Nara

4.4 (712 reviews)

ModerateJapanese, Sushi Bars, Bars

Closed • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM

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Nara - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - a man sitting at a counter in a restaurant - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Hamachi Hand Roll - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nara - Sayuri Sake - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara Popular Dishes

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NARA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for groups

Happy hour specials

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Chandni D.

Great place for some quality sushi and sake! Was really easy to walk in on a Saturday night and it was amazing.

Ethel R.

Takeout night! Complimentary House Hot Sake It is takeout night. Nara Sushi My Gal Tooney recommended a cold Sake to go and true to & on point was "Zuiyo Hojun Junmaishu" and glad I took to go a large 720ml bottle!!! The team there always provide the best service. Sake Sashimi Sake Toro Sashimi Edamame Sea Salt Always amazing food. Fish is fresh it melts in your mouth. The deco is always on point. Clean with style.

Nik W.

This remains my favorite sushi spot in the city. The fish is so fresh, the staff is so kind and helpful, and it feels very homey and intimate inside. Will continue to be a mainstay!

Ramon T.

Having to try sushi in Japan, Taiwan, LA, and NY, Nara is on par with decent sushi in San Francisco. Menu was fairly priced and the sushi was decent. The hamachi truffle was too salty. But the tasting menu was fresh with different variety of fish including the fatty tuna. Spider roll did its job by adding that crunch. Great place to have out with friends. Staff was very friendly and helping in explaining the tasting menu. They even help coordinated a birthday cake we brought. There is a waitlist before coming in but the wait isn't that long.

Audrey I.

Nara's more recently become a sovereign staple in my lunch routine; I order it at least once a week, a high commendation considering the myriad of great SF lunch spots. The sushi lunch specials (maki and inari or maki sets) are simply unmatched in flavor, portion, and quality. My personal favorite being the Giant Roll and Miss Hamachi maki and inari set. The maki are formidable, leaning almost improbable in scale, given every morsel's sheer size. Girthy and meaty as if the owners operate with no parsimony. Some of their maki ingredients like cilantro may read as gimmicks but actually blend in harmony with the other components of the roll. Cant say I've had cilantro in sushi, but it's a welcome surprise here. The employees are also incredibly friendly. As I collected yet another lunch order, I casually mentioned how Nara frequently sustains my workdays, and the staff slipped two miso soups into my bag. I also saw that they serve kimbap at lunchtime, a seemingly in-store only offering? It's perplexing this goes unadvertised on DoorDash; as a Korean, this, too, would for sure be a steadfast fixture in my rotation.

Sophia C.

Nara was delicious! The burning spider roll was a crowd favorite, alongside the unique, ginger crème brûlée dessert. All the sushi dishes were fresh but definitely lean on the smaller side. The servers were kind and attentive throughout our meal. I appreciated the cozy feel of inside the restaurant- perfect for date night or a casual hang out with friends. Street parking seems tough around the area, but there are plenty of garages around too. Happy to check off another sushi spot in the city. I'll be back if I'm ever in the area again for a concert nearby!

Chicken Karaage was super savory and fried perfectly

Peg C.

Thank you Yelpers for steering us to Nara! My hubs and I landed in SFO, took a Lyft to our hotel on Nob Hill, checked in, then walked just a few blocks to Nara. At 5:30pm, we received welcoming and friendly service during their Happy Hour which runs from 5-7pm. The place was clean and neat with low, calming lighting. We ordered the chicken karaage, agedashi tofu, sake kama, big boss roll, and foggy paradise roll. Everything was delicious and came out in a way that allowed us to enjoy every dish at a good, even pace. The chicken karaage was crisp and flavorful. The agedashi tofu was superb with lots of bonito flakes waving atop the fried tofu swimming in a wonderful, savory broth. The sake kama (salmon collar) was broiled nicely and came with a tasty yuzu soy dipping sauce. The big boss roll was full of salmon, bluefin tuna, hamachi, avocado, cucumber. But our favorite was the foggy paradise roll. Who would have thought that a roll with salmon, avocado, shiso leaf, and topped with yellowtail would taste so good?? It was simply *chef's kiss*! Hats off to the whole team at Nara. Thank you for a wonderful dinner on our first night's vacation in SF. We loved it. We will be back.

Florence K.

Cute Japanese place in the Polk area with a happy hour from 5-7pm. Made a reservation the day of and came on a weekday. It was good that we made a reservation since it got pretty busy. I got the hot sake which was good and two hand rolls for $7 each. It was an okay size for $7 but the fish was fresh and tasty. We also got a roll to share and karaage. Karaage was just ok but I would come back for the hand rolls.

Brandi H.

My friend and I got dinner here on a Thursday night. I made a reservation for 6 PM. There were a decent amount of people there. They have happy hour every day from 5PM-7PM so we got to order off that menu too. Unagi handroll (4/5): This was off the happy hour menu so it was $7. Not as tender as other eel I've had before but still good. Chicken karaage (2.5/5): This karaage didn't have the type of fry coating I liked. It didn't have the typical light and airy crunch. It felt like I was just eating a regular chicken tender or something. It came with a mayo dipping sauce and lemon wedge. Cable car roll (2.5/5): This had shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, topped with blue fin tuna, hamachi, and BBQ sauce. This was definitely my fault and I didn't realize it was going to be topped with BBQ SAUCE. It was a light slather but still weird to me. It would've been better without it but also my fault for not reading the entire description closely. The fish was fresh though. Big boss roll (5/5): This roll had hamachi, bluefin tuna, salmon, avocado, cucumber, and radish sprout. Since this was a normal sushi roll, I enjoyed it. The portion was good. The rating is more of a 3.5! Nothing was bad. Some things just weren't my taste. I would probably come back and try other items on the menu. I was just not a fan of the BBQ sauce.

Michelle Z.

Very casual and laid back sushi restaurant with creative rolls and a great nigiri tasting! I loved all the flavors in the chef's choice nigiri and the portions were huge for under $40. It was great value, but I do wish the fish was cut a little thinner as it was a little hard to eat in one bite! Some prices were also not as buttery as I usually like, but I think it's the type of fish served. Regardless, everything felt fresh and flavorful. We also got the cable car roll to share and it was pretty good too! The service was very efficient and attentive, and it wasn't crowded on a Tuesday late at night. We missed their happy hour so prices were more expensive ($60pp after tip) but we were quite satisfied after.

Serena P.

made a reservation for 5pm right when they opened. ambiance was very peaceful and everything was clean. we ordered edamame and 2 hand rolls from the happy hour menu, as well as 2 rolls (big boss and sake bomb). everything was extremely fresh and delicious. service was friendly and efficient. definitely would come back again for more sushi!

Hand rolls, edamame, and Big Boss (GF) roll

Erin L.

What an amazing spot on Polk! We went during happy hour during the week for my partner's birthday and easily made a reservation on Yelp. We ordered a smattering of the hand rolls (5 different ones, 2 each) plus the big boss roll and some edamame. It was just the right amount of food for 2 and even with a beverage was less than other nearby places. The fish was some of the freshest I've had in the city! The hand rolls were outstanding, rivaling many omakase spots in the city. While the big roll was nice I might just order an additional hand roll next time and I heard the hamachi collar appetizer is fantastic! The service was friendly, fast, and even sang happy birthday to my partner. I can't wait to go back!

Maggie W.

I came here to eat something quickly before visiting a neighboring bar, and I enjoyed my dinner very much. I arrived just in time for happy hour and got a $8 salmon hand roll, a chirashi bowl, and some sea salt edamame. So yummy and nourishing. The chirashi was cut so well and the rice was well seasoned! The edamame was also freshly steamed and very warm when I ate it. The hand roll was okay, I'm not typically a temaki type of person but I do enjoy them on occasion! I would definitely come again and try more off their menu.

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Ray W.

Elite 21

117

7 years ago

This location is not as large as the one on Haight street, but the food is the same quality. Because of the smaller location, it seemed a lot louder in this location. Team was nice and friendly. I ordered the nigri omakase, which is $5 ($40) cheaper than the Haight street location. Also added the Alaskan uni nigri and crab nigiri, which were incredible. These were my favorites! When available, they offer all uni from various locations. read more

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Jenny D.

5 years ago

The best japanese sushi I have ever had. Start of with the garlic pasley edamame, I can't stop eating really. They also have uni flight, Mr. Hokkaido, which is scallop with refreshing yusu garlic sauce, OMG!!! There is not it, I also love their Otoro, so frsh like it melt in your mouth. One more thing that you shouldn't miss is the pork ribs. It is cooked till perfection, the meat easily slide out of the bones. Their Service is amazing, fast with smile. I really enjoy my night. I will be back read more

Nara - Uni flight - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Megan P.

Elite 19

396

8 years ago

I made a reservation on yelp here and getting a seat was super easy. I ordered the salmon and yellow tail nigiri and omg, such quality! We also ordered the Victoria secret, Jessica alba, and sake bomb rolls and those were equally delicious. The fish was so smooth and melted in my mouth immediately. The rolls were tightly crafted so it didn't fall apart when I picked it up. I cannot get over how good all of it was. The wait staff was super attentive. The atmosphere was super hip and young. I really loved my experience here. read more

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Zach Z.

2 years ago

I don't know how Nara got 4.5 stars! The service was ok, but NOT the food! We ordered Omakase and it was completely a joke! It was just fish + rice + soy sauce! Not the REAL omakase at all! Fish was warm and wasabi taste like 10 years old. Not worth the money! read more

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Elaine S.

Elite 23

282

246

705

7 years ago

Love it here. It's one of my fav sushi spots in the city. Prices are reasonable, service attentive, presentation is BOMB, quality is fantastic. Im really amazed at their presentation. They must have a big stock room filled with diff shaped platters, lights, and wooden stands Some of my fav items: hamachi truffle app, Hokkaido uni nigiri, Special K roll Additional items I've tried: sashimi entree, big boss roll, wagyu roll, butter fish app, wagyu tartare app, hamachi nigiri, sake nigiri It must be obvious that I enjoy truffle flavors. But the wagyu items were surprisingly meh for me. Very tender and fatty, but I prefer sea animals vs land. I think a land animal lover would really appreciate the soft yet meaty flavor of the wagyu items. read more

Nara - Hamachi truffle - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Special k roll - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Wagyu tartare. Very pretty on a wooden stand - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Amaebi, Hokkaido uni, hamachi nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Gracie F.

3 years ago

Super cute sushi spot! My boyfriend and I went here late at night during a recent trip to San Francisco for my birthday. The service was amazing and they even brought out mochi for my birthday. Overall it was a great environment and I would come back! read more

Nara - We got their Combo Sashimi (10 pcs) and it was absolutely delicious! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Yousef H.

2 years ago

The food was average, but the staff's exceptional kindness really made a positive impact on the experience.

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Jack R.

3 years ago

Nara sushi is a neighborhood favorite, and the staff could not be any nicer. The fish is fresh, delicious, and the chef's omakase is always wonderful. read more

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Minnie W.

Elite 23

377

345

1431

8 years ago

Cute restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine. Ordered ocean foie gras made with monk fish which was okie dokie and vegetable there tastes really good. Ordered oyster, and they are pretty fresh. Ordered toro and salmon sashimi and very very very fresh and delicious. Oh~ the hot tea is very good too. People here are very energetic and attentive. read more

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Kripa S.

1059

5 years ago

I'm so glad they're open during COVID. They've created a really great ambiance despite covid and I always feel safe and everything is super clean when I eat there. Love that the hot sale has small individual cups per person. My personal favorite rolls are the sake bomb and the blazing glory. The truffle salt edamame is also incredible. For the level of food and beautiful the plating is the pricing is very reasonable read more

Nara - Sake Bomb - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Blazing Glory Roll - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Combo Sashimi (6 Pcs) - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kareena W.

4 years ago

One of my favorite Japanese places in SF! We ordered the hamachi truffle (appetizer), 14 piece sashimi omakase, and o-toro nigiri and it was the perfect amount of food for 2 people. Fish quality here is amazing--every piece will melt in your mouth (the o-toro was probably my favorite)! As a heads up, this isn't the standard omakase experience where each one is presented one by one. We really enjoyed every bite at Nara though. Lots of people, and we didn't make a reservation so we sat at the bar and were immediately seated. Overall, loved the food at Nara and the quality of the fish is off the charts, but prefer the other Nara location just because it feels more spacious. read more

Nara - o-toro nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - 14 piece omakase - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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BrokenHaxs

2 years ago

They were very friendly Ns considerate the food was some of the best sushi I have ever had. Very considerate people and took care of us very well. read more

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Chelsea B.

5 years ago

We went to Nara in Sept 2021. They had both outdoor and indoor options due to COVID. The indoor ambiance is really nice and the staff was really friendly. Only had sushi which was good! I was very impressed with the presentation. read more

Nara - Sushi roll - big boss - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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VooZa A.

107

100

5 years ago

I'm so glad to come Nara sushi tonight. All of foods are so good. We got lots of foods, but we finished it all! Hamachi Truffle is so good. Dont miss out 14pcs sashimi which are very fresh. Thanks to all chefs for making excellent foods. Services are good as well. They are nice and friendly. No rushing at all. We will be back for sure! Special thanks to chef Jung who made us special dishes and desserts. They are so yummy! Really recommended! read more

Nara - Sal momo mon and shrek - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Belly tartare - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - 14 pcs sashimi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Hamachi kama - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Look K.

5 years ago

One of the best sushi places of mine, great staff and superb ingredients. Definitely become more often. read more

Nara - Tres tuna roll, what could I ask for more:) - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Santa Barbara uni - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Blazing glory - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Amber jack Kama - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dan M.

4 years ago

Outstanding! We eat sushi frequently and this place is amazing! Great menu, Service awesome, Sake list fantastic. We will be back. Do yourself a favor and go you won't be disappointed.. read more

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T M.

7 years ago

Delicious sushi, fast service I stopped in for an awesome happy hour food and tea. Satiated, thank you read more

Nara - Sushi bar - nice specials menu ... uni! Yum - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kunthida N.

5 years ago

The best sushi in town! I was craving Japanese foods for awhile, so i searched for outdoor dine in and we found Nara sushi. We ordered a lot, but Uni is the best!!! We ordered Baja and Washington uni. Both of them are really good. Very fresh and sweet. Feel fulfilled. Also, seagold roll with baja uni is also great. I think they put some truffle on top which is so amazing. Really love it. Waitresses are so nice. They keep coming and taking care of us. Wearing mask and gloves all the time. Clean and safe. Really recommend to have foods at Nara! read more

Nara - Uni party!! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Walu and tamago nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Play hard, eat harder! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nara - Ama-ebi nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nipaphan L.

5 years ago

I went to Nara for dinner with my friends. Wowww!! I'm glad we found this place. Food was amazing, nice presentation and great test. We had ordered a lot and we loved them all. Service was excellent, prompt and very friendly. We'll be coming back soon. read more

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Caitlin P.

Elite 21

451

260

1092

8 years ago

Came here yesterday for happy hour only. Was walking down Polk street and saw that they had happy hour until 7pm so stopped by for 30mins. Their miyaki oysters are a dollar during happy hour. $4 draft Sapporo or $3 for Sapporo in a bottle during happy hour. Decor is very cool and hip inside oysters we're fresh....the sauce is best described as kinda like a ponzu suace but it's so good combined with the hot sauace. Would definitely come back for happy hour. read more

Nara - $1 oysters during happy hour which is 3 to 7pm daily. - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Chris K.

Elite 22

447

999

5 years ago

Well-known spot for sushi. We tried the edamame, seaweed salad for apps. Both were tasty and well seasoned. For our mains, we tried the salmon nigiri which was delicious. We also tried the Floral Train, Jessica Alba, and Loco Crunchy Roll. The Loco Crunchy Roll was our favorite -- would definitely order this again. The Jessica Alba roll was tasty but forgettable. The Floral Train we did not like, although it looked very pretty. Overall good food and service -- would return! read more

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Harleen B.

116

3 years ago

Ordered takeout, it was fast easy and good food. Service was great as well! I really enjoyed the mushroom miso soup!!

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Ben Z.

218

253

611

8 years ago

Awesome place for sushi on the Polk. Made a reservation for two on a Friday night and the place was packed before we came in! Great ambiance and has a great feel to the restaurant . We ordered some sake and oysters to start off our evening. We had our first oysters and sip of sake and were simply in love! The oysters were decorated beautifully instead of the simple tray, ice, then the oysters on top. The hamachi truffle must be one of my favorites: hamachi rolled up on a wooden spoon topped with truffle oil ponzu (MUST HAVE). Then we had the 7 piece sashimi and again, decorated beautifully as if the fish itself was sailing on a boat. Then we had two other rolls to finish our night. I can probably say this is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in SF. Thanks Nara for the great food! read more

Nara - Beautiful oysters. - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Hamachi truffle - a must have! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - 7 piece sashimi. - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Sake, a must have to compliment raw fish. - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ruobin W.

Elite 26

273

1157

230

5 years ago

The fish is fresh, the portion size is pretty good. However, the rice wasn't seasoned super well. It has a little bit of a stale taste, unfortunately. Really enjoyed the composition of each roll and the omakase. I'd stand by their sashimi, probably. read more

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Ethan R.

5 years ago

It was good to be out dining with friends once in a while. This time we picked Nara. Their outdoor seating was comfortable and can fit 4 people easily. Our waitress was super friendly and informative, so we decided to try every dish that she recommended. They were all delicious, and the presentation is everything! The price is reasonable for the quality fish. Thank you for staying open during this challenging time. I would definitely go back! Great job, guys. read more

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Sophia A.

354

109

5 years ago

Loved it ! Absolutely amazing staff and service ! Sushi was super ! Must try this little place ! Their menu was wow and the delicately placed and presented ! Oh and don't forget the Sake ! read more

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Lukas S.

Elite 26

187

507

6 years ago

Found this place as one of the open places on Saturday night with outdoor seating option. Booked table at 8pm, it said ready by 8:30. Waited till 9:15 to be actually seated. The menu is different from what they have on Yelp--there is no ramen or fried calamari anymore. Ordered pork ribs, what came back was more of a size of an appetizer. Unfortunately, the waitress announced the last orders before bringing our meals. We tried to explain we don't know if we need more food until she brings what we ordered. Ridiculous, could have been easily solved but now we were left hungry. Food was mediocre, very fatty and salty. I don't understand how this place was packed. Maybe the other location is better. read more

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Katrina S.

3 years ago

Sushi is amazing, desserts too!! The staff were friendly and the restaurant was super clean. Very reasonable corkage fee also. Hamchi Truffle was exceptional as well as the tuna roll with asparagus!! Will definitely return - thank you! read more

Nara - Hamchi Truffle - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Cliff H.

4 years ago

Great affordable sushi. Casual place and these chefs know what they are doing and the fish is fresh

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Mary K.

5 years ago

Very good value. Nara is one of the best sushi in the Bay area. The rolls are well made, tasty and the sushi are all fresh. Good selection and very solid service. I had the deluxe sushi plate and it was just stunning and the quality was really apparent. It was a super filling and satisfying dinner. Highly recommend this place. read more

Nara - Combo sashimi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Bluefin tuna kama-toro - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Lam V.

Elite 24

116

3 years ago

the sushi is good. the space is quite cozy. The only thing keeping it from being 5 stars is the lack of a cocktail menu offering. Would recommend. read more

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Konstantin T.

5 years ago

Absolutely loved it. The freshest sushi, great ambiance and delicious sake. The waitresses are super professional too! read more

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Tammy T.

Elite 25

190

240

252

4 years ago

Delicious rolls! I loved the wait staff here, so attentive. The restaurants on a really fun street with lots of night activities and beautiful lights. The rolls came beautifully presented and everything was yummy. The highlight was definitely the Tako Balls though, best takoyaki I have ever had. We got the sake bomb, big boss, and something else that came on fire (so smoky and delicious). read more

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Anelya S.

Elite 19

469

764

491

7 years ago

It was a lovely dinner but I wouldn't be thinking about this restaurant to come back to. I think it's simple, good quality but the sashimi platter had nothing special. Overall I feel that dinner was a bit pricey for what I got read more

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Rick A.

3 years ago

My family and I thought this place was great. I love the infusions they do like for example infusing truffle. Over all we had a very good experience , everything that we ordered was very tasty , we truly liked it and by the way , our server was very nice and knowledgeable, he guided us well. read more

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Sirinapa K.

5 years ago

Everything is very GOOD here. I love their pork ribs, it is AMAZINGGGGG. Fresh fish, great service. Love it! read more

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Nattapon J.

142

5 years ago

I can't move on from NARA on Polk Street. I'm falling in love with the food here. I really recommend pork rib, edamame parsley garlic, and the hamachi truffle read more

Nara - Pork rib - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nara - Love it so much - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kimmay K.

706

4 years ago

Always a delicious and pleasant time at Nara. The staff are super nice and sweet, and the fish is fresh and delicious

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Tammy L.

199

4 years ago

Our server was super accommodating and sweet! He gave us great recommendations and figured out a non-raw alternative for our friend :) I loved the experience and the sushi and fish was super fresh! Would come back! read more

Nara - Yellowtail cooked - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kunjal R.

5 years ago

We are not Sushi experts or anything, but we do enjoy a well paced meal and good service. Guess what, the Sushi smashed our expectations too! What a lovely set of folks at Nara. Perfect timing to order, check in on the table, food preparation, drink refills, and - surprisingly rare these days - offer for dessert! The edamame was perfectly salted. The miso soup had fantastic umami The special Hirame Carpaccio was sublime The ginger creme brulee was simply perfect (we _are_ dessert fans) All of three rolls that we got were terrific Highly recommend the Zuiyo Hojin Junmai sake that comes in a small format as well! We'll be back for sure. read more

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Page 9 of 18

1515 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Nob Hill
Directions
(415) 567-1515
Call Now
Visit Website
http://narasushisf.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Nara open?

Nara opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Nara opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Nara close?

Nara closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Nara closes at 10:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Nara closes at 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:30 PMFri 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:30 PMSat 5:00 PM - 11:30 PMSun 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Nara take Bitcoin?

No, Nara does not take Bitcoin.

Does Nara take credit cards?

Yes, Nara takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Nara have catering options?

Yes, Nara does have catering options.

Does Nara have a drive thru?

No, Nara does not have a drive thru.

Does Nara have a happy hour?

Yes, Nara has a happy hour.

Does Nara serve alcohol?

Yes, Nara serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Nara allow dogs?

No, Nara does not allow dogs.

Does Nara have TVs?

No, Nara does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Nara have bike parking?

No, Nara does not have bike parking.

Does Nara have outdoor seating?

No, Nara does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Nara have parking?

Yes, Nara has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Nara wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Nara is wheelchair accessible.

Does Nara allow outdoor smoking?

No, Nara does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Nara have free WiFi?

No, Nara does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Creative & artistic Japanese fusion restaurant. Nara Sushi also provide Happy hour during 5.00 - 7.00 pm with 20% - 40 off selected beers & wine and 20% off selected food (Dine in only.)

History

Established in 2001.

We first opened our doors on September 11, 2001 — a day filled with deep meaning and reflection. Since then, we’ve been honored to serve our community with dedication, heart, and a love for Japanese cuisine. After years of growth, we decided it was time for a fresh start — and on March 1st, we reopened with a beautiful remodel and a renewed commitment to quality and creativity. We invite you to come visit us and experience our creative Japanese fusion dishes, along with a wide selection of sake, beer, and wine. Whether you're a longtime guest or a first-time visitor, we look forward to welcoming you! Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Nara Reviews in Other Languages

Portuguese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Nara

Is the soy sauce and sushi gluten free?

I cannot have gluten and they provided me tamari (gluten-free soy sauce). They also ensured my sushi was prepared safely.

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Is it possible to accommodate gluten free requests, like editing a roll to make it gluten free or asking for a tamari substitute in certain sauces?

Yes I did both and they were very kind about it.

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Do you have outdoor dining (please post photo if so)?

Yes they do.

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Is it all you can eat sushi?

No, it's not.

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Can anyone tell me what time is a Happy Hour and what day?

5-7PM

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Nara - could you put what each order is under the photos you posted? Thanks :)

Hello Christine, No problem! We will work on it and post it as soon as possible! Thank you for your question!

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This restaurant definitely deserves all the hype! I was so nervous of having high expectations…read moresince I saw it all over social media + Elite list, but they exceeded all my expectations. I got a seasonal special donburi (Gouka Kani Donburi) as they shared they were adding new items to their menu. The crab on top of the rice was SO good and perfectly seasoned to go with the dish. All of the fresh sashimi was very thick, salmon was clean tasting and buttery. I have never tried the sweet shrimp but it may be my new favorite thing. All sides also perfectly complemented the main dish. Our server so sweet and thoughtful. She was very attentive and considerate throughout our meal. My friend's dishes all were very beautiful and tasted so nice too! The store is on the smaller side but can accommodate party of 4 comfortably. Larger parties may be more difficult to seat but I am sure they can help with reservations to accommodate.

We came here looking for omakase, but realized that they don't do omakase during lunch. The server…read morelet us know that if we ordered the 8 piece nigiri, it was essentially the same as the omakase without the appetizers and dessert. We tried a bunch of different things and I'm glad that we did because the nigiri was not the best thing on the menu. I would come back here for the other things like the box set (otoro, wagyu, uni, ikura). The agedashi tofu was the best I've ever had. The teacup steamed egg was presented well but for the price nothing really that special. I suspect the price is high because of the caviar & ikura. It's not bad, but it takes a while, it's small and not anything that stood out like the agedashi tofu or the other items. The service was really good. They provided a small dessert for us because we were celebrating an event, that was a nice touch. Overall, id come back but maybe not for an omakase or just nigiri.

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Omg genuinely such a beautiful and amazing cafe!…read more I had to try the matcha einspanner because it was so popular on tiktok! And wow was it delicious. The vanilla foam with kinako powder was SOOO good. The barista recommended us to eat the cream separately from drinking the matcha and omg that was life changing!! I've never tasted cream top this good, it did not have any milk/cheese taste! It also wasn't too sweet. The matcha itself was pretty strong, but not the best matcha quality I've had personally. Don't get me wrong, it was still really good! The hot hojicha latte was also good and strong, but nothing too special unlike the matcha einspanner. Matcha einspanner definitely the star of the show :) Space was beautiful and so aesthetic, it was bar vibes! At night they do serve cocktails :) Service was also amazing, workers were so kind! I NEEED to come back to try the dinner menu!!!!

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What an experience! We were celebrating an anniversary and planned a bit last minute, but were able…read moreto snag a reservation here pretty easily. Immediately, the ambiance and service was quite nice. We were seated at the table, but typically I enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the chefs make our food. The service was amazing and they were very attentive. They also offered to take photos and gave us a little gift of hojicha tea since we were celebrating. We got the omakase, which was massive and had 18 courses. They gave us a menu so we knew what to expect for each course, and we ordered some sake. The omakase was delicious and more traditional than other places, each course was so beautiful and delicately made. This is definitely a lot of food, I would recommend the petite omakase in the future as I was stuffed, but it was a great experience if you come hungry! Courses: - Chawan-mushi - super tasty and every bite was delicious and umami forward! - Otsumami - 7 seasonal appetizers presented in a beautiful box, there was a stuffed crab claw in there that was delicious - 4 kinds of sushi - each piece came out one at a time, the first piece was my absolute favorite and blew me away, it was a seared chutoro that immediately melts in your mouth and tastes smokey - Hamachi soup - very tasty and warming soup with hamachi inside, was perfect in between the sushi course - 4 kinds of sushi - A5 Waguyu shabu - this course was extra $10 pp but was so delicious, the wagyu was melt in your mouth and had some grated daikon on top in a ponzu dashi, the toppings help balance the meat so it's overwhelming since it does melt in your mouth, one of my favorite bites! - 4 kind of sushi - they brought out some really great sushis, including more chutoro and an unagi handroll, but I was so stuffed at this point that I felt I couldn't enjoy it as much - miso soup - this soup was so tasty and kind of revived me after all that food, it felt comforting and a great way to end - dessert- I got the hojicha ice cream in a waffle like cookie and it was delicious!

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Carlos was incredible. Warm, funny and accommodated my dietary restrictions subtly and without any…read morehesitation. So grateful for that and our family had a wonderful time. Food was delicious and was a beautiful sunset throughout dinner. We stop in at Fog Harbor every time we're in SF. Thank you. We'll see you next time!

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Awesome spot! Stopped in for an Irish coffee & a snack after a long day. Cute ambiance and we're…read moreable to take our baby which was nice. The staff were great. Our waiter Ryan went above and beyond! He was so friendly and really lite up the room. We just casually went in but left feeling so great because of him! The Irish coffee foam was so freaking good! Already craving another. Plus the garlic fries were also super flavorful. Was just nice for a quick pit stop for a pick me up and a great chat with Ryan who was running around like crazy working hard but still had time to be super friendly & helpful!!

We've visited the Buena Vista three times, and it remains consistently excellent. The Irish coffee…read moreis every bit as good as its reputation--rich, smooth, perfectly balanced, and served with the kind of care that makes it feel like an experience rather than just a drink. The atmosphere is classic San Francisco: lively, welcoming, and full of character. Even with its fame and steady crowds, the service has been friendly and efficient each time we've visited. A must-stop for visitors and a place worth returning to for locals.

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Four Kings 四大天王

We were visiting SF and my sister highly recommended Four Kings, so we had to try it out during our…read moretrip! Our party of 4 ordered the fried hawt rabbit, spicy Singaporean crab with fried milk bread, Hong Kong black pepper steak, and beef chow fun noodles to share family style. Overall, we were super impressed with all the food. Everything other than the chow fun were super unique, but all the flavor combinations worked so well together. While the chow fun wasn't unique, I'd say it's still a very solid dish. Everyone in my party left full and satisfied. The food is a bit on the pricey side for it what it is, so I wouldn't come here regularly but I think that it's worth coming for a special occasion. Service here is super friendly and attentive--our waitress checked in on us frequently and brought us extra napkins and gloves for our food, which was super appreciated. This restaurant is on the smaller end and does have a long wait, so if you can, I'd recommend making a reservation.

I saw online that this place is one of the most sought after reservations on Open Table. I tried my…read moreluck at getting a reservation and was pleasantly surprised when I was able to get a reservation! Reservations open 3 weeks in advanced at noon. Walk ins are also welcome. One note is that parking can be a bit challenging so get there a bit early. The inside is lively and filled me with so much nostalgia with the decor. The staff is really attentive and friendly. I also appreciate the free peanuts and cucumber salad that you get when you're seated. My boyfriend and I ordered a lot of food because we wanted to try so many things! The lamb skewer was super moist and had a nice flavor. The XO escargot with milkbread had a nice buttery, garlic taste. The milk bread was fluffy and when dipped in the sauce it tasted very rich. We also got the clay pot rice and it reminded me of when I had it in China. The rice was crispy at the bottom and well seasoned. My favorite dish of the night was the squab. It was cooked excellently and the skin was really crispy. The five spice powder on the side really brought out the flavor of the meat. The eggplant was cooked well and portion was good but it didn't stand out as much as the other dishes. Overall, I would visit this place again. It definitely lives up to the hype. The squab and and clay pot rice were the stand outs to me but all the other food was really tasty as well.

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EPIC Steak

Just like the name states... EPIC! Went for my birthday this last weekend and from the hostess to…read morethe servers the service was top tier. The food and the flavor of everything was mouthwatering! The vibe was also 5 stars. You can't go wrong if you sit inside or out. We will definitely be back! Thank you Epic Steak for a great birthday dinner.

Come for: amazing views, the tomahawk…read more Know that: parking on the Embarcadero is hard especially on game days Steak under the Bay lights? Sign me up! This is an awesome spot to take any date, out of towner, or celebration. The service is fantastic and the views of the Bay are incredible. So the food: Beef tartare (4/5): comes with potato chips and I really loved the sauce this came with. My only complaint was some pieces of meat had some sinew. Sides (4.5/5): I had the carrots and the pomme puree. The carrots were really sweet and went well with the sauce and feta. Pomme puree was buttery and decadent. Would recommend both. Tomahawk (4/5): I got mine with the miso truffle butter and I highly recommend. This is a dry aged tomahawk and though I normally do not order tomahawks thinking ribeyes are the better deal, I gotta admit the dry aging on this made it worth it for me. The flavor was beefy and the truffle miso made it even better. Only issue were some pieces came a bit overcooked. But would recommend nonetheless. Overall, one of my favorite steakhouses to take guests and for special occasions. It is tough to find parking so be prepared to look or bite the bullet and find a garage. But the steak and views make it all worth it.

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View of the bay bridge

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Michelle D.

Elite 24

114

535

3 years ago

I recently visited Nara Sushi on Polk St. and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the sushi. The fish was incredibly fresh and expertly crafted with care. We ordered: Hamachi truffle 5/5 - delish, would definitely order again Loco crunchy roll 5/5 - loved the addition of mango in the roll Spicy chicken karaage 3/5 - wasn't as crispy as anticipated Chirashi bowl - 5/5 The restaurant itself is quite small and intimate, which added to the overall experience. However, it can get quite busy during dinner time so be sure to make a reservation or join the waitlist via yelp. The service was prompt and attentive despite the rush of customers. Overall, I highly recommend Nara Sushi for anyone looking for top-notch sushi in a cozy setting. Just be prepared for it to be a bit crowded during peak hours. read more

Susan T.

119

144

1 year ago

Nara Sushi offers an exceptional sushi dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients. Their sashimi is a standout--perfectly sliced, tender, and bursting with natural flavor. The tuna is particularly impressive, with its rich, buttery texture and deep, satisfying taste. The sashimi appetizer is a great way to start your meal, featuring an elegant selection of fish that's both fresh and delicately presented. Each piece is melt-in-your-mouth tender, highlighting the quality of the fish without being overwhelmed by sauces. The cozy ambiance and attentive service make Nara Sushi a top choice for sushi lovers who appreciate freshness and flavor. read more

Kureha J.

7 years ago

Missed happy hour, but the food was nonetheless amazing! They were busy, but the waitstaff were diligent and always made sure to check in with the customers to make sure things were going alright! I wish I took more photos, but a few of the things ordered were ruined by my friend immediately diving in because he couldn't wait haha. The texture of the outside of the agedashi tofu was a little strange to me, as I'm more used to ones with a crispy exterior while this was slightly more chewy and 'doughy' in a sense. Nonetheless, the food was, as stated before, absolutely wonderful, and my friend and I are already planning for a visit the next time we're in the area! read more

Vivian V.

8 years ago

Let me just start by saying their remodel did not do them any good. While it is pretty on the inside, I would take the old Nara over this one any day. They got rid of half of their menu (all of the good stuff) and replaced it with their high priced items. Also, I am not a huge sushi critic, as I love sushi from everywhere, but this place was very overpriced for what they had to offer. The rice was undercooked and very dry. Although their guacamole shrimp taco was very good, that was about all that I would eat again from there. You could tell they wanted to put their own twist on their restaurant, but it is definitely not as good as it used to be. read more

Jessyca M.

Elite 26

219

392

1 year ago

We had an amazing dinner at Nara during our visit to San Francisco. The selection was fantastic, and everything was incredibly fresh. The fish on the nigiri and the spoon tasting were absolute highlights--so flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth good. The rolls were great too, but it was definitely the starters that stole the show. The restaurant itself is small, yet cozy and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a date night. We left feeling satisfied and impressed. Highly recommend! read more

Jason C.

599

7 years ago

This place is AMAZING. Best sushi I've ever had for the price. I went to Nara on Monday and they had KAMA TORO special which was collar fat of the Tuna Nigiri. I have to say, Kama toro and 10 pc nigiri Omakase was my fav! Great presentations by Chef! The waiting wasn't that long on Monday which was fantastic and the customer service was fabulous with great recommendations with smile:) I love here and I definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone! read more

Fah L.

5 years ago

We drove pass there almost everyday and this is our first time here. Everything was awesome!! The most thing was sake sashimi, we ordered 3 orders at first and it made us have to order it again. It's so fresh and sweet!! Server recommended us the hamachi truffle and it was soooo delicious. Last thing is service. Server was fast and so friendly, even we went there at last hour but they were still welcome. read more

Hyunjun Y.

6 years ago

This Nara, this restaurant is a hidden Gem in the City. Very good quality Chef's Choice 10 pcs Omakase Nigiri 14 pcs Omakase Sashimi's and some new Appeitzers. During Covid-19, I am so glad Nara to open out-dining. I had a good time with my friends with great service from waitress, Quinee. I will definitely come back soon. Thank you, Nara. read more

James H.

8 years ago

We went for our first time to this Sushi place, it was one of my best experience in a sushi food, they serves all the food with style it's really nice and we were very happy, really good place, amazing people who take care of all you need and very clean and good food. Definitely coming back soon! read more

Matt H.

364

1 year ago

Great local sushi place. Fast efficient service, even during dinner rush. Food was hot, tasty and good! Best sushi on Polk street. Will be coming back again. Loved sitting at the bar and watching them roll the sushi. Great place! read more

Piangporn T.

7 years ago

My Kinda Black Friday's night at Nara Sushi (on polk) Those are my "10 pcs Nigiri Omakase" by Chef.John The fish was incredibly FRESH and DELICIOUS! Top Notch Omakase in the Bay Area! read more

Deena R.

5 years ago

This place is awesome! Such fresh fish, right size sushi, delicious food and great service! Happy hour oysters were so fresh too! I would definitely go back! read more

S S.

4 years ago

The ambiance is great, the servers are attentive and the food is delicious - thank you for a great night with the best company. We'll definitely be back! read more

Steven C.

293

7 years ago

Excellent service and food at a decent price. I added my name to the wait list but ended up sitting at the sushi bar and didn't have a wait at all. read more