Elephant Sushi Golden Gate

To-​go orders are fast and ready to go usually in just ten minutes for those who work nearby like me. It’s a nice, intimate and quiet spot to sit down with one or two friends/​coworkers too.
The sushi bowl selection is my favorite! The portion seems to have shrunk a little (not necessarily a bad thing) as well as the freshness (just today), but the service and taste are almost always on point. The rice is perfect. Honestly they’d have to do quite a bit to lose my patronage… the #2 sashimi bowl absolutely hits the spot!
I’m glad to have them so close to Civic Center — one visit is just not enough! My coworkers agree that this spot is a staple and NOT TO BE MISSED.

Good. Simple sushi place in an unlikely location. Reasonably priced. Check the hours/​days before u go. They close often and if not enough traffic too.
the sashimi bowls are very good and hardy portions.

Best sushi I had in SF so far. The quality will be worth the slightly more expensive price. I always get the «Make your own bowl» with 6 items. Less than $ 20, and a large quantity!

It’s nice to see that Elephant Sushi at Golden Gate has existed longer than its predecessors. It’s in a little crevice in the Tenderloin, so it’s easy to pass by. But you’d be missing out on some seriously fresh fish.
I ordered a build-​your-​own sashimi bowl with salmon, tempura shrimp, tofu inari, and seaweed salad. It was $ 14, and it increases if you want to add more toppings. I also opted for the free garlic soy sauce.
I enjoyed my bowl and it was really filling. The rice was cooked and seasoned well, and the salmon was fresh. The tofu inari was just the skin, and the seaweed salad added a textural balance. The tempura shrimp is smaller than what you get at other places, but it was fine for me.
I ordered it to go, but if you eat inside, be prepared to be in tight quarters. It’s very small with one large table and a few smaller tables. There is outside seating, but the smell of the Tenderloin won’t do you any good.
If you really want to stretch your dollar with the sashimi bowls, order it with all fish. I had about 4 pieces of salmon in mine.

Very, very pleasant surprise.
This was a last-​minute «Our final destination in SF is in one part of the City, and I don’t really want to deal with driving to our previously discussed restaurant and dealing with parking and/​or traffic so let’s find something closer or more on the way to where we are going later»… anyway.
The Sashimi bowls here are very delicious… the fish tasted quite fresh… and I kind of dug the décor.
Unfortunately, they are not located in the most ideal of neighborhoods in SF, so I don’t think I will end up being a regular at this place. But… if I am looking for a solid lunch spot and this is somewhere within striking distance with either my planned route or my original/​final destination, I would TOTALLY come back.
If you are in the area, I would definitely give it a shot.

I’m just extremely annoyed at how unprofessional these people are.
I’ve been here two times. The first time I came here, I walked in about 10:20 and they said they weren’t open yet. They said that they open at 10:30, even though it says they open at 10am on the Unilocal page. Even so, I waited until they opened. I got a customized sashimi bowl which was decent.
I came back yesterday hoping to get take out to bring to work as my lunch. I came here 10:15am and AGAIN, they said they were gonna open «soon» at 10:30am. Again, I waited in my car and I came back in at 10:30am. When I walked in, the workers started kind of giggling and semi-​laughing that I came back right at 10:30. The waitress said they were gonna open in a «few minutes»… which she quoted 10 – 15 minutes (which is not a few minutes) because «there was something wrong with the thing.» There was nothing wrong with anything. They probably couldn’t wake up early enough to come to work and prepare everything on time for opening. Completely unprofessional.
I hate posting bad reviews, especially for this reason. But I’m mainly mad because I could’ve gone to a different restaurant to get lunch instead of wasting my time waiting when she first said that they open at 10:30am. I had work at 11am, and I couldn’t wait another 15 minutes or even go to a different place to get lunch.
Please change the opening time to 11am since your workers can never be prepared enough to open at 10, yet alone 10:30am. And so people don’t waste their time coming to your open yet unopened restaurant.

Had a treat by catching elephant sushi TL aka Golden Gate at the right time after voting early at city hall this weekend but apparently this was too early for them to have the seared ahi ready. The ponzu sauce still made everything right again. I had to substitute the not-​ready seared ahi with snow crab meat which in comparison to their other fish options is quite lack luster.
Note to self: next time get a trio of seared butterfish with ponzu sauce and that’s all your mouth really need from here.

This place was fantastic and a lovely surprise. My bowl (#1) was amaaaaazing and the fish was so fresh and of the most amazing quality

The Chirashi bowl was ok. A little bit expensive (as almost anything in San Francisco). I was a little bit bothered by the music that was louder than I think it should be for lunch time.
Other than that, «OK» is the best description. Not the worse, not the best.

Amazing, fresh, healthy, affordable & quick service, what else can you ask for?
We had the Sashimi bowl you can customize with 4 items, for only 14 dollars.
For me, it was: salmon, spicy scallop (not too spicy, just like I like it), seaweed salad and pickled carrots.
For hubby: Salmon, spicy salmon. tuna and spicy tuna.
All of that is served with delicious steamed white rice, that just got made, and more seaweed.
Even the pickled ginger is homemade.
Staff was friendly.
Only open 3 days a week at lunch and the place is small. So if you wanna eat there like we did (on the patio!), get there around 12!

One of the best sushi lunch I’ve had in San Francisco in a long time!
Small cute little place with friendly Japanese staff
My lunch came out fast and was delicious
I ordered a triple spicy sashimi bowl yummy
I look forward to going back to elephant sushi soon!

Super good. I stopped by on a lunch break maybe 40 minutes before closing time and they were out of a lot of items, but the lady at the cashier helpfully pointed out what was available on the menu and one of the sushi chefs offered to make a sashimi bowl for me on spinach since they were out of rice.
I opted for the sashimi salad I believe is what it was called (it was right under the poke on the menu), and it did not disappoint. Beautiful presentation, fresh fish, and a solid portion. The orange slices added a great touch of juicy sweetness here and there. Plenty of nice big chunks of ahi tuna and salmon, I couldn’t finish it all in one sitting. As I was eating one of the waiters also stopped by with a plate of two pieces of fish, I don’t recall seeing it as included in my meal and I think maybe they felt bad for being out of a lot of things (I had expressed my desire for something with rice since I was so hungry) and wanted to make it up to me. Either way, it was delicious, some time of fully cooked fish that was very tasty. I appreciated it. You also get free tea with your meal!
It’s a great little sushi restaurant with a good ambience for a nice lunch break or catching up with friends. I’ll be back.

I’d been meaning to visit ever since a friend of mine mentioned it to me. So on a Friday when I really needed a lunch break, I walked down Larkin to pay Elephant Sushi a visit. On the way, I passed Mr. Holmes, the Chairman, and Soul Groove. But I held out and didn’t stop until I arrived at my intended destination.
Having done my research, I knew I was supposed to stride confidently up to the counter and place my order before seating myself. The spicy trio sashimi bowl sounded delicious, so that’s what I went with. Bonus: free barley tea for all customers, and if you check in on the Unilocal mobile app, you can get a free coffee cup of delicious miso soup, complete with fresh shiitake mushroom slices.
I sat at one of the outdoor tables with my order number and quickly received my tea, soup, and wasabi, as well as the condiment tray of soy sauce and homemade pickled ginger. Ahh, that soup was simple yet well executed. I’d come back just for the soup. And the tea was comforting and familiar.
The spicy trio ($ 12: $ 4 for each of salmon, scallops, and tuna) surpassed my expectations on freshness and taste. It also came with a couple of slices of avocado and taro chips (way better than the ones at Freshroll). Some rice was hidden under the pile of fish, accented with sesame seeds, seaweed, and a light ponzu sauce. I usually eat on the fast side, but I consciously wanted to savor every bite and took my time. The waitstaff who took my order stopped by and asked how everything was. I expressed my satisfaction and asked for a refill on the tea, which she happily poured after a few moments’ wait.
The verdict: I’m gonna need to come by again. #Treatyoself and take a real lunch break here. I think I’ll try the poke ($ 14) next time.

A great addition to the neighborhood. The lunch options are limited within the 2 block radius of the courthouse. The price is average for lunch, expect to spend at least $ 9-​$ 14 per person, but then again it’s sushi bowls, of high calibre, so what do you expect.
I was honestly really surprised. I wasn’t expecting anything great. I ordered one of the set sushi bowl, I think it had yellow tail, tuna and avocado. It was delicious. I was shocked at how fresh the fish was, and it didn’t taste cheap at all. The sashimi was nicely seasoned, rice was cooked perfect, the right amount of sesame oil and seasoning. I did wish that the bowl was a tad bit bigger. I think next time I’ll do the build my own.
On top of my bowl I ordered miso soup, which had huge pieces of shitake mushrooms, and it was perfect for a cold day in SF. I also had the real crab CA roll. Delicious as well.
It’s sad that it’s only open during lunch hours. It’s so rare for me to be in SF for work let alone in that vicinity. I definitely hope it’s here to stay!

Kinda sketch locay, but trusted the reviews and glad I did.
Wasn’t very impressed with the front of the house as the ladies were a little snarky and off-​putting. However, the kitchen was great and the fish was fresh. I am not usually a fan of rice bowls but I loved it and will be back.
Nigiri is sliced generously, btw.

It’s hard to picture yourself in the Ginza when you’re in the middle of the Tenderloin, but somehow this closet of an operation transports me to the motherland even if only for a few moments. I’ve noticed this spot when I walk over to Philz or go to one of the phở shops in Little Saigon, but the foreboding metal gate was always closed. However, during the holidays, the warden let us out of our work cubicles early, so I decided to seize the day and come here. I was right. It is tiny in here with no counter and about a half dozen tables of varying sizes. Only two were occupied, so I sidled into the two-​fer table next to the front entrance. I didn’t know I was supposed to order at the counter, so I got up to scrutinize their menu of temptations (photo:
).
No surprises. Lots of rolls and nigiri. Sashimi naked or in bowls. A few specials. I figured it would be a while for a return visit since they’re open four hours a day during lunch and only Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Gee, with a full staff (I counted at least six employees in there), how do they afford to make a net profit margin? Let me see those books. Anyhow, I ordered a $ 12 Sashimi Bowl, Number Two with ahi tuna, hamaichi and avocado (photo:
). Really fresh tasting and they do publicize that most of their fish is wild or sustainably farmed which I guess means it didn’t come from a Foster Farms for Fish bait-​and-​kill operation. The bowl came festooned with tomato slices and scallions with a plentiful mound of rice underneath. Before I even gorged on that, I received a cup of their Miso Soup which came in a literal coffee cup.
It was quite a standout with seaweed, green onion and shiitake mushrooms (photo:
). What an unusually hearty broth to get for free. You would think that would be enough to eat, but no, I also ordered the $ 9 Spicy Hamaichi Roll because one can never have enough yellowtail in one’s life. Gee, I just realized how dirty the word ‘yellowtail’ sounded in that context. The roll was quite robust with avocado, jalapeño, lime, cucumber, scallion, masago (capelin roe) and toasted shimichi pepper aioli (chili sauce mayo) (photo:
). Oh wow, that was delicious, too, and I just noticed the house made ginger enticing me in a glass jar with tongs at the ready (photo:
). Hmmm, I may need to schedule a lunchtime «medical appointment» sometime soon.
FOOD — 5 stars… ain’t it a bitch that one of the best sushi places in town is only open when I’m at work? Good, fresh fish served here
AMBIANCE — 4 stars… it’s the Ginza, right… yo, someone tell me how to get to Sibuya
SERVICE — 4 stars… very nice and polite… this is the Tenderloin?
TOTAL — 5 stars… a hidden closet sushi spot in the ‘Loin serves fresh fish, artful rolls & homemade ginger… word

Perle bien cachée du Tenderloin. Si vous avez la chance de passer dans les parages au bon moment, l’éléphant sushi vaut absolument le coup.
Le local est minuscule, on n’y ferait rentrer guère plus de vingt clients. La décoration n’a rien d’exceptionnel mais l’exiguïté de l’endroit rend l’expérience un peu spéciale.
On se retrouve donc dans le local qui pourrait être celui du bar pourrave du coin avec une assiette pleine de finesse pour un prix clairement en deçà de la concurrence du centre ville. J’optai pour le «Number One», simple assiette de thon et saumon accompagnée de riz et d’épices. Le thon, tout juste tiède de sa parfaite cuisson fondait dans ma bouche. Et bien que le saumon né brilla pas particulièrement, il me sembla peu gras. Des chips à l’ail, maison, et une soupe miso, maison, accompagnèrent mon festin.
Le service fut des plus agréables alors même que nous étions les derniers clients avant fermeture. La prochaine fois, j’opterai pour le conseil de la serveuse qui me proposait quelque chose de plus épicé.
Mais enfin, y aura-​t-​il une prochaine fois? La réussite de ce restaurant né fait aucun doute. Je pense que seule notre arrivée tardive après le rush du midi nous permit d’obtenir une place sans attendre. Espérons toujours.

Cute little neighbor sushi joint. Definitely opt for the make your own sashimi bowl option — it’s super worth it! I get the 6 items for $ 18 and line it all up with a variety of raw fish. Hits the spot!

It was stormaggedon today so there was no line at Elephant Sushi! :D
I checked in for the miso soup and warmed up with a hot cup of tea. The double albacore roll hit the spot and was the perfect balance to the hot soup and tea.
Everything about Elephant Sushi on Golden Gate is lovely from the ambiance to the food to the service. The only improvement I can see is with the rice. Sometimes I get a pebbly bite.
Thank you, Elephant Sushi, for making our neighborhood so cool with fun, tasty options.

4.5 Stars
Price point is spot on especially for the quality of the fish and the portion that is served
Spicy Trio Bowl and the Number 3 Bowl are both delicious and well worth getting. I found the balance in the #3 to work quite well. The truffle oil didn’t overpower the dish as I would have thought and liked the tart pop from the capers.
Tuna Nachos (believe that’s the name) was surprisingly hefty and can be a meal in itself. Liked the balance of textures and the subtle heat notes in the tuna
The fish have a great meaty texture and refreshing light and flavorful. Seating is extremely limited so I suggest order to go if you cant land a spot.
Miso soup — the touch of mushrooms was quite pleasing however the broth was far too salty for my liking
Overall Thoughts
Definitely a great spot for lunch and has intrigued me to want to try their main location to see what else they have to offer

Second location of Elephant Sushi! I have not tried the food at the first location, however it has been one of my Unilocal bookmarks. Definitely excited to try Elephant Sushi regardless of the location!
Newly opened for four months. Small establishment. Looks a bit obscure from outside, but inside it is modernized, chic and clean. Inside seating fits about 5 – 6 small tables and 2 tables outside.
Has 4 different kinds of sashimi bowls. All priced at $ 12. You are able to customize your own sashimi bowl as well. There is a different price for your own bowl. The current 2 most popular sashimi bowls are number 1 (salmon, snow crab, avocado, «walu butter fish») and the spicy trio (spicy tuna, spicy scallop, spicy salmon & avocado).
I order the number 1 sashimi bowl to-​go and checked in on Unilocal to get my free miso soup! The wait time for my order was 10 minutes during lunch hour rush. Pretty reasonable time especially for this area when all the city workers swarm out for lunch. The lady who was ringing up my order was friendly, conversational and provided great customer service. She offered me a seat while I waited for my order.
The sashimi bowl was beautifully put together and fresh seafood. No imitation whatsoever. For the portion size, it is decently priced for the fresh fish. The free miso soup for checking which normally costs $ 3 was not from a box, but actually cooked. There were huge slices of soft mushrooms and the broth was not salty.
Quick service, great customer service and an awesome new addition to this neighborhood. I’ll be back to try the other sashimi bowls as well the other items the restaurant serves. This is my new lunch spot!