Cult Favorite Sushi Restaurant Expanding to the Mission

Elephant Sushi, known for its kooky rolls and quality fish at three San Francisco outposts, is on a growth stampede. The cheeky restaurant just opened a downtown Oakland location last month, and a sign is already up for a fourth Elephant Sushi in San Francisco.

The new spot appears bound for the Mission at 564 South Van Ness Avenue. A Type 41 beer and wine license is pending for the space, according to public records. That space was previously a coffee shop called Nano Cafe.

Caleb Pershan

Elephant has been taking SF by storm since its first location opened in 2012 on Russian Hill at 1916 Hyde Street. A second spot followed in the Civic Center area at 380 Golden Gate Ave, then a third opened in the Tenderloin at 705 Geary Street.

The restaurants are casual across the board, and known for dishes like Himalayan trout (New Zealand ocean trout cured and served on a slab of Himalayan rock salt) , “yummy pockets” (tofu skin stuffed with spicy scallops), and “beastie boys” nigiri (a combination of uni, quail egg, and monkfish liver).

Those options are likely to grace the menu in the Mission: Eater SF has reached out to Elephant Sushi but has yet to hear back. This post will be updated accordingly.