Newcomer Sugoi Sushi Pops Up in The Mission

Photo courtesy of Sugoi Sushi

By Meesha Halm

Never mind those giant signs warning of building demolition plastered outside newcomer Sugoi Sushi: this low-key Japanese restaurant on Valencia (pronounced “Sue-Go-Ee”) popping up in the old KFC that most recently housed Rice Broker and Spork plans to stay put, plying its Mission neighbors with affordable sushi and inventive omakase dinners, at least for a while. In addition to the usual nigiri and maki options, Roy and co. present artistically plated new-wave sashimi, deluxe rolls and cooked small plates such as pork belly ramen and yakitori, accompanied by premium sakes and wine, without the nosebleed prices.

Owner and Hong Kong native Roy Louie, who previously worked at Akira Sushi and Blowfish Sushi in San Rafael and San Francisco’s Morpho, knew the score when he took over the recently vacant space near 21^st Street but figures one to two years (the amount of time projected before the condo slated to occupy that space is expected to break ground) is plenty of time for he and his Japanese-trained chef Cyrus Shen to build up a customer base. The casual 62-seat storefront has undergone some slight changes including a fresh coat of red paint on the walls and a mid-century chandelier, and the bar has been transformed into a six-person sushi bar. Best of all, the owners plan to open the restaurant's sweet back patio in early October, just in time for Indian Summer.

Sugoi Sushi: 1058 Valencia St.; 415-401-8442, dinner only