Sakesan Sushi & Robata, located at 1400 Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, is a modern Japanese restaurant. They serve a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, ranging from sushi rolls and fresh seafood to warm curry rice bowls.

Due to Covid-19, the restaurant only had outdoor dining and takeout orders. The outdoor seating area had bright string lights wrapped around the entire patio. Upon entering the restaurant, there was a line of people waiting to pick up their orders. Since I ordered takeout, I waited in line as well. The interior had a dark, yet cozy environment. After waiting for a couple of minutes, a waiter greeted me, asking me to show my order confirmation. Taking my phone out, I showed the order confirmation, and the waiter handed over the takeout order in a plastic bag.

I started with the Dragon Roll. Inside was shrimp tempura topped with barbecue eel, avocado, tobiko, and unagi sauce. Upon first glance, the roll resembled the scales of a dragon, hence the name Dragon Roll. At first bite, the salty flavor of the orange tobiko immediately burst into my mouth like fireworks. Drizzled over the sushi roll was unagi sauce. The unagi sauce was sweet, yet savory. The barbecue eel had absorbed the unagi sauce and was flavorful. Unfortunately, the shrimp tempura did not live up to my expectations. The tempura inside was soggy, not crispy. Nonetheless, the Dragon Roll was delicious and full of flavor.

Moving on, I had the Lion King Roll, a baked California Roll topped with salmon, garlic cream sauce, unagi sauce, tobiko, and green onions. I would be lion’ if I said that the Lion King Roll was not tasty. Wrapped in tin foil, the Lion King Roll was outstanding. As soon as I took a bite, I was met with a soft, warm salmon and a creamy, light garlic sauce. Along with the salmon and the sauce, the roll had a pink and thick Kani (crab meat bar) and avocado. From the salmon to the Kani, everything perfectly complemented each other. Bite after bite, I was mesmerized by the Lion King Roll.

Overall, Sakesan Sushi & Robata is a lovely restaurant starring Japanese cuisine. They serve unique sushi rolls, udon, fresh seafood, and more. For the most part, I had a pleasant experience eating their sushi. This restaurant is a perfect place for groups or couples looking for a small Japanese restaurant with great variety.