Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Sushi/Sanraku
San Francisco · Sushi · a la carte

Sanraku

JapaneseSushiSashimiJapaneseJETRO Certified

Sanraku has been a reliable anchor of Japanese dining near Union Square since 1989, run by Japanese owner Hiro Hattori with Japan-trained chefs and JETRO certification for authentic Japanese cuisine. The lunch and dinner menu covers sushi, sashimi, and a broad selection of Japanese classics.

Price
¥¥
Area
Union Square
Since
1989
Owner
Hiro Hattori
Sanraku — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Union Square
Plate № 20
Editorial placeholder
About
Sanraku opened on Sutter Street in 1989 and has remained one of San Francisco's most consistent destinations for Japanese food over more than three decades. Owner-CEO Hiro Hattori, a Japanese chef himself, has built a team of Japan-trained chefs who maintain the JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) standard for authentic Japanese cooking — one of a small number of US restaurants to hold this certification. The menu runs the full breadth of Japanese dining: sushi and sashimi at the bar, plus teriyaki, tempura, noodles, and kitchen specials. The Union Square location makes it accessible to both tourists and locals, and the combination of value, quality, and reliability has kept Sanraku a neighborhood staple.
Neighborhood & visiting

Sanraku sits in Union Square, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • JETRO-certified authentic Japanese restaurant — one of a select few in the US — ensuring that Japan-trained culinary standards are upheld in every dish.
  • Over 35 years of continuous operation under the same Japanese ownership makes Sanraku one of SF's most trusted Japanese dining institutions.
  • A broad menu covering sushi, sashimi, tempura, and Japanese kitchen classics makes it ideal for groups with varying tastes.
  • The Union Square location offers convenient access for visitors staying in central San Francisco, with lunch and dinner service daily.

Sushi bar and table seating both available; reservations recommended for dinner. A second SF location exists at Metreon. — Format: Sushi bar and Japanese restaurant. Authenticity: Japanese owner-CEO Hiro Hattori has run Sanraku since 1989 with Japan-trained chefs; the restaurant holds JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) certification as an authentic Japanese restaurant.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →

More authentic sushi in San Francisco

Other authentic cuisines in San Francisco

Browse by cuisine in San Francisco:KaisekiTeppanyakiIzakayaYakitoriRamenDonburi

Authentic sushi in other cities

Frequently asked

About Sanraku

Is Sanraku an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Sanraku is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
Where is Sanraku located?
Sanraku is located at 704 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, San Francisco, USA in the Union Square neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Sanraku?
Sanraku accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Sanraku?
Sanraku sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in San Francisco →Sushi in San Francisco →Authentic sushi worldwide →All cities →