Ebisu Restaurant

For over four decades, **Ebisu Restaurant** has been a cornerstone of authentic Japanese cuisine in San Francisco's vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood. This long-standing establishment has built a reputation for serving classic Japanese dishes and a wide array of fresh sushi that keeps locals coming back. More than just a place to eat, Ebisu offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that aims to transport diners to a traditional Japanese eatery, making it a cherished spot for a genuine culinary experience in California.

Ebisu Restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to classic preparations and quality ingredients. From meticulously crafted sushi rolls and nigiri to savory hot dishes and unique appetizers, their extensive menu offers something for every palate. While the restaurant can be bustling and may experience wait times due to its popularity, the consistent quality of the food—especially the fresh fish and perfectly prepared sushi rice—is a testament to its enduring appeal. It's the kind of place where the focus is on the delicious food and the overall comforting Japanese dining experience, making it a beloved institution for generations of San Franciscans.

Ebisu Restaurant is conveniently located at **1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA**. This prime spot places it firmly within the heart of the Inner Sunset district, a popular and easily accessible neighborhood renowned for its charming local businesses, cafes, and diverse culinary offerings. 9th Avenue itself is a significant commercial street, ensuring the restaurant is easy to find for both local residents and visitors exploring the city.

Accessibility to Ebisu Restaurant is excellent, particularly for those relying on public transportation. The N Judah MUNI light rail line operates directly through the Inner Sunset, with stops very close to the restaurant, offering a straightforward commute from downtown San Francisco and other areas. Numerous MUNI bus lines also serve the neighborhood, providing additional connectivity. For those who prefer to drive, street parking is available in the surrounding areas, though, like many popular San Francisco spots, it can sometimes require a bit of patience, especially during peak dining hours. Rideshare services offer a convenient door-to-door option. Ebisu's central and accessible location makes it an ideal destination for a spontaneous sushi craving or a planned Japanese dinner.

Ebisu Restaurant offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes, primarily focusing on sushi and traditional cooked entrees, available for both dine-in and takeout:

• **Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection:** A wide variety of fresh sushi and sashimi, including classic nigiri (Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Albacore, Scallop, Uni, etc.) and assorted sashimi platters.
• **Specialty & Classic Sushi Rolls:** A vast array of specialty rolls like the Romeo/Juliet roll, Dragon Roll, 49er Roll, and classic options such as California Roll (made with real crab), Spicy Tuna, and various vegetable rolls.
• **Traditional Japanese Appetizers:** A diverse selection of unique and classic appetizers, including "Two Balls No Strike" (spicy albacore tuna wrapped in avocado), Mud Pie (sea urchin and shiso tempura), Ankimo (steamed monkfish liver), Shrimp Tempura, Edamame, Seaweed Salad, and more.
• **Hot Kitchen Entrees:** Beyond sushi, Ebisu offers a range of cooked dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon (Teriyaki or Shioyaki), Tonkatsu (pork or chicken cutlet), various Tempura platters (prawn and vegetable), Kaki Fry (fried oysters), and Sukiyaki.
• **Donburi (Rice Bowls):** A selection of classic Japanese rice bowls.
• **Noodle Dishes:** Offerings like Ramen, Udon, and Soba noodles, including Miso Ramen, Spicy Pork Katsu Ramen, and Yakisoba.
• **Omakase Options:** Chef's choice sushi and sashimi selections are available, offering a curated dining experience, though the specific contents of the Omakase may vary.
• **Dine-In Service:** Guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy, intimate, and often lively setting.
• **Takeout Service:** For convenience, takeout orders are readily available, allowing customers to enjoy Ebisu's dishes at home. They also partner with delivery services like DoorDash.

Ebisu Restaurant is renowned for several key features and highlights that contribute to its lasting popularity:

• **Long-Standing Local Favorite:** With over 40 years in the Inner Sunset, Ebisu has established itself as a beloved institution, known for its consistent quality and traditional approach to Japanese cuisine.
• **Fresh & High-Quality Ingredients:** Customers consistently praise the freshness of the fish, the quality of the crispy seaweed for hand rolls, and the overall excellence of the ingredients used across the menu.
• **Extensive & Diverse Menu:** The restaurant offers a remarkably broad menu, ensuring there's something for everyone, from traditionalists to those seeking unique specialty rolls and various hot dishes.
• **Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere:** The small, cozy space, though often packed, creates a warm and authentic Japanese dining environment, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal.
• **"Chef's Choice" & Specialty Rolls:** Popular items like the "chef's choice" sushi selection and unique rolls (e.g., Romeo/Juliet) are frequently highlighted as delicious and creative.
• **Delicious Appetizers:** The appetizers, such as seaweed salad, edamame, and shrimp tempura, are consistently praised as "yummy," setting a high standard from the start of the meal.
• **Excellent Hand Rolls:** The hand rolls are particularly noted for their fresh, crispy seaweed, a detail that greatly enhances the experience.
• **Aladdin Sake:** The unfiltered Aladdin sake is a favorite among patrons, complementing the meal perfectly.
• **Team-Based Service (When Effective):** While some experiences vary, many customers appreciate the team-based service, which can be smooth and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Based on the available customer reviews, Ebisu Restaurant's appeal primarily stems from its long-standing reputation, consistent food quality, and diverse menu rather than specific, ongoing promotional offers. There is no explicit mention of regular happy hour specials, discounts, or loyalty programs in the provided information.

However, the existence of "Chef's Choice" options and the occasional mention of daily specials indicate that the restaurant focuses on providing curated experiences or featuring seasonal ingredients. While a customer mentioned a desire for more options on Omakase and a specific concern about the selection of fish in one experience, the menu does list Omakase Sashimi options, which are chef's selections. For any current limited-time offerings, seasonal dishes, or potential promotions, it is always recommended for locals to inquire directly with the restaurant or check their online menu for the most up-to-date information. The value for customers largely comes from the high quality of the food and the authentic dining atmosphere.

For reservations (though they don't always take them, it's good to check), takeout orders, or any inquiries about Ebisu Restaurant, you can reach them at the following contact points:

• **Address:** 1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
• **Phone:** (415) 566-1770
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 415-566-1770

Given its popularity and small, cozy space, especially during peak dinner hours, waiting for a table is common. Customers often sign up on a clipboard upon arrival. For takeout, calling ahead is recommended to minimize wait times, or utilizing their online delivery partners.

For San Francisco locals, Ebisu Restaurant is more than just a Japanese eatery; it's an institution. Its decades-long presence in the Inner Sunset speaks volumes about its enduring quality and popularity. While some rare experiences might highlight service inconsistencies or specific Omakase preferences, the overwhelming sentiment from repeat customers points to genuinely great sushi, an amazing and authentic environment, and a commitment to fresh ingredients.

The extensive menu ensures that whether you're craving classic nigiri, a creative specialty roll like the Romeo/Juliet, or comforting hot dishes like shrimp tempura, Ebisu has something delicious to offer. The use of fresh, crispy seaweed in their hand rolls and the high quality of their sushi rice are details that true sushi connoisseurs will appreciate. Despite the potential for a wait, the cozy, transported-to-Japan ambiance and the consistently delicious food make it "highly recommend" for many. Ebisu is an ideal spot for a date night, a casual dinner with friends, or simply satisfying that craving for authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine right here in San Francisco.

Ebisu Restaurant

1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA