Best little sushi bar in SF. (Shhh. Don't tell anyone.)
I used to live in the Castro and this was my regular solo sushi place. It has since become the destination for the sushi-madness moods that strike my beau and I on a regular basis. The fish is fresh and delish, the prices are stupid reasonable, the service is friendly and the place itself is cozy and comfortable.
In the transportive space you feel like you could be in Tokyo (or Paris for that matter) as easily as you could be in San Francisco. It's a hidden little joint tucked underneath Books Inc. and a vitamin store. Once inside, you'll find a narrow, dim room with about six tables for two and a low sushi bar that seats about eight. Despite its size and popularity, it's never too crowded to get a seat and even when it's full, it's never too loud.
The two servers who are invariably there are both very friendly and efficient. Often, when sitting at the bar, one of the two sushi chefs will take your order directly, while the servers keep you up to your ears in sake and Asahi and tea. If you're one who likes super elaborate, crazy maki rolls with jalapenos and grapes stuck in them, you'll be disappointed with the selections at Sushi Time. It's a back-to-basics kind of place and all of the maki is made with very little more than fish, rice, nori and green onion, occasionally with a spicy sauce for the "spicy" rolls. They do have a rarely changing specials list that includes the Speed Racer roll which is your basic tuna roll with some mango and spicy sauce—super yummy, but not over-the-top creative. The tai carpaccio, also on the specials list is difficult to eat, but once it's in your mouth, it's heavenly.
Basically, this place is about the fish, and if you're not into actually tasting the fish in your sushi, you'll be better off with the maki menu at Blowfish or Tsunami (one of these places is not overrated. I'll give you two guesses as to which one. Hint: it's not Blowfish). I can never get enough of the sake nigiri at Sushi Time. I think they get their salmon straight from heaven.
And when the bill comes, prepare to put your eyes back in your head when you see that your two Asahis, two large sakes and a gut-splitting amount of fine fish cost...$45.
Dude, that's practically free in this town.
Sushi Time
2275 Market Street @ 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 552-2280
