Sushi Groove

Recommends

scottsmack

Joined 5 years ago

Even the picky will be impressed. We've been going to Sushi Groove since Martel and Nabiel opened it years ago during the heady days of 1015 Folsom. Like all restaurants, quality has ebbed and flowed a bit over the years. Last night we were happy to find that they have re-committed to serving excellent food: extremely fresh fish, great variety, interesting rolls, and a nod to the traditionalists with off-the-beaten-path specials. Sushi Groove is one of the best spots in the city for a low-key, fun experience with surprisingly good food!

Doesn't Recommend

sfcity2006

Joined 5 years ago

I guess it used to be good. Average or worse sushi, and nasty chefs. The last time I came I got the wrong order and then they charged me for it. The sushi years ago used to be like melt in your mouth delicious, like most of the other numerous good sushi places in San Francisco. Now it is more like bite and cannot bite through the fish. V

They also mix up the bills and you end up getting two different bills, which further spoils the evening like there is something screwed up. The chefs do not appear to be happy people, and they practically ignore you . This is very atypical for San Francicso.

The only plus is a pretty wait staff and good music, hence the name.

Recommends

lyss61

Joined 6 years ago

average sushi. went here with an out of town friend (who introduced me to sushi years ago). we thought it was average. the fish wasn't the kind you bite into and feel like it was just caught that morning. definitely overpriced. good sake but also overpriced! if you're going to pay that much for sushi, go to Okoze (hidden gem) down the street. The fish is much better and it's cozier (not as "clubby"). The interior of Sushi Groove feels a little forced and sterile. Not worth it for me.

Doesn't Recommend

m0chaman

Joined 6 years ago

What has happened?. Let me start by saying that I love Sushi Groove and have been going to the one on Hyde for years. The place has a fun, lively (albeit loud) atmosphere and the food has always been great, but I recently went there for a celebratory dinner for my girlfriend's promotion and the service was beyond terrible. I was really embarrassed.

I asked to be seated at a more intimate, quiet table, which ended up being by the stairwell that leads to the bathroom. There was very limited lighting there which is a little weird for when you're eating raw fish, but it was quieter, so we went with it. Not seated more than a couple minutes and a nasty, sewer smell started wafting up from downstairs. This went on every couple minutes for the first half hour we were there and we tried to make due but finally had to move to another table.

Beyond the smell, I had asked that a bottle of wine be ready on my table for when my girlfriend arrived. When she finally got there, it still wasn't on the table. And then the waitress finally brought it out, she simply put it on our table and left it there. Didn't open it. No glasses. Nothing. Once I finally got her to open it for us, she didn't come back to take our order for over 20 minutes. And once we moved to our new table, we never saw her again until we finally went up to her and asked her for our bill.

The food was great as usual, except that we had explicitly asked for no roe. The first round of sushi came out ok, but our next round was covered in it.

This was my first really bad experience and I hate to write a negative review, but it really was a horrible experience and I'm really disappointed.

Recommends

ieatallthetime

Joined 7 years ago

Popularity due more to location than its food. I've been to Sushi Groove twice and 2 things struck me right away: 1) how freaking small it is; 2) how freaking crowded it is. I believe that that area of russian hill is really lacking in japanese food, so this place is popular, but it's not really due to the great sushi. The rolls are pretty small and will be rolled into a sloppy mess if they are busy. Don't get me wrong: the food isn't bad, but it's not that great for the price and its certainly not good enough to be rated as high as it currently is. I think that if you want japanese food in that neighborhood, this is one of the few acceptable options. If you are game for a little hike, then head over to either skipjack on union or even better (if not the best!) walk down to zushi puzzle (on lombard) for good prices, good rolling and good sizes - certainly much better than what sushi groove is offering.

Recommends

hanslo

Joined 6 years ago

Very good Sushi ~ Very noisy & small Interior.. Very good Sushi (love it) one of the best!

Amazing rolls, generous sizes,beautiful presentation,nice service,good neighborhood

and a nice atmosphere.

*they need valet parking badly - Its impossible to find parking in the general area!!!

We almost drove away because there was no where to park .

The Interior is very small & noisy - makes for a more casual experience.

*highly recommended

Recommends

sfelite

Joined 6 years ago

Nice Grooves. I fell in love with this place the very 1st time! Lovely ambiance, great sushi and friendly staff! What else could you ask for? I agree with others when they say it is small and probably not the best place to just run out for a bit of sushi (reservations are a must!) but even still it is one of if not THE best places in SF for sushi. I just love it! I highly recommend the Peat's Maki and of course their California Maki & Unagi is the best, hands down!

Recommends

konik8

Joined 8 years ago

Fun spot. Great spot with excellent sushi. It is small in size but it what adds to the charm. sitting at the sushi bar is fun although tight but I fell in love with this place. This is equal to other hot spots in the city Like Tsunami sushi but smaller & cozier. Ill be back to the great fish offerings they have !

Recommends

ejgsf

Joined 8 years ago

Innovative and fresh sushi. Sushi Groove is all about fresh fish and unusual rolls that feature daily specials. There is also a nice selection of hot and cold sakes on the menu--I love the devil killer. The ambience is fun and hip -- it is a memorable dining experience that is more than just great sushi.

Recommends

pauliccm

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful service and quality sushi in town. The host told us our table wil be delayed. He is gracious enough to charm us by offering us cold sake in a tea cup (smart service!) while we waited outside. We didn't feel like hanging out in a wine bar down the street suggested by him. I dined out frequently but I have never encountered such a wonderful character full of charm, warmth and funny at the same time in a restaurant. Discovered later he is the manager of both sushi groove Hyde and Folsom We tried the spanish mackerel sashimi suggested by him. What a fish to taste and savor! Overall it was really an experience to cherish. Bravo!