Tsunami
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 567-7664
Fax: (415) 567-7654
- Cross Street:
- Divisadero Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Japanese Food 2008, Sushi 2008, Sushi 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 6pm-12am, Thu-Sat 6pm-1am, Bar open till 2am
Editorial Review for Tsunami – by Bethany Jean Clement
The Scene
The hipster '70s vibe features dim lighting, mellow house music and cute stocking-capped sushi chefs behind a small bar in the corner. A low banquette along one wall anchors a small lounge area. It's like the "Brady Bunch" living room--wood paneling and angular furniture--relocated.
The Food
Unusual specials are highlighted, such as tiny, whole, flash-fried crabs, an extremely crunchy yet delicately flavored treat. Nigiri and sashimi standards are perfectly textured, absolutely fresh and clean-tasting. Rolls exceed expectations. The Scorpion's drizzle of typical sweet, dark unagi sauce achieves an atypical richness, and the Shin Tai accents spicy tuna with ginger-ponzu. Watch out for rolls and appetizers that include mayo or aioli--definitely an acquired taste. Servers are very hip and very informative. The chefs have got presentation down: ahi poke, for example, is splendid in a martini glass, with a spicy sauce that gives off a pleasant heat.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyMonday through Saturday (6pm-7pm), get $2 cocktails and daily sushi specials.
What to DrinkSignature cocktails are a bargain at $5; try the Mount Fuji Fest, loaded with fresh organic ginger, or the Shogun mint, an excellent Japanese-style mojito.
Know Before You GoThe drink menu offers a primer on types of filtered cold sake; order the sake sampler to make sure your new knowledge really sinks in.
User Reviews for Tsunami
05/22/2008 Posted by LarryHP
First I would like to ask where can you eat decent sushi for less than $40 or $50 a person. This is what a person would spend at Tsunami or the like of Tsunami spots in the city. Expensive if your hang out are WEBE sushi for example. I love this place for it all Japanese young chefs, wild sake selection that seems the largest I ever seen 7 now a retail sake shop right next door. The food is amazing it be the super fresh sachimi or wild rolld like the papa san that I have been ordering it there for over two years now. This is the spot for food, drinks, party and I'm proud to say I'm a regular even though I keep checking new spots that open but I keep going back.
Pros: Sushi, sake' ambiance, late noght dining
Cons: parking
04/14/2008 Posted by aethan69
Tsunami is a great place, maybe not for everyone, but I know Japanese food and they do too, Chef Adashi buys fresh fish daily and cares about the quality very much, yes it is pricey and if you want a cheap California roll and some crappy hot sake look somewhere else! Tip the chefs a beer and you can't go wrong!
Pros: As a regular.... everyone says Hi!
Cons: Small sushi bar 4 seats, of course the best palce to sit
