Koo Japanese Restaurant

Nestled on Irving Street in San Francisco’s leafy Inner Sunset, Koo Japanese Restaurant offers an authentic sushi experience that rivals the best eateries in Japan. Since opening its doors in 2004, the restaurant has been run by traditionally trained sushi chefs who hand‑craft each piece with meticulous attention to texture and flavor. Guests can start with the signature “Spoonfuls of Happiness,” a duo of uni and ankimo served with a shot of premium sake that melts on the palate, or explore the ever‑changing “Catch of the Day” sourced fresh each morning from the local fish market. The Omakase menu lets the chef select seasonal delights, while the house‑made Koo Roll adds a playful twist of avocado, crab and a hint of citrus. For scallop lovers, the Two‑Way Scallop presents the shellfish in honey‑lemon ginger vinaigrette and yuzu‑miso roasted beet sauces, accompanied by crisp daikon radish. The interior blends minimalist Japanese design with warm wood tones, creating an intimate setting for both couples and larger groups. Soft lighting, a polished sushi bar, and subtle background music set a relaxed atmosphere. Koo serves a curated sake list, featuring Kubota, Hakkaisan and other boutique labels, as well as Japanese beers and a selection of white and red wines. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with last call at 8:40 p.m.; Sundays are closed. Prices range from affordable sushi rolls to premium omakase plates, making it suitable for casual lunches, celebratory dinners, or a night out with friends. Reservations are accepted online, and take‑out orders are available via Grubhub.