The original Kuma Sushi + Sake transformed a small Polk Street storefront into an intimate 25-seat neighborhood sushi restaurant. With most of the seating concentrated around the bar, the compact build puts the chefs and preparation process at the center of the room, creating a direct relationship between kitchen and guest. Cool concrete countertops are balanced with light wood screens suspended over the dining tables, while the black wood walls feature shou sugi ban, the ancient Japanese wood-charring technique used to naturally preserve timber.