Sushi Groove South
1916 Hyde Street, San Francisco
Tel: 415 440 1905
Designer sushi in Russian Hill! Sushi with attitude, dress appropriately and make sure you make a rezzie or you'll be waiting for quite some time as this super-popular sushi joint on a tree-lined block of Hyde Street. Fortunately for us all, Martel and Nebiel also opened up a teensy, dark wine bar just a couple of doors up the block where you can sink into the deliciously low leather couches and sip on a drink all the while dreaming of the creative rolls you'll soon tuck into.
Sushi Groove/The Original (Sushi Groove South is in SOMA and was later opened by Martel and Nebiel) has a fantastic selection of salads to kick the meal off with. And unlike so many sushi restaurants, the kitchen is most generous with the pile of seaweed salad. Doc Sushi ordered enough for a small army, and we grazed through plates of nigiri, sashimi and a couple of ho-hum rolls. The fish was fresh, and as I watched my dinner companions frequently lose concentration on our conversation and food, the clientele was equally fresh. For those who don't want the commitment of a table, there's a bar seating at the back of the restaurant that is ususally full.
J and I went back recently for another dinner visit and we weren't disappointed. For those who are a little scared of raw, raw fish shivering on a blob of rice (ie. your out of town guests), the menu has brilliant choice of other tempting dishes.
Sushi Groove is a much better option than Blowfish if you're looking for the hip sushi experience. Good date night choice.
Parking is lousy. Best to valet down at Alhambra gym. Or walk. You can catch a cab easily home from down on Polk Street.
Updated September 2005
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