Sasa Japanese Restaurant

For those of us living in the vibrant Bay Area, especially here in San Francisco, the craving for quality sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine is a common one. We're always on the lookout for spots that deliver fresh flavors, a good atmosphere, and a memorable dining experience. Sasa Japanese Restaurant, nestled in the heart of San Francisco's culturally rich Japantown, offers just that – a solid and enjoyable option for your Japanese food fix.

Sasa Japanese Restaurant has made a name for itself as a reliable go-to, particularly for its sushi and a diverse menu that extends beyond raw fish. While some might describe it as "solid" rather than "super spectacular," the consistent quality of their fresh ingredients, the welcoming atmosphere, and the generally good service make it a worthwhile destination. It's the kind of place you can spontaneously walk into and leave feeling satisfied, often discovering unexpected delights like their "game changer" roasted Brussels sprouts. Whether you're a long-time sushi enthusiast or simply looking for a great spot to enjoy Japanese comfort food, Sasa Japanese Restaurant in our California community is definitely worth a visit when you're in Japantown.

Sasa Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 22 Peace Plaza Suite 530, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. This address places it squarely within the vibrant and culturally significant Japantown, a unique and beloved neighborhood in San Francisco. Its location within Peace Plaza makes it a central and easily recognizable spot for anyone exploring the area.

Japantown is quite accessible via San Francisco's comprehensive public transportation network. Numerous Muni bus lines serve the district, including the #38 Geary line, the #2, #3, and #22 Fillmore lines, providing direct routes from various parts of the city. While there isn't a BART station directly in Japantown, major BART hubs in downtown San Francisco are a short bus or taxi ride away, connecting the restaurant to the wider Bay Area. For those who prefer to drive, the Japan Center Garages on Geary Boulevard and Fillmore Street offer ample parking options, albeit for a fee. The charm of Japantown itself, with its unique shops, cultural events, and other eateries, makes a visit to Sasa Japanese Restaurant a great part of a larger outing in this distinct San Francisco neighborhood. Its "tucked away in the corner of a shopping center" location also means it can be a pleasant escape from the bustling crowds.

Sasa Japanese Restaurant offers a diverse menu that goes beyond traditional sushi, providing a comprehensive Japanese dining experience. Here’s a detailed look at their services and culinary offerings:

• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection: Sasa provides a broad range of sushi and sashimi. This includes various nigiri (like O-Toro, Chu Toro, King Sake Salmon, Hokkaido Scallop, Wagyu, Uni from Santa Barbara and Hokkaido, and more unique options like Kamasu (barracuda) and Ji-Kinmedai (golden eye snapper)). They also offer a good selection of sashimi, including sashimi sets and premium toro tastings.
• Diverse Sushi Rolls: Their menu features a wide array of sushi rolls, from classic choices like Spicy Tuna Maki, California Roll (including a "Real California Roll" with real crab), and Salmon Avocado Roll, to more creative and specialty rolls such as the Creamy Scallop Roll, Creamy Salmon Roll, 49er's Roll, Crunch Roll, Dragon Roll, and even a Wagyu Roll. Many rolls come with house-made gluten-free soy sauce and natural sweet sushi ginger.
• Omakase and Combo Sets: For those seeking a curated experience or a more comprehensive meal, Sasa offers various omakase and sushi combo sets. Options include:
  • Chef Omakase (for 1 person): 6 pieces of sashimi, 10 pieces of premium sushi, a chef's choice sushi roll, homemade tamago, and soup.
  • Sasa Omakase Set (for 2 people): 8 pieces of sashimi, 12 pieces of sushi, 2 chef's choice sushi rolls, homemade tamago, and soup.
  • Sushi Moriawase: 7 pieces of chef's choice sushi and 1 futo maki.
  • Toku Betsu Sushi Combo: 6 pieces of sashimi, 6 pieces of chef's choice nigiri, and 1 hosomaki.
• Specialty Dons (Rice Bowls): They offer luxurious rice bowls like the Mystery Chirashi Don (chef's choice assorted fish over rice), Mini Uni Ikura Don (sea urchin and soy-cured salmon roe), Exclusive Toro Don (four kinds of tuna belly), and Kaisen Don (sea urchin, scallop, ikura, negitoro, shrimp, snow crab).
• Hot & Cold Appetizers: A variety of starters to complement your meal, including Edamame, Gyoza (pot stickers), Chicken Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), Assorted Tempura (shrimp, pumpkin, shiso, sweet potato), Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Hamachi Truffle, and their highly praised Momoiro Brussels Sprouts with salmon furikake. Other unique appetizers include Kani Dofu No Agedashi (deep-fried tofu with snow crab dashi) and Scallop Crudo.
• Bento Boxes: Convenient and complete meal options like Tori Katsu Bento Box (deep-fried chicken katsu), Salmon Shioyaki (sea salt-grilled salmon), and Unagi Kabayaki (grilled eel), all served with tempura, salad, rice, and soup.
• Beverages: A selection of beer (Asahi, Sapporo, Echigo), and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Sasa offers dining in their restaurant, as well as convenient pickup and delivery services through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Sasa Japanese Restaurant has several standout features that contribute to its popularity and positive reputation among locals:

• Fresh and Well-Prepared Food: The consistent feedback highlights that everything, especially the sashimi and sushi, is "fresh and well-prepared." This commitment to quality ingredients is paramount for a sushi establishment and is clearly met by Sasa.
• "Game Changer" Roasted Brussels Sprouts: This specific dish receives exceptional praise, described as a "real MVP" and a "game changer," perfectly roasted with seaweed, dried shrimp, and sesame for an "incredible umami kick." This unique and unexpectedly delicious side dish makes a lasting impression.
• Diverse Sushi Menu: Reviewers appreciate the "diverse menu in terms of sushi items," offering a wide selection of rolls and nigiri to cater to different preferences and adventurous palates.
• Great Atmosphere and Setup: The restaurant's ambiance is described as "great," with a good "set up and feel." Even seemingly simple decor like "hung sticks on their wall as decoration" contributes to a pleasant dining environment. It's noted as a "solid" and "cool" spot.
• Good for Walk-Ins: Despite its popularity, the restaurant is often accommodating for walk-ins, making it a convenient choice for spontaneous dining plans in Japantown.
• Good Service (though sometimes too efficient): While one review noted the service could be "a bit too efficient" (clearing plates quickly, bringing the bill immediately), the staff is generally described as "friendly" and attentive, indicating a high level of customer care.
• Located in Vibrant Japantown: Being situated in Japantown makes it a great spot to "hit if you are in town," offering the opportunity to explore the unique cultural district before or after your meal.

While the provided customer reviews don't detail specific, ongoing "promotions" like percentage discounts, Sasa Japanese Restaurant structures its menu with various sets and combos that offer value to diners. Here are the types of offers and pricing structures that effectively serve as their specials:

• Omakase Sets: These curated tasting menus provide a comprehensive culinary journey at a set price, which can often be more cost-effective than ordering individual high-end items à la carte. For example, a "Chef Omakase for 1 person" at around $68.00 (with 6 sashimi, 10 premium sushi, a roll, tamago, and soup) represents a bundled value. Similarly, the "Sasa Omakase Set for 2 people" at around $90.00 offers a substantial meal for a duo.
• Sushi and Sashimi Combos: Options like "Sushi Moriawase" (7 chef's choice sushi + 1 futo maki for around $36.00) and "Toku Betsu Sushi Combo" (6 sashimi + 6 nigiri + 1 hosomaki for around $46.00) provide a variety of fresh fish and rolls at a competitive price point for quality sushi.
• Bento Boxes: Their lunch and dinner bento box offerings (e.g., Tori Katsu Bento Box, Salmon Shioyaki, Unagi Kabayaki for around $20-$25) bundle a main protein with tempura, salad, rice, and soup, presenting a complete meal at a fixed price.
• Specialty Dons: The diverse donburi options, ranging from the Mystery Chirashi Don to the Exclusive Toro Don, offer generous portions of premium ingredients over rice at a set price.

It is important for diners to note that while these offers provide value, the restaurant is considered "mid-tier priced" to "pricey" by some, with some premium items. Always check their latest menu for current pricing and offerings. For specific questions about special events or any current limited-time promotions, contacting the restaurant directly or checking their official online presence would be the best approach.

Ready to experience the delightful sushi and roasted Brussels sprouts at Sasa Japanese Restaurant? Here’s how to get in touch:

Address: 22 Peace Plaza Suite 530, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

Phone: (628) 600-6945

Sasa Japanese Restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, typically from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (closed on Mondays). Given its popularity, especially for dinner, making a reservation is advisable, although it's also noted as being "good for walk-ins." You can also find them on popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats for convenient takeout or delivery services.

For residents of California, particularly those in the diverse and culinarily rich city of San Francisco, Sasa Japanese Restaurant in Japantown presents a highly suitable dining option. Its location within the vibrant Peace Plaza of Japantown offers easy accessibility via public transportation and readily available parking, making it a convenient destination for a meal amidst cultural exploration.

What makes Sasa particularly appealing to locals is its commitment to fresh, well-prepared food across a diverse menu. While it may not aim for "super spectacular" experimental dishes, its consistent delivery of "solid" and "great" sushi and sashimi, along with other Japanese specialties, caters perfectly to those seeking reliable quality. The highlight of their menu, the "game changer" roasted Brussels sprouts, exemplifies their ability to deliver unexpected and incredibly delicious surprises, fostering a unique appeal.

The restaurant's "great atmosphere" and comfortable setup create an inviting space for various occasions, from a casual sushi fix to a dinner with friends. Although some have noted the service can be a bit too efficient, the overall friendliness and the quality of the food generally outweigh this, ensuring a pleasant experience. For any local seeking a dependable, flavorful, and accessible Japanese restaurant in a culturally rich part of San Francisco, Sasa Japanese Restaurant is a strong recommendation that promises fresh ingredients and satisfying dishes.

Sasa Japanese Restaurant

22 Peace Plaza Suite 530, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA