Fish N Gari

As a Californian who appreciates a truly satisfying meal, especially when it comes to Japanese cuisine, you understand that sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected places. In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of San Francisco, finding a spot that combines exceptional quality with a welcoming atmosphere can feel like hitting the jackpot. Enter Fish N Gari, a charming Japanese restaurant nestled on Polk Street that, despite its modest size, consistently delivers on its promise of "great sushi" and a "homey, comfortable feel."

Fish N Gari distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality, from the fresh fish for its nigiri and rolls to the perfectly boiled edamame and thoughtfully prepared hot sake. While it might be a small establishment with only one chef, as noted by a reviewer, this often translates to a focused dedication to each dish. Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious and reliable Japanese meal, Fish N Gari offers a welcoming haven. It’s a place where you can enjoy attentive service, chat with the chef, and savor expertly crafted dishes, making it a strong contender for your new favorite "local sushi spot" in San Francisco.

Fish N Gari is conveniently located at 1718 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA. This address places it firmly within the lively Polk Gulch neighborhood, a dynamic area known for its diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of local businesses. Polk Street is a major thoroughfare, making Fish N Gari easily identifiable and accessible for both residents and visitors to the city.

For Californians, reaching Fish N Gari is relatively straightforward. The restaurant's location on Polk Street means it's well-served by San Francisco's extensive public transportation network. Several MUNI bus lines run directly along Polk Street, providing convenient access from various parts of the city. While street parking in this popular neighborhood can be tight, especially during peak hours, there are usually paid parking garages available within a reasonable walking distance. Additionally, rideshare services are readily available and widely used in San Francisco, offering a convenient alternative for getting to and from the restaurant. Its spot on a bustling street means you can easily combine your sushi outing with a stroll through the neighborhood, exploring its unique shops and other attractions, making Fish N Gari a practical and appealing dining choice.

Fish N Gari offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on high-quality sushi and a range of traditional dishes, catering to both dine-in and takeout preferences:

• Dine-in Service: Despite being a "small place with limited seating," Fish N Gari provides a "cozy and low-lit" or "homey, comfortable feel" for diners. This intimate setting is ideal for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining alone, with family, or on a date. Guests appreciate the attentive service, even from a single chef, and find the staff "attentive, without being pushy."
• Sushi and Sashimi: This is a core highlight. Customers rave about the "great sushi," noting that the fish is "perfect." They offer a wide selection of nigiri (e.g., Hamachi, Albacore, Sake, Maguro, Tako, Unagi, Amaebi) and sashimi (e.g., Sake, Hamachi, Maguro, Saba). The "sea urchin" (uni) is available, though it's recommended to "ask for the price" as it can be "very expensive," though reviewers felt they "got a large amount for the money."
• Extensive Sushi Rolls: Fish N Gari provides a vast array of sushi rolls, including popular classic rolls (e.g., California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll) and numerous "House Signature Rolls." These include creative options like Caterpillar Roll, Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Pink Lady Roll, Crunch Spider Roll, Lazy Summer Roll, Romeo and Juliet Roll, Sakura Roll, Snow Beauty Roll, Ocean Breeze Roll, Honey Walnut Prawn Roll, 49er's Roll, and Dynamite Roll.
• Bento Boxes: They offer convenient and well-rounded "Bento Dinner Combinations" (2 or 3 items) and "Bento Lunch Combination" (2 or 3 items), served with miso soup, salad, and rice. The beef teriyaki bento was mentioned by a reviewer, though they felt the "amount of beef was a little on the small side."
• Appetizers and Small Plates: The menu features a diverse selection of appetizers such as "Edamame" (praised for being "very fresh and perfectly boiled and salted with kosher salt"), Gyoza (pork pot stickers), Agedashi Tofu, Soft Shell Crab, Shrimp Tempura, Tuna Poke, Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar), and various salads.
• Yakimono (Grilled) and Agemono (Fried) Entrees: Beyond sushi, they offer hearty cooked entrees like Chicken, Beef, and Salmon Teriyaki Dinners, Saba Shioyaki (grilled mackerel), Sakana Misoyaki (grilled miso marinated black cod), as well as Tempura and Katsu dishes (e.g., Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu).
• Noodles and Donburi: The menu also includes a selection of Udon noodle soups (Chicken, Beef, Tempura, Seafood) and various Donburi (rice bowls) like Tonkatsu Don, Oyako Don, Beef Don, Unagi Don, and Chirashi (varieties of fish rice bowl).
• Beverage Program: Fish N Gari offers traditional Japanese beverages, including "large, hot sake" which a reviewer praised for being "hot, but not too hot" and recognizing the correct serving temperature. Green tea is also available, with one customer particularly enjoying their "dry green tea."
• Takeout and Delivery: Despite its small dine-in capacity, Fish N Gari seems to be "doing a lot of takeout orders," indicating a strong focus on this service. They partner with popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates for convenient home delivery.

Fish N Gari, despite being a "small place with limited seating," offers several compelling features that make it a highly regarded Japanese restaurant for Californians:

• Excellent Sushi Quality: Customers consistently praise the "great sushi," noting that the rolls are "top notch" and the sushi pieces are "perfect." This extends to the freshness of the fish (like the "very fishy and ocean flavored" sea urchin, a positive for uni lovers) and the overall preparation.
• Attentive and Friendly Service: The service is highlighted as "exemplary" and "attentive, without being pushy." Despite having "only one chef" at times, the staff manages to provide excellent care. Reviewers also appreciate staff being "kind enough to fetch the bag" of green tea and offer "recommendation."
• Cozy and Homey Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "homey, comfortable feel" and is described as "cozy and low-lit," making it a "great date spot." This intimate atmosphere contributes significantly to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
• Perfectly Prepared Basics: Details matter, and Fish N Gari excels at them. The "Edamame" is noted for being "very fresh and perfectly boiled and salted with kosher salt," and the hot sake is served at the correct temperature, indicating a deep understanding of Japanese culinary standards.
• Value for Uni (Sea Urchin): While "very expensive," a customer felt they "got a large amount for the money" when ordering the sea urchin, suggesting that even their premium offerings provide good value given the portion size.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: In addition to excellent sushi, Fish N Gari offers a broad selection of appetizers, bento boxes, grilled dishes (Yakimono), fried dishes (Agemono), noodles, and donburi. This variety ensures there's something for every preference, even for those not solely focused on raw fish.
• Strong Takeout Operation: Despite being a small dine-in spot, the restaurant appears to handle a "lot of takeout orders," indicating efficiency and reliability for those who prefer to enjoy their Japanese meal at home.
• Personalized Recommendations: One reviewer specifically appreciated that when asking for a recommendation between two rolls, the staff "actually gave me a recommendation, which I took and was very pleased." This shows a genuine care for the customer's satisfaction.

Based on the provided customer reviews and available online menu information, Fish N Gari offers several forms of value and specific deals for Californians:

• Lunch Combinations/Bento Boxes: Fish N Gari features dedicated "Lunch Combination" options (available weekdays from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM). These typically allow diners to choose 2 or 3 items from categories like Teriyaki (Chicken, Beef, Salmon), Tempura (Vegetable, Shrimp, Seafood), Katsu (Chicken, Tonkatsu), Saba Shioyaki, and various sushi rolls (e.g., California, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura). These combos are often a great value, offering a complete meal with miso soup, salad, and rice at a set price (e.g., 2 items for $14.95, 3 items for $17.50).
• Dinner Bento Combinations: Similar to lunch, they offer "Bento Dinner Combinations" (2 or 3 items) which include miso soup, salad, and rice, providing a comprehensive meal option (e.g., 2 items for $18.95, 3 items for $21.95).
• Sashimi and Nigiri Combos: For sushi lovers, Fish N Gari provides various pre-set sashimi and nigiri combos, such as "Nigiri Regular Combo" (6 pcs nigiri + California roll), "Nigiri Deluxe Combo" (8 pcs nigiri + Rock and Roll), "Sashimi Chef's Choice Combo" (12 pcs), "Sashimi Chef's Deluxe Combo" (18 pcs), and "Sashimi Supreme Combo" (30 pcs). These combos often present a more economical way to sample a variety of fresh fish compared to ordering individual pieces.
• Happy Hour: While not detailed in the provided reviews, Fish N Gari's official online platforms mention a "Happy Hour @ Fish N Gari" available Monday through Friday. Californians interested in potential happy hour deals on drinks or select appetizers/rolls should check their official website or call for the most current times and specific offerings.
• Takeout/Delivery Specials: Some online ordering platforms (like Beyond Menu) for Fish N Gari sometimes list specific "Specials & Coupons," such as a "FREE California Roll with purchase of $40 or more." These offers can vary, so checking the delivery platform directly is recommended.

For the most current details on any specific promotions, happy hour timings, or seasonal specials, Californians are strongly advised to check Fish N Gari's official website or contact them directly via phone at (415) 814-3889 before their visit or when placing an order. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on current offerings.

To experience the authentic Japanese cuisine and friendly service at Fish N Gari, or for any inquiries regarding their menu or services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1718 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Phone: (415) 814-3889

Mobile Phone: +1 415-814-3889

Website: (While direct booking link may vary, look for official site via search engines or order platforms for menus and updates)

For Californians, especially those residing in or frequently visiting San Francisco, Fish N Gari on Polk Street emerges as a highly suitable and appealing local Japanese restaurant for several compelling reasons, truly embodying what a neighborhood gem should be.

Firstly, the consistent praise for "great sushi" and "perfect" fish directly aligns with California's high standards for fresh, quality Japanese cuisine. Locals are discerning, and knowing that a small, dedicated establishment like Fish N Gari prioritizes the essence of good sushi – from fresh ingredients to expertly crafted rolls and nigiri – builds immense trust and loyalty. The specific appreciation for their green tea and properly served hot sake further underscores their attention to authentic details, a trait highly valued by informed diners.

Secondly, the "homey, comfortable feel" and "exemplary, attentive" service create an inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. In a bustling city, finding a place where you feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, even with potentially slower service due to a single chef, fosters a strong connection. This intimate setting makes it ideal for a relaxed dinner, a casual meal with friends, or even a "great date spot," offering a pleasant escape from the everyday hustle.

Moreover, Fish N Gari's diverse menu, extending beyond just sushi, caters to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're craving fresh raw fish, a hearty bento box, or perfectly executed appetizers like their "very fresh" edamame, there's something to satisfy every member of a group. This versatility, combined with their strong takeout and delivery operations, makes it incredibly convenient for locals who might prefer dining at home or are on the go.

Finally, its location on vibrant Polk Street ensures easy accessibility for many San Francisco residents via public transit or a short ride-share, integrating seamlessly into the urban Californian lifestyle. While the portion of beef in the bento was noted as small by one reviewer, the overall sentiment points to a "great value" for the quality of the sushi and the thoughtful dining experience. Fish N Gari offers that rare combination of quality, comfort, and authenticity that makes it a true local treasure, beckoning Californians to make it their regular Japanese dining destination.

Fish N Gari

1718 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA