Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Liholiho Yacht Club – San Francisco
Liholiho Yacht Club - San Francisco
Photo from Liholiho Yacht Club
Liholiho Yacht Club at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 139 of the guests
#273 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
940
Reviews
84.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative food
- Great service
- Vibrant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Loud environment
- Slow service
The restaurant Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood offers a unique Asian dining experience. You’ll discover a menu filled with exciting flavors, complemented by a great dessert selection that truly stands out.
This trendy spot provides a casual yet upscale atmosphere, perfect for an enjoyable dinner. Whether you’re seeking organic dishes or small plates, you’ll find something to delight your palate here.
Overview: Introducting Liholiho Yacht Club
Liholiho Yacht Club offers a vibrant dining experience where the food often stands out for its creativity and depth of flavor. Guests frequently praise the attentive and friendly staff, contributing to a generally smooth and enjoyable meal.
The lively atmosphere also adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for many. However, some diners find the overall price point to be on the higher side, with concerns about certain dishes not quite meeting expectations.
The ambiance can sometimes be quite loud, and occasional waits for seating or service have been noted, which might affect the flow of your visit.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
940
Reviews
84.7%
Satisfaction
100
negative
44
neutral
796
positive
Liholiho Yacht Club earns a solid 8.4 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 84.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 796 positive remarks against 100 negative ones, out of 940 total customer observations. The Food (8.5) and Service (8.9) are particular standouts, consistently receiving high marks for their quality and execution.
The restaurant’s Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as food and service. Where Liholiho Yacht Club shows room for improvement is in Value (5.9).
While many appreciate the quality, some find the pricing to be a point of contention, suggesting a mixed perception in this area.
What people like
- Creative, flavorful food
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Lively, vibrant atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Loud dining environment
- Occasional slow service
Liholiho Yacht Club presents a compelling option for those seeking an energetic dining experience with inventive cuisine and excellent service. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile visit.
If you prioritize a lively setting and distinctive dishes, this spot delivers. However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and a bustling, sometimes loud, environment.
If you’re sensitive to noise or on a strict budget, you might want to consider this. Overall, it’s a place that generally impresses, especially if you appreciate its unique culinary approach.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Liholiho Yacht Club
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.8%. Guests consistently rave about the creative Hawaiian and Japanese fusion, praising the innovative dishes and the delightful interplay of flavor and texture. With 527 positive remarks among 607 total, the tasting menu often stands out as a highlight.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as 56 comments point to some underwhelming experiences. A few found certain items, like the mochi custard dessert or a specific curry dish, to be less impressive, and occasionally, the food was noted for being a bit too salty.
Food
607
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
56
negative
24
neutral
527
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative fusion cuisine
- Exceptional tasting menu
- Bold, balanced flavors
What people don't like
- Some dishes underwhelming
- Occasional salty dishes
- Desserts can miss
Often praised
- foodI thoroughly enjoyed the excellent cocktails, and even the non-alcoholic option was crafted with care and tasted great. The food was outstanding. The bun with beef tongue was extraordinary, the tuna tartare and ceviche were perfectly balanced and fresh, and the shrimps with crispy rice were especially memorable.
- tasting menuThe food was creative yet substantial, showcasing the quality and flavors expected from a highly-rated restaurant in this foodie city. We were stuffed after the tasting menu and loved everything we tried. We can't wait to go back.
- dishesWe showed up around 5: 10 PM, but they were happy to seat us. Most of the dishes are meant to be shared, which is great for me as I love to sample. I liked all of the food we got, but I definitely had some favorites like the shaved pig head, albacore sashimi, fried rice, and the buttermilk fried game hen.
- duck liver mousseThe food was delicious, incredibly filling, and featured great presentation. Standout dishes included the duck liver mousse on banana bread, the red endive salad, the katsu swordfish, and the baked Hawaii with cookie for dessert. Honestly, every dish was excellent; I even enjoyed the fried taro roll, which is surprising as I typically dislike taro and tempura.
- FoodFood was great!
- cocktailsThe vibe at Liholiho was lively and fun, and the service was friendly and accommodating, especially when two in our group arrived late. Cocktails were also solid. Unfortunately, the $95 course menu we shared as a group of five was underwhelming.
- flavorsEvery dish was delicious, and the cocktails were tasty too. All ingredients tasted fresh, and the flavors of each dish melded perfectly with each other. The atmosphere was wonderful, and it appears there was another private area downstairs for events.
- fried ricethe fried rice that came with them was rich, flavorful, and satisfying on its own
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and a wonderful atmosphere. The drinks and appetizers were also excellent. The menu is very creative, and the tasting menu offered a good amount of food.
- menuthe menu is always fun and creative
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was all over the place.
- cocktailsThe cocktails were one note, no complexity.
- dishesIt's a great spot for a group, and the tasty menu offers good value for the variety. I did knock off one star because the dishes were a little too flavorful for my preference, particularly the salads and the jus for the steak.
- fried ricefried rice, it was slightly underwhelming
- swordfishonly thing that didn’t wow me was the swordfish
- DessertSome dishes were just okay, and the menu leaned too heavily on carb-heavy sides that sat on our table unfinished for far too long. Dessert was also a miss. To top it off, the booth we were seated at felt cramped for five people, despite having a reservation.
- Hawaiian cuisineThe food had nothing at all to do with Hawaii cuisine.
- Instagramabilitylacked the "Instagramability"
- Swordfish KatsuSwordfish Katsu is kind of dry inside
- Wagyu Beefit’s a bit hard to chew
If you're seeking a culinary adventure with creative fusion and bold flavors, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its tasting menu. While a few dishes might not wow everyone, the overall experience promises to be a delightful journey for your taste buds.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 91.9%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 161 comments, a whopping 148 praise the friendly staff, attentive service, professional approach, and well-timed pacing of the meal, making for a memorable dining experience.
However, its not entirely without a few bumps. A small number of comments, 10 to be exact, mentioned occasional issues like a waiter seeming distracted, service being quite slow at the beginning, or feeling a bit rushed. There were also a few mentions of longer wait times, but these seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread problem.
Service
161
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
148
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Well-timed pacing
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Rushed service
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere is electric, with bright pops of color, upbeat music, and an energetic crowd that makes you want to stay all night. The open kitchen adds to the buzz, and the staff keeps the energy high with their friendly, knowledgeable service. We experienced a short wait of about 15 minutes, even with a reservation, but once seated, the meal's pace was smooth and well-timed.
- staffThe atmosphere is electric, with bright pops of color, upbeat music, and an energetic crowd that makes you want to stay all night. The open kitchen adds to the buzz, and the staff keeps the energy high with their friendly, knowledgeable service. We experienced a short wait of about 15 minutes, even with a reservation, but once seated, the meal's pace was smooth and well-timed.
- ServiceService and ambiance were nice.
- serversthe servers are really cool
- attention to detailThe attention to detail in both the food and service is exceptional
- bartenderWhile I could have done without the curry dish, everything else and everyone was incredible. We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the bartender. It's definitely a fun, delicious, and chiller vibe.
- bar staffWe LOVED our 25th anniversary dinner at Liholiho last night! We sat at the bar and had the best time chit-chatting with the bar staff, who were also super respectful and non-intrusive. I strongly recommend the tasting menu, which was a parade of small sharable plates including 3 appetizers, 3 small plates, 3 mains, and 1 dessert.
- wait timeThe food quality was rated a 5 as well. The wait time was 'No wait', and the noise level was 'Moderate noise'. It's suitable for all group sizes.
- waiterI highly recommend the catfish katsu and the gulf shrimp, but everything else was also great. I was also impressed by the service, not only did food come fast but our waiter was so friendly and provided great recommendations. It has become one of my favorite spots in the city.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice quite slow at the beginning
- wait timeI walked in at 7pm and was put on the waitlist. The text message confirmation stated the wait would be 1 hour and 45 minutes, but the hostess suggested it would be less time. We decided to grab drinks nearby while waiting for the text.
- booking timesThe table next to us was also told their next party had arrived and the table offered to finish their wine in the foyer, which is a nice gesture, but this is not a fast-casual restaurant. I feel like tighter booking times like this should be re-evaluated by management, as it created an uncomfortable atmosphere for diners. All in all, while the food was great, the seating arrangements and rushed service detracted from the overall experience.
- long waitMy experience at the restaurant involved a long wait to get seated, even with last-minute reservations. However, the food, drink, and service were pretty good.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was an absolute blast! While not everything I ate was 5 stars, and there were moments I felt like I was trying to flag down the server, the food is creative and the drinks are good. The atmosphere was fantastic, rated 5 stars, and the food itself received a solid 4 stars.
- text message confirmationtext message confirmation saying the wait would be 1h 45m
- waiterMany dishes that are typically hard to mess up, such as pork buns, fried rice, and dessert, were quite underwhelming. While the atmosphere was nice, our waiter constantly looked like he had somewhere better to be. I would not recommend it.
If you value top-notch hospitality, this place is definitely worth a visit. You can expect friendly, attentive staff and a well-paced meal, though be prepared for a potential wait during peak times.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly hits the mark, earning a solid 7.8 score, which is definitely in the good range. Customers largely agree, with a strong 78.5% satisfaction rating. Many of the 106 positive remarks highlight the lively setting, open kitchen, and great atmosphere, creating a fun and inviting vibe that makes you want to stay all night.
However, its not always a perfectly serene experience. Based on 20 negative comments, some guests found the restaurant could be quite loud or noisy. A few also mentioned seating issues or the challenge of finding parking, ' which can sometimes detract from an otherwise great visit.
Ambience
135
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Beautiful, modern design
- Open kitchen adds energy
What people don't like
- Can be very loud
- Seating can be cramped
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereLiholiho Yacht Club truly nails that lively, modern-meets-tropical vibe. The atmosphere is electric, with bright pops of color, upbeat music, and an energetic crowd that makes you want to stay all night.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is like attending a dinner party your bougie friends hosted
- vibeeverything from the vibe to the flavors was on point
- ambiancethe kind of ambiance that makes you feel like you’re about to fall in love
- placeThe restaurant offers a good non-alcoholic drink list and excellent service. Overall, it was an incredible menu in a generally accessible place.
- experiencethe whole experience felt fun, vibrant, and effortlessly cool
- open kitchenThe atmosphere is electric, with bright pops of color, upbeat music, and an energetic crowd that makes you want to stay all night. The open kitchen adds to the buzz, and the staff keeps the energy high with their friendly, knowledgeable service. We experienced a short wait of about 15 minutes, even with a reservation, but once seated, the meal's pace was smooth and well-timed.
- spothighly sought after dining spot
- vibesvibes were lively and fun
- crowdLiholiho Yacht Club truly nails that lively, modern-meets-tropical vibe. The atmosphere is electric, with bright pops of color, upbeat music, and an energetic crowd that makes you want to stay all night. The open kitchen adds to the buzz, and the staff keeps the energy high with their friendly, knowledgeable service.
Frequently criticized
- louda bit loud for my personal preference
- parkingThe service was excellent, and the atmosphere was lively. Parking was somewhat difficult to find, and the price per person is $100+.
- seatingI just wish the seating was a bit more comfortable
- ParkingParking can be difficult to find on San Francisco streets
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- ambiancethe ambiance is nice but definitely loud
- atmosphereThe table next to us was also told their next party had arrived and the table offered to finish their wine in the foyer, which is a nice gesture, but this is not a fast-casual restaurant. I feel like tighter booking times like this should be re-evaluated by management, as it created an uncomfortable atmosphere for diners. All in all, while the food was great, the seating arrangements and rushed service detracted from the overall experience.
- booththe booth we were seated at felt cramped
- corridor next to the barwe were seated in a corridor next to the bar
- noiseIt was loud, unforgivably so
If youre seeking a vibrant, energetic dining experience and dont mind a lively buzz, this place is absolutely worth trying. Just be prepared for the potential for noise and plan your travel, as parking can be a bit tricky.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 40.5% and an average score of 5.9. However, many diners found the prix fixe menu and tasting menu to be affordable and great value . Out of 37 total remarks, 15 positive comments highlight that you can indeed find good deals here.
On the flip side, 14 negative comments point to concerns about menu prices and the overall cost, with some finding it pricey or expensive . Mentions of surcharge and a large tab suggest that for some, the experience felt like poor value for the price , indicating that expectations for quality at this price point weren't always met.
Value
37
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great tasting menu
- Affordable menu options
- Excellent value for quality
What people don't like
- Dishes are overpriced
- Unexpected surcharges
- High overall bill
Often praised
- priceI expected the food to be good, but I didn't anticipate it being THAT GOOD. The flavors were great and unexpected, complemented by great service and a great price. It was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
- 12 course tastingat 85 dollars for a 12 course tasting you can't go wrong
- Price per personexcellent value for the quality, variety, and amount of food
- affordableAffordable and with many options
- billAll dishes showcased creativity, originality, and were prepared with high-quality ingredients. For three people, including starters, mains, drinks, and one dessert, the bill came to $260, which I found fair for this level of quality. The only minor drawback was the absence of coffee, which would have been a nice way to conclude the meal.
- great valueGreat value for the price
- pricesthe prices are all listed online too
- prix fixe menuthe prix fixe menu, which turned out to be a fantastic value
- tip selectionput the tip selection pre tax and pre SF health tax
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was positive overall. It's a great spot for a group, and the tasty menu offers good value for the variety. I did knock off one star because the dishes were a little too flavorful for my preference, particularly the salads and the jus for the steak.
Frequently criticized
- billthe bill was brought to the table
- expensivequite expensive
- priceI expect better beef and fish at this price
- drinksfor price id raincheck and opt for beer/wine or pre/post game other bars in walking distance for dranks.
- entree+main+dessert$78 for entree+main+dessert
- large tabBe ready for the large tab
- menu pricesway overpriced for what it is - menu prices should be about half
- no show feethey charge $25 each person for no show
- priceyit was still a bit pricey
- surchargea 6% surcharge. This is not mandatory
Overall, value here is a bit of a gamble. If you stick to the prix fixe or tasting menu , you might find a fantastic deal. However, be prepared for potentially pricey Ă la carte options and watch out for extra charges that can lead to a large tab .
How are the prices at Liholiho Yacht Club?
On average, you’ll spend around 85 per person – from 139 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely a higher-end experience.
While the average sits here, the pricing distribution shows a fascinating mix. Many guests enjoy a premium experience, with a significant number spending over 100$, while others find options in the mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 139 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, and the quality often associated with higher price points, we think the pricing feels fair for the value it likely delivers. Its a place for a special meal rather than a casual bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Liholiho Yacht Club
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
I had such a good experience here! I highly recommend the shrimp with forbidden rice and the baked Hawaiian for dessert. Everything, even the mocktail, was super delicious.
I also appreciated that they put the tip selection pre-tax and pre-SF health tax. I would definitely go back!
- shrimp with forbidden rice9
- baked Hawaiian9
- mocktail9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Lame Wait Time Experience
I walked in at 7pm and was put on the waitlist. The text message confirmation stated the wait would be 1 hour and 45 minutes, but the hostess suggested it would be less time. We decided to grab drinks nearby while waiting for the text.
Unfortunately, at 9: 30pm, we realized we hadn't received any text back, and the restaurant was already closed. Lame!
- wait time1
- text message confirmation1
- restaurant was now closed1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Design, Heavy Food
My experience at this restaurant was marked by its great design and atmosphere. The dishes, however, were very rich and heavy to the taste, and unfortunately, there wasn't a single dish that made me say 'Wow'.
- design9
- atmosphere9
- dishes3
- Wow2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Amazing Food and Cocktails!
I visited this restaurant before a show nearby and had an amazing food and delicious cocktails experience. The pork belly buns were absolutely perfect, and so was every other dish we tried. I definitely recommend coming with a decent-sized group so you can sample a variety of dishes.
- food10
- cocktails9
- pork belly buns10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Crunchy Chips and Flavorful Fried Rice
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pictures truly speak for themselves, showcasing a great atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the chips, which were perfectly crunchy and flavorful.
The fried rice was also a standout, packed with both flavor and texture. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, indicating a wonderful dining environment and attentive staff. While parking can be difficult to find, the overall experience was highly positive.
- chips9
- fried rice9
- atmosphere10
- Parking space3
What Liholiho Yacht Club offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Halal food
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Liholiho Yacht Club?
Liholiho Yacht Club offers a casual, upscale, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for dinner. You can enjoy table service and seating, with reservations recommended for planning your visit. They also provide a great dessert selection to complete your meal.
Does Liholiho Yacht Club accommodate special dietary needs and offer a variety of beverages?
Yes, Liholiho Yacht Club provides vegetarian and vegan options, as well as organic dishes. For beverages, you’ll find a great wine list, beer selection, and tea selection, alongside coffee, cocktails, and hard liquor. Halal food is also available.
What is the overall dining experience like at Liholiho Yacht Club?
Liholiho Yacht Club offers a generally good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of **8.4** and customer satisfaction of **84.7%**. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (8.5) and **Service** (8.9), while the **Ambience** (7.8) is also well-regarded. The **Value** (5.9) is seen as average.
What are the standout features of the food and service?
The food is frequently described as outstanding, creative, and delicious, with well-balanced flavors. Service is consistently highlighted as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, with staff often providing great recommendations and ensuring a smooth meal pace.
Are there any common drawbacks to consider before visiting?
Potential diners should be aware that the restaurant can be quite loud, and parking might be challenging. Some guests also find the pricing to be on the higher side, and there have been occasional mentions of slow service or longer wait times.