The 47 best places for yakitori in San Francisco

It was challenging to get a reservation at Rintaro before 7pm, but I finally managed to get one at 5pm about one month in advance. Got very lucky with parking across the street. There were about 12 people waiting out front just before they opened for dinner. Evidently half the people were lining up without a reservation, no idea how long it took before they were seated. The space is beautiful. Gorgeous woodworking crafted all throughout the restaurant from the bar, booths, rafter beams, etc. There’s also a really nice patio decked out with plants. Ordering was a relatively lengthy process for four well-traveled foodies. We ordered some sashimi, an assortment of chicken skewers, a large fried fish, and some salad. I scoured the menu for a highball but they only had wine, beer and shochu drinks. I settled on Asahi, the only beer on draft. Was disappointed by the lack of highballs, Japanese whiskey, and extremely limited beer selection. They had bottled Hitachino Red Rice Ale but I prefer the Hefeweizen-esque White Nest Ale to pair with meals. First dishes to come out was the sashimi. The soy sauce was nicely aged and dense. The wasabi freshly grated. The saba (mackerel) was fresh but remarkably plain, with no vinegaring, which is a flavor I normally associate with saba. The hamachi was similar. Then came out the duck salad, which came with a heap of mizuna and thinly sliced stone fruit. The duck had a nice smokiness to it. Decent but simple dish. The gyoza was served with a crunchy layer on top of the dumplings. They were a bit plain and the wrappers lacked thin delicacy of a similar but better version at Ramen Nagi. I was a fan of the Yakitori skewers. The Momo with sansho pepper sauce tingled for quite awhile. It was bursting with flavor and the chicken thigh meet cooked to perfection. The Bonjiri had a bit of the crispiness you get from kawa aka chicken skin but a fatty taste within. The highlight of the meal for me was the Kama Tama Udon. An egg yolk on top of a small mound of fresh udon noodles with a willowy pile of freshly shaved katsuobushi. It had a buttery bonito flavor and the udon noodles had a perfect texture and chewiness. We also ordered a large fried fish that was described by the waiter as totally consumable, bones and all. I found that some of the bones were not as fried and broken down as expected. So I removed some of them to avoid the misfortune of getting fish bones stuck in my throat. The Hojicha Panna Cotta was smooth but a bit plain and the Hojicha syrup was very subtle and didn’t carry much Hojicha flavor. All told, Rintaro had some great Yakitori and a couple of standout dishes such as the Kama Tama Udon. There wasn’t much about the dishes that stood out to me in comparison to Izakayas I’ve been to in Tokyo or even Yakitori Kokko in San Mateo. It was solid but not mindblowing. The lack of highballs, Japanese whiskey and beer selections was disappointing. I will return eventually to try other items on the menu but Rintaro would probably rank in the middle of the pack for dinner recommendations in SF.

Epic Japanese experience. We did the flat menu, which they accommodated to my diatery needs. Definitely on the pricier side, but it was absolutely delicious. What a culinary journey! And the whole place is beautiful and cozy. Highly recommended!

So cozy and delicious. From the exterior to the delightful interior to the restrooms, this is a beautiful restaurant. Wonderful service and the food was all delicious. We loved the ume welcome drink. We tried the sashimi sampler, the gyoza, duck mizuna salad, trumpet mushroom and chicken thigh sansho yakitori, matsutake udon and passionfruit profiterole. Our favorite was the mushroom yakitori. If we came back we'd try more yakitori and the whole fried fish. Tricia and our server were awesome. Excited to try recipes from the cookbook!

I came in with high expectations and left satisfied, though slightly underwhelmed. We opted for the tasting menu at $90 per person. The clear standouts were the black cod and chicken katsu—both beautifully executed and full of flavor. One of our friends, who is dairy-free, was served a substitute chicken karaage that ended up being another highlight, though unfortunately it arrived about 20 minutes after the rest of the table’s dishes because the kitchen initially forgot about the restriction. Service overall was quite slow, which took away from the otherwise strong food. On the positive side, the atmosphere is excellent: the restaurant is divided into three rooms, each distinct yet authentically Japanese in feel. The ceramic plates and pottery also stood out—elegant and clearly high quality, adding to the experience. Overall: The food was good, the setting memorable, and the value reasonable. But service was uneven in my opinion

We went to Rintaro as part of an event, a wedding reception. It was by far the best food I've had at a wedding reception. There was all-you-can-eat top-tier sashimi with three types of uni, including two from Japan. They had a yakitori ongoing the entire three hours, and their drinks were top-notch. Service was absolutely excellent, given the situation. They catered to everyone, and they made sure that the families with kids that were there were well taken care of. I was thoroughly impressed. They definitely deserved their Michelin accolades. I would go there again as part of the regular dinner service.

Rintaro is always a favorite for me! The service is amazing and the atmosphere is truly unique. I love the style of food. The sake pairings are always educational and amazing

I have had fond memories of dining at Rintaro over the years, but have to say our recent experience was sub par. We were there on the early side of a Thursday night (before 6pm), and already had to wait quite a bit, e.g. like 20-25 min to get our drinks (after our food came, and one of the drinks being beer in a can). Even though the table should be reserved for 1.75 hours for a party of 2 (according for Resy), we were asked repeatedly by our server if we have finished putting in orders as things could take a while. This was not the izakaya vibe I was hoping for and the whole meal just felt rushed. The deluxe sashimi we had was beautiful and delicious. But the order of food service really could be improved, e.g. we had to wait around for a while after finishing our sashimi before our croquettes arrived. Overall food quality is ok for the price; restaurant operation and service could be improved to enhance overall experience.

I just wanna say that Izakaya says I might be the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life from the small bites that represent all delicious cuisines from around the world to special things that you can get only hearing in San Francisco. This is truly some of the best plates in the city you need to come try it, especially The spicy tuna crispy rice stuff, but also ranging to the chicken skin anyway super yummy

Now I have to say, for a small joint like Izakaya Sozai, they can sure serve up mini courses that will absolutely get your eyes wide open. Most of the dishes were very delicious and for a very decent price. Izakaya style, of course. My top favorite dishes were the Tako Wasabi, bacon wrapped enoki mushroom and mochi, and Ankimo pate. If you are a foodie like me and are adventurous, I recommend you come here to try it.

We arrived 20 minute prior to our reservation and the table was set and ready to receive us. We were seated within a few minutes and put in an order for a bottle of Sake. Our 2 other friends arrived in time when the bottle showed up at our table in an ice bin. After a round of Sake to quench our throats, we were ready to place our food orders. We scanned the QR Code on the table. We not only orders foods off the menu but from the Chefs Menu posted on the wall. This is a Tapas concept so hope other customers don't expect portions to be plentiful. It's all about the varieties, great place for groups and a wonderful selection of Sake offered. Our party of 4 sat indoor, next to the entrance. The place was cozy and the staffs were really friendly. I noticed there's a chefs table for 2, at the high counter. A party for 2 would be perfect for that spot. Maybe I'll request for that spot on a future visit.

LOVED IT. For some reason, I’m quite picky about my ramen. We started with wagyu sausage, which was good — although I wished there were more. My partner and I both ordered the tonkotsu ramen, but I added on the spicy miso and garlic chips… chefs kiss. I used about half of the spicy miso to get to desired heat. The host and server were super nice and HUSTLED all over the full restaurant. We’ll definitely be back!

A very homey feeling as you walk in you're greeted right away. I tried some bbq items and their ramen. I gotta say i was extremely impressed with the food! The skewers were very flavorful with a lot of different options. The ramen was flavorful and creamy very rich with flavor. And the service was awesome! I don't think my water cup ever got empty or without someone tending on us.

I used to love coming here a lot, I haven’t been for a bit because of the pandemic. The takoyaki, miso cod and clam chowder croquette are really tasty and cooked perfectly. The ramen however was way too peppery, it is a bit overwhelming! The noodles are decent and the pork was juicy but that pepper flavor is too much

Food was good. I was so impressed with their special for the night-fresh uni with fresh wasabi, fresh seaweed and seaweed paper. Good Beer and sake completed our night. Servers were pleasant and helpful. Will definitely go back.

First when I come in they put me at the darkest corner in the restaurant and I asked to move to another table. Second, no one ask for what I want to drink after 5 minutes I sat down. (For some reason all the staff including the chef were focusing on one specific table may be VIP I guess) Should have more options on Omakase, I don't mind to pay more. But if I ordered Omakase with only regular Salmon, Tuna, Albacore, Ikura and MASAGO without even 1 piece of UNI or Scallop why would I order deluxe sushi or Omakase. Ankimo, first time ever with no sauce and I had to ask for ponzu sauce on the side . Conclusion, way overrated for their stars. 去之前期望太高👀 食完之後食物和服務水準比預期差太遠！😔😔😔

Date night! We tried this restaurant for the first time for dinner. They don't take reservations, so you sign up on a clipboard when you arrive. It's a small, cozy space, and we only had to wait 15 minutes on a Wednesday. Our server, Nori, was excellent. We ordered a few yummy appetizers, like seaweed salad, edamame, and shrimp tempura. The hand rolls were great, with fresh, crispy seaweed—there's nothing worse than old, chewy seaweed! We also loved the “chef's choice”, and my favorite was the Romeo/Juliet roll. The Aladdin sake was flavorful and unfiltered, just the way I like it. The team-based service was appreciated. Highly recommend, and we'll definitely be back!

Sorry for not visiting sooner. Top sushi nigiri with such delicious soft sushi rice. No wonder there was a line for a seat. I will definitely be hitting this place up more often. No joke.

You can't call to make a reservation here. You'll need to walk in and either be seated immediately or write your name on the list. Whatever happens as long as you get to sit down and eat at this establishment is your good fortune. I had the mackerel dinner, my son had the salmon dinner, and my partner had all types of sushi. I could barely speak because my tastebuds were too busy having a party in my mouth. Definitely worth any wait!!!

The restaurant's service & food were top notch!! Delicious, quick served, good quality.

Look how generous the cuts are! Honestly the best sushi I’ve ever had in all of California and possibly America. The quality is always consistent and delicious. I’ve seen the same people go here multiple times…myself included. I would recommend sitting at the bar for the full experience. It’s a very lively place with fish, sake, and beer always flowing.

My husband and I recently visited this sushi restaurant for the first time. The food itself was indeed delicious, but unfortunately the service experience left us disappointed. It seems like the restaurant mainly caters to their regular customers. As first-time guests, we felt unwelcome from the very beginning. The hostess at the entrance had an unfriendly expression and treated us with little attention, almost as if she didn’t want to bother with us. Even the sushi chef’s attitude toward us was noticeably different compared to how warmly he interacted with the regular customers sitting at the table next to us. While the food was good, the lack of hospitality made the overall experience uncomfortable. Great service should extend to every guest, not just the familiar ones. This was our first and also our last visit to this restaurant.

editing in light of the fact that they’re closing: if you can get a spot before aug 31 i highly recommend! i honestly don’t know what to say. our menu was the “all chicken” version vs what you see in the maps photos, so that was a bit of a letdown. out of the 12-15 courses, half were good, 1/4 were amazing, and 1/4 were a little scary. i’d go back because it’s a singular experience and cool to watch the open kitchen but do brace yourself and be ready to be adventurous.

Truly wonderful dining experience. Authentic yakitori omakase where all parts of the bird are beautifully highlighted. Clean deep chicken flavor under the wonderful aroma of the binchotan. Every dish was a win but highlights were the tomago, chicken skin with pate and caviar, the gizzard and chicken with Japanese onion. White asparagus was perfection. Wagyu beef and firefly squid were welcomed additions. Wonderful service in a intimate dining format. Love seeing every dish prepared start to finish. Having eaten at every new addition to the Michelin guide, dumbfounded that Hina is not starred. *** I’ll just add that some of the poor reviews are quite hilarious. Eating at Hina and complaining their is too much chicken is comparable to complaining about too many grain at a bakery. Like do you even understand the restaurant concept or traditional yakitori?

I do like this Japanese style BBQ place, but the price is too high compared with what they served, all of the skewers are chicken, 99%. So even the flavor is awesome, but the ingredient feels not really worth it. Also, the reservation is a bit hard to make, coz they only have 10-ish seats.

This place is so lovely! Very small and intimate for a yakitori place. They put in so much detail and care to each plate. Every piece of chicken was so juicy. The wagyu was very tender and so buttery. My favorite was probably the chicken gizzard! The texture and flavor melts in your mouth!

If you plan to dine here, DON’T BE LATE. My husband booked this place as a surprise so I didn’t get a chance to check their website policy. But they did mention that people who are late for 15 mins won’t be allowed to sit. We drove up from South Bay on a Friday night and it took us another 20 mins to find a spot to park. When we arrived, it was 6:30pm. The server allowed us to go inside (I guess it’s because we paid already?). But this guy never gave a smile ENTIRE meal. He told us that the dishes that we missed will not be served. Shocked but ok, it’s our fault. We checked the menu and found out that we had only half of the tasting menu left. Shocked, but still it’s our fault. This server guy treated us like we are bad kids and he were our mom. When he put down the chopsticks, I can hear the “bang” on the table. Ok, it’s our fault. But honestly, if I knew I will be treated like this entire meal, I would rather be stopped outside and not let in. Anyway, the chef was so nice that he asked us if we would like to get the meal that we missed before the dessert. He and another chef were two nice guys that they smiled to us during the meal. (It really made us feel like there is an angry mom and nice daddy). Oh, and when my husband asked if he can get some hot water because he had a little coughing at the time, the angry server told him that it will take him 20 mins to boil the hot water. 20 mins for hot water? Are we camping? The food was really good. But I agree with other comments, $200+ without beverage for yakitori and an angry server are toooo overpriced. We will not be back again and won’t recommend people. I gave this place 4 stars instead of 2 is because the chefs were nice and they did serve us all meals. And my husband said that don’t ruin other people’s life by giving them 1 star.

This was one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. Do not pass it up. And the drink pairing sealed the amazing food experience. Don't skip it.

Overpriced for what it is. You will be charged 210$+ per person without beverages. For that price, you'd expect great food and service and you get neither. The yakitori were disappointing, bland for the most part. The seasoning was good, the meat itself rather tasteless, chicken for the most part. The dish we enjoyed the most was the less sophisticated - the chicken and egg over rice at the end. On the plus side, the presentation is great and watching the chef grill the meat is a plesant experience. The music is awful, hard rock and metal when it's supposed to be a fine dining experience. You can barely hear the name of what you are eating and they don't bother to give you a menu. Although you are charged upfront 20% for the service, people don't smile (except for one server) and no one bothers to ask you once how you are doing. When I made that remark at the end, I was answered that it's a "small team" (there were 3 servers for 5 couples) and that my water glass was always full. Great, but we didn't come here for the water.

Super cool and happening Japanese Sushi and Sashimi restaurant with an amazing original decoration, a large menu of super high quality seafood, a DJ who blends the right atmosphere and a truly friendly service team. Loved the O Toro, awesome real crab California roll, excellent sashimi platter and really good spicy scallop roll. The place is a real experience!!

Cool atmosphere and a unique vibe, but the sushi itself was pretty average. We ordered a variety, and the only one we really enjoyed was the soy wrap. The special hot sake with lemon sounded fun, but the flavor didn’t stand out either. On the plus side, the service was friendly and attentive. Overall, not bad, but definitely not a top sushi pick in SF.

Sashimi is smaller and I didn't get my fried shrimp head… $110 for sashimi and 2 rolls. Got a better experience last year.

came on a thursday night with some friends. ryokos loses a bit of the vibes without the DJ so need to come back for that but still enjoyed the atmosphere overall. food was decent but forgettable.

This place's decor options confuse me. It has dark wooden paneling, but also cement shiny blue walls. There's mirrors from the 70s, but also an Irish looking bar. The tables and chairs seem like they're from the standard Chinese restaurant, but the ceiling fans are British? Is it a dive Japanese bar? We went here after the show at 1130pm, so we didn't have high expectations. My shoyu ramen was one level above $3 packet ramen, but not worth $19. Beers were good. I guess I'd come here for that late night cap. People seemed friendly enough.

If I could leave 10 stars for the service, I would! It’s terrific. Everyone is so friendly. Food is amazing, even though I stepped for a quick bite. Highly recommend! 10/10

A charming neighborhood gem in San Francisco, offering fresh sushi and sashimi. With reasonable prices and an extensive menu, it's a must-visit for sushi lovers.

The food was very good and well prepared. We like the different small bites to share. Scallops were nicely roasted. Some dishes had a bit of spice to them. The desserts were delicious. A little on the pricey side but good service and presentation.

Roka Akor is truly one of my favorite restaurants. I’ve always loved Japanese cuisine, and this place is definitely among the best I’ve ever been to. Everything here is prepared with such care and creativity — from their perfectly grilled steaks to the sweet and smoky corn, and of course, their incredible desserts. Every dish is beautifully presented, which makes dining here not just a meal but an experience. I come to Roka Akor quite often, and it never disappoints. The atmosphere is stylish yet welcoming, the service is attentive, and the food is consistently outstanding. Whether you’re visiting for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s the perfect spot. Without a doubt, I give Roka Akor a full five stars. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Japanese cuisine and appreciates top-quality dining.

I really enjoyed all the food here! The sushi and rolls were a fantastic way to start—absolutely amazing. The steak was also incredibly flavorful. However, the fried chicken and cocktails were just okay compared to the other dishes. Def coming back to eat sushi or steak

this place is fun! i came for a birthday dinner and got the omakase menu. the dishes are good, but the fish is not excellent. the best dish (which was exceptional!!) was the black cod. the staff was wonderful and extremely accommodating of dietary restrictions. the presentations were also stunning!

Roka Akor absolutely delivers when it comes to food and atmosphere. The sushi was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented—easily some of the best I’ve had. The entire menu felt thoughtfully crafted, and the flavors were spot on. You can tell the chefs here really know what they’re doing. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees to share as well as all the desserts. I wouldn't choose any dessert again as they were pretty mediocre The ambiance is also top-tier. Sleek, modern, and upscale, but still warm and comfortable. It's the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy. Add to that an excellent spirits list with rare whiskies, great sake options, and inventive cocktails—it’s a dream for anyone who appreciates a good drink with their meal. Only downside? The timing between courses was off. The brought our food to soon, making our business party of 6 feel overly rushed which threw off the rhythm of the evening. And unfortunately, the restroom was in poor shape—not what you'd expect from a restaurant of this caliber. All in all, Roku Akor is still 100% worth a visit for the food and vibe alone. Just hoping they tighten up service timing and take better care of the facilities next time. If they do, it’s easily a 5-star spot!

The food is amazing! We dropped by without an appointment on a Friday night and they were able to get us 4 seated in the bar & lounge area downstairs. They do have a main floor as soon as you enter which is large and roomy, but I’m really glad we got seated in the bar area. Totally different vibe - cool, dark interiors, with a very intimate feel. Love the decor. Service was on point. Cocktails were okay, but the sake was incredible! For appetisers we tried the beef kimchi dumplings (so good!), beet and burrata salad (delicious) and eggplant tempura (must try!). All the three rolls were fantastic but my favorite was the dragon roll. I’d highly recommend. We tried the cod which was good, but not something I’d get against. The presentation of the dish was beautiful. One dish I would definitely recommend is the mushroom and rice hot pot - we all loved it! Simple and delicious. Overall just an awesome experience

Great place. Celebrated my birthday here. Food was great and the server although a little overwhelmed at first, ended up much better. Great atmosphere and in a good part of town.

I had a fantastic dinner at pabu last week. I learned they just premiered a new spring menu, and my experience was even better than the one I had a year ago. The duck gyoza was a highlight as well as the “ricearoni” fried rice. I would definitely come back for lunch just to try everything again

Sushi is good but the omakase was not what I was expecting. I was hoping for more rustic and I got "fusion" food with what felt like thawed out frozen corn. It's a tasting menu at best. Service is great, would go back but only for sushi.

​An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration at Pabu ​Pabu is, without a doubt, the best Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, and my recent birthday celebration there proved it. From they moment we walked in, we were treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. The staff went above and beyond to make the evening special, providing attentive, thoughtful service that made us feel genuinely cared for. It's a level of hospitality that is truly rare and made a huge difference to our experience. ​The food was the highlight of the night. Every dish was an exquisite masterpiece, showcasing flavors that were both delicate and profound. The quality was simply unmatched. Knowing that they fly in ingredients from Japan several times a week, I can now understand why the seafood and other components tasted so incredibly fresh. ​If you're looking for a top-tier Japanese dining experience, whether for a special occasion or just a fantastic meal, Pabu is the only place to go. I can’t recommend it enough.

The omakase was incredible. All the dishes were well presented and delicious. The timing of everything was perfect and the amount of food left us very full. The staff was very attentive and friendly.

We LOVE the happy hour here, we’ve been 3 times in the past year and always get the same thing - salmon hand roll, the fried chicken, and the Kanpai drinks. Our servers have always been friendly and the restaurant has great decor. Perfect place for a date night and highly recommend paying with InKind for a discount.

Amazing sushi and good service. Pricey but worth it. Especially the fatty blue fin tuna sashimi and the una love were amazing. But everything I ordered was extremely good. Quality is excellent and def worth the price.

PABU is, without question, operating at a level that merits Michelin recognition. From the moment we stepped inside, the experience rivaled that of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurant in Osaka—a comparison we don’t make lightly. The culinary execution was exceptional. Each dish was a thoughtful balance of innovation and tradition. The chef’s sashimi platter was a highlight—impeccably fresh, artfully presented, and portioned perfectly for two. Every small bite that followed only reinforced the kitchen’s refined technique and creativity. Even the dessert, typically an afterthought for me, was so well-composed that I found myself wanting more. Service was warm, attentive, and impressively well-informed without ever feeling intrusive. But perhaps most memorable was the atmosphere: a serene blend of modern sophistication and understated Japanese elegance. The space felt grand yet intimate, with subtle artistic touches that enhanced, rather than overwhelmed, the dining experience. PABU delivers on all fronts—culinary craftsmanship, hospitality, and ambiance—and deserves to be recognized among the finest.

Opens at 4pm and the line starts forming. It is a small dining area…but worth the wait to taste this delicious broth and ramen. Regular and spicy options available on all Ramen choices. Scrumptious and filling, can’t wait to go back and try the A5 Wagyu Tantanmen!

Food is ok, not so good yet not so bad. The ramen lacks taste. The spicy corn wings were amazing. The edamame was cold served. Even though the restaurant is a Michelin guide SF, I don’t think it’s worth the try as many other places like ramen Nagi, Udon are much better.

Mensho Tokyo SF is my favorite go-to ramen restaurant ever since I first went in 2022! I take all my friends and family here, and they love it too! My favorites are the Spicy Garlic Knockout with Ajitama, and the Spicy Toripaitan with Ajitama. Everything about the ramen is very delicious: the broth, egg, noodle texture, and toppings! I also like the Enoki Chips appetizer. Service is great, extremely kind and attentive servers! Thank you Mensho for such a great ramen experience!

A Strong 4.5, I loved that there are really ton on vegan options, in ramen and sides as well. I went for the spicy Vegan Tantamen ramen and I highly recommend it. The toppings are really good and well thought which is refreshing because most ramen places just add some mushrooms, corn and spring onions and call it a day (esp for vegan ramen) The vegan fried chicken is a MUST try. Do make sure to dunk it in the broth and try it out. The Negatives: 1. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy. When your wait time in the line is more than an hour on average, it really affects the experience. 2. On the pricier side.

Omg the ramen here is incredible! The weekend line is insane — we waited 1 hr 45 mins, but it was totally worth it. We tried the spicy vegan ramen and the extra spicy lamb ramen. The vegan one was the star: rich, flavorful, and that garlic bomb taste was unreal. The lamb ramen had great flavor but wasn’t very spicy, even though we ordered extra spicy — more like mild. Still, the overall vibe and quality were amazing. Definitely coming back to try more of their vegan options!

Visited Mensho Tokyo SF and ordered the Duck Matcha Ramen with egg. This restaurant offers some unique ramen variations you won't find elsewhere in San Francisco. The Duck Matcha Ramen is visually striking with its green matcha broth and pink duck meat, but the flavor is quite unusual - the matcha soup base creates a taste that's very different from traditional ramen. Interesting to try once, but not something I'd order again. Service was great and staff was attentive. The restaurant space is small with mostly high seating and cubicle-style dividers between tables. Prices are on the higher side across the menu. If you're looking for creative, Instagram-worthy ramen and don't mind paying premium prices, it's worth a visit. Just manage expectations especially on the price if you prefer traditional ramen flavors.

worth all the hype! mensho tokyo serves a variety of different ramens, all with distinct and top tier flavors. ingredients were fresh and noodles were perfectly chewy. wait around 5:30pm on a friday was only 15mins. overall, even though i’m not a big ramen fan, would highly recommend! pineapple nigori: pleasantly surprised by this sake, strong pineapple notes spicy corn ribs: skippable, decent app but there are better out there. spicy enoki: also skippable spicy signature toripaitan: creamy and flavorful broth, not really spicy, perfect chewy noodles and pork was right amount of fatty spicy GKO: also a delicious ramen and highly enjoyed!

Best ramen experience I’ve had in SF! The chicken thigh was packed with flavor, even inside the meat (you know when it’s seasoned just right 👌). The broth was so rich and creamy, but perfectly balanced, not too salty and not too plain either. Everything came together so well, from the texture of the noodles to the depth of the broth. I left super satisfied and already craving it again. Definitely a spot I’ll come back to!

Excellent tomato ramen. Rare to see on a menu that isn’t for vegetarians. The beer and gyoza combo for $10 is a fantastic deal! The weizen beer is light and refreshing. Always crowded so space is a bit cramped and meant for a quick meal. Overall a great ramen spot for lunch or a quick dinner.

Oisii Ramen.😋 It was my first visit at Nojo Tavern and I had this Tan Tan Spicy Ramen. It hit the spot. I travel around and have different kinds of Ramen but Nojo’s Tan Tan is a really good one. The broth, thick noodles and Cilantro toppings was the best. It was my first time having ramen without Chasyu-Pork instead they have this Grounded chicken mixed with the broth which is more flavorful and delicious. This Ramen is the recommendation to people who love spicy flavor Ramen noodles. -Gochisousama Deshita🍜🍥

It’s a really nice place with delicious ramen. We had the chicken paitaan ramen and veggie miso ramen. Both were delicious. The paitaan was perfectly seasoned. We also ordered veggie Gyoza which was perfectly crisp and didn’t feel oily. Highly recommend this place for a warm bowl of ramen on a cold SF day.

Nojo Ramen is known for its signature ramen, which includes a whole braised chicken leg. The chicken was flavorful and tender, but the broth itself was a bit too salty. I also ordered the chicken nanban, which was fried chicken intended to be spicy, but it fell short on heat. I would recommend skipping this appetizer, as the house-made sauce wasn't very impressive either.

I came in just about 6 PM, Wednesday. it seemed we were the first customer for their dinner time. the atmosphere is somewhat, up scale restaurant vibe, yes it is A ramen restaurant, I know. (for example, server will come to your table to fill water with sommelier style) you order your food using your phone, scanning QR code for their menu and order on the Web. its pretty standard ordering food at ramen restaurants nowadays. they have some appetizers, edamame, shishito, gyoza etc but mainly ramen, this is a ramen restaurant, godammit. I ordered fried shishito (it's like deepfried red pepper with this say based sauce is delicious!) soy syoyu ramen and this weird sparkling yuzu white peach soda. ramen soup was just did work. nothing special, just fine. kinda of noodle is those curly one, that's pretty it. water taste pretty basic. some people will say this boring but I would say it is basic. I can make exact same ramen at home if I have this funct small ramen bowl. portion is tiny I have to say. I recommend here for lunch time. you will stop by a pizza parlor on the way home if you nojo ramen for dinner. service is they just being ramen bowl to your table but I felt they are polite, soft, friendly. I got gacha on the way home too. this place is for lunch. period

Excellent Raman noodles. Broth was tasty and not too salty. Shio paitan with chicken meatballs had good flavor and not overpowering. Tokyo style ramen was also legit with two slices of cha siu. I really like their appetizers, nanban chickens, fried calamari and gyoza were all delicious and hot when they were served. Went there at 5 pm without no wait, and the line got longer getting close to 6 pm on Thursday. Service was good with staff refilling our glasses with water several times on their own. This is a great quick eat close to concert hall and opera house. I will come back to try their other items on the menu.

Three Weeks In — Already the Best Brunch in Town Chotto Matte just launched their weekend brunch three weeks ago, and it’s already my new go-to spot. The experience is the perfect balance of creative food, relaxed rooftop vibes, and attentive service that makes you feel taken care of from the first sip to the last bite. We started with their cornbread — warm, golden, and impossibly moist, paired with an herbed butter I could eat by the spoonful. The Wagyu sliders followed, and they were everything you’d hope for: pillowy buns, juicy patties, crisp greens, and a sauce that tied it all together. The Smoky Breakfast Burrito was hearty and deeply satisfying, the side of bacon was crisp and perfectly salty, and it all paired beautifully with a glass of wine and a cold Cusqueña Peruvian Golden Lager — smooth, refreshing, and spot on for a sunny rooftop brunch. The highlight finale? The churro bites. Warm, fluffy, rolled in just the right amount of sugar, dipped into a silky chocolate sauce, with bursts of fresh pomegranate that lifted the whole dish. Absolute perfection. And let’s not forget the vibe: a live DJ spinning all through brunch sets the tone just right — upbeat, stylish, and fun without being overbearing. It makes the rooftop feel like the place to be. This brunch is vibrant, bold, and clearly crafted with care. Three weeks in, and it’s already set the standard. I can’t wait to come back — and I’m telling everyone I know: this is the brunch you don’t want to miss.

Lovely! The Australian wagyu steak and the lobster truffle was divine! Generally a very nice, trendy space. People were dressed up but also very trendy. The rooftop was too cold this time of year and there’s more of an upbeat energy inside. Great service. Some of the food was mediocre like the dragon roll, but a lot of it was great. We parked a street over, which was free parking on the weekends.

Was excited to try this place for my gf’s birthday, was underwhelmed unfortunately. We opted for the deluxe pre fixe menu @ $165/pp, the bill totaled $1k/4 pp. It’s a nice venue, vibes were decent- they had a DJ posted by the bar with dim lighting. I can say that our server was friendly and attentive, she was much appreciated. What i didn’t like was the food. We had to substitute some of the items due to dietary restrictions and their offer for the hamachi was a lychee crudo?! The value for the food was just not there; Australian Wagyu tastes game-y, miso cod instead of seabass and we are sharing 1 piece per 2 people, Pulpo was half mushy, the rest was just decent. Unfortunate.

This place has an amazing view — if you can, definitely grab a table on the terrace! The food is a perfect fusion of Asian and Peruvian flavors. The dishes are on the smaller side, but that just means you get to try more of everything! We also loved the service — from the moment we walked in, everyone was super kind and the waiters were incredibly friendly. Highly recommended!

I ordered the Wagyu Aburi Sashimi, Chuleta De Cordero Ahumada and finished with the Passion Fruit crème brûlée. Every dish was beautifully presented and the service was attentive without being intrusive. The ambiance had the perfect balance between modern and intimate. Highly recommend

I am in absolute awe of this place. It makes you feel as though you’re in a restaurant in LA, or something similar. There’s not many restaurants with an ambiance like this one. It’s gorgeous! The food was absolutely amazing (be weary, it’s pricey) but for good reason. The sashimi dishes are phenomenal. Would highly recommend the O-Toro and the Yellowtail dishes. It was a Wednesday night and they had a DJ playing great music! The service was excellent, other than the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty when we got seated and they seated us facing the sun, and the restaurant doesn’t have shades to block the sun so it was a battle to keep our eyes open for some of the dinner before the sun set. Other than that, this place is amazing and I would highly recommend trying it if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny!

Food was good, some of the cocktails were great. The rooftop was a nice place to eat at. They also played good house music during our dinner which I liked. Mostly good for the atmosphere, drinks, and small bites.

There are a lot of seriously good sushi joints in SF, especially for omakase, but after trying almost all of them, ICHI is still one of my fav. It’s not pretentious, quality of fish is high, knife skills are good, and although it’s a bit more new age, in terms of accoutrements, the fish is never over powered. Sit at the bar. Do the omakase. Take their recomendaciones. Worth the long trip to Bernal from downtown.

Freshest sushi in the land! No need for added soy sauce or tamari because every bite you eat is perfected to taste amazing. We ordered a round of different sushi pieces then some salads and then rolls and hot dishes. The favorite of the night was the barracuda which had a Smokey yet subtle flavorings. Then we taught over the beef or blacken cod being better. I voted for the blacken cod, it had a delicate buttery taste after being marinated for 5 days. The dry crisp sake paired perfectly with all of our sushi and salad dishes. You can see from the photos I didn’t get the sesame paste vegetable dish or cod dish quick enough for a photo because it was so good.

Fresh and not too expensive (for sushi). My wife ordered a kama (collar) and the entire fish head came. In Japan that'd be two separate dishes. Scored. Fresh even on Sunday. Hot dogs are interesting appetizers. Limited lunch menu on Sunday.

This place was totally amazing. At first we were a bit skeptical about the credit card hold for the reservation, but once you get in there you'll see why it is well worth it. Super knowledgeable staff that checks up on you just enough to not be overwhelming. 100% A+

I had their Masuta Omakase, and was very pleased. Amy was our server and she charmed us all evening with her great quirky personality and amazing sake knowledge. The food quality was outstanding, and the chef's seasonings and codes were all very interesting and different. He really brought out the fish quality out, and found ways to highlight the subtle nuances of Japanese seasonings

If you're "I love sushi" but secretly know nothing about it, don't go here. This is food love I clearly indulged with my wallet. Brought my boyfriend here for our anniversary for an omakase; the first time an omakase was not prefixed but just never-ending until I say stop, but I did not want it to ever stop. Best sushi of SF hands down.

A cozy fantastic feast of fresh fish served by your chief. Great service but we felt we were rushed a little but the food made it up.

I used to walk past this Izakaya when I lived in SF and finally tried it on a recent trip. The skewers were hit-or-miss: the meatball, chicken tail, and unagi were delicious, but the beef tongue was disappointing, and the pork skewers had sour meat. Walked in easily on a Friday evening with no wait.

We’ve been here twice, and both times the food was good. However, during our first visit, the service was terrible—we waited 50 minutes for a table, and every 10 minutes, the host would promise it would be ready in five. Overall, it’s a good izakaya spot. Each skewer dish was about $3-6, and the wagyu was around $9.

It is my third time here - really great food ! Top ingredients and special charcoal. Like in Japan ! Must go ! Sorry forgot fo take pictures! Chicken oyster, wagyu beef. Short ribs, meat balls , hamachi, sashimi with truffle , miso soup- super delicious! Not generic ! Matcha tiramisu to finish !!!!

Stopped here for a flight of sake & their Japanese Roasted Rice Green Tea. We got the unique flight that was $20 for 4 sake & the green tea was super earthy. Ambiance is very intimate & decorative. Service was great! Will definitely have to be back for the food.

We went there on a weekend night. They had a lot of people but the staffs were super friendly. All the skewers were nice and tender and juicy! The environment is chilly and they even played anime. We love the gaming machine that is by the restroom. Definitely get the yuzu tiramisu, super moist and unique!!

Walking by this izakaya on my way home from work, I was always drawn in by the incredible smell of charcoal and grilled food over the street. I finally decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. The food is fantastic, especially the chicken skewers, Chicken oyster and wings are my favorite. Even with a small menu, everything is delicious, and their cocktails are also really good! It's the perfect spot for a casual and tasty meal.

Came after checking out an online recommendation, hoping to have dinner but for an Izakaya, their offerings were quite limited. We tried 1 from majority of their skewers, they were nice, but not to the level to have a second round. Surprisingly not busy for a Saturday dinner time, probably should have picked up the sign on this right after walking in. Our waitress was very nice, but they added automatic 18% service fee for a party of 2 and asked for additional tips as well, didn’t appreciate this “double feature”.

Not for your everyday dinner but if you crave for some small bites to share with friends over a glass of beer or sake then this will be alright. The dishes varied from super flavourful to a bit on the dry side. I'd like their rice with vegetables, the cod melted on my tongue and the okra and the mushrooms. The other dishes, while plenty full didn't stand out, they weren't bad by any means but did tickle my taste buds either. Kinda like eating popcorn, you just do for the habit of it not as a memorable experience. The staff was super friendly and yes I like the interior decoration. It has charm. I do think there are plenty of better options in Japantown.

Definitely you should go to this Yakitori place for lunch. Great service, affordable but high quality Yakitori. I love their Unagi(eel) and Yakitori set lunch. As a Japanese I feel their foods are pretty decent and what you can have in Japan.

Cute spot, with a nice ambiance and overall vibe to it. The small bites are great and delicious. It is a bit pricy for the amount of food you are getting compared to other spots in Japantown. So although it is not the best bang for your buck I would still suggest a try if you are in the area. The set menu goes for $30 and gives a nice variety to try. Always happy to have a no-brainer option to try a restaurant.

The BBQ and Char are definitely there and taste delicious. For the price, I hope there’s more meat in a more uniform fashion🤣 Japan is the real deal in terms of taste and value. This shop is still very yummy but not at Japan level. Worth a visit with variety of skewer choices 👍

Recently visited Yakitori Edomasa in Japantown, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The upscale bento box was beautifully presented, but the real star was the meat skewers—perfectly grilled, packed with flavor, and incredibly tender. The pork, in particular, was a standout, with just the right balance of smokiness and seasoning. Coming from Chicago, where great meat is the standard, I’m hard to impress—but this place absolutely delivers. 10/10, highly recommend!

Delicious Japanese skewers. A wide range of options from kinng mushroom to wagu beef(special). Each skewer average of $4~5.

I thought I had found a solid spot for yakitori, but after my 2nd visit, I’m done. Went solo yesterday and it was frustrating from start to finish. I ordered 3 skewers of shiitake mushrooms (3 pieces per skewer), and they were delicious. So I ordered 2 more. They forgot (didn't bother to place an order) Only when I followed up did they put it in — and it took another hour. When the food finally came, I was served half mushrooms of the serving. Same price. What a scam! The food is good, but is just a big disappointment. I was constantly asked if I needed anything else, when they knew I was waiting for my food -which they apparently forgot. Pro tip: Get rice or you’ll end up spending way more — everything’s heavily marinated with a lot of MSG and extremely salty. Ask for plenty of water too, you’ll need it. The first time I went, they asked if it was my first visit. I said yes, and they treated me really well — this is because they're trying to make a good first impression. But the second time I came back and said I’d been there before, thats when they no longer care. So Pro tip, Always tell them it's your first time.

The yakitori was cooking to its highest quality!! I got the wagyu yakitoki (skewer) and I was cooked very well!! I highly recommended this place to eat Japanese skewers!

Was in the area and found this restaurant online. Low-key casual little izakaya, off the main street. Atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, service is friendly and helpful, but the food just isn't there. Almost everything was a little over-seasoned for my taste. And the quality just wasn't what I was hoping for. Gyutan was very tough and dry, skirt steak didn't have the deep beefy flavor I was looking for, and the chicken thigh didn't have much flavor. They also wait to serve all the skewers together at once, so it's not as fresh when it hits the table. On the bright side, fried squid was good, scallops were flavourful and perfectly cooked, and the portion sizes are generous. I loved the eggplant and their sauce, but they drenched the eggplant with the sauce which made it too salty. Overall the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail (seasoning) could use some work, but friendly service and comfortable atmosphere. (3.5/5)

Update: it's been a year since my last review. Made it back again this year to this delicious place and I am happy to report that it's still as amazing as it was a year ago. What a treat. Can't wait to go back soon What an amazing food experience. Definitely some of the best Yakitori I've ever had. Mind you the best I had was in Japan and this was as good and as special. In love with this place and I will be going back without a doubt.

First time getting yakitori in the US and this place rivaled a shop in Japan. Got a variety to try and it was all great. Recommend the mune and the unagi. Melt in your mouth tender. Quality was excellent and I would be coming back if I lived closer!

I’m not sure why there are so many stars for this place. I’m going to say it’s because SF doesn’t have any other yakitori places to compare with. My stars are compared to returning from Japan. So for those of you who were craving yakitori from Japan you will be sorely disappointed. There isn’t a choice listed to have salt or teriyaki. All the teriyaki sauce is drizzled on top instead of cooked with the meats. There is no dipping sauces either. Basically can’t taste any of the meats due to the sweet sauce. The squid was basically sushi squid slices on a stick with no flavor.The prices were not comparable to the dish. Bacon was soft on the inside with no crispiness- it was basically a soggy bacon. Definitely not going back and will have to travel to San Mateo next time to satisfy my yakitori itch.The seating is very tight between tables so it’s not comfortable for larger people. It might be cozy to some but for larger people it’s uncomfortable.

Steak skewers are fantastic, but not the scallops–on the side it’s over grilled and I can see the black crunchy part, and it shouldn’t be like that. Fried oysters are too chewy, felt like they could do better pre frying. Atmosphere is great, but a bit of over priced for the amount of food we (group of two) had, and we still weren’t full after spending $100+ pre tipping.

The server was great. The food could definitely be improved. Idk if we came on a bad day but the beef tongue felt on the verge of going bad. It was very mushy and had a fishy pasty texture and flavor to it. The only thing I really enjoyed was the yellowtail collar

Expected tourist trap but pleasantly surprised. The place was empty when we came in around 2pm on a Sunday, which almost made us go elsewhere. I'm glad we didn't because the food was good, service friendly, and great views of the bay. Portions were not large and it was a bit on the expensive side. We didn't try sushi based on low expectations. Garlic noodle, salmon, and ahi salad were good. Would actually go back.

Very expensive for what you get as you can see from my pictures my total bill was over $64.00 for 12 pieces of sushi and 2 drinks. The waiter was not very helpful and actually tried to dismiss us a few times, then the kicker was when we got the Bill and an 18% gratuity was already added. I feel almost $10 for a substandard meal and very poor service was not deserved or warranted.

1 star only because the food was decent and the view is great. Terrible service. Waited for 25 minutes to get water and I had to stop a passing server to ask for it. Once we ordered we got most of our food then had to wait an HOUR for ONE sushi roll and the place wasn't even full of customers. Others around us had the same problem and eventually got up and let because they were tired of waiting. My friend wanted to order a Bento box but the waitress told him that they only served them during lunch which ended 20 minutes prior, during the time that we had been waiting without receiving any service whatsoever!!

This place was delicious! We try to eat as healthy as possible and they have a ton of healthy choices. They have one of the best veggie wraps I have ever had! If I'm ever back in the area from Wisconsin I will be back keep up the good work!

Really good food. They are very nice in there and the view was ah-mazing!!!!

This place is amazing, best Japanese restaurant service I have ever had. Recommend the gluten free options, very accommodating. Highly recommended. Check it out

Service was horrible because they only had one waitress & food was decent. Not crazy about it.

We recently dined at Benihana, and it was an unforgettable experience! The food was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection right before our eyes. The chefs were not only skilled but also entertaining, making the whole meal a memorable event. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that we had everything we needed. One tip: make a reservation ahead of time to avoid wait times, as this popular spot can get busy. It’s definitely worth planning ahead to enjoy the full experience without any delays. If you’re ordering a 5 or 6-course meal, be sure to ask about additional items, as the bill can add up quickly. Overall, we had a fun and flavorful dining experience!

Atmosphere and foods were just as expected. However the performing was somewhat less entertaining than what I enjoyed in NY years ago. The service lady was nice and made us comfortable. I might try another time if I get a chance.

Freddy the chief was entertaining and made the food taste. The servings are larger than other locations. The place is very large so the noise level is high. Venting is also good as our clothing wasn’t covered in oil and smell of our food. Great place for a birthday meal

Bieowno way 10/10 would do again.Im too full. Food & service was 10/10 super flavorful & fast! Incredible and super skillfull. 1000/10 it is super good i would come back every day if I could it’s so yummy yummy.

We had a great night celebrating our bdays at Benihana . Fun atmosphere but it does get loud so talking to your table you can only really talk to person directly next to you. Food was delicious. We had the waygu and def recommend.

Phenomenal Experience at Benihana! We had an amazing time at Benihana tonight! From the moment we walked in, the service from Hazel was excellent—but the real highlight of the night was our chef, CARLOS! He was phenomenal—not only incredibly skilled, but also fun, engaging, and made the entire experience unforgettable. Hands down, this was the best teppanyaki I’ve ever had at any teppanyaki restaurant. Every bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Carlos brought so much energy to the table and had us laughing and smiling the whole time. I was so caught up enjoying the show (and stuffing my face 😄) that I barely got any pictures—totally worth it though! If you’re planning a visit, definitely request Hazel and Carlos. You won’t regret it!

I haven't been to Benihana for years and thought I would try the restaurant because I wanted to see how the Peace Plaza renovations were coming along and to help a local business. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by two persons with a smile. They advised me that it will be about a fifteen minute wait so I went to the bar. It happened to be "happy hour" so I ordered pan fried gyoza dumplings, shrimp tempura, vegetable spring rolls and a White Peach sake. The food came piping hot, just the way I like my food. Ingredients taste fresh and food presentation was good decorated with a real orchid flower. That sake drink was perfect - delicious and appealing. I should have ordered another sake for dinner because at dinner, that same drink was doubled ($18). I was seated at a table with a couple being engaged that night and a family of three celebrating the mom's birthday. My grill/table companions were nice and friendly. The person who took our orders had a super nice personality; she made you feel welcomed; she listened intently when taking our individual orders and kept checking in to see if we needed anything (eye to eye contact which made you feel special). Our chef was charming and personable. He did his usual tricks when preparing our food. He checked in with us individually to double check on how our preferences were and likes/dislikes. The menu was hard to understand. It was so confusing that I simply ordered one of the fixed price dinners. I could not understand why rice did not come with most fixed price dinners. Anyways, I ordered one bowl of chicken fried rice - portion was small and overly priced. I never paid that much for even a small bow of rice. Overall, the food was so so - they all tasted the same since they use the same seasonings (garlic butter) when cooking on all dishes (except for the green salad). The cheesecake was not worth ordering or eating. It was not restaurant made, was semi-frozen and horrible that I only ate one bite. It was super expensive for that small slice of cheesecake. I am giving it a four star because you are paying for the ambiance, a show from the chef and probably the same price if you ate elsewhere. It's a good place to eat with entertainment with good, efficient, friendly service.

We wanted sushi on a whim and this was the closest to our hotel, I’m so glad we did! I got the Lion King roll which was delicious. Other party members got the bento box with mackerel, pork katsu, and curry; all of which were great as well. We also tried their boba drinks which were tasty. Service was very good, our waitress was sweet.

I used to come here for the fresh, high quality food and service on my lunch breaks from where I worked right next door. Returning on my birthday 2018 and 2025, each time offering the same great food, service and atmosphere. You're made to feel like family in the entirety of all aspects of the experience. 2025 I got the Bento Box. Extremely fresh. I'm a big fan of variety so this absolutely hit the spot. I was so glad to see it open after all that's happened between 2018 and today 2025. - Richard and Robbie

Visiting San Fran from Manitoba with a group. We walked in and were seated right away. They have an incredible variety of food options. From ramen bowls, to bento boxes with chicken and salmon teriyaki and fresh salads to different sushi rolls. And even bubble tea. We ordered all the mentioned foods and were floored. Truly some of the best Japanese food we’ve ever had. And the wonderful ladies serving us were so kind and attentive. We would definitely visit again.

If you don't look at the location, it is just like another Korean owned Korean /Japanese restaurant in the suburbs anywhere in the country, mediocre flavors and presentations with SF prices. But unfortunately there's really nothing better around the Wharf, so if you have to have a Japanese/ Korean fix and don't feel like driving 15 - 20 mins to Japanese town or Korean town, this is probably your best bet. The only thing I enjoyed was the Katsu don, but it was mothuyng special.

Absolutely incredible. Ordered the Chicken bento box with California roll and sashimi. It came with a super tastey miso, absolutely lush salad, aubergine side (I need the recipe for this), extra rice and salted edamame beans with the beer. Some of the freshest sushi I've had, love the fact you can design your bento and the service was delightful. 10/10 would sushi again.

Whenever I want to eat Korean food, 🍱 I go to Grandeho. The owner is very friendly as well as all the staffs who work there. She is a great Korean food cook. They have good lunch special menus as well as sushi rolls. The location is right near by Fisherman’s Wharf. 👍🏻🍚👍🏻👏🏻💯

Great little place we did pickup today. My wife got gyoza and egg rolls, I gotBul go gi jab chase, and the nice woman running the place sent some kimchi home with me too. Great little spot, great food, great host.

Really enjoyed my lunch date here. Our appetisers were veggie gyoza (decent) and veggie croquette (spectacular, gimme 14 of em). Then we tried the Baked Salmon Sushi and the Super Dynamite Roll. My favourite was the baked salmon, husband’s favourite was the super dynamite - so safe to say they were both delicious and tasted fresh! Would absolutely come again. I was amazed at the menu selection - the sushi alone is extensive and there’s absolutely something for everyone. But beyond that they ALSO have ramen, udon, all kinds of katsu, onomiyaki, and way more. Incredible, can’t wait to come back and try other things. Besides the food, both the server and the chef (owner?) were extremely kind and hospitable. We had a couple dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking US if that’s okay !! We felt very cared for and so happy with the service and the food quality.

My guess is this is a family business. For someone who has been to Japan, i would say the food here tasted very similar to what I've had in Japan. The $15.99 set is unbeatable especially in an expensive city like San Francisco. High recommend the Saba Shio and Tonkatsu, very delicious. The Okonomiyaki gets great rating here but to me it was just meh. The Unagi Don on the other hand, has not been mentioned in any reviews here, is amazing. $24.99 but they chose the best cut of eel, very well seasoned and melt in your mouth texture. The rice to eel ratio is perfect. It was hand down on of the best Unagi Don I have had, comparable to Japan. Service is quick, we did arrive when they just opened so there was no wait but i could imagine the place could get packed during rush hours and limited seating. Also you would wanna look at the menu by the door and decide what you want, DO NOT opened their menu book, it smells horrible

We eat at a lot of sushi restaurants, and this one in San Francisco Japantown is merely okay. Prices and selection are fine, but the rolls, for example, are somewhat smaller than what I'm used to and the sauces on the rolls are a tad overwhelming.

I went on an early Tuesday afternoon because I wanted seating and no wait. That's exactly what I got inside, I sat down immediately and picked out what I came here for, pork okonomiyaki. The store has a moderate number of seats, and only a few people were present ordering, so I got my food pretty quickly. The okonomiyaki arrives on a hot plate that keeps it hot, and they provide a spatula to cut and serve it. Food is really really good, I started eating and then remembered to take a picture halfway thru, which is why half the food is gone in the picture. There's a good amount of pork, and the okonomiyaki has a crunch that's best when it just arrives at your table. I gulped up the whole dish and felt both happy and full. During the meal the waiter came to refill my water a few times. Given that this is in the japantown mall, it is most likely crowded and busy on weekends at mealtimes. But if you're able to get a table, I recommend this place, especially the okonomiyaki. They had a few other flavours that I want to try next time I come here.

Small shop but the sushi and sashimi are awesome. Stopped in for an appetizer but now I’m mad dinner isn’t here.

We enjoyed everything — veggie okonomiyaki, sushi, fried squid. Very extensive menu! Okonomiyaki tasted as good as Osaka. The rest wasn’t the best Japanese food I’ve ever had but yummy, no complaints. Nice hole in the wall vibe and fast service. We will be back.

When you visit Japan Town in San Francisco and want some Japanese food, you may like this restaurant, it is small but I enjoyed my Lunch here

My favorite Japanese restaurant in SF. Every dish is made thoughtfully and is delicious. The tastes are subtle but delicious, delicate and authentic. The Nigata sake was a perfect complement, clean and dry. Really amazing place.

Best experience we had for Omakase Food: very fresh, tasty, generous portion; you don’t go home hungry Atmosphere and service very attentive and caring. Very intimate atmosphere.

Took my sister for her birthday meal for an 8PM dinner seating! Booking: book via tock...if you need to cancel, you can call them, I believe 1-2 days beforehand for a refund. Requested for bar seating (did mention it would be $20/pp to guarantee) but seems like since i booked early enough and had a bday, so they were willing to accommodate without me needing to pay additional. 2 omakase $185/ea asahi draft $9 genmai cha $8 sf mandate 5% My sister thoroughly enjoyed the meal. I personally, probably because I wasn't that hungry, overall thought it was ok. In my opinion, the chefs here do put more sauce/extra flavors on the fish, which isn't my preference, as I like the fish to be the main highlight. Chef Leo was friendly and attentive. They deduct the tock deposit from the final bill. 20% auto gratuity. Street parking only.

Incredible experience! My fiancé took me here for my birthday dinner. Mika was so sweet and accommodating, making sure every course and piece was executed perfectly. High quality fish and ingredients! Everything was delicious and they made my birthday super special!

WOW! Best meal of the year! The quality ingredients were so fresh and clean, flavors were a fun adventure, and the service was impeccable and welcoming. I can't recommend this place enough!

We celebrated a close friend’s bachelor party at Kusakabe with a dinner for nine. While the evening offered some incredible highlights, there were also a few unfortunate aspects that left us with mixed feelings about the experience. The food was truly exceptional. Every dish was carefully crafted and elegantly presented, offering a range of delicate flavors and textures that impressed everyone in our group. The omakase journey was memorable, with standout courses like the uni that melted in the mouth and sparked admiration even from those in our party who are typically hesitant about raw seafood. The attention to detail in the preparation was evident, and the kitchen’s talent shined through in every bite. We also want to acknowledge the excellent service. Our group was significantly delayed due to travel complications, but the staff welcomed us with grace and understanding. They held our reservation without issue, served us with warmth and professionalism, and allowed us to enjoy the meal at our own pace. Their hospitality made us feel genuinely cared for. However, there were two major issues that deeply affected our overall impression. First, one of the sushi pieces contained a bone. This was both surprising and disappointing, particularly in a restaurant where precision is expected and the cost per person exceeds $200 before tax and gratuity. It disrupted the experience in a way that was hard to ignore. The second and more disturbing issue was the presence of a cockroach on the wall behind our table. In any dining environment, this would be unacceptable. In a fine dining setting that charges premium prices and prides itself on offering a refined atmosphere, it was shocking. The sight of a cockroach near our table dampened what was otherwise a thoughtfully curated and beautifully served meal. We chose not to make a scene, but the image stayed with us for the rest of the night. Despite these setbacks, we had a wonderful evening in terms of the company, conversation, and culinary adventure. It was a joyful gathering that brought us closer together, and there were moments that we will fondly remember for years to come. Kusakabe has remarkable food and a kind, accommodating staff. But fine dining is about more than what is served on the plate. We hope the restaurant takes this feedback seriously, because the potential for a flawless experience is certainly there, and it would be a shame for preventable issues to overshadow such culinary excellence. The pictures of the bones and the cockroach is attached.

I simply can not rave about this restaurant enough. It was my first time here and it defintetly not be my last! From the moment you walk in and get greeted by the staff and sushi chefs, to the servers meticuosly clearing dishes and plates, you feel very welcomed. The food was so well prepared, fresh, and simply delicious. It was definelty one of the best sushi i've eaten in San Francisco and the Bay Area! 18 dishes came out and i was very full. About 200 dollars for the omakaze but well worth every dollar! I can't wait to return!

I’ve never had sushi this fresh before. The salmon and tuna just melted and glided over my tongue. I even had to look twice to make sure the fish was really dead — that’s how fresh it was! (Just a little joke.) I eat sushi often, but I’ve never had it this fresh anywhere else. Compliments to the restaurant — and the service was truly appreciated as well!

The sushi flavor was good, but the portions were extremely small. We spent over $200 on a delivery order and what we received did not reflect the size of what we ordered in the pictures and it was not enough for two people.

Very delicious meal. The miso soup was amazing. Each roll seems very intriguing and interesting. I got the White Dragon roll and it was really good. It doesn't seem like a lot of food, but honestly 1 roll was more than enough. Service was super fast too. Nice for a quick bite.

This place was way overpriced for what you get. The rolls had no flavor and the tuna tataki for $30 was horrible. The flavors were off and you could hardly taste the tuna. The saving grace was 2 negiri’s were actually really good. Definitely not worth the price. Also the waitress was really nice :)

Great sushi in a tiny little restaurant! Food was delicious, but the kitchen and service staff seemed a bit overwhelmed. We waited for a table that had been cleared for at least 10 minutes. Despite this everything else was great and well worth it!

Visited from GA for the first time ever spending a day in San Francisco before driving down the coast. Stopped here for sushi based of the previous reviews, and OH BOY were we not disappointed. The place is small, but you are guaranteed excellent service. Fast, courteous and helpful. We got the Rei Ginjo sake ( SO GOOD), best Miso soup I've ever had, "Couple of babes" to start and then the Chef Ochko roll, Ya Man, and the Flaming Seabass roll. Each one was better than the first. Seriously, go here. Don't bother trying somewhere else. You will absolutely NOT regret it.

Best sushi I’ve had in my life. Fish is like butter, fresh and delicious. Overall 10/10, so happy to have found this place.

In January 2025, I took Japanese Chicken Udon (noodle) for lunch here at $17.92 +tip 20%. Chicken Udon in Tokyo would cost $5-8. Taste good. Up to you.

This is the best Sushi place I ever been. The best Sashimi and best Japanese BBQ I ever had in my life. Strongly recommend the salmon skin hand roll. Love everything here.

I normally don't rate 1 star. Sorry that i had to. Roll was just OK. Nothing great about. The special croquettes was not so good either. It was just fried with stuffing was cold. The $25 uni was the worst. The color was brown ( it should be more like orange if fresh) and almost don't want to eat. I will try avoid if you can. It was just close to the hotel I stayed.

Delicious, beautiful, friendly and attentive. The flavors were perfect, the artistry in the rolls was beyond what I expected or have experienced before. The tempura and grilled pork skewers were great. It was a little bit pricey, but it felt worth it.

As soon as walking through the door you notice the place could use some renovations. The decor was simple, even though some of the best restaurants are simple. It had a nice ambiance; perhaps like a small local sushi spot in Japan. They were relatively busy for 8pm on a Wednesday but only had one server working. The server was nice and accommodating although clearly overworked as quite a few tables had to go up to the bar to order since no one came to their table. I ordered a simple Alaskan Roll and Takka Roll. The Alaskan had good flavor and the fish was fresh. The tuna in the takka was perhaps a tad old. I finished my meal with a crunchy giant which looked amazing and had great presentation. I know I asked for a roll that’s tempura but it may have been cooked too long. Still tasted good and filled my belly. It was a nice meal but Idk if I’d go back again.

Ok'ish sushi place. Dropped in for a quick dinner after a long travel day. It was Monday evening so there was no wait time for a table, but the dish preparing took some time. I chose Sashimi & Nigiri Special. Apparently all is prepared there per order but I still felt it was more on expensive side ($69.95) for 5 sashimi and 5 nigiri pieces. The dish came with miso-soup and seaweed salad. Menu was available via qr-code on the table. All in all it's a ⭐⭐⭐ place but the expensiveness of the dishes takes away ⭐ star.

Everything about this restaurant is great. The staff are super, food was fantastic.

Very good for vegan fare. The udon was tasty, and the rolls were inventive. I could do with less of the seaweed salad inside the bigger roll though it was hard to eat. Otherwise great spot and will be back!

Pros: Menu is all vegetarian. Atmosphere is cozy. Service is super fast. Ordered arrived within minutes of placing the order. Run by old Japanese folks. Servers are super sweet old Japanese ladies. Loved the service. Food is delicious too with so much variety and flavor. Cons : It’s just a little on the pricy side.

Enjoyed and would come back, especially during happy hour! You can get 3 small dishes for $20 during happy hour. We got the 1/2 cha-ya roll, Sansai udon bowl, and agedashi tofu. All of it was great. My friend and I admired all the paper lanterns hanging around us. It was a quiet, small, calm atmosphere.

In the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, where the clamor of modernity often drowns the whispers of tradition, I chanced upon a sanctuary of serenity and sustenance: Cha-Ya, a vegan Japanese eatery that beckons the weary traveler with promises of wholesome fare and tranquil ambiance. Upon entering this modest establishment, one is greeted not by the ostentation of opulence, but by the humble elegance reminiscent of a Zen monk’s abode. The air is imbued with the subtle aromas of miso and sesame, evoking memories of distant Kyoto temples and the disciplined artistry of shōjin ryōri. On my recent visit, I partook in a repast that commenced with a sushi ensemble, where golden daikon and an array of verdant vegetables were ensconced within delicate rice and nori. Each morsel was a testament to the chef’s devotion to purity and balance. Accompanying this was a sunomono salad—crisp cucumber slices mingled with a hint of cinnamon, presenting a dance of flavors both refreshing and unexpected. A bowl of miso soup, rich yet unassuming, provided warmth to the soul, while a chilled Sapporo lent a crisp counterpoint to the meal’s gentle nuances. Though my appetite was sated, the menu’s offerings whispered temptations yet unexplored. The Cha-Ya Roll, a signature creation, boasts tempura-fried vegetables enveloped in sushi rice, drizzled with a soy-ginger glaze—a harmonious blend of texture and taste. The Kinoko Udon, with its medley of mushrooms in a savory broth, promises comfort on fog-laden evenings. For those seeking variety, the Cha-Ya Nabe presents a hearty hot pot brimming with tofu, vegetables, and delicate noodles, inviting communal indulgence. In an age where the essence of Japanese cuisine is often overshadowed by the ubiquity of meat and fish, Cha-Ya stands as a beacon for those yearning for authenticity without compromise. It is a place where the principles of compassion and culinary excellence converge, offering nourishment that transcends the mere physical. As I departed, the lingering flavors and the establishment’s quiet dignity left an indelible impression. Cha-Ya is not merely a restaurant; it is a haven—a reminder that amidst the cacophony of city life, one can still find pockets of peace and purity.

I really wanted to like this restaurant. I read the reviews and arrived with much hope and excitement; $90 later, I left unimpressed and disappointed. The service was welcoming but not warm. We were seated quickly but it took about 20-30 minutes for someone to take our order. The food was lackluster. The broccoli in the goma-e was watery and undercooked while the sauce was sparse. The rolls were nothing special. Most of the veg in the tempura were sliced too thickly, so the batter to veg ratio was off for my preference. We were hungry, finished everything, but we're left wondering why so many folks gave this place rave reviews. The atmosphere was dismal. There was a dog constantly barking because it's owner tied it to the restaurant's front door and it could not be appeased by the staff. There was a large table behind us with poorly behaved children smacking the table with spoons, launching chopsticks onto the floor, and flapping an inflatable sword about. The adults were no better, yelling at each other across the table and coddling their annoying children. It did not help that there is no sound insulation so the cacophony just reverberated throughout the space. Perhaps if the service was better and/or the atmosphere more calming, the overall experience would not be as bad. I don't see myself returning to this establishment.

Fantastic restaurant with great food. Very clean (Japanese like 😉) .. Everything was spot on .. and as vegetarians this is a haven ..

The friendliest service and cleanest vegetarian food! Finally vegan sushi and dishes not smothered in sauces and oils 😊 Most dishes are light but nutritious and filling. The agedashi tofu and gyoza are great for non veg eaters. The dumpling “hotpot” has a light but umami soup based and is filled with veggies. The tempura noodles are nice but nothing special. The rolls are nice too but again nothing special. Chaya roll for a heavier option (fried) and mushroom avocado one for a lighter option. Would love to come back again to support plant based family businesses 😊

I normally don't like every dish we ordered But everything was maxed great! Is that bad English LOL. It was so delicious! Like how can they make the peppers so good! The beef was WOW. I could eat 10 more orders of it. You must try everything on menu hahaha We loved everything. Ate every bite. Service was impeccable! Nice ambiance Clean bathrooms Only streets parking

Had the Chilean sea bass and the takoyaki. Delicious food. Friendly staff. Would recommend coming in once the grill gets going, as the smell of detergent was strong coming in at 5pm. Recommend stopping by if you're in the neighborhood.

Wow that fish was fresh! The sashimi platter was an excellent mix of very well cut fresh fish and cool presentation. Then came the Chilean sea bass, oh my, that just kinda melted in my mouth. Definitely will return when I want more of an authentic Japanese experience.

Came with a friend a few minutes after they opened. Got seated at a table to the left of the reception. If you get seated here, I would recommend asking to sit at the bar or further away. Every time someone walked in, I felt the draft from outside hit my back. Not particularly pleasant during dinner. Ordered a fairly standard of assortment for dinner. Safe bets are the chicken tsukune, salmon sashimi, and hotate scallops. The scallops come on a shell that is heated so it stays hot as you eat it. The agedashi tofu was the only disappointing dish of the night. It lacked a fulfilling crunch into silky soft tofu. The soy sauce blend does add to the flavor, but the texture took away from the dish. The miso black cod is a must-order. Deeply savory flakes of cod that fall apart at the chopsticks with miso-marinade infused into the flesh. The plating can be a bit excessive though. The hamachi carpaccio and onsen tamago come highly recommended. Both sit on a pond of a tart and savory sauce that are a delight in the tongue and, without a palate cleanser, dull each other's flavors. The pumpkin croquette was an interesting dish. Savory, but also notably sweet. Almost like a middle-dish between entree and dessert. I'm still not 100% sure whether I could recommend it or not, but it certainly wasn't unappetizing.

Service was good even though the place was busy, ambiance is nice, there are cool rooms on the sides for groups, better boo them in advance though. The food. Looked amazing, executed well. Overall really enjoyed our meal, well worth a visit.

Another Korean-run Japanese restaurant in the neighborhood. Like the namesake suggests, the menu here is almost entirely meant to be eaten with drinks. Food is average across the board with no real standouts. Service is good. There's loud music and it gets crowded easily on the weekends. Surprisingly expensive. I would visit more often if the prices were more competitive.

The interior is like Japanese izakaya and there are even wooden booths. The food is actually very good -- definitely a cut above your usual San Francisco looks better than it is stuff. The beef kushiyaki was stupidly good, idk what they did to it.

Excellent whiskey tasting experience! The bartender, Anthony, was very knowledgeable and friendly. They do not have set flights, so you can build your own. I tried the port cask Kavalan and two local whiskeys. Great place for a whiskey tasting, date night, or night out with friends.

An amazing vibe ! And an absolutely fantastic whiskey selection are not the only things great about this place. The sashimi plate, the sweet potato fries , everything was sooooooo good !!!

Definitely one of my all time favorite places in SF. If you're a scotch aficionado or if you enjoy upscale Japanese cuisine, this is the place for you - the food truly is incredible and the scotch selection is hard to beat in SF. The decor and atmosphere (modern Asian inspired but still very cozy) make it the perfect place for a first date or a small friends gathering.

Best hole in the wall find ever. Food was damn good which I wasn’t expecting. Asian sky bar atmosphere had an awesome chill vibe. Japanese whiskey lives up to its reputation and this is only place you can get most of the good stuff. Staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable too.

Nice laid back environment if you arrive before 10pm. Food is good but some items can be disappointing. Last time I was there the shishito peppers were extremely hot and I could not eat them. Their whiskey selection is extensive with some great choices. They also serve cocktails and I believe a few wines. There's also DJ playing some lounge music which helps creating a laid back vibe. My only complaint: some customers can be disruptive after a few drinks and staff is not effective at dealing with them, i.e. does nothing.

Excellent service. Good food. Excellent whiskey recommendations.

Innovative cocktails. Crazy selection of whiskey. Fu n bartender. Happy hour menu from 5:30 to 7. Very good deals.

Reliable and good quality ramen in the Lower Haight area. Their appetizers may be better than the ramen. Don't miss out on the takoyaki! Not the best ramen in SF, but this is one of the few ramen shops that does tsukemen well. I had their vegetarian ramen this time and it was a bit bland for the price tag ($21)...you can get a much more flavorful bowl for the same or a lower price from other ramen shops. The prices have gone up significantly over the past 2 years (as is the case with many other restaurants). An appetizer can hit with you with $18, so be ready!

Have dual feelings for this place. I was super excited to go there after saving from one of the TOP ramen places list. From good side the interior and atmosphere were great. Dimmed light, stylish furniture, modern minimalism. From other side - just 3 types of ramen which is a bit strange for the place with word “ramen” in name. Second strange thing was waiting time. We ordered just 2 ramens but waited for them longer than two other tables (people who came after us). My husband really liked vegetarian ramen, from my side their house Iza ramen is lacking liquid. The broth is very flavorful but the proportions between it and noodles are not optimal. Noodles were too hard for my taste. So in a nutshell this place is not bad but there are definitely some better ramen places in SF

The service was good, and the interior and food presentation were nice, but ultimately the ramen broth was mediocre and lacking in flavor and depth. I agree with the other reviews that there are other better ramen places in SF. I actually thought the takoyaki was good and enjoyed it more than the ramen.

we tried the crispy bite trio, the spicy iza ramen, & the spicy iza tsukemen. the crispy bite trio was great - everything was flavorful and the size of the fried chicken pieces were larger than i expected them to be. the iza ramen was okay - there wasn't much broth or spice, and the egg was more solid then runny. the tsukemen ramen was also just okay. the noodles were an excellent texture but the broth was very salty and also not particularly spicy. the best part of the ramen dishes was the side of buttered corn, which was delicately sweet but not overbearing. i would have preferred more corn in each serving, though. as for the service, it was very quick & attentive, which i appreciated!

Food: 3/5 Service: 3.5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Overall: Not a bad neighborhood spot for some ramen. The extended review… Food: Edamame – 3/5 – Standard fare appetizer. Chicken Karaage – 3/5 – Can’t say no to fried chicken. The portion size was a bit small and taste was standard fare. Iza Tsukemen – 3/5 – I got this one because of the thicker noodles which were good. The broth was fairly rich and good as well. Service: 3.5/5 – Friendly and attentive service. Ambiance: 3.5/5 – This place had a little bit of a wait. Very cute interior.

Iza Ramen in Lower Haight is a must-visit for ramen lovers. I indulged in their signature dish, the Iza Tsukemen, and tried the delightful Takoyaki Octopus Balls. The Iza Tsukemen features thick ramen noodles served with a concentrated dipping soup, accompanied by ume shiso chicken, slow-cooked BBQ pork, marinated egg, green onion, bean sprout, bamboo shoot, and crispy nori seaweed. The flavors harmonize perfectly, creating a delightful experience. The Takoyaki Octopus Balls, served with bonito flakes, red pickled ginger, and sweet demi sauce, offer a burst of flavor. The service is attentive, and the cozy atmosphere adds to the dining pleasure.

We are from out of town & decided to have some ramen! We stopped here based on the reviews and honestly this place was so delicious!!! We ordered the Takayokai (spell check) as appetizers and then we ordered 3 ramen and an order of fried chicken. We were all impressed with everything and we will definitely come back whenever in town !

Best sushi in SF. Period. The quality is top notch and the amount of fish per nigiri is unmatched. Selection is amazing as well. The chef has been in business for 26 years. He knows what’s up. I’ve been a patron for over 10 years and it’s still as good as ever. If you love sushi – especially raw sushi – you gotta try this place!

Sometimes you come towards a meal that just makes you sad cause you know it's gonna end. I knew this one would make me shed tears from the first bite. One of the best sushi I've had in the US (and I've been to a bunch of incredible ones in NYC and Chicago). Had the double albacore, moon dog and QP roll (scallops), and a salmon belly nigiri. Can't wait to come back. Incredible meal. 10/10. I miss it already. So sad.

amazing little spot, had the pleasure of being privately served by chef Jin and his family. very high quality fish. especially liked the liver appetizer and miso soups which were new to me. various toro selection. incredible value for the omakase just $100. they fly fish in from Japan twice weekly. he trained Kabuto chef too down the street. very well seasoned, never touched the soy sauce. highly recommend. will be back soon, thanks chef!!

We are BIG sushi people, and have traveled the world to enjoy good sushi. We flew into SF tonight for a wedding weekend in Tomales. Originally we weren’t planning on stopping in the city but decided too on a whim and randomly chose this spot due to reviews and pics. It’s was an incredible experience and reminded me of our times in cute little Tokyo spots. We will 100% be back, but until this - I hope anyone reading this review and deciding to come here, goes. You will not regret it. We loved the miso soup and cherry blossom roll but the absolute highlight was the Omakase so the chefs could do their thing with high quality fish! And lastly, the staff was awesome and so kind/cute with us. And the spot was just adorbs. We will be back!

My family and friends have been coming here for 20 plus years. Great food, great service, and the sushi is the star of the show. It's mildly pricey, but realistically it's not expensive either comparatively. It's just the cost of living these days is ridiculous. Best of all, Ariake never disappoints... The spicy QP roll, Maguro Mango roll, are some of our favorites... Enjoy!

Wow this is the best sushi I think I’ve ever had! The owners are so friendly and competent, the fish is amazingly fresh, and the price is very reasonable for the quality. Cannot recommend enough - I will be back!!

Food was very tasty. Went during the week so it was pretty empty and it is just a small little spot but it was well maintained. Had a slightly weird smell to it when we entered though.

Really really cute ramen place with SUCH TENDER AND MOIST AND DELICIOUS KARAGE. Truly best karage and so much flavor in the karage and sauce! The only thing I wish was that there would be more veggies in the ramen. The service was great and friendly and fast! Highly recommend!! The price was so reasonable too for such big portions!

I waited 3 year's to try this place and i was not disappointed. I was welcomed and seated right away and taken care of. Very small and peaceful restaurant. The staff was interactive and very informative. Can't wait to come back. Ramen was loaded with so many creative things lamb, curry, deep fried eggs. Appetizers pork belly and dumplings both were delicious. Saki was pretty good not even a Saki person and i was surprised.

One of my best friends gave it a 3.5/5. I loved the spicy miso with pork belly. The edamame was also tasty and well cooked. Easy ordering and service. Small setting with great options.

One of my very favorite Ramen spots. Not only is the Ramen varied and inventive, but they also offer some other side dishes that you don’t see everywhere else. I particularly like the Japanese pumpkin tempura. They also have a variety of fairly priced sake’s.

I love this spot. They have such a creative interpretation of traditional Ramen that truly lends it self to a modern palate. They also completely step out of the box in such amazing ways. They have fun but always delicious options to customize your order with things like- Panko egg! Don’t skip on their appetizers… so good, each and every one. I love their Ramen. Spicy miso is my go to but I’ve had all of them and one can’t go wrong.

Look. It's great ramen. But it's fancy. You want good, classic, tonkatsu ramen? Go somewhere else. This place has unusual, good but spicy flavor combos, and they put fried chicken on top. Most options are spicy, and I (a spice weakling) had a runny nose two bites in. The ramen egg was panko-coated, not marinated (this was indicated on the menu and yet I was still disappointed). Small, clean, unfussy interior. Also serves apps, sake, curry, but you're here for the ramen. Take friends here if you want to seem cool, but this isn't my favorite ramen joint in the city.

i genuinely never leave bad reviews but this was the worst dining experience i’ve ever had. i will say i’ve heard from many friends that they love this place, but i did not have a positive experience :( we got there and had to wait around 30 mins (totally reasonable). the worse part was they we were seated (and had already decided on what to order) but it took the waitress another ~15 mins to take our order and then another ~10 mins to bring water. we then waited another 30 mins for the food to come. every other table was already eating (even multiple that arrived / were seated after us). when i said something to the waitress, she tried to explain it by saying that our slips got lost but never updated us or checked in. the food then came and the skewers on the ramen were cold. they had not reheated them! as many good reviews as this place has, i can never come back and cannot recommend it at all. i totally understand the waitress was slammed with a full restaurant and lots of doordash, but the service was pretty unacceptable

Driven by Yuubi for a while and decided to stop! We had a great experience here and will be back! Appetizers and side salads were pretty decent but wish we had a few more pieces of geso karaage to share! The wagyu and tuna tataki was tasty and worth another try the next time we are there. The rolls were nothing spectacular but standard as far as rolls go. My friend loved the chicken katsu dinner and felt it was perfectly fried for his taste. The poki salad had a lot of different fish in the bowl and was a tad over sauced but otherwise another ok dish. The fish in the Chirashi was good and fresh. We threw in a waffle for dessert since we were curious. It’s a tiny waffle so definitely not something to share.

This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in the city. The 3 types of Hokkaido Uni is so fresh and sweet. The Salmon Sashimi and Amaebi is always perfect and never fails to disappoint. My favorites are the Dragon Roll, Caterpillar Roll, and Mix Up roll. The Chicken Karaage is so crunchy, and overall I had a great experience at the restaurant. The customer service is immaculate, and there's never a long wait. I celebrated my birthday here today, and they also cut the cake for us. This is a great place for all events with family and friends! If you're in the city you definitely need to try this place out!

One of freshest sushi restaurants in Bay Area. The sashimi are not only fresh, portions are very good too. The rolls are excellent with many many selections to fit different budget. A hidden gem in the city

I love going to Yuubi. It’s my favorite Japanese restaurant, high quality food and reasonable price, especially love the uni they have! Always so fresh! And they also have aged fish. The staff are so friendly.

It’s one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. I don’t live in this area, but I like come with my friends. Their Sashimi is very fresh and delicious, and their hamachi Kama tastes good too.

No chop sticks !!! The edamame did not have salt. The hand roll was not good, the seaweed was chewy and not fresh, I had to spit it out. The shrimp tempura roll had small shrimp. The rainbow roll was the only thing good. Will NOT be ordering from here. So many other sushi restaurants near by. Thought I would try something new. Terrible idea.

Amazing sashimi as request. Everything’s excellent. So lucky they have 18 days aged toro kama for tonight and the aged fish totally different with the reasonable price, must back soon!

Large menu of your standard Japanese dishes, ranging from rolls to donburi to bentos and udon. Restaurant is peaceful, reasonably priced (several bento combos and lunch specials) and service prompt. Food was good in taste and value.

We were pleasantly surprised how good our lunch bento boxes were. The tofu teriyaki was perfectly breaded and fried. The tempura was hot and a good variety of veggies. Chicken teriyaki was flavorful and not dry. The side veggie maki was very fresh and tasty. This is a good choice if you’re in the neighborhood and want Japanese food. A quiet spot to relax and enjoy your meal.

Sake nigiri 11/10 Fresh and generous portions Highly recommends their sushi, sashimi, poke Salmon Teriyaki Bento 11/10 Poke salad 11/10 Dragon roll 11/10 Not crowded Chill vibes and atmosphere This restaurant is way better than Ebisu!

The scallop roll was quite good 👍

Items Ordered: Vegetable udon, vegetable potstickers, edamame, miso soup, beer, sake bombs, and two sushi rolls. The restaurant was run on the front-end by one woman. When my party arrived, we were only the second table but as time went on, it got busier and she managed it all. My only food recommendations would be to offer tofu in the vegetable udon and salt on the edamame (or table). The place does feel very cluttered too with all of the storage along the walls but I'm not sure if that fits in with the other restaurants on the street.

Wowwwwww So good 👍 Delicious fresh clean One of the best Japanese restaurants in San Francisco

I love this little cozy space. I think they should have more unique name instead of balboa teriyaki. even hello kitty teriyaki would be better. oh, wait. it's kinda gross. nvm. it was Saturday astound 6:30. there were 2 other tables but not busy at all. at all. AT ALL. but I will put one extra * 'cause those local restaurants usually put a sign says "kids friendly" and I hate it. but this place is as I mentioned earlier, not busy, super cozy and no kids when I was there. I ordered Hawaiian poki salad, beef icon and double hamachi roll. Hawaiian poki salad was excellent. I don't think any traditional Japanese food come with spicy sauce but you can ask how spicy your poki salad is and I asked mild. it was just right spicy. Hawaiian poki salad is excellent there. beef udon was okay. just okay. I think they make broth, not like powder based soup. double hamachi roll was neat and decent. I believe a woman made the sushi roll. if that was the case, I kinda see how the roll made. I mean I don't know the process but my experience, woman chefs make lookin' good dish then man chefs. usually. just usually. my experience. the server was really friendly. light conversation. he didn't cut in our conversation. gay. but deserve one *. total is **** I definitely come back here. recommend.

Go for all you can eat and get the toro beef + angus rib. Other marinated meats had flavors that were too strong. Small plates so you can try most of the menu. Waiters changed plates a lot and refilled water. Green tea ice cream tasted artificial but it was nice to eat a cold sweet thing after bbq

Our family had a wonderful meal at Gyu Kaku. All of the meat served was flavorful and delicious. The cooking was actually entertaining and our clothing didn't smell like food due to the very thorough venting systems at each table. The servers were pleasant and accommodating. The pricing aligned with this type of restaurant.

They had a set menu and happy hour discounts, so we had a great meal! The corkage fee was only $10, which was really nice. They even gave us a s’mores dessert—it was such a great experience. I’ll definitely be back next time!

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ was a good experience overall. The meat quality was great, and the flavors were decent, but the portion sizes left a lot to be desired. We got the Meat Lovers for Two, but it wasn’t sufficient and we ended up ordering more à la carte. Our favorites were the short rib, along with the à la carte shrimp and spicy pork. However, the appetizer chicken karaage was disappointing—it tasted more like KFC or frozen chicken. While the food was enjoyable, the portions are too small for the price point. Unless you’re serving wagyu, it doesn’t justify such tiny servings. A decent experience, but the value for money could be better.

This bbq spot is a gluten-free heaven. The menu is clearly labeled with tons of options, and all but 1 of their sauces is GF. So happy I finally had lunch here! Food: I had the $15 lunch special with 2 meats, miso soup, rice and salad, and added the garlic mushroom for $2-3 extra. The Toro Beef (thinly sliced beef) was great and the spicy sauce was amazing. I wouldn’t order Angus Beef rib (thicker cut) again because no matter how long I cooked it, it was hard to chew. The salad was very fresh and the mushrooms were great. The extra garlic sauce from the mushrooms was perfect for eating with rice. Service: Solid, friendly service that checked up on me frequently. The 2 servers were very smiley and patient in answering my questions. Atmosphere: It was chill during lunchtime and I like that it didn’t get very smoky like some bbq places do. The restaurant and bathroom are both clean. It was a great value and I’ll definitely be back for their lunch special, and meal sets for groups!

We arrived at 5pm as a party of 5 and we were seated right away. All the different food we ordered were all so good and the service was great too. We ordered the Avocado Kaarage Salad, Cold Tofu, Beyond Bibimbap, Spicy Beef Bibimbap, Garlic Fried Rice and Garlic Noodles.

Food was really good and the experience was fun. Chief complains were how long it took to get meats after ordering them (especially since there’s a time limit) and the price. Recommend getting the all you can eat with the regular package, it has everything you need.

The Kaiyo Roll was delicious. Poko’s drink was good but mostly filled with ice, which was disappointing. Cobra’s drink was really good as well, but it was surprisingly small. The yucca fries were pretty good, though the sauce was bland and could use more flavor. The Japanese crispy shrimp, on the other hand, was excellent—I highly recommend it. We ordered the ceviche trio with shrimp, tuna, and the classic. While the ceviche itself was great, the portions were tiny—each sampler only had a few bites, which didn’t feel worth the $40 price tag. Service was a bit slow. Our server disappeared for a while, and it seemed like the managers had to step in to help. The prices are also quite high for the portion sizes, especially considering how much ice they use in their drinks. That said, it’s still a great spot for a fun girls’ night out or a date. The views are spectacular, and the heaters over each table ensure you stay warm, even on chilly nights. It might be worth mentioning that the bathroom is not on this floor. Its actually a pretty long distance and confusing getting there so try to go prior to coming here

This place is mainly worth coming for the vibes; but I don’t think the value for the food and drinks are worth it. It’s a beautiful and upscale environment - being positioned on a rooftop with 360 views of the city. On a beautiful day - it’s the perfect place to be - but fair warning if windy or after sunset - it gets really cold, but they have blankets available if needed to try and warm up. The drinks with tax and tip ended up being about $25 per cocktail, which feels extremely expensive even for San Francisco. The sushi was okay, and the food was decent. I also felt like the service was average. They have this exclusive energy about them - and coming here spontaneously for bar seating - I was treated rudely by the hostess. I highly recommend getting a reservation so you don’t have to deal with the energy of feeling denied as they are not even willing to have a conversation about a table in the restaurant without one.

everything you expect from a japanese peruvian rooftop bar is at kaiyo. went in with semi-low expectations but the food pleasantly surprised me. nice vibes on a warm evening and they even provide blankets. corn ribs: must try! the fad snack of the times but kaiyo’s might have perfected it yucca fries: decent but forgettable wagyu sliders: solid dish and pretty filling

4.5 stars overall, rounded up to 5! Started with fries, pulpo, and mushroom. All amazing. Fries were cooked well and lightly seasoned, mushrooms were sauteed in a delicious sauce, and the pulpo was still soft with nice char, and slightly spicy. Also tried the matcha pesto fettuccine and spicy scallop udon. I wasn't too impressed with the matcha pesto. I didn't taste much of the matcha but my dinner companions did. Even just as a regular pesto dish, I thought it was bland. The udon noodles were cooked to perfection and gave that qq feel but I again thought the sauce was missing something. There was a good amount of heat but not much of anything else. Presentation for both dishes were great though. Also shared the short rib dish. Def the star of the night. Delicious with corn riblets and smaller veggies in the sauce. Def would order again. Had the matcha smore and guava creme brulee for dessert. Both were super tasty and would also order both again. Smore dish was super rich and the creme brulee was light and refreshing! Def get both of you go. Service was quick and friendly too! Loved the decor of the restaurant and we also went up to their rooftop bar for a quick photo session. Amazing views of the city!

The vibe at Kaiyo Rooftop is definitely cool and lively, with great energy and a younger crowd. I had reservations, which helped since it was super crowded. Drinks were just okay—lots of ice, which isn’t to my liking. It was very windy and cold during my visit, but they did offer blankets and have ceiling heaters, which made it more comfortable. We were seated in a table but opt to transfer to a bar since the table was too open and windy. Bar provides a bit of warmth. I didn’t get to try the food since we had dinner downstairs at the restaurant, but the rooftop is worth it if you’re looking for a fun, social atmosphere.

Made a reservation for Saturday at 7pm and got seated right on time. The vibe and view from the rooftop was amazing with a beautiful sunset. The server was outstanding and super friendly. The food was OK, for me something was missing. 7.2 review 👊🏽

Such a great rooftop in SF. Located really close to the giants stadium and bay bridge so it’s really a gorgeous view, especially at night. The food was great and drinks were tasty. Make sure to bring a jacket or layer. They do have heating lamps but it still gets a little chilly. This place is on the pricier side but you pay for the view.

A pleasant surprise!! We found this place online and decided to check them out. The outside appearances could use drastic improvements. We decided we were going in and we were glad we did. The staff were awesome, friendly, and attentive. They seated us right away. The place was full to capacity. We ordered the Millionares Tonkatsu Ramen, Honey Garlic chicken wings, a Bento Box 🍱, kimchi fried rice, Tuna Roll, and a Shrimp Tempura 🍤 roll. Everything was well prepared and delicious. Be aware that 5% surcharge is added to the check to make sure the employees are taken care of. So be sure to tip. Its deserved. Stop in and try them out, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!

I want to share my impressions of visiting this establishment. I love Asian cuisine, and after seeing the rave reviews, I decided to go in. It was late evening, which was good, since the establishment was still open at that time. The cafe was completely full. We had to wait a long time for someone from the staff to approach us. Then I had to wait the same amount of time until they took my order. I'll say right away that the prices are high, the portions are small. The dishes looked so-so. I didn't like the soup, it's the first time I've seen Asian soup with American chips🤦🏼‍♀️ I've never seen such a mix. The rolls were made terribly, all different sizes, and fell apart immediately. tempura it was three shrimps. We never received the receipt, so we had to go to the cashier ourselves. The staff was disgusting. Our waiter had a dissatisfied face. I visited this cafe again, but the service was just as terrible. The cafe is not very clean, the shelves with decor are all dusty. I was left with a terrible impression after visiting this establishment.

Solid late-night food spot, good for groups to share some drinks and bites. Decor and ambiance were fitting for an izakaya. I especially enjoyed the posters and Japanese figurines. A bit overpriced in my opinion, came out to be around 50pp. Food was decent. I think our favorite was the shishito peppers and the kyoto beers. Huge fan of the kyoto yuzu beer, although it was a bit pricey for a beer bottle but I guess that's the tariffs ruining everything good. Couldn't really taste the spicy scallop as much over the sauce they put on top. Hamachi tasted great. Forgot to grab a picture of the motsunabe but we shared that between two people. It's nice they have the hotpot setup for the table, just wish it was less pricey. Our waitress was not very knowledgeable about the menu unfortunately. I asked if noodles and other veggies came with the nabe other than what was listed in the menu, and she said noodles definitely come and other veggies like broccoli and carrot. But in reality none of that was true. We ended up having to order a side of ramen noodles for the soup. The service was still accommodating and nice but we would have ordered something else if we had known.

Coming from San Diego, I had high expectation. The Public Izakaya did NOT disappoint, and if fact, raised the bar. I see myself coming back tomorrow and every time I find myself in the Bay Area. Was feeling sashimi, so went with the best of the best. Staff was as great as the food, and I was lucky enough to be immediately seated. I would recommend this to the most discerning Izakaya fans. Cheers, Public Izakaya.

Not a good experience overall. The wooden spoon smelled like fresh from the soap water and its wet. Nabe was too salty, I suspect they put too much soy sauce in it. Not much service either. The only good ones are the skewers. Not worth the price definitely.

Been here a couple times and never disappoints! Quality fish, quick service. Can be tough to get a seat sometimes but worth the wait

The best Izakaya I've had in the US, maybe even the best Japanese food, certainly for the price. We went in during happy hour and got a bit of everything. Incredibly satisfied!

Such a cozy little spot with tons of great food options! The ramen was super flavorful, the portions were huge, and everything just hit the spot. Can’t wait to come back and try so many other things on the menu that looked amazing.

It’s a small and cozy izakaya, perfect for dining alone or with a small group of 3–4 people. I ordered appetizers from the special menu. First up: Mentaiko Zucchini (so delicious! The very first bite was refreshing, followed by the rich umami saltiness of the mentaiko. A little dip in Karashi mustard made it even better—definitely a must-try! Highly recommended). Next was Kuramaebi, tiger prawns deep-fried tempura style and topped with tartar sauce. After that, I ordered Ba-ra Kushiyaki and Kobe Kushiyaki (served 2 skewers each). I especially enjoyed the Kobe—it was grilled perfectly and went really well with Shichimi Togarashi. If it had the same green onion topping as the Ba-ra, I think it would have been absolutely perfect.😋

We had a great dinner at Taniku Izakaya! The food was absolutely fantastic — fresh ingredients, great flavors, and beautifully presented. Every dish we tried was delicious, especially the ramen and the hand rolls. The staff was friendly and attentive. If I had to mention one small thing, the background music didn’t quite match the cozy and authentic vibe of the place — but honestly, the amazing food more than made up for it. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in San Francisco!

Amazing food and atmosphere, large selection of Japanese Sake for very reasonable prices. By far the best quality to value for Japanese food in SF. The restaurant itself doesn't have a ton of seating especially for large parties so get there early and expect a wait if you have a large party. That said they are very accommodating and willing to combine tables for larger groups. All of the food I had was amazing and the staff were wonderful. Will definitely be going back!

Solid meal here. We got a bit lucky with the timing, and only had to wait ~15 minutes or so. But the line behind us was very long, and it looks like they ended up waiting quite a bit longer than us. The food itself was quite decent. The pork belly skewers were lovely, and the Japanese curry was delicious as well. The fish-based Ramen didn't quite do it for me, but other than that the meal was good!

Had dinner here with a couple of friends and really enjoyed it. Taniku Izakaya is a small spot (maybe 20 seats total), walk-in only, but we didn’t wait long to get in. The menu isn’t the typical izakaya heavy on skewers, but the ones they do offer were excellent — we tried the Kobe beef, pork belly, and chicken with yuzu, all flavorful and cooked perfectly. We also ordered takoyaki along with a few handrolls (amaebi shrimp, unagi, and hamachi), which were fresh and delicious. I finished with the Akamaru ramen with pork chashu. It’s on the spicier side, but they adjusted it down for me and it still had great flavor. Overall, this place is a great find. Cozy atmosphere, quality food, and a menu that feels a little different than most izakayas I’ve been to. Definitely worth checking out, and I’ll be back.

We enjoyed our dinner at this cozy, small, and beautifully decorated restaurant. The service was friendly, and the menu is reasonably priced. The chicken karaage was a standout—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. The garlic pork ramen came with two thick slices of tender chashu pork and delicious crispy garlic bits; the broth was rich and flavorful. The tofu was incredibly soft and tasty—definitely a must-try. The only downside was the beef ramen, which I found too sweet for my taste due to the generous amount of caramelized onions. It just wasn’t for me. The yuzu lemonade was light, citrusy, and very refreshing. Overall, I highly recommend trying the tofu, chicken karaage, and yuzu lemonade!

Potato korroke has a good crunch and flavor to it, first time trying. The katsu was a good solid item. Exactly what to expect. The egg Sando was a little bit of a let down. Did not have much seasoning. The milk bread is fun and fluffy. Was good to try this place out!

I got there on Friday at 4:30pm to grab a bite before the Giants game. I went with the chicken katsu curry. It was ready in under five minutes! The curry was a bit lukewarm, but the chicken was crispy and delicious. It was just the right amount for one person. The place was chill and not too crowded. But as I was heading out at 5pm, it started to get busier.

Had a very tasty chicken katsu sandwich here. The bread was fresh and soft, chicken was juicy and nice crunch on the outside. Also love the pickles for extra flavor and crunch. I’ll have to come back for their other dishes as well.

Counter service Pretty flavourless curry..overpriced, small portions. $21 for chicken katsu curry with rice before tip. The chicken quality is actually decent to good, the curry is where this dish falls short.

A few people recommended this place. Got the beef gyudon which was tasty, but we really came for the katsus: they had a nice texture but the flavor didn’t really hit the spot. The egg one was good, but would’ve liked a bit more sauce/flavor on the chicken katsus. Miso soup was good.

We recently visited this charming Japanese restaurant and had an amazing experience! Despite its small size, the menu was impressively diverse, offering both meat and vegetarian options that were flavorful and fresh. We especially enjoyed their specialty drinks and refreshing fruit smoothies. The atmosphere was cozy, with the choice of indoor or outdoor seating, which added to the pleasant dining experience. Prices were very reasonable, ranging from $12 to $17 per meal. Overall, a delightful spot that we’d highly recommend!

Until we get Japanese 7-elevens, I believe this is the closest we will come to authentic egg salad and fruit sandos. I’ve read about their lines, but we were lucky enough to stop in right at opening on a Holiday weekend and didn’t have to wait at all. Bonus, seating was available too. They have daily specials that were very tempting, but we stuck to the classics. 10/10 would come again.

What special little restaurant. I received an incredibly warm welcome by a fun, kind, gregarious man who I’m assuming is an owner. I was given a free roll, a free water, and a free beer with my order which is the most generous restaurant experience I’ve ever had. And the rolls matched the service and were delicious.

I have always gone to this place and it is my favorite sushi place in the city. Originally me and my family were going to celebrate something, never had heard of it and was just checking it out. The owner was so kind and welcoming it quickly became my favorite place in the city. The food is amazing, wide variety and every dish is consistently good. Restaurant is great for any age, nice bar and shows sports on two tvs. One of the most memorable restaurants in the city in my opinion

Great food and customer service was great. They were very friendly to my 9 abd 6 year old and making then laugh. My new go to sushi spot.

Wonderful atmosphere and very polite and friendly service. I felt welcomed and that they were happy I was there. Sushi was good and fresh. Prices are commensurate with sushi quality and service. I would come back here.

Excellent food and service! :)) Came here on a Sunday at 7:15 PM. I recommend calling ahead of time in case there isn’t enough space at certain hours. Shared a sashimi deluxe with two friends and the fish was so fresh. Our waiter, who I believe is also the owner (wore glasses), is a very jolly and humorous man. They play football games on TVs here as well!

Fantastic sushi at an affordable price. I’ve had this at the restaurant and delivered, always incredible. Free miso when you eat in is a nice touch! Listen to the non-5 star reviews at your own loss.

Amazing Sushi and everything tasted amazing. I would definitely recommend getting the Lion king Roll, its absolutely amazing! The staff is so friendly and welcoming, they make you feel right at home.

I tried lot of their dishes. My favorite is the Curry Udon with Chicken, lot of delicious chicken for the price. I did not like their Spam Musubi - too much rice and flavorless. I did not like lot of their entrees but I think this is more of personal tastes rather than bad food. The Black Bean Noodles is very soupy and sweet compared to traditional Korean ones.

This Market Street counter-serve udon cafeteria gets a lot of things right. Authentic Japanese taste, quick service, spacious interior. Whether you’ll come back largely depends on personal palette preference — the very sweet tofu skin a bit of a turnoff in the Kitsune Udon, for example. The minimalist nature of Japanese cooking leaves little room for rectifying if one flavor is not to one’s liking. Well-priced fried accompaniments, yum. Chicken karaage though, a little dry.

Ordered Tonkatsu Dashi udon , rich flavour feel like eating Tonkatsu ramen but Dashi flavour show up later , love it ! Noodle texture great , chashu tender , good portion size for everyone !

Always the best food and the best atmosphere! Best Island Style breakfast in town! You have to get the Loco Moco! You gotta get there between 9am and 1045am for breakfast but well worth it! Lunch is also great with curry, katsu, and a great beef rice bowl! Take any transportation to Van Ness and Market and you are steps away!

Kagawa-Ya udon is easy to get to. It’s a few steps away from the Van Ness Outbound Bart/muni station. Parking may be difficult if you choose to drive, so I recommend taking public transportation. Anyway, the restaurant is very clean and completely staffed. There are also plenty of seats and tables available. We went here around 6pm for dinner. I got the tonkatsu udon (#6) and my husband got the creamy veggie paitan udon (#13). Aside from that, we got the spicy gochujang popcorn chicken and the free veggie croquette using the yelp check-in. The broths of both soup tasted great. The noodles were done right - soft, chewy, and fresh. We liked everything we got, but just thought it’s a bit pricey compared to Marugame udon. But it’s okay, the food is worth it anyway.

This is my favorite udon in all of Bay Area! The portions are very generous, the broth is flavorful without being a salt bomb (which honestly most udon places are a bit crazy with their salt levels), and the food is always fresh and fast to come out. My other favs are the beef rice bowl and the gojuchang chicken - DELICIOUS. Friendly staff too!

Its good enough for a quick lunch if you’re in the area. I wouldn’t recommend coming here if you’re not in the area. But if you’re close by and want some Asian food that’s quick, this would be a decent choice. It’s all premade so it’s really fast. Feels like food court quality. Soup is not bad but the udon feels like those premade defrosted udon. The tempura is actually better than I expected! Although it wasn’t hot, it was still crunchy on the outside. I just feel like it’s kinda pricy at $1.50 per piece.

Don't get fooled by the small entrance. They have a spacious dinning area and even a small garden in the back (not sure if you can eat there, it seemed closed off). Super cute place, nicely decorated. Had a couple sushi rolls and they were delicious. Polite service, no complains! Will definitely come back again to try some of their other dishes.

Tried Sushi Goemon recently and went with the nigiri set. The fish here is undeniably fresh — clean cuts, great texture, and you can really taste the quality in each piece. Favorites for me were the buttery toro, smoky salmon, and the sweet uni, which all stood out. It did take a little while for the set to arrive, but the staff softened the wait by bringing out complimentary edamame — a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel more welcoming. Once the sushi hit the table, it was worth the wait. Presentation was elegant without being over the top, and everything tasted as good as it looked. Prices were fair for the quality — not bargain sushi by any means, but very reasonable given the freshness and variety. Overall, Sushi Goemon is one of those spots that feels like a hidden gem — patient service, high-quality fish, and the kind of care that makes you want to come back. Definitely a place I’d recommend for anyone looking for sushi that balances quality with value.

Very good selection of Food and Sushi was amazing. Beautiful quiet atmosphere at times

I've been here 3 times so far and every time I love it. I like the vibes, the food, and the overall experience. I ordered the Red Dragon, Baked Salmon Roll, Hamachi, Pork Belly Skewer, Chicken Skewer, Bottle of Sake, Large Draft Beer, and Rainbow Roll. I ate all that myself while I was doing one of my livestreams. Everything came out pretty fast. The pork belly skewers were phenomenal. I really liked the tasty baked salmon roll. So creamy and good. The Hamachi was fresh and tender. The Red Dragon was delish as well. This is in my top 5 favorite places now for sushi in the city. I'll be back soon! -jamonitMack

The food was delicious especially the O-toro. The staff were very kind and accommodating. 10/10 would definitely come back to eat again. The have so many different things you can try.

I have walked by this place a few times and thought it's a super cute small restaurant off the main street so I finally gave it a try! I was skeptical given reviews, but honestly it was a gem! Note, there are only two servers and two sushi chefs, it's a small restaurant and they know that. Be patient and you'll have a blast. Summary: amazing food, decent service but very friendly staff, great sake, and great price. We had 3 people and ate like royalty. First off, had the daiginjo sake flight and it was super smooth with a variety of flavors. Started with 1) hamachi with truffle oil, radish, micro greens and avocado and 2) uni gem (uni, quail egg, salmon roe in a spoon) and 3) an sashimi omakase sampler. All of this was super fresh and almost buttery with unique flavors. Definitely get the Kizami Wasabi to pair with your sashimi Added 4 rolls: 1) hamachi jalapeno 2) ishikawa roll 3) kombucha white tuna 4) tropical. Maki was well balanced rice to ingredients and not really thick fat pieces which I appreciated. The scallop was silky and not rubbery at all. The kombucha was really unique and just flat out delicious (the slight tempura added the perfect crunch) and the tropical was definitely unique and like a good way to end the meal. The macadamia nut balanced the sweetness of the mango and unagi well. We left not stuffed, but not hungry at all either. Server forgot the miso (part of omakase), but it wasn't that much of a loss, they brought out edamame and extra Kizami Wasabi during the meal as it was taking longer than expected. As we were leaving we had a really homey conversation with the manager who is so sweet. It's definitely a neighborhood spot and I'll be back!

We ended up joining the waitlist for Sushi Goemon after finding out Izakaya Sozai will take close to 2 hours. We saw this is highly rated on Google Map so we figured it must be pretty solid. Long story short it really wasn’t. Long story: When the staff was taking us to our table, she stopped halfway to talk to her friends. She couldn’t stop talking to them until another staff member told her that we’re still waiting to be seated. Awkward, but okay we can let this slide. We had to wait for awhile before we even got water. I made eye contact a few time to order, but she ignored it. It was the same lady that sat us. A table that sat after us already had their food out before we even get to order. That table was empty for a bit when we sat. They turned out to be friends of the staff (we heard them converse and joke around often). I mean it’s fine to treat your friends well, but it’s really disrespectful to make everyone else wait. The uni oyster gems came at the end after the soft shelled crab and uni temaki. It came without oysters the first time around. They took it back and gave us the right order. However, the time it took for each food item was excruciating. The starters should’ve came first but it was flip flopped. Absolutely nothing good to say about the service. Well let’s try to end this in a good note. The uni in the handroll wasn’t much, but we had worse. The uni oyster gems are delicious albeit small. Giving them 2 stars since the food itself wasn’t bad.

Authentic Japanese Izakaya. Reasonably priced for SF. -Kakuni: meat was a bit tough $9 -Tonkotsu ramen: superb chashu, broth was a bit bland tho $12 -Takoyaki: acceptable $8 -Hamachi kama: salted yellowtail, authentic $15 -Asahi pitcher $20 -Kirishima white $12 -Kirishima black $8 -Iichiko Yuzu (plum) $5 Total after tax/tip: $110 with two ppl. Would come back.

Skewers galore. 😍😍 Their yaki onigiri was made to perfection. Rare in SF I must say. Sake options were fantastic. Loved the nanbu bijin dai ginjo. Gyoza was authentic with pork belly. Pork belly kushi yaki was a tad disappointing. Karaage was right on point. It has been a while since I was last there but now I will return more often.

Had a lower expectation for this place before going in and yet did they prove me wrong! It is not your everyday sushi/nigiri restaurant; it is more of a Japanese beer house with a great selections of Japanese grill small bites. The dishes are small yet sharable. You can tell chef takes pride of its food. Don't let the inconvenient location stop you from giving this place a try! 🇯🇵🎌🎏♓🐡

Amazing taste! The location or the design might not be great but the staff is very friendly and the food is delicious! Have been there probably now 4or 5 times and looking forward to the next time. Try the sea urchin with the soft boiled egg and the mochi bacon if you go there!

We've been here twice because we enjoy the options and reasonable prices. Extensive menu includes apps/shared plates, skewered grilled meats, salad, as well as entree type options such as ramen and more. Environment reminded us of Japan. Bring some friends and get some beer and you can't go wrong. Come early or make reservations - try to go here for a spontaneous meal at dinner time and you will have a decent wait.

Great little Izakaya place in quiet end of mission, near Hayes. Food is excellent, especially the various fried chicken dishes. Good selection of sakes and drinks too. While I'll not say things are cheap (this is SF after all), it's one of the more affordable Izakaya places in the city. Great value for money.

Super friendly staff and casual/fun drinking/snacking hole. This place is definitely not for the health conscious!! Japanese tapas to go down with your beer/sake. Portions are kind of small but quite heavy. The overall favorite for us were the fries (which came with cheese on top and this delicious oil.....)

Shockingly delicious. I’ve been to other yakitori places in SF and Kyoto in Japan and this is the best. I can’t believe it. I was hopeful, but this place exceeds expectations. I’d recommend the beef belly for sure. The bacon wrapped tomatoes are also killer. Round it out with some mushrooms and the chicken as well as a nice sake. You will love it! Oh ya, the line can be quite long so put in your name and phone number and go across the street to Richmond Republic for a pint while you wait for a text that your table is ready.

A completely great experience. It has it all you can ask for! It is a small place, but color with decorations from top to bottom full of The Beatles merch. Don't expect to get a table right away, so I suggest coming when they open; otherwise, be prepared to wait. Good for a pair, bad for a group visit. What makes this place special is their skews; everything from their skews section is worth your time and money. I highly recommend an old fashion beef skew if you're looking for suggestion. Don't count skews as your only dish for they're quite pricey. The waitress will suggest you order their ramen with your skews, which are good ramen by the way. Waitress in particular is quite the good worker, she will be very helpful with new people in understanding the menu and give you a good time in your stay. She kind, patient, and attentive to the guests; plus, the place is small enough that you can just holler for her attention to your table. Great food, service, and environment; however, a small place so except waiting outside. There is beers to choose from, but I've encountered times where a certain beer is out. Great place, go check it out!

This is my favorite restaurant in SF. The yakitori is super authentic, the service is incredible, the decor is delightfully kitschy. Every time I dine here it brings back memories of Tokyo.

The food is okay and personally, a bit overpriced. The ambience is quaint and cozy, but don't think the food and drinks are worth the wait. Wasn't a huge fan of the service and the many hints to eat and leave.

The wait is worth it, put down your name and get a beer in the Richmond or High Treason down the road. Plum Chicken and Asparagus are particularly great! Can't wait to go back to this brilliant Rock n Roll themed yakitori restaurant

Very tasty Yakitori. Reminded me of Kyoto!

The foods are good and the price is reasonable. Cute place. Nice service.