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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaSan Francisco CountySan FranciscoLower Nob HillJapanese Restaurant in Polk StreetKuma Sushi + Sake
Kuma Sushi + Sake ico

Kuma Sushi + Sake

Sushi restaurant, Japanese restaurant ★4.0 (183)·$50–100

1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

4.0
Delicious, quality fish and reasonably priced. I'd eat that California roll every day if I lived nearby. I don't know if there's a better $11 dish in the city.We ate a bunch of fish and had a few sides. Service was great. I would definitely come back. - Justin Snider
Kuma Sushi + Sake Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$50–100 per person Reported by 183 people$20–30$30–50$50–100$100+

Kuma Sushi + Sake Introduce

Craving exceptional sushi and a perfectly paired sake in the heart of San Francisco? Look no further than Kuma Sushi + Sake. This popular establishment on Polk Street has quickly become a local favorite, renowned for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, artfully prepared dishes, and a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that truly makes you feel at home. Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese dining experience, Kuma Sushi + Sake offers an unforgettable culinary journey right here in California.

San Francisco, a city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape, boasts numerous sushi options. However, Kuma Sushi + Sake distinguishes itself through its dedication to sourcing premium fish and its friendly, neighborhood-focused approach. Locals consistently praise its value, with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the fish for the price, making it a standout choice for both everyday dining and special occasions.

Location and Accessibility

Kuma Sushi + Sake is conveniently located at 1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA. Situated in the bustling Lower Polk neighborhood, the restaurant is easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. Its central location makes it a prime spot for a pre-theater dinner, a post-work meal, or a casual lunch with friends.

The Polk Street area is well-served by public transportation, with numerous MUNI bus lines running nearby, making it simple to reach without a car. For those driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding blocks, though as with any busy urban area, it’s advisable to allow for some extra time. The vibrant street life of Polk Street adds to the overall experience, offering a dynamic backdrop to your dining adventure at Kuma Sushi + Sake.

Services Offered

Kuma Sushi + Sake provides a comprehensive array of services to cater to every diner's needs, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience. They focus on delivering fresh, delicious sushi whether you're dining in or taking it to go.

  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, perfect for a relaxed meal or a lively gathering. The friendly staff ensures excellent table service.
  • Takeout Options: For those on the go or preferring to enjoy their sushi at home, Kuma Sushi + Sake offers convenient takeout. Their dishes are carefully packaged to maintain freshness and quality.
  • Delivery Services: Partnering with popular delivery platforms, Kuma Sushi + Sake makes it easy to have your favorite sushi delivered directly to your door, perfect for a cozy night in.
  • Reservations: While Kuma Sushi + Sake maintains a welcoming, casual vibe, reservations are often recommended, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you secure a table. You can typically make reservations online or by calling the restaurant directly.
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Kuma Sushi + Sake understands diverse dietary preferences and offers a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian rolls and dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The restaurant is designed to be accessible, accommodating guests who use wheelchairs.
Features / Highlights

Kuma Sushi + Sake stands out for several key reasons, making it a beloved sushi destination in San Francisco. Their commitment to quality, flavor, and guest experience is evident in every aspect of their operation.

  • Exceptional Quality Fish: At the core of Kuma Sushi + Sake’s appeal is its unwavering commitment to serving incredibly fresh and high-quality fish. Reviews consistently highlight the "delicious, quality fish," with patrons noting how "fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor" the sushi is. They feature a daily, focused menu with spotlights on the morning's catch, ensuring you receive the freshest seafood available.
  • Reasonably Priced Excellence: Despite the premium quality, Kuma Sushi + Sake is noted for being "reasonably priced." Many customers consider their dishes, like the California roll, an incredible value, with one reviewer stating, "I don't know if there's a better $11 dish in the city." This combination of quality and affordability makes it highly accessible.
  • Welcoming and Local Vibe: The atmosphere at Kuma Sushi + Sake is consistently described as having a "welcoming and local vibe," which helps guests "feel right at home." It’s designed to be a friendly neighborhood sushi joint, fostering a comfortable and enjoyable dining environment.
  • Curated Sake Selections: As the name suggests, Kuma Sushi + Sake boasts a well-thought-out selection of sake. This curated list is designed to complement their sushi offerings, providing an enhanced dining experience for sake enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
  • Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond traditional nigiri and sashimi, Kuma Sushi + Sake offers a variety of rolls, including classic favorites like the California Roll and Salmon Avocado Roll, as well as unique "Kuma Specialty Rolls" such as the "Hey Girl" (tempura shrimp, cucumber, tuna, avocado, spicy mayo, unagi sauce) and "Fresca" (spicy tuna, pineapple, avocado, walu ceviche). They also offer starters like Edamame and Miso Soup, and small plates like Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar).
  • Attentive and Great Service: Customer reviews frequently commend the "great service" provided by the staff. The team is dedicated to ensuring a positive dining experience, from taking orders to providing recommendations.
Promotions or Special Offers

While specific daily or weekly promotions can vary, Kuma Sushi + Sake occasionally features happy hour specials, especially for their sake selection. It’s always a good idea to check their website or social media channels, or call directly, to inquire about any current promotions or seasonal specials that might be running. Many local businesses, including sushi restaurants, often offer lunch specials or chef's tasting menus that provide excellent value. For example, Kuma Sushi + Sake has offered a "Chef's 4-Piece Nigiri Tasting" and "Chef's 8-Piece Nigiri Tasting," which allows you to sample a curated selection of their freshest fish at a special price. These types of offerings are a fantastic way to experience a wider variety of their menu items without committing to a full-sized dish.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or any inquiries, here’s how to get in touch with Kuma Sushi + Sake:

Address: 1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Phone: (415) 962-7400

While a mobile phone number (+1 415-962-7400) is also provided, the main landline number is typically best for direct restaurant contact. You can also find more information and potentially place online orders through their official website or popular food delivery platforms.

Conclusion: Why Kuma Sushi + Sake is Suitable for Locals

For anyone living in or visiting California, especially those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kuma Sushi + Sake is more than just another sushi restaurant; it’s a genuine neighborhood gem. It perfectly embodies what locals look for in a dining spot: outstanding food, welcoming service, and a comfortable atmosphere that feels like home. The consistent feedback from patrons speaks volumes, with many declaring it their "favorite sushi spot" and vowing to "definitely be back 100%!"

Its commitment to using high-quality, fresh fish ensures that every bite is a delight, while the thoughtful sake selection complements the meal perfectly. The reasonable pricing, considering the caliber of the ingredients and preparation, makes it an accessible luxury for regular visits. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick California roll that’s hailed as one of the best values in the city, or settling in for a more elaborate meal with a variety of nigiri and specialty rolls, Kuma Sushi + Sake consistently delivers. Its location on Polk Street adds to its appeal, placing it in a vibrant area that's easy to reach. For those seeking an authentic, delicious, and friendly sushi experience that truly understands local preferences, Kuma Sushi + Sake is an absolute must-try in San Francisco.

Kuma Sushi + Sake Menu

  • Maki

  • Jackalope US$19.00

    Hawaiian amberjack and pickled jalapeno on top with spicy hamachi and fried green scallions inside

  • Salmon Avocado Roll US$11.00

    Salmon, sesame seeds, lemon slices, and avocado.

  • Rainbow US$17.00

    California roll topped with various fish chosen by the chef.

  • Sweet Potato Roll US$8.00

    Tempura sweet potato and (vegetarian) unagi sauce.

  • Fresca US$18.00

    Spicy tuna, pineapple, and avocado, topped with walu ceviche and spicy oroshi.

  • Spicy Tuna Roll US$12.00

    Spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, perilla leaf, daikon radish sprouts, and red leaf lettuce.

  • Ox And Tiger US$18.00

    Spicy hamachi and jicama roll topped with walu ceviche and kumquat.

  • California Roll US$11.00

    Real crab, avocado, and sesame seeds.

  • Negi Hama US$9.00

    Yellowtail and green onions in toasted seaweed.

  • The Saratoga US$17.00

    Seared ocean trout sprinkled with lemon zest topping a roll of avocado, asparagus, and jalapeño.

  • Half Baked US$19.00

    Baked crab and avocado roll topped with salmon, green onions, tobiko, spicy mayo.

  • Avocado Maki US$7.00

    Large slices of avocado and coarse sea salt.

  • Faceplant US$16.00

    Jicama, avocado, cucumber roll topped with marinated Japanese eggplant and crushed sesame seeds.

  • Ebi Tempura Roll US$13.00

    Tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, perilla leaf, daikon radish sprouts, red leaf lettuce, and spicy mayonnaise.

  • Hey Girl US$19.00

    Tempura shrimp, cucumber topped with layers of tuna and avocado, spicy mayo, and unagi sauce.

  • Tango US$18.00

    Fresh tuna and mango topped with ocean trout and yuzu kosho.

  • Chirashi And Chef's Choice

  • Sashimi Sampler US$27.00

    A pared down version of our dine-in sashimi platter designed to handle the bustle of take-out. A selection from the chef of 3 fish, 2 pieces each for 6 pieces total.

  • Chef's 8-Piece Nigiri Tasting US$48.00

    Eight pieces of sushi selected by the chef. Types of fish may vary depending on season, but we generally like to start with lighter flavors and end with belly cuts.

  • Sake-Masu Box US$48.00

    A filling dish utilizing all parts of both salmon and ocean trout. 12 slices total, cuts from the back and the belly, cured roe, and salmon skin chicharrones, all served over our wild grain rice blend, with assorted veggies and kinshi tamago.

  • Chirashi US$54.00

    To fully embrace take-out, we've replaced our chef's choice sashimi with Kuma's chirashi. Inspired by one of our favorite dishes and the idea of a casual night in, you'll get 14 cuts of today's best fish, ikura snap peas, and kinshi tamago scattered over a house blend of nisihki rice and wild grains.

  • Chirashi Deluxe US$69.00

    All the goodness of our house chirashi with the addition of a few more luxurious items for when you're feeling fancy. Includes local uni, toro, and assorted shellfish.

  • Chef's 4-Piece Nigiri Tasting US$24.00

    Four pieces of sushi selected by the chef. Types of fish may vary depending on season, but we generally like to start with lighter flavors and end with a belly cut.

  • Sushi

  • Pirikara Hotate US$13.00

    Scallop dusted with our house 7-spice blend and seared, Hokkaido

  • Sake Toro US$14.00

    Salmon Belly, US East Coast

  • Kanpachi US$10.00

    Amberjack, Hawaii

  • Hotate US$12.00

    Scallop, Hokkaido

  • Umi Masu US$9.00

    Ocean trout, loch etive

  • Magurozuke US$12.00

    Soy marinated tuna, Pacific Islands

  • Uni US$22.00

    Sea Urchin, location varies based on season

  • Masu Toro US$15.00

    Ocean Trout Belly, Loch Etive

  • Maguro US$11.00

    Tuna, Pacific Islands

  • Sake US$8.00

    Salmon, US Atlantic

  • Hirame US$11.00

    Fluke, US East Coast

  • Toro US$21.00

    Bluefin Tuna Belly, Ensenada

  • Walu US$10.00

    Yuzu marinated escolar, Korea

  • Kuro Dai US$10.00

    Black Sea Bream, Miyagi

  • Tombo Ahi US$10.00

    Albacore Tuna, Hawaii

  • Tai Kobujime US$11.00

    Sea bream, Kagoshima

  • Ama Ebi US$14.00

    Spot Prawn, British Columbia

  • Sunazuri US$15.00

    Yellowtail Belly, Kagoshima

  • Hamachi US$9.00

    Yellowtail, Kagoshima

  • Sake By The Carafe

  • Ginban Banshu 50 US$22.00

    Daiginjo Silver Plate. A bold, fruity nose followed by a dry, spicy finish. It’s a sake that pleases all palates, Toyama 22 carafe

  • Suijin US$15.00

    Junmai -- Water God. is our driest sake and perfect for showcasing a sharp, powerful flavor of rice, Iwate 15 carafe

  • Ohkagura US$13.00

    Honjozo -- Rich, smooth and umami driven, this semi dry sake does well in all temperatures. Light notes of pear, excellent sake to start your meal, Okayama 13 carafe

  • Konteki US$25.00

    Daiginjo Tears of Dawn. From one of Japan's smallest breweries, notes of tropical banana, anise seed, and truffle, Kyoto 25 carafe

  • Kikusui US$19.00

    Ginjo -- Chrysanthemum Water. A top seller. Clean, crisp, and bright, Niigata 19 carafe

  • Sequoia Coastal Nigori US$32.00

    Perfect spring nigori sake with a floral nose and flavors of yogurt and lychee. One of Sequoia’s best selling sake is a must try for fans of nigori, San Francisco.

  • Hot Sake US$10.00

    Honjozo style sake. extra dry, berkeley ca

  • Sequoia Nama Genshu US$35.00

    Nama Genshu means sake that has not been pasteurized or diluted. High alcohol and slightly effervescent with a deep rich taste. Sequoia’s best, San Francisco.

  • Fukuju US$20.00

    Junmai -- Ginjo Happy Brewery. Silky with notes of apricot, this sake is used to toast at Nobel Prize Award Ceremony, Hyogo 20 carafe

  • Funaguchi One Cup US$10.00

    Honjozo -- Kikusui’s undiluted, unpasteurized honjozo sake. Served in a “one cup” size as unpasteurized sake is light sensitive. Big, bright and boozy, Niigata 200ml

  • Kuma's Pantry

  • Kuma's Everything Shichimi (1oz) US$5.00

    Similar to our furikake, we make a house blend of dried spices in the same fashion. this one often gets citrus zest of lemons, limes, and whatever seasonal fruit we have around. sprinkle over soup, add to your dry rubs, or use similar to a finishing salt. world's your oyster contains the following: sesame, soy.

  • House Spicy Mayo (8oz) US$10.00

    While we use this mainly as a source of spice and fatty richness in some of our heavier dishes, this also works great as a spread on sandwiches or burger buns and as a dip for fries, fritters, and fresh cruciferous vegetables. contains the following: eggs, sesame, soy.

  • House Ponzu Sauce (8oz) US$10.00

    Our ponzu is created with a tamari soy base, mushroom dashi, and the leche de tigre runoff from our daily ceviche which serves as the citrus component of a traditional ponzu. great as a dipping sauce for a large variety of meats, fish, or veggies, also a fantastic base for a marinade. contains the following: fish.

  • Kuma's Shira Ae Salad Dressing (8oz) US$10.00
  • Kuma's Everything Furikake (1oz) US$5.00

    In efforts to reduce food waste, we try to save and dehydrate most scrap products such as vegetable peels and fish shavings. we blend everything with other dried flavor enhancers like seaweed and sesame seeds and end up with a product that's never quite the same, but always delicious. it's a great finisher topping for rice plates, curry, stir fry, steam vegetables. anything savory really. go crazy contains the following: fish, gluten, sesame, soy.

  • Umami Soy Sauce (8oz) US$10.00
  • Small Plates

  • Kama US$18.00

    Choice of yellowtail or salmon fish collar seasoned with sea salt and steam broiled until perfectly tender and juicy. Served with a garlic ponzu dipping sauce.

  • Great Balls Of Fire US$14.00

    Panko breaded tuna and hamachi roll, topped with sriracha, spicy mayo, unagi sauce, green onions, tobiko, and our house furikake.

  • Starters

  • Edamame US$6.00

    Blanched soybean pods tossed with coarse sea salt.

  • Miso Soup US$5.00

    Awase miso with a kelp, mushroom, and shungiku leaf soup base; creates a flavor that’s almost tea-like.

  • Osuimono US$7.00

    Slices of shiitake mushroom and tofu suspended in clear soup made from this morning’s fish bones.

  • Kuma's House Salad US$10.00

    Massaged kale, salt pickled cucumber and local seaweed. Optional addition of salmon skin chicharrónes.

  • Seaweed Salad US$7.00

    A mix of both local and Japanese seaweed marinated in sesame oil.

Kuma Sushi + Sake Details

  • Service options

  • 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
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Toilet
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking
  • Parking

Kuma Sushi + Sake Photos

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Kuma Sushi + Sake Location

Kuma Sushi + Sake

1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Kuma Sushi + Sake Reviews

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