01/13/09

Mediocriti

by frabjousdey

Hanabi is where you go when you need sushi but you don't want to spend a lot.

I will say that their combo dinners are a good deal: it's not very high-quality and the meats are sort of gristly, but they do give you a lot of it.

• Pros: not too expensive
• Cons: not too tasty, either

11/03/06

safe bet

by ifyouaskme

I've been a customer for years, primarily due to the location. I can't understand why there aren't more sushi options in the lower Haight since there's a need and demand. Hanabi definetly lacks in originality but has been consistent with its average quality. I do appreciate the fact that they give a free miso and tofu salad with the purchase of three rolls. I usually get my stuff to go since I'm not a fan of the music that so many others seem to like.

• Pros: good location
• Cons: ordinary offerings

09/24/06

lower haight sushi

by dgaff

i would love to rally for all local places in the lower haight. hanabi has super friendly staff and a great mellow environment. but, living out here in sf with the choices of great sushi, i can't rave about my sushi experiences at hanabi. it's just - plain. and for the price (def less than grandeho's kamekeyo if you're looking for something else close-ish), I've opted to walk over to "no name" sushi (yokoso nippon) off of 15th and church for bargainacious sashimi and yummy rolls. i would never want to see hanabi go away - we must have sushi in the lower haight. Just make the sushi taste experience really engaging, fresh and make you come back for more. i went to hanabi straight off the 71 one afternoon with a serious craving for sushi; got my order, and it was just - ok. i guess for the price i expect a little more "yay", and knowing this I'll also opt to go to Nijiya Supermarket in Japantown, go to the back and pick my fish, whether they've already cut it for serving size or I do it on my own. Let's keep Hanabi, just figure out how they can maintain rent and the sushi experience.

06/22/06

A Great Value, Only Slightly Less So...

by bigjohnsf

Definitely the best Japanese food in the Lower Haight (and vicinity), but this year (2006) they raised their prices (by 20%) so they're no longer also the best deal. Still, they have a really great environment, definitely the 'Best Music to Eat Sush By' (mostly Techno and Eclectic). Very un-pretensious Lower-Haight crowd.

• Pros: Great music, great service, good crowd
• Cons: No longer the best value

Lower Haight eatery serves up low-priced Japanese favorites in a homey setting.

by Gina Goff

In Short
An eclectic soundtrack of funky tunes is piped throughout the space, creating an upbeat vibe in this otherwise laid-back space. Neighborhood sushi lovers looking for a quick fish fix mingle with their vegetarian neighbors in the no-frills dining room. Diners munch on everything from monstrous spicy tuna rolls and thick-cut salmon sashimi to chicken teriyaki and vegan-friendly options, such as Shinto rolls and marinated tofu salads.

11/21/05

Great Value, Awesome taste. YUM !

by bagawk

I was shown this place by a co-worker and I fell in love with it. I enjoy sushi and always look out for places that are good and not over priced. In my opinion Hanabi is one of those few places. They make their rolls Huge and pack them with delicious fresh fish ingredients. We got 3 rolls each and we were completely stuffed. I have been coming back ever since. There are plenty of sushi in San Francisco but if you are in the mood for few good rolls, this is the place. Staff is very nice, ambiance is great for conversation.

• Pros: value, filling rolls, fresh
• Cons: parking (at times)

05/19/05

Save your yen for a better place

by i_heart_sf

I have tried this place twice before giving it a rating. The sushi falls apart because there is hardly any rice vinegar holding it together...the veggies in the tempura are old and a bit brown. The prices are too expensive for the quality of food served. The wait staff is friendly. There are much much better sushi places around than this...

• Pros: Friendly staff, seated promptly
• Cons: Poor quality, bad food

01/10/05

It's a last resort

by jetmaveric

If you're in this area you'll notice that you don't have a huge list to pick from when it comes to Japanese restaurants. The thing that keeps my overall rating in the average section is their non-sushi items. Their chicken teriyaki is good, their tonkatsu is tasty (although possibly the thinnest cut of meat I've ever seen), and their tofu stir fry is not exactly traditional but tasty. Their sushi on the other hand is below average, and is about par with supermarket quality sushi. Their rice is flavorless as is their fish (which means it's probably frozen), but nothing is appalling. If you really need a fix, go ahead but don't come here for good Japanese food.

• Pros: Cute atmosphere, Nice service, Non-sushi item prices

07/31/04

We return and return

by averywarren

After placing our orders, we received wonderful salads of marinated tofu and pickled sprouts with the complimentary tea as a first course. You won't fail with the spicy tuna roll which rightfully uses the creamy sauce version over the oily chili style sauce used elsewhere. The unagi is excellent, never overly sweet. This strip of Haight is not the best looking but walking into Hanabi is a pleasant reprieve

• Pros: Inexpensive, Not crowded
• Cons: , Ugly street section

08/13/02

Great for vegetarians

by vegannosher

For vegetarians that enjoy sushi, this is the best place in town. They have a wonderful selection of vegan options at great prices. Try anything on the menu with a "ve" symbol - it's all really wonderful. I love the Shinto roll - yum! The music is nice, too - something that sets this place apart from the others.

• Pros: inexpensive, veg-friendly, music
• Cons: parking is tough, crowded