Pedigreed Sushi Chefs Branch Out With Omakase-Style Spot on Van Ness

San Francisco’s sushi scene is slowly upping its game, especially with the recent arrivals of Ijji and Hashiri, and the upcoming debut of The Starling. Now, Hinata will be joining the party, bringing omakase to Van Ness at the end of the month.

The sushi restaurant is from chefs Gavin Leung and Weida Chen, who bring experience from Zushi Puzzle and Sushi Ran, respectively. Leung also worked under Tokyo-trained sushi chef Jiro Lin (who is now at Hashiri) when he ran the Saison pop-up, and Weida worked at hot newcomer Ijji, as well as assisted Sushi Ran's executive chef Takatoshi Toshi when he placed third at the Global Sushi Challenge in Tokyo.

The two are planning omakase at the 12-seat bar, which for $78 will include a salad, three pieces of sashimi, 12 pieces of sushi, and tamago or soup, plus dessert. A majority of the fish will be flown in from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, with about ten percent sourced locally. There are an additional 16 seats at tables, from which you can order a la carte or omakase. There will also be beer, wine, and sake.

Leung and Chen recruited a friend to design the space, which took inspiration from the name, which means “sunny place” in Japanese.

Hinata will open late October for dinner on Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Hinata [Official Site]