Kuma on Valencia

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:ChirashiMasu toro (we ordered more!)Fried mushrooms

Avoid the rolls with walu! Ate at Kuma last night -- and literally feel like I have been poisoned. I eat sushi all the time but never an allergic reaction like this. Turns out walu is a fish that is known to make people sick -- and was on all of our rolls! It is banned in Japan. Lesson learned!Taste-wise, sushi was okay but not great.

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.

Kuma might be my favorite sushi spot in SF! The food was absolutely delish. The tuna wings were insane lol I felt like a feral beast while eating them. The service was solid, the staff were very accommodating with my free but and avocado allergy. Plus, the ambiance was lovely. What a well decorated spot!

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.

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.

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.

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 saucesNow 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 ToroHamachi Ponzo - LIKE BUTTER - get this Hey Girl - I had no cucumber and it was one of the best and freshest rolls2 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!

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