Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » The Roll – San Francisco
The Roll - San Francisco
Photo from The Roll
The Roll at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#212 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
273
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Great service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Small portions
- Limited space
The restaurant The Roll invites you to experience authentic Japanese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a delightful meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a relaxed dinner, this spot offers a welcoming setting where you can unwind and savor delicious small plates, complemented by a selection of wine and beer.
Overview: Introducting The Roll
The Roll offers a compelling dining experience, particularly noted for its fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Many guests highlight the exceptional quality of the sushi and other dishes, often describing them as outstanding.
While the overall culinary execution is a strong point, some diners have occasionally found the portions to be on the smaller side for the price. Beyond the plate, the restaurant generally provides a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making for a pleasant visit.
However, a few experiences mention the space feeling a bit small or less inviting than expected. Despite these minor points, the focus remains on the appealing flavors and the generally positive dining environment.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
273
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
236
positive
The Roll earns a solid overall score of 8.5, indicating a good to excellent dining experience. This positive sentiment is echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 86.4%, reflecting that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is built upon a substantial base of 273 customer comments, with 236 positive remarks outweighing the 26 negative ones. Breaking it down, Food leads the way with a score of (8.6), consistently praised for its quality.
Service (8.3) and Ambience (8.3) also perform well, suggesting a pleasant and attentive experience in a generally comfortable setting. Finally, Value (8.2) is considered good, with many finding the pricing reasonable for the quality offered.
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Good value for quality
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
- Limited space/ambience
If you’re seeking a spot where fresh, quality ingredients and attentive service are priorities, The Roll is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 8.7 suggests a high likelihood that you’ll enjoy your meal, especially if you appreciate well-prepared sushi and Japanese dishes.
While some minor points like portion sizes or the occasional inconsistency in food preparation have been noted, these don’t overshadow the overall positive experience. It’s a place that delivers on its promise of good food and service, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Roll
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are clearly impressed! With a strong 8.6 score and 88.1% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience here is definitely a highlight. Out of 177 comments, a whopping 156 rave about the exceptional freshness, quality of fish, and delicious sushi and futomaki, often praising the amazing flavors and standout cheesecake.
However, a small number of 12 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few found the rice to be an issue, and some wished for more variety in fish. There were also isolated remarks about certain dishes being bland or portions feeling a bit small for the price.
Food
177
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
12
negative
9
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Delicious sushi rolls
- Amazing flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent rice texture
- Limited fish variety
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodIt doesn’t feel like a typical sushi joint; it’s got more of a trendy, upscale atmosphere while still being comfortable. The food itself was outstanding. Everything we ordered tasted super fresh, and you could really tell the quality of the fish.
- sushiEverything we ordered tasted super fresh, and you could really tell the quality of the fish. The sushi had that perfect balance of texture and flavor, and every bite felt light but satisfying. On top of that, the way the dishes were plated was beautiful – you almost don’t want to touch it at first because it looks so nice.
- fishThe soup and salad were a nice addition. However, the variety in the fish within the sushi was not extensive, though it seemed freshly filleted. A notable issue was that the rice was not warm and a bit hard.
- futomakiMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I was delighted by the absolutely delicious futomaki, incredibly fresh sashimi, and the most delicate inari I’ve ever had. Beyond the fantastic food, what truly sets this place apart is the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by top-notch service.
- oden soupI've been to this restaurant many times, and it consistently exceeds expectations. My favorite dishes include the kaisen don, tuna yubu, mushroom appetizer, and oden soup. Surprisingly, the karaage curry don is the best curry I've had in San Francisco.
- qualityThe service was top-notch, being attentive, friendly, and fast. What made it even better were the surprisingly affordable prices for such outstanding quality. This place is a true gem, and I can't wait to come back!
- The RollThe Kinoko Nimono was a perfect starter—light, flavorful, and absolutely memorable. We also tried their signature “The Roll”, which was packed with bold flavors and a great balance of textures. The standout, however, was the Unagi Yakiniku Don.
- basque cheesecakeFav was the basque cheesecake made by Justin who was so inspired by Basuku he spent 5 years perfecting it
- cheesecaketheir traditional cheesecake is a whole other level of incredible
- inariMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I was delighted by the absolutely delicious futomaki, incredibly fresh sashimi, and the most delicate inari I’ve ever had. Beyond the fantastic food, what truly sets this place apart is the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by top-notch service.
Frequently criticized
- riceHowever, the variety in the fish within the sushi was not extensive, though it seemed freshly filleted. A notable issue was that the rice was not warm and a bit hard.
- appearanceugly (by which I mean not glossy)
- blandOld, tired, bland
- fishworst fish I have had
- foodFood:1
- oldOld, tired, bland
- portionsThe portions were a bit small for the price
- sushi donSushi don had very little fish.
- tiredOld, tired, bland
- uramakifound them lacking in flavor
If you're seeking high-quality, fresh sushi and Japanese dishes with fantastic flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor points like rice texture or portion size might come up, the overwhelming consensus points to a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 79.2% and a strong score of 8.3, its clear most diners have a great experience. Out of 48 comments, a whopping 38 rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and exceptional hospitality.
Many highlighted specific servers like Kina, and some even mentioned generous extras like free sake or dessert, making the experience truly memorable. However, its not always perfect. A few of the 8 negative remarks pointed to occasional slower service or kitchen mix-ups, with some experiencing longer waiting times.
While these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule, its worth noting that service isnt consistently lightning-fast for everyone, and a couple of guests found it inaudible.
Service
48
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
- Generous extras
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Kitchen order mix-ups
Often praised
- serviceI was delighted by the absolutely delicious futomaki, incredibly fresh sashimi, and the most delicate inari I’ve ever had. Beyond the fantastic food, what truly sets this place apart is the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by top-notch service. Our server, Kina, was exceptional; her hospitality and professionalism made the experience unforgettable.
- staffWe had such a pleasant meal thanks to the incredibly delicious sushi and friendly staff. Even the kids loved it, and it ended up being the most memorable restaurant we visited during our trip to the U.
- serverServer was attentive and friendly.
- ServiceService has been consistently good
- experienceShe made our experience wonderful!
- free desserteven giving us free dessert
- free sakegiving us free sake
- hospitalityThank you for the hospitality
- peoplevery nice people
- really really good serviceReally really good service.
Frequently criticized
- servicePerfect inaudible service.
- business hoursService has been consistently good every time. Personally, I prefer the ambience and plating at the Marina location; it feels a bit more suited for date nights, but their business hours are pretty limited. One change I noticed: their rolls used to come with 10 pieces, but now it’s 6.
- kitchen mix upkitchen had an understandable mix up of our food order
- waiting timeit took 1.5 hours
If youre seeking a dining experience where the staff goes above and beyond, youre likely in for a treat. While there might be an occasional hiccup with timing or a kitchen order, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll enjoy attentive service and genuine hospitality.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a solid 85.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests, 29 out of 34 comments, raved about the atmosphere, describing it as cozy yet stylish, clean, and having a modern vibe. Its often highlighted as a pleasant, relaxing environment, perfect for a casual meal or even a date night.
On the flip side, a smaller number of guests, 5 comments, found the atmosphere somewhat disappointing. Some felt the space was extremely small or even had a warehouse-y' feel. While these are less frequent concerns, they suggest that the environment might not appeal to everyone equally.
Ambience
34
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy and clean
- Modern vibe
What people don't like
- Small space
- Warehouse-y feel
- Disappointing atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereI was delighted by the absolutely delicious futomaki, incredibly fresh sashimi, and the most delicate inari I’ve ever had. Beyond the fantastic food, what truly sets this place apart is the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by top-notch service. Our server, Kina, was exceptional; her hospitality and professionalism made the experience unforgettable.
- ambienceService has been consistently good every time. Personally, I prefer the ambience and plating at the Marina location; it feels a bit more suited for date nights, but their business hours are pretty limited. One change I noticed: their rolls used to come with 10 pieces, but now it’s 6.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- vibeI particularly enjoyed the Oden soup and the moriawase and Inari set. I would recommend this place for a date night, as it has a good vibe.
- ambianceAmbiance and the place itself works very beautifully together.
- casual atmosphereThe staff was really friendly, contributing to a great overall experience. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a casual atmosphere with decent prices, but with food that tastes and looks super high end and luxurious.
- dining atmosphereAs a Korean immigrant, I loved this creative interpretation of a popular kids' snack from Korea. The new space is modern yet cozy, reminiscent of a sleek bar in SoMa, creating a unique and intimate dining atmosphere. I can’t wait to return!
- new spaceAs a Korean immigrant, I loved this creative interpretation of a popular kids' snack from Korea. The new space is modern yet cozy, reminiscent of a sleek bar in SoMa, creating a unique and intimate dining atmosphere. I can’t wait to return!
- place very cleanthe place very clean
- restaurantWe had such a pleasant meal thanks to the incredibly delicious sushi and friendly staff. Even the kids loved it, and it ended up being the most memorable restaurant we visited during our trip to the U. S.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereConsequently, I wouldn’t recommend this place. The food was just okay, and the atmosphere was disappointing as it felt extremely small and not pretty inside.
- environment and ambianceThe environment and ambiance is slightly warehouse-y.
- occupied tableThe fish was described as old, tired, and bland, lacking the expected glossy appearance. The atmosphere was also a concern, with only one other occupied table on a Thursday at 8: 30 p. M.
- spaceIt’s extremely small
If youre seeking a spot with a generally pleasant, clean, and modern atmosphere, youll likely enjoy your visit. However, be mindful that a few patrons found the space a bit cramped or less appealing than anticipated.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a strong 8.2 score and an excellent 92.9% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel theyre getting a fantastic deal. Out of 14 customer remarks, 13 rave about the reasonable price, quality and price balance, decent prices, and affordable sushi, consistently praising the high quality received for the cost.
However, its worth noting that one customer did mention a slight concern regarding the "price, " specifically feeling that "portions were a bit small for the price. " While this is a minor point among overwhelmingly positive feedback, its something to keep in mind if you have a big appetite.
Value
14
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great quality for price
- Affordable sushi
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceThe mix of fresh fish, Japanese veggies, shiso, and sweet tamago (amaitamago) was just so good. I honestly didn’t expect to find futomaki this good for this price in the U. S.
- affordable sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great spot for affordable sushi. Our waiter was great, and I highly recommend hitting this place up.
- decent pricesThe staff was really friendly, contributing to a great overall experience. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a casual atmosphere with decent prices, but with food that tastes and looks super high end and luxurious.
- price pointHighest quality sushi you can get at this price point
- pricesThe prices are surprisingly affordable
- qualityreasonably priced for the quality you get
- quality and pricethe quality and price are unbeatable
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- reasonably pricedEverything is reasonably priced for the quality you get
Frequently criticized
- priceThe portions were a bit small for the price
If youre seeking top-notch quality without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth a visit. While one person felt portions were a tad small for the price, the overwhelming consensus is that youll find exceptional value and delicious food here.
How are the prices at The Roll?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in this $41–$50 bracket, with a good number also finding value in the $31–$40 range. While there are options for a more premium experience, the pricing generally clusters around this sweet spot, offering a consistent mid-range vibe.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to strike a good balance, offering quality without necessarily being a budget option.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Roll
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Poor Service, Just Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the extremely poor service. I waited 1. 5 hours for two sushi rolls, which is an unacceptable amount of time.
Consequently, I wouldn’t recommend this place. The food was just okay, and the atmosphere was disappointing as it felt extremely small and not pretty inside.
- sushi rolls2
- food2
- service1
- waiting time1
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service, Surprisingly Empty
I visited this restaurant on a Tuesday for lunch and was the only customer present. Despite this, the waitress was diligently preparing a pick-up order. My order was taken promptly, and I opted for the lunch combo.
The food was delicious and offered great value for the price. Given the quality of the food and the excellent service, I was genuinely surprised the restaurant wasn't busier.
- food9
- price8
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Phenomenal Sushi Find!
We were in the mood for sushi and wanted to try something new. We discovered this place via Open Table, and what a find! The food was phenomenal and the service was excellent.
We are very particular about sushi quality, and this was top notch and not the same old stuff you get elsewhere. It's a nice curated menu, and we loved everything. Try the inari!
- food10
- service9
- sushi quality10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Affordable Sushi and Great Dessert!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great spot for affordable sushi. Our waiter was great, and I highly recommend hitting this place up.
Don't forget to get the basque cheesecake for dessert!
- affordable sushi9
- waiter9
- basque cheesecake10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Modern Sushi with Outstanding Food
My experience at The Roll was fantastic! It's easily one of the best sushi spots I’ve tried recently. The vibe here is very modern and contemporary, with clean lines, nice lighting, and a relaxed yet stylish feel that makes you want to stay a little longer.
It doesn’t feel like a typical sushi joint; it’s got more of a trendy, upscale atmosphere while still being comfortable. The food itself was outstanding. Everything we ordered tasted super fresh, and you could really tell the quality of the fish.
The sushi had that perfect balance of texture and flavor, and every bite felt light but satisfying. On top of that, the way the dishes were plated was beautiful – you almost don’t want to touch it at first because it looks so nice. Overall, if you’re looking for sushi that’s both delicious and presented in a modern, stylish setting, The Roll should definitely be on your list.
- vibe10
- atmosphere9
- food10
What The Roll offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at The Roll in West SoMa?
At The Roll, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a dine-in experience with table service for lunch or dinner. For those on the go, no-contact delivery, standard delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup are all readily available for your convenience.
Can I make reservations and what dining times are offered at The Roll?
Yes, The Roll accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit for a seamless dining experience. You can enjoy delicious meals during both lunch and dinner service, with table service provided. Don’t forget to explore their dessert options to complete your meal.
What can I expect from the food at The Roll?
Customers frequently praise the food for its freshness, quality fish, and delicious items like futomaki, sashimi, and unique desserts. However, some have noted issues with rice texture or inconsistent fish variety.
Is The Roll a good value for money?
Yes, many patrons find The Roll offers good value (8.2) for the quality of sushi and other dishes you receive. While some mention portions can be a bit small, the overall consensus is that prices are surprisingly affordable for the high quality.
How does The Roll score overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
The Roll achieves a strong overall score of 8.5. Its highest marks are for Food (8.6), followed closely by Service (8.3) and Ambience (8.3), with Value (8.2) also performing well.