Mission Sushi Standby Closes After 20 Years

Bereaved fans are eulogizing Blowfish Sushi to Die For (yes, that was its real full name). The team has served its last super dynamite roll at 2170 Bryant Street, closing after more than 20 years in business.

A note to customers at the location thanks them for their patronage and explains that owners will focus on their growing group of ramen restaurants. Those include Iza Ramen, which started as a pop-up in Blowfish Sushi’s space and now operates in SoMa and the Lower Haight. Owners also run a new, dauntingly named spinoff, Hell’s Ramen on Mission Street.

Partners Jason Teplitsky and chef Ritsuo Tsuchida opened Blowfish Sushi in 1996. In those ancient days, rolls and platters still reigned supreme, and San Franciscans weren’t yet snapping up reservations for Michelin-starred omakase menus. Teplitsky and Ritsuo are still listed on the liquor license for Blowfish, which hasn’t yet been transferred away. Stay tuned for updates on the 2170 Bryant space as warranted.