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Hama-Ko Sushi
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars
108 Carl StSte B
(between Cole St & Shrader St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Cole Valley
(415) 753-6808
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
180 reviews for Hama-Ko Sushi
Review Highlights
"...superbly well-selected and fresh fish and nicely balanced..."
(in 22 reviews)
"Just chill and treat Mom and Pop with some respect."
(in 24 reviews)
"Try the monkfish liver nigiri if they have it."
(in 11 reviews)
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180 reviews in English
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Review from Andrew Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
Hands down the best sushi joint ever - not just in SF, but in my life.
The grand pop and ma are the cutest couple and so nice --- at least to me (and to my friends). I just grinned typing that shit.
Too bad they'd retire soon.
Can't believe I'd have to find a sushi joint where I will be treated as a guest. -
Review from Chris T.
1/15/2012
My family and I attempted and failed to eat here twice. The first time we erred by not bringing enough cash (no credit cards accepted); the second time we erred by bringing our baby (no babies welcome).
Don't be fooled by the relaxed decor and the owners' resemblance to nice grandparents. I'm sure the owners are nice, but when it comes to sushi, they mean business -- and that means children better not make a peep.
Here's a transcript of our second attempt to eat here:
Me: "Table for two please."
Owner (wife): [gestures to sit down]
Baby: "Yelp." [not baby's loudest yelp, mind you]
Owner (wife): "You take care of baby nice, okay?"
Me: ?
Owner (husband): "You take care of baby nice, okay?"
Me: "Are you asking us to leave?" [somewhat confusedly]
Owners (husband): "Up to you."
So we left. I'm sure the sushi and sashimi are great, based on these reviews -- but don't make the mistake of bringing too little cash, or a baby (even a gently yelping one). -
Review from M K.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
This place makes me want to flag everyone else's reviews and delete my own so that it can stay a secret forever. It's so small and cute-- like having dinner at someone's house. Yes, small portions, but the quality of the food is really wonderful.
I don't want the owners to go out of business, so I won't give them a low rating. But there must be *SOME* way to keep this place on the down-low.
Maybe I can plant a large tree or bush on the sidewalk in front of the door so that people can just keep passing by until they're in Inner Sunset or the Haight.
Or maybe just stand outside and tell everyone that they're closed tonight. ("Yeah, sorry, I guess the owners had some kind of family emergency. I'm only standing here because I'm supposed to meet my friend already, but they're closed tonight.")
I don't know... I mean, I know I have a jealous nature, and it seems sort of wrong to turn other people away. But really, don't eat here. You'll hate it. -
Review from Christina B.
Cole Valley, San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
I smile when I read that people feel offended by the owner's rules and go to places like Ebisu. Good for us, because we won't have to wait long for a table and the most amazing sushi i have found in this town. I think the owners are fine with that, too, they will continue having respectful guests that fully appreciate the high quality of the food, they will treat them nicely, and there will never be caterpillar rolls on the menu.
Foot note: Thai snapper, Toro, and above all, the scallops! -
Review from Aaron A.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
Amazing. Do not be led astray. This is hands down my favorite sushi spot. Junko and Tedsuo are wonderful friendly people who make amazing traditional Japanese sushi. FRESH!
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Review from Ted B.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2011
Hama-Ko is what a sushi restaurant should be. There's superbly well-selected and fresh fish and nicely balanced rice, but it goes beyond that. Going here is an intimate and personal experience, more akin to eating at the house of that one friend you have who's dad is a killer chef than at a restaurant. In some ways, you get out of this place what you put in: if you're polite, adventurous, and appreciative, Hama-Ko and its owners will be good to you in return.
There are no Godzilla Rock n Roll Deep Fried Cream Cheese rolls on the menu, no rowdy drunk groups posing for pictures, and no self-important people on cell phones. I noticed a sense of civility and genuine connection between the owners and patrons that's missing in most other restaurants.
Prices here are competitive for the quality and portions of fish. The nigiri and sashimi ranged from very good to exquisite (in the case of the sea urchin). The tuna roll I had was also quite good, but you get the sense that the better pieces of fish go to patrons who order sashimi. My advice is to always ask what's fresh and be prepared to try things you might not otherwise try.
Sometimes the occasion calls for modern fancy fusion sushi, a couple bottles of sake, and some rowdiness. And there's plenty of sushi places like that in San Francisco. But this isn't that place. Instead, it's something far more rare and special. -
Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
I was hesitant to give them a review because I don't want other people to know about this place. I want it all to myself (if I could)! The sushi here is amazing with the freshest fish you can possibly get in the city. The rice is just perfect (not too sweet like other places). We always have omakase here because there are times when they get special seasonal items that you won't see on the menu, like abalone from South America.
Our favorites are as follows: ankimo (homemade by Tetsuo and that best I have ever had in my life; so good that I refuse to have ankimo anywhere else.), oysters, tai, ikura marinated in sake, scallops (the same ones that Thomas Keller buys for his French Laundry restaurant), toro (melt in your mouth!!), aji when he has it, saba that he marinades himself, uni from the east coast with the fresh taste of the ocean, and many many more that I just can't remember right now! If you want a starter, we recommend the morokyu. Junko makes the miso sauce herself!
Many people are turned off by the service but Junko and Tetsuo are the sweetest couple around and they are very funny. Remember that this is a very traditional Japanese restaurant. With that being said, all they ask for is respect, which means appreciating the food, being respectful of the owners, and being QUIET (no cell phones). Nothing is more annoying than loud and obnoxious patrons in a small restaurant with total disregard of others dining around them and I totally agree with how they treat those types of customers (you will get shushed!). Other reviews have complained about the lack of service. I don't have any issues with the service, Junko is great. People are just so used to, and want to, be waited on hand and feet as if they're "kings". If you care so much about extraordinary service and want to be treated like royalty, this is not the place for you. Otherwise, walk into the restaurant and wait to be greeted.
They do not serve crazy rolls such as spider rolls and no teriyaki. Just simple, traditional, Japanese sushi. Abide by this and you will have the best sushi of your life. -
Review from LH J.
Newark, CA
7/7/2011
I think another reviewer pointed this out before, but it is really like eating in someone's kitchen (and I mean that in the best way possible). It's run by a grandpa and a grandma so service is a bit slower. No sign on the outside, no wait either on the Friday night we went (around 7:30PM).
When we walked in the first thing the grandpa said was: "No rolls, just sushi, no Godzilla, Lion King, just sushi." Haha it was pretty funny they automatically assumed we wanted those rolls.
The sushi was very fresh. The scallop was amazing. I was disappointed that the salmon only came smoked. Still fresh, but would have liked it non-smoked.
I had the sashimi dinner, not many pieces of sashimi, but the sizes were generous for each piece.
Still not my favorite sushi place, but definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Dmitri H.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011
Awesome. Very traditional. You are literally sitting in the kitchen (we used to call it Ma and Pa Sushi.) Better turn off your cell phone or you will get run out. Very friendly atmosphere and super fresh. We love it. First date with my now fiance...
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Review from India K.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2011
Everyone who has gone in here and been put off by the curt, short and simplistic manner of the owners need to just get over it. I love it here. It's awesome and the owners are actually super cool.
There is no sign. The restaurant is essentially in their living room. It is very small. The fact of the matter is, it is amazing sushi. They know what they're doing. And yes, you need to order $11 worth per person and you need to be super polite and considerate, but I see it all as part of the experience.
The other thing people are just neglecting to say is that this is just a different kind of sushi place. If you want a big fancy sushi bar with art and modernist lighting and decor, this is not the place for you. If you want something authentic, hidden away, and delicious, yet simple, it is.
One of my favorite parts of eating here is ordering and having the wife talk to you in English then slowly hear her slipping into pure Japanese. Just smile and nod and place your order. And enjoy, because it's amazing. -
Review from Brandi B.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
This is near my neighborhood and I've been meaning to try it. I walked in and saw a sign that said their machine isn't working so we had to pay with cash. I sent my husband off to find a cash machine. Two tables were taken and the rest were free. The other nearby restaurants were full on that night so I was surprised. An elderly man was making sushi and it looked like his wife was serving and hosting. No one else was in the restaurant.
I walked in past the door and looked for a place to sit. The man shouted how many? I said "2 please". And he said loudly "wait by the door" and then pointed roughly for me to back up. It's a very tiny place and all but two of the tables were empty and they had no other employees so his gruffness seemed out of place. I stood waiting and waiting while his wife served the other two tables and figured an order's total and tied her shoe, etc. etc. It was so odd just standing there. Finally after 7 minutes or so of just standing there I asked if I might sit down? He gave me a mean look and said, when 2 in your party are here you can sit! I asked, may I sit while I wait? He said, no, you must wait at the door. He was so rude it clearly made the two other tables nervous. Again, it's one room and he was loud. I explained politely that because their machine wasn't working my husband went get cash. He yelled again, '"stay there". I walked out at that point. I'll never go in again. I couldn't believe their lack of hospitality and his gruffness. We went to Ebisu where we got excellent sushi and wonderful warmth and service, even though it was packed, with a line out the door. -
Review from Ray J.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2011
Inside is really conservative. not much for decor and is a pure mom and pop place.
Menu isn't really that extensive as can be expected. But to be honest I'm not getting the same out of this world freshness that other people are spouting. But that's just a matter of expectations. Solid good fresh fish certainly well deservin 4 stars. -
Review from Josh S.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011
Great place. We call it "No Name Sushi" because they don't even put a sign out front. No need to worry though. Once you're inside you'll meet a very nice, friendly couple running the place and serving up great cuts of super fresh fish.
No super-white-boy sushi rolls here. If you want to know any of the freshest specials just ask.
And my wife always complains that the miso isn't as good she grew up with, but this place passed the test. -
Review from E N.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2011
Well... The atmosphere is very interesting. Very cool to sit and watch ma and pa run their little restaurant. The owners are very nice and make you feel welcome.
The food was ok but not what we were looking for. When they say sushi roll they should say mini sushi rolls. I am fine with portion control but there should be a limit on how much they downsize.
My favorite part was the older couple sitting behind my husband and I. There conversation was rather interesting and probably not suitable for the young ones. The lady told her husband that she sent her God-Daughter a box of condoms when she graduate from high school... And that was the PG part of the conversation.
In a place this small you really get to hear EVERYONES conversation. -
Review from Remi i.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2011
One of the best local sushi places around. Fresh, friendy and comfortable. Did I mention Yo-Yo-Ma eats there as well! It was our first time dinning at Hama...Grandma and Grandpa just like home or great sushi.
Sashmi,...Sushi,...and service...OH! and beer.
Yes I love Uni and it was fresh. The owners where delightfull and fun to talk with. Sharing their 27 years in business. -
Review from Amy T.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2011
I finally ate here. The sushi is not as good - nor are the hosts as rude - as the Yelp reviews would lead you to believe.
That's really all you need to know. Now for the back story:
I found this place 3 or 4 years ago when I realized the somewhat hidden window with the giant sake bottles in it was a restaurant. I live nearby and had been staring at it from the N Judah stop for months wondering what it was, because there is no sign and I wasn't entirely clear if it was open to the public.
Turns out it isn't, kinda.
The first time I came, the wife gave me a strange look - less like the hostess when you arrive at her restaurant, and more like a householder whose apartment you've entered by accident. She told me where to sit and when I asked to sit somewhere else she said no; so I turned on my heel and left. The second time I was on my way home and under the misguided impression I could order some sushi to go since the atmosphere made me uncomfortable. Yeah, if you've read any of the other reviews you can imagine how THAT went.
By this point I'm wondering what's the deal with these crazy rude people and how on earth do they manage to stay in business? Yelp reviews more or less explained everything. Once I learned the "house rules" I still wanted to try it, but I didn't want to go without someone who could serve as a buffer. I recruited a Japanese-speaking friend who always wears "nice" clothes and was fascinated by the prospect of eating at "Sushi Nazi" (which is what I had taken to calling the place since I couldn't remember their name and it made a more interesting story). So we got all jazzed up, and we went, and here I am telling my story.
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I had a perfectly fine and uneventful dinner. Everything everybody else says is true about having to wait a long time for your food and only being able to order once. I didn't find the prices especially scandalous - the only exception was $11 for a "masu" of sake which I thought meant a300ml bottle but turned out to mean 100ml in one of those square cup things. However it was good sake and that's about what you'd pay for a better glass of wine so I'm not complaining. I was relieved that I could order more sake when I ran out and even ask for water when the food came (it wasn't provided). I didn't think the price was outrageous. Sure, it was a little more than some other places for the same quality, but it was well within the range of reasonable.
The sushi itself wasn't as good as the positive reviews here had led me to expect. Possibly it might be if you "get on the chef's good side" which many reviewers have recommended. BUT: this is true almost everywhere. Learn the chef's name, go regularly, be polite, and make even a little bit of effort to charm them and not only will you likely get served the good stuff, you'll possibly also get it for free because most customers are too self-absorbed to do that. People like to be appreciated and will be nicer to you if you treat them well! This is common courtesy, not rocket science. It doesn't even require much effort.
What's different about this place is that you have to work harder to get there and you have to do it to receive the hospitality you can take for granted nearly everywhere else. I don't understand why that's appealing, although I gather from the reviews on here and stories about other businesses that it is for some people. I can't even blame the couple that owns and runs this place. They're a mom-and-pop shop, in their sixties, clearly doing the best they can. Most of the rules mentioned seem to be necessary for running a restaurant under such conditions. (Running a restaurant is REALLY HARD.) I applaud them for pursuing their dream life and hope they continue to have a successful business.
BUT: Aside from the excitement of wooing them and feeling like part of an elite club (which is an important and exciting aspect of city life!) I don't think this is anything special. I've had better quality fish at many other places. I don't like how limited their menu is - it's basically just raw fish and rice.
I understand why they can't serve (for example) the exquisite braised black cod that so floored me at Kazu, but I'd like to have the option. I'd also like to order more food if I'm still hungry. To sit where I want instead of where I'm told. To eat a decent amount of vegetables (there is not much to be had here, just appetizers which are, well, appetizer-sized). I find the review below where they're cruel to a five year old girl (assuming everything happened the way she claimed, which seems probable) horrifying. I don't want to know people who do that. I certainly don't want to be their guest on any regular basis. And I didn't know about it until after I'd promised my friend we would eat there! I tried it, it was okay, I don't know if I'm ever going back.
Kazu is better. So are half a dozen other places. But +1 star for being a character. -
Review from Daniel J.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2011
Walked in here with my friend and asked if we could order to go. First thing the woman there said was no take out and walked away. Fair enough we decided to just sit there and eat. We asked for a table of 2 and the older guy basically says 2 or 3?!? in a raised voice. So we repeated that we wanted a table for 2. He then proceeds to tell my friend that she put up 3 fingers to signify a table for 3 which was just about the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. How are you going to tell her that she put 3 fingers up? It's more likely that the chef was blind than my friend saying we needed a table of 3!
That right there already turned me off from this place. The sushi was good. The smoked salmon was delicious. The owners eventually warmed up to us which was ok but that doesn't take away from the fact that they were jerks right when we walked in.
Is the sushi good? Yes. Is it worth the attitude and lack of service we received, No. -
Review from George N.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/30/2011
Wow...I can't believe it's been nearly four years since I first had dinner here. Since then, I have dinner here at least once a month.
The service is always great and the sushi selection changes all the time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/27/2007
One of THE best sushi place in town.
Although this place is small, it is full of personality. The… Read more »
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Review from Mike B.
New York, NY
12/13/2010
OK, if you read the reviews here, you get the idea of the do's and don'ts. Like any great sushi joint, the trick is to get known by the chef (and at this place his wife) and then the sky's the limit. Of course if you're gonna act like boors, you're gonna get yelled at. And I have no issue with them making other rules (for instance the strictly no-cellphone policy which they've had from way before most people even had cellphones is GREAT.)
And, it is one of the best sushi restaurants in the country. Especially if you're on the chef's good side. Then he'll do almost anything for you. -
Review from Billy K.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2010
If I had one word to sum up my visit to Hama-Ko, it would be "serene'.
A very quiet, cozy, and homely Sushi place. The owners are delightful people.. The service was a little slow but ffs, they are two elderly citizens. Give them a break. This isn't jack n the box. It felt ike they wanted you to take it slow and enjoy the tastes of the dishes they were preparing for you.
The food: Man. I have never had better Hamachi in my life. It was succulent, and disintegrated as soon as it touched my tongue. I also had the Tuna and Miso Soup, which were both excellent. It felt a little pricey ($5.50 or so per Nigiri) which is why I gave it only 4 stars. I can't afford to eat here as much as I would like :/. Don't expect Chicken Teriyaki or Tempura here. It's fish -- rice .. and soup only.
The owners were very nice to us, and I am glad they take an old fashioned approach to running their business. If you want to bring your crying babies in here, or sit by and gab on your cellphone with your pompous San Francisco attitude then you deserve to be scolded and/or kicked out. You're probably the type that was looking for a nice tallboy of PBR to wash your meticulously prepared sushi down! -
Review from Phillip O.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011
As a Japanese American who lived in Japan, this has been my favorite -traditional- Japanese place in the US. I usually fear sushi places, but not Hama-Ko. I suggest 1) Asking momma what the fresh fish is today and 2) go adventurous! Yes-- monk(ey)fish liver was AMAZING!!
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Review from Janelle V.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2011
I've heard about this place forever, and finalllyyyy went here with my boyfriend and his coworkers (who are regular customers here). When I walked in, I got a "Who are you?" from the chef. When he saw the people I came with though, I was immediately welcomed. [I've heard that if you don't know the chef, you'll be politely kicked out with "come back in 45 minutes."]
We didn't really order- just told the chef that we'd eat anything he gave us. We also drank whatever sake the chef's wife brought out. I didn't actually get to see the bill, but I'm pretty sure it averaged out to over $100 per person at our table.
The food was amazing! Sure, the wait was long, but I knew to expect that. After all, there is only one chef. (I got a little bit tipsy in the meantime.) We were very polite, and I'm happy to report that my boyfriend and I were invited back!!! Next time, we can go on our own =) -
Review from Conchita R.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/7/2010
A bit of context: There are ~26 seats in this tiny place. 4 of which are occupied. We'd like to eat here at about 6:45pm on a Wednesday evening, and we understand that it could take a long time, and that "oooh! scary! they serve raw fish!" I'm a responsible parent who will remove my daughter quickly and gracefully if things go to hell, and she knows it. She doesn't "go there." I have no qualms about putting my foot down with her, or with anyone. She behaves in restaurants. Or we don't go to restaurants for a while.
My daughter asks regularly to be taken out to sushi restaurants- it is our favorite food. We cook a lot at home, but for Japanese food, we tend to eat out. I've been to this restaurant a few times with adult friends, and it was a fine experience - see my previous review for that. The wait staff was rude but the food was better than the other Japanese place in our ~3-block neighborhood (Cole Valley), and in general, I tend to see the good in people so never took the rudeness personally.
So tonight, my daughter asked, to go to this Japanese restaurant in particular. And it was early/a nice night. So I said "OK, let's go." I warned her that the couple who owns the place would not tolerate her being loud (she isn't, but I wanted to "warn" her, and I also told her that it would take a long time for our food to be served BEFORE WE GOT TO THE PLACE.) I repeat: she was warned repeatedly about these things on our way over, and we stood outside for a moment before entering, AGAIN because I wanted to make sure she understood that any misbehavior would NOT be tolerated. I covered my bases with her. Turns out I should have been covering bases with the jerks who run this place and NOT my 5 1/2 year old daughter.
We walked in the door, and almost immediately the sushi chef (husband) began yelling at us that the food will take a long time. I said, in a very friendly tone "It's ok! We know! I've been here before!" and I wave, in an attempt to convey that I have things under control while trying to show my daughter that it's fine, we're just waiting for a seat. My daughter was standing next to me, still in her school uniform, about as sweet as can be - staring at me as if to say "what's going on, mom? this place is empty? why aren't we sitting down?" because this was over the top RUDENESS from our first step in the door and WTF. It was empty. We're used to crazy people on the streets, we're not used to crazy people running the restaurant we'd like to eat at yelling at us.
So the wife decides to chime in, and says "YOU CAN'T BE HERE - The food will take too long - she will not like it." and she motioned to my daughter like she is some kind of animal who should be eating outside. The 4 heads of the other patrons turned to us, with a mixture of "are you going to take this shit?" and pity on their faces, and I pipe up, because my daughter is also looking up at me and said "You know what? My daughter has better manners than you do. We are CLEARLY NOT WELCOME HERE. Enjoy your evening, folks." And we turned and walked away.
My daughter started crying outside - she didn't understand why the couple was so rude *to her.* And I said "babe, when people are rude, you don't have to take it. You can always just walk away. They were rude to us, so we left. We don't have to spend our money there. Where else do you want to go?" She couldn't get over ADULTS treating her so poorly and kept trying to rationalize it in her 5-year old way. "But they had never met me? Why were they so angry?" Her crime was standing quietly next to me while we waited to be seated. Had she been jumping up and down, singing loudly, or doing some other crazy kid-like thing, I'd have understood. But she stood by me, SO happy to have gotten to pick the restaurant, and excited to eat some raw fish with me on our "fun" mom-daughter date.
We ended up at Bambino's down the street. It's always good, and friendly, and the staff knows my daughter by name. She shared our experience with the wait staff and a few other patrons from the neighborhood, and you know? We spent around $70 on a dinner for the two of us. Which is probably what we would have spent at *this* place, had they not been so awful to us.
I won't be returning, with or without my daughter. AND I do plan to let the few people I know who visit this establishment, that it is not a place to bother spending their money at.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2008
Really happy I finally tried this place.
I've been living in Cole Valley almost 4 months, and kept… Read more »
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Review from Kelly H.
Modesto, CA
10/18/2010
Hama-Ko. You wouldn't know the name of this establishment from the outside, as it doesn't seem to be marked and is tucked somewhat just below street level. It is small with few seats, but when we went on a Saturday night there was plenty of room.
The fish was deliciously excellent and very fresh. The miso soup was yummy with mushrooms in it. The unaffected and quaint ambiance was pretty relaxing (I prefer it to the bustling, noisier sushi places).
While we were there, we witnessed them turn away a few parties. I believe the chef used the phrase "go away," but I can't be sure. It seemed so strange and I felt lucky to be among the accepted elite sushi-eaters. I'm pretty sure it's due to the fact that we're exceptionally good looking, but I digress. I've never seen an establishment firmly turn customers away like that and it caught me off guard.
Other strange occurrences: the green tea we ordered upon being seated came with the check (whatever?). Beware the $12.50/person minimum; they'll ask you to order more if you don't (fine by me because I could eat sushi forever and ever).
Would I go back? Sure, but I'd know that anything can happen. And who doesn't like a little excitement with their hamachi? -
Review from John M.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2011
First off, I am not a sushi afficianado but I do appreciate sushi. I enjoy fancy rolls and this is not the place for them. They have great nigiri/sashimi but nothing else.
The service is alright, nothing great.
The prices are much higher than comparable establishments. I would eat here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. -
Review from Cat T.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2010
I think that this place is over-rated. And rather expensive for what it is. One can have a delicious meal with fresh fish just a couple stops away on the N-Judah line. That said, I give it 3 stars because there are a few items on the menu that were undeniably fresh (some others, not so sure).
I chose the chef's pick sashimi dinner and the only thing on the plate that actually stood out were the scallops. Have to say they were damn good - a little cooler than room temperature, moist, rich and sweet. I hardly had to chew; they melted in my mouth. I enjoyed them so much that after I finished the dinner plate, I asked for an additional order of hotate nigiri. I also got hamachi nigiri because I order hamachi everywhere I go. I was not disappointed. The cut was from the belly and it was also rich and sweet. Just the way fresh sushi should taste.
One star for each outstanding item - hotate and hamachi.
The bonus star is for the care that the sushi chef clearly puts into each dish - this based on the amount of time for preparation, the descriptions provided to other patrons, the selection of choicey cuts, and the careful assembly of the nigiri (thin strip of seeaweed only on three sides of nigiri).
Did not receive other two stars because about 1/3 of my chef's selection sashimi dinner plate was tuna (maguro), the tuna seemed kind of spongy, the waitress/wife seemed irritated when I tried to order more food (they were not busy and everyone else had already been served their dishes), and well...I'm just not sure this place deserves the hype. I may have to give it another go to see.
If I go back, these are the only two things I will order. And then maybe one chef recommended fish (I still have faith that he knows which are the freshest/choicest fish in his icebox). I will not be ordering the moriawase again...only a la carte.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Laura C.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2010
Everything said below is true. The place is run by a husband and wife team; the service is slow; they have some funny rules about ordering; it's somewhat overpriced, etc. With all of that being said though, if you only have one shot to order and it's good quality food, I suppose it's beneficial that you have to wait for awhile before your initial order is taken, right?
Last night I had the opportunity to go here with a friend of mine who touted it as the best sushi he has ever had. We ordered the sashimi dinner plate, monkfish liver (ankimo) nigiri (ohmygoditwassogood), scallop nigiri, seaweed and cucumber salad, edamame, some chilled sake, and some beer. I'm not sure if it was the best sushi I've ever had but it was damn good.
Regarding the service, it certainly wasn't quick, but the wife treated my friend and I with utmost kindness. She allowed us to try two different sakes with our meal. And as an extra bonus, she even took another order of the ankimo after we were 2/3 done with our meal because she saw we liked it so much. The mochi they serve at the end was the perfect compliment to a great meal.
Bottom line: If you have patience and you're into fresh fish versus fancy rolls, you'll do fine here. -
Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2007
I have been thinking about re write my Hama-Ko's review for a while because I want to know what the heck is the problem.
Problem is, the fish and the price.
GOOD RAW FISH IS EXPENSIVE!
BAD RAW FISH IS CHEAP!
So, If you are STILL Jive Ass Roll eater, take a moment to think about why they put the spicy sauce on?
Why they need to mix with raw tuna and spicy sauce?
Why they put a FXXXin' TEN-PURA SHIT in the roll?
Why they have to deep fried the whole roll?
The answer is, IT'S ALL ABOUT CAMOUFLAGE.
The reason is very simple.
They want to keep using OLD, CHEAP, CRAP RAW FISH THAT CANNOT BE EATEN BY ITSELF!
IT"S NOT FRESH AT ALL, PERIOD.
So, they have to mix with the junk hot & spicy sauce.
So, you won't taste the SLIMY SHIT OLD RAW FISH almost ROTTEN flavor.
All those Pseudo sushi places are taking advantage of the customers.
This is morally, socially, and politically corrupted.
At Hama-Ko, sometimes he doesn't have much selection because THIS CHEF WON'T BUY CRAP FISH. NEVER!
THIS CHEF ONLY BUYS THE BEST FISH AT THE TIME.
THIS CHEF DOESN"T GIVE A SHIT.
So, you have to follow his recommendations.
That's why you have to follow his rules in his store.
HE IS THE BOSS.
NOT YOU!
Not the customers.
Well, customers need this attitude with any other Japo sushi chefs.
So, why not 5. I have 2 reasons.
1. his nigiri is not my kind.
2. the counter has only 4 seats. So, he has no choice but to keep the 4 seats for Omakase (about $80 for 1, I can't afford that, I have 2 kids in school for crying out loud.)
Dan V. just told me that he paied $50 for 1 Omakase.
So, Omakase price changes often because his fish selection changes. That's really understandalbe.
But, this place is the MUST GO place.
because 2 reasons,
1. Excellent Neta. HE ONLY GIVES YOU THE BEST FISH.
2. Shari (sushi-rice) is the way it should be.
P.S. The chef said, " YoYo-Ma was here, at the same seat that you are sitting."
My old review focused on his attitude, treating no-Japo people badly.
But I think this chef will always keep Japanese tradition to be a good and responsible sushi chef to get good fish. He won't back down. He just wants good fish.
I decided not to erase my old review even though I regret I wrote this.
Hey, nobody is perfect, not even this chef.
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
This is old review. about 8 months ago.
Authentic, Japanese-chef from Japan,
who is certified chief for preparing blow-fish.
In Japan, you need to pass the Goverment test to cut blow-fish because of the poison.
So what?!
He was a good and sincere person before but he became a snobbish man.
He thinks he knows every thing about sushi, fish and Japanese food.
Which is true.
But,
Something must happened to this guy.
So as the waitress, his wife. She was very nice.
But she also became rude person.
He seems pissed off by every thing about the American culture.
He criticizes that Americans just don't understand about Sushi.
He reminds me of a fanatic Italian chef in the movie called " Big Night, 1996".
But,
I don't know why he hates everything about America.
This is a sad case.
He has been here too long and change his personality?
People change.
Personality changes some times.
well,
I think It is over priced.
Rude to Non-Japanese people.
He wasn't like that at all when I was there in 1985.
The year he just opened the place.
He was once, a well-manner great sushi chef before.
Not any more. -
Review from tinna h.
10/9/2008
Hama-Ko is a hidden treasure, as most restaurants-in-garages are. There's not even a sign out front. An older couple run the show, and a visit to Hama-Ko is like visiting the kitchen of a private Japanese home. There may appear to be a lot of rules, but it's really a matter of common sense, understanding of a culture, and proper etiquette. Do not be deterred by reports of poor service. Just know that you will spend your evening here. Enjoy it!
They'll seat you when your entire party arrives. It's hard to tell how busy they'll get at any moment because of their prime location by the Carl and Cole intersection, so that's completely understandable. As I waited outside, my dining companions for the evening trickled in one at a time. Luckily, the restaurant did not fill up before we were seated.
I ordered the Omakase [Chef's Choice] Sashimi Dinner. The others ordered the Sushi Dinner. Fresh [selected daily!] and absolutely delicious! The scallop sashimi was foodgasmicly [definitely not a word, hah!] phenomenal and possibly a favorite now.
Plates were cleared as we tackled the sushi and sashimi. Hot sake and cold beer were replenished as we enjoyed the food and the company. Near the end of our meal, hot tea was offered to the table.
I'll definitely revisit when I'm feeling a little nostalgic for Japan. There's always room for a little hot sake, and a whole lot of fresh sashimi. Note that there are no jive ass rolls [http://www.yelp.com/bi...] here! -
Review from Audrey T.
Evanston, IL
7/9/2007 ROTD 3/29/2008
Eating out with my parents is always a challenge. Eating sushi with my parents is like running through a gauntlet on American Gladiators - pure chaos, humongous (though heavily padded) weapons, and lots of senseless yelling. Love you mom and dad, but you're crazy and together we bring craziness to a new level. The fact that our family knows fresh fish makes it very very difficult at certain times, like sushi-eating times.
So here's what Hama-Ko looks like to the non-crazies. An 8-table mom-and-pop sushi restaurant open for 23 years in Cole Valley. No sign outside, homey decor, no music, a clientelle of neighborhood regulars. The wife waits the tables and the husband makes the sushi. It's a no-bullshit menu - just nigiri, sashimi, and some simple 2-ingredient, max, rolls.
And then there's the crazies' perspective. "45 f'in minutes?!!" (yes, my dad is a teensy bit of a potty mouth - in Cantonese - and I'm already toning down what he said) We were already seated, but we couldn't even place our order until the rest of the tables had gotten their food, which coming from the one elderly gentleman behind the counter, was understandably going to take a little while. "Give me 2 sakes and a large beer," he orders, passive-aggressively complaining that the service is too slow by doubling his drink order. (No one else is drinking). Well, except my mom who asks for the fifth time, "Can I have some of your sake, Daddy?" "No, you drink too much!" "No I don't!" "Yes you do!" "No I don't!" Back and forth for a while between my mother, the 5-foot tall asian lady with zero tolerance for alcohol and my dad who's innately a couple decibels too loud. Perfect.
The nigiri finally come, and the Hamachi-toro is AMAZING. +1 star! THANK GOD. If the food sucked after waiting for an hour to order, my dad would have lost it. The uni, tho I don't eat uni, is unanimously the highlight. "Well, of course, this is the one place in the world where you can eat uni with abandon. It all comes from northern california." Says my brother who is a little fishing-obsessed (the guy has a FoodSaver and a freezer just for the fish he catches). Well, THANK GOD again though no plus or minuses on stars here since good uni is assumed I guess.
So thanks Hama-Ko for having pretty damn good fish and saving me and yourselves from even more of a scene. The one criticism my parents walked away with was the rice. The rice is the de-facto sign of a great sushi chef, and it was hard and flavorless. I actually had to agree with my parents - for once - even though the sweet old couple running the place totally won my heart. -
Review from Rosie W.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2008
Here's the thing: I make it a practice never to engage in that, "The nasty people who run this place really like ME" kind of one-upsmanship, because I don't like giving assholes my money in order to feel special.
The sushi here is very good, and if you're the kind of person who likes to be in the know and is immune to rudeness, you will enjoy this experience. Personally, if I want an old lady yelling illogical rules at me, I will go visit the nuns who ran my high school.Listed in: Recommended to My Enemies, Useless and Uncool
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2008
The service here is beyond awful but the sushi is very good. It's owned by an elderly Japanese couple. At first I thought they were adorable but we know that appearances can be deceiving. The wife runs the dining area and she takes FOREVER to refill your pot of tea, bring the check, etc.
I haven't interacted much with the husband but I like his approach. He's a sushi purist who picks his fresh fish daily (at the fish market) and keeps things simple - fresh fish and a bit of sushi rice. No fancy rolls. The menu is limited. I like the simplicity of the décor and the tucked away, hidden feeling of the restaurant (they don't have the restaurant name displayed).
Don't come hungry or thirsty and be prepared for a SLOOOOOOOW meal. Forget about asking for a bowl of rice. Don't even think of asking. Read the other reviews and you'll see that you really shouldn't ask for anything.
I don't really have the patience to deal with this place or earn the respect of the husband and wife. I'm not asking for much. I just want decent/okay service, what you can get at most restaurants in the US. I'm not looking for chit chat or a smile but some efficiency and responsiveness. Sadly, I don't think I can ever come back here because I just don't feel like dealing with the wife. I've been there a few times because I went with people who really wanted to go.
I would give the wife 1 star for service (or zero, if that were possible) but I respect the husband's approach, so the overall restaurant gets four stars. I'm being really nice because I always have a rotten service experience here. -
Review from Starla D.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2007
I ate monk fish liver for the first time last night.
I must say that all their fish was very fresh, but I will not be eating monk fish liver again. Never again. My liver doesn't need other livers meshing with it's flow. It does fine on it's own. With the amount of alcohol it filtrates after DYL it's doing a damn good job.
But hey, I will try anything once.
Except chicken feet, midget wrestling, or heroin.
(somebody told me midgets are a LOT stronger than they look)
But thanks to the lovely yelper, a a, for suggesting such a delicacy.
Fuck you very much!
I will give the yellow tail-scallion rolls every one of these pretty little stars, but take away one star for not being able to split our bill (over $40) equally between two credit cards.
I know you are a nice old authentic Japanese couple that makes your sushi fresh out of an old school refrigerator, like the one in your grandmothers kitchen. But this is San Fransisco, July of 2007, the age of Kenmore stainless steel kitchen appliances and identity theft. Get with the program. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2009
Oh, Yelp review highlights feature...you can't help but be insightful, can you? While most restaurants yield top 3 keywords like "gingerbread pancakes", "falafel burrito", or "mango panang", for Hama-Ko you just had to bring up Junko and Tetsuo, the elderly and punctilious Japanese couple who run this sushi basement hidden in plain sight off the corner of Carl & Cole (amazing what not having a sign will do). But J&T *are* the defining feature here; while a lot of SF restaurants claim to do "homestyle" food, there's precious few that truly turn out food indistinguishable from a home kitchen, and that's because it really is a family making it all (New Ganges also comes to mind).
But that's exactly the kind of sushi you'll get at Hama Ko. As with all things homemade, the first thing you notice is that portions are smaller and presentation less lavishly professional--you won't get any artful, pimped-out "dragon" or "rainbow" rolls here. But as Nobu points out, at Hama Ko they're not pulling any spicy, tempura-fried wool over your eyes. You're going to taste the quality of their fish straight, no chaser (in fact if there's one place to kick the roll habit and go straight to nigiri/sashimi, this is it--just throw yourself on the mercy of the $25 chef's choice platter).
Conclusion? Yes, that fish is damn good (especially the eel--I wanted to try giant clam too but they didn't have it). But honestly, I'm not ready to go 100% substance-over-style just yet. I mean, those trendy Sangha concoctions are damn innovative and worthy of praise in their own way. But either way, Hama-ko is undeniably a cult classic on the SF sushi trail.Listed in: Haight-Ashbury & Cole Valley
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Review from Quinn S.
5/21/2007
Nestled into an unmarked, subterranean Cole Valley storefront, Hama-Ko is a mom and pop operation in the most literal sense. The only people working here are the waitress and the chef. Mom does everything front of house, Pop makes sushi and they share dish duty. She is the quintessential grandmother and he reminds me of a Japanese incarnation of Al from Happy Days, but they serve awe-inspiring sushi in a cozy little shop.
Their miso soup is mellow, with slivers of mushroom and firm tofu. My dining companion attributed the superb flavor to the extra scallions, but I would wager on superior miso paste and dashi stock that didn't come from a packet. We were also floored by the sunomono, a deceptively simple seaweed and cucumber salad in a light vinaigrette with sesame seeds.
They offer a basic selection of sake and beer. My date ordered a glass of plum wine after declining to split bottles of Sapporo and sake, and our server asked with great concern, "Isa very sweeeeeeet. You sure?"
The specials were hamachi, tai snapper and scallop, all of which were melt-in-your-mouth-while-melting-your-brain good. When we requested more hamachi and snapper, our server was so proud that she gave a sermon on their freshness and provenance (hamachi from Japan and snapper from New Zealand).
The hamachi induced visual and auditory hallucinations. Empty chairs were reaching out to embrace me and the lamps were sweetly singing my name. I could order twenty pieces of hamachi nigiri and go sit in the corner all day, happily mumbling to myself and chewing euphorically. This is my opium den.
WARNING: If you seek the Benihana experience, please go away.
As a young party of three waited to be seated, the chef announced, "We only serve real sushi here! No Spider Roll. No Dynamite Roll. No tempura!" I appreciate a purist and worry about the Japanese restaurants that eschew tradition for the Gaijin style of something mediocre for every taste from every style.
You don't ask your family doctor to remove a brain tumor, and you don't visit a general practitioner for a spleen transplant. You go to a specialist. It's the same with sushi. If you want someone who can grill, deep-fry, roll, simmer and dance for you simultaneously while catching eggshells in his hat, don't expect any of it to be very good, but if you want great sushi, check out Hama-Ko. -
Review from Ken C.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2010
Good God, I'm a sushi snob and I didn't even know it. Not until I read the reviews here, anyway. This might offend and I apologize beforehand.
The folks at Hama-ko are old school Japanese sushi restaurateurs. Growing up in Japan and Okinawa back in the 70's, I recall (and I believe this is still the case) how sushi houses were viewed in a different light than other kinds of restaurants. They weren't the kinds of places you took your kids because kids weren't able to appreciate the meal for the work of art that it was. (Yes those Asahi beer ads you read on your table are telling the truth, sushi has a likening to art in Japan.) And going to a sushi restaurant required nicer dress and manners - almost like going to church. It's not a place you go to stuff your face with fish.
In Japan, they know this. Here, not so much. And the two old folks that run Hama-ko seem to be trying to enforce those standards upon their clientele.
I can read some of the bad reviews here and tell why the proprietors treated them rudely. If you're looking for a sushi "joint" this place is not for you. If you're just "popping in" or otherwise didn't plan to spend an evening at Hama-ko, then this place is not for you. If you are loud, if you aren't dressed appropriately, if your kids are poorly behaved, if you aren't prepared to treat the experience of eating some truly superior sushi with the respect it deserves, then you should go somewhere else.
But if you're looking for an old-school traditional Japanese sushi experience with heavenly fresh fish, AND you're willing to do it up the Japanese way - then dozo. -
Review from Mark C.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2008
I'm going to start off here by saying that I'm a huge sushi fan. I love the stuff. I could probably eat it every day of the year. (For multiple meals)
So it pains me to admit to even eating here. It had such promise..
I pass this place every day on the N train and up until today thought that I should give this place a chance.
Well, let my experience guide you. This place is SO not worth going to. I took my wife, who isn't much of a sushi fan, but does appreciate quality. She now can't stand this place.
Here's what happened.
We got there at about 8:30. There was a table with a reserved sign open and the rest of the place packed. After about 20 minutes of not being acknowledged the chef's wife asked us where we wanted to sit. We pointed to the bar. She said no, and the chef barked at us for even suggesting such a thing. So we waited another 10 minutes and she offered the reserved table.
Once seated we waited another 15 minutes for the menus. We looked them over and had a very good idea of what we wanted. We then waited, and waited, and waited. After 40 minutes, she came and took our order. And they never came by and asked how we were doing.
I should also note that a party of one came in and was turned away. And, this is just a feeling, but since we're white, we barely got noticed, whereas the asian customers and repeat customers got plenty of attention.
Here is what we asked for.
1. 2 orders of hamachi, sake, maguro
2. 1 order each of saba, uni, natto, ankimo, scallops, engawa, california roll (for the wife :) ), teka maki
3. An order of miso
Here is what we got.
1. 1 order of hamachi, 2 orders of smoked salmon. (They emphasize fresh, you call this fresh??)
2. uni, maguro, ankimo, scallops, engawa, california roll (fake crab) and teka maki.
We didn't get the other order of hamachi, and I asked three (3) times for the miso soup and she said yes each time. (Other customers got theirs)
We also got verbally abused for even thinking of asking for bonito, evidently its not in season right now (Even though most other bars carry it regularly)
The bill came to $75 for that.. Most other bars that would go for about 50-55$
I guess you pay extra for being verbally abused.
As for me, I will never, ever step foot in that place again. If I want to be verbally abused, I will call my mother.
Don't bother with Hama-Ko, go to Shi-mo or any number of better bars in the city. -
Review from Ryan V.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2008
Cute. It's like going into someone's house. Actually, it is.
I don't know why people complain about needing to bring proper etiquette; if you have manners already, you'll be fine. The couple actually turned out to be extremely friendly and I was welcomed and dismissed warmly.
This is about sushi though, right? Delicious. One of my favorite places to go. There's no weird sushi rolls here - just the real stuff. Their fish is so fresh that I could die peacefully right there, and everything about eating here has been perfect for me.
Go, you won't regret it! Just be a civilized human being for once. -
Review from Barbara C.
Albany, CA
5/21/2011
hidden on carl off of cole street you will find this quality sushi spot. as long as you don't care about fancy decor or "inspired" rolls or non sushi items that attract so many people to sushi (including me much of the time) you will be very happy you stopped in. the fish quality is top notch and the couple who run hama-ko don't mess around. at our table we all ordered various sashimi/nagiri combos which were outstanding melt in your mouth!
if you have a big appetite don't expect to leave without putting some money down, we spent about $50-60 each including sake and 2 large sapporo's and i didn't leave full. -
Review from The L.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2005
Great nigiri sushi, maki sushi are so so, the seaweed is too stale and chewy. Slow service as there seem to be only a husband and wife team. And they don't do take-aways, which is a disappointment. But very nice low-key neighborhood surprise.
UPDATE -- they've become increasingly rude and oblivious to customers service. We were the only table there recently at 7pm on a Sat night, not only did they "advise" us to order soon before the hordes of invisible customers arrive. They combined two sushi orders together and "suggested" we rearranged our seating so that we could eat of one place. What, were they running out of detergent? Finally, they told us to lower our voices down...hello?? We were the only table there, of course we were loud relatively! I'll never return again. I've given them the benefit of the doubt 3 times now. Sushi is great but not enough to withstand the abuse you get in there!
