Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Omakase – San Francisco
Omakase - San Francisco
Photo from Omakase
Omakase at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#972 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#82 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
561
Reviews
75.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Skilled chefs
- Elegant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Service inconsistency
- Hidden fees
The Japanese restaurant Omakase in San Francisco’s West SoMa neighborhood invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out.
This trendy spot offers a unique culinary journey, focusing on exquisite Japanese cuisine with healthy options, fine wine, and beer to complement your meal. Prepare for an intimate setting where every detail is crafted for your enjoyment.
Overview: Introducting Omakase
Omakase offers a culinary journey where the food quality truly shines, with many guests praising the skilled chefs and unique sake pairing experiences. The overall dining atmosphere often contributes positively, creating a memorable occasion for many.
However, some experiences at Omakase have been marred by concerns regarding customer care and inconsistent service . Additionally, issues like undisclosed mandatory tip policies and occasional atmosphere disruptions have been noted by a segment of diners.
Good
7.7
out of 10
561
Reviews
75.9%
Satisfaction
117
negative
18
neutral
426
positive
Omakase achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.7, complemented by a good Customer Satisfaction rating of 75.9%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 561 customer opinions, with 426 positive remarks outweighing 117 negative ones.
The Food (8.4) stands out as a clear strength, consistently receiving high praise from guests. While Service (7.3) is generally good and Ambience (6.7) is decent, there’s a noticeable dip in Value (3.7).
This indicates that while the culinary experience is often celebrated, the perceived cost-to-experience ratio is a significant point of contention for many, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Skilled, engaging chefs
- Elegant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value perception
- Inconsistent service quality
- Undisclosed charges
With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.7, Omakase is a compelling choice for those prioritizing exceptional Japanese cuisine and an engaging chef interaction. If you’re seeking a focused culinary experience and are prepared for a premium price point, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of the Value aspect, as it’s a common concern. If consistent, top-tier service and transparent pricing are paramount for your dining experience, you might want to weigh these factors before committing to a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Omakase
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a strong 8.4 score and a fantastic 84.8% customer satisfaction, it's clear that diners are consistently impressed. Many of the 267 positive remarks highlight the incredible sushi, fresh ingredients, and exceptional omakase experience, often paired beautifully with sake.
Expect creative flavors and top-notch preparation. However, not every bite is perfect, as noted in 37 less enthusiastic comments. Some found issues with specific dishes like wagyu sushi or Shirako, while others mentioned concerns about portion size not being filling enough, or desserts being too cold.
A few even felt the overall meal was unmemorable or lacked innovation, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
315
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
37
negative
11
neutral
267
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Exquisite sushi
- Creative flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dishes
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this Japanese restaurant was amazing. The chief is amazing, and the food is just more than perfect 😍. The service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5/5.
- sushiChef Jackson is highly skilled and super entertaining. He serves very good, expertly prepared sushi. The restaurant offers a great variety of dishes and the service was good.
- fishYou could tell the fish hadnt actually been “frozen” before
- sake pairingEvery dish was so beautifully crafted, with incredible balance of flavors and textures. The sake pairing was very fun to enjoy all the different bottles and beautiful glassware.
- food qualityAll great sushi starts with fresh, high quality fish
- ingredientstaste the natural sweetness of the ingredients
- omakaseall other dishes were well prepared and enjoyed omakase here.
- sashimiThis was my first time trying Omikase, and the experience was made amazing by Chef Jackson & Chef Wen. I've never liked sashimi in the past, but every single thing was so tasty. I will 100% be coming back here; it was worth every penny.
- uniflames Wagu with uni, 24 carrot gold flakes and truffle.
- OmakaseMy experience at this restaurant was one of the better Omakase I've been to. The atmosphere was great, the staff were wonderful, and of course, the food was delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodmost pretentious and fake food I have ever had
- mealOverall a disappointing meal
- MasabaJackson transferred my Masaba to them without asking
- O-Toromistakenly giving us their O-Toro meant for other guests
- Omakase experienceworst Omakase experience ever
- ShirakoShirako was also served despite of my prior request
- Uniits Uni was not fresh.. When eating the Uni served, I remember the smell did not..smell right.
- allergic todish containing a item that she was allergic to
- coursesfelt like the other courses/dishes lacked innovation
- dessertDessert too cold
If you're seeking an exceptional culinary journey with fresh, high-quality sushi and an impressive omakase experience, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that a few specific dishes might not hit the mark for everyone, and you might want to manage expectations regarding portion sizes.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Overall, the service here seems to hit the mark, with a solid score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 72.9%. Many guests, accounting for 113 positive remarks out of 155 total, raved about the friendly staff, impeccable service, and attentive chefs. The hospitality and personal touches truly stood out, making for memorable dining experiences.
However, not all experiences were stellar. A notable 41 comments pointed to concerns like unprofessional behavior, including offensive humor from some chefs. Issues with reservation cancellation and a perceived dip in customer care also surfaced, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall service delivery.
Service
155
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
41
negative
1
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Engaging chef interactions
What people don't like
- Unprofessional chef behavior
- Offensive humor
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceSadly, I won’t be dining at any of their restaurants again, and I can’t recommend Omakase to others. At this price point, you’re much better off going to Kusakabe or Ju-Ni, where the service and attention to detail still match the quality of the food. Maybe this dip in customer care explains why they lost their Michelin star in 2023 or maybe it’s what caused them to lose it in the first place.
- staffOur chef, Jackson, was the best; he was very personable and entertaining. The rest of the staff were on point as well. This was one of my top omakase experiences by far, and I cannot wait to go back!
- chefFrom start to finish, this Japanese restaurant exceeded all expectations and left me completely amazed. The chef's incredible talent and ability to create a personalized menu were the highlight of the evening. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with incredible flavors, making for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
- Chef JacksonThe ambiance was intimate and elegant, making it feel like a truly special occasion. Chef Jackson was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about the food, which added to the overall experience. He was also very entertaining and funny too.
- chefsChefs clearly explained everything and conversational in a pleasant manner
- Chef KaoruThe Omakase was just okay; it mainly consisted of nigiri, and I felt the other courses lacked innovation. Chef Kaoru was super nice and interactive, which was probably the highlight of our dining experience.
- ServiceService:5
- chiefMy experience at this Japanese restaurant was amazing. The chief is amazing, and the food is just more than perfect 😍. The service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5/5.
- experienceit was an absolutely fantastic experience
- sushi chefPeter, our sushi chef was entertaining and educational
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service and presentation could’ve been better
- chefchef talks a lot about himself rather than paying attention to customers
- chefsAgain I cannot believe we paid nearly a thousand dollars for this meal. Those drunk slobs and the chefs who were making it worse by egging on the drunks absolutely RUINED our anniversary dinner. I will never ever ever be returning to this restaurant.
- waiterThe waiter failed to listen to us and spoke over us
- CRUDE and INAPPROPRIATE "jokes"He spoke out with CRUDE and INAPPROPRIATE "jokes" in Chinese
- customer careAt this price point, you’re much better off going to Kusakabe or Ju-Ni, where the service and attention to detail still match the quality of the food. Maybe this dip in customer care explains why they lost their Michelin star in 2023 or maybe it’s what caused them to lose it in the first place. It’s starting to feel like the group’s focus has shifted more toward revenue than hospitality, especially after seeing Niku try to raise fund from the public on Gofundme for a fire that happend at their own restaurant.
- customer serviceexpect the customer service to be top notch
- customersrather than paying attention to customers
- deceptive tacticsdeceptive tactics like this to upsell
- disrespectful demeanorTo worsen matters, he seemed intoxicated, reeked of alcohol, and invaded our space while bidding us farewell. Chef Jackson's lack of professionalism and disrespectful demeanor made this dining experience one of the worst I've encountered. I strongly discourage anyone from dining here.
If you're seeking an engaging and often personalized dining experience with attentive staff, this place is generally a good bet. Just be aware that some past guests have encountered occasional professionalism issues or reservation hiccups, so it might be a slight gamble.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a score of 6.7, the ambience is considered good, and about 42 out of 64 comments praise the vibe, atmosphere, and intimate setting. Many guests loved the elegant ambiance and felt a warm and welcomed vibe, making for a memorable dining experience with good music and friendly conversations.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.6%, indicating theres room for improvement. Around 19 comments point to issues like the restaurant size being too small, leading to a crowded feel and high noise level. Some found the atmosphere dull, and a few even mentioned a cigarette stench, ' which definitely detracts from the overall experience.
Ambience
64
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate setting
- Elegant ambiance
- Warm, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Loud noise
- Small, crowded space
- Cigarette stench
Often praised
- atmospherethe chef and the lovely family next to us celebrating their son's birthday just made the entire journey even better
- dining experiencegave me an even more awesome memorable dining experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe service and ambiance were both on point
- ambiencefood, service and ambience were well worth visiting
- background musicRelaxed with some background music.
- counter seatingCounter seating provides interactive communication
- dining atmosphereThe overall dining atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing
- elegant ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The elegant ambiance and exquisite dishes lived up to its Michelin reputation. I want to give a special thanks to Jonathan for his outstanding service; he provided a professional introduction to the characteristics of each sake, showcasing incredible expertise.
- environmentthe environment was quiet, chill
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is dull
- birthdayFor birthday all they did was a candle on an empty plate
- cigarette stenchFor the staff, it might be a good idea not to converse loudly in Chinese, as it kind of ruins the theme you're building. I chose to ignore this when I believe was kitchen staff walking in while guests are dining and talking in Chinese with the sushi chef, while still having that cigarette stench on his breath.
- crowdedCan get crowded on weekends
- environmentthe environment was a bit noisy
- hand towelsnever came by to pick up the mini used hand towels
- horrid experiencesuch a horrid experience that included not being able to hear
- loud conversationsforced to listen to one of the chefs converse loudly
- musicThe vibe of the other patrons was notably odd; on our visit, it was filled with individuals engrossed in their phones. The atmosphere was further characterized by light electronica downtempo music, which the server mentioned was the owner's intentional choice. The restaurant was totally silent, leading my wife and I to whisper and eventually resort to texting each other – it was the quietest meal of my life.
If youre looking for an intimate and elegant setting, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy or crowded, so it might not be the quietest spot for every occasion.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning heavily towards disappointment. While a few guests felt the experience was well worth it, praising the reasonable price and feeling it was worth every penny, the overall sentiment is quite low. With a score of 3.7, which is considered poor, and customer satisfaction at a mere 14.8%, also poor, its clear most diners left feeling underwhelmed.
Based on 27 customer remarks, with only 4 positive observations against a significant 20 negative ones, many found the price to be egregious. Common concerns revolved around hidden costs like water charge, mandatory service charge, and undisclosed mandatory tip, making the final bill much higher than expected. Many felt the quality didn't match the high cost, leading to a sense of being overcharged.
Value
27
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Hidden charges
- Mandatory tip
Often praised
- priceThe environment was quiet, chill, and the service was enjoyable. We didn’t regret spending several hundred dollars at the end of the evening, so I’d say that it’s 5 star!
- every pennyWorth every penny
Frequently criticized
- priceWe spent $860 for 5 people, and each person only received 12 pieces of sushi with nothing else. This felt way too expensive for what was offered. The quality of the food was just so-so, not living up to expectations.
- PriceSome of the fish is imported directly from Japan. However, the whole experience comes at a price. There are no vegetarian alternatives.
- billalready expensive bill comes in addition
- bookingdon't tell you when you book
- city taxWe were served nine courses of nigiri, which mostly tasted of soy-sauce infused rice rather than the fish. To add to the disappointment, the restaurant failed to disclose a 20 percent mandatory tip and a 5 percent 'city tax' on top of the already expensive bill when booking. There was no option to cancel or change the reservation, and our credit card was billed immediately upon booking.
- costFor the cost, which ended up being 8 hundred dollars for just two of us, it was definitely not worth it
- graduation dinnerThey don’t care if you get sick and need to reschedule; they will take your money and ignore you. In my case, they took $990 for my graduation dinner. It is illegal to not provide the goods or services you’ve been paid to provide.
- mandatory tipWe were served nine courses of nigiri, which mostly tasted of soy-sauce infused rice rather than the fish. To add to the disappointment, the restaurant failed to disclose a 20 percent mandatory tip and a 5 percent 'city tax' on top of the already expensive bill when booking. There was no option to cancel or change the reservation, and our credit card was billed immediately upon booking.
- premiumcharging premium ($700 for 2people)
- price per personunderwhelming for the cost
If youre considering this place, be prepared for a potentially high bill that many customers felt didnt align with the overall experience or food quality. While a few found it worth the splurge, the overwhelming feedback suggests you might leave feeling like you paid too much for what you received.
How are the prices at Omakase?
On average, you’ll spend around 121 per person – based on 73 guests. That puts this Japanese Restaurant in the $101+ category. For a Japanese spot in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
The data shows that prices cluster firmly in this premium bracket, with almost all diners spending in the $101+ range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, a 121 price point suggests a premium experience. We think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end Japanese meal, assuming the quality and ambiance deliver. Its always a good idea to check recent reviews to ensure the value aligns with the cost.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Omakase
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Omakase Experience
My experience at this very nice Omakase restaurant in the San Francisco area was excellent. The fish was good, and some dishes were prepared differently than the usual way. The portion size was just right, not making me feel overstuffed.
The chefs clearly explained everything and were conversational in a pleasant manner. The atmosphere was rated 4, service was rated 4, and food was rated 5.
- fish8
- portion size7
- chefs9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Value for Price
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. For the price, I felt the fish quality and the skill level of the preparation just weren't there. I understand that much of the product offered is inherently expensive, but when you consider the pricing in this range or have industry knowledge, it's clear they aren't offering anything extraordinary.
Ultimately, after tasting what they did with the ingredients, I walked away feeling disappointed.
- fish2
- skill level2
- price2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
An Amazing New Experience!
This was a completely new experience for me and my date, and everything was amazing from the entrance down to the last course. Peter, our chef, was fantastic, explaining how everything should be handled and how to properly enjoy each dish. Reservations were easy to set up, and we would definitely come back.
(GIVE THAT MAN BACK HIS MICHELIN STAR!)
- everything10
- chef Peter10
- reservations9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Cancellation and Lost Trust
I had high expectations for Omakase after hearing so many great things, so I canceled another reservation and booked here for Father’s Day. That’s why I was extremely disappointed to find out just three days before that my reservation had been canceled. The only notification?
A generic OpenTable message. No call, no email, no explanation. A last-minute cancellation like this without any personal outreach feels incredibly unprofessional.
I was genuinely excited to try all the restaurants under the Omakase Group—Niku, Okane, Dumpling Time but this experience has made me lose trust in their reliability and guest care. Sadly, I won’t be dining at any of their restaurants again, and I can’t recommend Omakase to others. At this price point, you’re much better off going to Kusakabe or Ju-Ni, where the service and attention to detail still match the quality of the food.
Maybe this dip in customer care explains why they lost their Michelin star in 2023 or maybe it’s what caused them to lose it in the first place. It’s starting to feel like the group’s focus has shifted more toward revenue than hospitality, especially after seeing Niku try to raise fund from the public on Gofundme for a fire that happend at their own restaurant. Really disappointing experience all around.
- service7
- attention to detail7
- quality of the food7
- reservation cancellation1
- notification1
- personal outreach1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Wagyu and Fresh Fish
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely great! The Wagyu A5 was exceptional, and the fish was incredibly fresh. I definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling to SF!
- Wagyu A510
- fish9
What Omakase offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Omakase?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Omakase. It is highly recommended that you make dinner reservations in advance to secure your seating and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at this popular Japanese restaurant.
What are the parking options available when visiting Omakase?
When you visit Omakase, you’ll find several parking options including free street parking, paid parking garages, paid parking lots, and paid street parking. However, please be aware that finding a parking space can sometimes be somewhat difficult in the area.
How does Omakase generally rate?
Omakase holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.7 with 75.9% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.4) is highly rated, while Service (7.3) and Ambience (6.7) are decent, but Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What stands out about the food at Omakase?
Customers frequently praise the food quality , sushi , and sashimi , often highlighting the skilled chefs and unique offerings like sake pairing and uni .
Are there any common concerns for diners at Omakase?
Yes, Value is a significant concern due to high price and undisclosed charges like mandatory tip . Some also noted inconsistent service and occasional atmosphere issues.