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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Kombu – San Francisco
Kombu - San Francisco
Photo from Kombu
Kombu at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#151 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
243
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Great service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Rice acidity
- Loud environment
The restaurant Kombu is a Japanese restaurant located in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. Here, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed dinner.
You can enjoy healthy options and small plates, complemented by a selection of wine and beer. Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or have delivery, Kombu offers flexible service options to suit your plans.
Overview: Introducting Kombu
Kombu presents a compelling option for those seeking a refined Japanese dining experience. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional quality of the sushi and fresh fish, often noting the thoughtful presentation and flavorful preparations.
The welcoming ambiance and attentive staff also contribute significantly to a pleasant visit. However, some diners have pointed out that portion size can be a concern, with certain items feeling a bit small.
There have also been comments regarding the acidity of rice in some preparations and occasional issues with the noise level, which might affect the overall dining comfort for a few.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
243
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
18
negative
7
neutral
218
positive
Kombu earns a strong overall score of 8.7 out of 10, reflecting an excellent dining experience, with customer satisfaction also registering a good 89.7%. This positive reception is built on a solid foundation, with Food (9) and Service (9) both achieving excellent marks, indicating a high level of quality and care in these key areas.
While Ambience (8.2) is rated as good, providing a pleasant setting, Value (6.9) also falls into the good category, though it’s closer to average. These insights are drawn from 243 customer observations, with a clear majority of 218 positive remarks against just 18 negative ones, underscoring a generally well-received establishment.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful sushi
- Attentive, kind service
- Warm, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Rice acidity issues
- Elevated noise levels
With a strong recommendation score of 9, Kombu is certainly worth considering for its high-quality Japanese cuisine and dedicated service. If you prioritize fresh, expertly prepared sushi and a pleasant atmosphere, this restaurant delivers a consistently good experience.
However, be mindful of the portion sizes and potential for a lively atmosphere. For those seeking a reliable and enjoyable sushi meal, Kombu stands out as a solid choice, offering a refined experience that largely justifies its standing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kombu
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 92.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 147 positive remarks, diners consistently rave about the omakase nigiri, praising its fresh and delicious taste and quality cuts. Many highlight the exceptional sushi quality and presentation, making every bite memorable.
However, a small number of 8 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few found the rice to have too much acidity of rice, sometimes masking delicate flavors. There were also mentions of portion size being small, with some sushi rolls reportedly falling apart, which can be a bit disappointing.
Food
159
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredibly fresh fish
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Exquisite presentation
What people don't like
- Overly acidic rice
- Small portion sizes
- Rolls fall apart
Often praised
- sushiWow! I haven’t had sushi in the city THIS GOOD in years. It was a happy surprise to find out that they just opened.
- foodI had a great time here for dinner! The service was nice and the food was very tasty. The atmosphere was also excellent, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- fishThe fish was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor.
- omakaseHad their omakase and they truly delivered
- presentationPresentation, kindness of the staff and the sushi
- rollsthe rolls were got were solid too
- unisome of the best uni we had, not fishy at all
- FoodEverything was amazing!
- chawanmushioffered my grandma who doesn’t rly eat raw fish some chawanmushi
- crazy rollthe crazy roll and it was fresh, "spicy," flavorful, complex
Frequently criticized
- acidity of ricethe acidity of the rice was a little too much
- amount of spicy garnishthe amount of the spicy garnish could be lower
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The food was outrageously expensive with very small proportions. The sushi rolls were particularly small and kept falling apart.
- quality and amount of foodprice is a little high for the quality and amount of food
- riceEverything was delicious! The only thing I wished they had was rice on the side that is not sushi rice. Something authentic like Kokuho Rose rice.
- spicy garnishspicy/wassabi garnish was somewhat repetitive
- sushi rollsSushi rolls were very small and kept falling apart
- white fish flavorsmasking a good portion of white fish flavors
If you're seeking top-tier sushi with incredibly fresh fish and an outstanding omakase experience, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor points like rice acidity or roll integrity were noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a truly delightful culinary journey awaits.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
Lets dive into the service here! Its clear from the 30 positive remarks out of 32 total that this place truly excels. With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 93.8%, you can expect phenomenal service, attentive staff, and often no wait time.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional, amazing, and welcoming staff and chefs, highlighting their kindness and professionalism. However, its not entirely without a hitch. A couple of comments did mention the service being slow or making guests feel unwelcomed.
While these instances are rare, theyre worth noting, suggesting there might be occasional off moments in an otherwise stellar experience.
Service
32
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Felt unwelcomed
Often praised
- serviceOur service from Allan was exceptional
- ServiceThe A5 Wagyu roll, toro temaki, and sunflower roll were great. Service was super attentive and offered my grandma, who doesn’t really eat raw fish, some chawanmushi - really appreciated the gesture 😊.
- staffThe staff are friendly and attentive
- Staff and chefsStaff and chefs were super welcoming and nice
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentive serviceattentive service
- customer serviceThe customer service is excellent
- deliveryit came super fast.
- kindness of the staffMy experience at this restaurant was melt in your mouth delicious! The presentation was impeccable, the kindness of the staff was outstanding, and the sushi truly sets the standards for sushi. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- packagingpackaging (for takeout) was sturdy and well-designed
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was weird. Felt like we were not invited
Overall, the service here is a major highlight. If you value attentive and friendly staff, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll have a fantastic experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction soaring at 84.8%, its clear most folks are loving the atmosphere. Out of 33 opinions, 28 rave about the "modern deco, " "dining experience, " and overall "atmosphere, " praising its cleanliness and inviting environment.
However, its not entirely perfect, as 3 opinions did point out some minor hiccups. A few found the music a bit too loud, impacting the noise level and making conversations a bit challenging. While these are few, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer a quieter setting.
Ambience
33
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern decor
- Clean environment
- Relaxing atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud music
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereAmazing place with the relaxing atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is warm and inviting
- placeThere are definitely better value options throughout the city. Still a nice place to visit, especially last minute without reservations.
- aestheticMy experience at this restaurant was super calm and casual, yet really aesthetic. I had the Wagyu roll and it was surprisingly SOOO good.
- authentic Japanese experiencegreat cross between the authentic Japanese experience
- calm and casual placeSuper calm and casual place
- chef counterSat at chef counter which was fun
- cleanlinesshow clean and professional everything felt
- dining experienceit was an excellent dining experience
Frequently criticized
- experienceVery forgettable
- musicThe music was just about as loud
- noise levelI have to say "what??" More than 3 times
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, modern decor, and a clean, inviting feel, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the music or noise level might be a tad lively for some, so its best for those who don't mind a bit of buzz.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Many diners are pleasantly surprised by the value here, often finding the prices surprisingly reasonable and offering incredible bang for your buck, especially given the quality. With 13 positive remarks frequently mentioning reasonable price and great price point, its clear many feel theyre getting a good deal. The overall score for value is a solid 6.9, indicating a generally good performance, though customer satisfaction sits at a 68.4%, suggesting a bit of a mixed bag.
However, not everyone agrees, with 5 opinions noting that the price can be a little high or that its not worth the money. Some felt it was outrageously expensive with small proportions, or pricier than other sushi restaurants, suggesting there might be better value options' elsewhere.
Value
19
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Incredible value
- Quality justifies price
What people don't like
- Outrageously expensive
- Not worth money
- Pricier than competitors
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this relatively new restaurant was a Godsend. If you're looking for a tasty variety of sushi at a reasonable price, then head to Kombu for sure! The food was rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere and service both received a 4 out of 5.
- pricesthe prices are surprisingly reasonable
- PricesPrices are justified for quality and service
- price pointgreat price point for rolls
- reasonable priceVery reasonable price with what you can get
- reasonably pricedeverything was very reasonably priced
- valueoffering incredible value for what feels like a fine dining experience
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The food was outrageously expensive with very small proportions. The sushi rolls were particularly small and kept falling apart.
- value for moneyWhile the food looked nice, we ended up leaving to get a burger elsewhere. Having eaten at over 100 sushi restaurants, this place was simply not worth the money. The food itself wasn't bad, but it was certainly not worth the price.
- value optionsdefinitely better value options throughout the city
If youre looking for quality that often feels like a steal, this place could be a great pick, as many find the prices surprisingly reasonable. However, be mindful that some consider it a bit pricey for the portions, so manage your expectations if youre on a very tight budget or seeking extreme bargains.
How are the prices at Kombu?
You’re looking at roughly 70 $ per person – reported by 43 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range, leaning towards the higher end.
While the average sits at 70 $, the prices are quite spread out, with many guests choosing experiences that cost well over 70 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the range of options, we think the pricing feels fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially in San Francisco. It seems guests are willing to pay for a quality experience, even at higher price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kombu
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Sushi, Worth the Visit
My experience at Kombu was truly amazing. I was visiting San Francisco for a conference and decided to break off for some fresh sushi. Kombu did not disappoint.
The service was impeccable, the food absolutely amazing, and the environment provided a peaceful break from the conference chaos. I've been to Tokyo and all over the world, and this is some of the freshest sushi I've had. It's a must go.
- sushi10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Outstanding Sushi, Incredible Value
My experience at this San Francisco sushi restaurant was exceptional. I visited five times in just three days because it's truly that good. The quality of the sushi is outstanding, with each piece meticulously crafted and presented like art.
The vibrant colors, delicate textures, and fresh flavors made every bite memorable. Despite the top-tier quality, the prices were surprisingly reasonable, offering incredible value for what felt like a fine dining experience. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and the atmosphere was calm yet lively.
This place consistently delivers flawless sushi, whether for a quick lunch or a long evening meal.
- sushi quality10
- sushi presentation10
- fresh flavors10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Sushi Spot with Sweet Service
I was very happy with my experience at this restaurant. The waitress was very sweet, and the food was excellent. It's a solid sushi spot!
- waitress9
- food9
- sushi spot8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Fresh Sushi with Generous Fillings
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great flavors in the rolls, which really allowed the freshness and quality of the fish to shine. I appreciated the very little rice and generous fillings/toppings. While it was a bit pricier than comparable sushi restaurants nearby, it was an overall enjoyable lunch stop.
- flavors9
- freshness and quality of the fish10
- rice8
- price4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Sashimi and Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I had the sashimi platter, and the fish was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service was excellent.
It's definitely a spot worth coming back to!
- sashimi platter10
- fish10
- atmosphere10
What Kombu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Kombu?
At Kombu, you can enjoy dinner with table service, and they also offer dessert. For your convenience, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services are all available.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Kombu, and is it accessible?
Kombu offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a restroom available, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall dining experience like at Kombu?
Kombu offers an excellent dining experience, reflected in its overall restaurant score of **8.7** and a good customer satisfaction rate of **89.7%**. The **Food** (9) and **Service** (9) are particularly strong, while the **Ambience** (8.2) and **Value** (6.9) are also rated well.
What are the standout culinary aspects at Kombu?
Customers frequently praise the **sushi** for its freshness and flavor, with many highlighting the **omakase** experience. Specific items like **uni** are noted for their quality, and the **presentation** of dishes consistently receives positive comments.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Kombu?
Some diners have noted that **portion size** can be small, and there have been comments about the **acidity of rice** in certain preparations. Occasionally, the **noise level** has also been mentioned as a minor issue affecting the dining atmosphere.