Ebiko
Sushi takeaway · South of Market ·
Premium sushi to go, including omakase nigiri and rolls
Premium sushi to go, including omakase nigiri and rolls
"Ebiko is part of the city’s takeout sushi wave, and it’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The weekday-only counter-service spot is a simple operation: get in line, pick from the pre-boxed nigiri and rolls, and pay (though we encourage first perusing the Japanese snack shelves). Their omakase box comes with a set of seven nigiri, and at $16.99 apiece, it’s one of the best fresh fish deals you can get in SF." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Ebiko got its start in Oakland as a modest to-go sushi spot on Piedmont Avenue, but now the restaurant has leaped across the bridge with a new location in SoMa. Expect the same high-quality product as the original at wallet-friendly prices. There are rolls and nigiri available, but also some fun add-ons such as agedashi tofu or the mini uni don, a tiny bowl of rice with a pristine piece of uni on top and salmon roe." - Eater Staff
"The San Francisco location of Oakland takeout sushi spot Ebiko is finally here, serving pristine boxes of sushi to go. It’s part of a burgeoning takeout sushi moment here in the city, featuring sashimi, rolls, and more for under $20. Go with the omakase nigiri to get a sampling of the wares or a plate of inari (marinated tofu skin). Add on a Daifuku red bean mochi for dessert." - Dianne de Guzman
"For grab-and-go sushi in the Financial District, your only choice is Ebiko—and it’s a good one. The setup is fast and easy. There’s a refrigerated display case that’s constantly restocked by the staff with seven-piece daily omakase sets, aburi salmon nigiri, and various maki. Take what you want and pay (but not before perusing the large wire racks full of Japanese snacks and candies). While the presentation isn’t nearly that of upscale sushi spots in the neighborhood (we mean you, The Shota), the sushi is still delicious and costs a fraction of the price. The omakase set—the most expensive item on the menu—is $16.99. Don’t forget the free to-go cups of ginger and wasabi near the register." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"It’s not easy to find sushi in the Financial District, particularly a meal that doesn’t require forking over $300 for an omakase. But with Ebiko in the neighborhood, sushi is an affordable grab-and-go affair—you can get a couple rolls for less than $20. Like its original Oakland location, the FiDi spot’s set-up is simple. Just choose whatever you want from the refrigerated display case and be on your way (also grab a bag or two of the Japanese rice crackers). You’ll mostly find the to-go boxes filled with single-serving maki and rolls, but if you see the seven-piece omakase set or the salmon aburi, nab them before anyone else can. The fish tastes fresh and the salmon is tender with a smoky char. Feel free to skip the inari, though. They’re small, and the skin is tough. For the risk-averse, order ahead online and check in with the staff when you get there. Don’t forget the complimentary cups of pickled ginger and wasabi and packets of soy sauce near the register. Food Rundown Omakase The most expensive item on the menu at $16.99. This seven-piece nigiri set is a must if you’re lucky enough to find it in the display case (if you don’t, ask a staff member to see if they can make one for you). The selection changes daily, but we’ve been consistently happy with the thick slices of toro and scallop, and the hefty scoops of ikura. Aburi Salmon The slices of salmon are torched, making every piece smoky and slightly flaky. It’s delicious, but with five nigiri to a set, you may want to grab another roll to round out a meal. Inari Leave these in the case. These tofu pockets are teeny and the aburaage are too chewy. Maki There’s a tight list of rolls at Ebiko, including California, spicy tuna and salmon, and tekka maki. They’re all solid, come with at least eight pieces, and are less than $10. None will turn your day around, but it’s one of the most affordable and delicious lunch options on this stretch of Mission." - Patrick Wong
