Ariake

Back when I still lived in SF, my Japanese friend Marna had tried to get me to go here for years. I should have trusted her long before I finally did, but she got me to go there 4 years ago. I've gone to maybe one other Sushi restaurant since, and I only went once. It was like sleeping with an army blanket after having a down comforter.

Now that I live in Walnut Creek, I will still save my sushi cravings until I'm going into the City. I have a sushi place a mile from my new home, and it's ok, but after Ariake, no way, not even close; I always leave disappointed. My best friend visits me from Montana at least once a year, and she only has one demand every time: we have to go to Ariake at least once.

The fish is the freshest I have ever had, Jin, the owner and sushi chef gets amazing special fishes all the time, in addition to the usual suspects on the menu. I've never had anything there that I didn't absolutely love. Jin has remembered my name from my first visit on (even my best friend's name, who he only sees once a year), and he always has a perfect idea for something new for us to try.

Jin's wife runs the kitchen in the back and makes some of the best tempura I've ever had. Whether you're craving hot or cold, cooked or raw, this is the place to go for Japanese food.

Pros: The food, the service, easy parking (by SF standards)

Cons: I can't afford to eat there every day.

I went to his place on a guys night out. We were celebrating so we asked for the chefs special. It was awesome, however very pricey. We ordered anexpensive bottle of saki which was as good as I have ever tasted. go here it was fun!

Ariake has great sushi. Hands down. In regards to the prior reviewer?s reference to the owner?s nationality and faith, I don?t get it. If you happen to be a snob in need of high prices, a long wait to be seated, and pretentious ambience, then this won?t be the place for you. If however you love great sushi, in a comfortable setting, with good people, I strongly recommend Ariake. For example, the Toro is always in perfect balance, never tough or sinewy. The Hamachi? Like butter. And the Santa Barbra Uni is always fresh and firm. I also appreciate the fact they serve Otokoyama sake. A high quality, dry junmai from Hokkaido at only $8 a glass.

Pros: Great food and service. They go out of their way to you feel welcome.

Cons: Parking on Geary. Weekend prime hours can be very busy.

Good sushi? Im going to have to disagree. First off the chef. Whats up with him naming all his rolls/combinations with super christian names? the "god bless you roll" or the "dont commit any sins or your going to he*l roll?" I just made those names up by the way, but seriously, the guys a hardcore christian.
I dont like the fact that the chef and the whole wait staff was korean. As my headline says, its just wrong.
The food was nothing special. I could find plenty of other restaurants as good or better than this place.
I would definitely not go here. dont waste your money.

Pros: looks like a nice little authentic place.....

Cons: until you go in.

This is my favorite sushi restaurant in town. Kabuto is right near it and may have more inventive sushi, bit this place is reasonable and super fresh. We feel lucky to live right near it.

It started off with a party of 5 being seated at a table for 4, leaving one person seated at one end, partially blocking a narrow walkway-even though we had made a reservation. Then the sashimi was served, with a large piece of bone still attached-not appetizing and definitely not safe! Luckily, the person didn't swallow the piece. Service was slow and definitely not attentive-had to ask for water several times and waitress neglected to pour for everyone on the table. We had asked the waitress for some japanese chili pepper which was never served. It was a disappointing evening as I had made a reservation based on the good reviews that I had read. I'll never go back.

Cons: Poor service

Great place to get a good bit of sushi. The owner and all the employees always happy to see you. The sushi was the first sushi I tasted and haven't found any as good

Pros: sushi, people, wait

Couldn't agree more. Screw the Sushi Zone two-hour-wait, get in your car and drive out to Ariake for the best fish. The decor is sort of boring and I wouldn't mind if they dimmed the lights a little, but the fish is mind-blowing and the stuff on the "specials" board is actually 'special' and not just stuff they've got to move. Try the tuna tatake, albacore and uni.

If you are looking for the freshest sushi, friendliest service and that extra personal touch, this is the place! I have been a sushi lover for years. I have not known great sushi until I came to Ariake. The owner Jin and his partner Eric are the nicest people around. They remembered my name after only one visit! It is this kind of personal touch that makes Ariake special. The prices are reasonable and the food is spetacular. I would not go anywhere else for sushi.

Freshest sushi in the city, expertly prepared by master chef & proprietor, Jin. The live scallop is divine; don't miss it if it's available. Also, I usually can't stand raw oysters, but I actually enjoyed this dish at Ariake. What a difference quality ingredients make. Attentive & friendly service. Better sushi than Ebisu, without the wait. Atmosphere is less lively, though, if that's what you're looking for.

Pros: Fresh ingredients, Excellent specials, Not crowded