Rachelle Rasmussen and her father Rod wait patiently for their sushi to be made as they share a lunch at Ebisu. When the food arrives, Rachelle digs in while Rod examines almost every inch of his Dragon roll.

“It has a light taste of onions and avocado,” he said. “It’s slightly sweet and refreshing, and, as usual, no sushi meal is complete without Sapporo beer.”

Young or old, people of all ages have become almost obsessed with sushi. Because of this interest in the cuisine, sushi bars and restaurants have emerged in all San Francisco neighborhoods, all offering basic and specialty types of sushi. It seems as if there is a sushi restaurant on every street corner, in each neighborhood.

Blowfish Sushi, located in Potrero Hill, is a wonderful way to experience sushi. The restaurant has a modern decor with minimal decoration. Small Japanese accents, such as small vases with Japanese characters on them, are carefully placed throughout the restaurant. But the overall decoration is one of simplicity. Dim lights and dark walls round out the youthful atmosphere and light, romantic ambience.

“This is a popular date destination,” said Heather Rosner, a waitress who has worked there on and off for a few years.

The food is delicious and the portions are substantial for the price, not to mention that each sushi order is prepared meticulously, so when it arrives, it is a treat for the eyes as well as the mouth.

Both Rosner, and chef Derek May, 23, highly recommend the Ritsu roll appetizer. The Ritsu roll is made with seared albacore tuna, avocado and fish eggs.
“It’s delicious!” May said.

Although there was good fun, great food and excellent service, given the atmosphere and ambience, the restaurant is not one geared towards families with young children. Ebisu, located on 9th Avenue, is smaller than Blowfish Sushi, but it seems to cater to people of all ages. Steve Fujii, owner of Ebisu, said people who came here as children now come as adults and bring their families to share the sushi experience.

Fujii also said Ebisu has many credentials labeling them as the best sushi in San Francisco. Numerous articles from the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as awards from Citysearch.com and Zagat’s
survey awards adorn the walls near the entrance — one of the first items seen in the restaurant.

While the sushi may be superb, according to Ebisu patron, Rachelle Rasmussen, the prices are reasonable for average portions.

Fujii said the most popular items on the menu are the Dragon and Caterpillar rolls.

“People like these because people tend to enjoy eel due to the sweetness and because of the sauce we put on them,” Fujii said. Ebisu does have delicious sushi and a jovial, family feel to it, but the environment is not as exciting, nor are the portions as big as at Blowfish Sushi.

Another popular destination among locals is Cocoro Sushi, located on Geary Boulevard in the Richmond District. Many of the employees know the regular patrons on a first name basis, as it has a community feel to it. According to Richmond resident Erik Salmonson, many locals eat at the restaurant.

The main seating area is the sushi bar with a few tables for intimate dining. The prices are average and the portions are moderate, but it is a nice, quiet spot where one can eat uninterrupted. Salmonson said it is generally quiet at Cocoro, but despite the continuous tranquil mood it generates, the place can get pretty wild when people want to sake-bomb.

“People were placing the sake on top of the beers, then pounding their fists on the tables,” Salmonson said. “Then, when the pounding stopped, everyone would drink. It was so much fun.”

Even though Ebisu is the place with the most credentials, the more entertaining place to go for sushi would be Blowfish. Their modern, youthful setting and delicious sushi make for a fun filled evening or a relaxed date destination.