Elephant Sushi Introduce
For sushi aficionados and casual diners alike across California, particularly within the vibrant culinary landscape of San Francisco, finding a sushi restaurant that truly stands out can be a delightful endeavor. In the heart of Hayes Valley, Elephant Sushi has carved out a reputation for delivering an exceptional and flavorful dining experience that consistently earns rave reviews. Far from being just another sushi spot, Elephant Sushi offers a blend of creative rolls, delicious drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that transforms a meal into a memorable occasion. Even those initially "skeptical" about its authenticity quickly become converts, praising the "flavorful and delicious" food that makes the dining experience "worth it."
Elephant Sushi has become a beloved fixture in San Francisco's competitive restaurant scene, known for its consistent quality and innovative approach to sushi. Patrons frequently highlight not only the amazing taste of the sushi and drinks but also the overall fantastic atmosphere. If you're in the Bay Area and looking for a sushi experience that combines culinary excellence with a great vibe, Elephant Sushi comes "highly recommend" – just remember to "save room for dessert, they’re all amazing!"
Elephant Sushi is conveniently located at 400 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA. This address places it in the charming and artistic Hayes Valley neighborhood, a vibrant district known for its boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and proximity to cultural landmarks like Davies Symphony Hall and the War Memorial Opera House. Its location makes it an ideal pre-show dinner spot or a destination for a relaxed meal after exploring the area.
The accessibility of Elephant Sushi is a significant benefit for diners throughout San Francisco. Grove Street is well-served by MUNI public transportation, with several bus lines operating nearby, offering convenient connections from various parts of the city. While there isn't a direct BART station in Hayes Valley, the Civic Center/UN Plaza BART station is within a comfortable walking distance, linking the restaurant to the wider Bay Area transit network. For those who choose to drive, street parking can be found, though it's typical for a popular San Francisco neighborhood to require some patience in finding a spot. Several parking garages are also available within the vicinity. The appealing ambiance of Hayes Valley itself, with its tree-lined streets and bustling activity, adds to the overall pleasant experience of visiting Elephant Sushi.
Elephant Sushi is dedicated to providing a high-quality and convenient dining experience for all its patrons. Their services are designed to accommodate various preferences, whether you prefer to dine in or enjoy their delicious offerings at home.
- Dine-In Experience: Enjoy the "great atmosphere" that guests consistently praise. The restaurant strives to create a charming ambiance with "dark wood and elegant decor," making it "the perfect setting for special occasions or casual nights out."
- Online Reservations: For your convenience and to ensure a table, Elephant Sushi offers the ability to "Book a table online easily in just a couple of minutes." Reservations are encouraged, especially given its popularity.
- Takeout Options: Elephant Sushi provides efficient takeout services, allowing you to enjoy their flavorful sushi and other dishes in the comfort of your own home.
- Delivery Services: Partnering with major food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, Elephant Sushi makes it incredibly easy to have your favorite items delivered directly to your doorstep.
- Diverse Menu Categories: Their menu is thoughtfully organized into various sections, including Starters, House Specialties, Rolls, Sashimi, Nigiri, Bowls, and Sides, making it easy to navigate and find your preferred dishes.
- Full Bar / Drink Menu: Customers mention that "drinks are delicious," indicating a well-curated beverage selection that likely includes sake, beer, wine, and potentially craft cocktails to complement the sushi.
- Dessert Offerings: Unlike some sushi spots, Elephant Sushi emphasizes its dessert menu, with customers advising to "save room for dessert, they’re all amazing." This indicates a commitment to a complete and satisfying dining experience from start to finish.
Elephant Sushi has earned its reputation as "by far one of the best sushi restaurants in SF" through a combination of exceptional food quality, innovative culinary creations, and an inviting atmosphere. Here are some of its most notable features and highlights:
- Incredibly Flavorful and Delicious Food: The consistent theme across reviews is the outstanding taste of the food. Despite initial skepticism about "authenticity," diners universally find the sushi "so flavorful and delicious," praising the "amazing taste." This focus on flavor over strict traditionalism seems to be a winning formula.
- The Must-Try "Flaming Seabass Roll": This specific roll is repeatedly singled out as a signature dish and a "must." Its popularity suggests a unique preparation, theatrical presentation, or an incredibly memorable flavor profile that makes it a standout item. Other highly-liked rolls include "YA MAN ROLL" (Alaskan salmon, avocado, scallion, fried red onion chips, olive oil, and ponzu sauce), "RED DRAGON" (shrimp tempura roll topped with spicy tuna), and "WHITEOUT ROLL" (Hamachi and cucumber topped with seared butter fish, truffle oil, and ponzu).
- Creative and Innovative Rolls: Elephant Sushi is noted for its "inventive dishes" and "creative sushi and sashimi." This suggests a menu that goes beyond standard offerings, incorporating unique flavor combinations and presentations that surprise and delight patrons.
- High-Quality Fish: Despite the focus on innovation, the foundation remains strong, with a commitment to "fresh and flavorful fish from the U.S., Japan, Norway and New Zealand." Their sourcing ensures a premium sushi experience.
- Delicious Drinks and Thoughtful Beverage Program: Customers highlight that "drinks are delicious," indicating a quality beverage selection that perfectly complements the food, including a "decent selection of sake."
- Great Atmosphere for Various Occasions: The restaurant offers a "great atmosphere" that is described as "charming" and perfect for "special occasions or casual nights out." The "beautiful ambiance featuring dark wood and elegant decor" contributes to a sophisticated yet comfortable dining environment.
- Amazing Desserts: A unique highlight is the strong emphasis on their desserts. Unlike many sushi restaurants where desserts are an afterthought, Elephant Sushi's are "all amazing," making it worthwhile to "save room" for them. One specific mention is the "Hojicha Cheesecake."
- Consistent Amazing Experience: Multiple reviewers noted a "consistently amazing experience here," which speaks volumes about the restaurant's ability to maintain high standards of food, service, and ambiance over time.
- Exceptional Service: While not detailed in the provided reviews, their official "About" page emphasizes "exceptional service," "attentive service that enhances your dining experience," and "friendly staff ensures you're well taken care of throughout your visit."
As a highly-rated and popular sushi destination in San Francisco, Elephant Sushi likely focuses on providing consistent quality and value through its regular menu and unique dining experience rather than frequent, large-scale promotions. However, similar to many establishments of its caliber, they may have subtle or unadvertised offerings:
- Omakase Options: Elephant Sushi offers "OMAKASE SASHIMI (14 pieces) $60.00" and "OMAKASE MIX NIGIRI (Chef's choice 10pc) $78.00." While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, these curated chef's selections offer a distinct dining experience and an opportunity to taste a variety of their freshest and finest offerings.
- Chef's Specials: Given their emphasis on "inventive dishes" and "fresh fish," Elephant Sushi likely features daily or weekly chef's specials that highlight seasonal ingredients or unique preparations not found on the regular menu.
- Beverage Pairings: While specific packages aren't detailed, the availability of a "decent selection of sake" and other "delicious drinks" suggests that the staff might offer recommendations for beverage pairings that enhance the meal, adding value through an elevated experience.
- Lunch vs. Dinner Pricing: Some sushi restaurants in San Francisco offer slightly different pricing or menu options for lunch versus dinner. It's advisable to check their specific operating hours and menus for any such distinctions, although current information primarily lists evening hours for the Grove St location.
To stay informed about any current special features, seasonal menu items, or unique offerings, the best approach is to visit Elephant Sushi's official website, check their online ordering platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub), or contact them directly by phone. This ensures you receive the most up-to-date information to enhance your dining experience.
To experience the highly-rated and flavorful sushi at Elephant Sushi, here’s how you can connect with them:
Address: 400 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: (415) 400-4018
While a mobile phone number (+1 415-400-4018) is also provided, the primary landline is typically the most direct method for contacting the restaurant for reservations, inquiries about their menu, or takeout orders. You can also find additional information and online ordering options through their official website or popular food delivery applications.
For California residents, and particularly those in the culinary-savvy city of San Francisco, Elephant Sushi stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable dining destination. It perfectly aligns with what locals often seek in their favorite eateries: consistent quality, innovative culinary offerings, and a genuinely inviting atmosphere. The overwhelming positive sentiment from patrons underscores its strong connection with the community.
Elephant Sushi thrives on delivering "flavorful and delicious" food, proving that a creative approach to sushi can be just as, if not more, appealing than strict adherence to tradition for many diners. The "Flaming Seabass Roll" serves as a testament to their culinary ingenuity, becoming a local must-try. Beyond the stellar food, the "great atmosphere" and the emphasis on "delicious drinks" and "amazing" desserts ensure a complete and satisfying experience. Whether it's for a "date night," a casual dinner, or a special occasion, Elephant Sushi provides an experience that consistently leaves customers "highly recommend" it. Its prime location in Hayes Valley, coupled with the overall exceptional dining experience, makes Elephant Sushi a cherished local gem and a top choice for anyone in San Francisco craving a high-quality, memorable sushi meal.
Elephant Sushi Menu
COCKTAILS
- Elephant Spritz US$16.00
Fiero aperitif, guava, lemon, sparkling wine
- Melon Highball US$16.00
Sake, melon, elder flower tonic, lime
- Shiitake Manhattan US$16.00
Kumiho whiskey, amontillado, angostura bitters
- Cool as a Cucumber US$16.00
Jalepeño infused Kumiho tequila, cucumber juice, lime, simple, togarashi pepper
- Blackberry Gin Fizz US$16.00
Kumiho gin, blackberry puree, lemon juice, honey syrup
- Kyoto Sour US$16.00
Kumiho whiskey with fresh sweet and sour
- Passion Fruit Mojito US$16.00
Passion fruit, mint, Sabé rum, bianco vermouth, seltzer
- Jasmine Lemon Drop US$16.00
Sabé vodka, lemon, jasmine infused honey, orange bitters
- Yuzu Highball US$16.00
Lemongrass infused Sabé vodka, bianco vermouth, lemon bitters and yuzu soda
- Asian Pear Daiquiri US$16.00
Pear purée, lime, Sabé rum, simple, lemon bitters
- Hello Kitty Martini US$16.00
Sabé vodka and lychee syrup
- Matcha Martini US$16.00
Kumiho Gin, Ghirardelli white chocolate and matcha
Sake
- Sake Flight US$30.00
house chosen sake flight (3 sakes)
- Hot Sake US$16.00
Ozeki Junmai - full bodied and robust
- Sho Chiku Bai- Nigori Sake US$28.00
cloudy sake, bold and sweet
- Oze - No Yukidoke Junmai US$30.00
extra dry, complex, dry and smooth 300 mL
- Kubota Junmai Daiginjo US$28.00
well balanced sweetness with mellow acidity. Aromas of pear, honey and melon, 300 mL
- Rei Junmai Daiginjo US$30.00
hints of white flowers, cantaloupe., and honeydew melon, 300 mL
- Born Junmai Daiginjo US$32.00
light semi-sweet with notes of raspberry jam, orange marmalade and dried figs
- Moromi Junmai
light, slightly sweet and juicy with apple like flavors
- Akabu Junmai Ginjo
aromas of apple, vanilla, almond milk. Slightly acidic and refreshing sweetness
- Kuheji Junmai Daiginjo
lots of acid in this clean and balanced junmai daiginjo
- Kikusui Junmai Ginjo US$75.00
light and smooth mellow character, elegant and full bodied with notes of cantaloupe
- Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo
delicate aroma, fine and crisp
- Nishide Shuzo "100 Year Sake" US$189.00
Junmai Daiginjo with notes of apricot and young banana, soft and mild with smooth umami notes of sake rice. Finishes dry with balanced acidity.
- Akabu Junmai Daiginjo US$250.00
Gokujo No Kire meaning best of the best cut. Coming from its sharpness, fresh aromas of pineapple, pear, and apple
White and Sparkling
- La Jolie Fleur Rose
Still Rosé, France
- Margerum Sauvignon Blanc
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
- Vermentino
Bolgheri 2021
- Mio- Dessert Sake
Sparkling sake, crisp lush fruit, naturally fermented
- My Favorite Neighbor Blanc-Chardonnay
Napa- full bodied ripe fruits with refreshing acidity. aromas of pear, green apple, and lime peel with rich flavors of pie crust and caramel.
- La Marca Prosecco
sparkling wine, very dry with notes of green apple, grapefruit, lemon, apricot and peach
- Umeshu US$6.00
plum wine over rocks
Red
- La Follette Pinot Noir
Los Primeros 2021
- Paring Red Blend
Buellton 2018
Beer
- Onibi - Koma Inu US$12.00
Yuzu white ale smooth palate and light body
- Echigo Koshihikari US$11.00
rice lager, clean bright malt
- Asahi US$9.00
Super dry. crisp with refreshing barley flavor. Most popular high-quality Japanese beer
- Lucky Chicken US$10.00
red IPA
- Lucky Dog US$10.00
session IPA, sharp bitterness, fruity citrus aroma
- Hitachino Yuzu Ginger Non-Alcoholic US$11.00
zesty yuzu with hints of ginger
Mocktails & Etc.
- Japanese Sour US$13.00
Ritual Non-Alcoholic Whiskey and fresh juices
- Melon Highball Spritzer US$9.00
melon, lemon juice and elderflower tonic
- Passion Fruit Seltzer US$9.00
passion fruit puree
- Guava Spritzer US$9.00
guava, lemon juice and lime soda
- Lemonade US$6.00
- Genmai Tea (per person) US$4.00
- Sparking Water Bottle US$6.00
sparkling water
Starters
- House Pickles Plate US$12.00
Misozuke - Miso pickles, Shiozuke - Salt pickles, Totari Kyuri - Smashed cucumber pickles
- Chips N Dip US$18.00
shrimp chips, spicy tuna, masago, green onions, honey mustard & sweet soy glaze
- Sea Bass Sashimi US$24.00
thinly sliced seabass drizzled with yuzu, tangy vinaigrette, jalapeno slices
- Vegetable & Shrimp Tempura US$16.00
sweet Japanese potato, squash, green beans, broccoli, wild Louisiana shrimp
- Chicken Karaage US$16.00
marinated in buttermilk with garlic, green onion
- Soft Shell Crab US$16.00
two crabs, panko encrusted
- Seaweed Salad US$7.00
salad with kombu, wakame, and sesame seeds
- Cucumber Salad US$7.00
- Miso Soup US$8.00
- Carrot Ginger Miso Soup US$8.00
carrot ginger puree, togorashi, green onions, nori, and sesame seeds
- Salmon Miso Soup US$10.00
togorashi spice, salmon, avocado
House Specials
- Salmon Kama* US$19.00
salmon collar baked with sweet onion garlic sauce, served with rice, avocado, house pickles
- Hamachi Kama* US$19.00
hamachi collar baked with unagi sauce, served with rice, avocado, house pickles
- Yummy Pockets (2pcs) US$15.00
spicy bay scallop & scallion stuffed in sweet tofu
- Albacore Tataki US$24.00
white tuna sashimi seared on Himalayan rock salt slab, heirloom tomato, scallion, olive oil & ponzu
- Beasty Boys (2pcs) US$20.00
Santa Barbara Uni, ankimo, quail egg & shiso
- Himalayan Trout US$28.00
ocean trout sashimi cured on Himalayan rock salt slab with green onion, virgin olive oil & aged house ponzu sauce
- O Toro Sashimi (3pcs) US$30.00
three sashimi slices of tuna belly topped with truffle shaving and sprinkled with nori salt
- Hamachi Truffle US$28.00
seared yellowtail sashimi topped with ponzu sauce, olive oil, black truffle, fried shallots and green onions
- Walu Carpaccio US$25.00
seared butterfish sashimi topped fried shallots, truffle oil & ponzu sauce
- Couple of Babes US$18.00
blue crab handroll with crunchy garlic and shiso leaf and ocean trout handroll with ponzu and green onion (both crab +2)
- Miso Black Cod (2pcs) US$22.00
local black cod marinated with miso paste, baked
Rolls
- Flaming Seabass Roll US$25.00
sea bass baked with spicy tuna, spicy masago aioli, shiso leaf, chili, green onion, sweet soy glaze
- Avocado Maki US$7.00
- Kappa Maki US$7.00
cucumber
- Green Machine US$14.00
inari, tomato, cucumber, mango, avocado, topped with honey mustard
- Negi Toro US$22.00
fatty tuna topped with Uni and fresh kizami (wasabi)
- White Out US$18.00
hamachi, cucumber topped with seared butterfish, truffle oil & ponzu
- Tekka US$12.00
bluefin tuna
- Negi Hama US$12.00
yellowtail with scallion
- Chef Ochko Roll US$22.00
blue crab, avocado, shiso, crunchy garlic, topped with hamachi belly, ponzu, sesame oil
- Rainbow US$18.00
salmon and avocado roll topped with assorted fish
- Red Dragon US$18.00
shrimp tempura topped with spicy bluefin tuna
- Spicy Salmon US$18.00
salmon, cucumber, avocado, togorashi pepper, sesame oil, masago & sesame seed
- Spicy Tuna US$15.00
bluefin tuna mixed in spicy sauce with avocado
- Spicy Hamachi US$18.00
hamachi, jalapeno, lime, cucumber, avocado, scallion & toasted shichimi pepper aioli
- Ya Man US$19.00
salmon, avocado, scallion, fried red onion chips, olive oil and ponzu sauce
Nigiri
- Chu Toro US$17.00
Medium fatty tuna belly
- Maguro US$14.00
Bluefin tuna
- Hamachi US$13.00
Young yellowtail
- Walu US$12.00
Butterfish
- O Toro US$20.00
Fatty tuna belly sprinkled with sea salt
- Sake US$14.00
Salmon
- Ikura US$12.00
Salmon eggs, in house marinated
- O Toro Ankimo US$22.00
Fatty tuna belly topped w/ soy marinated ankimo
- Hirame US$12.00
Halibut
- Basil Sake US$14.00
Salmon topped w/ basil sauce
- Suzuki US$12.00
Seabass
- Hotate US$16.00
Hokkaido scallop
- Ankimo US$12.00
Monkfish liver
- Inari US$6.00
Sweet tofu
- Uni US$18.00
Santa Barbara sea urchin
- Madai US$12.00
Sea bream
- Zuke Toro US$18.00
Marinated tuna belly, slightly seared
- Unagi US$13.00
freshwater eel, rich and fatty flavor
- King Salmon US$18.00
ora king salmon, premium flavor
Sashimi
- Chu Toro US$34.00
Medium fatty tuna belly
- Maguro US$28.00
Bluefin tuna
- Hamachi US$26.00
Young yellowtail
- Walu US$24.00
Butterfish
- O Toro US$30.00
Fatty tuna belly sprinkled with sea salt
- Sake US$28.00
Salmon
- Ikura US$24.00
Salmon eggs, in house marinated
- O Toro Ankimo US$33.00
Fatty tuna belly topped w/ soy marinated ankimo
- Hirame US$24.00
Halibut
- Basil Sake US$28.00
Salmon topped w/ basil sauce
- Suzuki US$24.00
Seabass
- Hotate US$32.00
Hokkaido scallop
- Ankimo US$24.00
Monkfish liver
- Uni US$36.00
Santa Barbara sea urchin
- Madai US$24.00
Sea bream
- Zuke Toro US$36.00
Marinated tuna belly, slightly seared
- Unagi US$26.00
freshwater eel, rich and fatty flavor
- King Salmon US$36.00
ora king salmon, premium flavor
Dessert
- Hojicha Cheesecake US$10.00
traditional matcha from Uji, Japan burnt over charcoal. Roasted, woody taste complimenting creaminess.
- Matcha Cheesecake US$10.00
traditional matcha from Uji, Japan, stone ground
- Japanese Pudding US$8.00
seasonal fruit
- Yuzu Cream US$6.00
zesty and sweet cream
Omakase Platters
- Omakase Nigiri US$69.00
10 pcs, chef's choice of fish on top of sushi rice
- Omakase Sashimi US$69.00
14 pcs, 7 chef's choice of fish
Elephant Sushi Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Elephant Sushi Photos










Elephant Sushi Location
Elephant Sushi
400 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Elephant Sushi Reviews
I was skeptical at first as I wasn't sure if the sushi was authentic, but regardless of authenticity or not, the food was all so flavorful and delicious.It's not cheap but the dining experience was worth it.
February 16 · Macy YWe’ve consistently had an amazing experience here. The sushi tastes amazing, drinks are delicious, and the atmosphere is great. The Flaming Seabass Roll is a must. By far one of the best sushi restaurants in SF. Highly recommend! Also don’t forget to save room for dessert, they’re all amazing
November 30 · Cayla MurdochAbsolutely fresh and delicious food. As sashimi lovers we were not disappointed in the wide array of raw and delicate chpices. The desserts we tried - Japanese pudding and Yuzu Cream - were also light and fun. As was my cocktail - the Blackberry gin fizz.10/10 would go back.(Just don't try to eat the decorations on the dessert plates 🤣🤣)
June 17 · Jayanti AddlemanIt is the best sushi restaurant in SF. Fresh and original food will win your heart. Service is on the high level. Great list of cocktails.
July 29 · Alexander ChemerisReally good sushi and Asian food - we had to eat early and fast because we were headed to the symphony and they were excellent at giving us enough time so we didn't feel rushed but still with plenty of time to make the performance. Food was outstanding - so many different kinds of sushi, also had the black cod which was really good. Lots of good energy from the wait staff. So many more things we wanted to try - will definitely be heading back to check it out.
March 14 · Andrew Klein
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