Zushi-Puzzle Inc

Although the ambiance isn't as flashy as other sushi restaurants in the city, the sushi itself is the best! Very creative rolls and always, always fresh.

Posted 10/26/08

Even with a reservation, I've had to wait up to one hour. They try and build up the biggest bill they can by giving you more than you order and then charging you. No Sake list so you don really know what you are getting and what you are paying? Roger (owner/sushi chef) a bit full of himself. Loved it at first and now I'm boycotting..

Pros: Variety of sushi

Cons: atmosphere, over billing

Posted 06/09/08

I can't even count the number of times I've replied, "Anything but sushi" when asked what I felt like for dinner. Well, on the last occasion I said that, my answer went ignored and I was taken to Zushi Puzzle. When I sat down and Chef Roger asked what I liked, I told him what I didn't like: raw fish and seaweed. He sure had his work cut out for him! What I soon found out was that I actually did like sushi... love sushi. What I didn't like was bad sushi as I had tried much of it over the years because I did always want to like it. I've had a couple dozen visits since then and he never ceases to amaze me with his inventive rolls, always the freshest fish, keen knowledge of sake and fervent desire to please his patrons with the best sushi on the west coast. I've continued to try other sushi places in the city and beyond and none can compare. I've seen reviews on here claiming the sushi at Zushi is "alright." I can only feel sorry for these people as I know their palate must be broken. The live scallops, signature hand roll, butterfish, tunas - all divine. And if you can, you should try the tempura banana. Now when asked what I feel like for dinner, you can't get me to say anything but "Zushi".

Pros: Chef Roger, scallops, sashimi, friendly atmosphere

Posted 05/11/08

They use fresh ingredients, varieties of rolls you may choose. Sashimi is so fresh! Try it! I definitely come back

Posted 02/08/08

Absolutely my top stop for good, fresh, inexpensive sushi in the city. It's my default choice for where to eat out. Kind of a pain to get to down in the tourist motels of the marina though. Kind of a "hole-in-the-wall" that really delivers. I've eaten my fair share of sushi around the city and this place is one if the few I would recommend to friends.

Pros: Great Sushi, Inexpensive

Cons: Lack of atmosphere

Posted 12/13/07

This is a great sushi restaurant! The different types of sushi they have are fantastic. I have tried more kinds of fish here than any other sushi restaurant in San Francisco. This is the sushi I compare all other sushi to.

Pros: different types of sushi. nice people

Cons: NO PARKING

Posted 06/20/07

You want to try the BEST sushi in California? Try to get a reservation at bar and when you got there, tell sushi chef that you are there to try the best sushi in town and u like him to serve what ever he thinks is fresh. (To get the best of the best you need to go there at least 5 times. I am going there for 3 years and still each time I get a different crazy fish that I have not even heard of it before!!!)

-This is not a place for people who think sushi is California roll.
- If you are not a experienced sake drinker ask from chef what u should order, he knows what you should like!!!
-Dont miss the fresh uni

Posted 04/08/07

Sushi is overrated!!!!!! I decided to check it out, thought will try the best sushi in SF (overall rating is 9.8!!!
Salmon wasn't fresh at all, it was first time I had it that bad. Rolls are tiny and not tasty, raw fish isn't fresh.

Posted 03/01/07

I've been here a couple times, and both times the sushi was okay, a bit pricier than I'm used to, but the real issue for me is the service is lousy. There's a big empty space in the middle of the restaurant, presumably because they can't service any additional patrons, but they could stand to lose a few more tables as they can't handle their current capacity. I'm not a big roll guy and maybe if I were I'd feel differently, but I'd recommend Marina Sushi Bar (right down the street), or my favorite, Jimisan (9th and Irving), instead.

Pros: decent fish

Cons: service

Posted 01/29/07

Awesome, sushi that melts in your mouth...Try the Hamachi collar (it's in the appetizer section), you'll love it!!!! Come early and come hungry because this place fills up quick...Or better yet, make a reservation, it's worth it.

Pros: Awesome food.

Cons: Difficult street parking.

Posted 01/01/07

I recently moved to SF and I wanted to eat really good sushi. I did not care about the atmosphere of where I was going, which you should not going here. We had a reservation at 7pm and the server seemed confused when we told him this. He was frantic to find us a seat and then called us over to a table that looked like may have just been promised to another party already seated but needed more room. Once seated, we sat for a good amount of time before we received our drinks. Then we sat even longer before our order was taken. I went with two other people and we all ordered miso or a salad and they all came out about three minutes between each other. Then the order that we split up since we are all picky sushi eaters came on the same plate. The food was really great I must say but then the servers didn't even ask if we wanted to order anything else, they just came by with the check. They also are very quick to pick up your drinks when they are not even empty. If you are not starving and could care less about service then go here because their sushi was really good I must say.

Pros: Sushi

Cons: Service

Posted 01/01/07

I opted to try this place out after reading rave reviews but was extremely dissappointed. Everyone who showed up after us got their dishes before we did. Even those who showed up 20min later. We kept asking for our food, and they kept telling us it was coming out. The service was extremely slow, and the sushi was alright. For the same price, the sushi joints down chestnut are much better.

Pros: seated promptly if you have reservations

Cons: need reservations, otherwise it's a long wait

Posted 11/20/06

Best Sushi I've had in the city. Definitely try the supa mike. I go there once a week if not more and it has yet to let me down. The fish is fresh and the atmosphere low key.

Pros: Fresh fish, great staff

Cons: sometimes can be a wait

Posted 09/18/06

Zushi Puzzle is the best! Roger is a master at what he does. He always tells you what is good for the night and makes whatever you want. If you want a roll that isn't on the menu, he will make one for you with what you want. All servers are very friendly and the sushi is consistently the best in town by far!!

Pros: Sushi, Roger, everything

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/28/06

Great Time at Zushi Puzzle.... The Rolls were exciting and Very Enjoyable! I personally enjoyed the Service Source Roll...We were seated quickly and had a great waitress. I cant wait to head back for another round of rolls!

Posted 08/15/06

If you like sushi, then you must come here. It is a small place and not fancy at all, but didn't you come to eat sushi?? If you can, sit at the sushi bar. Roger is super cool and he will get you to try a lot of new things. All i can say is BUTTER FISH! You got to try it.
The prices are very fair here and the have some really good Sake!!
MAKE A RESERVATION

Pros: Sushi, sake, Roger

Posted 08/04/06

I co-worker of mine recommended this place to me, but never got around to going until yesterday 7/29/06. So I tried the Blue Fin Toro Sashimi recommended by the waiter...and I just fell over on my chair! It was so AMAZING and it had that devine "melts in your mouth" feeling. The fish is fresh and the quality is top notch. The portions are slightly smaller which may mean that you'll order a couple more dishes, but it's well worth it. It's heaven for you sashimi lovers :) Enjoy!!

Pros: Casual Atmosphere...great for dates!!

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/29/06

Their standard rolls were just ok. But their special rolls were great! Our favorites were the "Sales Force" roll and "Big Mike". The free shots at the end of the meal were fun too!

Posted 07/20/06

This place had some great sushi, but i was not as impressed as I'd thought I'd be. I tend to look at citysearch before going to a restaurant for the first time and when the reviews are phenominal it makes my expectations a little high. The service was a little slow, however theywere able to get us a table without making reservations when at first they told us it'd be a 30 minute wait (on a wednesday). Their special rolls are very interesting, and the free shot at the end of the meal is a nice way to say to goodbye.

Pros: interesting special rolls

Cons: a little crowded, try to call before

Posted 07/19/06

One of the best sushi places in the city. I go at least every couple of weeks. It's a fun environment, super relaxed, and the servers are great. Roger at the sushi bar is to be appreciated; he loves to give you whatever he feels like making. Super, sensual food and some of the best sushi to be found in San Francisco.

Pros: Outstanding sushi

Posted 07/12/06

My fiance and I started going here last year, and it is now a habit worth keeping around and share with all our friends. Eating at the bar is the best if you can swing it. Talk to Roger and let him know what you like, and he will whip up a delight that will keep you coming back for more. The fish is fresh, and always a wide selection. The rolls are creative, and always top notch, have not been disapointed yet.
Simply, try it once, and you will keep coming back.

Pros: Quality, Viarity, Flavor

Cons: Parking, Crowded

Posted 04/15/06

Sit at the bar and the chef, Roger-San, will take care of you. My friend and I just went there for the first time last night (per a recommendation), and their sushi was indeed the BEST in town! We're so smitten we're going back next week!

Pros: sashimi, variety, sushi chef

Cons: lack of ambience, location

Posted 04/04/06

This is the best sushi I've ever had in my life. I would recommend this place to anyone! It was expensive, however.

Posted 03/20/06

I can honestly say my favorite food is sushi and I am always wanting to try new sushi restaurants in search of the holy grail of sushi in any given area. Thankfully, I walked through the doors of Zushi Puzzle this weekend! Freshest fish, greatest sushi chef - I give it a 10 - especially the Butterfish and Alaskan King Crab Remix! I will come here every single time I visit the city from now on!!

Pros: Freshest fish, Great Sushi Chef, Butterfish

Posted 02/20/06

I couldn't wait to try this place after 2 people suggested it (and after reading the reviews here), but I was disappointed. I have to agree that the rolls were inventive and the fish fresh, but the nigiri were tiny and tasted only average.

The special rolls all cost $11-14, so they add up fast. Regular rolls were in the $9-12 range. The nigiri may look competitively priced, but given the small size, I no longer think so.

The service, however, was very friendly and they give you a free shot of sake at the end of your meal.

Pros: fresh fish

Cons: expensive

Posted 02/16/06

After reading all the rave reviews, I was excited to try Zushi. Unfortunately, my expectations weren't met...the rice in the rolls and nigiri pieces were unsuitably warm and threw off the delicate flavors of the fish. The quality of the raw fish was decent but I've definitely had better elsewhere. My experience wasn't all bad, however. The uni was excellent, prices were very competitive, service was pleasant and their special rolls are inventive and intriguing. I'd like to go back to see if perhaps I went on an off night.

Pros: Prices, Service, Uni

Cons: Quality of fish, Warm sushi rice

Posted 02/13/06

The sushi was not bad but nothing special. I would not go there again.

Posted 11/10/05

A friend took me to this place ones 2 years ago, and I never looked back. I live in the South Bay and am willing to travel an hour for my Sushi Fix.

The freshness and variety of fish is seond to none. Roger's recommendations always exceed my expectations. This is definitely the best Sushi you'll have in Northern California.

Pros: Freshness, Variety, Innovation

Posted 11/08/05

went there tonight for the first of what i can say will be many times. my friends recommended it and i am so glad i went. sat at the sushi bar with a friend and the waitstaff were great. but roger, the chef, was so fun and had so much to tell us when we asked. we ate everything he gave us and more, dessert was on the house, and he even told us what days were the best for special kinds of fish. i didn't want to write a review because it is such a gem...and in the marina, too!

Pros: service, freshness, creative

Cons: parking

Posted 11/05/05

I've never been to Japan, but have eaten at top spots in NYC, LA, and SF. I'd choose Zushi Puzzle any day! The fish is always as fresh as can be and Roger is always upbeat and willing to try new ideas.

Try the new 'K Roll' or really anything with butterfish, which is simply delicious. Also make sure to have a small fried crab for $1, which is a unique treat.

Pros: Fresh Fish!, the K Roll, Butterfish

Posted 10/19/05

Last year my two roommates and I visited the top 10 sushi restaurants in SF as rated on Citysearch. Not only did Zushi Puzzle beat out every other place by a long shot, but it also transformed us from casual sushi-eaters into fully-fledged sushi snobs.

The fish are flown in from Japan, and the quality and freshness is phenomenal. Furthermore, regulars always have something new to try, as different fish are brought in from across the Pacific, and Roger constantly experiments with amazing new rolls while adhering to traditional ingredients (authentic sushi uses no mayo or cilantro, for instance). For the best experience, make a reservation at the bar. Were there every Sunday night.

P.S. Try the new "Smoky Rego" roll. (Yup, if you're a regular, you can have a roll named after you!) It features salmon skin, bonito flakes, and other strong flavors that magically balance each other out.

Pros: Chef, Quality of fish, Creativity of rolls

Posted 10/13/05

I have been eating Sushi and Sashimi for more than 20 years. My first sushi experience was when I lived in Japan for 2-1/2 years. I went to some of the finest sushi restaurants in Tokyo, those in the Ginza and Tsukiji (Main Tokyo Fish Market). I have had great sushi throughout Asia and America.

The Sushi and Sashimi I had at Zushi Puzzle was either fish I have gotten nowhere else in the WORLD (which for me is ALWAYS a wonderful adventure), or the finest example of fish that I have got from other places. Though I have only been there twice (Zushi Puzzle is a long drive from Santa Cruz), I will be going there as often as I can.

For Quality and Selection Zushi Puzzle is the pinnacle.

Pros: Selection, Quality, Friendliness

Cons: Too Far From Sant Cru, San Francisco Traffic

Posted 10/11/05

The sushi was great though I got take out. I have heard eating at the sushi bar is amazing. I would go back. The price was also great. Too bad they don't still deliver. I would order a whole lot more often.

Posted 10/11/05

I am Japanese. I was very impressed to eat a fresh, tasty sushi in Zushi Puzzle. I tried some rolls and sashimi. They were all fresh!! No wonder Zushi is one of the popular sushi place in town!! My other Japanese friend said their sushi & sashimi are like the one you can eat in Japan! Thank you Roger-san, we will be back soon!!!

Pros: fresh sushi, good service

Posted 10/10/05

I went to Zushi Puzzle the other night and had a lasting experience. The sushi exceeded my expectations by far. My recommendations would be the Armadillo Roll, Dynasty Spider Roll, and the Unagi Remix. The arrangement of the sushi was so exquisite but alas, sushi is made for eating. After eating each roll, the taste was still rolling around in my mouth; if only my stomach could hold more. Zushi Puzzle is definitely worth another visit.

Pros: sushi, sushi, sushi

Posted 10/01/05

A good friend of mine from Australia brought me to Zushi Puzzle. He got a highly recommendation from his relatives. The sushi and freshness of the fish was unbelievable. Even though I live in the local area, I can't believe that I have never discovered this place. The waitstaff was very helpful in recommending sushi to us. After this outing, I went to Citysearch only to discover that Zushi Puzzle was voted Best of Citysearch. I just feel that I should share with everyone else that this is THE PLACE TO GO FOR SUSHI!

Pros: waitstaff, sushi, service

Cons: none

Posted 10/01/05

wow what a great sushi experience, we have been going to the zushi puzzle for over a year and it is the best sushi in all of san francisco, all of the fish is amazing and roger always has something new and exciting up his sleeve! the best and hottest new roll on the menu is the joji roll.....what is the joji roll you ask? its a yummy combination of butterfish and a whole lot more for only the most adventurous sushi palette, don't walk...run to zushi puzzle for the joji roll!!!!!!

Pros: joji roll

Cons: none!

Posted 09/29/05

I went to Zushi Puzzle on a monday for a friends birthday. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant and it still took us 2 hours to get our food. The wait staff was horrible as they kept mixing up our orders even though we never moved from our spots, on top of that they forgot a few of our dishes we ordered. I had the beef teriyaki and ordered it medium-rare; what i got was a piece of meat that was brown on the outside and raw in the middle. When i sent it back, they just put it in the microwave to try to cook it to my doneness. Absolutely horrible experience!!!

Posted 09/27/05

I lived in Tokyo for two years and ate a wide range of sushi while in Japan. My favorite spot while there was a sushi restaurant about a block away from the Tsukiji central fish market that I religiously visited every Sat. night for dinner. Since returning from Japan I longed to visit that restaurant again, that is until I visited Puzzle on a recommendation from a friend. Ive had some of the best sushi Ive ever had while dining here (including Japan). The service is unbeatable and the surroundings are far more relaxing than many other restaurants Ive been crammed into in the city, and in the south Bay. If you want some great fish in an original restaurant with close attention to your dining experience, do try here. If you dont youll be missing a true dinning treat.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: The drive from SJ

Posted 09/07/05

My wife and I have been eating Roger's sushi (chef and owner of Zushi Puzzle) for 6 years. We've probably eaten at 30 sushi restaurants in the bay area yet we keep coming back. Roger has the ability to prepare his sushi in the most creative and delicious ways. We've brought many friends to Zushi Puzzle who have all become fans. I strongly recommend a visit. One dinner and it will win you over.

Pros: Best food, excellent wait staff

Posted 09/07/05

I grew up in Japan and the sushi here was like the "fast food" or "deli" sushi found in local supermarkets - edible, but average at best. The quality of the fish here was mediocre (some pieces were downright stringy and chewy), and the fish was so thinly sliced that if you held it up to the light, you would be able to see the cheap wall decorations hung up on the restaurant walls through it. We were excited to try Zushi after reading the rave Citysearch reviews, but were highly disappointed with our visit. There are hundreds of other mundane sushi restaurants in the city that are worth a second visit before this one.

Pros: Service, No wait (about 15, people on Fri night)

Cons: Quality and flavor, Parking, Empty

Posted 09/02/05

I've always loved sushi and have been to numerous places in the city. I just went to Zushi Puzzle last night and it has got to be the best sushi I've ever tasted. The fish is fresh and everything just melts in your mouth, like butter. I would highly recommend the Romeo & Juliet and also the Armadillo Roll. The wait for the food to come out was a bit long, but definitely well worth it.

Pros: Excellent Sushi

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/30/05

Roger is the most amazing sushi chef. We go to Zushi Puzzle about twice a week and always make a point of sitting at the bar. Hands down the best sushi anywhere.

Posted 07/27/05

There is no denying that Roger serves the freshest and finest sushi in the Bay Area. Our whole family unanimously agrees to go here every time we go out to have sushi. Yeah, we have tried several of the other highly rated sushi places in the Bay Area, but nowhere is there finer sushi and specialty rolls than here. Once you have tried it, you will be looking forward to going back again and again...as does my family and I.

Pros: sushi, service, atmosphere

Posted 07/26/05

Roger is hands down the most talented sushi chef I've ever encountered. I have been to Zushi Puzzle four times in the last three months, and he continues to surprise me. His rolls are delicious and creative, and if the live scallops are available, they are a MUST! :)

Pros: Roger, Sushi Bar, Fresh Fish

Posted 07/23/05

Zushi Puzzle has the most fresh, best tasting sushi. Since eating there, I have a hard time trying new places. The butterfish is unbelieveable, and their rolls are original and delicious. Make a reservation for sure, and sit at the bar if there are just a few of you.

Pros: sushi, service, value

Posted 07/20/05