Zushi-Puzzle Inc

415-931-9319

1910 Lombard St San Francisco, CA 94123

sanfrancisco.citysearch.com

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Categories:

Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants

Details:

Restaurant Management, $, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Family Style Dining, Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining, Prix Fixe Menu

Insiders:

alan R. Debbie T. c c. Hillary H. Photo
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Kid Friendly: yes 0 no 0
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Message from Zushi-Puzzle Inc

Merchant_icon

Picture: Sashimi Combo Plate. Come see the home of the best sushi in the bay area where the sushi is art. Run by Chef Roger Chong as seen on KRON 4 morning news on July 3, 2002. Besides amazing sushi and Japanese dinner combos, we also also Lunch Specials, including Sushi Bar Specials, Donburi and Lunch Plate Specials with teriyaki. Please call for catering information. Free Delivery within a close distance.

Editorial by

The Scene
Mismatched hanging lamps are surrounded by lavender stucco walls decorated with sushi photos and a black-and-white chef's robe. Lounge-worthy beats bump while multicultural families, dates and friends sit at a maroon banquette running the length of one wall. Friendly waitstaff can provide insightful tips.

The Food
Delectable sushi attracts the crowds, but the extensive menu also includes udon, soba and teriyaki-marinated entrees. It's uncommon to find seaweed-wrapped rolls here--instead, chef Roger Chong allows fish combinations to take center stage. But you will find seaweed in several salads, such as a ponzu-sweetened "ebi su" (mixed with crispy shrimp and razor-thin cucumbers). There are several dozen rolls to choose from and it's hard to go wrong. Lean smoked salmon cloaks the Puzzle Maki's creamy crab and cucumber roll, while rich butterfish tops an avocado and fatty-tuna Aramadillo roll that will dissolve on your tongue.

Key Points

  • Experienced Chef
  • Free Delivery
  • Catering

The Inside Scoop

  1. What to Drink - Try a Japanese Echigo beer or bottle of smooth Kamotsuru Tokusei sake, which is brightened by a few gold flints (180ml for $9.50).
  2. Look Good - Ask your waiter about specialties and considering ordering the day's freshest fish sashimi-style.
  3. Where to Sit - Get close to the chef: A handful of chairs wrap around his sushi bar, which is slightly hidden beyond a wooden arch in the back of the restaurant.

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons Sit at the Sushi Bar

morganhua

We sat at the sushi bar and Roger the sushi chef took care of us, even though it was our first time there. Do try the butterfish, it's heavenly. He'd give us different things to try and we even got free dessert and saki. The whole staff spoke Cantonese there, but Roger is truely a master sushi chef. We noticed the sous-chef making dishes for take out and the tables in the restaurant. So, sit in the sushi bar. Oddly enough, pictures on the restaurant walls have only Caucasian patrons in them and no Asians.

Pros: butterfish, sushi bar, Roger

Cons: parking, restaurant seating

Posted 06/17/05

Ratings_icons Uni lovers unite! Order the Maika roll!

athena_sf

I was a total skeptic going to Zushi Puzzle... I mean, I already *had* a favorite sushi place across town, but I went and I was BLOWN AWAY. The fish is so fresh, Roger gets the best, most interesting varieties from around the world... Butterfish, flying fish, Japanese Uni (sooo sweet), and the Live scallop are to die for. His presentation is amazing and he even serves fresh wasabi. If you like uni, be sure to try the Maika roll - uni, eel, and a quail egg to top it off! So good!

Posted 06/16/05

Ratings_icons BEST SUSHI IN TOWN...OR ANYWHERE

gdscu

The sushi melts in your mouth and the service is excellent. The staff is very friendly and efficient. ROGER, the sushi chef, knows all the regular customers and makes everyone feel right at home after your first dining experience. All you need to do is put your faith in Roger and he will serve the best fish you have ever had. Since eating at Zushi Puzzle about a year ago, I will not eat sushi anywhere else. My boyfriend and I went somewhere else once (which will remain nameless) and we couldn't even eat it after having Roger's amazing creations. His fish is fresh, his rolls are original and his personality is delightful. The best sushi place in the worls!

Posted 06/01/05

Ratings_icons Good harmony in flavors

dinosh

I've tried the romeo and juliet, dynasty spider, and dragon roll. Those three were made in a very good combination of flavors. It was such a harmony melted in my mouth (so iron chef's commentary). The presentation of the rolls/sushi is a work of art. It's worth it, although the prices are bit too expensive. You should try the beef short ribs and the agedashi tofu too. They're so yummy. The service was okay, and the food comes pretty fast.

Posted 06/01/05

Ratings_icons WOW this place is great.

kglynn

WOW, we ate there the other night and it was the best zushi I have ever had. ROGER is the king of Sushi. We had the SK YUM YUM roll and it was the best thing I have ever eaten. I also really like the live scallops and butter fish. but the Yum yum roll had the butter fish and scallops and avacado with a little spicy sauce. it was GREAT!!!! I would get two.

Posted 05/31/05

Ratings_icons Best Sushi in SF- Hands Down

mschmitz20

Roger is simply amazing! His creations melt in your mouth, he always insists on using nothing but the freshest and finest ingredients and he always has something new and exciting to try (if you are feeling adventurous). Roger and his staff are unusually friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. If you don't like something, tell Roger who will be sure to fix it any way you like, or suggest something better suited for your unique taste. I would recommend this place to anyone. Some of Rogers unique and delectable rolls include the Live Scallop, Supa Mike, Killer Josh, Armadillo, and butterfish Nigiri.

Posted 05/25/05

Ratings_icons What a disappointment!

onlythebest4me

I dont know what all the hoopla is about. This place didn't come close to meeting my expectations! I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki and it was old and dry. The rolls were good but the food wasn't expectionally that great. Our table smelled of mold and we were moved to another table. Compliments of the house was the Saki that was great!
Definitely not worth the value buyer beware!

Posted 05/25/05

Ratings_icons Roger is the MAN!

jmadott

Went on strong recommendation from a client. Wife was in town visitng so decided to venture out. Have had sushi in many different cities, this was by far the most inviting phenominal presentation and great flavours. Must try.

Pros: great chef, great food, amazing presentation

Cons: none, none, none

Posted 05/22/05

Ratings_icons Forget about LOW-CARB diet!!

jyoung547

You've got to taste all kinds of sushi there.

I can't remember all those fancy names they give to the sushi (Billy Boy? Danny something... etc.) But I highly recommend one kinda of sushi which the skin is green (maybe made of grean bean paste?) slightly deep fried, with avocado and great fresh stuffing inside...Mmm... Yum...

Sashimi is great too. Fresh.

Only thing to complain is-- the free green tea they served, tasteless.

Pros: sushi and sashimi, parking across st.

Cons: speed of serving food, casual setting

Posted 05/11/05

Ratings_icons When in Sf Go to Zushi

ashleyj

Zushi Puzzle is the Best. My friends and I are SF natives and we love the sushi here. Roger the sushi chef rocks out. Make sure you order the special rolls and try to sit at the sushi bar if you can. I am not living in SF right now so whenever I visit ..I'm there.

Posted 02/23/05

Ratings_icons Bangin' Food!

cashcow

I just want to say the dishes prepared by Roger are delicious. We came all the way from New York and was highly recommended to go the Resturant. The experience was fantastic. Not only was Chef Roger friendly more than importantly the food was just how we New Yorkers say it "Bangin". And I am not even a big of Japanese food, from the sushi to the sashimi to the hand rolls and etc...(names I don't know really) everything was good. This is what i call good food and decent pricing as well. If you a fan of Japanese Cuisine you must!

Alex from NY

Pros: Decent pricing, Delicious

Posted 01/20/05

Ratings_icons Best sushi ever!

probe25

I'm a big sushi snob. I've been all over the state looking for goog sushi, only to be let down time after time with bad, ok, and good sushi. LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR THIS IS THE BEST SUSHI IS SAN FRANCISCO!... so many people like to talk about how there sushi place is the best yeah whatever ive tryed them all. so if you think your sushi place is the best and your so sure about it don't be scared to try the puzzel you will change your mind fast.

Evan Bussey

Pros: everything

Posted 12/30/04

Ratings_icons A treasure

epenrose

Chef Roger is a charm. He is very proud of what he does and so he should be.
The sushi is exceptional. SF has a lot of sushi, some good and often reliable. This place isn't just good, the experience can only be desribed as amazing. Incredibly the dining here, particularly at the bar seems to just get better and better.
Don't miss the blue fin toro.

Pros: Fabulous, Charming

Posted 12/12/04

Ratings_icons be puzzled....

mtomczek

If there is anyone in the city who has not yet experienced the gem that is Zushi puzzle, they are seriously missing out. Chef Roger presents to you, one of the finest, refined and unique sushi experiences one can find. Stand outs by far are the live uni and live scallops, along with pretty much anything else he slides your way. Exquisite traditional sushi. The one bad thing I can say is.......... that the meals have to eventually come to an end.

Pros: Roger, Fish Selection, Uniqueness

Posted 10/28/04

Ratings_icons Most delicious sushi ever

sushi_connoisseur

If you haven't been to this marina sushi bar, you are missing out! It's by far the best sushi I've ever had in San Francisco. I should know (as my name states). Definitely try the Mighty Masha roll - shrimp tempura on the inside with butterfish, avocado, and spicy sauce on the outside. It's not on the menu but Roger, the owner/chef will make it for you. It's so delicious that I'm still tasting it.

Pros: Unique rolls , Price

Posted 10/04/04

Ratings_icons Consistently great sushi

mason_wong

This place is all about Chef Roger. He works alone behind the sushi bar, quickly creating top notch sushi for the entire restaurant. Because it's just Roger, it's consistently great food. Plenty of space at this restaurant - I've brought large groups here multiple times with plenty of space to stretch out and even mingle around. The food can come out a bit slow when the restaurant is full of customers, but it's worth waiting for. Very reasonable prices for the high quality sushi.

Pros: Great for groups, Consistently great, Great prices

Posted 10/01/04

Ratings_icons Roger rules!!

kshurtz

Hands down the best sushi I've had in SF! Roger's creations are as delicious as they are beautiful, and he's also one of the most friendly guys I've met. Sit at the bar and enjoy his fabulous sushi and great service! One more word... BUTTERFISH!

Pros: Sushi, friendly service, good prices

Posted 09/29/04

Ratings_icons The Best Sushi in San Fran

dianne_eugenio

They serve delicous meals in Zushi Puzzle....if you don't know much about sushi, ask the server on what he recommends...he will not do you wrong!!! They have great customer service and an accomodating atmostphere for different parties and crowds...What more can you ask for?

Pros: inexpensive, delicious meals, friendly servers

Posted 09/26/04

Ratings_icons Roger for Prezident

maryh13

Two words...YUM YUM! I am an old fan of Roger's and he just never stops. Try the "healthy salmon poki and killer salmon" to the spicy "deep-rising"!! Any way you like it, Roger keeps it coming. The place is warm and friendly and the chef is chic at his best!!! My hat's off to you! Marie

Pros: Fresh, Tasty, Innovative

Posted 07/01/04

Ratings_icons AMAZING SUSHI

jojos

I feel like I'm copying previous reviews, but I can't help reporting that this is the BEST sushi in the city! My boyfriend and I found this spot around 7 months ago and we've already visited at least 30 times! Things have only gotten better since we decided to venture over to the counter seating. Roger has tasted us on live scallop, butterfish and the most amazing variety of tuna. He can't help but share his favorites with you. If you're a fan of sushi, you must visit this restaurant!

Pros: best sushi, friendly ownder, great sake

Posted 07/01/04

Ratings_icons The BEST Sushi in the City!

sarahhamad

Zushi Puzzle has become a new staple in my SF diet. If you sit at the bar, Roger will share all his favorites. If you don't know what to get, let him pick - we discovered butter fish that way, and WOW! Roger and his staff are pro's, and I will keep going back as long as I live here.

Pros: Sushi, Roger, usually no wait

Posted 06/30/04

Ratings_icons Sit at the Bar

gabysnyder

The owner/chef is fantastic and if you sit at the bar, he will make you anything you want, give you samples of the specials and you'll receive the royal treatment.

Best sushi I've had in SF.

Posted 06/29/04

Ratings_icons Good stuff

auntiej

This place is awsome, I try to get here as much as possible. Check out the "Jackie" roll It is great for a large group

Pros: good food, friendly, great sake

Posted 06/17/04

Ratings_icons serendipity

josiewales

My son and I vacationed in San Francisco after his college graduation and we stumbled on Zushi Puzzle as we stayed in a hotel less than a half mile away.

Simply remarkable. Incredibly fresh, and generous portions. Roger, the owner and chef, made us feel incredibly at home. The sashimi and rolls were the best I ever had (even better when complemented with his special reserve Korean sake blend). We failed to save enough room for dessert, but it looked decadent. I can't say enough good things about this place. The value, friendliness of the staff, and quality of the food made for a remarkable time. Don't miss this SF gem.

Pros: tremendous food, friendly staff, excellent value

Posted 06/11/04

Ratings_icons Best Sushi Bar in the City

greggwurster

...if not the country. Roger, the sushi chef, serves up the best cuts of fish in town, as well as creating the most decadent sushi rolls I've ever eaten. I live around the corner and have brought over 20 different people there...all have echoed my sentiments. Still figuring out how many times I have to eat there to get a roll named after me...

Pros: Good value, Great service

Posted 03/31/04

Ratings_icons Great sushi

sidog1

Zushi Puzzle is a gem that i'm glad i stumbled upon. It has turned out to be a routine restaurant for my girlfriend and me. I have to recommend the live scallop and the hawaiian butterfish sushi. It is some of the best I have had in the city. I highly recommend this place

Pros: great food, inexpensive

Posted 03/25/04

Ratings_icons Not authentic? Who cares!

jetmaveric

I've come to love Zushi Puzzle! My Japanese upbringing has made me a stickler about keeping Japanese food traditional, but this is the first time I just don't care. The Puzzle Large nigiri sushi and price are amazing, and all the special rolls are unique and tasty. Roger is definitely an artist. His combinations are new and definitely deviate from standard sushi, but are always delicious. So far all the non-sushi items Ive tried (Gomaae, Agedashi Tofu, Sukiyaki, and Nabeyaki Udon) have all been different, but only the latter two noodle dishes have disappointed. Regardless, my recommendation is to go for the SUSHI lovin and save the cooked stuff for another place! So far, all three times that Ive gone there hasnt been a crowd, so please support Roger! He might not be Japanese, but he sure knows sushi.

Pros: SUSHI, Friendly

Cons: , Non-traditional, Cheesy Decor

Posted 02/25/04

Ratings_icons Big Rog runs the show

urbanfunk

There is only one Sushi joint in town!
Zushi Puzzle.
Absolute amazing.
Rog run a tight ship and slings the best fish.
Do not waste your time eating trendy rotten fish.

Pros: chef, fish, artwork

Cons: none, none, none

Posted 05/26/03

Ratings_icons Top 5

lydiasf

Honestly Zushi Puzzle's sushi is better than Sushi Groove's, and rivals Ebisu. I can't believe more people don't know about this place yet! Even better, they have friendly, attentive & accomodating service, and a family-like feel since everyone knows who Roger, the sushi chef in the aloha shirt, is. An overall winner. Modestly priced too.

Posted 04/18/03

Ratings_icons Sushi, on a whole new level

jaranoff

As Head Sushi chef and owner, Roger not only serves up the freshest fish in town, but also is notorious for his constant creativity, style and presentation.

Pros: Incredible Sushi, Great Service, Top Notch

Posted 02/10/03

Ratings_icons Best Sushi In SF

asturm

Roger is one of the few master sushi chefs in San Francisco. He was trained by one of the worlds best sushi chefs and now he brings his art to Zushi Puzzle. You can not go wrong at Zushi Puzzle, if you are a true fan of sushi this is the place for you! Don't even bother to use the menu, let Roger create a dish that will exceed your expectations.

Pros: fresh fish, great chef, amazing food

Cons: no parking

Posted 01/09/03

Ratings_icons RODGER RULES!!!

fadefesche

When it comes to a true sushi experience, there is no substitute to Zushi Puzzle. Sake bombs, wasabi roulette, you name it!! The creativity and freshness of Chef Rodger's inventions are amazing. I suggest the Supa Mike, Killer Josh, and Frank Rising rolls.

Pros: Fresh, Fun, Not crowded

Posted 12/27/02

Ratings_icons Fresh Fish

Ddo3453

This place is one of the best sushi places I have been to. The chef is nice and friendly. The sushi is fresh; that is one of the most important things to eating good sushi.

Posted 12/23/02

Ratings_icons Sushi Rulette!

mydogmoe

Sit at the sushi bar and play wasabi rulette! it is a game for the senses, i promise! The fish is fresh and Roger is SUPER creative and takes pride in his work. I highly recommend it.

Posted 12/15/02

Ratings_icons Good Sushi!

chatrbg

Went to Zushi Puzzle by recommendation from a friend. Very good, fresh fish. Wonderful service. Will definitely go again.

Pros: fresh fish, good service

Posted 12/10/02

Ratings_icons Another sushi restaurant in the Marina

jjups

Yes, there are tons of Sushi restaurants in the Marina. This one does nothing to set itself apart, except serve top quality fish. Many Marina Sushi restaurants go for atmosphere or uniqueness, but fail to provide quality. Zushi Puzzle has the quality to gain a solid clientel

Pros: Excellent Sushi, Great Chef, Good Prices

Cons: Ok Ambience

Posted 12/09/02

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