SFist: The 'Fisties: Best Sushi

cedichou

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:16:24 -0800

Alice, Anzu totally deserves to be top sushi in SF. The only thing is I haven't been there recently. But last time I went, I was blown away. Probably the best quality fish in the city at Anzu (with, for instance, sea urchins from the farallons). The rule I set was to pick a place I had visited over the last year, and unfortunately, I cannot afford Anzu as often as I'd like.

Alice

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:08:24 -0800

How about Anzu at the Sushi Counter? Hands down best variety in the Greater Bay Area. The ony drawback is the sake selection, which doesn't have anything really delicious to match sushi - turns out the chef doesn't drink!

JM

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 15:46:45 -0800

I used the SFist recommendation for Hamano Sushi when I was looking for a really good sushi place in the city (I live in San Jose). I was not disappointed. It really was the best sushi I ever had. Now, not being a frequent-eater-of-sushi-in-SF I can't speak to the other places, but with regards to Hamano? Freaking outstanding stuff.

Chris

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 15:40:00 -0800

I have to completely agree with Cedric on this. I've been eating Sushi in this town for several years now and Hammano - even before the change of ownership that happened about 4 years ago - has always been my fave. The fish is consistently terrific. One only need sample the Uni at both Hammano and No-name to understand that No-name shouldn't even be named in comparison. And the Hamachi Kama - nice shout out, Cedric - is soooooo good too if you like you fish cooked. Hammano-a-rama!

cedichou

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:48:54 -0800

Matsuya is a delightful family joint, it has a nice cosy atmosphere, but [edited] the food there is more like a home meal in Japan. Hamano provides a completely different experience. I have to say that Hamano was atop our list prior to us getting to know the people there. We only got to know them by loving the place and coming back again and again when we were living in Noe. We don't like Hamano because we know the owners, we know the owners because we like Hamano. Get it?

Jer

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:12:33 -0800

"really cheap coffee??????" Now I KNOW you're just trying to start a fight.

harold

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:10:08 -0800

I appreciate the whole "personal relationship" disclaimer in this post, since it's really the only thing that can justify Hamano being anywhere near the top of a sushi-lover's list. In my experience Hamano is thoroughly average, with occasional flashes of dreadful. That said, I'm of the opinion that great sushi is plentiful in SF and traveling too far past your favorite local sushi haunt to visit the "best" in the city is a fool's errand. Of course, if I lived near Hamano, I would definitely go to Matsuya.

rita

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 13:58:31 -0800

I know! It's perverse! I also only like really cheap coffee and really expensive chocolate.

Jer

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 12:00:13 -0800

Oh, I see, Rita -- for sushi you like dirt-cheap, but for burritos you want the frou-frou stuff? Double standard, Mz. Hao! Explain! (no, just kidding). Hamano sounds like a plan once the wife can eat raw fish again.

cedichou

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 11:30:08 -0800

Rita: oh no, you don't hate to argue with me! If I ever were on a debate team, I would lose every time. I'd be lunch meat to your arguments. No-name: it's not in the same category as Hamano I'm afraid.For one, it got voted best of the bay by the SF Weekly food team, a sure sign that there is something wrong with it. It is cheap and convenient, for sure. Tell you what: I did not go in 2005, but I'll put it on the list for '06, maybe it will get the 'fisty next year.

rita

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 10:43:52 -0800

Hate to argue with you, Ced, but sorry, the best sushi is totally at No-Name's! Dirt cheap, tons of rolls, fun-loving sushi chef and chain-smoking waitresses who already remember that I like the ikura nigiri -- the BYOB policy and the KMEL on the radio are totally the tobiko sprinkle on top!