aburi pieces were not seared enough or draw out fat or warm the fish -No one said thank you as we left the restaurant, given we just blew $130 at ur place that would have been nice to hear on the way out -mostly non-Asians eating inside, seemed like the tables around us were having sushi for the first time (which is totally fine, but to me to speaks to the audience they are catering towards) read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Been wanting to try this place. Finally made a reservation a week in advance on Resy. Parking was a little difficult considering it's located near the tenderloin. We were seated in the bar for party of 2. Wish there was an option to choose bar seating or table. We prefer table since me and my bf are introverts haha. Service was okay. We tried everything chawanmushi 4/5 threw me off since there was cheese in it. Sashimi was fresh decent but wasn't outstanding. Nigiri 8 pieces was good. Everything was just okay. Bill total was $200 not including tips. Would I come back again? No :) read more

See all

Host was incredibly rude, and the service overall ruined what could've been a good meal. My boyfriend and I booked a last-minute reservation and decided to try this new sushi spot. Online, there were plenty of open time slots, so we arrived a little early hoping to be seated. The restaurant was nearly empty, yet the host sat us directly next to the only other couple dining. We politely moved one table over to give everyone some space. Our reservation was for 6:15, but we were seated around 6. A few minutes later, the host came back and told us we would need to be out by 7:15 because we switched tables, claiming another reservation was specifically for the one we had moved to. This made no sense given how many openings we'd seen online. Even my boyfriend said, "what a weird comment to make to customers who just sat down". Then, another couple was seated at the table we were originally supposed to sit at--and they were served before us, despite us having ordered well before they even walked in. At that point, it felt intentional and petty. We decided we'd finish our appetizer and leave. The appetizer was actually good, which made the terrible service even more disappointing because it completely ruined the experience. Do yourself a favor and skip this place. read more

Small,compacted spot with great ambiance is def a hidden gem in the lower nob hill. Was craving for some unique sashimi and came across this cute little hole in a wall Japanese sushi bar. Their menu changes daily/seasonally depending on what's available so it's super refreshing to try out other cuts of fish (instead of the salmon, tuna, and hamachi). The waitress that helped us was extremely helpful in terms of explaining the menu and also made serval suggestions on which menu item is better to order with rice (nigiri style) vs sashimi alone. Quality of the ingredients and how much detail they put into curating every order exceeds our expectations. Will definitely come back for some more traditional sushi rolls :) read more

See all

Definitely on the pricier side for sushi, but the quality was undeniable. We ordered the Chirashi Bowl ($54) and the Sashimi Sampler (just over $50). While both were beautifully presented, the portions weren't quite enough to satisfy, so we added the Hamachi Kama for $18. The fish was incredibly fresh--especially the ikura, which had a clean, balanced flavor without the overwhelming saltiness you often find elsewhere. While I probably wouldn't get the sashimi sampler again, I'd happily come back and order two Chirashi bowls instead--the portion size and variety made it a better value. The standout for me was actually the wasabi: slightly salty, vibrant, and noticeably fresh. Overall, I'd give the experience a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars. read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Chirashi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Wow! We had a lot of fun with this dinner. There are so many options to choose from and we tried so many different food items. The nigiri was very delicious with warm rice. The fish was super fresh and the chirashi had so many different types. The service was great and everyone gave so many recommendations. We sat at the bar and enjoyed talking to the chefs. I thought pricing was decent too. I would recommend this spot for a nicer dinner! read more

See all

YUM! We came here for a date night on a Friday around 7 PM and were glad we had a reservation. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so I would definitely recommend having a reso if you're going during peak hours. All the fish was fresh, and the rice was soft and delicious. We always get hamachi appetizers if they're on the menu, and this one is one of our favorites! The fish melted in our mouths, and the sauce was so flavorful. We can't wait to come back! read more

See all

Amazing sushi, top-notch service, and excellent sake. We sat at the bar and had a fantastic time. The staff took great care of us, and every dish was incredible. Highly recommend! read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cozy sushi spot on Polk with fresh fish and curated menu. We walked in on a whim and we were pleasantly surprised. It was very cozy with limited seating but luckily we were able to get a table without waiting. We got the Deco Dance roll which was good though a bit small (thin with not much filling). We also got the sashimi tasting that came with two pieces of 5 different fish. The quality of the fish was excellent and the presentation was great. The service is super fast and they are always coming by to fill your water which was nice. Overall, a nice spot in the city. read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - sashimi tasting - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

My friends and I (party of four) made reservations on a Tuesday evening for some omakase and drinks to celebrate a new engagement. Hiro, our server, gave us the best service we've ever had with a champagne toast and ice cream for us to share at the end of our meal. The omakase was divine and well presented. Everyone was so attentive to our waters and plate turnover. We really enjoyed ourselves and will be coming back soon! read more

See all

Stunning sushi, located on Polk St in the Tenderloin. Some of the best sushi I've had in a really long time. Came here for my husband's birthday, and it was an amazing experience. It gets busy, so reservations recommended. We walked in and were seated at the bar without a rez. The fish was so lovely and extremely fresh. The cuts were expertly handled. There are dozens of rolls to choose from on the menu, and also I feel that the daily specials, which include the bulk of the available sashimi and nigiri, are where this restaurant truly shines. The best bites of the night were where we chose the Chef's Choice nigiri--you can choose between 4 pieces and 8 pieces. Absolutely stunning! There is a sister restaurant located on Valencia. I would definitely recommend either of these locations! read more

See all

Pretty sure it's my favorite sushi joint in the city. A great synergy of quality and creativity. They nail the classics but also have an extensive menu expand your experience and the quality is always pristine. Super friendly and welcoming staff and their sake advice is on point. My only complaint is that I don't live close enough to visit more often! Highly recommended. Try the Walu, it's like nowhere else! read more

I enjoyed my dinner at Kuma! It's a cute dim lit restaurant that is perfect for a date night. Everything from the attentive service to the high quality fresh seafood made my dinner pleasant. Some highlights for me was the sashimi tasting and the chirashi deluxe. Our server did not let my drinks go empty and I loved all the recommendations I got. I'll be back again! read more

See all

The food was hands-down delicious. Everything that was ordered was fresh and you could tell the price you pay for it was very worth the quality of the dishes. This could just be my take on this, but the manager? owner who greeted us into the shop took a bit to get used to. He was incredibly attentive. He allowed us to drop in even though we accidently made a reservation for the other Kuma location. He was even quick to hear that one of us was having a birthday, and brought out an icecream with a blinking birthday sign on it! So if he isn't the expected "bubbly" personality, but that did not negate the excellent service he provided. read more

I came here for a Valentine's day lunch and I was SO happy with my experience! We walked in around 12:30 and had no wait, but you're able to make a reservation online if you want a guaranteed seat. The restaurant itself is quite small, so on busy days I'd probably recommend a reservation. Also keep in mind that there is only street parking, so I'd recommend getting there early so you make your reservation on time. Our server was incredibly sweet and attentive, even telling us about the different kinds of fish that were in our dishes. They have a daily menu that reflects the catches of the day, so everything tastes super fresh. We got their chirashi bowl to share ($54), and it was incredible. There were cuts of salmon, tuna, kanpachi/amberjack, roe, and other fish. Every bite was incredibly tasty and melted in your mouth. The purple rice also had such a good texture and paired perfectly with the fish. I loved the presentation as well! Will definitely be coming back to try some more dishes! read more

See all

Really enjoyed the food here. If you don't have a reservation, I would recommend going right when it opens. I wouldn't say the servers are particularly friendly, but doesn't matter much when the food is good. We had fast service. The restaurant is rather small, looked like 6 small tables and bar seating only. When you walk in, I believe you'd only get bar seating. A lot of vegetable options which I don't love for a sushi place normally, but I loved their sweet potato roll (Kuma Roll). Also, one thing I noticed is that in the bathroom they have both pads and tampons- but the workers looked primarily male. I felt like this touch was very heartwarming- they really think of their customers and women that work there! read more

Kuma Sushi + Sake - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

10/10 recommend Kuma Sushi + Sake! The Tango and Fresca rolls are delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. The ambiance inside is cozy. Pretty cost efficient, as well. Will be one of my go-to sushi spots from now on. read more

Our server was incredibly sweet, helpful, and accommodating. She went above and beyond to help us create the best tasting experience, suggesting dishes, mixing and matching options, and making sure everything was just perfect. She checked in on us regularly and made the whole evening feel effortless. The shishito peppers were a great start, the octopus karaage was perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the ice cream at the end was such a nice touch. The restaurant cozy and had both bar and standard seating. read more

See all

TLDR: I'm shocked I had never heard of this place before a friend suggested we go. This place is VIBEY. At least for dinner during the winter months, the lights and atmosphere were cool, fun, festive. The food here was also really good, with a long list of truly daily specials (they stamp the daily menu with the date). Service is fast and thorough, though only thing is that the inside is small so you might feel a tad squeezed with waiters walking through! ------ FOOD: 1. [Must Try] Local Tofu (5/5): The marinade or sauce they put on top of these thick slices of tofu is addicting. It's a refreshing flavor bomb and something that really pleasantly surprised us. 2. Kama (Yellowtail and Salmon collars) (4.5/5): I love fish collar and these two were done beautifully. Loved them, but they're limited availability so have backup options in case they run out. 3. Sashimi tasting (4.5/5): I thought it was good sashimi, but honestly I don't order sashimi that often so I'm not the best judge for which sashimi tastes definitively better than other sashimi. 4. Chawanmashi (3.5/5): I liked the concept and appreciated the addition of crab to make this more interesting, but I didn't think it needed cheese and the portion was really small, especially for the price. I guess it was pricier because of the crab? ------ SERVICE: * The kind of place that will switch out plates for you every couple of dishes (and upon request) * The waiter even came by to wipe down our table at one point * Our waiter was quick and diligent, as well as super sweet. It was my friend's birthday and when we decided not to have dessert but the waiter overheard it was his birthday, they really wanted to try to do something special for him. We insisted it was ok and that we didn't need dessert and the waiter was just so nice to keep insisting on wanting to make his birthday special in some way. ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * Again, I was surprised by how fun and trendy this place felt given I had never heard of it * There's bar seating and then a few tables inside but honestly not THAT many tables. This is definitely a place to make a reservation for if you're a group that's determined to eat here. The do keep bar seats open for walk-ins. read more

See all