Saru Handroll Bar — Restaurant in San Francisco

This is a SCAM. There were red flags upon the moment we walked in, but we decided to stay in hopes that the meal would make up for it. It did not and we walked out halfway through the omakase. DO NOT BELIEVE THE MICHELIN STAR, it was awarded before the 7-month remodel. I am currently contacting the Michelin Guide to get this star removed and the restaurant re-reviewed.

The service staff were unprofessional, clumsy, and awkward. The kitchen was full of staff just standing there. The place was half empty.

The food was HORRENDOUS. Nothing tasted fresh, everything was bland and tasteless. The first two courses had ingredients that seemed to be sourced from Costco, with horrible quality octopus, shrimp, and vegetables. The sake was served in a wineglass at room temperature.

The first sushi course sealed the deal. The fish was doused in soy sauce, presumably to cover up the lack of flavor and freshness. Whatever flavor did cut through seemed comparable to an all you can eat sushi place. The restaurant tried to pass of fake wasabi as freshly ground wasabi root. The a la carte supplemental menu had outrageous prices for fish that was not sourced from Japan.

I have never left a restaurant halfway through dinner and have never been compelled to write a negative review. Regrettably, the restaurant did not live up to expectations...

Love the interior design and the concept is unique.

walk-ins only: it went pretty fast for those who were in groups of 2, but longer for bigger groups. Also, I went on a Tuesday very late in the evening. It is located on a street full of bars/rest, so easy to pop somewhere else while you are waiting.

miso soup: mediocre, I had maybe 2-3 pieces of tofu and seaweed in my soup and mainly was drinking lots of water, which was a let down. Flavor was okay.

monuku: cold slimy seaweed app dish, interesting and fresh flavors, but not my cup of tea; def order one to share just to try something new

opted for 4-hand roll set, which in hindsight I wished we ordered it a La carte since some of the rolls in the set was a let down or okay;

shrimp tempura = the best!! fatty tuna = great flavor, also a fan!

salmon roll = fresh, but lil amount of salmon and not much to it cucumber & plum = least fav, the cucumber was very cold and the plum left a very sour/bitter after taste

overall, still happy we came to check it out, the hand rolls is the best out of the whole menu, would rec ordering a la carte. wish they implement a reservation system, prob would only order pick up. Don’t think it’s worth the wait the second...

Saru Handroll Bar is an absolute gem! I absolutely love this place – it’s amazing and truly wonderful. From the moment I walked in, the space felt cool and inviting. It’s big enough to feel comfortable and offers a relaxed vibe, perfect for sitting down with friends and enjoying good food and great conversation.🤩🤩🤩

The food here is incredible. I’ve tried a variety of items on the menu, and everything exceeded my expectations. The handrolls, in particular, are a standout. The rice is warm, perfectly seasoned, and easily the best I’ve had in San Francisco – it adds a whole new level of flavor to the handrolls. The salmon handroll is my favorite! The fish is cut beautifully, with small, tender pieces that are full of flavor. Each bite was perfection.🥳🥳🥳

The soup is another highlight. It’s not overly salty, just balanced and comforting. I couldn’t resist finishing the entire bowl. There are still so many other dishes on the menu that I can’t wait to try, and I know they’ll be just as fantastic.🥰🥰🥰

If you’re looking for a place with exceptional food, a relaxed atmosphere, and top-notch service, Saru Handroll Bar is it. Highly recommended – I’ll definitely be coming back...