San Francisco - November 28, 2006

Hime with Your Best Shot

Hime Restaurant

The restaurant world is divided into hares and turtles: those who come out of the gate shouting, “Look at me; look at me!” and those who beat a slow and steady march to the finish line.

Sure, the hares are fun for a second. But it’s the turtles who win our hearts in the end. 

Like Hime, a sleek Japanese joint in the Marina that’s been coming out of its shell since summer and is now home to some of the best sushi in the city. Insane sashimi (like a farmed vs. wild salmon sampler, wild bluefin tuna, and Santa Barbara uni) comes on ice beds illuminated by flashing blue lights, straight from the open kitchen. Traditional kaiseki-inspired dishes (like the Japanese vegetable garden) mingle with creative izakaya (like mushrooms wrapped in Japanese flounder in a milky miso sauce).

Quench your thirst with a well-edited list of boutique sakes. Or start with a flight of three then choose your favorite. Take your time.

After all, dinner shouldn’t be a race.

Hime, 2353 Lombard Street, between Scott and Pierce Streets (415-931-7900 or himerestaurant.com).