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u-sushi
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
525 Market St(between Battery St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 543-7655
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
80 reviews for u-sushi
80 reviews in English
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Review from Meryl A.
Alameda, CA
5/8/2012
I go here at least once a week. Twice, if I'm really really lazy to scrounge for food.
I am not part of the regular lunch crowd, lunches for me come around 2-3pm in the afternoon. Usually, by that time, the nearby restaurants are wrapping up for the day. The joys of working in the Financial district. Amirite?
I always (sadly) get the white rice + salmon + spicy tuna with asparagus, scallions and tobiko laced with yuzu aioli and spicy mayo. I don't know how big other people's appetites are, but I am always full after eating the roll. And I love the flavors.
I admire management's attempts to drum up business. I am halfway through my frequent diner card. I have also tried their sushi Happy Hour where if I buy a regular price roll, I can come back within the next two business days between 3-6pm and with my receipt, get a discounted roll (I got my regular roll down to $5.00). Also, they are offering free lunch to Admins and Receptionists on select dates. Pretty cool, yeah?
Price for the rolls are pretty much fair market value. Portions are great. If feeling gluttonous, sure, I'd swing by Sushiritto. But for regular lunches, this definitely does it for me.
nomnomnom. -
Review from Erin S.
5/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is great! I'm glad I waited for the grand opening hoopla to die down before checking this place out. I came in today (Friday) just before noon & walked right up to the counter. No wait!
I kind of knew what I wanted to order, but when I got there I saw all of the different types of fish & veggies displayed so beautifully that all of the sudden I couldn't decide. Everything looked so fresh & pretty! I settled on a yellowtail & salmon roll on brown rice with avo, sprouts, green onions, sesame seeds, & wasabi soy sauce added. I moved down the assembly line as they quickly rolled together my lunch. They give you 2 packets of soy sauce but be sure not to forget the little container of ginger & wasabi. I was out of there in about 5 minutes.
Everything was as fresh as it looked & I scarfed my roll down way too fast, thoroughly enjoying every bite. The brown rice made for a great addition. The rolls are large enough that you wouldn't want to order 2 but small enough that I found myself still a little bit hungry. Then again I do have a pretty big appetite.
Please don't pass up the green tea chocolate chip cookies. Only $1 and they make for a great ending to your meal.Listed in: SOMA lunch spots, Suuuuushi! Suuuuushi!, Healthy stuff to eat
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Review from Amy C.
4/20/2012
U-Sushi offers a variety of tasty, fresh and healthy ingredients (both fish and add-ons), quick service and reasonable portion sizes. It was fun picking my own ingredients to make a delicious roll. Sadly, I was still hungry after my one roll and seaweed salad, but I kind of eat like I have a tapeworm.
Though I think u-sushi is A-OK, I would rather walk a few blocks and pay a couple more dollars for a roll from Sushiritto http://www.yelp.com/bi... because they use sustainable fish and the rolls there are much more filling so I wouldn't need a 2nd lunch like I did after my lunch at u-sushi. -
Review from Dennis M.
CA
4/17/2012 4 Check-ins Here
The rolls here would make a real sushi chef cry. I keep going back for location, it's very convenient. Ingredients are good, but their assembly line and robo-machines leave much to be desired. Dry rice, sushi rolls loosely made and falling apart when you pick them up-- it's really just a sushi fix when you don't have time to go elsewhere. Good news is the rolls are fairly large, so you're getting your money's worth in that regard.
I'll keep going here till they shut down, which I anticipate will be anytime soon. I don't see how they'll stay in business with such a prime downtown location and so few people lining up during the height of weekday lunch rush.
BTW, can't fault the workers. They are friendly, attentive, and quick. But the product needs work.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/30/2012
Dennis, Thank you for taking the time to give us your… More » -
Review from Jason B.
4/15/2012
Personal touch.
There was no way they could screw this up. No random mayo. No avocado overload. No spicy anything.
I was in charge. I picked the ingredients.
Rice. Wrap. Fish. Veggies. Garnishes. Dressings. Done.
My brown rice salmon, asparagus, spinach, carrots, sesame seed mix and unagi sauce roll might not be for everyone. But it was perfect for me.
Eight bucks for seven pieces seemed reasonable. Perhaps a tad high considering I was doing some of the work.
Friendly staff brings your creation to life. Perhaps in the back they bake those delicious and only a buck green tea cookies.
An impersonal experience with the most personal of touches. -
Review from Richa A.
3/20/2012
Really?
Yes, there's a market for this kind of place, and I think places like Sushirrito and Sushi Taka meet that market need. If I want take-out one-meal sized sushi, the roll here just isn't enough. I normally spend more than $8-$10 on a sushi meal, sure, but not at these types of places where the expectation is you just need one roll to fill up.
If the quality was amazing, it'd be a different story... but I can't think of a reason I would come back here.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/3/2012
Richa, Thanks for the feedback. I'm sorry that we didn't… More » -
Review from Audrey E.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
As stated in previous reviews, the concept is great!
Service is on point and friendly, and it is FAST and Fresh
I also love the option of brown rice and being able to customize a roll
I had to hold back from 4 stars b/c of the flavor and the price point.
I didn't get that nice rice vinegar flavor in my brown rice California roll, and the crab mixture was lacking some zing.
Alaskan roll with brown rice was better, probably because it was real fish and not a mixture.
7.50 for a caliornia roll seemed about $1 too much, but then again, some of the food trucks are charging that much for some smallish portions too these days.
I would probably try one more time and customize completely, rather than buying one of the classics, just so I can get more flavor into the roll.
Middle of the road on this one.... -
Review from Roger H.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cool idea that speeds up the sushi rolling process. Tasty with the usual flavors and textures but the roll didn't stand out as much as the concept did. I would return to build my own.
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Review from Laura T.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2012
Love this place. It is not far from my office and I will definitely be coming here at least once a week.
The staff and atmosphere is great and I love the fact that I can design my own roll and try new ingredients that I may not have tried before in a sushi roll. I also know that if I don't like the roll I only have myself to blame. That alone is genius.
The concept of U-sushi comes from the folks at Ozumo and I found out the fish is the same that Ozumu uses which is very fresh and great quality. The roll consists of eight pieces and I was nicely full after finishing my lunch. I think the eight piece roll is great value for the money.
Definitely try the cold green tea Yuzu drink. It is so delicious that I would come back just for that. The cookie is really good as well.
I'm a fan and am so happy this place is open. -
Review from Diana L.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
I was on lunch and I decided to grab something quick and I came across this please U-Sushi. It was pretty different than normal sushi places. The concept of it is very unique and interesting. It's a simple concept, "Have it your way." You get to customize what you like in your sushi. You can even have the option between brown or white rice, which is good for those health conscious eaters. I ordered the spicy tuna roll, and it was surprising good for something so non-traditional. Personally, the spicy tuna roll was very mild to the palate, which is one of the reasons a lot of non-sushi eaters goes there for lunch.
The customer service is amazing the workers are friendly and efficient. I will definitely go back to order lunch. -
Review from Thach N.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fast and efficient. But not the friendliest. Food was a bit overrated. Really takes away from the art of sushi by making it so mass produced. Still tasty but not spectacular is all.
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Review from Vicky L.
When fellow bump-on-a-log Lisa L. suggested going to u-sushi for lunch Wednesday, I was pretty excited because cold sushi rolls on a warm day is pretty sweet. My enthusiasm started to wane when I saw the line going out the door. Things I could be doing during this time: play hopscotch, snip some split ends.
Luckily the line moved pretty fast, as there is very little room inside the shop, so despite the line being out the door, there were really only a handful of people ahead of us. You can either pick a pre-designed roll (basics like California Roll, Alaska, and Dragon) or pick your own fish, veggies and toppings, and they roll it and slice it for you.
Things I liked about u-sushi:
+ Simple flavors, which is the best part about sushi (unlike the fusion mess they create at Sushirrito).
+ $7.50 is not super awful for the area.
+ Miso soup and spinach salad available as a side for a little extra.
+ Relatively fresh fish that will NOT make you sick immediately afterwards.
Things I didn't like about u-sushi:
- My meal, which was the Alaska roll (salmon and avocado), spinach salad with sesame, and a bottle of water, came out to around $12. It also didn't fill me up. Things I could've bought (and kept me full): fully-loaded burger, heaping sandwich, or a giant salad.. all with some money left over for Yoppi. If you're not that hungry and don't mind a $10 snack, u-sushi is pretty good. However, if you want a better meal deal that won't leave your tummy rumbling an hour later, go elsewhere.
- THE LINE. Had I not booked my way down here to beat the lunch rush, I surely would've waited more than 10 minutes to order. Solution: have a counter for pre-wrapped, pre-designed rolls so you can pick up and go.
Sushi lovers, rejoice! Finally a good sushi joint in the area! But be prepared to shell out more than what you normally would for a quick lunch.Listed in: Financial District Lunchtime
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Review from Stephanie L.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2012
I can appreciate the concept of this place. It's like chipotle for Sushi! You pick your rice (white/brown), pick your wrap (seaweed/soy), pick your fish, other garnish, and toppings.
I was a bit disappointed with the size of the sushi roll. For about $10 you get a standard size roll, and no sitting area also. For the price of it, I'd much rather go to sushi-ritto where you get a much bigger portion. Also, I can see one leaving with a very bland roll from U-Sushi if you don't know what to put in your sushi roll.
However, on the plus side, when I finished my U-Sushi roll, I didn't have this "I'm so full, I'm dying" feeling. -
Review from Christine A.
Berkeley, CA
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have no future of becoming a sushi mixologist/chef/inventor/etc...I do not make good sushi.
The concept is interesting at u-sushi, but I personally prefer someone else to mix various flavors of fish, veggies, and whatever else to make a roll taste scrumptious, not me. I chose all the things I enjoy in sushi (usually separate) and put them together only to receive disgusted looks back at the office.
The roll itself was pretty scrawny. Not much oomph to it. For the price I pay at u-sushi, I can get something much tastier somewhere else (and less grief from choosing the ingredients.) -
Review from Alan L.
U-Sushi
Here at U-Sushi you can design your own sushi rolls. Yes, you can make a roll with the ingredients that you desire. So know your fish, know your veggies, know your sauce and know your garnishes. Study the menu prior to ordering....if not you can order the classics.
Also, prior to going to U-Sushi you should plan on a place to eat it at. All orders are made "To-Go" only....there is no dinning room, no tables, no chairs and no bathrooms. Don't forget to check your bag to make sure you have enough Soy Sauce and Wasabi and Ginger.
So, as you enter U-Sushi you are immediately asked for you order (this is to make a Sushi Roll).
First Question: What kind of rice? You have a choice of White Rice or Brown Rice.
The rice you select will be dispensed from the rice machine and they will put the seaweed or a soy on top of the rice and flip it over so the rice is faced up.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Second Question: What kind of fish do you want? You have several fish to choose from.
Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna, crab salad, shrimp, tempura shrimp and unagi.
One fish selection is $7.50 per roll, two fish selection is $9.50 per roll.
Third Question: What kind of veggies do you want on it?
They have many veggies to select from: asparagus, avocado, carrots, cilantro, cucumber, jalapeno, sprouts and many more.
You can select up to 3 veggies that is included in your roll selection.
Fourth Question: What dressing do you want on your roll?
Some samples of dressings are: Wasabi Soy Sauce, Unagi Sauce, Spicy Mayo, Qp Mayo, Sweet Chili Sauce and Peanut Sauce.
Dressing comes free with your Sushi Roll.
Fifth and final question: What garnishes do you want?
Some samples are Furikake (Sesame seed mix), Goma (sesame seeds), Tempura Flakes and Tobiko (Fish Eggs).
That should be it, next they will roll it for you and slice it into 8 pc's. It will be wrapped up and bagged as a To-Go order.
If your not sure what ingredients you want in your Sushi, you can order from the U-Classic selection on the menu. As a classic they offer: Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, California Roll, Alaskan, Dragon Roll and a Veggie Roll.
For me....I've tried one from the Classic menu....The Dragon Roll.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
And I've also elected to design my own roll. I did a Tuna and Salmon Roll with Cucumber, Avocado, Spicy Mayo, Goma and Tobiko.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Both my rolls came out to $9.50 each because both rolls fall under the two fish selection. There are seats outside to the side of U-Sushi that you can eat at. Not the best condition on a windy or rainy day.
My ratings:
The Fish - 3 stars - not too fond of the fish being pre-sliced and the grade of fish can be better and not always as fresh as can be.
The Rice - 4 stars - not sure if you can ask for less rice. I felt as if the rice was close to dominating the
fish and was lucky I got the 2 fish selection.
The Seaweed - 3.5 stars
The Service - 4 stars
Overall - 3.5 Stars.
What I didn't like: No tables, no chairs, no place to eat it except outside the restaurant. Actually I'm not sure if it is called a restaurant without tables and chairs....more like a food stand.
If you like Sushi on the go....this would be for you. I'd return for more if I wanted Sushi on the run, but would come more often if it had table and chairs to sit and eat. -
Review from Sharon P.
Union City, CA
4/17/2012
Stopped by for lunch, I love this place and I am so happy to have found my new go to lunch spot. Fresh ingredients, especially the fish which as we all know can make or break good sushi, friendly staff and love the concept ( I always wanted to be my own sushi chef).
Great price for the amount you get, definitely a filling lunch.
BTW - I found out that this is owned by Ozumo which I love, same fresh fish supplier and this is around the corner from my office. -
Review from Lara O.
2/10/2012
Is this the best sushi joint in the city? NO.
Is it the fastest, cheapest ($8-10), tastiest sushi lunch that will fill you up and won't give you food poisoning? YES.
This place is fun because you can customize your sushi. You get to decide what rice, fish, veggies, sauce, etc. you want mixed together in your roll. I wish this place was called 'Pimp my Roll'. I also wish Xzibit would come and give an explanation of my awesome sushi roll once it was complete (don't pretend you didn't watch MTV).
BONUS TIP: Skip the miso. This place is take out only. The miso soup packaging is horrible (mine always leaks) and it's always luke warm. -
Review from Kiersten B.
San Leandro, CA
3/9/2012
I am disappoint. Robo-sushi is not as impressive or delicious as desired, and I don't think it's because I'm a bad sushi designer.
I got a roll with brown rice (which I usually quite like in sushi), snow crab, cucumber, carrots, avocado and unagi sauce. It was okay. Edible, but not delicious. I usually LOVE sushi. I am not picky about it. But this was a resounding "eh."
My main issue is that my roll was bland. Flavorless, with no punch. I THINK this was because there didn't seem to be any sushi-rice flavor to the rice. It was just plain rice made sticky. No rice vinegar here. I actually NEEDED the ginger and soy sauce, where usually they're just vague additions to my sushi meals.
Then we come to another problem. I like the fact that it comes wrapped like a burrito, but when you need soy sauce, what do you do? There's no tray to pour it into, unless you'd like to mix it with the wasabi and the ginger (which I wouldn't) and so you're forced into a balancing act between open soy sauce package and sushi roll.
I like that there are robots involved. I like that I can choose my own stuff, I like the price (7.50 for a 1 fish, 8 piece roll that's reasonable size, this is very normal and reasonable for downtown). But I was disappointed flavor-wise, and I probably won't be going back. I'll stick to the other sushi places in the fidi.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/4/2012
Kiersten, "Eh" definitely doesn't sound good. I am sorry… More » -
Review from Linda L.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2012
$7.50 for customized roll with one fish, one rice, 3 veggies, 1 garnish, and one sauce in choice of soy or seaweed wrap. Fresh, healthy tasting, and quick. Over priced for a sushi roll? Maybe. FiDi prices, yes. If you are particular about your basic rolls then this is the place to go. Very conveniently located for me so that's a plus. Overall, food won't blow your mind.
If you are like me who cares about the most bang for your buck, I'd pass. For that price, I can get a combo somewhere else. However, it probably won't be as fresh. -
Review from Ed U.
Clearly if there can be a We Be Sushi and now a u-sushi, can a Me-Too Sushi be far behind? I think not, but I guess the intent of u-sushi is kinda a me-sushi because they are positioning themselves as the Burger King of the sushi scene. "Hold the pickle. Hold the lettuce. Special orders don't upset us. All we ask is that you let us serve it your way. Have it your way, have it your way. Have it your way at Burger King...I mean u-sushi". But it's more like an assembly line approach here similar to Chipotle without the salsa. You tell the preparer whether you want brown or white rice. Don't dawdle. Just choose. OK, then you need to decide on the seaweed wrap or the soy. Hurry up. Tick-tock, tick-tock.
Now the fun part. You can have one fish in your roll for $7.50 or two for two bucks extra, so I went with a combination of the yellowtail and shrimp. Then you get three vegetables, so I ordered the asparagus, avocado and cucumber since I wanted a color-coordinated roll. To finish it off, I had them squirt spicy mayo in my roll and then top it off with tobiko. It gets all rolled up and sliced into eight pieces (see photo). "Voila!" as the Japanese say. I took it home and devoured it quickly. In hindsight, I find it a tad pricey for the middling quality of the ingredients, but I like the to-go concept enough to consider coming back for another combination. Service is cheery, and hopefully that won't wear out over time. Welcome to me-sushi because it's all about me.
FOOD - 3 stars...pretty middling roll, but I like the concept behind the choices
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...clean and contemporary
SERVICE - 3.5 stars...chatty as they roll 'em up
TOTAL - 3 stars...not my mama's sushi...have it my way, have it may way at U-Sushi -
Review from Susan C.
2/1/2012 2 photos
I am in FULL support of U-sushi. I have never hear of this concept before. After learning that they are associated with Ozumo, I gathered the courage to try it.
I love how customizable it is. I love that they have brown rice (it is done al dente). I love how generously they add your ingredients.
Here are some key U-sushi tips!
1) Making your own sushi means you are responsible if it is bland, too spicy, too crunchy, or just doesn't taste good. So think carefully about your ingredients.
2) Make your own roll and you can make it more filling. I had one fish in my sushi ($7.50), the max number of veggies (3), and added a miso soup and salad ($3). If you get the classic rolls, it might not have as many veggies, therefore; not be as filling. Also brown rice is more filling than white rice because of the fiber.
One star down for my miso soup leaking everywhere even with a short walk back to the office. I know paper lids are more eco-friendly, but it doesn't make sense if they don't work. I also wish they had a chicken or beef option for those who like meat, but cant eat fish.Listed in: Lemme see your sushi roll!
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012 5 photos
You Design. We Roll?
FREAKIN' GENIUS CONCEPT.
Being a perpetual sushi feen, I was ecstatic when I heard a new sushi spot opened on Thursday, 1.19.12.
From the owner of the bougie Ozumo, comes U-Sushi where you design your OWN sushi and they roll it for you under the watchful eye of Yo Matsuzaki, Executive Chef, Ozumo Oakland (worked with Iron Chef Morimoto at Nobu). Go traditional or go Americanized; let your imagination run wild!
Showcased in a pristine glass case is an array of fishes, veggies, and sauces. Like a gourmet Subway of Sushi, you pick and choose the following:
*WRAPPER: Seaweed or Soy
*RICE: White or Brown
*FISH ($7.50 for one, $9.50 for two): Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Unagi and Snow Crab.
*VEGGIES (up to 3): Avocado, Cucumber, Carrots, Bean Sprouts, Tofu, Spinach, Mushrooms, etc.
*GARNISHES: Tempura flakes, Sesame Seeds, Tobiko (fish eggs), etc
*DRESSINGS: House Spicy Soy Wasabi, Spicy Aioli, Sweet Chili, Peanut, etc.
Can't decide? No problem. They have classic sushi rolls available like the Dragon Roll and the CA Roll.
I designed a Two Fish Combo: Spicy Tuna, Salmon, Avocado, Cucumber, Soy Wasabi, Sesame Seeds w/ Brown Rice & Seaweed Wrapper ($9.50).
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Each sturdy sushi piece had the perfect ratio of filling to brown rice. The spicy tuna had the consistency of a mousse with just the right amount of kick. The salmon was smooth and buttery. The ripen avocado added yet another layer of butteryness while the cucumber a fresh crispness. The sprinkle of sesame seeds topped everything off with a nutty nuance. I wish there was more of the soy wasabi sauce though as the nose tingle was almost non-existent.
(Please note: One roll is like a light meal and not very filling. Two rolls will satisfy your rumbling stomach but at a hefty price tag of $15-$19.)
As if all you FiDiers didn't have enough options, U-Sushi offers yet another fast, gourmet and healthy lunch option in the area. I'm SO jelly! My lunch options in the Civic Center/TL area are McD, Subway or Happy Donuts. Whoop-de-phuckin-do.
U-SUSHI, I'LL ROLL WITH CHA ANYTIME!
OTHER NOTES:
*TAKE-OUT ONLY. There are no tables, counters, or seats.
*Super friendly and eager to please staff.
*Roll takes less than 2 minutes to make.
*Sides ($1-$2.50): Miso Soup, Edamame, Chicken Karaage, Potato Kokkoke, etc
*CC's accepted.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE OWNER:
*Use a thicker paper wrapper. Some of the sauce leaked through the wrapper.
*Use thicker bags. My bag got slightly wet from the rain, fell apart, and everything ended up in the middle of the street.
*Offer a frequent buyer card. I would totally come back here again and again.Listed in: Give it to me RAW!, BRINGING SEXY BACKKKK!
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Review from Mariela D.
San Francisco, CA
It's sort of exhilarating and nerve-wracking to eat here. So many choices. I can't take the pressure!
I suggest grabbing a paper menu from the greeter out front before you walk in, because once you're in line, you won't have time to mull over your choices.
you pick:
- the rice (white/brown)
- wrapping (seaweed/soy)
- fish (one-fish, two-fish, red-fish, blue-fish) - seriously though, one fish is $7.50 and two is $9.50
- veggies (avocado, cucumber, sprouts, carrots, etc.)
- dressing (I like wasabi soy and spicy mayo)
- garnishes (I like tobiko but they have others)
If you want to simplify things, you can pick from a menu of "u-classics" which is their house specialty rolls - although you will still get a choice of sauce and veggies.
You can also choose sides like wakame (seaweed) salad, miso soup, and green tea chocolate chip cookies, which are GOOOOD.
Everything was fresh and the prices aren't bad. I will definitely become a regular here.
They accept credit cards and keep in mind that it's TO GO only. -
Review from Valeria R.
San Francisco, CA
A fun addition to the Financial District lunch scene.
Here's how it works:
You travel along a series of stations. At the first station you select your wrapper (soy or seaweed) and rice (brown or white).
At the next station you choose your fish from among eight basics that include three cooked items for non-raw-eating folks.
At the following station you get to pick up to three "vegetables." They offer 13 items, including things like avocado, jalapenos, cilantro, and spinach.
Next is sauce time. Feeling non-traditional? Ask for sweet chili or peanut sauce.
I somehow missed the garnish section (sesame seeds, tempura flakes, tobiko) and went straight to the fancy cutter that sliced my roll into 8 perfect pieces. The finished roll is about 7 inches long and about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Price: $7.50 for a 1-fish roll (you can get two fish for $9.50 or veggies only for $6).
One roll is plenty unless you're really hungry. In that case, add miso soup plus edamame or salad for $3. If you're REALLY hungry, get 2 rolls, but be warned that you probably won't be able to get through both of them. These rolls are pretty filling.
P.S. No seating...u-sushi is strictly take-out. Find it between the bases of Sutter and Bush on the south side of Market.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 1/25/2012
Hi Valeria, Thank you for your business on our first day in… More » -
Review from Domenique B.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Subway for sushi, not very special.
Sad that I couldn't bear to pair hamachi with anything but avocado as I was really in the mood to have mango with it. There were no suggestions or solutions, and I left with a sub-par roll and feeling like a sucker for falling for such a gimmick. The seaweed salad was poor and the rice slightly under cooked. I won't be back. -
Review from Susy C.
Hurrah! Sushi on the go, all right!
Walk in, and customize your sushi.
1st is the rice: brown or white?
2nd question: what do you want your sushi wrapped in? Seaweed or soy paper?
next station: the fillings!
one type of fish - $7.50
if you want 2 types of fish, $9.50.
options are: Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Spicy Tuna (yum but a little too much mayo), Shrimp Tempura, Unagi (no sauce on it) and Snow Crab (i need to try that next time)
then pick up to 3 veggies.
pick a garnish: tempura flakes, furikake, sesame seeds, tobiko, etc.
dressing (sauces): unagi sauce, spicy aioli, etc...
They have preset rolls like CA, dragon, etc if you can't decide.
They don't skimp on filling. My only issue is the paper... I had spicy tuna and the fish is pre-mixed with mayo and hot sauce. The spicy tuna made my wrapper totally dissolve and it burst through.. Not to mention my bag got wet and broke also
Otherwise everything else was dandy. -
Review from Stephanie F.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Is this a chain? Is this place from the future??
Aesthetics aside, U-Sushi delivered maki that did not taste like it was from a chain or from the future. It tasted like sushi from the many other places in town. I got one roll, was skeptical it would fill me, but it did ... I might eventually roll in another time for lunch. -
Review from Maggie C.
San Francisco, CA
I was so disappointed at Sushiritto's new menu and so I'm happy they have opened up this "subway" concept sushi place within 2 mins from work!
I love how they sell nothing but sushi - no donburi, no curry, no ramen, no teriyaki, no udon, no sashimi....just create your sushi roll with the option to add miso soup + small salad for $3 more.
Their choices are not super unique but they just happened to capture everything I love inside sushi - snow crab (not fake imatation crab), salmon, hamachi, avocado, tamago, tofu and Japanese pickles. The sushi itself might not be too filling but it would be as a mid-day snack.
They have a few drinks - canned sodas, green tea palmer, coconut water. No fountain soda and no tables/bar stools/counter to eat your food. It is 100% to go only.
Consider their first week of opening, their staff is very efficient and friendly.
I was hoping for some grand opening deal but there isn't any and I guess they really don't need it because the line is already out the door! -
Review from Fly I.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2012
HAPPY WORKERS, CRAPPY FOOD
I work in the buiding above u-sushi and tried it in early-March. Ordered one of the pre-set sushi and when I got back to my office to eat it, it was missing half of the items listed in the description the menu.
Total rip off bait and switch. Don't bother because it's average sushi, a long wait and higher then deserving price.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/30/2012
Fly, Thanks for your feedback. You are referring to one of… More » -
Review from Julia D.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012
An interesting concept but poorly executed. My rolls were dry, bland and, worst of all, overpriced. I had to cover them in soy sauce and ginger to make them taste like anything. Go to Sushirrito instead.
Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/4/2012
Julia, That certainly does not sound like an enjoyable… More » -
Review from Maile N.
2/17/2012
Love the concept - quick, easy and simple! Go through a sort of buffet style line and someone will help you with each step - pick your rice (white or brown), a fish or two (tuna, salmon and halibut), three vegetables (lots to choose from all nicely sliced and ready to roll), a sauce (10 different kinds) and a dry topping (sesame, furikake).
I got a roll with brown rice, salmon, avocado, asparagus and cucumber, unagi sauce (kind of like teriyaki) and sesame seeds - yum! And they cut the roll just so that it keeps its shape in the wrapper and doesn't all fall apart, but it's cut just enough so that when you're ready to separate one piece at a time, it comes off perfectly - how do they do that??
Anyway, that's too much thinking for me. They wrap it up, give you a soy sauce packet, a little container with ginger and wasabi, napkins and off you go! I ate a couple pieces (the salmon was super fresh!) before my gym class and then devoured the rest afterwards - looooved it!! I will definitely be back!Listed in: My SF 'Hood
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Review from Lucia A.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2012
I went to this place before, when they first opened and I was a huge fan! I noticed that the lines have gotten way shorter lately, so I decided to come back. I can see why the lines are shorter, the fish does not seem nearly as fresh as it used to be. The shrimp tempura was no longer crunchy but hard and chewy and the spicy tuna was not the freshest either. I was extremely disappointed.
Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 4/30/2012
Lucia, Thank you for your feedback. We have reviewed your… More » -
Review from Cecilia C.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
Tempted to remove a star for lack of authenticity, but really... who in the Fi-Di seeks authenticity on Market Street?
The sushi here is good and fresh. They give you your roll wrapped up like a burrito, cut into 8 pieces instead of the usual 6. It's more sushi than I'm used to seeing in one roll, so I was pleased. The miso is good too. If you're a wasabi fan like me, you might want to ask for a special side of wasabi or take three of the the little cups of wasabi and ginger they keep by the register. I took two and still ran out of wasabi (I'm a fiend).
The service is quick and friendly. I've certainly had better sushi in my life, but for the price, location, freshness of ingredients, and service, I'll probably come back anyway.
I got the spicy tuna with avo, cucumber, and carrot with seaweed wrapping, tobiko and spicy mayo dressing. Delish! -
Review from Karen M.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
I REALLY liked this place. First you decide if you want brown or white Im into the brown) then depending on what you want you can chose one type of fish (I chose the spicy tuna) then you can add three items (I chose avocado, sprouts and green onion) then you can add a sauce (I chose spicy mayo) then they cut into 8 pieces, $7.95 and you're outta there!
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Review from Jen W.
It's really difficult for me to review this place...u-sushi is definitely different. There is no other like it in the city...so I think the best way to compare it is to something like the sushi at whole foods...based on that, u-sushi deserves 3.5 stars...rounded up to 4.
So you walk in...there's an assembly line waiting to take your order. First, choose your rice...brown or white. Second, pick your fish. You have the option of picking one or two different types...the latter being a couple of bucks more. Third, pick your veggies. You can pick up to 3. 4th...pick a sauce. And lastly, pick an extra topping such as tobiko, sesame seeds, etc. Oops, I forgot to mention that you can also pick between seaweed or soy paper.
Wifey ordered white rice, seaweed, salmon, unagi, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, unagi sauce, and tobiko.
I ordered brown rice, seaweed, yellowtail, unagi, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, and tobiko.
Both rolls came out to around $20...the size of the roll was about right...comparable to whole foods. There isn't a place to sit so everything is made togo. There is a seating area as you walk out to your left for the public.
They have some super nifty gadgets inside to make the sushi. The rice is sprawled out with a machine...and at the end, the roll is also cut up with a machine. Super duper futuristic! The fish was decent...on the fresher side but not like the other sushi joints in the city.
The service was friendly...every order comes with wasabi, ginger, and chopsticks. Not bad for a quick sushi fix especially if you're working in the area. They're fast and efficient!
The idea behind u-sushi is pretty freakin awesome...it's organized madness. If I'm in the area again...i wouldn't mind making a stop here for lunch again. -
Review from Fawn B.
Daly City, CA
1/25/2012 1 photo
Lunch of a Law Firm Receptionist:
My lunch period today was one of those warm, sunny days where I wear a huge smile on my face and cackle at the name "INTERCEPTOR III" on the back of one of those little white go-carts that give you parking tickets. I made jokes (to myself) about that name all the way to U-Sushi, the latest installment of custom sushi in the FiDi. (Compare: Bamboo Asia. Bamboo is less authentic--but they have mango!)
Despite my early arrival (it was barely past 12!), there was a line of eager yelpers wrapped around the façade. As I waited, I read a menu and tried to come up with the perfect sushi roll. I found this too difficult, however, and decided to just eyeball it once I came to the counter. I ended up with an unagi roll with avocado, takuwan pickle, gobo, tobiko, and furikake.
The service was efficient and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. $11.50 for all the following: A sushi roll with one fish, 3 veges, and any sauces/toppings ($7.50), miso soup and sunomono salad combo ($3), and 2 Green Tea Cookies ($1). (This was actually way too much food for a petite woman. I feel sick from overeating right now, haha.)
In anticipation, I laid out my spread in my office's kitchen, where I took a photo for Yelp, wiped off the leaking miso soup, and chuckled at the discovery of "less sodium" soy sauce packets. I couldn't resist biting eagerly into the green tea cookies first, but I was disappointed by the lack of green tea flavor. The cookies tasted of baking soda (giving them their soft, crumbly texture) and chocolate chips. I washed it down with Sencha from Peet's that was far more the thing.
I also ended up picking out the takuwan pickle and gobo from my sushi roll. Usually, I love yellow pickled daikon, but for some reason here it was very bitter. Just as bitter as the gobo. I ended up packing some watery sunomono salad into my empty rolls instead. However, I highly enjoyed the taste of the furikake in my sushi, and the miso soup tasted exactly like what you would expect of miso soup...which is also exactly what I look for in miso soup: Nothing unusual.
I will be back to try their iced yuzu green tea (green tea with lemonade), and for more miso and furikake on my sushi.
Overall: The ingredients are fresh and there are some more authentic options, such as gobo. My favorite to-go japanese food spot in the FiDi is still Ebisu, but when I desire custom sushi, I will frolic on over to U-Sushi.
Tips: There is no point in calling ahead, because you will be made to stand in line to pay anyway. Since U-Sushi just opened, they are trying to establish a seamless organization. -
Review from Jeannie L.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
YAY! A sushi place worthy of its name down in the FiDi! It's such a smart idea. You make your own roll.
Pick your rice (white/brown), your wrap (seaweed/soy), fish (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna, crab salad, shrimp, tempura shrimp, unagi), three veggies (13 choices!), garnishes (furikake, sesame seeds, tempura flakes, tobiko), sauce (wasabi soy sauce, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, qp mayo (?!), sweet chili, peanut sauce) and they roll it for you! They even have a nifty roll cutter that speeds up the line.
Price: $7.50, tax included - AWESOME (for one fish). $9.50 for two fish items, $6 for veggies.
I was worried that I'd be in a super long line, but it was speedy. Took me ten minutes to get to the cash register... much better than the line next door at chipolte! The employees were super friendly at every stop you made. The guy at the front door was conversational and informational.
Green tea cookies were complimentary for the grand opening but they were pretty delicious (3 for $1). Yum!Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 1/25/2012
HI Jeannie, Thank you for joining us on opening day, and for… More » -
Review from Timothy J.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
Not worth the time and money (Bland, expensive, and bone in fish)!
Tried this place out today, I would honestly give it one star but users see one star and think it's too extreme and untruthful.
It's definitely a cool concept and I was excited to try this place while waiting in line. But after eating it in the chipotle patio, I would have gladly went back in time to spend half as much, be twice as full, and even spend double the time waiting in line at chipotle. Funny thing is, this is basically a chipotle for sushi rolls, where you customize your roll down an assembly line.
7.50 to 9.50 for one nasty roll, no thank you! i ordered two make it yourself rolls, got one salmon and one yellowtail, added my toppings and ate in disappointment. These rolls are bland, dry, and NO WOW factor. I asked for two types of sauce on each of my rolls and there was no flavor (wasabi soy and eel sauce on one, and peanut sauce and sweet chili on the other). I don't know about the quality of stuff here either, sure looks nice on the white plates behind the counter, but its all precut, processed... basically a salad bar rolled up... no cohesiveness to the food.
I guess I could try the rolls they suggest next time, i mean you can't go wrong with california, spicy tuna, alaskan, and dragon rolls... right???...................
To top it off, my last piece, which had a fat avocado sticking out of it looked promising. Then I eat it and find a fish bone in my salmon, UNHEARD of... -
Review from Anna B.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
I've been waiting for u-sushi to open for days and days, and today they finally did!
Love the make-your-own-sushi idea. I chose tuna with takuwan, avocado, and asparagus with soy wasabi sauce and tempura flakes. I also got a miso soup. Yum!
All the employees were very friendly and even Chef Yo (of Ozumo fame) was there!
Oh, and I'm saving the green tea cookies for later.
Now to figure out what combination to get for tomorrow.Comment from Amanda P. of u-sushi 1/25/2012
Hi Anna, We are so happy to hear that it was worth the wait!… More » -
Review from Heidi M.
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
So, I tried this place for lunch recently, after having tried the Beverly Hills location with a friend. I like the concept of building a custom sushi roll, and I think, for the size of the store, they have a good variety of options. I love that they have a brown rice option; the fish has been fresh enough when I've gone here; and there are a lot of veggie fillers to add to the rolls.
The only complaints I have are that they do not roll the rolls tightly enough AT ALL (they fall apart as soon as you try to pick them up with chopsticks -- huge mess); they do not serve food in a container of any sort so you're on your own to find something to eat off of and put soy sauce into; and they do not have separate pricing for vegetarian rolls... they will let you put extra veggies on instead of fish, but it seems a bit unfair to charge the same price for veggies vs. fish + veggies. Not a very good value compared to other neighborhood sushi restaurants unless you're loading up stuff on the roll.
