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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Photos










Kuma Sushi + Sake Location
Kuma Sushi + Sake
1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Kuma Sushi + Sake Reviews
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.
Mar 03, 2025 · Justin SniderFirst time at Kuma Sushi and what an amazing experience! The sushi was absolutely top-notch — fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor.The atmosphere had a welcoming and local vibe, which made us feel right at home. While EDM music isn’t really my thing during dinner, it didn’t take away from the great experience.We will definitely be back 100%! Highly recommend!
Mar 24, 2025 · Hendrik van ItersonMy soul sister brought me here to celebrate my birthday, this past Friday 12/20/2024 and it was delicious. They do close early for a lunch place, though. So go early, or you'll feel a bit rushed. We did order one vegetarian roll with eggplant it was good, but it would taste better hot. The nigiri was incredibly delicious. The fish was fresh, and all the cooked dishes were cooked to perfection.
Dec 23, 2024 · Miss Mai TI had an amazing experience at Kuma Sushi! My cousin and I tried a variety of dishes and drinks, and everything was fantastic. We started with a glass of Kikusu Sake and a Pinot Noir, both of which complemented the sushi perfectly.For the food, we sampled the Spicy Tuna and Salmon Avacado Rolls, Half-Baked Specialty Rolls, Jackalope Roll. Each dish was flavorful and beautifully prepared — the fresh fish and creative rolls stood out. The highlight was definitely the Half-Baked Specialty Rolls!Although we didn’t make a reservation, we were lucky enough to get seats at the sushi counter, which made the experience even better, as we got to watch the chefs at work. The service was friendly, and the overall vibe was warm and inviting.I highly recommend Kuma Sushi if you’re looking for great sushi in San Francisco — we really enjoyed everything!
Dec 31, 2024 · Pallavi GThe fish is so fresh here and they have interesting combinations for the rolls. Our server was amazing. She anticipated our needs before we knew we needed anything. Would absolutely come back.
Feb 17, 2025 · Garrett Hayashida
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