Welcome to Kushi Tsuru Japanese Restaurant. Enjoy traditional Japanese Cuisine, Bentos and entrees skillfully prepared and presented with great flair by our Kushi Tsuru expert chefs. We consider our guests a part of the "Isobune Family" going back to the early 1970's when our founder Shoichi Imanaka brought his family to San Francisco from Japan.
Japanese Food fit for an Emperor
The Imanaka family owned and operated exclusive Japanese Restaurants in both Osaka and Kyoto, Japan. The Emperor of Japan and visiting dignitaries from around the world often called upon the family to share their culinary talent. Many of the recipes and sauces we use today have been passed down from Shoichi to our present chefs.
San Francisco Tradition of Japanese Dining
Our first restaurants in San Francisco were located in Pacific Heights on Fillmore Street between Union and Lombard and called Tsuruyoshi #2 as well as a sister restaurant operated by Shoichi's brother also called Tsuruyoshi #1 located on Kearny Street in the Financial District in downtown San Francisco.
In 1978, we opened Kushi Tsuru Restaurant in San Francisco's Japan Center and have been providing San Francisco a truly authentic family oriented Japanese dining experience.
Kushi Tsuru became an instant success, and it was time to open a second location.
Shoichi went back to Japan and came back with a crazy idea to deliver sushi on boats. Mieko Imanaka, Shoichi's wife, came up with the name "Isobune." The word "Iso" (pronounced: ee-so) means seafront and "bune" (pronounced: boo-nay) means boat.
The boats float around a circular canal, similar to a horse race track. In 1982, we opened our second location in Japantown called Isobune. Isobune quickly became the spot for "high quality sushi truly affordable for everyone.
The Imanaka family has a tradition of bringing people together in a casual atmosphere of laughter, warmth, and lively conversation. It is our mission to provide the highest quality Sushi with impeccable service and renowned Japanese hospitality.
Japanese Family Restaurant Tradition
At Isobune and Kushi Tsuru restaurants, diners are always "Honored Guests." Shoichi's daughter Nanako and her family carry on the Imanaka tradition of service, quality food, and comfortable and convenient dining ambiance.
We are proud of our past, excited about our future, and honored to continue to provide our customers with an enjoyable dining experience and share with them traditional and creative Japanese cuisine.
