Inner Sunset fave is a worthy destination for fresh fish.

by Chelsea Lin

Within a three-block radius of the popular Ninth-and-Irving Inner Sunset junction, there are roughly six different options for sushi--so it's a testament to the quality of Ebisu's food that the newly remodeled resto is easily the neighborhood favorite. No reservations are accepted, meaning you'll likely have to wait an hour for your chance at one of the tiny tables positioned impossibly close together in the modest dining room. Instead of performing that awkward dance wherein you try to squeeze into your table without knocking over your neighbor's sake sampler, angle for a spot at the long sushi bar and watch the nimble chefs prepare a host of Japanese dishes, from creatively named house apps like Two Balls, No Strike (spicy tuna wrapped in avocado) to expertly crafted specialty rolls and simply presented nigiri. Prices on American sushi bar staples like the 49er Roll and Dragon Roll are easily a couple bucks cheaper than you'll find at similar restaurants, meaning you'll leave either a little fuller or a little richer than normal. Perhaps that--and not just the buttery fish cuts--is part of the reason this place is so popular.

07/21/09

I honestly do not know what all the fuss is about.

by DianaRubalcava

I honestly do not know what all the fuss is about. I last ate at this restaurant with my husband after a lengthy 1 hour wait. The service was forgettable and the food was nothing special, whatsoever.

02/08/09

Ebisu staff are incompetent!

by TheAmazingSasquatch

Get it together, people! We had out-of-town guests wanting some great sushi. After finding Ebisu listed on this site as one of the top rated sushi places, I was thrilled. It's in the neighborhood! The website said it was getting remodeled, but would be completed the first week of 2009. I called the make reservations, the dialogue went as follows,

Me: "Hi, do you guys take reservations?"

Ebisu: "How many people in your party?"

Me: "Six, for 7:00 pm"

Ebisu: "OK, see you then, thank you."

After taking my name, I hung up, excited that I could get a table for Saturday night. HOWEVER, after arriving promptly at 7pm, they told us that they don't take reservations. I recounted my explanation, then the hostess told me that they only put people's names on the waiting list. To add injury to insult, she said, "I wish you told me sooner, I just gave away a table for 6 people." Inexplicably honest, and incompetent. She did apologize for the person on the phone, saying that they shouldn't have given a reservation. Excuses, excuses. I'm sure the fish is great, thus the line. But if you're counting on making plans in advance, don't count on Ebisu. By the way - the remodeling is not done yet, their website is wrong.

• Pros: Wouldn't know, never got our table
• Cons: Never got our table, despite a confirmed "reservation"

12/30/08

Be Adventurous. California Rolls are not Sushi

by chrisr2

It sounds cliche, but Ebisu really is the best sushi in SF. I have been going to Ebisu for at least twenty years and I have never been disappointed. The wait can sometimes be long, so if I'm in a hurry, I try to get there right at 5pm for an early dinner. You have to be adventurous here - do not come to Ebisu and only eat California Rolls or Chicken Teriyaki (although I have been here with wimpy friends and the the teriyaki does look good). Everything is always absolutely fresh and the tuna sashimi melts in your mouth. If you can't do "raw" (or even if you can) go for the a Pink Cadillac, the grilled salmon or yellow tail collar, anything with unagi or soft shell crab.

06/12/08

best sushi in the city

by webrender

Great sushi, the wait can be very long sometimes, but it is worth it. The dragon roll and 29 roll are some of the best dishes of any kind of food I have ever tasted. Edamame is always fresh and tasty, and if you're a regular, you get a little better service.

• Pros: Great sushi, great food overall, fun setting.
• Cons: Expensive, very busy, rushed service.

05/13/08

Amazing sushi - toro to die for

by new2sf

I definitely agree with the food reviews. This is great sushi. The space itself does need to be updated. I'll definitely go back though!

• Pros: tasty goodness
• Cons: atmosphere = meh

03/05/08

GREAT SUSHI

by valeriew

This is a great neighborhood place, although the line is always so long. Try to sit at the sushi bar if you can. Let the sushi chefs take you on a jouney, and sit back and relax.

02/12/08

Great sushi!

by bobismighty

I have to say that I was really impressed with this place. The sushi was not only amazing, but it was also not overpriced. I was served green tea as soon as I sat down, and was also given edamame at no charge.

The sushi itself was delicious and the fish was fresh. After I was finished, they also gave me a nicely cut orange that had to be one of the juiciest I've ever had.

The service was prompt and friendly, despite it being lunch hour.

Overall this place was awesome, and I would definitely recommend it.

• Pros: Great service and food, nice location.
• Cons: None that I could tell!

02/01/08

HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nataliemoylan

i went to this sushi place because of all of the great reviews. it was literally the WORST sushi i have ever had. the service was just as bad. very rude and short with us. very very over priced. do not waste your time.

• Pros: nothing
• Cons: everything

10/17/07

Never tired of Ebisu's Fresh Fish

by sallyvjj

I went to Ebisu with several different friends and everybody enjoyed their fresh nigiri and sushi! Tuna belly is one of my favorites. It gets crowded sometimes but it worths waiting. The owner's wife CoCo is very nice and all the Chefs are great! Suzuki San is funny too. I always enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and great fish here!

• Pros: Fresh Fish, Cozy seating
• Cons: Gets crowded sometimes