Murasaki Sushi Bar

there is a reason why this guy has been in business for 28 years, and this place is always empty. i've tried it 4x now (mainly as a last resort because every other sushi place was booked) ... sushi is never fresh, kitchen food is inconsistent, & service is a joke. i can be somewhat empathetic to the language barrier (since i'm asian,) but the waitress has NEVER gotten an order right, and it does get extremely annoying after awhile. for the ridiculous price of their food, there are SO many other mediocre places you could go in this town.

What to expect: Classic and traditional Tokyo-style sushi.

What not to expect: Trendy things like Caterpillar rolls or anything with Philly cream cheese (thank goodness!)

The sushi chef at Murasaki trained in Japan and came to San Francisco 20 years ago. So you're not going to get hip hand-rolls from somebody with a great hairstyle while listening to the latest J-Pop!

This is a great, small restaurant where the sushi chef does what he does, and it does it well! You may not have an extensive conversation with anyone here (unless you speak Japanese), but you will always get great, authentic sushi and tasty traditional Japanese cooked dishes.

This restaurant has been here a long time. It's not new, doesn't have the latest decor, and is fashionable only with people that like really good, authentic sushi. If that sounds good, then come close your eyes and pretend you're in Japan. Try something different from the specials menu, or just enjoy the great fish that's well prepared.

Good sake and beer selection, including some that aren't listed on the menu, like Asahi Black beer and Utatane sake -- buy the whole bottle and drink it with friends!

I've eaten at smaller sushi places, but this place has some of the best sushi anywhere. And the traditional japanese food is delicious, too.

This place is not really 'Americanized', so think of going there as entering a little bit of Japan. You may not understand what's happening all the time, but the experience is very pleasant if you're patient.

Don't forget to order off the specials menus for sushi and cooked food. And if you come back over and over again, be relentless about uncovering all the treats on the menu and the drink selection, including the stuff that's not written down anywhere.

This place has a family-run feel to it, so the service is friendly but sometimes slow. Just order a lot of individual dishes and go with the flow.

Favorite dishes: Unagi-nigiri / White Tuna or Katsuo Tataki (sashimi-style sliced fish served in a bowl with ponzu sauce and garnishes)

This restaurant is all about the taste of the food, and its excellent. At first glance, Murasaki might look like just another local Clement street restaurant, but it is so much more. The Tokyo-trained chef uses high quality, fresh ingredients, and the dishes are delicious.

The focus is on traditional sushi and Japanese cooking. Recommended are the ikura (salmon roe) and the unagi, which is the best anywhere -- warm and moist, with just the right sauce on top. Other favorites include the sashimi platters and the crab salad.

Traditional cooked Japanese items are in the menu and posted on a specials board. Try the Yaki Nasu (grilled eggplant) or the grilled squid for an authentic experience. Look for other off-menu items, including drinks. Ask about beers like Asahi Kuronama (a kind of dark ale), and sakes -- our favorite is Kurobin (Black Bottle).

Weve been going to Murasaki for almost ten years, and it keeps getting better. The atmosphere is simple, so if youre looking for a cool environment or trendy dishes, try elsewhere. But if you want high quality sushi, and appreciate the understated presentation of traditional Japanese cuisine, then this is the place to go.

Open everyday, so this restaurant is great on weeknights. Can get busy on weekends, so make a reservation between 7-9pm. Sometimes the service can be a little slow, or the dishes come out at an uneven pace, like sushi before cooked appetizers. The mostly Japanese staff are always kind but can be a little reserved, so be sure to ask if you have questions or need attention. Let them know that you're enjoying the food, and they will reciprocate with extra warmth.

Just down the street from Inner Richmond faves Q, Burma Super Star and Genki Mart (dessert crepes).

Great sushi from a small restaurant. The chef is from Japan and always has quality ingredients, so the sushi is delightful. This is a great place for people who love genuine sushi and dont need trendy experience. Be sure to check out the posted special items, which include many traditional Japanese cooked dishes. Busy on weekends but usually not crowded on weeknights. Try going Sunday through Thursday for a relaxed experience.