Ozumo

Great food and crowd, always a good time. I like that there is a fun lounge area in addition to the more brightly lit restaurant area.

Ozumo Sushi is the total package for a night out. From an after work happy hour to a romantic evening with that special someone, Ozumo's ambiance certainly caters to San Fransisco's finest. There is a vibe in the air which promotes good times.

I was recently introduced to Ozumo's through a friend and was blown away with the sake selection and the amazing sushi. To top the experience off the owners even joined us for a quick drink. I'm hooked.

I'm happy to report that I was not disappointed at all in Ozumo. The online reviews and the Open Table reservation option made it win my vote. My husband and I went there for a romantic dinner to begin a romantic weekend in San Francisco, and it set the tone. The food was delicious. The variety they offer, including sushi, small plates, entrees, local produce specials, salads and appetizers was wonderful. We decided we deserved a splurge since we're coming from the suburbs and thus tried things from most of the "genres." The best dish I had was the Kaisen Nuta, a plate of 5 mini sunomono salads covered with one of 5 types of sashimi, from hamachi to tako. My husband was pleasantly surprised to find that his favorite dish was the tuna nigiri; two pieces and he wanted more.
As for the atmosphere, the restaurant was uncrowded at 6 on a Friday, (we scored a table in the back with a great view), but the bar was busy and looked like fun. The decor was contemporary Asian, as others have reported, and it felt warm with a sophisticated touch. The sake menu was user friendly, although I didn't partake, having the passion fruit/lychee martini instead. Our server was sweet and just the right amount of attentive, and I believe she would have been even if it had been busier. The runners timed our plates well. I did see a family of six, but the kids were teenagers, and they would probably be the youngest patrons I'd recommend bringing. Many staff members greeted us on the way in and said "arigato" on the way out. I responded in kind, because I certainly meant it.
It is expensive, so be prepared to spend money. You don't have to try as many items as we did. For an impressive but reasonable date, try a couple small plates (they aren't too tiny), and go from there. We had a great time at Ozumo, and since I pretend I'm a foodie, I was very pleased with the experience.

Ozumo's is the best place for sushi - hands down! The food is amazing, the ambiance is hip, trendy, and sheek, and the service is unparalled. Ozumo's is the place to go if you want good sushi, variety, good saki selection. I've been there on dates and on girls night out, and also good sushi after a movie. My experiences have been nothing but perfect!

From the moment I walked into this exquisitely humble restaraunt I was greeted with a "hello", a head nod, a "welcome", or a japanese phrase by every single employee I crossed whether they were at a table or not. The staff has a way of making you feel very VIP from the valet to the manager retrieving our coat check. I've been a server in the Napa Valley for many years and have just moved to SF to continue in this industry. Restaraunts are a second nature to me, a home away from home. Being taken care of without knowing anyone to "hook it up" is exceptional and comforting.
The food: simply delicious. Although expensive and quaintly portioned, I enjoyed my entire meal. There were three of us, all in the industry.
The reason for the absence of my 5th star is the service we experienced. Our server, whose name was David, started out by asking if we had dined previously at Ozumo. After saying this was our first time he proceeded to tell us that they "kick a$$ here" and that he would "show us their a$$-kicking ways." This automatically tells me that he assumes that we are young and uninformed, and that perhaps we are a waste of a prime table. Throughout our meal, David was absent and seemed annoyed when he approached us. He made us feel like small children pulling on our father's coat jacket for attention although we are all in our mid twenties and asked for nothing in excess, just a couple of cocktail refills. While picking up our last plate, he said "the check then guys?" Ugh. One of my biggest pet peaves. First "guys" and then the mention of a check before our dinner even cleared. Once a credit card was run and signed we sat for approx. 3 min and he came by and swiped up the check presenter while we were still at the table. Not to mention, a table was seating right next to us, so it's not like he was trying to go home or anything.
Will I dine here again? Absolutely. But, I will make sure that next time I am not underestimated as a customer and restarauntuer.