Kibatsu - Review - Lower Haight - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"This sushi spot gives off serious wood cabin vibes with mahogany tables and floors, and a bear skin couch—so it’s a perfect date spot, especially if you’re looking to assess what aesthetic your date is into as you begin planning a life together. Once you've had your turn waiting on that bear skin couch for a table, standard nigiri, sashimi, and maki that hit in the right way will arrive. They also do more inventive takes on sashimi that are worth your time under the “new style” section of the menu—think albacore tataki coated with crispy onions or a torched walu with yuzu osho. The best things here are the unagi dishes, especially the dragon roll, which will literally turn heads thanks to massive pieces of torched unagi, shrimp tempura, and avocado. Food Rundown Dragon Roll This massive roll of unagi, shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado made our heart grow. It’s the perfect amount of fatty, crunchy, and savory, and is a highlight of the meal. Get this on your table. photo credit: Melissa Zink Nigiri The nigiri is all super high quality fatty fish. Some of our favorites include the slightly charred toro, unagi, and ikura. photo credit: Melissa Zink Albacore Tataki Just the fatty part of the albacore is served with crispy onions on top. This is one of their so-called “new style” sashimi, but it’s really just tataki with onions. photo credit: Melissa Zink Walu Tempura The battered, fried fish is a heavier contrast to the lighter things on the menu. If you’re in a group, this dish is a fun addition since its shareable. But stick to the nigiri and sashimi if you’re dining with just one or two other people—they’re just better. photo credit: Melissa Zink" - Ricky Rodriguez