Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » NONO BARU – San Francisco
NONO BARU - San Francisco
Photo from NONO BARU
NONO BARU at a glance
San Francisco Fillmore District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#2016 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#162 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
457
Reviews
58.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy setting
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Service issues
The Japanese restaurant NONO BARU in San Francisco’s vibrant Fillmore District invites you to experience its cozy and trendy atmosphere. You’ll discover a delightful spot perfect for enjoying small plates and a wide array of beverages, from happy hour drinks to fine wine, making it an ideal destination for your next dinner outing.
This casual eatery offers a welcoming ambiance for you to unwind and savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting NONO BARU
NONO BARU offers a generally pleasant dining experience, particularly noted for its cozy atmosphere and some truly tasty dishes . It’s a place where you can find some culinary delights, especially if you appreciate a comfortable setting for your meal.
However, guests have noted some areas for improvement.
Good
6.4
out of 10
457
Reviews
58.6%
Satisfaction
153
negative
36
neutral
268
positive
NONO BARU holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 58.6%, indicating a mixed reception from diners. This assessment is drawn from 457 customer opinions, with 268 positive remarks and 153 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view of the establishment.
Looking closer at specific aspects, the Ambience (8) is a clear strength, often described as warm and inviting. The Food (6.9) also generally lands in the good range, with many finding dishes enjoyable.
However, Service (5.5) tends to be average, and Value (3.6) is a notable concern for many, suggesting that while the experience can be agreeable, the pricing might not always align with expectations.
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Delicious skewers
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Inconsistent service
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, NONO BARU could be a worthwhile visit if you prioritize a pleasant setting and are selective with your food choices. It’s a spot that shines in its atmosphere and certain menu items, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and consider that service can be inconsistent. If you’re seeking exceptional value or flawless service, you might find it a mixed bag, but for a cozy meal with friends, it has its merits.
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Verdict: Our expert take on NONO BARU
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a generally positive experience, with a score of 6.9 and a customer satisfaction of 66.1%. Many guests rave about the great skewers, fresh seafood, and unique flavors, with popular items like the Signature Scallop Risotto often stealing the show. Out of 280 comments, 185 lean positive, highlighting the quality ingredients and creative dishes.
However, it's not without its bumps, as 72 comments point to some areas needing improvement. Common concerns include small portions, inconsistent quality in certain dishes like hamachi kama or chicken skin, and occasional menu confusion. Some found dishes, including the risotto, to be underwhelming, suggesting a bit of a mixed bag.
Food
280
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
72
negative
23
neutral
185
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great skewers
- Fresh seafood
- Unique flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Menu confusion
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, the space was a bit cramped. We were seated smack dab in the middle of the restaurant, and it was evident that our table was out of place as servers' muscle memory kept forcing them against my chair and the table.
- skewersThis is a great new spot with excellent food. Everything we had was very good, but our favorite were the skewers. The sausage, beef, and shrimp skewers were our favorite.
- FoodFood:5
- dishesMy friend and I randomly discovered this restaurant and were pleasantly surprised! Every dish we ordered was really tasty and great for sharing. The staff was also super friendly and helpful.
- kaisen donI love the kaisen don and how they prepared it.
- sashimiThe sashimi and fried shrimp were probably my two favorite items
- Chicken Hearts SkewersMy friends and I especially loved the Chicken hearts skewers.
- Chips and DipChips and Dip and this was easily the highlight
- beef tongue skewersThis is a small, cozy spot, which seems to be easier to sit in if there are only 2 people. The food was delicious :) I got beef tongue skewers, wagyu truffle handrolls, and kaisen don! All were very delicious, especially the kaisen don 😋.
- chips and dipchips and dip: pretty tasty and unique dish
Frequently criticized
- foodOrdered 100 dollars worth of food, ended up finding another ramen place after this
- food qualityMost of the sashimi skewers were bad concepts--looked fancy but the flavors were totally off. Overall: A lot of the food felt rushed and low-effort, like something you'd get at a Vegas all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. Even with the happy hour discounts, our bill came out to over $500 for six people.
- portion sizeMy experience at the restaurant involved a significant wait time of 1 hour from ordering to receiving my $58 uni don. Unfortunately, the uni itself was very tiny : (Overall, the food quality was disappointing given the price and portion size. The service was slow, and while the atmosphere was acceptable, it didn't compensate for the issues with the meal.
- risottoThe Signature Scallop Risotto was a highlight, though the chili butter had a surprising kick. While the flavor was good, the risotto itself seemed a little tight. Overall, it was a great experience with pretty good prices.
- chicken oystersWhile I previously found the Chicken Hearts Skewers to be exceptionally flavorful and tender, my latest experience saw them slightly overcooked and dry. Similarly, the chicken oysters were a bit dry on this occasion. It seems my first visit was a particularly good night, as the food is generally tasty, but consistency in quality is something I hope they can achieve.
- menuThe staff was incredibly rude and dismissive, even gaslighting us about a nonexistent phone call. To make matters worse, the menu was completely different from what was advertised online, notably lacking the ramen and udon options we were anticipating. This wasn't our first negative encounter; the prices were exorbitant previously, and the service has consistently remained abysmal.
- portionsthe portions are pretty dang small
- qualityI ordered risotto and couldn't finish it, which is a stark contrast to the past when I finished the whole risotto myself. I believe they have changed their ownership, similar to Bubu, because the quality is not as good as before. I won't be back, and honestly, I'm really sad because this was my favorite yakitori spot in Japantown.
- ramenramen and udon options that were shown on Google were not on the menu
- skewersDo not go here for skewers. They're awful.
If youre looking for a place with creative Japanese flavors, excellent skewers, and fresh seafood, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and some dishes might be inconsistent in quality, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Guests often rave about the nice people and friendly staff, with many experiencing fantastic service and attentive servers who even offered great recommendations. The food speed was also a plus for some, contributing to 35 positive remarks out of 77 total. However, 38 negative opinions point to significant issues, including worst customer service, slow service, and frustrating waiting times.
Some even reported hostility and gaslighting from the staff, leading to a 45.5% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed result. The overall score for service is 5.5, placing it in the average range.
Service
77
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, hostile staff
- Gaslighting and lies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great. The service was awesome, and the food was tasty with a very unique take on flavors. I particularly enjoyed the edamame, which had an almost dry-fried taste, making it very enjoyable.
- ServiceService:5
- peoplethe food and people were good
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the service was really good and the waitress was sweet, she tried to make up for the food. The food, however, is completely different from the old location.
- KaryKary treated us so well!!
- everyoneEveryone was nice and welcoming
- food speedFood came fast
- recommendationsgave us GREAT recs for the food
- serverShe was our server, she was attentive
- serversThe servers were kind enough to give a few skewers and a dessert on the house
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They automatically charged a 20 percent service fee and an additional surcharge, despite providing no service at all. To make matters worse, the salmon was overcooked.
- waiting timewaiting awhile just for extra items and the check
- customer serviceI have to rate you down for the customer service
- reservationfemale server said I cancelled the reservation though I clearly didn’t
- waitthere could be a wait after 5:30
- waitressThe food was inconsistent, with a few tasty dishes but others that missed the mark. The service was inattentive, and our waitress was a bit rude. We felt the automatic 20% gratuity included didn’t feel warranted given our poor service experience.
- billHe was so rushing to give us the bill
- checktook them ages to bring us the check
- gaslightinggaslighting us about a nonexistent phone call
- gaslitgaslit in a very condescending way
Service here is a real mixed bag, with some guests enjoying friendly and prompt interactions, while others encounter significant issues like slow service and rude staff. If you're willing to risk an inconsistent experience, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential frustrations.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here really shines, scoring a solid 8 and boasting a fantastic 83.3% customer satisfaction! Many of the 40 positive comments rave about the atmosphere, ambiance, and cozy feel, especially appreciating the more space at the new location. Guests love the relaxed, comfortable vibe, often describing it as an authentic izakaya experience perfect for hanging out.
On the flip side, 5 opinions highlight a few snags. Some guests found parking to be a challenge, and a few mentioned the original spot could be a bit smoky or have cramped space. While the new location offers better ventilation and more room, earlier experiences sometimes noted a cloud of smoke or feeling a bit squished.
Ambience
48
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Spacious new location
- Relaxed, comfortable vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Smoky environment
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was cozy and warm
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance of the place is also very lax and comfortable.
- placeVery much suited for hanging out and catching up with friends.
- ambiencethe ambience was just right
- authenticfelt very authentic
- conceptsThe decor and the concepts are good
- cozy atmospherein a cozy atmosphere
- cozy, small restaurant spaceanywhere within this cozy, small restaurant space
- decorThe decor and the concepts are good
Frequently criticized
- cloud of smokeYou can see a cloud of smoke along the ceiling
- interiorsThe interiors are mediocre
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- smokyMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was cozy and warm, which was pleasant, though it was a bit smoky. While the drinks were good, the food was generally average.
- spaceMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, the space was a bit cramped. We were seated smack dab in the middle of the restaurant, and it was evident that our table was out of place as servers' muscle memory kept forcing them against my chair and the table.
If a comfortable, authentic, and spacious atmosphere is what you're after, this spot is a great choice, especially at its new location. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges, and note that older reviews sometimes mentioned a smoky or cramped feel.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there are a few silver linings. Many customers rave about the 8 positive experiences with happy hour deals and the lunch special , finding the prices to be quite reasonable, especially compared to downtown or for an SF price . These smart diners can find good deals if they know where to look.
However, the overall picture for value is pretty grim, with a score of just 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a low 15.4%. A whopping 38 negative opinions out of 52 total experiences point to expensive and overpriced food, often compounded by unexpected service fee or automatic gratuity , making the value for money feel poor.
Value
52
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
38
negative
6
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Good lunch deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected fees
- Small portions
Often praised
- happy houra great happy hour
- pricesthe prices were lower than downtown
- SF priceAll at a reasonable SF price !!
- happy hoursespecially if you come during happy hours
- lunch speciallunch special was great deal
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5, and the recommended dish, Egg Custard with Uni, was a highlight. However, the portion sizes were disappointingly small for the price, which was between $50–100 per person. There was also a significant wait time unless you arrived before opening.
- billour bill came out to over $500 for six people. Honestly, there are so many better ways to spend that money
- large party feeI was excited about them opening, but the food was ok at best and the price point is way too high. To make matters worse, we were charged a large party fee for a group of five, which they didn't mention beforehand. We ended up tipping on top of that, adding to the overall negative experience.
- pricesI thought the food itself was fine, even good, but my main gripe was that the food did not command the prices listed on the menu. For reference, we ordered 3 hand rolls which were about $10 per roll.
- 20% service chargetacking on 20% to every check
- OVERPRICEDOVERPRICED!!
- PricePricey but good!!
- automatic gratuityThe automatic 20% gratuity included didn’t feel warranted
- billing errorthey overcharged my credit card
- charged extra $6Charged extra $6 for 4 pieces of seaweed rice chips refill
If you're looking for a steal, this might not be your go-to, unless you specifically target their happy hour or lunch special. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially overpriced experience with various added fees that could leave you feeling short-changed.
How are the prices at NONO BARU?
You’re looking at roughly 60 $ per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 60 $, it’s interesting to see that many diners spend less, with a good number of prices reported in the $31–$40 and $41–$50 ranges. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 63 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse price points available and the average spend, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer something for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about NONO BARU
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Confusing Menu, Bad Service, Good Ramen
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The menu was confusing, and the service was bad. This seemed to be a direct result of them tacking on a 20% service charge to every check.
If you're looking to be disappointed, you should definitely eat here. However, the Ramen was good.
- Ramen8
- menu2
- service2
- 20% service charge2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Mixed Food, Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was inconsistent, with a few tasty dishes but others that missed the mark. The service was inattentive, and our waitress was a bit rude.
We felt the automatic 20% gratuity included didn’t feel warranted given our poor service experience.
- food5
- service2
- waitress2
- automatic gratuity2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Tiny Uni, Long Wait
My experience at the restaurant involved a significant wait time of 1 hour from ordering to receiving my $58 uni don. Unfortunately, the uni itself was very tiny : (Overall, the food quality was disappointing given the price and portion size. The service was slow, and while the atmosphere was acceptable, it didn't compensate for the issues with the meal.
- atmosphere5
- uni don2
- uni1
- waiting time2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Fresh Ceviche & Cocktails, Small Portions
My experience at the restaurant featured incredibly fresh ceviche and sashimi, though the portions were a little small. The shochu highballs and other cocktails were pretty good. I noticed a cloud of smoke along the ceiling.
If you stay late enough, you might catch happy hour, but be aware that menu items sell out fast.
- ceviche and sashimi9
- shochu highballs and other cocktails8
- happy hour6
- portions4
- cloud of smoke3
- menu items3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Overpriced and Tiny Oysters
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the high prices and small portion sizes. We ordered 4 oysters, scallop rice, and a chicken sampler. The oysters were priced at $4 each, but they were so tiny that they were not worth the cost.
We ended up spending $90 with tip. I do not recommend this restaurant.
- scallop rice5
- chicken sampler5
- oysters2
- price2
- cost2
What NONO BARU offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at NONO BARU?
At NONO BARU, you’ll find a delightful blend of cozy, casual, and trendy vibes. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed yet stylish dining experience in the Fillmore District, where you can feel comfortable and enjoy your meal.
What are the service and dining options available at NONO BARU?
NONO BARU offers both dine-in and outdoor seating for your convenience. You can enjoy dinner with full table service, and don’t forget to explore their dessert menu. They also have an onsite bar for your beverage needs.
How does NONO BARU rate overall?
NONO BARU has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, indicating an average experience. Customers generally appreciate the Ambience (8) and Food (6.9), but find the Service (5.5) to be average and Value (3.6) to be a concern.
What is the atmosphere like at NONO BARU?
The atmosphere at NONO BARU is often described as cozy and warm, making it suitable for hanging out with friends. However, some guests have noted it can be a bit smoky or feel cramped at times.
Is NONO BARU considered good value for money?
Opinions on value at NONO BARU are mixed. While some find the prices reasonable, especially during happy hour or for lunch specials, many others feel the prices are too high for the portion sizes, with some mentioning automatic service charges.