Kuma on Valencia

Overall had a great sushi experience here. We made same-day reservations for a double date at 8pm. We shared the chef’s picks of sashimi and enjoyed many of the cuts of fish. Also had hot sake and wine. Everything was good, but nothing blew us away. Quite expensive. Clean with attentive servers and picturesque plating.

I was craving sushi on a weekday and came to Kuma. Man, the food was everything I wanted, needed and craved. I had the Kuma Salad, Miso Soup, Kama, and LOTS of sushi. What I appreciate about Kuma on top of the high quality food, is the atmosphere. Highly recommend (but like.... only to the people I like cuz its such a good spot). 11/10.

Cute place to catch up with friends (since it can take some time for food to be made). I really liked my standard chirashi bowl - it was high quality! but it was a little pricey ($54) and took about 30 minutes.

I've had better Sushi but this was absolutely high level. I had a select Chirashi Bowl and she had 8 pieces of chefs choice nigiri. We had tap water to drink and a tofu appetizer. $168 after tip. So I felt a bit shaken down. I was hoping it would be that ridiculous high level that you never forget. This was just high level but not full tilt world class.. parking was a PITA.. but it is everywhere pretty much. Not sure I'd return.. I'd look for a more traditional place in Japan Town next time.

As a sushi lover with significant experience in chirashi and uni, particularly from Asia, I was absolutely disappointed with the quality of the uni on its chirashi bowl at this restaurant. It had an extremely unpleasant taste and texture, which left both me and my partner feeling unwell. When we brought this to the attention of the wait staff, the initial response was indifferent—no acknowledgment or apology, just a simple "Oh, it’s bad? Ok." We were told the kitchen would prepare something else, but after waiting over 30 minutes with no update, another staff member checked in. When we explained the issue again, the response was dismissive: "That’s weird. We’ve been serving it all night." We ended up asking for the check without waiting any longer, and they deducted what they thought to be the cost of uni($15) from the total amount. Overall, the lack of concern from the staff and the poor handling of the situation made for a very disappointing experience. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this restaurant, particularly for those who value food safety and attentive service.

A lovely sushi place. My friend and I shared a few nigiri and rolls. The servers were really helpful in recommending things that are fresh and also high protein. Specific commendations to the Hokkaido uni, torched amberjack, and torched scallops. They were fresh, tasty, and I can still imagine the flavours now while closing my eyes.

Takeout review: the hey girl and jackalope rolls were so good. Incredibly well done, fresh fish, and some of the best sushi I’ve had in the area. Seriously loved it and will go back in person.

I enjoyed the chef's choice—it was well-designed with layers of flavors that made each bite interesting. The server also did a great job explaining the order in which to eat the sushi, which enhanced the experience. However, I was surprised to find a fish bone in one piece of sushi, especially at such a pricey restaurant. On a positive note, the atmosphere and decor were amazing, making it a nice place to dine overall.

I'm still dreaming about the incredible sushi I had at Kuma! The rolls were truly exceptional - creative combinations, fresh ingredients, and perfect execution. The chirashi was also a highlight, with a generous serving of sashimi-grade fish over a bed of flavorful nisihki rice and wild grains. I appreciated the hot tea refills as we enjoyed our meal. The restaurant had a warm and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a day / night out with friends or a date. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, happily answering our questions about the menu and making great recommendations. Thanks, Kuma! Recommend: Chirashi Masu toro (we ordered more!) Fried mushrooms

Gosh I really wanted to love this place. Everyone has been recommending it to me because I love Japanese food, but it just did not hit and it's so pricey for what it is. I came here to celebrate new years. We got two teas, deluxe chirashi bowl, hey girl roll (shrimp tempura), and great balls of fire. The pros: fish is so fresh, the ambiance is modern and super clean with lots of natural light, and food service is efficient. The cons: nothing really stands out. Everything tastes like what I can get at another great Japanese place but cheaper. I'd love if they could add plum to the rice, or perhaps use a flatter plate for the chirashi to spread the fish out and then recommend an order of enjoying the sashimi. The roll could have used some citrus like a lemon or yuzu too. The portions were super small and everything was priced high. We literally went to another restaurant down the road for a katsu sandwich to feel satisfied with our meal. The service was also lackluster; the waitress wasn't very friendly and unhelpful when I asked questions about the menu. I don't think I'll be back since there are so many Japanese places on Valencia. I'm ngl, don't be mad at me guys, but I'm not sure if this place is worth the hype.

Amazing quality sushi for a reasonable price! My review is for Kuma's takeout service as I ordered my food via their website. First off, the order experience was easy and seamless; you directly order off of the restaurant's Toast system. My order was fulfilled within the time promised in the website and was packaged beautifully -- see photos for proof! For my order, I got the chirashi bowl! For $59 you get various cuts of sashimi (I believe 8 types!) that are high quality. Each piece was buttery and fresh -- you could tell they put quality ingredients into their dishes as there was no fishy taste or smell from the fish. I highly recommend Kuma if you are looking for quality Japanese food for a decent price!

This is my second time going to Kuma at this location and it's my favorite upper end sushi place! Gotten the chefs choice nigiri twice and loved it both times. The service is great. The ambiance is perfect for a date night, whether it is table or bar. Would recommend for smaller group or pair dining.

Kuma will always be my favorite sushi spot in the city. It was my first time eating at this location, but I enjoy the natural lighting & ambiance of this location. There's a lot more space, plus, the painting of the bathroom is beautiful!! The waiter was really nice, so friendly and easy to talk to. I've never had bad service at Kuma, and this was no different. Since the sushi is in the more expensive side, I do appreciate how much they care about the service. The tango roll is my go-to & favorite. It has the kick of mango, tangy ness from sauce on top & delicious trout that melts in your mouth. We tried the barley taps which tastes like a spring roll in your mouth, very refreshing! Probably because of the hint of mint that I could taste along with cucumbers in the roll. The fox roll was my least favorite of the three, maybe because the roll had cooked salmon inside, and I typically prefer raw fish inside sushi rolls. It was still good and unique, but I'd opt in for another roll with raw fish next time. The karaage is my favorite fried octopus i've never had. The way they make the calamari dish here is so unique, the batter is delicious and you get the entire tiny octopus in each bite. Seriously nothing else like it, I always get the karaage when i'm at a Kuma. The finish up the whole meal, I loved the candy that you get on the way out. It's very quality japanese candy, and the green tea one I had was the perfect end to a great meal. It tastes like green tea ice cream, minus the coldness.

Living in Japan for three years allowed me to savor some of the best sushi, and this restaurant reflects my time there in the States, holding a special place in my heart. During our visit, we indulged in two appetizers: the refreshing seaweed salad and the flavorful iidako, both set a promising tone for the meal. My husband and I shared the hey girl roll, a delightful fusion of flavors, and the omakase eight-piece, a diverse platter that showcased the chef's expertise. Contrary to some reviews, the price point here is justified by the exceptional freshness of their fish. Although we were tempted, hunger got the best of us, leading us to skip dessert in favor of the tango roll and the half-baked roll, a personal favorite that surpassed all expectations. The servers, many of whom speak Japanese, added a touch of authenticity to the dining experience, as did the cypress construction all around us, which felt like a modern take on a traditional sushi bar. This restaurant stands out as a genuine spot for sushi enthusiasts in a world obsessed with silly trends. If you're seeking an authentic taste of Japan, look no further than this fun sushi spot.

Winner Winner! I was looking for a fresh sushi place to eat with my friend before attending a concert at Chase Center. I am so happy I found this location! NOTE- Make a reservation online - resy It was a beautiful and small location. So much detail in the setup and design of the restaurant its self. We sat at the sushi bar - which I always prefer. I love watching what they make. It usually helps me decide! We started with this special Furikaka edamame - was a little dry, I prefer chili garlic oil sauces Now the stars... the fresh fish! I swear If I had the room, I would order more and more! The three of us shared the following: 3 orders of nigiri - Hon Maguro, Sake, Ho Chu Toro Hamachi Ponzo - LIKE BUTTER - get this Hey Girl - I had no cucumber and it was one of the best and freshest rolls 2 golden warrior rolls - light and refreshing The service was average, but everyone was truly nice. I will be returning to try more things on the menu!

This is my favorite casual sushi spot in the city! I stumbled across the Polk street location since it was one of the only ones open for lunch and was pleasantly surprised of the quality, so when the Valencia location opened I was thrilled to have one within a 10 minute walk of my place! I've tried all the spots in Hayes Valley, but nothing comes close to Kuma. It's a small, but modern space and very simple to make a reservation day of when you're craving sushi. They have bar seating and a few tables, so it's best for small groups. Extensive menu that changes depending on what's fresh and available. They'll even take the time to label menu items with your allergens if you tell them your restrictions. It's always been easy for me to avoid gluten or egg. I always get some nigiri and their house salad is so good and creamy with kale, seaweed, cucumber and tofu dressing. If you're coming with a few people, or are extra hungry, I also recommend their build your own handroll appetizer with whatever cut of fish they have that day. It's usually pretty big, so I usually have to resist if I'm there in just a group of two and want to still have room for other things. I don't think I've ever tried their sake selection, but I will have to next time I'm there for dinner!

2.5/5 I have no idea what my friend and I spent $120 on. ok yes I know what I ordered but I was not amazed or content with it. I found this place on Tiktok as a new sushi place in SF so my friend and I decided to try it out. The place is more upscale with a woody Japanese aesthetic. They're a smaller place with limited booths and a barstool area in front of the chefs. The vibes are date night! - Ama Ebi ($14) - (3/5) Nothing special stood out to me - Chirashi ($54) - (3/5) Nothing special stood out to me - Salmon Avocado ($11) + Barley Taps ($18) - (2/5) All of the rolls were falling apart and portions were so SMALL; the lemon slices in the salmon avocado were so prevalent that it threw the entire roll off I love how their special rolls are named after the restaurants/shops around them: really adds to the SF vibe. This is probably intended but this place does a lot of non-traditional roll additions like asparagus or almonds or eggplant. Personally, not a vibe for me but if you're more adventurous, this may be the place for you. The waiters were nice but seemed disappointed and egged us to order more because we only ordered 2 rolls and the Ama Ebi at first. Overall, meh. I wouldn't come back.

One of the best sushi I've tried. Each piece of nigiri I had did not miss. Zeitgeist roll was superb. Everything was so buttery & fresh. Definitely coming back!

The menu is very inviting and items are well priced. The rolls are so interesting and the fish is clearly fresh. Also was my first time getting a chirashi bowl and it had so many great pieces of salmon and tuna. Nothing can go wrong here!

Ate at Kuma on a Friday for lunch and we were seated right away at a booth next to the window; we were the only ones in the restaurant until another couple showed up a little while later. The restaurant is open and airy inside with beautiful wood details. Service was good. We ordered a variety of nigiris including a couple of the specials. The fish was delicious and the artic char was our favorite. We also ordered the half baked and great balls of fire. The half baked was really good but the great balls of fire was not what we were expecting and seemed a little overdone. Overall we really enjoyed our lunch but it was on the pricier side given the portion sizes, especially for the great balls of fire small plate. Regardless, we will be back to try more dishes as we really enjoyed the vibe and creative menu selections.

Absolutely incredible - Chef Israel and Alexa provided world class service. My seat at the sushi bar was prepped specifically to my liking before I arrived (I love Nigiri). And the fish was out of this world. By far the highlight was how I gave them a price point right away and my omakase was tailored deftly to my tastes. Try this place out, just do it!

An incredible meal. We made a reservation and noted celiac disease as dietary restriction. When we arrived, the waiter brought over a menu with items that were GF or able to be modified and there were plenty of options. He also recommended the chirachi bowl and it was outstanding- the fish was so fresh and delicious! The service and food are a 5 star experience. Would eat here several nights a week if we didn't live on the east coast.

Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: Casual, contemporary and modern feel Came for lunch on a Tuesday. No wait. Ordered sake belly, otoro, anago eel, shisito peppers, half baked, spicy tuna, and rainbow roll. Fish tasted real fresh. The otoro was very, very good and soft/melted in your mouth. The shishito peppers were some of the better ones. The half baked roll is not as saucy and creamy if you prefer that. Could pass on the spicy tuna roll. Would definitely come back.

I finally made it inside! Lol I'm only in the Bay a few times a year so it was my first time visiting the actual location. I immediately loved the bright ambiance with the huge windows bringing in natural light and the colorful decor plus the natural art (moss art) and I was telling the owner that not only is my tummy happy [I also have gone to their location in the Tenderloin] but the light playful nature of the decor makes me even happier to be here. Today I had a miso soup and two hand rolls as a light lunch. The presentation was perfect and the chefs were so friendly. I was eating alone but it felt like I was eating with friends

Great sushi! Its an upscale, modern sushi place, with a good mixture of traditional nigiri and dishes, as well as more Americanized rolls. Nigiri/Sashimi tastings were about $50 and feature a decent selection of fish, all very fresh with good flavor. Interestingly on this last trip, the sashimi tasting had chutoro, while the nigiri tasting did not. Price came out to around $100 per person, which I think is about the new norm for quality sushi, before you need to be ordering omakase. Service was solid and attentive. Would suggest booking reservations since the place does fill up on a Friday and Saturday. Also, parking is tough in the area.

Sometimes you're just craving Chirashi and I can say that this one hits the spot. Got this for takeout and the packing is also very cute.

Kuma is amazing and has the BEST shrimp roll ever! One of my go-to spots now for sushi!

I eat a lot of omakase to the protest of my bank account so it's wonderful to have a "casual, approachable, affordable" weeknight go-to. Kuma fits all the boxes of delicious and not a set menu of $150+ pp 10 seat bar. The rice: temperate, well seasoned, and not mushy. The fish: fresh, varied, and prepared in front of you. The flair: I found that a few pieces had too much wasabi for my liking or yuzu kosho was used too often. I love yuzu kosho though, so it's not a huge complaint. Nothing too innovative or wild but just different enough to bring a omakase newbie to dip their toes in the water. I always get the 8 piece omakase and add-on extras at the end. If the tuna wing is available, it is a MUST order. I heard the chef here previously worked Saru Sushi Bar. Want sushi on a smaller budget on a Wednesday? Come here to Kuma. Sit at the bar. Try the fancy rare sakes.

Me and my friends arrived without reservations and the restaurant was empty. There were a ton of seats available for the 3 of us and they were unwilling to accommodate us at 5:45pm because other parties were supposedly coming. This didn't make sense especially after the server looked at my friend then checked her screen. This was my first time coming here and after this I won't come back.

The food was delicious! We had a few rolls, I highly recommend anything with jicama in it. It's crazy bc the rolls range from like 7 dollars to 20 something. We also had ube and mango ice cream, and the ube one had these nice soft chunks in them. The waitresses were sweet and even dressed up for halloween (I appreciated that). The only thing I would want to add is bigger portions of course, and maybe a more well lit environment.

Perfect delivery experience! I haven't found a sushi place I love for delivery until today. Ordered through door dash and my order arrived quickly and super fresh. warm items were warm and cold were cold. They included adorable stickers, japanese hard candies, plus each item was wrapped beautifully with origami paper which lead to the whole family doing papercraft for dessert! Edamame was fresh and actually a decent price. I'm seeing $12 edamame these days and going WHHHHHHAAA?? My 4 year old will eat her body weight in salmon and she raved about the fresh sake sashimi (I did not get any) The Ebi tempura roll and California rolls made with real crab were gobbled up fast. But the Fresca roll was the crowd favorite. Pineapple in a roll sounds crazy but it was just a total treat. I normally stay away from spicy tuna because I feel like the spice can mask a lack of freshness in the fish but this was clearly fresh and delicious. The sweet potato roll was a delightful veggie option! Can't wait to go in person. Very impressed.

3.5 STARS Can't stop won't stop... No matter how many boba shops and sushi restos there are in the city, there seems to be a new one opening up every couple of weeks. Opening last Friday is the second location of Kuma. So, what makes Kuma on Valencia different than your typical neighborhood sushi joint with pages of saucy American rolls? They source a wider range of globally sourced fish and seafood. And, they partner with True Sake (Hayes Valley) so rare sakes can be found here. Kuma on Valencia is open for takeout and dine-in with delivery to come. No outdoor seating. M E N U Starters, salads, small plates, maki rolls, sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, chirashi, and dessert (mitchell's ice cream). No teriyaki, bento, ramen, udon, etc. Rotating daily menu for sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. Beer and sake only. N I G I R I T A S T I N G Chef's Choice (8 pc - $48) --Requested less rice * Complimentary Kani & Sunomono Salad: https://tinyurl.com/3nu7ks6r A bed of lightly vinegared slices of cucumber topped with fresh crab. Refreshing and a nice way to open up the palate. * Engawa: Halibut * Akami: Big Eye Tuna topper w/ toro * Kanpachi: Amberjack * Masu Toro: Ocean Trout Belly * Hirame: Fluke * Hamachi: Yellowtail * Aji: Horse Mackerel * Chu-Toro: Blue Fin Tuna Outer Belly Cut View 1: https://tinyurl.com/24fj9ryu View 2: https://tinyurl.com/5yzy89ce Starting with the shari, the sushi rice had the proper room temp and texture where you can feel the individual grains and kept its structure when picking up. However, it was quite underseasoned for my preference. I usually don't use soy sauce for nigiri but I contemplated doing so. All the neta were fresh, adorned with different sauces and garnishes (kazumi wasabi, ginger, scallion, citrus zest etc). The Akami (big eye tuna) + Aji (horse mackerel) were my favs: https://tinyurl.com/3fhmnhtu, as they had the best fish:rice ratio so you can taste the smooth, meaty butteryness. Others slices were quite thin compared to the rice pad. E X T R A S Unfortunately, the three extra nigiri pieces I ordered were disappointing. * Ankimo: Monkfish Liver ($7/piece): https://tinyurl.com/2p93dfdb The end piece of the ankimo was on the dry and crumbly side, not your decadent foie of the sea. * Hokkaido Uni: Sea Urchin ($12/piece): https://tinyurl.com/y7navp5d The chefs were tasting a newly delivered box. I decided to order a piece, thinking it was coming from the same box. The uni was pulled from another half-filled box (understandable) and unfortunately, had a bitter aftertaste. * Kama Toro: Bluefin Tuna Premium Belly Cut ($13/piece): https://tinyurl.com/49u666pr Thin and sinewy with jagged edges. Not melt-in-your mouth. So sad. S E R V I C E Kind and efficient. I was able to have a quick 30 minute lunch. A M B I A N C E Sleek and contemporary (you can smell the newness) with 14 seats at the sushi bar (yay for regular chairs, not stools), three tables, and two booths. P A R K I N G Very difficult street parking so Uber/Lyft it here. Nearest parking lot is on 14th btw. Valencia & Mission; $25 flat fee. Overall, I really liked the original Kuma but my experience was kinda a hit and miss here. They're brand new tho and maybe your experience will depend on the sushi chef. Since it's close to work, I'll need to give their deluxe chirashi a try next time.

I was on the hunt for a takeout chirashi bowl in the Mission and thought I'd give this new spot a try. Given the steep $54 price, I figured this would be a one-and-done deal; but unfortunately for my wallet, the food here was absolutely incredible and reminded me what great sushi is actually supposed to taste like. My box was packaged up like a little present and laid out with the artistry of a floral arrangement. Every bite of fish was a revelation: perfect flavor, texture, and temperature, easily ranking among the best sushi I've ever had. The purple rice was beautiful and delicious, and there was even a little pamphlet describing the origins of each fish in the box. The price is high, but I'd swap two ordinary chirashi bowls for this marvelous meal without hesitation. It was a sheer sensory delight that made the rest of my day brighter, and I will definitely be coming back for more!

Beautiful interior, great service, and tasty nigiri. Did the chef's choice of the nigiri dinner - 8 pieces all memorable. The latter 4 were tasty and bonus points sitting at the counter so you can see the chefs do their craft. Street parking around isn't too hard to find a spot, and this place is not one of those snobby places - super friendly and will definitely be back if we are in town!

Fabulous food and delicious sushi! The waitress is thoughtful and nice. The only complaint would be we waited around 20 mins between each course. I can understand it was busy hour but would love to hear the progress instead of getting "hangry" with my friend. The price wise is bit pricey but I would buy it for the quality.

Very busy and rightfully so. Superb sushi. I tried the special roll and was not disappointed. Amazing flavors and a unique and special ride with tastes and textures. I forget the exact name of the roll, but it was the purple roll special with eggplant and red rice. So good! Also got hamachi Nigri, another roll, and the "wings" which is fried and battered collar. Tender and delicious. Everything was amazing.

This is a vibey, semi-upscale sushi joint with some great bites and picture-perfect lighting. The restaurant itself is somewhat small, so be prepared for a wait. Staff are super friendly - if you're seated at the bar, the chefs can tell you even more about what you're about to eat. What to get: The food is great, and does in fact live up to the hype. I recommend the Chef's 8 Piece Nigiri Tasting, paired with an additional small plate (such as the iidako karaage). This place is relatively classic - nothing wildly experimental, but all familiar flavors made by people who care. The tuna wings aren't always available, but they're pretty good. Swap them out for a different small plate if you don't want to deal with fish bones, though! When to go: This is a great spot for a casual dinner date or more upscale lunch. Keep in mind it gets very busy on weekend evenings, so plan in advance! And if you can, take a seat at the bar at least once - it's a different experience and extra fun. It's in the Mission, so don't count on there being a ton of parking.

I saw Kuma on Valencia walking by one day and checked it out for lunch. We got the chawanmushi, a roll, sashimi, and tuna wings. Everything was fresh, melt in your mouth, and delicious. The chawanmushi came in the cutest little bowl/container. The tuna wings were tasty, unique, and not heavy or greasy. The sushi was all fresh and can't wait to come back again.

decent food but pricy for what it is. portions aren't great either. the ambiance is great though

This new location is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I absolutely loved their Hamachi Kama. Pair it with some Matcha Salt and it's just *chefs kiss*. They were a bit too busy the night I came and had to wait over 30 minutes for one baked roll BUT our server gave us free sake while we waited so I appreciated the attentiveness. I was also sat right at the sushi bar and it was fun interacting with the head chef. Definitely will come back and try the ventral fin!!!

What a gem! The sushi is unique and excellent. A perfect accord of tastes in every dish. I was skeptical about eggplant on a sushi roll but the textures and flavors blended so well! Red leaf lettuce in a sushi roll (ebi tempura roll)? again a hit! it adds a refreshing crisp. I'd also never had tuna dorsal fin (tuna wings) before and was a little scared and took ginger bites, but it was super fun to eat! Our waitress was very helpful in explaining the difference in the fattiness of the tuna toro. The head chef also made us feel welcome. I enjoyed watching the chefs from the bar perform their craft. Sake selection was also good. We went with the staff favorite (Hakuro Suishu), which is a great balance for us. As my boyfriend says, it's one of the best sushi places in the bay area. We'll be back!

This was our second visit to this place. We love the food here because the quality of the fish is simply amazing! Service is good and our sushi chef Armando was very sweet and he took the time to explain everything. We ordered the chef's choice sashimi and it was incredible! We will for sure be back

Great restaurant for a dinner date! The host at Kuma was so friendly and helpful; he gave me and my boyfriend free sake at the end of our meal. We had two rolls and several different nigiri. The fish was fresh, the appetizers are unique, and the ambiance was casual but modern. I would love to come here again.

So excited for Kuma's second location! This spot has all our usual favorites like Local Tofu, Sweet Potato Roll, and chef's choice nigiri. And it also has some new items like Tuna Wings which we have never seen before! The Tuna Wings were pretty big and served with a side of spiced mayo. On this visit, we also got the Kama which had another dipping sauce that was more savory and citrusy. It was fun to eat both side by side and try the different dipping sauces with each. They also have a new set of ceramic dish ware here and we learned that many of the pieces are made by the owner's wife! The seating here varies from their Polk St location. This spot has more small party tables with gorgeous wood dividers which create more privacy and intimacy. And it also has a longer sushi bar with table height chairs vs counter height. Something else that's fun is that it's located in a corner spot of a building and it has big sliding doors which I imagine will be fun to have the indoor/outdoor experience for those sunny SF days. Last but definitely not least, the service here is consistent with their first location. The full serving team was super attentive and took their time to answer questions about the menu + make recommendations. Everyone working the sushi counter was also very friendly and carried conversation with each guest seated from giving recommendations of other spots to eat in SF to light conversation to really get to know you. The warm energy was felt across the restaurant and genuinely created a neighborhood gem vibe. I wish I had taken more photos but we ate everything so fast, and the booth we were in was so intimate that we easily lost ourselves in catch up conversation with our friends. Would definitely recommend this spot as a weekly or monthly place to decompress with friends, or to take out visiting friends who want to get a feel for what genuine SF food culture and community is about.

Dont order the kama! it will take an easy 30min with no warning of how long its going to take if you do. (we cancelled) Other than that everything was ok, no wow really.

Some of the best sushi in SF! Everything we ordered was incredible, and Julia was amazing. I can't wait to come! If you're considering trying Kuma on Valencia you absolutely won't regret it.

I've been following Kuma since they were at their Polk location and this second spot doesn't miss as well. If you asked me what the best overall Sushi spot in the city would be, I would say Kuma sushi. The perfect balance of new ideas while honoring class techniques. Price for what you get is phenomenal. The sushi is prepared just as well and taste as incredible as always. They've done a good job of having a similar ambiance but the location has it's own feel. Service is phenomenal. Highly recommend this place for any occasion

Kuma is a relatively new addition to the upper Mission and I would say it's probably our new top sushi option. Service - The restaurant service is professional as expected. Sometimes it's a little hard to flag down the server since they are always busy, but in the times we've been they've all been friendly. Sitting at the bar, you can chat with some of the chefs. Ambiance - The space is beautiful and feels like a Japanese home. It is a little small, but the booths are cozy and it doesn't feel like you are squished. Food - I feel like I've been disappointed by many sushi spots in the city, so I was surprised how good Kuma was. For the price, you get a lot with the specialty rolls. Also their tofu app is amazing. Kuma is a really solid and affordable Japanese option in the Mission. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu

Great service and kind servers! We got the amazing nigiri tasting, chawanmushi, scallops and Temu sake! highly recommend! New favorite spot

I've heard so much about this place and finally went. By far the best sushi restaurant in SF. There are far too many sushi places and far too few good ones. This is absolutely the top of my list and I'm so glad I listened. Fresh fish, wide, very wide selection of seafood. All house made dressings, sauces, batter. How did I not hear about this place sooner?

The sushi is fresh and the service is good. My only complaint is the waiting time. I was quite hungry during the sushi.

I've been a frequent regular at Kuma's OG location on Polk for some time, and was excited to try their new spot on Valencia in the Mission. Ryo and Corey have done an amazing job creating a beautiful space with super high-quality, fresh fish and the best service in the Mission. This is the kind of place that makes a personal connection with you (this means you, Chewey!), remembers your "usual," and keeps you wanting more. They are my go-to for approachably-priced, yet elevated sushi (and really just sushi in general) and sake in the city, which is why I go to one or the other location 1-2x/week. Give them a try... you can thank me later. ;)

Exceptional quality and range of fish. Exquisite flavours. Great tea. Friendly chefs. This place is incredible and worth checking out. I had the Deluxe Chirashi bowl and it was almost too beautiful to eat. But when I did it was divine.

First off, the fact that this place has only been opened 3 weeks is mind blowing considering how put together they are on so many levels. Julia and Chewy were our servers and they were friendly, fast, & super helpful with the menu. We ordered seaweed salad to start which was the freshest I've ever had. Then we tried the fire balls and the yellowtail hamachi ponzu followed by the octopus karaage. All of them were fresh & perfectly seasoned. Their sauces are also very flavorful. Finally, we had the Hey Girl roll, the Saratoga roll, & the Tango roll. All of them were exploding with flavor & super fresh. The atmosphere is very welcoming & the ambiance is very quaint. Ryo is really doing something amazing here by adding a pop of excitement to the lower Mint Hill neighborhood & adding great value to Valencia St. We will definitely be back soon.

Love their sushi cause it's so fresh! Cory, the owner and sushi chef, knows how to take care of their customers. Plus his staff is amazing! Glad they opened up this second restaurant in the city!

My new favorite sushi, sashimi and sake place. Basics = all above board. Cleanliness, friendliness, knowledge of staff, ambiance, menu selection, easy to park and be seated. Food was fresh and delicious from the tuna toro to rolls as simple as the "hey girl". Simple, high quality products delivered perfectly in a timely manner and all very reasonably priced. I've never seen room temperature sake before and it was my fav. #mustgo

Really liked the food and ambiance here! I have been to both this one and the polk location. This one is a bit small so there is no real place to wait indoors however it is nice and cozy. Service was good and their sushi is unique!