Ijji Sushi San Francisco

This is by far the most honest omakase place I have been to in SF. It reminds me of Japan where they let the quality of ingredients speak for itself, and not rely on exotic ingredients and fancy presentation for the wow factor. Everything is executed with precision: the sushi rice is seasoned perfectly, each piece of fish is cut to the right size and thickness, the ratio of fish to rice is just right for a single bite. I remarked to the sushi chef about how beautiful the soy sauce is - full of flavor without being too salty (I think I even used the word sublime). And he nonchalantly remarked that he made it himself, like it is no big deal. So... a little bit of a back story about me here, my mom happened to be obsessed with good soy sauce and once sent me artisanal soy sauce (yes, it's a thing) home from Asia. I prayed it wouldn't explode in my luggage, and it did survive so I do know something about great soy sauce :) Anyway, I digress. My point is, these people are hardcore purists, I could taste it in the freshly ground wasabi and ginger as well. On to service: I brought a bottle of Puligny-Montrachet, La Truffière to drink with dinner, and offered a glass to the chef, which he graciously accepted and slipped in an extra course that was not even on the menu! It was a very fantastic clam dish that had the umami and toothiness of abalone. Understandably, people on both sides of me at the sushi bar shot me an envious look. The wait staff in general were quietly​ attentive without being obstrusive, almost ninja-like. This place totally transported me to Japan. I get this place, it is utterly honest and unpretentious, and there is beauty in premeditated simplicity. There is no clutter, just purity distilled to its essence... like great calligraphy. I struggled to give this place an excellent review because I know once word gets out reservations will be much harder to come by, but I can't be selfish. Well done, Ijji, don't ever change, save your genius for those who get you!

Beautiful Sushi and fantastic restaurant with a nineteen course tasting menu. Get reservations in advance!